Abstract: A spreader device includes a hopper axially mounted above a generally circular hollow tube, the generally circular hollow tube forming a semi-circular hopper floor of an interior area formed by the hopper, and a drive motor assembly attached to the hopper and operable to rotate the generally circular hollow tube within at least a portion of the interior area formed by the hopper.

Abstract: A manure spreader implement has a compartment for containing manure, a conveyor for displacing manure in the compartment towards a rear end of the implement, and a rotating beater assembly at the rear end of the implement for spreading the manure outwardly from the rear end of the implement. The implement further includes (i) support brackets for supporting the mounting fasteners of the beater teeth on the auger of the beater assembly in double shear, (ii) auxiliary paddles supported by removable fasteners on the auger of the beater assembly between the auger flighting above and the lower paddles of the auger below, and/or (iii) floor slats on the conveyor which have end portions of reduced internal dimension formed by crimps that allow relative sliding between the floor slats and the mounting bars on the chain of the conveyor.

Abstract: The spreader has a movable container and at least one elongated tube, and can thus be moved along a path in the forest, and the tube successively deployed to blow the soil conditioner between the trees, away from the path. Satisfactory efficiency can be achieved using an eductor device to transfer the powdery soil conditioner into the air flow in the tube.

Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed which includes a chassis and a storage and dispensing apparatus. The storage and dispensing apparatus can be mounted directly to the chassis or disposed within or on a body, which in turn is mounted to the chassis. The storage and dispensing apparatus has an opening therein to permit material to be transported therethrough. A conveyor assembly for selectively conveying materials from the opening of the storage and dispensing apparatus is also included. The conveyor assembly can include a dual auger arrangement. The vehicle includes a spreader chute that is operably arranged with the conveyor assembly to direct the materials to a spreader. A liquid storage system for storing liquid is provided. A liquid dispensing system is provided for selectively dispensing liquid from the liquid storage system.

Abstract: A material spreader is adapted to dispense granular material from a vehicle. The material spreader includes a feed chute having a discharge opening and a discharge disc assembly disposed below the feed chute. The discharge disc assembly includes a spinner disc adapted to receive granular material from the feed chute, a shroud disposed in at least partial covering relation to the spinner disc, and a rotational drive operatively connected to the spinner disc such that the spinner disc is rotatable within the shroud about a rotational axis. The shroud includes a pass-through opening disposed in substantially aligned relation with the discharge opening of the feed chute at a position radially removed from the central rotational axis. The discharge disc assembly is rotatably mounted in pivoting relation about a pivot axis extending through the pass-through opening and the discharge opening of the feed chute.

Abstract: A spreader assembly may include a hopper, an auger mechanism, a torque sensor that provides a signal based on a condition of the auger mechanism and, a controller that receives the signal from the torque sensor and determines a fill status of the hopper based on the signal from the torque sensor.

Abstract: A material spreader may include an electric interlock mechanism that is adjustable between: (1) a first condition where an electric supply line can supply electricity to operate a material transfer member and a door cannot be moved into an open position; and, (2) a second condition where the electric supply line cannot supply electricity to operate the material transfer member and the door can be moved into an open position.

Abstract: A plastic tailgate mounted spreader adapted to replace the tailgate of a vehicle. The tailgate mounted spreader has a plastic hopper having a width and height generally equal to the width and height of the vehicle tailgate. A frame having at least a top member and a bottom member supports the hopper. In the disclosed embodiment, the frame also includes side members. The top member has first and second arms extending from the top member that are adapted to be connected to the vehicle. The bottom member has first and second rods extending from the bottom member that are adapted to be connected to the vehicle and in particular to the clamps on the vehicle that control the release of the bucket. An auger is mounted within the plastic hopper to auger material to a discharge opening. The auger is mounted between the side members in the preferred embodiment.

Abstract: A material spreader having a hopper for containing material and a liquid tank containing liquid adjacent the hopper. The liquid tank has a passage extending from the hopper through the tank with a discharge opening. An auger extends through the hopper and passage for conveying material to the outlet for delivery to a spinner for distributing the material. At least one nozzle is mounted in the passage for spraying liquid onto the material as it is being conveyed through the passage.

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: 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 spreader assembly may include a hopper, an auger mechanism, a torque sensor that provides a signal based on a condition of the auger mechanism and, a controller that receives the signal from the torque sensor and determines a fill status of the hopper based on the signal from the torque sensor.

Abstract: A mine dusting machine having a specialized scoop constructed with a floor, opposite sides and ends and adapted for carrying substantially free-flowing particulate material, a powered ram on the scoop for pushing the material therein toward the front end of the scoop, a hydraulic motor powered auger conveyor mounted on the scoop adjacent said front end for transporting the material toward opposite sides of the scoop, separate material flingers mounted on said front end at least adjacent each of the sides and being hydraulically motor powered to receive the material transported thereto by the conveyor and then dispersing the material with considerable force in a generally arcuate pattern in a mine, wherein the motors are hydraulically connected in series to a pressurized hydraulic feed line and wherein each motor has a case drain port, a hydraulic return line connecting the last flinger motor of the series to a PTO, a primary check valve in the return line for preventing reverse flow therein, a motor case drai

Abstract: The salt slurry clump forming apparatus and process comprise an auger receiving salt and atomized liquid to form a slurry which is deposited on a broadcast spreader to form slurry clumps of generally 0.25? to 1.25? in diameter. Slurry clumps resist movement from roadway and other surfaces by wind and vehicle traffic and deter bonding of ice and snow with a surface. Multiple applications are lessened and road work in removal of ice and snow is facilitated.

Abstract: Biodegradable solid soil amendment material such as poultry litter may be disposed of in soil using an apparatus which includes a soil cutter for cutting a trench and a dispenser for transporting the material and simultaneously grinding or shearing the material and distributing it to the trenches in the soil. The receptacle includes a plurality of troughs across its bottom surface, each having an outlet at one end thereof, and corresponding screw augers therein for distributing and transporting the material to the outlets. As the material is transported toward each of the outlets by the augers it is crushed or ground to a small size. This apparatus allows the material to be dispensed through the multiple outlets at a substantially steady, uniform rate.

Abstract: A plastic tailgate mounted spreader adapted to replace the tailgate of a vehicle. The tailgate mounted spreader has a plastic hopper having a width and height generally equal to the width and height of the vehicle tailgate. A frame having at least a top member and a bottom member supports the hopper. In the disclosed embodiment, the frame also includes side members. The top member has first and second arms extending from the top member that are adapted to be connected to the vehicle. The bottom member has first and second rods extending from the bottom member that are adapted to be connected to the vehicle and in particular to the clamps on the vehicle that control the release of the bucket. An auger is mounted within the plastic hopper to auger material to a discharge opening. The auger is mounted between the side members in the preferred embodiment.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a land application vehicle for a semi-solid material, such as bio-solids. The vehicle includes a hopper and a distributor. The distributor includes a housing having a distributor inlet and at least one distributor outlet, a first distributor auger in the housing configured for transferring semi-solid material away from the distributor inlet towards the at least one distributor outlet and a second distributor auger in the housing configured for transferring semi-solid material back towards the distributor inlet. This creates re-circulation of the semi-solid material within the distributor, which inhibits packing of the semi-solid material at the ends of the distributor and generally aids in uniform distribution of the material.

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: A spreader assembly for spreading a material and for mounting in a bed of a truck is disclosed. The assembly includes a hopper and a frame for supporting the hopper in the bed of the truck. The hopper has a length extending between a front end and a rear end sized for placing in the bed of the truck to hold material for spreading and has an outlet spout with an opening for discharging material therefrom. The hopper and the frame are each formed from a thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A material spreader having a hopper for containing material and a liquid tank containing liquid adjacent the hopper. The liquid tank has a passage extending from the hopper through the tank with a discharge opening. An auger extends through the hopper and passage for conveying material to the outlet for delivery to a spinner for distributing the material. At least one nozzle is mounted in the passage for spraying liquid onto the material as it is being conveyed through the passage.

Abstract: A spreader assembly for spreading a material and for mounting to a bed of a truck is disclosed. The assembly includes a hopper and a frame having an upper rail for supporting the hopper in the bed of the truck. The frame includes a pair of front and rear posts extending downwardly from the upper rail and an upper rail extending in a cantilevered fashion from the rear posts to support the outlet spout outside the bed of the truck. A quick-release connector releasably engages the frame for preventing longitudinal movement within the bed of the truck. A spinner is rotatably attached and is moveable between an operating position and a storage position. The hopper includes a lower portion having a bottom with a first slanted portion having a first slope and a second slanted portion having a second slope with the first slope being different than the second slope.

Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed which includes a chassis and a storage and dispensing apparatus. The storage and dispensing apparatus can be mounted directly to the chassis or disposed within or on a body, which in turn is mounted to the chassis. The storage and dispensing apparatus has an opening therein to permit material to be transported therethrough. A conveyor assembly for selectively conveying materials from the opening of the storage and dispensing apparatus is also included. The conveyor assembly can include a dual auger arrangement. The vehicle includes a spreader chute that is operably arranged with the conveyor assembly to direct the materials to a spreader. A liquid storage system for storing liquid is provided. A liquid dispensing system is provided for selectively dispensing liquid from the liquid storage system.

Abstract: A liquid manure spreader is described which comprises a frame having a plurality of frame portions and having articulation means between each frame portion for permitting relative movement of each frame portion in response to directional changes of the liquid manure spreader. Such an arrangement facilitates turning of the liquid manure spreader. The liquid manure spreader also comprises two or more liquid manure tanks which are in fluid communication with each other. A pump may be used to re-circulate the liquid manure between the tanks, transfer the liquid manure to a spreader means, or both. Liquid manure can also be transferred between the tanks to thereby achieve a pre-determined weight distribution between the tanks. Such a fluid arrangement permits better weight distribution leading to better handling of the manure 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: An improved spreader assembly adapted to be mounted on a vehicle having a tailgate and a bumper. The improved spreader assembly includes a hopper and a retaining arrangement. The hopper has an upper section and a bottom section. The bottom section has a base surface adapted to at least partially rest on a top surface of the bumper. The retaining arrangement includes a band that fits at least about a portion of a front face of the upper section of the hopper. One end of the band is adapted to connect to the vehicle to maintain at least a portion of a back face of the upper section at least closely adjacent to the tailgate of the vehicle.

Abstract: A spreader assembly for spreading a material and for mounting to a bed of a truck is disclosed. The assembly includes a hopper and a frame having an upper rail for supporting the hopper in the bed of the truck. The frame includes a pair of front and rear posts extending downwardly from the upper rail and an upper rail extending in a cantilevered fashion from the rear posts to support the outlet spout outside the bed of the truck. A quick-release connector releasably engages the frame for preventing longitudinal movement within the bed of the truck. A spinner is rotatably attached and is moveable between an operating position and a storage position. The hopper includes a lower portion having a bottom with a first slanted portion having a first slope and a second slanted portion having a second slope with the first slope being different than the second slope.

Abstract: A convertible material spreader in which a single hopper bin with a conveyor is converted into a dual bin hopper with dual independent conveyors by nesting a secondary hopper and conveyor combination into the primary bin after removing an end gate.

Abstract: A twin discharge conveyor mounted on a spreader truck is shown including two parallel mounted conveying mechanisms such as augers, belt conveyors and chain conveyors contained within a conveyor trough that is mounted laterally on a truck chassis adjacent the front end of a frame mounted material storage container. The conveying mechanisms are independently controlled by separate hydraulic motors so that material can be discharged to the left and to the right of the truck simultaneously and in varying amounts.

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 convertible material spreader in which a single hopper bin with a conveyor is converted into a dual bin hopper with dual independent conveyors by nesting a secondary hopper and conveyor combination into the primary bin after removing an end gate.

Abstract: A twin discharge conveyor mounted on a spreader truck is shown including two parallel mounted conveying mechanisms such as augers, belt conveyors and chain conveyors contained within a conveyor trough that is mounted laterally on a truck chassis adjacent the front end of a frame mounted material storage container. The conveying mechanism are independently controlled by separate hydraulic motors so that material can be discharged to the left and to the right of the truck simultaneously and in varying amounts.

Abstract: A thrower system includes a container for storing a projectile to be thrown, a centrifugal thrower for propelling the object a distance away from the thrower system through centrifugal force, and conveying means for transporting the projectile between the container and the centrifugal thrower. The thrower system may throw baseballs, softballs, golf balls, or similar objects, and in particular, may be a cryogenic projectile thrower system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a granular material transport mechanism for a sand truck. The material mechanism is arranged in granular material flow communication with a granular material hopper, and is disposed on its lower side thereof, for distribution of said granular material from a spreader on the truck. The mechanism comprises an elongated containment housing for enclosing a rotary feed shaft. The rotary feed shaft has longitudinal ends that extend beyond the housing. A plurality of spaced-apart semicircular plates are disposed on the shaft. A bearing support for the feed shaft is arranged adjacent each longitudinal end of the feed shaft and outside of the containment housing. An opening on a rear lower side of the containment housing for permits the communication the granular material to the spreader arranged therebeneath.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for depositing salt granular materials upon a highway pavement at practical speeds. A highway truck is utilized which employs two spaced apart ejector mechanisms which function to deposit a continues narrow band of mixed salt and brine just forwardly of and in the path of travel of the two rearward truck wheel assemblies. This not only provides enhanced traction for these rear truck wheels, but also functions to utilize the rear wheels to compact the continuous narrow band pile of salt into pavement borne ice formations. Granular salt is delivered to the two ejector mechanisms utilized from a truck bed having a flat surface beneath which is a centrally disposed bed auger transport mechanism formed of two independently driven augers. These augers deliver salt to a cross auger mechanism mounted forwardly of the bed and which both supports and delivers salt to the two spaced apart ejectors.

Abstract: A rear mounted spreader having a horizontal auger. The spreader is ideally suited to spread bulk salt and sand, but can effectively be used to spread any spreadable material. The spreader is mounted to a vehicle and the auger is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The spreader includes a flow plate to facilitate proper material flow. The spreader also includes a vehicle-mounted control that can independently control the auger and spinner and can control the vibrator.

Abstract: A truck having a material spreader and a control mechanism to regulate the velocity of materials ejected from the material spreader. The material spreader includes a material guider to guide the trajectory of substantially all the materials in a direction substantially opposite the direction of forward movement of the truck. The control mechanism includes a velocity sensor adapted to detect the velocity of the truck and to send a signal indicative of the truck velocity to a velocity controller. The velocity controller sends a signal to the material spreader which is dependent on the truck velocity to control the velocity of the materials ejected from the material spreader. The material spreader is mounted to the truck to allow the material spreader to be moved between a non-operational and operational position. The material spreader is also mounted to allow for lateral and/or upward movement upon encountering a predetermined force.

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: A mobile products applicator includes a monitoring system particularly adaptable for use in selected product management applications, wherein application rates for selected products stored on-board one or more storage devices are measured on-the-go and visually reported to an applicator operator in near real-time. The mobile products applicator provides environmental advantages to all through enhanced resource management by eliminating or significantly reducing ground and/or water contamination.

Abstract: A truck having a material spreader and a control mechanism to regulate the velocity of materials ejected from the material spreader. The material spreader includes a material guider to guide the trajectory of substantially all the materials in a direction substantially opposite the direction of forward movement of the truck. The control mechanism includes a velocity sensor adapted to detect the velocity of the truck and to send a signal indicative of the truck velocity to a velocity controller. The velocity controller sends a signal to the material spreader which is dependent on the truck velocity to control the velocity of the materials ejected from the material spreader. The material spreader is mounted to the truck to allow the material spreader to be moved between a non-operational and operational position. The material spreader is also mounted to allow for lateral and/or upward movement upon encountering a predetermined force.

Abstract: A granular material spreader is adapted for towing behind a yard tractor. A frame upports an inverted cone which is sized to contain a supply of granular material for distribution. The bin sweep rod is carried adjacent to the inside surface of the cone, and turns a drive spring. The drive spring drives a helix, which rotates about the bin sweep rod, driving the granular material toward the narrow base of the cone. Should the helix become jammed, the drive spring snaps past the helix, rather than risk damage by forcing its movement. A bin sweep drive wheel is also driven by the revolution of the bin sweep. Movement of the wheel against the an upper portion of the outside surface of the cone moves the bin sweep rod and helix in a circular path about the inside surface of the cone. A valve at the base of the cone allows granular material to drop into a housing which defines slots about portions of its perimeter.

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: An apparatus for conditioning and dispensing a mixture of wet and dry insulation material is provided. The apparatus includes a hopper with a partition disposed in the hopper so as to define a wet material receiving compartment and a dry material receiving compartment. A plurality of shafts are rotatably and longitudinally supported in the hopper. The shafts are provided with helically arranged spikes which serve to incorporate the wet and dry insulation material together, as well as condition the insulation material. A lower shaft acts to convey the wet insulation material to an air lock while a pair of upper shafts function to incorporate the dry insulation material into the wet insulation material at various points.

Abstract: A composted waste spreading (distributing) method and apparatus is disclosed. A storage hopper having a floor drag chain is employed to remove the composted material from the bottom of the hopper and push it out of the hopper through an opening. A unidirectional conveyor pushes the composted material into an air supplied airlock. The airlock has a flexible air conduit connected thereto for distributing the composted waste which is entrained into the airstream passing through the airlock under the force of a compressor. The airlock, conveyor and floor chain are driven by hydraulic motors and are either controlled manually or alternatively by an automatic controller.

Abstract: Systems for reducing the possibility of inadvertent activation of an auger located in a supply body and/or spreader device while the covers of such a body or spreader device are open are provided. A motor that is drivingly connected to the auger is provided, as is a power supply for the motor that includes first and second engageable couplings. An arm located adjacent the spreader device is included, and is movable between a position that prevents opening of the cover and a position that permits opening of the cover. The first coupling is located with respect to the arm so that the first and second couplings may be engaged only when the arm is in a position that prevents the cover from opening. The cover can only be opened when the first and second couplings are separated, thereby interrupting the power supply to the motor and preventing operation of the auger.

Abstract: A material spreader comprising a mobile tank for receiving and discharging waste material, such as manure. The spreader includes a conveying assembly comprising one or more augers rotatably mounted in the tank for conveying material received in the tank to a discharge area. An opening in the vicinity of the discharge area permits material to be dispensed to a slinger assembly mounted outside the tank adjacent the opening. Material is distributed by the slinger in a controlled pattern as the tank is transported over a field. A control system is provided for selectively controlling the rate and pattern of the material being distributed, based on characteristics of the material. A field is divided into cells and data relating to the nutrient demand of each cell is collected and stored in tables in a memory. A GPS receiver detects the location of the spreader as it moves over a field.

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

Abstract: A material spreader comprising a mobile tank for receiving and discharging waste material, such as manure. The spreader includes a conveying assembly comprising one or more augers rotatably mounted in the tank for conveying material received in the tank to a discharge area. An opening in the vicinity of the discharge area permits material to be dispensed to a slinger assembly mounted outside the tank adjacent the opening. Material is distributed by the slinger in a controlled pattern as the tank is transported over a field.

Abstract: A bedding material spreader device of the present invention includes a hopper for holding a material. The hopper is open at the top and includes a closed bottom. A screw-auger is rotatably positioned along the inside bottom of the hopper for conveying the material towards the left or the right discharge opening provided on the rear wall of the hopper. Left and right spinners for spreading the material, either from the left or right side of the hopper, are provided in corresponding recesses on the exterior rear wall of the hopper. The auger includes radially extending blades on the left and right ends thereof, which spin-out the material from inside the hopper towards the left or right discharge opening and into the corresponding spinner which feeds-out the material out of the hopper. A hydraulic mechanism, which selectively runs the hydraulic flow in opposite directions, allows either the left or the right spinner to rotate to thereby allow the material to be fed-out from either side of the device.

Abstract: A material spreader comprising a mobile tank for receiving and discharging waste material, such as manure. The spreader includes a conveying assembly comprising one or more augers rotatably mounted in the tank for conveying material received in the tank to a discharge area. An opening in the vicinity of the discharge area permits material to be dispensed to a slinger assembly mounted outside the tank adjacent the opening. Material is distributed by the slinger in a controlled pattern as the tank is transported over a field.

Abstract: A salt-sand spreader for use for spreading materials onto road surfaces primarily where icing or slippery conditions occur. The spreader includes an applicator for coating the particles with a liquid prior to discharging the particles to tend to speed up the ice melting reaction and if a suitable coating is used to inhibit corrosive action of the salt. Additionally, the velocity of discharge of the particles from a discharge mechanism is sensed or correlated to fan speed and the discharge velocity is adjusted to match the forward speed of the vehicle so that there is essentially zero relative velocity between the particles and the ground when the particles strike the ground.