Abstract: The cartridge spreader system includes a mobile cartridge spreader with a cartridge station configured to engage a cartridge and includes a locking controller for locking the cartridge securely into the cartridge station. The cartridge station includes an activator mechanism for activating and deactivating an engaged cartridge. The cartridge spreader includes an activation controller for activating and deactivating the cartridge. Activation of the cartridge allows the granular product contained in the cartridge to flow out of the container, through a granular chute on the cartridge station, and onto a granular product launcher which launches or impels the granular product over terrain or other surface. When the cartridge is deactivated, the flow path is sealed stopping the flow of granular product. The cartridge itself includes a fitment that engages with the cartridge station. The cartridge fitment includes an appropriately sized metering gate.

Abstract: A movable discharge device for use in a particle/bulk material storage silo includes: a travel body configured to travel along a groove provided at a lower portion of a storage silo; a scrape-out unit configured to move integrally with the travel body and including a blade configured to rotate above the groove to rake coals in the storage silo and scrape out the coals to the groove; and a groove closing mechanism configured to close a predetermined region of the groove within a rotation trajectory region of the blade. The discharge device is configured to be able to suppress the change in the discharge amount of coals discharged by the blade from the particle/bulk material storage silo.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for precisely controlling distribution of saline, which employs a 6-bit manifold employing 6 solenoid valves for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid therethrough. The manifold is in hydraulic fluid communication with motor valves. A mathematical formula or a lookup table determines the amount of saline distributed. The system is devoid of feedback. The 6-bit manifold can be employed on a salt spreader vehicle for controlling an improved flighted auger assembly for distributing granular salt from the rear of a salt spreader vehicle. The auger assembly has 3-stages of increasing diameter flights. The largest flight is at a discharge end of the auger assembly. A choke surrounds the ultimate auger flight at the auger assembly discharge end. The space between the choke and the ultimate flight is between about ? and ¼ inch.

Abstract: A filter basket apparatus that filters a slurry stream as the slurry stream is being pumped into a slurry tank. The filter basket apparatus includes a filter basket pivotably coupled to the tank so that the basket can be selectively inserted into an inlet in the slurry tank and extracted from the inlet and dumped to remove collected foreign material. The filter basket includes one or more portions of a lower wall that includes one set of substantially parallel grate members.

Abstract: A material spreader is mountable to a rearwardly projecting bumper of a vehicle for conveying and spreading material, the vehicle including a rearwardly projecting hitch receiver. The material spreader includes a hopper for holding material to be spread, a frame supporting the hopper and having a forwardly projecting hitch mount configured for coupling to the rearwardly projecting hitch receiver of the vehicle, and a support member having an underside for resting atop a top surface of the bumper, the support member being movable vertically relative to the frame. A tie down is connected to the support member and the frame for urging the support member and the hitch mount towards one another to effect a clamping action on the receiver and the bumper. The material spreader also includes a dual hinged lid and a gear box for driving a spinner and an auger.

Abstract: The cartridge spreader system includes a mobile cartridge spreader with a cartridge station configured to engage a cartridge and includes a locking controller for locking the cartridge securely into the cartridge station. The cartridge station includes an activator mechanism for activating and deactivating an engaged cartridge. The cartridge spreader includes an activation controller for activating and deactivating the cartridge. Activation of the cartridge allows the granular product contained in the cartridge to flow out of the container, through a granular chute on the cartridge station, and onto a granular product launcher which launches or impels the granular product over terrain or other surface. When the cartridge is deactivated, the flow path is sealed stopping the flow of granular product. The cartridge itself includes a fitment that engages with the cartridge station. The cartridge fitment includes an appropriately sized metering gate.

Abstract: A spreader control system digitally filters noisy load cell measurements and inaccurate flow rate measurements to form an optimal estimate of material weight in a spreader bin. This estimate may be combined with spreader swath width and vehicle speed to determine application rate. When actuators for parameters such as apron speed or gate size are available, spreading rates may be controlled with active feedback.

Abstract: A hydraulic fluid manifold system for a spreader, the spreader including at least one bin for holding dry bulk material for distribution to at least one conveyor associated with the bin for receiving the dry bulk material from the at least one bin and transporting the dry bulk material to at least one spinner associated with the spreader.

Abstract: In order to allow a truck with the ability to distribute sand to a roadway, while also having the ability to tow accessories, a uniquely configured sander body is provided. The sander body is uniquely adapted for attachment to the truck tailgate, and specifically sized so that it does not interfere with the towing mechanisms of the truck. Further, sander body is also uniquely configured to have a sand distribution chamber, with a removable rear wall, thus allowing easy access for cleaning and maintenance purposes.

Abstract: An integral animal feeder and bumper assembly for dispensing animal foodstuff from a vehicle includes an impact member to fend off blows to the vehicle, a hopper to store therein a quantity of substantially granular foodstuff such as, for example, feed corn, and a dispenser to selectively discharge from the hopper foodstuff contained in the hopper. The hopper is substantially contained with the extents of the impact member and/or the aesthetic coverings thereof. In this manner, assembly is adapted to function as a road feeder with little or no interference with other features of the vehicle configuration such as, for example, utilization of the tailgate and/or towing hitch, legal display of the license plate associated with the vehicle, access to the rear area of the vehicle and the like.

Abstract: The cartridge spreader system includes a mobile cartridge spreader with a cartridge station configured to engage a cartridge and includes a locking controller for locking the cartridge securely into the cartridge station. The cartridge station includes an activator mechanism for activating and deactivating an engaged cartridge. The cartridge spreader includes an activation controller for activating and deactivating the cartridge. Activation of the cartridge allows the granular product contained in the cartridge to flow out of the container, through a granular chute on the cartridge station, and onto a granular product launcher which launches or impels the granular product over terrain or other surface. When the cartridge is deactivated, the flow path is sealed stopping the flow of granular product. The cartridge itself includes a fitment that engages with the cartridge station. The cartridge fitment includes an appropriately sized metering gate.

Abstract: The cartridge spreader system includes a mobile cartridge spreader with a cartridge station configured to engage a cartridge and includes a locking controller for locking the cartridge securely into the cartridge station. The cartridge station includes an activator mechanism for activating and deactivating an engaged cartridge. The cartridge spreader includes an activation controller for activating and deactivating the cartridge. Activation of the cartridge allows the granular product contained in the cartridge to flow out of the container, through a granular chute on the cartridge station, and onto a granular product launcher which launches or impels the granular product over terrain or other surface. When the cartridge is deactivated, the flow path is sealed stopping the flow of granular product. The cartridge itself includes a fitment that engages with the cartridge station. The cartridge fitment includes an appropriately sized metering gate.

Abstract: An apparatus for containing and dispensing material includes a container enclosing a quantity of the material and a discharge unit operably associated with the container. The discharge unit comprises an entry port, a rotational assembly, an impeller, and an exit port. The rotational assembly includes a rotatable plate that retracts away from the entry port when the plate and the impeller are rotating. The plate remains in an abutting relationship with the entry port when not rotating.

Abstract: A rotary feed dispensing apparatus includes a reservoir configured to hold feed. The apparatus includes a rotary dispenser having an inlet operatively coupled to the reservoir and a rotary dispenser outlet, the rotary dispenser defining a rotary dispenser interior area configured to selectively receive the feed from the reservoir through the rotary housing inlet. An impellor assembly is rotatably mounted in the rotary dispenser, the impellor assembly having an impellor body portion and at least one impellor end portion pivotally coupled to the impellor body portion. The impellor end portion is movable between an extended configuration and a folded configuration. A motor is operatively coupled to the impellor assembly and configured to rotate the impellor assembly when energized. The impellor end portion is configured to eject the feed from the rotary dispenser through the outlet when the motor is energized and the impellor end portion is at the extended configuration.

Abstract: A riding lawn mower mounted drop spreader apparatus is used for spreading a granular material while mowing. The spreader includes a hopper for holding a quantity of a granular material to be dispensed with a control gate which controls the amount of material distributed while mowing. An auger located in the hopper has a drive motor which can also be controlled by an operator of the mower. The hopper has a mounting frame for mounting the hopper and agitator mechanism on a rear chassis region of the lawn mower. An operator can visually observe the amount of material distributed by observing the mowed path behind the mower during use.

Abstract: A flow gate includes first and second body members, first and second flow control members, and first and second locking mechanisms. The first and second body members operatively attach to and detach from each other. The first and second flow control members adjust between an open position, a closed position, and a plurality of partially opened positions. The first and second locking mechanisms selectively prevent and allow adjustment of the first and second flow control members. The first and second flow control members prevent the flow of material from an associated spreader when both the first and second flow control members are in the closed position, and allow the flow of material from the associated spreader when either the first or the second flow control member is in the opened position or in one of the plurality of partially opened positions.

Abstract: A ground-driven spreader device featuring a frame with two wheels each enaged in a portion of a split axle; a hopper disposed atop the frame; a belt drive disposed on the frame with a cleated belt, the belt drive is operatively connected to the first axle of the first wheel wherein the belt drive causes the cleated belt to rotate causing material having fallen from the hopper to be propelled forwardly; a pair of spinner heads disposed in the frame; and a spinner head drive disposed on the frame, the spinner head drive is operatively connected to the second axle of the second wheel, the spinner head drive functions to cause the pair of spinner heads to propel material from the device.

Abstract: A material spreader is adapted to dispense granular material from a vehicle. The material spreader includes a feed chute having a discharge opening and a discharge disc assembly disposed below the feed chute. The discharge disc assembly includes a spinner disc adapted to receive granular material from the feed chute, a shroud disposed in at least partial covering relation to the spinner disc, and a rotational drive operatively connected to the spinner disc such that the spinner disc is rotatable within the shroud about a rotational axis. The shroud includes a pass-through opening disposed in substantially aligned relation with the discharge opening of the feed chute at a position radially removed from the central rotational axis. The discharge disc assembly is rotatably mounted in pivoting relation about a pivot axis extending through the pass-through opening and the discharge opening of the feed chute.

Abstract: A spreader assembly may include a hopper, an auger mechanism, a torque sensor that provides a signal based on a condition of the auger mechanism and, a controller that receives the signal from the torque sensor and determines a fill status of the hopper based on the signal from the torque sensor.

Abstract: A material spreader may include an electric interlock mechanism that is adjustable between: (1) a first condition where an electric supply line can supply electricity to operate a material transfer member and a door cannot be moved into an open position; and, (2) a second condition where the electric supply line cannot supply electricity to operate the material transfer member and the door can be moved into an open position.

Abstract: A broadcast spreader provides for effective control of the flow of granular material to a rotating fan through use of a gate assembly in combination with an auger assembly. The broadcast spreader further includes a means for directing the granular material onto the fan, thus allowing for the shifting of the distribution pattern of the granular material from side to side.

Abstract: A spreader assembly used to spread a material held in a hopper onto an associated ground surface may include a spreader mount that: (1) has at least three laterally spaced ground contacting surfaces that support the spreader assembly to a ground surface when the spreader assembly is detached from a vehicle; and, (2) remains attached to the spreader assembly when the spreader assembly is attached to the vehicle.

Abstract: The cartridge spreader system includes a mobile cartridge spreader with a cartridge station configured to engage a cartridge and includes a locking controller for locking the cartridge securely into the cartridge station. The cartridge station includes an activator mechanism for activating and deactivating an engaged cartridge. The cartridge spreader includes an activation controller for activating and deactivating the cartridge. Activation of the cartridge allows the granular product contained in the cartridge to flow out of the container, through a granular chute on the cartridge station, and onto a granular product launcher which launches or impels the granular product over terrain or other surface. When the cartridge is deactivated, the flow path is sealed stopping the flow of granular product. The cartridge itself includes a fitment that engages with the cartridge station. The cartridge fitment includes an appropriately sized metering gate.

Abstract: A gravity-feed spreader for particulate matter may include a rotor. The spreader may be operable for gravity-feed operation with the longitudinal axis of the rotor in a horizontal position. A generally cylindrical rotor housing with a pair of closed, axial ends may be coaxial with the rotor. Entrance and exit apertures for the particulate matter may be formed in the surface of the rotor housing between the closed, axial ends. A rotor driver may be coupled to the rotor shaft for rotating the rotor. An intake housing may include a passageway therethrough for the particulate matter. A gate may be provided for selectively opening and closing the particulate matter passageway in the intake housing. An agitator may be coupled to the rotor shaft for facilitating movement of particulate matter through the passageway in the intake housing.

Abstract: A special drive system that provides automatic and uniform application control of granular materials. It provides an automatic application control of a granular material from a granular material spreader and is comprised of (a) at least one electric motor for driving the conveyor and spinner at a speed, the said speed which determines a rate of discharge of the granular material; (b) a power source for the motor; (c) a means for controlling the power from the power source to the at least one motor; (d) a means for inputting a signal to the means for controlling the power; (e) a wiring harness with control and power electrical connectors; and (f) a means to mechanically mount the special drive system to the grain spreader wherein the result of the system is an accurately controlled rate of discharge and hence dispensing of the granular materials.

Abstract: A hopper spreader apparatus adapted for mounting to a vehicle, to be towed by a vehicle or to be pushed by hand, includes a sprayer apparatus for spraying liquid material as well as dispensing dry free-flow material. The hopper spreader apparatus includes a variable discharge mechanism, allowing adjustment of both the flow rate and the distribution pattern of the dry free-flow material particulate material being dispensed. The operation of the hopper spreader apparatus can be controlled remotely using radio frequency (RF) signaling. The hopper spreader apparatus obtains electrical power from an on-board battery and includes a battery charger to allow the battery to be charged when the hopper spreader apparatus is not in use.

Abstract: A gravity-feed spreader for particulate matter may include a rotor. The spreader may be operable for gravity-feed operation with the longitudinal axis of the rotor in a horizontal position. A generally cylindrical rotor housing with a pair of closed, axial ends may be coaxial with the rotor. Entrance and exit apertures for the particulate matter may be formed in the surface of the rotor housing between the closed, axial ends. A rotor driver may be coupled to the rotor shaft for rotating the rotor. An intake housing may include a passageway therethrough for the particulate matter. A gate may be provided for selectively opening and closing the particulate matter passageway in the intake housing. An agitator may be coupled to the rotor shaft for facilitating movement of particulate matter through the passageway in the intake housing.

Abstract: A motorized fertilizer dispenser includes a frustoconical housing having an open upper end in communication with a hollow interior. At a lower end is a dispersal opening. A rotatable sifting blade is positioned within the housing interior and adjacent the dispersal opening. A rotary disc having a plurality of radial blades positioned thereon is situated immediately beneath the dispersal opening. A motor operates both the sifting blade and dispersal disc whereby a desired amount of fertilizer is dropped onto the disc and projected outwardly to a target area.

Abstract: A spreader disk assembly for spreading crop residue such as straw discharged from an agricultural harvesting machine, and more particularly, which has a bat support mechanism that enables the bats to be quickly and easily hingedly or pivotally convertible from a deployed spreading mode to a flattened stowed mode for windrowing, which does not require removal of the bats, or the disk from the spreader. A locking mechanism is provided that enables the quick and easy conversion and securely holds the bats in both modes.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a lawn spreader controls output flow of granular material out of the spreader hopper by adjusting the position of a control cable anchor point. The control mechanism includes a clamping portion for clamping to a tubular handle of the spreader. A top surface of the clamp portion, adjacent to the handle, provides a slide for a slideable cable anchor shuttle, which internally provides the anchor point for a control cable. The shuttle may be made from a plastic material. A dial housed within a dial housing, adjacent to the slide portion of the clamp, may be rotated to various indicated positions which in turn controls the position of the shuttle on the metal slide portion of the clamp, thereby adjusting the position of the control cable anchor point. The control cable extends from the end of the shuttle anchor mechanism to a hopper spring-loaded aperture cover.

Abstract: A flow gate includes first and second body members, first and second flow control members, and first and second locking mechanisms. The first and second body members operatively attach to and detach from each other. The first and second flow control members adjust between an open position, a closed position, and a plurality of partially opened positions. The first and second locking mechanisms selectively prevent and allow adjustment of the first and second flow control members. The first and second flow control members prevent the flow of material from an associated spreader when both the first and second flow control members are in the closed position, and allow the flow of material from the associated spreader when either the first or the second flow control member is in the opened position or in one of the plurality of partially opened positions.

Abstract: The present inventions relate to top dressing vehicles for coating, mixing, and dispensing compositions of top dressing materials comprising agriculturally active ingredients (A.I.s). More particularly, these inventions relate to apparatus for spraying liquid formulations comprising active ingredients A.I.s onto top dressing materials prior to and during delivering top dressing applications. Further, these inventions relate to applying liquids comprising A.I.s to top dressing materials at a point-of-application. Even further, these inventions relate to delivering treated top dressing, specifically, to broadcast spreading of top dressing comprising sand and agriculturally active ingredients as moist and dry compositions.

Abstract: A plastic tailgate mounted spreader adapted to replace the tailgate of a vehicle. The tailgate mounted spreader has a plastic hopper having a width and height generally equal to the width and height of the vehicle tailgate. A frame having at least a top member and a bottom member supports the hopper. In the disclosed embodiment, the frame also includes side members. The top member has first and second arms extending from the top member that are adapted to be connected to the vehicle. The bottom member has first and second rods extending from the bottom member that are adapted to be connected to the vehicle and in particular to the clamps on the vehicle that control the release of the bucket. An auger is mounted within the plastic hopper to auger material to a discharge opening. The auger is mounted between the side members in the preferred embodiment.

Abstract: A spreader assembly used to spread a material held in a hopper onto an associated ground surface may include a spreader mount that: (1) has at least three laterally spaced ground contacting surfaces that support the spreader assembly to a ground surface when the spreader assembly is detached from a vehicle; and, (2) remains attached to the spreader assembly when the spreader assembly is attached to the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention is directed at devices and methods for regulating the operation of a spreader assembly's particulate material distribution in response to changing vehicle conditions.

Abstract: A spreader (100) for spreading material, which in one embodiment comprises an upper bracket (120), a shaft (140), a return spring (160), a lower bracket (180), first and second sets of chain links (200a and 200b), and a spreader plate (220). The upper and lower brackets (120 and 180) are preferably aligned in the same vertical plane. The first and second chain links (200a and 200b) are located on opposite sides of the spreader (100) and on either side of the shaft (140). Upon rotation of the spreader (100) the first and second sets of chain links (200a and 200b) experience a centrifugal force sufficient to cause the spreader plate (220) to move down the shaft (140) and upon ceasing rotation the spreader plate (220) returns to a default position proximate to the top of the shaft (140).

Abstract: A sprinkler apparatus (10) comprises a container (12) for containing a powder to be sprinkled, a stencil (24) disposed at one end of the container (12) and dispensing means for controllably dispensing powder contained in the container (12) through the stencil (24). The dispensing means includes a movable blade (26) which is disposed within the container (12) immediately adjacent and overlying the stencil (24). The blade (26) has at least one opening (34, 36) therein for allowing powder contained in the container (12) to pass through the opening (34, 36) and through the stencil (24).

Abstract: An improved collapsible spreader with a spread rate selection mechanism including a knob and a rotatable cup-shaped structure. The cup-shaped structure includes an elongated setting tab and a thirty-six step edge corresponding to thirty-six spread rate settings on the knob. Operatively engaged with the cup-shaped structure is an abutment tab that is part of a closure structure for blocking and selectively unblocking a hopper opening. The tab engages the setting tab to define the adjustable length of the closure structure. Thereafter, abutment rate selection is a function of the rotatable position of the cup-shaped structure. Engagement of the abutment tab and a step defines the size of the hopper opening and thus the amount of product released from the hopper during operation. The spreader also includes a dual spring arrangement to bias the closure structure to a closed position and to prevent breakage. The disclosed spreader also features a one piece wheel to reduce parts and assembly costs.

Abstract: A liquid manure applicator comprises a tank for holding a supply of liquid manure that is distributed onto a farm field through a distributor having a plurality of distribution ports and hoses. The hoses lead to individual distribution tools that include a pair or rotary coulters and a bellows for applying downforce to the coulters. The distributor includes a ring that restricts the size of the solids entering the distribution ports and hoses to something substantially equal to or less than 50% of the cross-sectional area of the hoses. This prevents the hoses from plugging even when small diameter hoses are used to lower the application rates to values more consistent with the needs of a zone tilled field. A rotary chopper in the distributor reduces the size of larger solids until they have been broken up into pieces small enough to pass the restriction provided by the ring.

Abstract: Distribution unit (21, 23) for distributing material into a number of delimited openings (23) arranged next to each other in such a manner that a transition (27) is provided between the individual openings; and wherein, in connection with the individual transition, a pushing unit (25) is arranged, wherein said pushing unit is arranged such that it is able to actively push material in a direction away from the transition. The distribution unit may partake in a weighing apparatus. Material settling in the transition is pushed down into one of the openings by the pushing unit.

Abstract: A spreader accessory mountable below the extension rack of an ATV. In another aspect, an improved spreader mechanism that automatically starts and stops the feed of material from a storage container in conjunction with the distribution of material therefrom.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus prevent breakage of a catalyst particle and evenly fill the catalyst into tubes to an optimum density. A loading tool comprises a plurality of damper members extending from a centerline of the tube in at least one radial direction but in every case, having a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the tube. For example, in one embodiment the damper members are shaped in a “Z”-like formation with each having a different rotational orientation than the adjacent one above or below it. The Z formations can be horizontally arranged along a central member or can be formed vertically in a unitary fashion from a single, stiffened member. In another embodiment, the dampers are formed into spiral or helical shapes that increase or decrease in diameter along the length of the tube.

Abstract: A truck mounted particulate material ground spreading apparatus mixes substantially dry particulate material with from 7-20% of water w/w immediately before supplying the wetted particles to a spreader disc to spread the wetted particles onto the ground. The apparatus (4) has a plurality of grinding discs (12a, 12b, 12c) above a mixing chamber (7) so that particulate material can be dry ground before mixing with water in the mixing chamber (7) and delivery to the spreader disc (19). The grinding discs (12a, 12b, 12c) and spreader disc (19) are mounted on a common shaft (14) driven by a hydraulic motor.

Abstract: The invention comprises a seed spreader having a cylindrical drum mounted upon a pair of wheels for traviling the drum along the wheels for distributing seed along path upon the ground. The drum rotates with the wheels as the wheels rotate along the ground as an operator pushes the wheels forward by a handle mounted to the drum. The drum is hollow and has a door which can be opened to enable seed to be deposited into the interior of the drum.

Abstract: A broadcast spreader with a movable deflector is disclosed. The spreader distributes particulate material by a rotating plate which when operating, always impacts material on the deflector. The deflector and a mounting track prevent dispensing material impacting on a user of the spreader, and when the deflector is extended, also prevent dispensing material distributing to the right side of the spreader. In this way, lawns which abut a driveway or a flowerbed may have material distributed on them without also depositing material on the driveway or flowerbed. Further, the deflector is integral with a port closure panel which automatically reduces, in a proportional manner, the flow of particulate material as the deflector is extended.

Abstract: An accessory mountable to an ATV includes an extension rack that provides a substantially flat storage bed. A spreader assembly for storing and distributing granular material therefrom is supported in a position below the extension rack. In the preferred embodiment, the extension rack is mounted to the carrier rack of the ATV, and the spreader is mounted to the extension rack such that it is positioned under the extension rack. The extension rack preferably includes a door that provides a passageway to the spreader assembly and also includes side walls that are vertically disposed with respect to the substantially flat storage bed.

Abstract: A cylinder block has at least two cylinder banks each having cylinder bores arranged in at least two directions relative to an axis for a crankshaft. A rotator on which the cylinder block is securely disposed has a convex rounded surface. When the rotator rotates, the convex rounded surface moves along a concave rounded surface of a rotator-holding base. As a result of the rotation, the cylinder bores of the first bank or the cylinder bores of the second bank face upward in the vertical direction. Accordingly, with a single spray gun, sprayed coatings can be formed on inner surfaces of the cylinder bores of the first and second banks without having to change a mounting position of the cylinder block.

Abstract: A spreader assembly for spreading a material and for mounting in a bed of a truck is disclosed. The assembly includes a hopper and a frame for supporting the hopper in the bed of the truck. The hopper has a length extending between a front end and a rear end sized for placing in the bed of the truck to hold material for spreading and has an outlet spout with an opening for discharging material therefrom. The hopper and the frame are each formed from a thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A spreader assembly for spreading a material and for mounting to a bed of a truck is disclosed. The assembly includes a hopper and a frame having an upper rail for supporting the hopper in the bed of the truck. The frame includes a pair of front and rear posts extending downwardly from the upper rail and an upper rail extending in a cantilevered fashion from the rear posts to support the outlet spout outside the bed of the truck. A quick-release connector releasably engages the frame for preventing longitudinal movement within the bed of the truck. A spinner is rotatably attached and is moveable between an operating position and a storage position. The hopper includes a lower portion having a bottom with a first slanted portion having a first slope and a second slanted portion having a second slope with the first slope being different than the second slope.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an improved broadcast deflector plate designed to create a cascade-like deflection of material over a series of angled tabs separated by open intervals where indirect flow is created. A first volume of material falls without deflection directly through the open intervals onto the spreader plate at a first position, and a second volume of material is deflected by the tabs to a preferential location closer to the center of the spreader plate at a second position, the presence of the openings between the tabs allowing for a third volume of material to cascade in all directions around the tabs and reach all intermediate positions on the spreader plate.