Abstract: Provided in this disclosure is a slam latch for attaching a chute to a hopper mounted onto a vehicle. A cover is secured to an exterior surface of the hopper and defines a void therebetween. First and second aligned holes are formed in the cover and the hopper. A pin is mounted to the cover for movement through the first and second holes and urges with a spring. A plunger is retained in the void and moves between a closed position that blocks the pin from engagement with the holes, and an open position that admits the pin for engagement. The chute includes an engagement member having a third hole. The chute is displaced such that the engagement member slides into the void and displaces the plunger, enabling engagement of the pin with the first, second and third holes, thereby attaching the chute to the hopper.

Abstract: A spreader assembly may include a hopper, a pair of augers positioned in a dual auger arrangement and a metering gate assembly including a gate and a biasing force generator. The gate may have a general M-shape with an inner extension and may be positioned generally above the augers with the inner extension extending between the augers. The biasing force generator may be operable to apply a biasing force to the gate causing the gate to operate as a metering gate.

Abstract: A vehicle for receiving and delivering granular material, such as agricultural seeds, includes a frame supporting a container defining an open top chamber having a bottom outlet. An elongated conveyor is supported by a system which includes a first support arm having one end pivotally connected to a side wall of the container for multiple directional movement and a second support arm pivotably connected to the opposite end of the first support arm. The opposite end of the second support arm supports an intermediate portion of the conveyor near its center of gravity and in suspended relation for tilting and rotating the conveyor. Power actuators are connected to rotate and pivot the first support arm to position the conveyor in many selected positions including the conveyor inlet under the outlet of the chamber, a storage position and a position between horizontal and substantially inclined for filling other containers.

Abstract: A material spreader is mountable to a rearwardly projecting bumper of a vehicle for conveying and spreading material, the vehicle including a rearwardly projecting hitch receiver. The material spreader includes a hopper for holding material to be spread, a frame supporting the hopper and having a forwardly projecting hitch mount configured for coupling to the rearwardly projecting hitch receiver of the vehicle, and a support member having an underside for resting atop a top surface of the bumper, the support member being movable vertically relative to the frame. A tie down is connected to the support member and the frame for urging the support member and the hitch mount towards one another to effect a clamping action on the receiver and the bumper. The material spreader also includes a dual hinged lid and a gear box for driving a spinner and an auger.

Abstract: A forage transporter allowing both front and rear unloading using an apron conveyor passing along the floor of the forage transporter provides a single control lever selectively enabling a forward drive for forward unloading and a rear drive for rear unloading while providing a mechanical lockout preventing simultaneous activation of the front and rear drives.

Abstract: A motorized spreader assembly facilitates efficient and expedited spreading of seed or fertilizer over a large area. The assembly includes a trailer having a hitch arm. A first bin having a bottom opening is coupled to the trailer. A first disc having a top surface is coupled to the trailer. The first disc is positioned under the first bin whereby the top surface of the first disc is configured for receiving granular material passing through the bottom opening in the first bin. A plurality of fins is coupled to the top surface of the first disc and configured for propelling the granular material outwardly from the first disc while the first disc is rotated. An engine is coupled to the trailer and operationally coupled to the first disc for rotating the first disc.

Abstract: An apparatus applies product and includes a pivotal platform solely supported through bushings formed of compressible material. The ground speed can be locked by stepping on a step pivoting a composite block to engage with an engagement of the transmission proportioner arm. A gate is opened utilizing a control lever pivotally mounted to a pivotably mounted control block to either engage or avoid a tang of an adjustment guide. A drive belt system includes a variator having first and second sheaves having variable effective diameters when their pivot pin is moved by pivoting a lever. A spray tip sprays a fan style spray at a small acute angle to the application area. A flip shield is pivoted about an axis parallel to the movement direction and includes a linear straight portion parallel to the axis in a redirection position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mixing mechanism. The mixing mechanism includes an auger, a fluid handling portion, and at least one discharge hole. The auger configured to receive granular materials from a granular material source and capable of moving the granular material along a predetermined path. The fluid handling portion is coupled to a fluid supply source and has an inlet within an interior section of the auger. The size and positioning of the discharge hole (or holes) along the auger are specifically configured to allow for optimum mixing of the materials prior to being discharged.

Abstract: An improved self-unloading spreader has a front end, a back end, and sides defining walls of a container for holding material. The container has at least one opening in one of the walls through which material can move. Inside of the container, longitudinally disposed between the front end and the rear end, is an auger that can move material in the container to and through the opening. Also inside of the container, adjustably positioned above the auger, is an adjustable height baffle to control the amount of material the auger has available to move. Outside of the container, adjacent to the opening, is a transversely mounted conveyer belt for spreading material that flows through the opening. An hydraulic system powers the auger and allows the hydraulically powered auger to either move material towards the opening or away from the opening. The auger, in combination with the adjustable height baffle, controls the rate at which material is provided to the conveyer system.

Abstract: An improved manure-grinding fertilizer spreader having at least two progressively bladed cylinders 17 at a bottom of a funneled mobile hopper 11 with a grinder base 12 proximate a discharge aperture 13. The mobile funneled hopper is hand-cart sized to be hand-pulled or small-tractor-pulled with at least two progressively bladed cylinders 17 being rotated by detachable engagement of wheels 15 with at least two cutter axles 10 and 56 on which the at least two progressively bladed cylinders 17 are situated axially. An optional agitator 47 may be used in conjunction with the improved manure-grinding fertilizer spreader so as to prevent manure build-up.

Abstract: A method for controlling a clutch, especially a double clutch, an interruption-free manually controlled gearbox, especially a parallel gearbox. A common torque mapping for controlling the clutches is created according to the respective base torque mapping of each clutch. An interruption-free manually controlled gearbox, especially a parallel gearbox, for a vehicle having a double clutch, especially for carrying out said method. At least one control device produces a common torque mapping in order to control the double clutches according to the respective base torque mapping of each clutch.

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 hopper spreader apparatus for spreading materials such as salt, sand or seed includes a motor for rotating a spinner for distributing particulate matter delivered to the spinner. The hopper spreader apparatus is adapted for mounting on a skid steer loader unit. In one embodiment, the drive motor is a hydraulic motor which obtains hydraulic power from the hydraulic system of the skid steer loader unit. A flow controller adapts the flow rate provided by the skid steer loader unit to the flow rate for the hydraulic motor. In one embodiment, a check valve limits the operation of the hydraulic motor to one direction. The hopper spreader apparatus includes a quick release mounting adapter for quickly mounting the hopper spreader apparatus to the skid steer loader unit.

Abstract: A discharge apparatus is disclosed for discharging materials from a container onto an open area such as a field. The apparatus includes a power discharge device which is disposed adjacent to a discharge outlet defined by the container. The arrangement is such that when the apparatus is being used to spread the materials onto the open area such as the field, the materials move from the container through the outlet towards the power discharge device for discharging the materials at a location on the field. A power source is drivingly connected to the power discharge device for rotating the power discharge device. A power sensor is provided for sensing the power supplied by the power source which is approximately the power used by the power discharge device, the power sensor generating a first signal which is correlated to the spread rate of the materials discharged.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of distributing a liquid composition over the ground from travelling equipment, the composition comprising an active ingredient, in which method the concentration of the active ingredient in the liquid composition is varied in dependence on the speed of the travelling equipment over the ground, the liquid composition also comprising a viscosity modifying agent, the method comprising varying the relative proportion of the viscosity modifying agent in the liquid composition in dependence on the speed of the travelling equipment, thereby to control the viscosity of the liquid composition. Also disclosed is equipment for use in the aforesaid method.

Abstract: A spreader having a main frame, and a tank mounted on the main frame for receiving manure or other fertilizer material. At least one auger is rotatably mounted in the tank for conveying material received in the tank to a discharge area where an opening is provided in the tank. A distribution assembly, also mounted on the main frame, receives material conveyed to the discharge area and expels it from the tank as it is transported over a field. Included in the distribution assembly is an expeller comprising first and second side-by-side rotary slingers mounted in the opening for receiving material conveyed to the discharge area and expelling it outwardly in a generally even distribution pattern.

Abstract: A motorized spreader for dispersing granular and other material, such as fertilizer, seed, and salt, or the like, provides improved uniform control of the flow of the material from the spreader. The motorized spreader includes a frame and drive train supporting the frame. A hopper for holding granular material is also supported on the frame and includes a dispensing opening for directing the flow of granular material from the hopper onto the ground. An agitator is positioned in the hopper for urging the granular material in the hopper toward the dispensing opening so that the flow of the granular material from the hopper is controlled. The drive train includes first and second wheels, with each wheel including an axle. A differential drivingly couples the axles of the wheels together and includes a first drive sprocket and a second drive sprocket, the first drive sprocket coupling to a motor to drive the motorized spreader at a ground speed.

Abstract: A material spreader which is adapted to be towed behind a tractor includes a chassis mounted on at least one pair of wheels positioned toward its rear. A box for transporting and dispensing materials is pivotable from a horizontal position to a substantially vertical position and is provided with a rotatably driven beater mounted to its rear. The interior of the box is devoid of any material moving mechanism except for the beater. A vertical support member extends upwardly from each side of the chassis adjacent to the pair of wheels. Each vertical support member is provided with a pivot point adjacent to its upper end for pivotally supporting the box at an elevated location above the rear axle. The box is pivotally supported at a location spaced forwardly from its rear a distance at least equal to the height of the box. The beater and a hydraulic cylinder for raising the box is adapted to be coupled to the hydraulic system of a towing tractor.

Abstract: A granular fertilizer spreader which may be attached to a lawn mower (1). The spreader includes a hopper (44) which is secured to the mower handle (3), the spreader including drive wheels (9,10) which frictionally engage the rear mower wheels (7,8). An impeller (99) is rotated by the drive wheels (9,10), thereby urging fertilizer or other granular material contained within hopper (44) to exit through a series of orifices (73-84) located along the bottom surface (54) of the hopper (44). A discharge chute (134) entrains the fertilizer as it exits the orifices (73-84) and guides the fertilizer along a series of open channels (138-149), each channel terminating with an outlet orifice (152-163 ) through which the fertilizer is ultimately deposited upon the ground behind the mower deck (2). The drive wheels (9,10) are urged into positive frictional contact with the mower wheels (7,8) by a spring (187) that is secured to the mower handle (3) at a user selected point by a clamp (196).

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 attachment arranged for mounting to an associated lawnmower in an operative relationship to include a snowblower housing operative through a plurality of inter-related belts and pulleys to effect rotation of a plurality of impeller blades mounted within the snowblower housing. A drive pulley is mounted to a lower terminal end of the lawnmower motor output shaft to operatively effect the aforenoted rotation of the impeller structure. A modification of the invention includes a granular hopper in operative association with an exit opening and conduit of the lawnmower apparatus to effect projection of the granular material in association with the exiting snow.

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 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: In a manure spreader for handling slurry material, an auger is mounted in the bottom of a tank and an expeller is disposed at an opening in the tank to discharge material therefrom. A drive system is provided to rotate the auger and the expeller in different directions when the drive system is connected to a tractor PTO. the drive system includes a series of drive members such as chains and sprockets arranged and connected to cause rotation of the expeller in the same direction as the tractor PTO and rotation of the auger in the opposite direction at a substantially slower speed than the expeller.

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 spreader implement and drive gearbox therefor are provided that incorporate a single gearbox for driving both a distributor assembly for throwing manure and the like out of the spreader implement and for driving a transporting assembly for moving the manure or the like toward the distributor assembly. The single gearbox provides direct gear drive of one of the assemblies. The drive gearbox may include one or more biased clutch assemblies for clutching or varying the driving speed transmitted by the gearbox.

Abstract: An apparatus for field application of particulate solids from an elongated boom carried on a self-propelled vehicle wherein the discharge rate of the particulate solids is accomplished through the utilization of a metering control system. The metering control monitors the rotation of a delivery screw for controlled application rate with the application rate being proportional to vehicle speed, and wherein the application rate is rapidly responsive to changes in rate of speed of the vehicle. A variable capacity fluid pump is driven from the vehicle final drive shaft, with the pump supplying hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic motor providing the energy for driving the metering screw. The variable capacity pump is preferably an axial piston pump having a variably positionable swash plate.

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 computer control technique controls a chemical spreading operation such as the spreading of a salt-sand composition from a truck hopper. The vehicle has a spinner motor controlled by the vehicle operator from the control panel which is preferably disposed in the vehicle cab, and a conveyor motor operated under computer control and operator control. A display is part of the control panel and indicates conveyor motor speed to the operator. The operating power for the system, and in particular the conveyor motor, is derived from an AC generator (alternator) preferably driven from the fan belt drive of the vehicle motor thus not requiring any separate motor drive or hydraulic drive. In one embodiment a single alternator is used for both conveyor motor power and normal electrical vehicle power, while in an alternative embodiment separate alternators are employed both associated with the vehicle motor.

Abstract: A centrifugal spreader (FIG. 1) for spreading granulated fertilizers has a funnel-shaped hopper, a discharge outlet in the lower portion of the hopper, and adjustor means for adjusting the size of and shutting off the outlet. A drivable agitator is disposed in the hopper, and spreading means 11 is disposed beneath the hopper for receiving fertilizer issuing from the outlet and spreading the fertilizer. The spreader 11 is releasably mounted on a drive shaft 16 and is exchangeable for a different spreading means. The spreader can be set in a position in which the distance (A) between the highest point of the spreader and the part of the hopper situated above said highest point as seen longitudinally of the drive shaft, is greater than the distance (B) between the lower edge of the fastening means 14 which releasably secures the spreader on the drive shaft, and the upper end of the drive shaft. Thereby removal of the spreader is facilitated.

Abstract: The invention relates to an agricultural implement comprising a tool oscillating about a vertical axis, for example a spreading pipe of a fertilizer distributor, a mechanism for producing the oscillatory movement of the tool being formed by a rotatably driven flywheel and a coupling element eccentrically in said flywheel and engaging the tool or a holder thereof at a distance to said axis, and comprising a frame carrying the tool and the driving mechanism; the objects of the invention are to provide an improved frame, flywheel and toolholder respectively in particular the arrangement of the bearings relative to each other in order to achieve a more quiet run of the implement resulting in a light weight construction, longer lifetime and lower cost price.