Abstract: An arrangement for preventing clogging of particulate material flowing through a curved section in a tubular duct or chute employs an air manifold operatively associated with the duct or chute and having an elongated discharge orifice positioned to discharge a wall of pressurized air along the internal concave duct surface so as to create positive laminar air flow along the curved surface and prevent stagnation and clogging of the particulate material. In a preferred embodiment, mutually cooperating auxiliary air discharge openings in the manifold and duct effect laminar air flow over other internal surface areas of the duct within the curved section. The anti-clogging arrangement finds particular application in grass mowers and the like wherein clippings tend to clog within curved sections of chutes through which the clippings pass to a receptacle.

Abstract: A drop type spreader for handling fertilizer, grass seed or the like for lawns and residential use has a flow control hand grip lever positioned at the spreader handles. The lever is gripped together with one of the handles for initiating flow, and the flow control gate and the lever automatically return to cut off the flow when the lever is released. A tension spring is connected between the hopper and the flow control gate for returning the gate to the flow blocking position when the lever is released. The rate of flow is also controlled from the lever by an adjusting screw, and an indicator is provided at the lever for indicating the selected rate of flow.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring toe in vehicle wheels. The apparatus ordinarily includes a pair of head units. Each of the head units is mounted upon one of the front wheels of the vehicle. Each head unit includes a projecting element for projecting a light beam generally laterally across the front of the vehicle and onto a target on the opposite head unit in determining front toe of the respective front wheels. Each head unit can also project a beam generally axially from the front wheel of the vehicle to a reflector on the adjacent rear wheel for determination of rear toe of the respective rear wheels. A metering device is connected operatively to signal generators on the head units for determining the toe in each front wheel in relation to a thrust-line reference calculated from the total rear toe of the vehicle.