Abstract: A material spreader having a beater bar that meters the supply of small quantities of material to the discharge opening of a material spreader hopper eliminating the need for a gate. The beater bar has one and preferably several paddles that rotate adjacent the discharge opening and as the paddle passes the opening, discharges only the amount of material on the paddle. The material spreader uses a high ratio transmission and low rpm motor to allow for extremely slow rotation of the beater bar. The motor speed can be controlled to allow very slow rotation and very small amounts of material to be discharged from the hopper. The spreader does not require a gate. The discharge of material is metered electronically.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a material spreader mounted to a boom of an excavator for spreading bulk material over an area of interest. The material spreader includes a motor-controlled feeder for metering out the bulk material at a controlled rate. The material spreader further includes a mounting bracket configured to mount to a universal mounting portion of the boom.

Abstract: An improved feed dispenser is programmable to allow for a desired feeding schedule. When a feeding interval begins, a dispersion wheel begins operating. A separate spinner plate is used to block feed from the dispersion wheel, and begins operating to allow feed to the dispersion wheel only after a delay of several seconds after the dispersion wheel begins operation. In addition, the dispersion wheel is operated for another period of several seconds after the spinner plate ceases operation in order to clear the mechanism and prevent blockage.

Abstract: A material spreader includes a belt/chain assembly. The belt is mounted within the chamber of the material spreader and the chain remains out of contact with the material during the operation of the device. A sliding barrier is mounted at the rear of the belt, and moves from a forward position adjacent the front of the spreader to a rear position adjacent the rear of the spreader.

Abstract: A material spreading device for spreading material over a targeted area includes a receiving portion for receiving a plurality of bags of material, a hopper assembly and a material moving device. The material spreading device is configured for use on a vehicle. The hopper assembly has a bag holding portion and a material dispensing bin. The bag holding portion receives at least some of the bags and retains the bags at or near the material dispensing bin. The hopper assembly includes at least one opening device for opening the bags such that material within the opened bags is deposited into the material dispensing bin. The material dispensing bin is operable to dispense or broadcast the material over the targeted area. The material moving device is operable to move the bags of material along the receiving portion and toward the hopper assembly.

Abstract: A mobile spreader is shown for distributing composted materials over a ground surface. The spreader has a hopper for receiving material to be transported and distributed and a ground engaging wheel assembly for supporting the hopper for transport across the ground. A combination mixing and distribution element is rotatably mounted in the interior of the hopper for conveying material received in the hopper interior to an elongated outlet located in a discharge area of the hopper. The combination mixing and distribution element comprises a shaft having a longitudinal axis with a number of discs located at spaced axial distances thereon. The discs are uniformly inclined at an angle in the range of 15-20° relative to line drawn perpendicular the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The discs are separated by one or more tines located on the shaft and also inclined at an angle in the range of 15-20° relative to a line drawn perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dough transport device having an improved dough pump, an improved manifold for dividing dough, and a rotational cutter for cutting dough into pieces of uniform shape and size. The present invention also provides a method of using and cleaning a dough transport device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel granular material metering and dispensing system. More particularly, this invention pertains to a novel adjustable-rate apparatus for metering and dispensing granular chemicals, seeds and fertilizers. A metering dispenser for granular materials comprising: (a) a metering assembly for affixing to a resevoir of granular materials; and (b) at least one roller comprised of two opposed, truncated cones rotationally mounted on a metering shaft in the metering assembly.

Abstract: A device for spreading a deicing agent onto any surface either autonomously, manually or by remote control. Upon detecting the onset of icing conditions, the device delivers either a granular or liquid deicing agent unto the targeted surface, preventing ice build up. The key components of the device include the deicing agent storage container ,the freezing sensor, the moisture detection sensor, timing circuits, power supply, motor, pump or impeller and switching system circuitry. The device also possesses the capability to log and or transmit data to a central site and can activate various warning signals. The device is contained within a corrosion, weather and vandal resistant housing and is powered by either line current with a battery backup or by battery power alone. The system is designed to require low maintenance and of rugged construction to endure harsh environmental exposure.

Abstract: For overcoming certain inherent disadvantages associated with most agricultural fertilizer distributors, a hopper having a distributor under its floor has a clean out door that is adapted to be closed using a tensioned flexible cover. The flexible cover is drawn into sealing abutment with the edges of the hopper housing walls by tensioning members. Advantages of this difference in construction include, for example, the ease with which blockages can be cleared from the distributor mechanism without the necessity of first emptying the contents of the hopper. The flexible cover is made of non-corrosive material and is not easily damaged by rough handling.

Abstract: A material spreader system is designed to dispense a topping material onto the surface of a plastic substance lying within an area having opposing sides. The material spreader system includes a spreader for storing a supply of topping material and for dispensing a layer of the topping material as the spreader is translated along a path. A bridge provides an elevated path to permit widthwise translation of the spreader across the area. Translatable bridge support structure is coupled to the bridge for supporting the bridge above the area while permitting translation of the bridge along the entire length of the area. Drive means is coupled to the spreader to translate the spreader across the path formed by the bridge to thereby dispense a layer of topping material over the entire area. Sequential translations of the spreader across the bridge followed by sequential translations of the bridge along the length of the area covers the entire surface of the area with a layer of topping material.

Abstract: A material spreader for spreading large rock over a wet concrete or other surface utilizes a pair of hoppers which are driven back and forth on a bridge support spanning the surface. A gasoline engine mounts above the hoppers and furnishes power for a reversibly-controllable hydraulic hopper drive motor. The rock is dispensed by a rough-surfaced hydraulically motor driven cylinder with the discharge opening being controlled by a pair of spring-loaded gates which position themselves in response to the size rock being spread and the direction of travel of the spreader.

Abstract: A spreader for feeding and uniformly distributing grain in a bin. The spreader has a hopper to receive the incoming grain. A screw mounted in the hopper evenly spreads the grain and propels it into a chute whose discharge mouth is normally closed by a spring pressed gate, or valve. A rotary thrower blade, mounted below the chute, aids the chute to distribute the grain generally radially and downwardly uniformly in the bin. The screw, the discharge chute and the thrower are driven as a unit by a single shaft, mounted coaxially in the hopper, and rotated by a motor mounted externally of the hopper. The pressure of grain movement propelled by the screw opens the chute gate allowing grain to pass to the spreader.