Abstract: Handheld spreaders and methods of operating the same. The spreader can include a cup to hold particulate material and having an open upper end, a scoop assembly provided proximate the open upper end of the cup and including a scoop for directing particulate material being dispersed from the cup, and a sifter assembly removably coupled to the scoop assembly for metering an amount of the particulate material being dispersed from the cup. When the sifter assembly is removed from the scoop assembly, the scoop remains attached to the cup to direct particulate material being provided into the cup via the open upper end. The method can include opening the cup by removing the sifter assembly from the scoop assembly, placing particulate material into an open interior of the cup, closing the cup by replacing the sifter assembly, and dispersing the particulate material through the sifter assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing spreading of particulate material over a surface by a spreader. One step of the method includes receiving a selection of a type of the spreader. An additional step includes receiving a selection of a type of the particulate material to be spread by the spreader. An additional step includes obtaining data indicative of a travel speed of the spreader, with the data being received from a sensor associated with the spreader. An additional step includes determining an operational attribute of the spreader. The determination is based on (i) the type of the spreader, (ii) the type of the particulate material, and (ii) the travel speed of the spreader. A further step includes presenting the operational attribute.

Abstract: A dual-impeller spreader capable of independently a flowrate of particulate material about two halves of the spreader's coverage area. The spreader includes a frame, a hopper, and wheels rotatably connected to the frame via an axle. A first impeller is fixed to a first impeller shaft rotatably coupled to the axle via a first gear train, and a second impeller is fixed to a second impeller shaft rotatably coupled to the axle via a second gear train. A first shut-off control selectively opens and closes a first set of hopper exit openings located above the first impeller, while a second shut-off control selectively opens and closes a second set of hopper exit openings located above the second impeller. The first shut-off control and the second shut-off control selectively open and close the respective openings independent of each other.

Abstract: A spread control assembly is provided that includes a spread control mechanism and a shut-off adjustment plate attached to a particulate dispersing apparatus. The shut-off adjustment plate includes multiple exit openings that facilitate the dispersing of particulate material. The spread control mechanism pivotally attaches to the shut-off adjustment plate and includes multiple paddles configured to cover at least one of the exit openings in the shut-off adjustment plate when the spread control mechanism is in an activated position.

Abstract: A particulate dispersing apparatus is provided that includes a vessel configured to contain particulate material having a ridge circumferencing an inside of the vessel, an insert having a similar shape as the vessel and when inserted into the vessel adapted to engage and removably attach to the ridge, and a dispersing mechanism that disperses the particulate material.

Abstract: A spread control assembly is provided that includes a spread control mechanism and a shut-off adjustment plate attached to a particulate dispersing apparatus. The; shut-off adjustment plate includes multiple exit openings that facilitate the dispersing of particulate material. The spread control mechanism pivotally attaches to the shut-off adjustment plate and includes multiple paddles configured to cover at least one of the exit openings in the shut-off adjustment plate when the spread control mechanism is in an activated position.

Abstract: A spread control assembly is provided that includes a spread control mechanism and a shut-off adjustment plate attached to a particulate dispersing apparatus. The shut-off adjustment plate includes multiple exit openings that facilitate the dispersing of particulate material. The spread control mechanism pivotally attaches to the shut-off adjustment plate and includes multiple paddles configured to cover at least one of the exit openings in the shut-off adjustment plate when the spread control mechanism is in an activated position.

Abstract: A spread control assembly is provided that includes a spread control mechanism and a shut-off adjustment plate attached to a particulate dispersing apparatus. The shut-off adjustment plate includes multiple exit openings that facilitate the dispersing of particulate material. The spread control mechanism pivotally attaches to the shut-off adjustment plate and includes multiple paddles configured to cover at least one of the exit openings in the shut-off adjustment plate when the spread control mechanism is in an activated position.

Abstract: A particulate dispersing apparatus is provided that includes a vessel configured to contain particulate material having a ridge circumferencing an inside of the vessel, an insert having a similar shape as the vessel and when inserted into the vessel adapted to engage and removably attach to the ridge, and a dispersing mechanism that disperses the particulate material.

Abstract: A particulate dispersing apparatus is provided that includes a vessel configured to contain particulate material, an insert disposed inside the vessel and having a first hole pattern and adapted to be removed from the vessel, and at least one fastener having a cylindrical body and a pair of projections extending in opposite directions from a bottom of the cylindrical body. The pair of projections are substantially perpendicular to the cylindrical body and secures the insert to the vessel. The fastener is rotatable between a securing position and an unsecuring position.

Abstract: A system for dispersing different sized particulate material is provided that includes a hopper configured to contain particulate material and multiple interchangeable inserts that are removably attached to an inside of the hopper. Each of the multiple of interchangeable inserts have a distinct hole pattern to facilitate the flow of different sized particulate material from inside the hopper. A dispersing mechanism is provided that disperses the particulate material flowing through the distinct the hole patterns.

Abstract: A motion-powered liquid sprayer that can increase the number of rotations of the pump relative to each rotation of the wheel or axle is provided. The sprayer can include a gearing assembly that employs gears to increase the number of pump revolutions as a function of the wheel or axle rotation. The sprayer can also include a gear pump that employs an over-capacity or enhanced gullet together with blow-by spacing to control consistent liquid flow relative to variable motional velocities. Further, the sprayer can include a vertically adjustable nozzle as well as a free reverse rotation wheel hub.

Abstract: A motion-powered liquid sprayer that can increase the number of rotations of the pump relative to each rotation of the wheel or axle is provided. The sprayer can include a gearing assembly that employs gears to increase the number of pump revolutions as a function of the wheel or axle rotation. The sprayer can also include a gear pump that employs an over-capacity or enhanced gullet together with blow-by spacing to control consistent liquid flow relative to variable motional velocities. Further, the sprayer can include a vertically adjustable nozzle as well as a free reverse rotation wheel hub.