Abstract: Systems and methods for extermination of ants may provide for the introduction of powder insecticide directly into an ant colony to deliver maximum saturation throughout the colony chambers or tunnels. Ants within the colony may track through the insecticide, and the insecticide may contaminate the ants' food source within the colony, thereby exterminating the ants with minimal disturbance to people or animals.

Abstract: A self-trailering grain bagging machine on four wheels for storing grains and seeds inside a silo bag. The machine has a grain receiving hopper within which a compression auger encased in an auger tube. The auger is driven by mechanical means powered from a tractor's power take-off. The machine is mounted on a frame fitted with paired crossmembers at its left and right hand sides. Each crossmember is mounted upon a pair of wheel supports. The wheel supports are capable of gyrating relative to the crossmembers. The wheel supports carry one wheel that wheel rotates along with said wheel support. A work tongue is attached to the front side of the frame. The work tongue pivots relative to a horizontal axis. A transport tongue is attached to one crossmember wherein the wheels remain aligned in the direction intended for work and when turning said wheel supports by 90 degrees.

Abstract: An air-boom spreader has a hopper for containing particulate material, a metering device having a plurality of sluices, a plurality of outlets transversely spaced-apart on a boom in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the spreader, and a plurality of air lines connecting the plurality of sluices to the plurality of outlets for conveying the particulate material in an air stream from the plurality of sluices to the plurality of outlets. The spreader has more than twice as many outlets as sluices, and the plurality of outlets has an innermost outlet, an outermost outlet and at least three other outlets between the innermost outlet and the outermost outlet whereby each of the innermost outlet and the outermost outlet are supplied with half as much of the particulate material as each of the at least three other outlets.

Abstract: A method of treating a pond, lake or other body of water to improve the retention of water includes treating the ground at the bed of the pond with bentonite clay, a super absorbent polymer, a polysaccharide, and a polymer flocculant. The bentonite clay can be granulated #16 Wyoming bentonite clay, the super absorbent polymer can be granulated polyacrylamide, the polysaccharide can be granulated carboxy methyl cellulose, and the polymer flocculant can be a high-performance polymer flocculant, such as 2-Propenoic Acid, polymer with 2-Promenamide, sodium salt 90-100%.

Abstract: An agricultural implement has a product supply chamber, and a pair of transversely extending product delivering booms, each with a plurality of conduits of varying lengths terminating in product distributing nozzles. A fan supplies air to a mixing chamber which also receives product from the supply chamber providing an air entrained flow of product to each conduit. A controller monitors product delivery and controls implement operation. Each conduit has a pressure tap near the nozzle for providing the controller with a pressure differential indication. The controller initiates a corrective action modifying the operation of the delivery system when a predetermined pressure differential threshold is exceeded. The corrective action may include an increased air flow volume, an additional burst of higher pressure air into the conduit, a temporary increase in air flow from the air flow source, or a reduction in the rate of product flow from the supply chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spreading arrangement (10) adapted to be arranged after a combine harvester (1), said spreading arrangement comprises two spreader fans (8), two flow guides (21), and two flow diverting elements (23). An inlet (27) of each one of the two flow guides (21) are arranged in proximity to a respective one of said spreader fans (8), an outlet (28) of said flow guides (21) are provided at a distance from said respective inlets. Each one of said two flow diverting elements (23) are provided at a respective one of said outlets (28) of said guide elements (21) and are adapted to be adjustable between at least a first and a second position. The present invention also relates to a combine harvester (1) being provided with a spreading arrangement (10).

Abstract: An agricultural implement has a product supply chamber, and a pair of transversely extending product delivering booms, each with a plurality of conduits of varying lengths terminating in product distributing nozzles. A fan supplies air to a mixing chamber which also receives product from the supply chamber providing an air entrained flow of product to each conduit. A controller monitors product delivery and controls implement operation. Each conduit has a pressure tap near the nozzle for providing the controller with a pressure differential indication. The controller initiates a corrective action modifying the operation of the delivery system when a predetermined pressure differential threshold is exceeded. The corrective action may include an increased air flow volume, an additional burst of higher pressure air into the conduit, a temporary increase in air flow from the air flow source, or a reduction in the rate of product flow from the supply chamber.

Abstract: An improved particulate metering system is provided. The system includes a flow path having an inlet in communication with an intake and an outlet in communication with a discharge. The flow path receives a first input and a plurality of inputs, each of the plurality of inputs having a separate origin. A mixing area within the flow path comprises a confluence of the first input and one or more of the plurality of inputs. One or more metering controls are in operable communication with the first input and the plurality of inputs for controlling a blend of the plurality of inputs at the confluence.

Abstract: A pneumatic delivery system for particulate agricultural products includes one or more compartment for containing and supplying one or more particulate product. An inductor assembly separately receives and fluidizes the particulate products and conveys the fluidized products to a metering assembly. The metering assembly separately meters each of the product flows and transfers the metered flows to one or more delivery units for applying the products. The pneumatic delivery system can be used on various implements, including planters and applicators for applying seeds, fertilizer, pesticides and other products.

Abstract: A spreader for a harvesting machine includes a pair of counter-rotating spreader units each having an impeller and a fan supported on a common shaft. A plenum routes at least part of the airflow from a first fan to merge with chaff exiting the opposite impeller and at least a part of the airflow from the opposite fan to merge with chaff exiting the impeller on the machine side of the first fan. In one embodiment all airflow from a fan is ducted to an impeller on the opposite side, while a second embodiment commingles airflow from both fans in a plenum from which portions of the mixed airflows is directed to the chaff exiting each impeller exit. In a third, embodiment an established airflow receives chaff from the impeller on the side on which that airflow is generated.

Abstract: A powder distribution device comprises a distribution chamber having a cylindrical shape, a powder introduction pipe extending along a central axis of the distribution chamber and adapted to introduce powder to an inside of the distribution chamber through an introduction port facing the distribution chamber, swirling gas flow generating unit that generates a swirling gas flow flowing about the central axis of the distribution chamber in the distribution chamber, a plurality of powder distribution paths communicating with an outer peripheral surface of the distribution chamber, and a slit formed at a communicating portion between each of the plurality of powder distribution paths and the distribution chamber.

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.

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.

Abstract: Granule distributing apparatus comprises a container (1) having a discharge opening (3) for a product to be distributed and a duct member (6) connected to the discharge opening provides a distribution chamber (64) for the product. The duct member (6) is foldable between working and storage positions. In the working position it projects away from the container (1) and allows products to pass through the discharge opening (3) and along the distribution channel (64). In its storage position the duct member (6) obturates the discharge opening (3) and extends over the top of the container. A locking member (5) is preferably provided which is manipulatable to locate the duct member (6) in the working position and also serves to close an entry end of the distribution channel (64) when the duct member is in the storage position.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying fluidized high temperature finely divided dry material by gravity utilizes a multi-layered, gas permeable gas distributor member comprising (i) an upper layer a flat, rigid gas permeable, porous medium capable of withstanding temperatures up to about 2900° F. through which gas to fluidize the material will pass; (ii) a middle layer comprised of a gas permeable insulation material that maintains its physical integrity when exposed to temperature differentials ranging from about 500° F. to about 2900° F.; and (iii) a lower layer that supports the top and middle layers comprising a substantially flat plate having a plurality of openings therethrough through which fluidizing gas can pass.

Abstract: A dry inoculant dispenser includes a hopper with dry inoculant therein, and a conveyor for carrying dry product to a vertical drop tube. The drop tube is connected to a dispenser tube that will direct the inoculant to the forage material. A flow of air is created in the dispenser tube to carry inoculant therethrough, and a vacuum is created in the drop tube such that dry inoculant within the drop tube is sucked into the dispenser tube and dispensed from the distal end thereof.

Abstract: A dual mode spreader for broadcast spreading and drop spreading material comprising a hopper to hold a supply of spreadable material, first and second discharge openings located within the hopper for which spreadable material can flow therethrough, an impeller mounted in a position below the hopper for rotational movement about an upright axis, wherein the first discharge opening leads to impeller to enable the spreadable material in the hopper to exit therefrom onto the impeller to be distributed in a path outwardly therefrom onto the surface to be treated; and a diffuser defining an inlet opening and an outlet opening, wherein the second discharge opening is in communication with the inlet opening to enable the spreadable material in the hopper to enter the diffuser and exit therefrom through the outlet opening to be distributed in a path downwardly therefrom onto the surface to be treated.

Abstract: A hand-portable spreader blows particles, such as salt or sand, over an outdoor surface to increase friction. The spreader has a grip and accepts an extension cord to power the blower motor. The motor drives a vane impeller mounted in a housing and connected to a nozzle, similar to a leaf blower, but the intake to the impeller is arranged to suck up particles from a storage chamber. The air passes through the particles in the storage area and then through an orifice, where the air stream velocity increases and particles are picked up and levitated up into a conduit that passes to impeller. After passing through the impeller, the particles and air are ejected from a nozzle to scatter the particles over a surface such as a street or sidewalk to melt ice and snow, for use as a friction (anti-slip) agent.

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.

Abstract: A composted waste spreading (distributing) method and apparatus is disclosed. A storage hopper having a floor drag chain is employed to remove the composted material from the bottom of the hopper and push it out of the hopper through an opening. A unidirectional conveyor pushes the composted material into an air supplied airlock. The airlock has a flexible air conduit connected thereto for distributing the composted waste which is entrained into the airstream passing through the airlock under the force of a compressor. The airlock, conveyor and floor chain are driven by hydraulic motors and are either controlled manually or alternatively by an automatic controller.

Abstract: A dispenser for a blown fibrous insulation delivery system which is attached to a fibrous material delivery conduit of the system. The dispenser includes a pipe having a first end which is attachable to the delivery conduit and second end which carries a deflector for compressing a flow of fibrous insulation discharged through the outlet of the pipe and for changing the direction of flow of fibrous insulation compressed thereby. The deflector includes a substantially planar portion disposed at an acute angle with respect to the pipe outlet. The dispenser may also include a second deflector for changing the direction of flow of the compressed fibrous insulation.

Abstract: A pneumatic material spreader for distributing two types of particulate fertilizers at once including an outwardly extending boom having a plurality of pipes, a hopper with plural compartments and conveyor system. The conveyor system comprises two sets of stacked conveyors each set having one conveyor transporting material for one compartment to the pneumatic spray boom and a second conveyor transporting material from a second compartment to the same pneumatic spray boom. Guide ducts receive the material form the conveyors which become mixed as they pass through the separating guide ducts into the pipes and out to an outlet. The hopper is separated into two compartments by a divider wall that is adjustable to permit the relative size of the compartments to be varied.

Abstract: A suspension system for a boom of an agricultural particulate material distribution system comprises an inclined strut extending from the boom upwardly and inwardly to a suspension element at the tank. The suspension element comprises a plate attached to the rear wall of the tank and projecting outwardly to the side of the tank on which is mounted a pivot lever having a lower end attached to the plate and an upper end carrying a swivel for attachment to the strut. A gas bag spring is located in a hole in the plate so as to accommodate shock loads applied to the lever from the boom. A self leveling switch increases and decreases pressure in the gas bag spring to maintain a required orientation of the boom and to move the boom to a raised position for avoiding obstacles and for folding.

Abstract: A quick reacting air spreader apparatus for transporting particulate solids includes an improved vertical auger assembly disposed within a cylindrical auger housing. The auger assembly includes a substantially continuous auger flighting rotatably coupled to a circular shaft and further includes at least one baffle assembly pivotally coupled to either a bottom surface of the flighting or to the circular shaft at predetermined locations selected to provide a desired or required loading on the vertical auger. Upward vertical movement of the particulate solids through the vertical auger open baffle assembly baffles and downward vertical movement of the particulate solids through the vertical auger close baffle assembly baffles thereby blocking further downward vertical movement of any particulate solids remaining above the baffle assemblies.

Abstract: A device for the distribution of liquid or dry particulate material, particularly for agricultural use. The device is adapted to be mounted upon a truck chassis or other device for movement in a direction of travel. The device includes a single hopper which may alternatively receive the liquid or particulate material. A dry feed mechanism is provided to remove the material from the tank to a metering station where the particulate material is subdivided. A plenum chamber is also provided to entrain each subdivision of particulate material for pneumatic conveyance within a distribution tube extending laterally of the direction of travel. The plenum chamber is aerodynamically curved such that the air velocity is substantially lateral upon entering the distribution tubes, increasing the air velocity in the tubes. The distribution tubes have exits which are laterally spaced to provide an even distribution of the particulate material.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus for injecting slurry/liquid into the ground comprising a chassis (11, 12), a plurality of injectors (39) mounted on the chassis for penetrating and delivering slurry into the ground and means (55) mounted on the chassis for feeding the ground injectors from a slurry supply. The feeding means comprises an annular chamber (60) having an axially positioned inlet (68) and a plurality of outlets (62) spaced around the chamber axis and connected to the respective ground injectors (39) and a diametrically extending rotary distribution valve (86) in the chamber having a throughway in communication with the inlet and an outlet orifices (90) which sweep over the chamber outlets with rotation of the valve to deliver a quantity of slurry to each outlet.

Abstract: A distribution system for agricultural chemicals includes a primary auger conveyor that delivers particulates from a common hopper structure. The hopper is provided with primary and secondary particulate compartments. Primary particulate compartment discharges into a first auger conveyor. When a mixture of two particulate components is desired, the second component can be discharged from the secondary hopper compartment by operation of a second conveyor leading to the first. Liquid stored on-board the supporting vehicle can also be discharged into the main auger conveyor to wet the particulates prior to their delivery.

Abstract: A transverse air distribution system for field application of particulates, such as fertilizers, utilizes a plurality of pneumatic delivery tubes. The delivery tubes are arranged in two vertically stacked transverse layers. Air is supplied through a manifold chamber in communication with each layer of tubes. A metered amount of particulates is discharged into vertical chutes leading to the individual delivery tubes by operation of individual rotating metering augers. The number of metering auger outlets corresponds to the number of delivery tubes, assuring that identical amounts of particulate flow will be provided to each delivery tube during operation of the apparatus. A supporting metering housing and delivery tube housing are hinged to the vehicle frame to provide convenient access for repair, modification or cleaning of the metering system.

Abstract: A truck mounted particulate material applicator which entrains metered amounts of the particles in a fluid for conveying the material outwardly along tubes forming boom assemblies. The metering assembly and the booms are mounted in the mid portion of the truck wheel base for minimizing bouncing, and excess shock loads on the booms during travel, and also for providing a centrally located distribution point for the metering assembly. The present device includes a unique manifold for entraining particulate materials such as inorganic fertilizer or grains in fluid flow streams within tubes in which they form the boom assemblies. Each tube carries the metered air entrained material a different distance from the center to cover a wide path. Separate tubes are directed toward the rear of the truck to spread the material in the path of the truck.

Abstract: An improved baffle system for use in combination with a pressurized pneumatic system for distribution of particulate solids upon the soil. The system includes a primary or aspirating baffle disposed generally proximal in the delivery tube, along with secondary baffles disposed along the length of the delivery tubes for increasing the dispersal of the solids within the moving air stream. The baffle arrangements of the present invention enhance uniformity of distribution, particularly at high application rates.

Abstract: An improved system for pneumatic spreader systems for distribution of particulate material upon agricultural fields, and wherein the spreader system employs a number of elongated hollow delivery or discharge booms. The improved feature of the present invention comprises a Venturi which is mounted within each of the booms, with the Venturi being positioned immediately adjacent and upstream from the point at which particulate materials are being fed into the boom. The Venturi includes a throat portion which extends along and across a chordal line of the hollow delivery boom, and in addition includes a blade means which is in generally opposed relationship to the Venturi throat. The blade is angularly positioned within the boom, and in converging relationship with the distal tip of the boom and is arranged to define a substantially rectangular opening between the tip of the blade means and the top surface of the Venturi throat.

Abstract: A pneumatic spreading system for particulate material such as granular fertilizer includes a tank and a pair of booms extending outwardly from the tank for transportation across the ground. A pair of parallel belts lie in the same horizontal plane and carry a metered layers of the material out of one end of the tank adjacent the booms for discharge as a curtain of the material at a discharge end of the belt. The booms each include a plurality of pipes with all of the pipes lying side by side in the same horizontal plane and each pipe including two distribution nozzles forming a split pipe arrangement. A manifold for airflow is positioned between the two booms injecting air into each pipe of both booms. Each pipe includes a feed opening into which the material falls from the discharge end.

Abstract: An improved system for pneumatic spreader systems for selective distribution of particulate material onto agricultural fields from selected ones of a plurality of elongated delivery tubes or booms. The improved feature of the present invention comprises a boom delivery closure device to block flow of particulate material from certain preselected booms through flow-blocking plates disposed at the discharge ports of said delivery tubes. The flow-blocking plates substantially completely block the flow from a preselected one or plurality of delivery tubes, and diverts said flow to a line which normally functions as a feed line when the system is in normal operation, but as a recycling line when the delivery tube output port is in blocked or shut-off disposition.

Abstract: An improved drive system for pneumatic spreader systems for effective distribution of particulate material onto agricultural fields from a plurality of elongated delivery tubes or booms. The improved drive means of the present invention is utilized to power the lift-auger bringing particulate material from the hopper to the distributor head, and is provided with dual operating parameters or modes, the first mode being low-speed high-torque, the second mode being high-speed low-torque. The low-speed high-torque mode is designed to provide power to initially "break-loose" or otherwise activate the rotation of the auger, with the high-rotational speed being utilized for normal operation. The system is designed to automatically convert from the low-speed mode to the high-speed mode after only a short interval of time, such as may be required to complete from between 1 and 3 revolutions of the lift-auger.

Abstract: Device for simultaneously projecting onto plants one or more jets of particles or droplets of a treatment product and a stream of air for facilitating the displacement of the particles or droplets, and comprising a frame carrying substantially vertical slideways along which can slide, on the one hand, a boom carrying a row of atomization means and pressurized air pipes having suitably oriented passages, and on the other hand, separately, a fan feeding the said pipes and connected thereto by a deformable hose, or a connector of adjustable length.

Abstract: An improved system for pneumatic spreader systems for selective distribution of particulate material onto agricultural fields from selected ones of a plurality of elongated delivery tubes or booms. The improved feature of the present invention comprises a means to interrupt flow of particulate material from certain preselected booms without clogging the system. The system includes a means for substantially completely blocking the flow cross-sectional area from a preselected one or plurality of delivery tubes, along with a line which normally functions as a feed line when the system is in normal operation, but as a recycling line when the delivery tube is in blocked or shut-off disposition. The arrangement provides a means for converting a twin-boom arrangement to a single-boom arrangement for accommodating unusual operation such as less-than-a-full boom width when undertaking the final run of a field application.

Abstract: A chaff spreader for attachment to a combine includes a pair of spaced circular mounting rings, each having a fan rotatably mounted therein. An elongated drive shaft extends between the fans and is connected to a belt and pulled drive system for rotating the fans. A semi-cylindrical shroud is secured between the mounting rings and partially surrounds the fans. An open side wall portion of the shroud is directed forwardly toward the sieve of the combine for inducting chaff through the fans and laterally outwardly from the combine. The belt and pulley drive system is connected to a pulley on a straw chopper section of the combine. In a second embodiment, a generator driven light is mounted on the combine, adjacent the fans to serve as a warning to indicate fan rotation. The shaft spreader collects chaff through a suction effect created by the fans and spreads chaff evenly across the width of the cut, eliminating the toxic effect to seedlings growing through a concentration of chaff residue.

Abstract: An improved water rinse system for cleaning pneumatic spreaders used for selective distribution of particulate material onto agricultural fields from selected ones of a plurality of elongated booms. The improved feature of the present invention comprises a means to apply a water rinse to the entire system and to the booms for cleaning the system. The system includes a means for introducing a flow of water to the top of the distribution head for ultimate transfer through the entire system.

Abstract: A liquid pesticide attachment for a granular material applicator for agricultural use which provides for injecting a metered amount of the liquid pesticide into an air stream containing a metered amount of granular material to be distributed, and having the material travel together to be deposited onto the ground. With any air distribution system for inorganic particulate material, a mixture of air and the particulate material is carried in a conduit, and a metering device is attached to provide for adding of the liquid material into the air-particulate material as it is being conveyed.

Abstract: A pneumatic distribution system for particulate material includes a tank and a plurality of pipes extending outwardly from the tank to respective sides thereof. Each of the pipes forms part of the duct from a metering system and carries the particular material in an air stream to a spreader nozzle at the end of the pipe. At a position before the end of the pipe, and extraction nozzle is mounted in the pipe formed by a curved plate having a leading edge transversed to the pipe with a curved plate mounted in an opening in the pipe so as to extract the material and direct it outwardly onto a guide plate which forms a spread pattern.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spraying powder material from a plurality of nozzles. A powder material feed control section and a manifold section provide a uniform flow rate and uniform density pattern for a powder material feed stream sprayed from a plurality of nozzles.

Abstract: A truck mounted particulate material applicator which entrains metered amounts of the particles in a fluid for conveying the material outwardly along tubes forming boom assemblies. The metering assembly and the booms are mounted in the mid portion of the truck wheel base for minimizing bouncing, and excess shock loads on the booms during travel, and also for providing a centrally located distribution point for the metering assembly. The present device includes a unique manifold for entraining particulate materials such as inorganic fertilizer or grains in fluid flow streams within tubes in which they form the boom assemblies. Each tube carries the metered air entrained material a different distance from the center to cover a wide path. Separate tubes are directed toward the rear of the truck to spread the material in the path of the truck.

Abstract: Spreading apparatus for attachment to a vehicle for distributing granular materials such as fertilizer and the like, using air as the distributing medium. The spreading apparatus includes a rear-mounted boom and an air system in which the material distribution passageways are substantially straight from the discharge of the fans to the point of material introduction to the discharge nozzles along the boom. This is achieved by the use of two blowers that move air in opposite directions through a cross-over tube array into which the already-divided material is introduced into individual air passageways leading to the discharge nozzles mounted along the boom. The boom itself is designed so that it can be quickly and easily folded and pivoted for storage or transport.

Abstract: An air fertilizer spreader mounted on a truck chassis, the truck chassis carrying a granular or pulverized fertilizer application machine. Right and left booms swing from a midship position between a truck cab and fertilizer box back towards the rear of the truck chassis. Each boom includes a plurality of boom tubes with deflectors. Rear boom tubes are also provided at the rear of the truck chassis. A screw conveyor carries fertilizer from the fertilizer transport box to an area forward of the fertilizer transport box where the fertilizer falls into opposing metering assemblies for the right and left boom. Air, acting through particle accelerators carries the fertilizer from the metering assembly to the entrance of the boom tubes, and a second particle accelerator provides additional air flow to carry the fertilizer down the length of each of the boom tubes to the point of discharge.

Abstract: Apparatus for spreading chaff includes brackets for mounting the apparatus beneath and rearwardly of the cleaning shoe of a combine or other grain threshing machine and separately of any straw chopping and spreading apparatus provided adjacent the straw discharge opening. The apparatus comprises a pair of fans rotatable in a horizontal plane above a base plate and upstanding walls defining housings around the fans and discharge nozzles extending to the sides of the apparatus to discharge the chaff from each fan in a sideward direction and to substantially prevent discharge of chaff rearwardly of the apparatus.

Abstract: A pneumatic distributing device which can be used for broadcasting particulate fertilizer, herbicide or the like includes a tank, a slot across the tank with a metering roller in the slot for metering the particulate material into a number of receptacles arranged along the slot. A first venturi at the bottom of the receptacle transports the material in the receptacle through a first portion of the duct to a junction provided by a second venturi and a second duct. The second duct extends outwardly along a boom with a number of such ducts arranged in a vertically stacked arrangement which is selfsupporting. The second ducts incline slightly downwardly and are straight from the feed end to an open mouth at the outer end. A deflector attached to the open mouth has a first and then a second surface for spreading and then deflecting the material from the open mouth to the ground with the spread taking place along the length of the boom.

Abstract: A pneumatic spreader for the distribution of materials and a flow distributor for same are disclosed. The spreader includes a distribution chamber having multiple compartments with a gas inlet and material outlet defining a venturi in each of the compartments. The materials are discharged from the distribution chamber and its compartments through first conduits coupled to the respective material outlets and a plurality of second conduits communicating with each of the first conduits for receiving the materials and discharging them to the ground. A flow distributor adjacent the juncture of the first and second conduits equally divides the materials in the first conduit between the second conduits. The flow distributor includes a substantially circular plate having a plurality of openings which communicate to the second conduits and a substantially conical deflector which is adjustable both linearly and is eccentrically rotatable for adjusting the flow between the plate openings.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for distributing a substance (18) from a container (16) among a plurality of delivery channels (22) is disclosed. Apparatus (10) includes an auger (20) for moving a stream of substance (18) upwardly for outward centrifugal deflection by paddles (44) into a plurality of distributor pockets (60). Substance (18) which impacts and is retained in distributor pocket areas falls gravitationally into delivery tubes (22) for subsequent movement by pressurized air to outputs (26).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for distributing a substance (18) from a container (16) among a plurality of delivery channels (22) is disclosed. Apparatus (10) includes an auger (20) for moving a stream of substance (18) upwardly for outward centrifugal deflection by paddles (44) into a plurality of distributor pockets (60). Substance (18) which impacts and is retained in distributor pocket areas falls gravitationally into delivery tubes (22) for subsequent movement by pressurized air to outputs (26).

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in air seeders, namely agricultural implements which utilize air pressure to move particulate material such as seeds from a feed zone to a dispersal or planting zone. The particulate material is normally fed from a hopper by a driven feed wheel or other similar mechanism. The invention provides a pressure pick-up at the source of air pressure, a conduit connecting the pick-up with a pneumatic actuator and a suitable linkage connecting the actuator with a clutch which is used to transmit drive power to the feed wheel. As long as there is sufficient pressure at the source the actuator will keep the clutch positioned to permit the feed wheel to operate. Should the pressure source fail the actuator will operate the clutch to stop transmitting power to the feed wheel and thus terminate the feeding of material which would otherwise clog the delivery conduits of the seeder.