Abstract: A present invention includes a pneumatic-dispersal aerial system which has a particular utility in connection with providing a device for pneumatically dispersal particulate material. In particular, the present invention includes a containment and dispersal device coupled to an aerial device. The containment and dispersal device comprises a containment unit, dispersal control unit, and a forced-air system. The dispersal control unit is disposed below the containment unit. The dispersal control unit is operable to control the release of material from the containment unit and is normally in a closed position and the dispersal control unit comprises a rotator valve which has a passageway to receive the material from the containment unit. The forced-air system is adjacent to the containment unit and is operable to aid in the removal of the received material from the dispersal control unit. The aerial device is operable to transport the containment and dispersal device.

Abstract: The absorbent spreader is the only product of its kind that is specifically designed to make spreading maintenance absorbents a cleaner and faster task, saving consumers time and energy usually spent from traditional methods. The absorbent spreader is uniquely designed with a release button enabling users to precisely control where to drop the clay, ensuring no accidental messes or unnecessary waste of clay during task work.

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: 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.

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: 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 spill containment system for dispensing a berm of containment material on a support surface around a liquid spill to inhibit the liquid spill from spreading across the support surface includes a container receiving the containment material. The container includes a bottom wall and a perimeter wall that extends upwardly from the bottom wall to define an interior space of the container. A dispensing assembly is coupled to the container. The dispensing assembly is actuated to dispense the containment material from the container. The dispensing assembly controls flow of the containment material through a dispensing aperture that extends through a rear wall of the perimeter wall.

Abstract: A mortar applying machine incorporating housing, having a rotatable drive wheel mounted therein, the drive wheel adhered upon a pivot shaft located within the housing, and the drive wheel being disposed through the bottom of the housing for mortar and engagement with the surface of a row of blocks previously applied in the forming of a building wall. Fixedly mounted to the same shaft are a pair of paddles, formed of blades, which assure the proper shifting and movement of the fluid mortar into position within the housing, for passage out of its lower openings, and onto the transverse lands of the row of blocks as previously applied into the building wall. A diverter is provided within the housing to assure that the fluid mortar flows towards the front of the housing with respect to the direction of its movement when depositing a layer of mortar onto a previously laid row of blocks.

Abstract: A gate assembly for a hopper of a transport vehicle has an open position in which the gate lies substantially in a vertical plane adjacent to the hopper wall and a closed position in which the gate lies substantially in a horizontal plane. The gate moves longitudinally in guides between the two planes. Several gates can be located adjacent to one another to retain or discharge particulate material in several hoppers separated by partition walls.

Abstract: The present invention teaches that air may be injected into the sloping bottom of a bulk dry particulate cargo container (micron-sized through quarry-sized dry particulate) accompanied by traditional conveyance-variety pneumatic air, causing the bulk dry particulate cargo to enter a bi-phase state having an air matrix with particulate inclusions. The result of this air lubrication is a dramatically reduced coefficient of friction. This bi-phase material may be extremely fluid, easily exiting a discharge port without regard to normal bulk dry particulate friction or angle of repose. The present invention also teaches a cargo container having a plurality of air injectors on the sloping bottom of a particulate plenum and having air supply apparatus feeding the air injectors.

Abstract: A method for loading and unloading of dry bulk freight containers vertically, and a device in the form of an improved intermodal dry bulk freight container for vertical loading and unloading. Standardized corner locks may be used and dimensions may be selected so as to provide a standardized cargo container. The present invention teaches that an intermodal dry bulk freight container may be loaded in either the customary horizontal orientation of such devices, or in a vertical orientation in which one end is opened and elevated. In particular, however, such a container may advantageously be emptied by elevating it into the vertical orientation. The method of the invention is thus to provide only a single hopper and yet allow one hopper to empty the entire container, as well as providing a more efficient gravity feed of bulk cargo as it is off loaded. The present invention furthermore teaches an intermodal dry bulk freight container suitable for this method of operation.

Abstract: A lawn and garden spreader is adapted for efficiently spreading pelletized mulches and other like applications larger in size than that typically associated with lawn and garden applications. The spreader includes a gravity flow hopper having an outlet aperture in lower portion thereof, and a horizontally oriented track disposed adjacent to the outlet aperture. A rotatable disbursement blade is situated below the outlet aperture such that an application flowing through the aperture will contact the disbursement blade. A gate is slidably mounted within the track such that the gate may be shifted between an extended position wherein the gate closes the outlet aperture and a retracted position wherein the outlet aperture is open.

Abstract: A broadcast spreader constructed from two separate and rotationally molded parts; one molded part integrates the handle and hopper assemblies while the other molded part forms the base assembly that supports the wheels for the spreader. A pair of dovetail-like connection between the molded parts assures a strong and tight fit and proper alignment therebetween. Also provided are a self-aligning bearing for the rotor shaft and a single control for simultaneously operating a deflector plate and an auxiliary dispensing member for the spreader.

Abstract: A drop spreader having a hopper with a series of materials-dispensing apertures therein supported by a pair of wheels, an upper U-shaped frame pivotally connected to a pair of spaced-apart leg members supported on the hopper for use as a handle for the spreader, the hopper further having molded in place a pair of sleeve members adjacent the rim thereof for receiving the respective leg members, a shutoff bar adjacent the apertures being composed of two different materials, plastic enveloping metal, and further the use of a simple pivotal snap connection between the micrometer device used with the spreader and the control lever for controlling the movement of the shutoff bar.

Abstract: A collapsible drop spreader having a hopper for supporting a wheel axle bearing member, an upper U-shaped frame pivotally connected to a pair of parallel leg members supported on the hopper for use as a handle for the spreader, the hopper further having wheel track alignment guide arrows indexed thereon, a series of material exit apertures extending the length thereof, a two-part rotary agitator bar disposed above the material exit apertures of the hopper, a spring washer for biasing the separate members of the agitator bar apart to effect a sealing relationship with the wheel axle bearing supports, a light weight fiber reinforced shut-off bar disposed adjacent the material exit apertures and rotatable about splines on the wheel axle bearing members, and a flexible cable having one end connected to the rotatably journaled shut-off bar and the other end thereof connected to a control lever located on the upper frame for rotating the shut-off bar from a closed position to an open position with respect to the ma

Abstract: A collapsible broadcast spreader having a lower frame for supporting a wheel axle, an upper frame pivotally connected to the lower frame for use as a handle for the spreader when the upper frame and lower frame are in an extended position, a hopper also supported by the lower frame and having a materials exit aperture in the hopper, a slide integral with a bottom wall of the hopper, a shut-off plate disposed within the slide, a flexible cable having one end pivotally connected to the shut-off plate and the other end thereof connected to a control lever located on the upper frame for moving the shut-off plate from a closed position to an open position with respect to the aperture, wherein the control cable and the shut-off plate are in-line.

Abstract: A collapsible spreader having all parts pre-assembled that requires no tools for its transformation into an operative device and that includes a wheel assembly, a two-part frame member, whose lower part is affixed to the wheel assembly and supports a high-volume hopper as well as a collapsible support stand. The leg members of the lower frame are pivotally connected to the legs of the upper frame, such that the lower and upper frames when pivoted into an extended position from a trapezoidal loop and, when returned to their collapsed state, form a generally rectangular prism that includes the entire spreader device within its volume, namely the legs of the lower and upper frames, the hopper, the support stand, the seed-dispensing mechanism and the wheel assembly.

Abstract: This invention discloses an adjustable apparatus for spreading mortar onto bricks or blocks. The apparatus utilizes augers and is readily adjusted to extrude beads of mortar onto the proper portions of bricks/blocks having different widths. A trowel member is provided on the extrusion ports to smooth the beads of mortar. The apparatus includes a lid member that contains water for wetting the mortar. The weight of the lid member containing water also helps urge the mortar out of the hopper through the extrusion ports. Mortar gate plate members to regulate flow of mortar through the extrusion ports are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fertilizer spreader having a hopper for holding a granular material. A handle is connected to the hopper for manipulating the hopper. The hopper has a discharge aperture in its lower portion to allow material to discharge from the hopper. A gate is selectively positionable adjacent to the discharge aperture for controlling the rate of discharge of material through the discharge aperture. A control apparatus is connected to the gate for holding the gate in a selected position relative to the discharge aperture. A pivotal support leg is connected to the control apparatus and the hopper, so that when the support leg supports the hopper, the leg is pivoted to operate the control apparatus to position the gate in an attitude for interrupting the flow of material through the discharge aperture.

Abstract: A spreader particularly adapted for manual operation over a residential lawn includes a one-piece hopper made of corrosion resistant material. Lugged wheels connect with a shaft which is rotatively carried by and extends through a lower part of the hopper. On the shaft inside the hopper is an agitator bar having outward extending projections. The bar projections align with a series of slots in a rear wall of the hopper for a discharge of material in the hopper to the ground below. To regulate this discharge a movable gate is positioned on an outer side of the hopper slots. Gate movement is effected by a control bar carried in a flow control housing of a handle assembly having an extension attached to the hopper. The degree of gate movement, which affects the size of the slot openings, is regulated by a position of a stop operatively connected to a rotatable dial in the flow control housing.

Abstract: A gravity spreader includes a hopper having openings in its bottom through which material flows when a shutter is not in a closed position with the position of the shutter determining the rate of flow of material. A fluted roller allows the material to flow from the hopper to the ground only when the hopper is moving in a forward direction. The fluted roller does not rotate when the hopper is stopped or when the hopper moves in a reverse direction so that the material does not flow to the ground irrespective of the open position of the shutter.

Abstract: A material spreader system is designed to dispense a topping material onto the surface of a plastic substance lying within an area having a length, width and opposing sides. The material spreader system also includes features which enable it to dispense topping material within an area including a vertically extending obstruction positioned adjacent one of the sides of the area and extending a predetermined distance into the area. The obstruction defines a reduced width section of the area. The material spreader system includes a spreader for storing a supply of topping material and for dispensing a layer of the topping material as the spreader is translated along a path. An adjustable bridge provides an elevated path to permit widthwise translation of the spreader across the area. The normal bridge span has a length equal to or greater than the full width of the area.

Abstract: A broadcasting apparatus for pulverant or granular material including a frame supported by wheels, an axle extending between the wheels and connected in driving relationship with at least one of the wheels, a material hopper mounted on the frame and having an opening in its bottom wall, a valve adjustable across the hopper opening to control the flow of material therefrom, a guide for the valve to retain the valve in selected position adjacent the hopper opening, a dial having a cam surface, a member connected to the valve and bearing on the dial cam surface, a mount for the dial connected to the bottom wall of the hopper and guiding the connecting member, a broadcasting plate disposed beneath the valve and connected to the axle to rotate upon movement of the wheels, and an agitator within the hopper connected to rotate with the shaft and broadcasting plate.

Abstract: An octogonally configured cam has four flats located radially outward a greater distance than the four intervening flats. The various flats are successively engageable with a pivotal arm to engage and disengage a clutch mechanism and thus start and stop an endless belt conveyor along with the starting and stopping of a cylindrical brush. Both the conveyor and brush are ground-driven through a chain and cog wheels, the size of the cog wheels being such that the brush is rotated at faster speed than the conveyor. The position of an indicating rod signifies when the clutch mechanism is engaged or disengaged.

Abstract: Ground control system for use with a spreader of dry bulk material at a predetermined rate and speed. The spreader mounts on a vehicle or like structure. The ground control system has input variables of travel rate of the vehicle and conveyor rate of the conveyor running through the spreader, and an output signal for controlling height of a feedgate movable at an exit port of the spreader. The travel rate input signal includes sensing the speed of the vehicle and accounts for calibration signals dependent on vehicle components such as tire sizes and other constants, and includes variable inputs such as the swath width and the application rate of spreading. The conveyor speed input signal includes the speed of the conveyor, predetermined constants such as conveyor width, gear ratio, etc., and input variables including the density of the material and the weight of the material. The input signals are differentiated for controlling the servo coupled to the feedgate.

Abstract: A lawn spreader for particulate material such as grass seed or fertilizer has a slidable control knob immediately adjacent the handle gripping portion for movement by one or more fingers to control the rate of feed of particulate material from the spreader without removal of either hand from gripping position. An adjustable stop for the control knob is also provided adjacent the handle gripping portion for ready adjustment without stopping the spreader and without requiring the operator to bend or stoop to reach to or adjacent to the rate gate.

Abstract: A tramlining device is provided for a seed drill having shutters associated with respective seed spouts and controlled by individual fluid pressure operated actuators for improved flexibility in selecting the tramline spacing. The actuators are preferably such that when pressurized they close the shutters to produce tramlines. Fluid pressure is tapped from the rams that force the coulters into work. Preferably, a control valve in the fluid supply line comprises a valve member that is urged closed by the supply pressure but is opened by a plunger controlled by a bout register. Preferably, a solenoid operated plunger is provided to override operation of the bout register.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved agricultural distributor including a hopper having a side wall structure and bottom and a plurality of spaced apart openings provided therein for dispensing material from said hopper. A cam type rotary flow control plate is rotatively secured to the bottom of said hopper adjacent said openings for simultaneously controlling the flow rate of material from said hopper by controlling the effective opening area of respective openings. Provided within said hopper is a plurality of spaced apart gear wheels that are rotatively driven during the operation of the distributor such that the gear wheels generally agitate the material within the hopper and also serve to generally deliver and meter material to and through said openings.

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 elongated mobile frame having supporting wheels at its rear end and a pair of elongated support arms pivotally secured at their inner ends to the rear end portion of the frame for movements between operative positions projecting transversely from the frame and forwardly projecting inoperative positions. The support arms have outer support wheels engaging the ground in the operative positions of the arms, the outer support wheels being supported by the frame in the inoperative positions of the support arms. Hoppers for dispensing granular material are mounted on the frame and on the support arms.

Abstract: Our invention relates to a wheeled fertilizer or other granular material spreader which is pushed over the area or surface to be treated. The granular material is dropped through feed openings onto the surface to be treated, the metering of the granular material being accomplished by placing the metering blade in a desired position or positions depending upon what particular granular material is being discharged from the hopper.

Abstract: Our invention relates to a wheeled fertilizer spreader which is pushed over the area which is to be fertilized or chemically treated and in which the fertilizer, chemical or other granular material is broadcast by being dropped onto a horizontal impeller which rotates on a vertical axis and throws the material outward horizontally in a frontal direction.