Including Agitating Means Patents (Class 239/683)
  • Patent number: 10779464
    Abstract: A walk behind broadcast spreader (1) that is propelled by an electric motor (8), rotates a set of powered wheels (7) and an impeller (3). An individual may walk behind the broadcast spreader and simply steer the broadcast spreader as the electric motor propels the broadcast spreader forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Inventor: Michael J. Falconer
  • Patent number: 8757521
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: OMS Investments, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Cichy, Paul M. Havlovitz, Mark A. Ochs, Brad Schultz, Jeffrey Kalman, Craig Saunders, Paul Stephens, Bill Rabbitt, June O. Toscano
  • Publication number: 20140166785
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Wade Charles Barnett, Matthew S. Kressy
  • Publication number: 20140103148
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Todd Wisecarver
  • Patent number: 8668154
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Harold O'Daniel
  • Patent number: 8505838
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Louis Berkman Company
    Inventors: Bob Schaefer, Eric Larsen, Roland Hagemeyer
  • Patent number: 8474735
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Brinly-Hardy Company
    Inventors: Kenneth Patrick Hobbs, Jr., Steven H. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20130075502
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventors: Wade Charles Barnett, Matthew S. Kressy
  • Patent number: 8398004
    Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for a spreader used to distribute a road surface treatment material, such as sand or salt, across a road surface. The hydraulic drive system enables the use of pressure-compensated proportional control valves in series relationship with the auger and spinner motors, by the provision of small restricted flow passages across the outlets of the valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Louis C. Harms
  • Patent number: 8272584
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: ICG Saltshooter, LLC
    Inventors: Wade Charles Barnett, Matthew S. Kressy
  • Patent number: 8191804
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Sam Pullara, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8028938
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Trynex, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Truan, Paul Mandrik, James Truan
  • Patent number: 7980484
    Abstract: An anti-slabbing device pivotally coupled above a material conveyor and configured to drop down onto material conveyed and further configured so as to vibrate the leading edge of the material as it reaches the end of the conveyor to create a more consistent flow of material from the end of the conveyor down onto a spinner for distributing the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Highway Equipment Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Podoll, Bruce Penning, David P. Beck
  • Publication number: 20090277979
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Steven J. CICHY, Paul M. Havlovitz, Mark A. Ochs, Brad Schultz, Jeffrey Kalman, Craig Saunders, Paul Stephens, Bill Rabbitt, June O. Toscano
  • Patent number: 6978952
    Abstract: An improved spreader assembly adapted to be mounted on a vehicle having a tailgate and a bumper. The improved spreader assembly includes a hopper and a retaining arrangement. The hopper has an upper section and a bottom section. The bottom section has a base surface adapted to at least partially rest on a top surface of the bumper. The retaining arrangement includes a band that fits at least about a portion of a front face of the upper section of the hopper. One end of the band is adapted to connect to the vehicle to maintain at least a portion of a back face of the upper section at least closely adjacent to the tailgate of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: The Louis Berkman Company
    Inventors: James A. Kost, Josh Vyrostek
  • Patent number: 6729557
    Abstract: A portable particulate spreader comprising a container having a closed end, an open end and a storage chamber for holding particulate matter therein is disclosed. A first handle is attached to a side of the container proximate the closed end. A second handle is attached, preferably pivotally, to the same side, approximately midway between the closed end and the open end, allowing a person to conveniently grasp the spreader in either a vertical position for carrying or a horizontal position for use. An impeller at the open end disperses the particulate outwardly and downwardly from the spreader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Patrick Dillon
  • Patent number: 6715703
    Abstract: A spreader assembly is adapted to be mounted on a vehicle having a tailgate and a bumper. The spreader includes a hopper having an upper section and a bottom section, the bottom section having a lower material discharge chamber terminating in a lower discharge opening; a broadcast spreader positioned beneath said discharge opening; and a spill plate to at least partially regulate the flow of particulate material through the discharge opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: The Louis Berkman Company
    Inventors: James A. Kost, Josh Vyrostek
  • Patent number: 6637678
    Abstract: A granular material spreader for a mower or other apparatus, including a support column, having a support plate attached to it's bottom, for supporting the spreader thereon, the spreader being mounted to the shaft of the motor which when energized, turns the spreader for usage. A bracket attaching to the support column supports the hopper, into which granular material may be deposited, the bottom of the hopper includes a series of apertures, and a control plate pivotally mounted to the underside of the hopper bottom, and which when pivoted, provides for a full or partial opening of the flow apertures in the hopper bottom, or their closure, as when granular material dispensing and spreading is curtailed. A pivot lever mounts onto a plate, further supported by the support column, the lever is pivoted through energization of the solenoid, to initiate the dispensing, or not, of the granular material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Mark W. Wyne
  • Publication number: 20030034406
    Abstract: A twin discharge conveyor mounted on a spreader truck is shown including two parallel mounted conveying mechanisms such as augers, belt conveyors and chain conveyors contained within a conveyor trough that is mounted laterally on a truck chassis adjacent the front end of a frame mounted material storage container. The conveying mechanism are independently controlled by separate hydraulic motors so that material can be discharged to the left and to the right of the truck simultaneously and in varying amounts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventor: Amiya kumar Mishra
  • Patent number: 6422490
    Abstract: A rear mounted spreader having a horizontal auger. The spreader is ideally suited to spread bulk salt and sand, but can effectively be used to spread any spreadable material. The spreader is mounted to a vehicle and the auger is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The spreader includes a flow plate to facilitate proper material flow. The spreader also includes a vehicle-mounted control that can independently control the auger and spinner and can control the vibrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Trynex, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. Truan, James Truan, Joshua Scott, Paul Mandrik
  • Patent number: 6161784
    Abstract: An apparatus for conditioning and dispensing a mixture of wet and dry insulation material is provided. The apparatus includes a hopper with a partition disposed in the hopper so as to define a wet material receiving compartment and a dry material receiving compartment. A plurality of shafts are rotatably and longitudinally supported in the hopper. The shafts are provided with helically arranged spikes which serve to incorporate the wet and dry insulation material together, as well as condition the insulation material. A lower shaft acts to convey the wet insulation material to an air lock while a pair of upper shafts function to incorporate the dry insulation material into the wet insulation material at various points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Western Fibers, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul H. Horton
  • Patent number: 6149080
    Abstract: The spreader comprises an elongated hopper which is mountable across the rear end of a truck box in an underslung fashion. When the end-gate of the box is opened, aggregate can spill into the hopper. The hopper forms a discharge slot along its lower end. A pair of coaxial, end-to-end drums are rotatably mounted in the hopper and extend into the lower portion of the slot. Each drum is separately driven. A ramp extends between the box floor and the front upper quadrants of the drums for feeding aggregate thereto. A pair of separately actuated, pivoting flaps bear against the upper rear quadrants of the drums and function to open or close the upper portion of the slot. The ramp/drum assembly provides even, well distributed discharge of aggregate. The flap/drum assemblies can provide an effective shut-off or lay down narrow or wide strips of aggregate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen in the right of Canada, as represented by the Province of Saskatchewan
    Inventor: Peter Rousay Stout
  • Patent number: 6116526
    Abstract: An implement for spreading granular material, such as fertilizer, wherein the flow of fertilizer from the hopper is controlled by the position of a metering slide under an outlet opening of the hopper. The metering slide has an indented asymmetric edge which cooperates with the outlet opening to control of the flow of fertilizer onto an underlying spreader. The metering slide is moved into its position under the outlet opening by the pivotal movement of a sector-shaped support in hinged connection with the metering slide. The metering slide is urged against the hopper and the sector shaped support by a spring. The flow of material from a plurality of outlet openings is selectively controlled either individually or in unison. Also, the implement can be tilted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Maasland N,V.
    Inventors: Cornelis Johannes Gerardus Bom, Hendrik Hans van der Vlugt, Pieter Jacob van der Waal
  • Patent number: 6092746
    Abstract: A portable particulate spreader comprising a container having a closed end, an open end and a storage chamber for holding particulate materials therein. A first strap handle is affixed to a side of the container adjacent the closed end. A second strap handle is pivotally affixed to same side of the container approximately midway between closed end and open end, so that a person can grasp the strap handles with both hands and toss particulate materials out of open end. The container further includes an agitation assembly for automatically agitating particulate materials within the container, so as to prevent particulate materials from sticking together. A dispensing assembly is for automatically dispensing particulate materials out of open end of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Patrick Dillon
  • Patent number: 6089477
    Abstract: A backpack spreader comprising a hopper having an outlet port. The hopper holds chemical materials therein. A mounting means is for mounting the hopper on a back of a person. A flexible feed tube has a first end connected to the outlet port of the hopper. A dispensing gun is connected to a second end of the flexible feed tube. The dispensing gun held and operated by a hand of the person will evenly spread the chemical materials over large areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Patrick Dillon
  • Patent number: 5860604
    Abstract: A motorized spreader for dispersing granular and other material, such as fertilizer, seed, and salt, or the like, provides improved uniform control of the flow of the material from the spreader. The motorized spreader includes a frame and drive train supporting the frame. A hopper for holding granular material is also supported on the frame and includes a dispensing opening for directing the flow of granular material from the hopper onto the ground. An agitator is positioned in the hopper for urging the granular material in the hopper toward the dispensing opening so that the flow of the granular material from the hopper is controlled. The drive train includes first and second wheels, with each wheel including an axle. A differential drivingly couples the axles of the wheels together and includes a first drive sprocket and a second drive sprocket, the first drive sprocket coupling to a motor to drive the motorized spreader at a ground speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignees: Doug Slenk, Jon Heethuis
    Inventor: Kenneth Kooiker
  • Patent number: 5813613
    Abstract: A spreader wagon (1) comprises a container (10). A dispensing rotor (30) is rotatable in the container (10) for dispensing material through a dispensing outlet (21). A piston plate member (45) is movable within the container (10) for urging material into engagement with the dispensing rotor (30). An inner separating member (75) and an outer separating member (76) are rotatably mounted on the dispensing rotor (30) for separating material from the mass of material in the container (10) for dispensing through the dispensing outlet (21). A drive transmission interconnects the dispensing rotor (30) and the inner and outer separating members (75,76) so that the separating members (75,76) rotate relative to the dispensing rotor (30) as the dispensing rotor (30) rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Vetron Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Richard Keenan, John Keenan, Richard Christopher Moore, James English
  • Patent number: 5603452
    Abstract: A stationary spreader (10) which is activated in response to a signal from a sensor (118) indicating a condition of the adjacent ground surface, is described. The stationary spreader includes a bin (12), a spreader housing (34) and a control box (106) which are removably mounted together. The bin holds the material to be spread and preferably has a stirrer (16) and an auger (18) which both act to move the material out of a dispensing opening (24) in the side (12D) of the bin. The spreader housing is mounted over the dispensing opening and includes a spreader assembly (38). The spreader assembly has a lifting motor (40), a pair of solenoids (62) and a spreader bucket (44). The lifting motor is mounted above and connected to the spreader bucket and acts along with the solenoids to vertically raise or lower the bucket. A spreader compartment (76) is located in the bottom of the bucket and houses the spreaders (86 and 88).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventor: Harvey L. Hester
  • Patent number: 5501405
    Abstract: A dispenser apparatus for spreading granular material such as salt or sand. The dispenser apparatus includes a hopper that funnels the granular material down to a discharge spout for discharge onto a rotating spreader to broadcast the material onto a roadway. The hopper defines a generally downwardly converging chute that has intermittent radially enlarged sections to minimize "bridging" of the granular material within the hopper. An agitator arrangement provided in the hopper also assists in eliminating any blockage near the base of the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Doornek
  • Patent number: 5435494
    Abstract: A spreader apparatus is disclosed for spreading manure. The apparatus includes a container which defines an opening for the reception therein of the manure. The container also defines an outlet for the discharge therethrough of the manure. A rotatable feed auger is disposed within and co-operates with the container for feeding the manure through the container. The feed auger has an axis of rotation which extends through the container. A rotatable discharge auger is disposed within the container and co-operates with the container and the feed auger for moving the manure towards the outlet. The discharge auger has a further axis of rotation which is disposed spaced and parallel to and laterally below the axis of rotation of the feed auger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Knight Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Stanley W. Knight, William M. Saunders, Ric S. Joranlien
  • Patent number: 5385403
    Abstract: A mixer apparatus is disclosed for mixing materials. The apparatus includes a container which defines an opening for the reception therein of the materials. The container also defines an outlet for the discharge therethrough of the materials. A rotatable feed auger is disposed within and co-operates with the container for feeding the materials through the container. The feed auger has an axis of rotation which extends through the container. A rotatable mixing auger is disposed within the container and co-operates with the container and the feed auger for mixing the materials within the container. The mixing auger has a further axis of rotation which extends through the container. The further axis of rotation is disposed spaced and parallel relative to the axis of rotation of the feed auger. The container also includes a base which has a first portion which co-operates with the feed auger and a second portion which co-operates with the mixing auger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Knight Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: William S. Knight, Stanley W. Knight, William M. Saunders, Ric S. Joranlien
  • Patent number: 5381967
    Abstract: A flexible hopper made of rubber or other suitable flexible material which is driven by a motor through an eccentric drive so as to cause the hopper and a drive auger to vibrate to more readily dispense product in the hopper. One or more flexible fingers are attached to the auger and are flexed as the auger rotates so as to further improve the flow characteristics of the materials in the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: VKI Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Alan M. King
  • Patent number: 5379940
    Abstract: A spreader apparatus is disclosed for spreading manure. The apparatus includes a container which defines an opening for the reception therein of the manure. The container has a first and a second end zone with the first end zone defining an outlet for the discharge therethrough of the manure. A rotatable feed device is disposed within and co-operates with the container for feeding the manure through the container. The feed device has an axis of rotation which extends through the end zones of the container. A rotatable discharge device is disposed within the container and co-operates with the container and the feed device for moving the manure towards the outlet. The discharge device has a further axis of rotation which is disposed spaced and parallel to and laterally below the axis of rotation of the feed device. The arrangement is such that when the feed and discharge devices are rotating, all of the manure within the container is fed at a substantially constant rate towards the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Knight Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Stanley W. Knight, William M. Saunders, Ric Joranlien
  • Patent number: 5361711
    Abstract: An apparatus for seeding, mulching, and fertilizing soil is described. The apparatus includes: a mixing tank adapted for mounting upon a motorized land vehicle for containing an aqueous mixture of seed and other soil conditioning materials; an agitator positioned within said tank for combining seed and other soil conditioning materials with water; a movable spray cannon in fluid communication with the mixing tank for spraying the aqueous mixture delivered thereto by an attached pump onto the soil surface; an auxiliary hose of flexible material for spraying the aqueous mixture; a mulch blower affixed to said tank for delivering a dried mulch material to the soil surface; and, a hydraulic power transmission system for transmitting power from the motorized land vehicle to the agitator, pump, and mulch blower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Inventor: Donald R. Beyerl
  • Patent number: 5288028
    Abstract: Apparatus for enhancing the feeding of particles includes a hopper having a central axis, walls of the hopper being concentric with the hopper axis above an outlet of the hopper; a sensor for sensing a desired flow of particles from the hopper; a shaft rotatably mounted on the hopper axis; a paddle connected to the shaft and extending from approximately 0.125 inch to approximately 0.250 inch from at least a lower portion of an inside surface wall of the hopper, the shaft being rotated at approximately 1 radian per second in response to a drive signal; the drive signal being momentarily activated in the presence of an external activate signal when the flow of particles falls below the desired rate, the drive signal being active for a period of time sufficient to cause the paddle to move through an angle of about 90.degree. about the hopper axis. The paddle is mechanically agitated during feeding of the particles, the paddle vibrating only during activation of the external signal, with a displacement of from 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Alpheus Cleaning Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Philip Spivak, Alan E. Opel
  • Patent number: 5275335
    Abstract: A spreader apparatus is disclosed for spreading manure. The apparatus includes a container which defines an opening for the reception therein of the manure. The container has a first and a second end zone with the first end zone defining an outlet for the discharge therethrough of the manure. A rotatable feed device is disposed within and co-operates with the container for feeding the manure through the container. The feed device has an axis of rotation which extends through the end zones of the container. A rotatable discharge device is disposed within the container and co-operates with the container and the feed device for moving the manure towards the outlet. The discharge device has a further axis of rotation which is disposed spaced and parallel to and laterally below the axis of rotation of the feed device. The arrangement is such that when the feed and discharge devices are rotating, all of the manure within the container is fed at a substantially constant rate towards the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Knight Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Stanley W. Knight, William M. Saunders, Ric S. Joranlien
  • Patent number: 5123598
    Abstract: A hand held spreading device is disclosed for broadcast spreading material via a rotating impeller. The device has an actuating assemly including an actuating member and a dual spring arrangement interconnected with the actuating member. One of the springs causes material to be discharged onto the impeller in response to movement of the actuating member and prevents damage of the device resulting from excessive movement of the actuating member. The second spring biases the actuating member to move to an idle position in which no material is discharged onto the impeller and causes the actuating member to return to this idle position after movement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Assignee: The O. M. Scott & Sons Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve P. Courtney, James D. Amerine
  • Patent number: 5046664
    Abstract: A spreader for granular and/or powdery material such as fertilizer comprises a hopper having two delivery parts. Distribution members are provided under the delivery parts for broadcasting material fed to them from the hopper. The distribution members are mounted on a carrier rigidly supported by the hopper. This construction results in a fixed position of the distribution member with respect to the delivery parts, regardless of deflections which may occur as a result of the weight of material in the hopper. The distribution members may be driven by a mechanical transmission from a power take-off shaft of a tractor, or by a hydraulic motor. The mechanical transmission includes a horizontal shaft connected to two vertical shafts for rotating the distribution members via bevel gears and is contained in a hollow tube with gear boxes on either end which maintain the axes and levels of the vertical shafts and distribution members in fixed relative positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: C. van der Lely, N.W.
    Inventors: Ary van der Lely, Cornelis J. G. Bom
  • Patent number: 5031546
    Abstract: A hopper discharge outlet unit for railroad hopper cars useful for breaking up large chunks of agglomerated material and permits continuous off-loading of the railroad hopper cars including a delumper mounted inside of a pneumatic hopper discharge outlet housing in conjunction with standard pneumatic hoses and an external detachable motor. The apparatus prevents large chunks of material from plugging the pneumatic outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Edward H. Amos, David Mata, Pedro C. Longoria
  • Patent number: 4949906
    Abstract: The present invention contemplates a convertible dispensing system for selectively dispensing liquids and particulate solids. The dispensing system includes a tank structure, with selectable particulate solids dispenser and a liquid dispenser, both positioned generally at the lower extent of the tank structure. A converting arrangement is provided for selectively bypassing one of the dispensers while maintaining the other dispenser in communication with the materials chamber defined by the tank structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Inventor: Oliver Godwin
  • Patent number: 4776519
    Abstract: Device for spreading granular and/or powdery material provided with a frame and a drivable spreader supported by the frame and during operation rotatable about an upwardly extending axis of rotation and a metering structure arranged above the spreader, the metering structure being provided with at least one discharge opening via which the material to be spread is supplied to the spreader during operation, and the metering structure can be put into continuously reciprocating movement during operation relative to the frame about an upwardly extending pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Assignee: Z.P.M. International B.V.
    Inventor: Petrus W. Zweegers
  • Patent number: 4765772
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for filling voids in recycled asphalt. When asphalt has been recycled through the use of a heater-scarifier-screed apparatus, inherently, the pavement surface has voids therein which render the surface porous. The apparatus disclosed herein spreads a thin layer of asphalt over the recycled asphalt in such a manner that substantially all of the voids in the surface thereof are filled. When the method disclosed herein has been completed, the result is a substantially smooth, recycled, repaved trafficable asphalt surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Assignee: Angelo Benedetti, Inc.
    Inventors: Angelo W. Benedetti, Angelo W. Benedetti, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4609151
    Abstract: Apparatus for spreading dry or granular materials such as lawn seed and/or lawn treatment chemicals that includes a support frame 18 rollingly supported by a pair of wheels 14 and a hopper 12 attached to the support frame that defines four substantially isolated material compartments 55-58. Discharge openings 65-68 are associated with each compartment; the outflow of material through the discharge openings is controlled by shutter-like gates 65a-68a, two of which are remotely controlled by lever mechanisms 78, 87 mounted on operating handles 20a, the other two of which are adjustable by an arrangement mounted near the hopper. Material discharged through the openings falls into a blending chamber 90 that includes a blending disc 96 rotated by a vertical shaft 98 that is coupled to an axle 32 by a gear box 40 that is drivingly engaged by one or both wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1986
    Inventor: Thomas A. Crowley
  • Patent number: 4580730
    Abstract: A rotary spreader for particulate material having a hopper for the particulate material and an impeller adapted to broadcast the material as it is discharged from the hopper. The impeller has a ridge enclosing the central portion of the impeller and the impeller is mounted in close proximity to the hopper so that discharged material is contained within the enclosed central portion of the impeller to stop further flow of particulate material when the impeller is not rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1986
    Assignee: O. M. Scott & Sons Company
    Inventor: James D. Amerine
  • Patent number: 4532885
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for distributing a stream of solidifiable, finely divided, vitreous coating material onto a heated internal surface of a concave article, such as a tank or a reaction vessel, to form a smooth, uniform, continuous, fused coating thereon. The apparatus consists of a horizontally mounted disc rotor which has a plurality of radially directed vanes mounted thereon. The vanes extend short of the rotor center defining a central chamber. The central chamber contains a cylindrical particle directing cage. The cage has a hollow central impeller, coaxially aligned, and spacedly positioned therein. The impeller is connected with the rotor by a common rotatable shaft. A supply of finely divided vitreous material is fed into the hollow of the impeller and directed through openings in the impeller into the cage member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1985
    Assignee: Kennecott Corporation
    Inventor: Erwin J. Nunlist
  • Patent number: 4408720
    Abstract: A demountable wheeled liquid sprayer comprised of an elongated handle having an angulated forward end portion supporting a battery driven electric motor with a depending drive shaft rotatably mounting a cup having inwardly and upwardly extending sidewalls with circumferentially spaced openings extending downwardly and outwardly therethrough around the periphery of its bottom. The handle is detachably mounted on a small two-wheeled frame and supports a removable and disposable liquid container which discharges its contents into the cup through conduit means and an associated valve. Valve control means is mounted on the handle and simultaneously opens the valve while activating the motor, or closes the valve while deactivating the motor. The handle and described sprayer may be detached, transported and used manually absent the wheeled frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1983
    Assignee: Britt Tech Corporation
    Inventors: Donald R. Anderson, Iven R. Norstrud, John H. Threlkeld
  • Patent number: 4351481
    Abstract: A centrifugal spreader (FIG. 1) for spreading granulated fertilizers has a funnel-shaped hopper, a discharge outlet in the lower portion of the hopper, and adjustor means for adjusting the size of and shutting off the outlet. A drivable agitator is disposed in the hopper, and spreading means 11 is disposed beneath the hopper for receiving fertilizer issuing from the outlet and spreading the fertilizer. The spreader 11 is releasably mounted on a drive shaft 16 and is exchangeable for a different spreading means. The spreader can be set in a position in which the distance (A) between the highest point of the spreader and the part of the hopper situated above said highest point as seen longitudinally of the drive shaft, is greater than the distance (B) between the lower edge of the fastening means 14 which releasably secures the spreader on the drive shaft, and the upper end of the drive shaft. Thereby removal of the spreader is facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1982
    Assignee: Amazonen-Werke
    Inventor: Heinz Dreyer
  • Patent number: 4216914
    Abstract: The spreader assembly is located below the central fill opening in the roof of a circular grain or storage bin for evenly distributing the grain over the floor area of the bin. Grain is directed downwardly into a rotatable funnel shaped hopper, the bottom end of which is rigidly secured to the upper end of a downwardly inclined longitudinally adjustable distributor member provided on the top surface thereof with side by side longitudinally extended trough means of progressively decreasing length and width from one side of the distributor member to the opposite side thereof. On reaching the lower ends of the trough means the downwardly moving grain is deflected toward the opposite side of the distributor member for discharge into the bin. The grain deflecting action rotates the funnel member and distributor member as a unit at a speed of rotation which is in direct response to the volume rate of material being supplied to the hopper member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1980
    Assignee: Winfield Agri-Builders Company
    Inventor: Dudley J. O'Hanlon
  • Patent number: 4205793
    Abstract: A spreader which is for fertilizer or seed is adapted to be carried by a three-point hitch of a tractor, the spreader having two side-by-side hopper portions, each hopper portion having eight triangular-shaped wall parts terminating in a circular flat part through which the shaft of an underlying ejector disc distributor extends and connects to an agitator which is rotated in each hopper portion. A variable sized opening is provided in each flat part and such openings are commonly controlled by a lever at the front of the spreader within reach of the tractor's operator. Each hopper portion is funnel shaped and centrally under the spreader between such funnel shaped portions a transmission is mounted on the frame of the spreader, such transmission being in a casing which is adapted to receive, via a shaft extending therefrom, the power take-off shaft of a tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1980
    Inventor: Cornelis van der Lely
  • Patent number: 4199108
    Abstract: Apparatus for building up and repairing a refractory lining of an industrial oven or like hot-running vessel comprises a disc rotatable in a horizontal plane in either direction for centrifugally depositing a granular refractory material on a portion of the lining to be built up or repaired, a conduit having an outlet opening above the disc for feeding the granular material thereto, and a drive shaft for the disc and for mixing and conveying elements for the granular material in the conduit, these elements being capable of conveying the granular material to the rotatable disc in either one of the selected directions of rotation of the disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1980
    Assignee: Veitscher Magnesitwerke-Actien-Gesellschaft
    Inventors: Friedrich Baumgartner, Karl H. Fernow, Franz Waisnix, Franz Weiss, Werner Zach