Abstract: An aggregate spreader having a container, a mounting flange, and a spreading assembly is provided. The container has an aggregate receiving cavity. The mounting flange extends from the container to removably connect the container to a stick of a tractor so that the container is movable by a hydraulic cylinder of the tractor between a spreading position and a loading position. The spreading assembly spreads aggregate disposable in the aggregate receiving cavity.

Abstract: An improved spreader assembly adapted to be mounted on a vehicle having a tailgate and a bumper. The improved spreader assembly includes a hopper and a retaining arrangement. The hopper has an upper section and a bottom section. The bottom section has a base surface adapted to at least partially rest on a top surface of the bumper. The retaining arrangement includes a band that fits at least about a portion of a front face of the upper section of the hopper. One end of the band is adapted to connect to the vehicle to maintain at least a portion of a back face of the upper section at least closely adjacent to the tailgate of the vehicle.

Abstract: A spreader assembly is adapted to be mounted on a vehicle having a tailgate and a bumper. The spreader includes a hopper having an upper section and a bottom section, the bottom section having a lower material discharge chamber terminating in a lower discharge opening; a broadcast spreader positioned beneath said discharge opening; and a spill plate to at least partially regulate the flow of particulate material through the discharge opening.

Abstract: The invention comprises a towable trailer having a first frame and a bin, conveyor, and spinners mounted on a second frame. The bin carries materials which are conveyed by the conveyor to the spinners at the rear of the bin which spin and spread the material on the ground as the trailer is towed along the ground. The trailer is towed by a powered vehicle. A remote control device has an electrical connection to the mechanism on the trailer for operating the conveyor and spinners. The remote control device can be mounted on the trailer and operated or by cable from equipment or mechanism on the trailer to the remote control device, the remote control device may be operated on the control panel of the powered vehicle.

Abstract: A granular material spreader for a mower or other apparatus, including a support column, having a support plate attached to it's bottom, for supporting the spreader thereon, the spreader being mounted to the shaft of the motor which when energized, turns the spreader for usage. A bracket attaching to the support column supports the hopper, into which granular material may be deposited, the bottom of the hopper includes a series of apertures, and a control plate pivotally mounted to the underside of the hopper bottom, and which when pivoted, provides for a full or partial opening of the flow apertures in the hopper bottom, or their closure, as when granular material dispensing and spreading is curtailed. A pivot lever mounts onto a plate, further supported by the support column, the lever is pivoted through energization of the solenoid, to initiate the dispensing, or not, of the granular material.

Abstract: A crop residue spreader for an agricultural combine including a unique support element which is an elongate tube, including a center portion and a pair of legs extending outwardly in opposite directions from the center portion, each of the legs including an end portion opposite the center portion and an intermediate portion. The end portions include pivot elements coaxially aligned about a pivotal axis for pivotal connection to a rear end of the combine for movement between spreading and non-spreading positions. The intermediate portions include mounting elements for supporting rotatable crop accelerators in side-by-side relation, and the center portion includes at least one mount for mounting a pair of crop residue deflectors in cantilever relation to the tube and extending partially around the crop residue accelerators, respectively. The tube can also include mounts or supports for holding a shield in desired relation to the crop residue accelerators.

Abstract: An agricultural particulate material delivery system for delivering metered agricultural particulate material to a growing medium includes first and second compartments adapted to contain different agricultural particulate materials, a material meter having an interior and a flow switching mechanism between the first and second compartments and the meter. The flow switching mechanism is actuatable between a first position in which the flow switching mechanism supplies material from the first compartment to the interior of the meter, a second position in which the flow switching mechanism supplies material from the second compartment to the interior of the meter and a third position in which the flow switching mechanism stops the supply of material from both the first and second compartments to the interior of the meter.

Abstract: A particulate material spreader includes an adjustable spinner apparatus which is incrementally adjustable forwardly and rearwardly to a plurality of operating positions relative to the discharge end of the material conveyor. The adjustment may be manual or automatic to adjust the drop point of the material onto the spinners, thereby accommodating varying application rates of the particulate material on a field, lawn, road, or other area. The spreader may be operatively connected to a microprocessor to receive data input and sensor feedback for variable rate technology.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for dispensing aggregates for lawn improvement. Aggregates are delivered to the site in a primary dispensing vehicle, which is configured to allow a smaller secondary dispensing vehicle to be loaded with the aggregate directly from the primary vehicle. The process includes aerating the soil, distributing a variety of soil amendments evenly over the area to be treated and then dragging a unique drag mat over the area to make a smooth contour and to even the distribution of the aggregate.

Abstract: A top dresser (10) includes a spinner assembly (40) removably connected by clips (44) to a cross beam (20) of the frame (12) mounting a hopper (30). The first and second sides (36) of the hopper (30) slope downwardly and inwardly to a conveyor (140) formed by sheeting (70) in the form of an endless belt having a relatively smooth outer surface. The valve (84) for the hydraulic motor (164) of the conveyor (140) is in series downstream of the valve (78) for the hydraulic motors (56) for the spinners (54) of the spinner assembly (40). Thus, it is not possible to mistakenly run the conveyor (140) without the spinners (54) operating. Therefore, the top dresser (10) is able to spread extremely minimal amounts of material evenly and without clumping or bunching.

Abstract: Various instruments are provided to the structural chassis of a riding or standing mower, in order to accessorize various equipment that may be applied thereto, or readily removed, as required. These include tubular mounting brackets, that may secure, normally, permanently to the structural framework of the chassis, and accept the mounting thereto of the framework of any accessory, when installed in preparation for usage, or quickly removed, when no longer required. In addition, this invention provides mechanism for controlling the operations of the pivotal gate used in conjunction with, more specifically, a fertilizer spreader, and electrifies its functioning, so that the spreader can be initiated and applied through the application of a single ignition switch, which may be operated by the hand, or ever as a foot lever, to commence the operations of the spreader, or to immediately shut it off, as required by the operator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying a truck with a fifth wheel to carry a device, such as a sander. A mounting structure is provided having a pair of spaced-apart brackets, each of which includes a pair of mounting plates secured to opposing end portions of a girder. A pair of bars are secured between the girders to form a substantially rectangular frame that extends around and above the fifth wheel. Upper surfaces of the bars are disposed above the fifth wheel. The device is supported on the upper surfaces of the mounting structure, above the fifth wheel.

Abstract: An agricultural particulate material delivery system for delivering metered agricultural particulate material to a growing medium includes first and second compartments adapted to contain different agricultural particulate materials, a material meter having an interior and a flow switching mechanism between the first and second compartments and the meter. The flow switching mechanism is actuatable between a first position in which the flow switching mechanism supplies material from the first compartment to the interior of the meter, a second position in which the flow switching mechanism supplies material from the second compartment to the interior of the meter and a third position in which the flow switching mechanism stops the supply of material from both the first and second compartments to the interior of the meter.

Abstract: A top dresser (10) includes a spinner assembly (40) removably connected by clips (44) to a cross beam (20) of the frame (12) mounting a hopper (30). The first and second sides (36) of the hopper (30) slope downwardly and inwardly to a conveyor (140) formed by sheeting (70) in the form of an endless belt having a relatively smooth outer surface. The valve (84) for the hydraulic motor (164) of the conveyor (140) is in series downstream of the valve (78) for the hydraulic motors (56) for the spinners (54) of the spinner assembly (40). Thus, it is not possible to mistakenly run the conveyor (140) without the spinners (54) operating. Therefore, the top dresser (10) is able to spread extremely minimal amounts of material evenly and without clumping or bunching.

Abstract: A spreader assembly for spreading materials such as, for example, salt seed or fertilizer. The spreader assembly includes a motor and transmission drive assembly which is mounted outside of the hopper to protect the motor and drive assembly from corrosive materials in the hopper. The transmission motor assembly allows a small motor with high revolutions per minute to be used and still supply the necessary torque needed to properly spread material. The spreader assembly also includes a modular mounting frame system which allows the frame to be mounted to vehicles of different sizes. The frame allows pivoting of the spreader about one axis and latching to a latching bar to secure the spreader assembly in the latched position. Rail mounting brackets are disclosed which permit mounting of the frame to the bed rails of a vehicle without the need to drill holes in to the bed rail.

Abstract: A spreader for granular material such as sand comprises a trailer adapted to be pulled behind a vehicle such as a tractor or other utility vehicle. A frusto-conical bin forms a hopper for a granular material to be dispensed and directs the material into a spreader housing where the material is impelled outwardly through a discharge opening by a rotating impeller. The impeller and an orbital rotating bin sweep arm are driven by coaxial drive shafts via a belt and pulley mechanism. A frictional tire engages the upper rim of the bin and propels the sweep arm in an orbital path. The material discharge rate and discharge pattern are controllable by a slide gate and interchangeable cover plates which vary the size of the discharge opening. The impeller and bin sweep assembly may be driven by an internal motor or from the towing vehicle by a power take-off drive.

Abstract: An elongated particulate material spreader hopper is provided for detachable mounting on the back end of a conventional sand/salt hopper truck to allow its use in summer for spreading of gravel and other particulate material in road building and resurfacing applications. Hydraulically powered screw conveyors are provided to distribute the material evenly across the full width of the spreader approximating a driving lane on a major highway. Doors or gates are provided to control the amount and width of the discharge of particulate material to the highway surface.

Abstract: A spreader for granular and/or powdery material such as fertilizer comprises a hopper having two delivery parts. Distribution members are provided under the delivery parts for broadcasting material fed to them from the hopper. The distribution members are mounted on a carrier rigidly supported by the hopper. This construction results in a fixed position of the distribution member with respect to the delivery parts, regardless of deflections which may occur as a result of the weight of material in the hopper. The distribution members may be driven by a mechanical transmission from a power take-off shaft of a tractor, or by a hydraulic motor. The mechanical transmission includes a horizontal shaft connected to two vertical shafts for rotating the distribution members via bevel gears and is contained in a hollow tube with gear boxes on either end which maintain the axes and levels of the vertical shafts and distribution members in fixed relative positions.

Abstract: A device for spreading granular and/or powdery material comprising a hopper for material to be supported and at least two distributing members rotated in opposite directions about vertical rotary axes, material feeding means provided between the hopper and distributing members for feeding material from the hopper to the distributing members so that each of the two distributing members receives the material eccentrically with respect to its rotary axis; the distributing members having such shape and being drivable in a manner, and the feeding means being constructed and disposed whereby in operation material is supplied to the distributing members so that each spreads material across a sector which substantially coincides with the sector across which the other distributing member spreads material. With such a device the material is advantageously spread uniformly and different materials may be spread in the same manner without the need for readjusting various members of the device.

Abstract: The machine comprises a hopper supported on a frame, having a horizontal portion supporting a centrifugal spreader below the hopper and an upright portion, upwardly supporting a U-shaped element and laterally supporting wings. The U-shaped element is connected to the hopper and the wings are rigidly associated with upwardly inclined arms which are in turn externally connected to the hopper at diametrically opposite points defined thereon. A pre-mixer is arranged inside the hopper, and a reinforcement element is located above the pre-mixer inside the hopper. The reinforcement element is rigidly associated with end plates which are connected to the diametrically opposite points at the inside of the hopper.

Abstract: A support arm has an inner section connected to the three-point hitch of a tractor and an outer section positioned at the side of the tractor carrying a spreader which can spread ground over which the tractor cannot be driven. The spreader may be raised or lowered to reach ditches, side slopes or terraces. A support arm may be converted into a tongue for pulling the spreader behind the tractor when a cart is provided at the outer end, and a hitch is provided on the inner end for being connected to the draw bar of a tractor.

Abstract: A spreader for granular and/or powdery material such as fertilizer comprises a hopper having two delivery parts. Distribution members are provided under the delivery parts for broadcasting material fed to them from the hopper. The distribution members are mounted on a carrier rigidly supported by the hopper. This construction results in a fixed position of the distribution members (3, 4) with respect to the delivery parts, regardless of deflections which may occur as a result of the weight of material in the hopper. The distribution members may be driven by a mechanical transmission from a power take-off shaft of a tractor, or by a hydraulic motor.

Abstract: A spreader comprises four spreader members which, in operation, all spread material over substantially the same sector at the same time. The two central spreader members are lower than the two outer spreader members to avoid collisions between particles ejected from the different members. The hopper has four discharge funnels, each provided with a discharge outlet, the aperture size of which is controlled by a doser member. All of the doser members are rigidly connected together so that they move in unison and open each outlet opening initially in its central part considered in a direction transverse to the spreader's usual direction of travel. The hopper is very large, having a width of between two hundred sixty and three hundred centimeters.

Abstract: A concrete bucket assembly which is rigidly mounted for vertical, tilting, and rotational movement to a forklift vehicle. The concrete bucket is provided with upper and lower ball and socket assemblies. The lower ball and socket assembly secures the bucket to the extending fork of the vertically movable frame of the forklift truck. The upper ball and socket assembly secures the bucket, at the top thereof, to an arm which extends from and is pivotally secured to the vertically movable frame of the forklift vehicle. The hydraulic system of the vehicle is used to move a closure member at the funnel-shaped bottom of the bucket and to also control movement of a chute at the bottom of the bucket.

Abstract: A combined drop and broadcast spreader for granular material is mountable on the implement of a front end loader. The spreader includes a hopper containing a plurality of discharge openings in the bottom. A rotatable impeller in the bottom forces the granular material from the openings during drop spreadings. A rotatable broadcast disc is coupled to the rear wall of the hopper for discharging granular material in an arc-like pattern. The hopper includes a hole with an auger supplying and metering granular material from the hopper to the broadcast disc. An auger-like agitator moves the granular material in the hopper to the hole.

Abstract: Upwardly diverging, transversely opposed barrels at the rear of the vehicle are supported on a transversely swingable discharge assembly. The barrels have blowers at their lower ends and receive metered amounts of particulates from a hopper through a metering device controlled by the speed of the vehicle on which the swingable discharge assembly is mounted. The assembly is so weighted that it remains upright. Split spouts on the ends of the barrels control the distribution and nozzles wet the emerging particulates. A gate selectively blocks metering of particulates to one barrel.

Abstract: A mine dusting machine comprising a specialized hopper or scoop bucket having a floor, sides and ends and adapted for carrying substantially free-flowing particulate material, a powered ram on the hopper for pushing the material therein toward the front end thereof, a powered conveyor mounted within the hopper adjacent the front end for transporting the material toward opposite sides of the hopper, separate flingers mounted on the front end at least adjacent each of the sides and adapted to receive the material transported thereto by the conveyor, each of the flingers means having at least one rotatable blade for dispersing the material with considerable force in a generally arcuate pattern.

Abstract: A compost spreader has a hopper mounted on a turntable so that the hopper may be rotated lengthwise to go through gates but crosswise when spreading the compost. The frame of the spreader telescopes so as to accommodate the length of the hopper when the hopper is turned lengthwise. After the spreader has gone through the gate and the hopper turned crosswise, then the frame is shortened or collapsed. The compost is distributed from the hopper by an endless belt at the bottom of the hopper.

Abstract: A spreader comprises a hopper having two delivery parts. At the bottom of each delivery part there is a delivery member having an outwardly and upwardly inclined wall in which are which outlet ports. The bottom of the delivery member is closed by a distribution member. The inclined position of the wall of the delivery member in which the outlet ports are provided enables high rates of flow of material from the hopper to be achieved.

Abstract: A container for material such as fertilizer or seeds which delivers same to an underlying distributing device is mounted on a tractor so that the weight of the container and associated equipment is indicated to the operator of the tractor whereby the amount of material remaining in the container is specifically indicated. The weighing apparatus includes a spring, pointer and scale incorporated in the supporting structure extending from the tractor for the container and associated equipment and the pointer and scale may be interconnected to the spring and mounted on the tractor for the convenience of the operator. In one embodiment the spring is a tension spring at the top of the supporting structure and in another embodiment it is a compression spring near the bottom of the supporting structure. Instead of a spring, the weight may be indicated by hydraulic pressure in a hydraulic system for the supporting structure.

Abstract: A mobile spreader unit comprises a tractor and a detachable hopper. The latter is defined by tapering front and rear walls and has a breadth permitting it to fit in between the rear wheels of the tractor. There is an elongate spreader opening in the bottom of the hopper, and an agitator adjacent to the mechanism driven by a roller to be brought into contact with one of the rear wheels of the tractor. Pivots at the front wall of the hopper are attachable to brackets at the tractor, and are located so the point of gravity of the hopper tends to tilt it away from the tractor. In its furthermost tilted position the rear wall will be substantially parallel to the ground, and the hopper may then be used to scoop up particulate material to be spread. A pressure fluid actuator raises the hopper to an upright position, in which finally the roller contacts the rear wheel of the tractor and drives the agitator.

Abstract: An agricultural device for spreading granular or powdery material or both, particularly fertilizer, which has at least one distribution member that rotates about a vertical axis. A hopper has a dosing member which is disposed over the distribution member at its axis for feeding material to be spread around such axis whereby it is thrown from the distribution member by centrifugal force. At least one screen plate for deflecting the material so thrown is spaced outwardly from the circumference of the distribution member and is entirely located on one side of a plane which passes through the axis of the distribution member and is disposed at a right angle to the intended direction of operative travel of the device. The screening plate deflects the material impinging thereon vertically downwardly whereby the desired uniform characteristics are achieved in the distribution pattern of the material being spread.

Abstract: A mounting device for mounting a spreading machine on a tractor. The device (FIG. 2; a front view) comprises an upright frame 2 outfitted with linkages for connection to the tractor and the spreader and a hydraulic system 20 for adjusting the elevation of the spreader on the mounting device for mid-season spreading of fertilizer. The construction is such that an open area 6 is provided to accommodate pivoting of a drive shaft 8 extending from the power take-off of the tractor to the spreader when the spreader is elevated.

Abstract: A spreader which is for fertilizer or seed is adapted to be carried by a three-point hitch of a tractor, the spreader having two side-by-side hopper portions, each hopper portion having eight triangular-shaped wall parts terminating in a circular flat part through which the shaft of an underlying ejector disc distributor extends and connects to an agitator which is rotated in each hopper portion. A variable sized opening is provided in each flat part and such openings are commonly controlled by a lever at the front of the spreader within reach of the tractor's operator. Each hopper portion is funnel shaped and centrally under the spreader between such funnel shaped portions a transmission is mounted on the frame of the spreader, such transmission being in a casing which is adapted to receive, via a shaft extending therefrom, the power take-off shaft of a tractor.

Abstract: A spray device is disclosed that is mountable to a truck for movement therewith along a roadway for the purpose of spraying seeds, fertilizer or other solids or liquids onto the roadside. The device includes pivotably interconnected frames that permit pivotal movement of the device about horizontal and vertical axes. The frames releasably mount a portable blower and spray discharge mechanism at their opposite longitudinal ends. A duct interconnects the blower and spray discharge. It provides air for driving a spray discharge mechanism to eject a spray outwardly at a selected trajectory along a roadside area. Various modifications are shown for adapting the structure to spray a liquid mist or for spraying seeds or fertilizer along a roadside area. The device makes use of a portable blower that can be mounted to the frame or removed therefrom without modification.

Abstract: A driving unit supported by a frame for an oscillating spreading pipe of a device for distributing material, for example, fertilizer, said unit mainly comprising a drivable fly-wheel, a holder for the spreading pipe to be oscillated by the fly-wheel through a coupling element eccentrically journalled in said fly-wheel and a dosing mechanism arranged above said holder, wherein a part of the frame thereof extends in dish-shaped fashion on either side of the driving unit, said dish-shaped frame portion not only serves as a protective member during transport, but also operates as a stiffening part.

Abstract: A machine for spreading material in granular and powder form which comprises a hopper-shaped supply container and a distributing mechanism receptive of material from the container for spreading same during movement of the machine. The container has inwardly and downwardly extending walls, wherein the upper edge of the rear container wall, when the machine is in the loading position and untilted, has a distance from the ground which is smaller than the minimum distance from the ground to the edge of a dump body of a transport vehicle when the dump body is in the tilted position. The front container wall and the side container walls each include an upwardly extending prolongation connected thereto. The prolongations of the side container walls adjoin the prolongation of the front container wall.

Abstract: A machine for broadcasting material over the ground having booms (15) which carry flexible distributing conduits (10), and extend laterally outwardly from the centrally disposed hopper (2) for broadcasting of the material, and are folded up, about horizontal pivot axes (19), against the hopper for transport of the machine over e.g., roads. Each boom includes an inner boom member (17) and an outer boom member (18) which are pivotally connected at an axis (22) so that the outer boom member can be folded into alignment with the inner boom member in the direction of travel (16). By this construction the width required for the booms when in the transport condition is reduced.

Abstract: A tractor-mounted broadcaster or spreader for granular materials includes a rotary spreader disc and an adjustable gate valve means above the disc and at the outlet of the material hopper. A power cylinder attached to a special support on the hopper operates a rocker arm which in turn is connected with a push-pull cable operatively connected with the movable gate valve element. By this means, the tractor operator inside of the tractor cab can remotely control the discharge of material on to the broadcasting or spreader disc with precision.