Abstract: An agricultural spreader is disclosed. The spreader comprises a holding box for containing a spreadable load to be spread; and a beater section in communication with the holding device for outputting the spreadable load. The beater section comprises an upright beater having flighting depending therefrom including a spinner deck defining substantially a bottom flight thereof, the spinner deck comprising a plurality of paddles oriented for throwing the spreadable load during operation of the beater, a beater tray situated at the bottom of the upright beater with the upright beater mounted thereon and having a front side facing the holding box. The beater tray comprises a floor and a front wall rising therefrom for at least partially blocking the spreadable load from being thrown toward the holding box. The front wall comprises a soft/flexible section shaped to substantially correspond with a front portion of the footprint of the spinner deck.

Abstract: A material placer having an augmented hopper, which can receive and convey concrete or other material. The augmented hopper has a relatively large volume, a bumper structure, a hinged flop gate, and a sliding gate plate mounted on the hinged flop gate for receiving concrete or other discharged material from delivery trucks. The hinged flop gate and/or the sliding plate can optionally be vibrated to aid in moving concrete or other material into the trough of the augmented hopper. The material placer is further configured to have ease of access for cleaning and maintenance.

Abstract: A loader bucket has material spreaders on opposing sides of the loader bucket to spread material from within the loader bucket received through discharge openings in the rear wall of the bucket from an auger located in the bottom of the bucket. Each material spreader includes a spinner formed with blades to spread the material received through the discharge openings. The material spreaders are positioned below the apex of the V-shaped bucket and operable within a path of distribution that includes an interior boundary member oriented with a forward end closer to the center of the bucket than the rearward end to provide a distribution forwardly and laterally of the bucket. A low baffle mounted at the bottom periphery of the spinner blades forces material upwardly into a fluffy pattern. A high baffle provides a second boundary limit for the distribution of material.

Abstract: The bedding spreader has an impeller rotatable inside a housing, the impeller having a plurality of vanes rotatable around a horizontal axis, in a vertical impeller plane; the housing having an inlet opening on one side of the impeller plane and being aligned with the impeller for the impeller to receive bedding through the inlet opening during use, and an outlet opening on the other side of the impeller plane, the outlet opening being spaced from the impeller, the housing forming a bedding path in which the bedding is thrusted tangentially by the impeller against a deflector arrangement made integral to the housing, the deflector arrangement then redirecting the tangential movement of the bedding imparted by the impeller to a movement more parallel to the axis, through the outlet opening.

Abstract: In a spread unit, a granular material, preferably anti-icing, arranged inside a hopper container, is fed towards a spread device by a feed assembly with a fixed support surface arranged in a position facing an outlet of the container and a belt dosing device arranged downstream of the fixed surface and on the outlet side for receiving the material from the fixed surface and dosing it before sending it to the spread device.

Abstract: A broadcast spreader provides for effective control of the flow of granular material to a rotating fan through use of a gate assembly in combination with an auger assembly. The broadcast spreader further includes a means for directing the granular material onto the fan, thus allowing for the shifting of the distribution pattern of the granular material from side to side.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a lawn spreader controls output flow of granular material out of the spreader hopper by adjusting the position of a control cable anchor point. The control mechanism includes a clamping portion for clamping to a tubular handle of the spreader. A top surface of the clamp portion, adjacent to the handle, provides a slide for a slideable cable anchor shuttle, which internally provides the anchor point for a control cable. The shuttle may be made from a plastic material. A dial housed within a dial housing, adjacent to the slide portion of the clamp, may be rotated to various indicated positions which in turn controls the position of the shuttle on the metal slide portion of the clamp, thereby adjusting the position of the control cable anchor point. The control cable extends from the end of the shuttle anchor mechanism to a hopper spring-loaded aperture cover.

Abstract: A hopper spreader apparatus adapted for mounting to a vehicle, to be towed by a vehicle or to be pushed by hand, includes a sprayer apparatus for spraying liquid material as well as dispensing dry free-flow material. The hopper spreader apparatus includes a variable discharge mechanism, allowing adjustment of both the flow rate and the distribution pattern of the dry free-flow material particulate material being dispensed. The operation of the hopper spreader apparatus can be controlled remotely using radio frequency (RF) signaling. The hopper spreader apparatus obtains electrical power from an on-board battery and includes a battery charger to allow the battery to be charged when the hopper spreader apparatus is not in use.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a lawn spreader controls output flow of granular material out of the spreader hopper by adjusting the position of a control cable anchor point. The control mechanism includes a clamping portion for clamping to a tubular handle of the spreader. A top surface of the clamp portion, adjacent to the handle, provides a slide for a slideable cable anchor shuttle, which internally provides the anchor point for a control cable. The shuttle may be made from a plastic material. A dial housed within a dial housing, adjacent to the slide portion of the clamp, may be rotated to various indicated positions which in turn controls the position of the shuttle on the metal slide portion of the clamp, thereby adjusting the position of the control cable anchor point. The control cable extends from the end of the shuttle anchor mechanism to a hopper spring-loaded aperture cover.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable filling a receptacle with solid particles introduced into the receptacle with a controlled flow rate and pattern of distribution of the particles. A pneumatic loader may dispense the particles into the receptacle with ability to adjust the flow rate and pattern of distribution of the particles. Further, a laser sensor may enable detecting a topographic level of the particles loaded by movement of the laser sensor around a point to make linear measurements across the reactor at multiple angularly offset orientations.

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 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: An apparatus (10) for distributing solid material such as manure or fertiliser is disclosed. The apparatus (10) has a container body (11) mounted to a chassis and conveying means (17) to move the material from a first end of the container body (11) to a second end. The second end is at least partially open and opens onto one or more rotating augers (14A) the axis of the or each auger (14A) being orientated substantially vertically. Cutter blades (91) are included, orientated radially with respect to the auger axis, which blades (91) can have a trapezoidal shape. The auger (14A) has a helical auger flight (92) of generally circular shape when viewed along the axis of the auger (14A). The circumference of the auger flight (92) has one or more cut-outs (81) whose edge lies on the circumference of a circle or ellipse.

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: 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: A device for the application of solid particulate material to a target surface includes one or more containers for storing the solid particulate material and one or more transfer devices for transferring the solid particulate material from the containers to the target surface. Each container includes one or more gates positioned substantially at the container's outlet. Mechanisms are provided for controlling the extent to which each individual gate opens, while the device is in use; and for controlling the rate at which the transfer devices transfer the solid particulate material from the containers while the device for the application of solid particulate material to a target surface is in use.

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: A shield for a vehicle mounted spreader device having a hopper and a rotating spreader element beneath the hopper to broadcast particulate material flowing from the hopper onto the spreader element comprises a top wall having an opening for material flowing from the hopper and a side wall extending downwardly from the top wall and circumferentially thereabout between opposite ends spaced apart to provide a discharge opening, and the side wall is arcuate between the opposite ends thereof and eccentric with respect to the opening in the top wall.

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: A shield for a vehicle mounted spreader device having a hopper and a rotating spreader element beneath the hopper to broadcast particulate material flowing from the hopper onto the spreader element comprises a top wall having an opening for material flowing from the hopper and a side wall extending downwardly from the top wall and circumferentially thereabout between opposite ends spaced apart to provide a discharge opening, and the side wall is arcuate between the opposite ends thereof and eccentric with respect to the opening in the top wall.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted spreader for distributing material onto a surface while the vehicle is in motion across the surface includes a discharge spout for directing the material being distributed onto the surface and a rotor coupled to the discharge spout for propelling the material into the discharge spout. The rotor has an axis of rotation that is substantially parallel to the surface. A rotor motor is coupled to the rotor to supply power to rotate the rotor. A conveyor such as an auger is coupled to the rotor and powered by a conveyor motor. The conveyor transports and meters material before the material enters the rotor. A closed-loop control system adjusts the speeds of the individual components so that a desired amount of material exits the discharge spout at zero velocity relative to the road.

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 dual disc spreader attachment utilizing a specific direction of disc rotation, pinpoint control of the impact point of material onto the disc and blade design to provide an optimal scatter pattern.

Abstract: A dual mode spreader includes a wheel supported container having a bottom wall provided with discharge openings feeding to a rotationally supported spreader disk; a skirt is mounted relative to the container to be movable to alter the distribution pattern between a broadcast mode and a drop mode; a mode determining member is provided to move with respect to the container in coordination with movement of the skirt between the broadcast and drop modes of operation.

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

Abstract: A rotation driving system drives unitedly and rotatably sprinkle rotors, which the disk sprinkle rotors having plural partitive members extending in predetermined distances in a radial direction to the rotating axis are arranged in multistage state with a predetermined distance in a longitudinal direction. In the aforementioned state, by supplying the catalyst to the center of the sprinkle rotor, the catalyst is fed into a reaction tank while releasing in a radial direction of the sprinkle rotor. When the catalyst is fed, a rotation frequency of the sprinkle rotor is defined to be a speed constituent in a radial direction of over zero when the catalyst settles down and to be periodically changed between a maximum rotation frequency and a minimum rotation frequency.

Abstract: A spreader is attachable to a conventional lawn mower to spread granular material over the area cut by the mower. The spreader has a hopper, at least one adjustable orifice at the bottom of the hopper, and a rotating regulator for dispensing granular material behind the lawn mower. In one embodiment, a first sprocket attached to the wheel of the lawn mower, and a second sprocket attached to the spreader receive a chain for driving the rotating regulator of the spreader. In a second embodiment, the spreader is driven by a pair of bevel gears, one of which is mounted on the rear axle of the mower. A novel drive does not convey rotational movement to the impeller of the spreader when the mower is moved a short distance backwards. Also, the lever operating the clutch to engage power to the Pear wheels simultaneously operates a stop to block the flow of particulate matter out of the hopper of the fertilizer spreader.

Abstract: A deflecting guard device securable to the hopper section of a broadcast spreader includes inclined plates for deflecting dry material as it is scattered by the spreader. First and second inclined plates diverge below the apertured bottom surface of the hopper section and arc secured to the hopper section in such a manner that they arc axially positionable into a plurality of vertically spaced positions relative thereto. In this manner, the width of the area to which dry materials placed in the hopper section arc applied can be controlled. A third inclined plate which interconnects the first and second inclined plates also prevents the dry material from being scattered outside a selected zone of application. The first and second inclined plates can be angularly reoriented relative to the bottom of the hopper section for further adjust the width of the area of application.

Abstract: Chip- or plate-like pieces such as wood chips are tightly packed into a ship's hold or other cargo space by directing the material through a pipe to fall by gravity, the pipe guiding the material to rotating paddles. The paddles engage the pieces of material and propel the pieces away from the paddles along a horizontal path. The pieces are spread over a wider area, and are given time to fall flat, so the pieces land in the cargo space oriented for dense packing. The paddles are connected to a center shaft and angle outward to connect to a support ring. Material is dropped into the center of the support ring to be engaged by the paddles as the assembly rotates. Material can be limited to the upper, faster, areas of the paddles by a frustoconical diverter disposed centrally of the paddles. A choke can be used to provide a dense stream of pieces to the paddles; and, the choke may move the stream off center for uneven distribution.

Abstract: A fine material distributing machine having a container adapted to be movable over the ground, a conveyor at least partially housed within the container to be cooperable therewith to move fine material reposed within the container toward a discharge opening in the container, and a brush-type distributing mechanism positioned at the discharge opening to engage material conveyed thereto by the conveyor to effect a discharge thereof from the container to the surface of the ground, is disclosed wherein the brush-type distributing mechanism has resilient bristles which engage a structural member to cause a deflection thereof counter to the direction of rotation of the distributing mechanism as the bristles are engaging material conveyed thereto for enhancing the discharge of material from the container.

Abstract: A salt truck including a salt distributing spinner device mounted on a bed of the truck and receiving salt from a bin carried on the bed. A guide support mounted on the bed supports a staff with an end portion of the staff etending from the guide support opposite the salt distributing device. A flexible panel attached to the end portion of the staff extends downwardly from the staff into the path of salt projected sidewise of the direction of truck advance to catch and stop travel of the salt sidewise of the direction of truck advance.

Abstract: A straw chopper and spreader assembly for receiving straw from a threshing machine, has a casing enclosing a pair of contra-rotatable flail assemblies. The flails are mounted in different horizontal planes and have blades which overlap so as to shear and chop the straw. At the rear of the casing is a rear outlet defined between a rear skirt and a bottom extension of the casing. The rear skirt is adjustble so as to enlarge or reduce the size of the rear outlet. In addition to discharge through the rear outlet, chopped straw is also discharged laterally through side chutes which have removable end portions so that discharge selectively may be outwardly and upwardly or outwardly and downwardly. Chaff spreading discs are mounted below the assembly and rotates horizontally.

Abstract: A spreader adapted for spreading compost includes a container in which an apron conveyor is disposed to move compost toward a cylindrical brush rotatably mounted at one end of the container for discharging compost therefrom. An adjustable flow gate controls the amount of compost moved toward the brush by the apron conveyor. An adjustable impact plate and an adjustable baffle assembly direct compost discharged from the container by the brush toward the ground. The baffle assembly includes a plurality of directional vanes for properly dispersing the compost. A drape extends around the discharge side of the brush.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing uniform distribution of aggregate material has a rotatable hopper mounted on a support frame to receive aggregate material from an apparatus supplying aggregate material. Attached to the rotatable hopper, and in communication with a discharge opening of the hopper, is a chute extending downwardly and angularly outwardly from the axis of rotation of the hopper. The chute includes a baffle which responds to the gravitational force applied by the flow of aggregate down the chute to cause rotation of the hopper and thereby provide for uniform spreading of aggregate beneath the hopper. A modified version includes a first hopper pivotally mounted on the support frame in a manner to receive aggregate from the supply apparatus and a second hopper rotatably mounted beneath the first hopper with the chute attached to the rotatable hopper to receive aggregate from the rotatable hopper and cause rotation of the rotatable hopper.

Abstract: A straw chopper and spreader assembly for receiving straw from a threshing machine, has a casing enclosing a pair of contra-rotatable flail assemblies. The flails are mounted in different horizontal planes and have blades which overlap so as to shear and chop the strew. At the rear of the casing is a rear outlet defined between a rear skirt and a bottom extension of the casing. The rear skirt is adjustable so as to enlarge or reduce the size of the rear outlet. In addition to discharge through the rear outlet, chopped straw is also discharged laterally through side chutes which have removable end portions so that discharge selectively may be outwardly and upwardly or outwardly and downwardly. Chaff spreading discs are mounted below the assembly and rotates horizontally.

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 present invention relates to a rotary spreader where material is deposited on a rotary disc and is broadcast upon rotation of the disc as the spreader is moved. The present invention is directed to a jet action deflector which is used with the rotatable disc. The jet action deflector functions to intercept the material which is broadcast by the rotatable disc, which material would normally be directed to one side of the spreader, and redirect that material across the front of the spreader and to the other side of the spreader. The intercepted material is effectively shot at high velocity by the jet action deflector across the front of the spreader to the opposite side of the spreader. As a result, this material is spread over a wide area of the turf and is not concentrated in any particular area. The deflector may be used to prevent spreading of material on a driveway or sidewalk when the rotary spreader is being used adjacent the driveway or sidewalk.

Abstract: The manure spreader includes a V-shaped hollow body having a longitudinally positioned impeller rotatively carried near its bottom. The impeller blades are arranged in oppositely generated helices to urge the manure both from the rear of the body and from the front of the body toward an outlet gate which is positioned in the body intermediate its ends. A rotary spinner is carried outwardly of the body in position to receive the effluent from the gate and suitable drive mechanism is provided to rotate the spinner at many times the rotative speed of the impeller. The spinner and the impeller are rotated by a common drive and an adjustable deflector may be provided to easily vary the spray pattern from the spinner.

Abstract: The manure spreader includes a V-shaped hollow body having a longitudinally positioned impeller rotatively carried near its bottom. The impeller blades are arranged in oppositely generated helices to urge the manure both from the rear of the body and from the front of the body toward an outlet gate which is positioned in the body intermediate its ends. A rotary spinner is carried outwardly of the body in position to receive the effluent from the gate and suitable drive mechanism is provided to rotate the spinner at many times the rotative speed of the impeller. The spinner and the impeller are rotated by a common drive and an adjustable deflector may be provided to easily vary the spray pattern from the spinner.

Abstract: Rotary chute for a spreader where the chute is rotationally adjustable about a spinner axis of a spreader where at any rotational position selected for the chute, the overall geometric relationship of the spinner and chute are geometrically symmetrical. The rotary chute spreads dry material such as fertilizer, lime, salt or the like onto a spinner of the spreader, the spinner including a conical spinner cone mounted on a spinner disc, and a plurality of spinner vanes, the spinner vanes being channeled members. The first rotary chute is for a pull-mounted configuration including a configured baffle and vane configuration internal to an inner ring which rotates within an outer ring. A handle is provided for rotating the inner ring within the outer ring including a direction pointer and directional plate indicating the angular degree of the path of spread material.

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: The manure spreader includes a wheeled, V-shaped body having a longitudinally positioned impeller rotatively carried near the bottom of the V-configuration. The impeller blades are positioned on a multi-sided body and are arranged in oppositely generated helices to urge the manure both from the rear of the body and from the front of the body toward an outlet gate which is positioned in the body intermediate its ends. A rotary spinner is carried outwardly of the body in position to receive the effluent from the outlet gate and a suitable drive mechanism is provided to rotate the spinner at many times the rotative speed of the impeller. The spinner and the impeller are simultaneously rotated by a common drive, which may be a tractor PTO, and an adjustable deflector is provided in effluent path from the spinner to easily vary the spray pattern.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to an improvement in apparatus for filling and distributing, in a container of varying configuration, bulk materials having inlet means positioned near the top of the container; and rotor means positioned below; the improvement comprising rotor means having upright vanes defining an unobstructed central area onto which the material is received by the rotor.

Abstract: The spreader assembly is located below the central fill opening in the roof of a circular grain or storage bin for evenly distributing the grain over the floor area of the bin. Grain is directed downwardly into a rotatable funnel shaped hopper, the bottom end of which is rigidly secured to the upper end of a downwardly inclined longitudinally adjustable distributor member provided on the top surface thereof with side by side longitudinally extended trough means of progressively decreasing length and width from one side of the distributor member to the opposite side thereof. On reaching the lower ends of the trough means the downwardly moving grain is deflected toward the opposite side of the distributor member for discharge into the bin. The grain deflecting action rotates the funnel member and distributor member as a unit at a speed of rotation which is in direct response to the volume rate of material being supplied to the hopper member.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for feeding and distributing, in a container of varying configuration, bulk materials comprising: inlet positioned near the top of said container; at least partially radially-compartmented rotor positioned below; and material-deflecting stator fixedly positioned around the periphery of said rotor and mounted for permitting preselected orientation of said stator with respect to said rotor.

Abstract: A spreading implement has laterally extending conveyors of different lengths that form a boom to each side of a hopper. At the outer ends of the conveyors, rotatable spreading discs are mounted spaced apart from one another and each conveyor is an endless belt in a channel shaped guide. A slideable flow control is positioned beneath a port in the bottom at each side of the hopper to regulate the amount of material fed to the conveyors. Driving means, including a power take-off connection and a belt and pulley transmission move the conveyors and rotate the discs. At the end of each conveyor, a downwardly extending guide allows material to flow to a lower disc. Each boom is pivoted to the implement frame with a latch and pivot connection to be displaceable about a vertical axis to a rearwardly extending transport position. Also, each boom is comprised of spaced apart beams that are comprised by two portions that are interconnected with a further pivot and a latch connection.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a protective and levelling device for use in a distributor which is primarily intended for commercial fertilizer, the distributor having a spreader device which rotates in a horizontal plane and ejects the material to be distributed radially or tangentially in this plane. The protective and levelling device comprises a deflector plate which is located in the path of the flow of material originating from the spreader device, between the spreader device and the distributor machine proper. Moreover, in its capacity as impingement surface for the flow of material, the deflector plate has a convex curved surface, whereby that portion of the flow of material which impinges on the convex surface will rebound from the surface and be distributed.

Abstract: A feeding device for automatically feeding fish and livestock predetermined amounts of food at predetermined intervals. The device includes a canister for holding a supply of food which is dispensed out the bottom of the canister. A rotatable surface is provided beneath the bottom of the canister for receiving and distributing the dispensed food. A retaining wall serves to control the distribution of a width of food in a substantially tangential direction with respect to the rotatable surface. A control system permits the automatic setting of the predetermined amounts of food to be fed at predetermined intervals.

Abstract: A scatterer comprising a hopper for receiving particulate materials, a driven shaft extending downwardly and generally axially aligned with the outlet opening of the hopper, and a scattering plate disposed below the hopper to receive such material therefrom, the plate being connected to the shaft for rotation therewith. The plate is tilted on the shaft to have an upper end, a generally diametrically opposed lower discharge end, and opposite side flanges extending between the ends and generally equally spaced from the shaft. The improvement comprises an intermediate chute mounted on the shaft for rotation therewith between the hopper outlet opening and the scattering plate. This chute is tilted on the shaft opposite to the direction of tilting of the scattering plate to have a chute upper end generally above the discharge end of the plate and a diametrically opposed lower discharge end generally above the upper end of the plate.

Abstract: A grain spreader is provided with a plurality of rigid mounting arms each of which is supported in a pivotal manner at the periphery of a bin top opening and at the spreader body, with each arm extending to the main spreader body along a chord of the opening, for ready adjustability to openings of different effective diameters. The thrower plate is pivotally supported on a link which is joined to a hollow rotatable vertical shaft and on a coaxial vertical rod which extends upward through the shaft. The rod is adjusted axially of the shaft for changing the angle of the thrower plate relative to the horizontal, and the shaft, rod, link and thrower are rotatable as a unit in any position of relative adjustment. A distributor plate mounted on the upper end of the rod and shaft is provided with radial vanes for distributing the grain within the receiving guide to maintain even flow.