Abstract: A distribution tower comprising an upright conduit for pneumatically conveying particulate material in a primary stream. The tower additionally includes a distribution head at the upper end of the conduit, with the distribution head comprising a plenum chamber for receiving the primary stream of particulate material from the conduit. The distribution head further comprises a plurality of discharge outlets for directing particulate material out of the plenum chamber by splitting the primary stream into a plurality of secondary streams. Each of the secondary streams is discharged from the distribution head via one of the discharge outlets. The tower additionally includes a flow adjustment system configured to adjust a distribution of particulate material between the secondary streams without completely restricting the flow of any of the secondary streams through their respective discharge outlet. The tower further includes a control system for controlling operation of said flow adjustment system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an articulated safety hitch which is a more secure and flexible replacement for the conventional hitch and ball towing systems long used in light to heavy duty towing, thus improving safety, longevity, strength, serviceability, and ease of manufacture. Instead of a single ball typically used in conventional hitch and ball towing systems, the inventive articulated safety hitch can move in all directions with wide bearing separation and without binding up or slipping off. In addition, the inventive articulated safety hitch is simple to build and uses readily available, off-the-shelf components as wearable items, such as existing trailer tongues and ball coupler designs.

Abstract: A spreader for broadcasting granular or particulate material over a surface includes a dual rotor configuration, a material deflection system, and a portable electronic device holder. The material deflection system includes components for deflecting material broadcasted by each of the rotors. The spreader includes a walking speed indicator to inform the user whether the current speed is too fast, too slow, or within an acceptable reference range.

Abstract: A distribution machine, in the form of a spreader or a seed drill, includes a container carried by a support frame for receiving pulverent or particulate material to be distributed. An outlet opening is arranged on a floor of the container. A metering member is arranged downstream of the outlet opening. A ground distribution member is arranged downstream of the metering member. A displaceable part, such as a metering slide of the metering member or a device, adjusts the delivery point of the material to be distributed onto the distribution member. The displaceable part is operatively connected to, and actuated by, an output shaft of an electromotive rotary drive, a servomotor or a transmission output shaft of a transmission, arranged downstream of the electromotive rotary drive such that the exclusively rotational movement of the output shaft or of the transmission output shaft is transmissible to the displaceable part.

Abstract: A removably affixable universal planting drill that can be fastened to existing soil conditioning equipment, thereby simultaneously conditioning the soil and planting seeds, without the need for replacing existing cultivation devices.

Abstract: A spread control assembly is provided that includes a spread control mechanism and a shut-off adjustment plate attached to a particulate dispersing apparatus. The shut-off adjustment plate includes multiple exit openings that facilitate the dispersing of particulate material. The spread control mechanism pivotally attaches to the shut-off adjustment plate and includes multiple paddles configured to cover at least one of the exit openings in the shut-off adjustment plate when the spread control mechanism is in an activated position.

Abstract: A broadcast spreader includes a directional control assembly that defines a pathway for granular material from a hopper through a discharge port and onto a rotating fan. The directional control assembly includes a first plate that is secured to and adapted for slidable movement with respect to the hopper. The first plate defines an opening therethrough that is substantially in registry with but smaller than the discharge port, thus serving to define a pathway for the granular material from the hopper through the discharge port and onto the fan. The directional control assembly further includes a second plate secured to and adapted for slidable movement with respect to the hopper and the first plate. Movement of the second plate relative to the first plate selectively opens or closes the pathway for the granular material from the hopper through the discharge port and onto the fan.

Abstract: A spreader assembly may include a hopper, a spinner plate and an aperture adjustment mechanism. The aperture adjustment mechanism may include a gate supported to the frame and defining an aperture through which material travels on its way to the spinner plate; and, a motor suitable to adjust the size of the aperture and thereby to control the flow of the material onto the spinner plate.

Abstract: A work vehicle having a fluent material spreader comprising two counter-rotating variable speed impellers adapted to receive and broadcast fluent material. A right-side impeller broadcasts out to a right-side material broadcast width, and left-side impeller broadcasts out to a left-side material broadcast width. Rotational speed of the right-side impeller is commanded to achieve a desired a right-side material broadcast width, and rotational speed of the left-side impeller is commanded to achieve a desired a left-side material broadcast width. Command of the right-side and left-side impellers is achieved either manually by and operator, or automatically by a control system based on sensor input.

Abstract: A spreader accessory mountable below the extension rack of an ATV. In another aspect, an improved spreader mechanism that automatically starts and stops the feed of material from a storage container in conjunction with the distribution of material therefrom.

Abstract: A material handling device for a vehicle includes a receiving portion for receiving material, a material moving system operable to move material along the receiving portion, a material processing device attachable at a rear of the receiving portion, and a power source. The receiving portion is configured to fit at a vehicle bed, and is removably positioned at a vehicle bed. The material handling device may be movably supported at a support surface to ease installation and removal of said material handling device at the vehicle. The material processing device is operable to dispense material from within the receiving portion to a location external the receiving portion and/or collect material from a location external the receiving portion and dispense the collected material into the receiving portion. The power source may provide power to the material processing device and/or the material moving device.

Abstract: Adjustable discharge apparatus include a first conduit apparatus with a first conduit section extending along an arcuate path about a pivot axis. A second conduit apparatus is pivotally mounted about the pivot axis in a telescoping relationship with the first conduit apparatus. Adjustable discharge apparatus kits are also provided with a first conduit apparatus, a second conduit apparatus and a third conduit apparatus. The second and third conduit apparatus of the kit are for selective mounting to the first conduit apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a broadcast apparatus of the type used in association with a material transporter and includes two components in the form of a chassis section which carries spinner units and a hopper section for directing material received from the transporter into the spinner units. The two components are constructed for easy attachment to permit ready separation and re-connection whereby hopper sections which direct the material differently into the spinner units can be quickly substituted and further the attachments parts of the two components permit positioning of the components in different relationships. The spinner units have material engaging blades, the positioning of which on the spinner discs can be varied to affect the engagement of the blades with the material. The ability to accomplish a variety of operating parameters enables the broadcast apparatus to evenly distribute on the ground surface materials of a significantly different characteristics.

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: An apparatus and system, preferably mounted on a service vehicle, provides synchronized application of fluid materials, either solid or liquid, to a vehicle travel surface in proportional amounts or spatially distributed proportions in response to user defined requirements and/or operation of a vehicle mounted component in response to conditions encountered in real time. A first embodiment is a vehicle mounted apparatus and system for coordinated application of a plurality of materials to a surface simultaneously and in desired proportions and/or widths automatically and/or selectively. A second embodiment includes a granular material distribution device and includes a plurality of liquid spray headers and pumping means.

Abstract: Adjustable discharge apparatus include a first conduit apparatus with a first conduit section extending along an arcuate path about a pivot axis. A second conduit apparatus is pivotally mounted about the pivot axis in a telescoping relationship with the first conduit apparatus. Adjustable discharge apparatus kits are also provided with a first conduit apparatus, a second conduit apparatus and a third conduit apparatus. The second and third conduit apparatus of the kit are for selective mounting to the first conduit apparatus.

Abstract: An agricultural spreader (100) includes material storage means (1) for storing agricultural material (2), at least one material spreading means (4) to spread the agricultural material (2) onto a surface (20) below the agricultural spreader (100) and variable speed material conveying means (3) for conveying the agricultural material (2) from the material storage means (1) to the material spreading means (4). The spreader (100) further includes an inclinometer means (7) for measuring a pitch of the agricultural spreader (100) relative to a horizontal plane and control means (6) adapted to vary the speed of the variable speed material conveyor means (3) in response to at least one input, at least one of which is an output (8) from the inclinometer means (7), in order to provide a required supply rate of agricultural material (2) to the material spreading means (4). In an alternative embodiment the control means (6) controls the area of an aperture (11) of a metering means (10).

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 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 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: Methods and apparatus are provided for dispensing chemical material, and in particular, granular, agricultural material, from a moving device driven over terrain to be treated with the material. A metering system for dispersing the material includes on apertured metering disk positioned above a rotatable impeller. The apertured disk meters material from a product container, by gravity feed, onto the impeller below at a rate proportional to the linear speed at which the apparatus is driven to dispense material at a uniform density over the terrain. The metering disk is a component of a product container which is removably mounted to the device. The impeller rotates at a constant speed to disperse the deposited material at a uniform distance from the apparatus, and the position on which the material is deposited on the impeller is adjustable.

Abstract: A broadcast spreader with a movable deflector is disclosed. The spreader distributes particulate material by a rotating plate which when operating, always impacts material on the deflector. The deflector and a mounting track prevent dispensing material impacting on a user of the spreader, and when the deflector is extended, also prevent dispensing material distributing to the right side of the spreader. In this way, lawns which abut a driveway or a flowerbed may have material distributed on them without also depositing material on the driveway or flowerbed. Further, the deflector is integral with a port closure panel which automatically reduces, in a proportional manner, the flow of particulate material as the deflector is extended.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for dispensing chemical material, and in particular, granular, agricultural material, from a moving device driven over terrain to be treated with the material. A metering system for dispersing the material includes on apertured metering disk positioned above a rotatable impeller. The apertured disk meters material from a product container, by gravity feed, onto the impeller below at a rate proportional to the linear speed at which the apparatus is driven to dispense material at a uniform density over the terrain. The metering disk is a component of a product container which is removably mounted to the device. The impeller rotates at a constant speed to disperse the deposited material at a uniform distance from the apparatus, and the position on which the material is deposited on the impeller is adjustable.

Abstract: A versatile and easily serviceable material spreading apparatus of the type for movement over a ground surface while broadcasting a material along a path on the ground surface. The apparatus includes a belt cartridge which can be slid into or pulled out of a chassis compartment having ledges for supporting the cartridge. The belt cartridge provides an upper flight on which material is carried from a hopper supported on the chassis to a broadcasting unit carried at one end of the chassis. A plurality of broadcasting units each of which has an attachment component, which in combination with a mating attachment component carried by the chassis, permits quick fastening and removal of each unit relative to the chassis. One of the broadcasting units mounts an elongated rotatable member below a drop-offend of the upper flight of the belt cartridge, and the rotatable member is driven in a direction so that the upper rotating periphery of the rotating member propels the material upward and away from the chassis.

Abstract: An apparatus and system, preferably mounted on a service vehicle, provides synchronized application of fluid materials, either solid or liquid, to a vehicle travel surface in proportional amounts or spatially distributed proportions in response to user defined requirements and/or operation of a vehicle mounted component in response to conditions encountered in real time. A first embodiment is a vehicle mounted apparatus and system for coordinated application of a plurality of materials to a surface simultaneously and in desired proportions and/or widths automatically and/or selectively. A second embodiment includes a granular material distribution device and includes a plurality of liquid spray headers and pumping means.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an apparatus for ejecting a material, in particular a straw material, having a pivot unit comprising an impeller blower, a cooperating fluid cylinder, with a control unit comprising at least one directional control valve for control of the fluid cylinder so that at least one ejection nozzle of the impeller blower can be pivoted reciprocally. The control unit further comprises a pressure control valve. An electrical control device is provided, which acts on the pressure control valve and/or the directional control valve in such a way that a piston of the fluid cylinder essentially performs a harmonic reciprocating movement.

Abstract: An apparatus and system, preferably mounted on a service vehicle, provides synchronized application of fluid materials, either solid or liquid, to a vehicle travel surface in proportional amounts or spatially distributed proportions in response to user defined requirements and/or operation of a vehicle mounted component in response to conditions encountered in real time. A first embodiment is a vehicle mounted apparatus and system for coordinated application of a plurality of materials to a surface simultaneously and in desired proportions and/or widths automatically and/or selectively. A second embodiment includes a granular material distribution device and includes a plurality of liquid spray headers and pumping, means.

Abstract: A snow removal push board and snow barrow. More specifically, the invention is a snow push board made up of a generally rectangular board with handles on one side and a scraping edge directly opposite the handles. The push board is operated by grasping the handles in front of the waist and allowing the board to be on an approximately forty-five degree incline from the user's waist to the ground while pushing the scraping edge along the ground. The snow barrow includes a board having a scraping edge and generally triangular sides. The snow barrow has handles for the user to grasp and push the barrow with two large wheels in the rear and two smaller wheels in the front of the barrow for maneuvering. The snow barrow also has structure for dispensing salt using either a vertical pinwheel or track dispersement axles in between the rear wheels of the barrow. The amount of salt dispensed can be controlled by adjusting a gauge.

Abstract: A spreader including a feed gate having a feed gate opening is provided. The area of the feed gate opening may be varied to adjust the spread pattern and material distribution to accommodate different speeds at which the spreader is operated, and different materials which may be spread. Such adjustment is accomplished by linearly sliding a spread shift plate having a wide and narrow section across one end of the feed gate opening, to open or close off the end portion of the feed gate opening. Such adjustment also varies the area of the feed opening in the spreader hopper.

Abstract: A spreader for spreading granular and/or powdery materials having a hopper and rotary distribution members with ejection blades on plates located below the hopper. The areas covered by the two distribution members can be adjusted so that they substantially coincide with one another. In some embodiments, the orientation of the ejection blades on the plates can be adjusted. Material flows to the distribution members through feeding means that include outlet openings and ports that can be in register with the openings. Also, displacers or closing members for affecting this flow can be positioned near the outlets at the lower portion of the hopper. A transmission, including change speed gears, can be connected through endless flexible members, i.e., ropes or belts to the shafts mounting the distribution members.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously distributing catalyst particles across the full diameter of catalyst bed with a single rotor is disclosed. The bed has substantially uniform high density by forming a multiplicity of annular rings of catalyst concentric with the vessel or bed center. Such action is achieved without varying rotor speed by deflecting catalyst from a feed hopper into a plurality of arcuate sectors or portions of different radial lengths on a rotating disk-like member. Preferably, each arcuate portion has a volume proportional to one of the annular areas of the bed within the cross-sectional area of the vessel. The desired volume is formed by the radial length of the arcuate sector, its included angle on the disk, and the height of the vanes separating adjacent sectors.

Abstract: The invention provides a self-propelled fully operational loose bulk material slinger in a vehicle equipped to be driven. A slinger and hopper is mounted on a chassis supported by a triangular arrangement of road wheels. Individual powering of two road wheels, one on each side of the chassis, allows self-powered mobility and the road wheels can be steered for directional release of a material being stockpiled. A third small road wheel attached to swivel, balances the vehicle and can be retracted and extended to angle the vehicle for increasing and decreasing trajectory height of material being stockpiled. An engine and a hydraulic system provides mobility and mechanical adjustability to the vehicle. A stand-on control station allows the slinger vehicle according to the invention to be fully controlled by a single operator.

Abstract: The device comprises an inclined rotating chute with adjustable angle of inclination, having an elongated flat sliding surface with a rectilinear longitudinal side provided with a retaining edge, the opposite longitudinal side being the pouring side and having overall the shape of an elongated "S" extending, without interruption and without corners, along the bottom end of the sliding surface as far as the bottom end of the rectilinear side.

Abstract: A device for overhead dusting of a field with fertilizer or particulate material includes an overhead suction impeller having a central annulus receiving a vertical pipe leading from a flow-controlled hoppr discharge. A cover on the pipe confines the discharge of air and entrained material to an angular section of the annulus and a baffle is adjustable around the pipe to increase and decrease the angular section.

Abstract: A broadcast spreader which includes a storage hopper and a spinning broadcast plate for distributing materials dropped from the hopper. A valve controls the flow of material to the broadcast plate, and is operated by a dual shaft and linkage. The two shafts are connected by a biasing member which allows a squeezable actuator lever to be fully retracted regardless of the dial setting. The spreader may also include a diffuser positioned between the valve and plate to direct the material towards a preselected area of the broadcast plate. The spreader may also include a readily adjustable means to prevent discharge of material in selected direction. The spreader may also include means for restricting the rate of flow of material from the hopper to the broadcast plate for a selected setting of the valve.

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 developer transport apparatus includes a rotatable auger to transport developer along its length from a developer entry to a developer delivery end and transport means at the delivery end and under the rotatable transport auger to transport developer away from the delivery end with the toner auger being contained within a stationary cylindrical containment tube extending the length of the auger, the tube being cut away at the bottom portion of the delivery end of the auger to permit toner to be delivered to the transport. The developer auger has an antibridging device at its delivery end which is a flexible paddle wheel mounted through the shaft of the auger and rotatable therewith.

Abstract: An improved dispenser for granular materials is disclosed, comprising upper and lower fixed plates and a rotating intermediate plate. The upper and lower plates have orifices formed in them which are out of register with one another. The relative extent of these orifices is chosen in accordance with the material to be dispensed such that the material only flows through the plates when the intermediate plate is rotating.

Abstract: Device for spreading granular and/or powdery material provided with a frame and a drivable spreader supported by the frame and during operation rotatable about an upwardly extending axis of rotation and a metering structure arranged above the spreader, the metering structure being provided with at least one discharge opening via which the material to be spread is supplied to the spreader during operation, and the metering structure can be put into continuously reciprocating movement during operation relative to the frame about an upwardly extending pivot axis.

Abstract: A sliding gate type outlet port for a semi-liquid manure spreader is presented. The spreader with which the gate is used has an open topped tank of triangular cross section supported on a tractor drawn trailer. The power takeoff from the tractor is coupled to a shaft extending internally the length of the tank near the bottom. At the rear wall of the tank the shaft is coupled to a centrifugal pump which communicates with the tank and flings manure received therefrom in an arc away from a discharge opening in the pump housing. A hydraulically actuated flow regulating gate slides fore and aft across the pump exit port. The horizontal movement of the gate in a support structure allows an opening of constant height to be maintained while varying the area of the discharge opening, thus providing constant spread width under various settings of deposition density.

Abstract: An agricultural spreader comprises distribution members (11, 12) which rotate to eject material such as fertilizer. The spreader can tilt to one side or the other so as to reduce the spreading distance on one side. This facility enables the spreader to be driven on a field along the same tracks as other agricultural machinery while avoiding waste of material at the edges of fields. Other embodiments utilize braking members which are movable into the path of ejected material to reduce its kinetic energy and consequently its spreading distance.

Abstract: Silage distributor apparatus has an upper annular stationary member disposed about a flowing silage stream, a silage distributing chute, and a lower annular member rotatably mounted to the upper annular member for disposing the chute in the path of the flowing silage stream. A drive track in the form of a row of apertures is defined on the lower annular member and a drive sprocket is rotatably mounted on the upper annular member and disposed in driving relation with the drive track. A drive motor is removably mounted on the upper annular member and has a rotary output shaft which when the motor is mounted on the upper member is drivingly interengaged with the drive sprocket and when the motor is dismounted therefrom becomes disengaged from the drive sprocket. A sensor is connected to the motor for removal with it and has a contact finger disposed across the path of a row of pins projecting from the lower annular member.

Abstract: The crop material or straw discharged from the rear of a combine is spread by a pair of counterrotating spreaders which are vertically and laterally offset from one another and are operative to evenly spread the crop material over a header cut of substantial width. The speed of rotation of the spreaders can be adjusted to change the width of spread. The spreaders can also be adjusted to make them more or less aggressive in throw of discharged crop material. The bottom spreader uses a disc and blades to facilitate catching and spreading discharged material.

Abstract: A material-directing chute is slidably mounted on a hopper and is interposed between a discharge port in the hopper and a rotary impeller. The position of the chute is controlled by a handle-mounted lever. By shifting the chute to a relatively advanced position, a peripheral portion of a material-receiving drop area on the impeller is shifted radially inwardly from the peripheral edge of the impeller. Accordingly, a material distribution pattern may be provided which avoids areas such as gardens, shrubbery and driveways on one lateral side of the spreader. In addition, a chute-activated damper is provided to impede the flow of material when the chute is in the relatively advanced position.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for distributing particulate material substantially evenly over a square receiving area are disclosed, the apparatus comprising a rotatable trough having a discharge slot positioned along its length.

Abstract: Distribution members of a spreading device are disposed closely adjacent to each other. The distance between the points of closest approach of the distribution members being about two centimeters with the outside diameter of each distribution member being about thirty-five centimeters. Flow of material to each distribution member of the spreading device is controlled by a delivery member which comprises dosing plates that are independently displaceable relatively to each other and to the bottom of the device's hopper. The dosing plates and the hopper's bottom have openings which cooperate with one another in an adjustable manner which makes it possible to adjust independently the position of the delivery of material to the distribution member both in radial and circumferential directions, and to adjust the size of the openings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for broadcast dispersion of biologically active encapsulated dispensers over preselected areas in a preselected pattern which utilizes a primary rotating applicator. The apparatus includes a hopper for the encapsulated dispensers and means for moving the dispensers onto a surface of the primary applicator from there to be discharged tangentially. A "sticker" substance is mixed with the dispensers. The distribution pattern is modified by one or more secondary directional spreaders located adjacent the primary applicator which serve to deflect and re-direct the dispensers.

Abstract: Adjustable vane rear chute for use with a dry material spreader including an inversely mounted rear chute with respect to a spinner disc, the rear chute including a plurality of adjustable vanes with respect to a central axis of the spinner disc. The adjustable vanes include a left vane and a right vane connected to a left handle and a right handle rod which are rotatably positioned about the base of the chute providing for predetermined spread of material. The rotational orientation function of the adjustable vane rear chute is a function of the conveyor drive shaft rpm, the cubic feet of material discharge per conveyor drive shaft revolution per inch of feedgate opening, and feedgate opening. The adjustable vane rear chute includes at least one adjustable vane and in this instance two adjustable vanes which are rotatably adjustable for each vane over a plurality of predetermined points, resulting in a correct pattern distribution of spread material.

Abstract: An aggregate distributor on the rear of a truck dump box including an elongate housing extending transversely across the end of the truck and having a multiplicity of discharge ports through which the aggregate is dropped onto spinners swingably suspended from the distributor housing, a square tubular rotary shaft in the housing carrying conveying, mixing and agitating vanes which are rotationally adjustable on the shaft to cause aggregate to be propelled along the shaft in various directions, in accordance with the discharge ports that are open.

Abstract: A spreader for broadcasting fertilizer, seed or the like which is mounted on the rear of a tractor and has a hydraulic control for covering and uncovering a plurality of ports by closure members for feeding material from a hopper which includes such ports to an underlying rotatable spreading member. The actuating mechanism includes a hydraulic cylinder and plunger and a parallel tension spring whereby the cylinder, when supplied with hydraulic fluid under pressure, causes the plunger to extend outwardly to close the ports in a lower portion of the hopper which is cylindrical through a mechanical linkage coupling therewith. The spring tends to force the closure members to open the ports. The linkage coupling to the closure members includes a coupling arm which also functions to indicate relative to an arcuate leg of a supporting member with numbers thereon the amount that the ports are opened by the closure members.