Abstract: A portable electric-powered particulate spreader has a housing having an inlet and an outlet. A reservoir for holding particulate material is located above the housing. A blower is located with a flow path extending from the inlet to the outlet for inducing air flow along the flow path. A particulate intake port is formed in a channel wall which encompasses an exhaust channel extending downstream from the blower to the outlet. A valve controls flow of particulate material from the reservoir to the particulate intake port. An agitator located between the reservoir and exhaust channel rotationally reciprocates and induces vibrations which assist the flow of particulate material. A foil in the exhaust channel produces a low static pressure in the which tends to draw particulate material from the reservoir into the air flow. Delays are built in so that the blower turns on before opening the valve is opened and the valve is closed before the blower is turned off.

Abstract: An improved portable, self-contained apparatus for spreading particulate material that can, by use of alternate flow improvement and control mechanisms, be used to dispense either dusts (such as insecticides) or granular materials such as fertilizer. The apparatus has a detachable container portion and a dispensing portion which includes, in a chamber, a rotary vane turned by a battery-powered motor, a recurved channel leading from the blower chamber to an outlet nozzle, and a triggering and activation assembly which sequentially activates first the motor and the rotary vane and then the flow improvement and control mechanism.

Abstract: An improved aspiration-type chemical sprayer for dispensing small quantities of a liquid-based chemical into a stream of carrier fluid is disclosed. The sprayer includes a sprayer head assembly sealingly mounted onto a container for storing the chemical to be dispensed. The sprayer head assembly includes a multi-function unitary valve for providing a range of aspiration rates simultaneously with full communication of the container interior to atmospheric pressure. The valve may include means for positive and simultaneous closure of the aspiration and vent passages so as to seal the chemical in the container when the sprayer is not in use.

Abstract: A hose-end sprayer includes a linearly actuated valve such as a poppet valve that is opened by means of pressure applied thereto from a pivoted lever. The lever and valve provide instant on and off action and one-handed control over the water flow. Pressurized water containing a mixed chemical is supplied to a spray defining nozzle in a closed system that maintains the water under full pressure until after it emerges from the nozzle. By preventing contact between the water and air until the spray pattern is formed, better definition of the pattern is obtained and nozzle drip is eliminated.

Abstract: Powdered material such as insecticide or the like is moved from a hopper by the combined effect of gravity, vibration and induction of a rotary blower for distribution as a gas-powder suspension. The element for vibrating the powder is driven by the blower to induce vibrations in the material along a plurality of different directions. Alternate versions include a canister of material removably located in the hopper, and a container that replaces the hopper and is removably secured to the apparatus.

Abstract: A caplike member is received onto a container for including a supply of materials to be sprayed onto lawns, shrubs and the like. A swivel nut mounted on the caplike member interconnects with, say, a water hose. A rotatable drumlike body on the caplike member has a pair of inserts with different sized bores passing therethrough, and which bores or passages are selectively positionable in alignment with a feed opening connected to inlet water, which tube lower end has a single proportion balance control orifice. The insert openings have lateral communication channels opening into a feed tube that extends into the container. A nozzle is rotatably affixed to the drumlike body and is individually adjustable to select any one of several exit openings which form different spray patterns. A further aspect is the provision of a hand operable valving device which directs inlet water into the container as a pressurized jet for initial mixing with the spray materials.

Abstract: A caplike member is received onto a container for including a supply of materials to be sprayed onto lawns, shrubs and the like. A swivel nut mounted on the caplike member interconnects with, say, a water hose. A rotatable drumlike body on the caplike member has a pair of inserts with different sized bores passing therethrough, and which bores or passages are selectively positionable in alignment with a feed opening connected to inlet water, which tube lower end has a single proportion balance control orifice. The insert openings have lateral communication channels opening into a feed tube that extends into the container. A nozzle is rotatably affixed to the drumlike body and is individually adjustable to select any one of several exit openings which form different spray patterns. A further aspect is the provision of a hand operable valving device which directs inlet water into the container as a pressurized jet for initial mixing with the spray materials.