Including Movable Gate, Barrier Or Valve Upstream Of Scatterer Patents (Class 239/676)
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Patent number: 9307691Abstract: The cartridge spreader system includes a mobile cartridge spreader with a cartridge station configured to engage a cartridge and includes a locking controller for locking the cartridge securely into the cartridge station. The cartridge station includes an activator mechanism for activating and deactivating an engaged cartridge. The cartridge spreader includes an activation controller for activating and deactivating the cartridge. Activation of the cartridge allows the granular product contained in the cartridge to flow out of the container, through a granular chute on the cartridge station, and onto a granular product launcher which launches or impels the granular product over terrain or other surface. When the cartridge is deactivated, the flow path is sealed stopping the flow of granular product. The cartridge itself includes a fitment that engages with the cartridge station. The cartridge fitment includes an appropriately sized metering gate.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2014Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignee: OMS Investments, Inc.Inventors: Steven J. Cichy, Paul M. Havlovitz, Mark A. Ochs, Brad Schultz, Jeffrey Kalman, Craig Saunders, Paul Stephens, Bill Rabbitt, June O. Toscano
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Patent number: 8870101Abstract: A spreading apparatus for spreading material onto a target area is disclosed. The spreading apparatus includes a container for the material, a discharge unit which discharges the material, a deflector door disposed on a discharge port of the discharge unit, a positioning device which positions the deflector door and a controller configured to control the deflector door so that the deflector door is positioned between a first closed position and a second open position. The material is substantially prevented from exiting through the discharge port when the deflector door is in the first position. The deflector door may further be positioned at a position between the first closed position and second open position to control a distance of the material discharged from the discharge port.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2010Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Kuhn North America, Inc.Inventors: Todd Gibson, George Cicci, Patrick Henry
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Patent number: 8857745Abstract: A spreader control system digitally filters noisy load cell measurements and inaccurate flow rate measurements to form an optimal estimate of material weight in a spreader bin. This estimate may be combined with spreader swath width and vehicle speed to determine application rate. When actuators for parameters such as apron speed or gate size are available, spreading rates may be controlled with active feedback.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2010Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Trimble Navigation LimitedInventor: Gurcan Aral
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Patent number: 8757519Abstract: The cartridge spreader system includes a mobile cartridge spreader with a cartridge station configured to engage a cartridge and includes a locking controller for locking the cartridge securely into the cartridge station. The cartridge station includes an activator mechanism for activating and deactivating an engaged cartridge. The cartridge spreader includes an activation controller for activating and deactivating the cartridge. Activation of the cartridge allows the granular product contained in the cartridge to flow out of the container, through a granular chute on the cartridge station, and onto a granular product launcher which launches or impels the granular product over terrain or other surface. When the cartridge is deactivated, the flow path is sealed stopping the flow of granular product. The cartridge itself includes a fitment that engages with the cartridge station. The cartridge fitment includes an appropriately sized metering gate.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2010Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: OMS Investments, Inc.Inventors: Steven J Cichy, Paul M Havlovitz, Mark A Ochs, Brad Schultz, Jeffrey Kalman, Craig Saunders, Paul Stephens, Bill Rabbitt, June O Toscano
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Patent number: 8757521Abstract: The cartridge spreader system includes a mobile cartridge spreader with a cartridge station configured to engage a cartridge and includes a locking controller for locking the cartridge securely into the cartridge station. The cartridge station includes an activator mechanism for activating and deactivating an engaged cartridge. The cartridge spreader includes an activation controller for activating and deactivating the cartridge. Activation of the cartridge allows the granular product contained in the cartridge to flow out of the container, through a granular chute on the cartridge station, and onto a granular product launcher which launches or impels the granular product over terrain or other surface. When the cartridge is deactivated, the flow path is sealed stopping the flow of granular product. The cartridge itself includes a fitment that engages with the cartridge station. The cartridge fitment includes an appropriately sized metering gate.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2008Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: OMS Investments, Inc.Inventors: Steven J. Cichy, Paul M. Havlovitz, Mark A. Ochs, Brad Schultz, Jeffrey Kalman, Craig Saunders, Paul Stephens, Bill Rabbitt, June O. Toscano
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Patent number: 8757520Abstract: The cartridge spreader system includes a mobile cartridge spreader with a cartridge station configured to engage a cartridge and includes a locking controller for locking the cartridge securely into the cartridge station. The cartridge station includes an activator mechanism for activating and deactivating an engaged cartridge. The cartridge spreader includes an activation controller for activating and deactivating the cartridge. Activation of the cartridge allows the granular product contained in the cartridge to flow out of the container, through a granular chute on the cartridge station, and onto a granular product launcher which launches or impels the granular product over terrain or other surface. When the cartridge is deactivated, the flow path is sealed stopping the flow of granular product. The cartridge itself includes a fitment that engages with the cartridge station. The cartridge fitment includes an appropriately sized metering gate.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2012Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: OMS Investments, Inc.Inventors: Steven J. Cichy, Paul M. Havlovitz, Mark A. Ochs, Brad Schultz, Jeffrey Kalman, Craig Saunders, Paul Stephens, Bill Rabbitt, June O. Toscano
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Patent number: 8657208Abstract: A flow gate includes first and second body members, first and second flow control members, and first and second locking mechanisms. The first and second body members operatively attach to and detach from each other. The first and second flow control members adjust between an open position, a closed position, and a plurality of partially opened positions. The first and second locking mechanisms selectively prevent and allow adjustment of the first and second flow control members. The first and second flow control members prevent the flow of material from an associated spreader when both the first and second flow control members are in the closed position, and allow the flow of material from the associated spreader when either the first or the second flow control member is in the opened position or in one of the plurality of partially opened positions.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2011Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Meyer Products, LLCInventors: James A Kost, Andrew L Outcalt
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Patent number: 8511588Abstract: A ground-driven spreader device featuring a frame with two wheels each enaged in a portion of a split axle; a hopper disposed atop the frame; a belt drive disposed on the frame with a cleated belt, the belt drive is operatively connected to the first axle of the first wheel wherein the belt drive causes the cleated belt to rotate causing material having fallen from the hopper to be propelled forwardly; a pair of spinner heads disposed in the frame; and a spinner head drive disposed on the frame, the spinner head drive is operatively connected to the second axle of the second wheel, the spinner head drive functions to cause the pair of spinner heads to propel material from the device.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2010Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Inventor: Benjamin D. Eckroth
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Patent number: 8382014Abstract: The cartridge spreader system includes a mobile cartridge spreader with a cartridge station configured to engage a cartridge and includes a locking controller for locking the cartridge securely into the cartridge station. The cartridge station includes an activator mechanism for activating and deactivating an engaged cartridge. The cartridge spreader includes an activation controller for activating and deactivating the cartridge. Activation of the cartridge allows the granular product contained in the cartridge to flow out of the container, through a granular chute on the cartridge station, and onto a granular product launcher which launches or impels the granular product over terrain or other surface. When the cartridge is deactivated, the flow path is sealed stopping the flow of granular product. The cartridge itself includes a fitment that engages with the cartridge station. The cartridge fitment includes an appropriately sized metering gate.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2012Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: OMS Investments, Inc.Inventors: Steven J. Cichy, Paul M Havlovitz, Mark A. Ochs, Brad Schultz, Jeffrey Kalman, Craig Saunders, Paul Stephens, Bill Rabbitt, June O. Toscano
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Patent number: 8201759Abstract: A control mechanism for a spreader incorporating a movable material control gate comprises a first limit switch having a fixed position, a linear actuator having a positional member which moves in response to operation of the linear actuator. Movement of the positional member in a first direction causes the positional member to contact the first limit switch to define a closed position of the control gate. The control mechanism also includes a second limit switch mounted to the positional member and an adjustment system comprising a user adjustment device engaged with a linear adjustment member adjustable through a positional linear range. Movement of the adjustment device by a user causes the adjustment member to move within the linear range. Additionally, movement of the positional member in a second direction causes the second limit switch to contact the adjustment member to define an adjustably open position of the control gate.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2009Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Earth Way Products, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey D. Kendall, Richard Sevrey
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Publication number: 20110278381Abstract: A spreader control system digitally filters noisy load cell measurements and inaccurate flow rate measurements to form an optimal estimate of material weight in a spreader bin. This estimate may be combined with spreader swath width and vehicle speed to determine application rate. When actuators for parameters such as apron speed or gate size are available, spreading rates may be controlled with active feedback.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2010Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: TRIMBLE NAVIGATION LIMITEDInventor: Gurcan Aral
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Patent number: 8028938Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2009Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Trynex, Inc.Inventors: Charles Truan, Paul Mandrik, James Truan
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Patent number: 7980484Abstract: An anti-slabbing device pivotally coupled above a material conveyor and configured to drop down onto material conveyed and further configured so as to vibrate the leading edge of the material as it reaches the end of the conveyor to create a more consistent flow of material from the end of the conveyor down onto a spinner for distributing the material.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2009Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Highway Equipment CompanyInventors: Michael J. Podoll, Bruce Penning, David P. Beck
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Publication number: 20110168800Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2010Publication date: July 14, 2011Inventor: Marty Warchola
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Patent number: 7871024Abstract: A manure spreader includes a box for containing manure. The manure spreader box includes a bottom wall, a front wall, two side walls, and a manure discharge opening. The manure spreader also includes a wheeled frame supporting the box, and a vertical beater assembly for engaging and expelling manure. The vertical beater assembly includes a first vertical beater rotatable about a first axis and includes a shaft having a first flighting forming a left-handed helix, and a second flighting forming a right-handed helix. The manure spreader also includes a manure transfer mechanism for moving manure contained in the box to the manure discharge opening for engagement with the vertical beater assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2007Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: H & S Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Kenneth J. Peeters, Gary L. Wilke, Gregory L. Landon
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Patent number: 7854402Abstract: 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 draiType: GrantFiled: October 14, 2008Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Inventor: Tonny D. Travis
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Patent number: 7766257Abstract: A variable discharge mechanism for a hopper spreader apparatus includes first and second flow control members that allow varying the discharge rate by providing relative rotation between flow gate members to adjust the size of a delivery opening and thus the discharge volume flow rate. The distribution pattern can be changed by changing the location of the delivery opening with respect to an axis extending in the direction of travel of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2005Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Sno-Way International, Inc.Inventors: Robert N. Gamble, II, Lynn W. Schultz, Terry C. Wendorff
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Patent number: 6817552Abstract: A broadcast spreading top dresser (10) includes a diverter (200) which can be positioned in an upper position for light applications and a lower position for heavy applications, with the diverter (200) extending through a slot (210) in an upper sheet (58) of the spinner assembly (40) and beyond and below the upper sheet (58) in the lower position. The leading edges (204) of the diverter (200) are spaced from the circular disks (154) of the spinners (54) intermediate the radial position that the material is dispensed unto the spinners (54) and the maximum rearward extent of the circular disks (154). The lower edges of the diverter (200) extend at differing distances into the thickness of the propelled top dressing material.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2002Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Turfco Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Scott Kinkead, Thomas E. Isaman, Donavon D. Kotula, Steven Ferguson
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Patent number: 6752328Abstract: A spreader device for distributing particles over a large area of ground includes: (a) a hollow, barrel-shaped body including a distribution door covering an opening at a front, lower end of the barrel-shaped body, and a fill door covering an opening in an upper, rear portion of the barrel-shaped body; (b) a frame on which the barrel-shaped body is mounted at a forward angle, with the front portion of the barrel-shaped body being substantially lower than the rear portion; (c) a remote-operated door opening mechanism attached to the barrel-shaped body for periodically opening and closing the door; and (d) a remote switch mechanism for activating the door opening mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Inventor: Perry Sauls
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Patent number: 6533198Abstract: A top dresser for distributing particulate matter on a variety of terrain. The top dresser may includes a towable frame which is operatively connected to a pair of wheel assemblies. Each wheel assembly is rotatingly attached to the frame of the top dresser in such a fashion as to enable the wheels of the wheel assembly to follow the contours and undulations in the terrain over which it traverses. Each wheel assembly is operatively connected to a hydraulic pump which is in turn operatively connected to a hydraulic circuit which is used to control and power various elements of the top dresser. The top dresser includes a hopper with gate assembly and a conveyor to distribute particulate matter at predetermined rates to the terrain. The gate assembly is adjustable and includes a biased gate which deflects in response to contact with large nonconformities such as rocks. The conveyor belt is a pre-manufactured substantially continuous loop of material which has a patterned or otherwise roughened surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2000Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: The Toro CompanyInventors: Dean A. Podevels, Randel J. McCrackin, Dennis J. Deets, Bruce A. Granger
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Patent number: 6527205Abstract: An agricultural particulate material delivery system for delivering metered agricultural particulate material to a growing medium includes first and second compartments adapted to contain different agricultural particulate materials, a material meter having an interior and a flow switching mechanism between the first and second compartments and the meter. The flow switching mechanism is actuatable between a first position in which the flow switching mechanism supplies material from the first compartment to the interior of the meter, a second position in which the flow switching mechanism supplies material from the second compartment to the interior of the meter and a third position in which the flow switching mechanism stops the supply of material from both the first and second compartments to the interior of the meter.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2001Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: Case, LLCInventors: Ingemar R. Andersson, Edward B. Adams, Lowell A. Norris
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Patent number: 6508419Abstract: A top dresser (10) includes a spinner assembly (40) removably connected by clips (44) to a cross beam (20) of the frame (12) mounting a hopper (30). The first and second sides (36) of the hopper (30) slope downwardly and inwardly to a conveyor (140) formed by sheeting (70) in the form of an endless belt having a relatively smooth outer surface. The valve (84) for the hydraulic motor (164) of the conveyor (140) is in series downstream of the valve (78) for the hydraulic motors (56) for the spinners (54) of the spinner assembly (40). Thus, it is not possible to mistakenly run the conveyor (140) without the spinners (54) operating. Therefore, the top dresser (10) is able to spread extremely minimal amounts of material evenly and without clumping or bunching.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2000Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Assignee: Turfco Manufacturing, IncorporatedInventors: George Kinkead, Matthew A. Donner
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Publication number: 20030006320Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2000Publication date: January 9, 2003Inventors: Charles D. Swift, Christopher Rider
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Publication number: 20030006319Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2002Publication date: January 9, 2003Inventors: Leonard A. Silverstein, Jurgen Baumgart
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Patent number: 6502771Abstract: Various instruments are provided to the structural chassis of a riding or standing mower, in order to accessorize various equipment that may be applied thereto, or readily removed, as required. These include tubular mounting brackets, that may secure, normally, permanently to the structural framework of the chassis, and accept the mounting thereto of the framework of any accessory, when installed in preparation for usage, or quickly removed, when no longer required. In addition, this invention provides mechanism for controlling the operations of the pivotal gate used in conjunction with, more specifically, a fertilizer spreader, and electrifies its functioning, so that the spreader can be initiated and applied through the application of a single ignition switch, which may be operated by the hand, or ever as a foot lever, to commence the operations of the spreader, or to immediately shut it off, as required by the operator.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2000Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Inventor: Mark W. Wyne
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Patent number: 6485245Abstract: A grain kit enables an agricultural forage box to also be used for handling grain. The kit includes a collector that mounts over the rear end of the forage box. The forage box rear gate may be held at a fixed slightly open position by the coaction of tabs on the rear gate and holding brackets fastened to the forage box side walls. The grain flows into the collector, from which it is discharged in a controlled stream through a floor opening. The discharge of the grain from the collector floor opening is controlled by a door. Apron chains on the forage box are controlled to suit the rate of discharge of the grain from the collector. A sweep brushes grain from the return runs of the apron chains. In a modified embodiment, an adjustment mechanism on the collector changes the pivoting of the rear gate.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2001Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: Meyer Manufacturing CorporationInventors: Donald A. Meyer, Larry Meyer
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Publication number: 20020172582Abstract: A combined dump truck and spreader apparatus is disclosed for selectively dumping and spreading materials. The apparatus includes a truck chassis and a body for receiving and dispensing the materials. The body has a first and a second end and a first and second curved side wall. The body is secured to the chassis and a tailgate is secured to the first end of the body. An auger arrangement is disposed within the body and extends between the first and second ends thereof for transporting the materials along the body. The tailgate defines an opening which co-operates with the auger arrangement for permitting the flow therethrough of the materials. The arrangement is such that selective spreading and dumping of the materials from the opening is permitted.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2002Publication date: November 21, 2002Inventor: Richard L. Feller
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Patent number: 6419418Abstract: A spreading apparatus utilizes a number of features to improve material discharge and apparatus maintenance. In one embodiment, the apparatus uses a diverter in the box receiving the material for discharge that directs the material along a converging path and then a non-converging path to avoid material bridging and feed stoppages. The apparatus also employs a double tipping mechanism and a gate assembly, which arranges the gates in the plane of the box floor for improved dumping. The gate opening can have a grid to further control material discharge. The spreader device receiving the discharged material can employ one rotatable disc or double rotatable discs for spreading and a deflector plate directing the material to the discs. The box can be configured to utilize a number of different removable chutes, the removable chutes configured to handle a specific type of material for spreading. A particular chute can be selected to match the material intended for spreading.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2000Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Inventor: Francis V. Smith
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Patent number: 6378793Abstract: A hollow, upright hopper to receive particulate material, means operable to discharge material outwardly from the hopper in one direction or in an opposite direction and control means to control the amount, the direction, and the velocity of the discharged material, so as to direct the material into a cattle feeding trough or to a cattle bedding area, for example.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Inventor: Stephen G. Lantz
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Patent number: 6364598Abstract: The dump body of a dump truck includes a tailgate having an opening through which material in the receptacle can be dispensed by an endless conveyor in the dump body, and a feedgate for adjusting the rate of discharge is removably mounted on one of the tailgate and the bottom of the dump body and has a passageway through which the conveyor belt extends and a door displaceable toward and away from the conveyor to adjust the size of the passageway and thus the rate of material discharge when the conveyor is in operation.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2000Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: The Louis Berkman CompanyInventors: Robert V. Vickers, E. Kent Daniels, Jr.
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Patent number: 6361266Abstract: A dump truck having a dump body which includes an adjustable feedgate for adjusting the size of a passageway through a rear opening at the rear of the dump body. The feedgate is rotatably mounted within the rear opening to provide for improved control of the flow of materials within the dump body which pass through the rear opening when the feedgate is positioned into an open position. A side guide is incorporated into the feedgate to provide additional control of the flow rate of materials through the rear opening especially at low feed rates.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1999Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Assignee: The Louis Berkman CompanyInventors: Roland L. Hagemeyer, Kenneth P. Manon
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Patent number: 6354786Abstract: A combined dump truck and spreader apparatus is disclosed for selectively dumping and spreading materials. The apparatus includes a truck chassis and a body for receiving and dispensing the materials. The body has a first and a second end and a first and second curved side wall. The body is secured to the chassis and a tailgate is secured to the first end of the body. An auger arrangement is disposed within the body and extends between the first and second ends thereof for transporting the materials along the body. The tailgate defines an opening which co-operates with the auger arrangement for permitting the flow therethrough of the materials. The arrangement is such that selective spreading and dumping of the materials from the opening is permitted.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1998Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: Monroe Truck Equipment Inc.Inventor: Richard L. Feller
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Patent number: 6290150Abstract: A bark dust unloading system has a mechanism for moving material in a container to an opening at the rear of the container. An auger assembly in combination with rotating rake assemblies move the material from the sides of the container to the opening. A blower assembly provides an air stream to transport the material deposited in the opening through a hose. The hose is used to distribute the material. An automatic control controls the operation of the unloading system including the movement of the material, the blower system, the augers and rake assemblies. A remote control allows the operator to alter the operations while directing placement of the bark dust. This provides for operation by a single operator.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2000Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Inventor: Dudley W. Jones
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Publication number: 20010019087Abstract: An agricultural particulate material delivery system for delivering metered agricultural particulate material to a growing medium includes first and second compartments adapted to contain different agricultural particulate materials, a material meter having an interior and a flow switching mechanism between the first and second compartments and the meter. The flow switching mechanism is actuatable between a first position in which the flow switching mechanism supplies material from the first compartment to the interior of the meter, a second position in which the flow switching mechanism supplies material from the second compartment to the interior of the meter and a third position in which the flow switching mechanism stops the supply of material from both the first and second compartments to the interior of the meter.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2001Publication date: September 6, 2001Inventors: Ingemar R. Andersonn, Edward B. Adams, Lowell A. Norris
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Patent number: 6227454Abstract: A device for applying night-visible road markings includes a material hopper, a floor gate, a pair of side runners and a plurality of vertically oriented shutters. When the floor gate is moved away from an outlet extending through a bottom side of the hopper, marking material flows from the hopper, through the outlet and onto the surface of a road. The vertically oriented shutters are positioned between the side runners, which serve as side forms for marking material dispensed onto the road surface, and rearwardly of the hopper outlet. The distance between the bottom edges of the shutters and the road surface determines the amount of marking material that passes thereunder, thereby determining the thickness of the road marking. By positioning the shutters at different relative elevations, road markings of various patterns including markings having varying thicknesses across their width can be produced for increased reflectivity of the road markings.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1999Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Assignee: Jackson Products, Inc.Inventors: Charles R. Wolf, Howard Schierling
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Patent number: 6209808Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2000Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Assignee: GVM, IncorporatedInventor: Mark W. Anderson
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Patent number: 6193175Abstract: An agricultural particulate material delivery system for delivering metered agricultural particulate material to a growing medium includes first and second compartments adapted to contain different agricultural particulate materials, a material meter having an interior and a flow switching mechanism between the first and second compartments and the meter. The flow switching mechanism is actuatable between a first position in which the flow switching mechanism supplies material from the first compartment to the interior of the meter, a second position in which the flow switching mechanism supplies material from the second compartment to the interior of the meter and a third position in which the flow switching mechanism stops the supply of material from both the first and second compartments to the interior of the meter.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1998Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Case CorporationInventors: Ingemar R. Andersson, Edward B. Adams, Lowell A. Norris
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Patent number: 6186731Abstract: The dump body of a dump truck includes a tailgate having an opening through which material in the receptacle can be dispensed by an endless conveyor in the dump body, and a feedgate for adjusting the rate of discharge is removably mounted on one of the tailgate and the bottom of the dump body and has a passageway through which the conveyor belt extends and a door displaceable toward and away from the conveyor to adjust the size of the passageway and thus the rate of material discharge when the conveyor is in operation.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1999Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignee: The Louis Berkman CompanyInventors: Robert V. Vickers, E. Kent Daniels, Jr.
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Patent number: 6149079Abstract: A top dresser (10) includes a spinner assembly (40) removably connected by clips (44) to a cross beam (20) of the frame (12) mounting a hopper (30). The first and second sides (36) of the hopper (30) slope downwardly and inwardly to a conveyor (140) formed by sheeting (70) in the form of an endless belt having a relatively smooth outer surface. The valve (84) for the hydraulic motor (164) of the conveyor (140) is in series downstream of the valve (78) for the hydraulic motors (56) for the spinners (54) of the spinner assembly (40). Thus, it is not possible to mistakenly run the conveyor (140) without the spinners (54) operating. Therefore, the top dresser (10) is able to spread extremely minimal amounts of material evenly and without clumping or bunching.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1998Date of Patent: November 21, 2000Assignee: Turfco Manufacturing, IncorporatedInventors: George Kinkead, Matthew A. Donner
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Patent number: 6131830Abstract: A bark dust unloading system has a movable wall for moving material in a container to an opening at the rear of the container. An auger assembly in combination with rotating rake assemblies move the material from the sides of the container to the opening. A blower assembly provides an air stream to transport the material deposited in the opening through a hose. The hose is used to distribute the material. An automatic control controls the operation of the unloading system including the movement of the wall, the blower system, the augers and rake assemblies. A remote control allows the operator to alter the operations while directing placement of the bark dust. This provides for operation by a single operator.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 1999Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Inventor: Dudley W. Jones
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Patent number: 6092966Abstract: A multiple purpose dump unit designed to be mounted on a vehicle for hauling, dumping, spreading and the collection of refuse as well as for distributing salt, sand and other aggregates. The unit has a single dump body with a sloping, fixed endgate and a longitudinally extending conveyor along the open bottom of the dump body, and the unit is provided with a spreader mechanism at the exit gate from the conveyor to facilitate spreading of salt, sand and other aggregates. The unit is pivotally mounted near its rear end so that it can be lifted by hydraulic cylinders for dumping, spreading aggregate, asphalt, etc. The dump unit can be sized so that the vehicle can navigate narrow streets and alleys and is mounted at a height and with sides of a height to meet the requirements for manual refuse loading.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1998Date of Patent: July 25, 2000Assignee: Highway Equipment CompanyInventors: Charles Martin, Michael Dean, Peter Cervelli
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Patent number: 5967427Abstract: A mobile spreader having a main frame, a tank mounted on the main frame for receiving manure or other fertilizer material, and a ground engaging wheel assembly mounted on the main frame for supporting the tank. A pair of augers rotatably mounted in the tank for conveying material received in the tank to a discharge area where an opening is provided in the tank. An expeller assembly, also mounted on the main frame, receives material conveyed to the discharge area and discharges it from the tank as it is transported over a field. The pair of augers consist of a first auger having a tubular element with continuous flighting extending therefrom, and a second auger mounted parallel and adjacent the first auger. The second auger also has a tubular element. Interrupted flighting elements extends from the tubular element of the second auger to aggressively engage clumpy material and break it up into particles small enough to be transferred to the discharge area by the augers.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1998Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.Inventor: Shaun A. Seymour
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Patent number: 5950933Abstract: A pneumatic material spreader for distributing two types of particulate fertilizers at once including an outwardly extending boom having a plurality of pipes, a hopper with plural compartments and conveyor system. The conveyor system comprises two sets of stacked conveyors each set having one conveyor transporting material for one compartment to the pneumatic spray boom and a second conveyor transporting material from a second compartment to the same pneumatic spray boom. Guide ducts receive the material form the conveyors which become mixed as they pass through the separating guide ducts into the pipes and out to an outlet. The hopper is separated into two compartments by a divider wall that is adjustable to permit the relative size of the compartments to be varied.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventor: Charles Balmer
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Patent number: 5927617Abstract: A truck in accordance with the present invention includes a dump body, a truck frame with a rear axle, a lift system, and a conveying system. The dump body is defined by a unitary floor, a pair of sidewalls which extend tip from opposite sides of the floor, and a front wall and a back wall located on opposite sides of the floor and extending between the sidewalls. The dump body is pivotally connected to the truck frame adjacent to the back wall. The lift system is mounted to the truck frame and the dump body for lifting an end of the dump body proximate the front wall between a lowered resting position on the truck frame and an upper raised position. The conveying system is positioned on the floor behind the rear axle and extends between the pair of sidewalls. The dump body has at least one opening in alignment with the conveying system.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1996Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Inventors: Charles S. Musso, Jr., Tom Musso
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Patent number: 5890867Abstract: A dump truck having a dump body which includes a rotatable feedgate for adjusting the size of a passageway through a rear opening at the rear of the dump body. The rotatable feedgate is rotatably mounted within the rear opening to provide for improved control of the flow of materials within the dump body which pass through the rear opening when the feedgate is positioned into an open position. A side guide is incorporated into the rotatable feedgate to provide additional control of the flow rate of materials through the rear opening especially at low feed rates. The rotatable feedgate design includes a rotatable feedgate position for open mode hauling whereby the feedgate is repositioned in the rear of the dump body. An opening plate is also provided to be used to provide an alternative arrangement for sealing the tailgate opening while the rotatable feedgate is attached or detached from the dump body.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1996Date of Patent: April 6, 1999Assignee: The Louis Berkman CompanyInventor: Roland L. Hagemeyer
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Patent number: 5823734Abstract: A dump truck having a dump body which includes an adjustable feedgate for adjusting the size of a passageway through a rear opening at the rear of the dump body. The feedgate is rotatably mounted within the rear opening to provide for improved control of the flow of materials within the dump body which pass through the rear opening when the feedgate is positioned into an open position. A side guide is incorporated into the feedgate to provide additional control of the flow rate of materials through the rear opening especially at low feed rates.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 1995Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignee: The Louis Berkman CompanyInventors: Roland L. Hagemeyer, Kenneth P. Manon
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Patent number: 5813613Abstract: A spreader wagon (1) comprises a container (10). A dispensing rotor (30) is rotatable in the container (10) for dispensing material through a dispensing outlet (21). A piston plate member (45) is movable within the container (10) for urging material into engagement with the dispensing rotor (30). An inner separating member (75) and an outer separating member (76) are rotatably mounted on the dispensing rotor (30) for separating material from the mass of material in the container (10) for dispensing through the dispensing outlet (21). A drive transmission interconnects the dispensing rotor (30) and the inner and outer separating members (75,76) so that the separating members (75,76) rotate relative to the dispensing rotor (30) as the dispensing rotor (30) rotates.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1996Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Assignee: Vetron Holdings LimitedInventors: Richard Keenan, John Keenan, Richard Christopher Moore, James English
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Patent number: 5772389Abstract: A combined dump truck and spreader apparatus is disclosed for selectively dumping and spreading materials. The apparatus includes a truck chassis and a body for receiving and dispensing the materials. The body has a first and a second end and a first and second curved side wall. The body is secured to the chassis and a tailgate is secured to the first end of the body. A conveyor is disposed within the body and extends between the first and second ends thereof for conveying the materials along the body. The tailgate defines an opening which co-operates with the conveyor for permitting the flow therethrough of the materials. The arrangement is such that selective spreading and dumping of the materials from the opening is permitted.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1996Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Assignee: Monroe Truck Equipment Inc.Inventor: Richard L. Feller
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Patent number: 5671891Abstract: A spreader wagon (1) comprises a container (10) for material to be spread. The container (10) is formed by a semi-circular base (14) and side walls (15) and (16) and a downstream end wall (17). A dispensing rotor (30) rotatable in the downstream end (12) of the container (10) dispenses material through a dispensing outlet (19). A piston plate member (45) extending transversely of and slidable in the container (10) from the upstream end (11) to the downstream end (12) retains the material in the container and urges the material into engagement with the dispensing rotor (30). An isolating plate (55) slidable in tracks (57) is lowerable into a closed position for isolating the dispensing rotor (30) from an upstream portion (56) of the container (10) for retaining the material out of engagement with the dispensing rotor (30) until the dispensing rotor (30) has been run up to speed.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1995Date of Patent: September 30, 1997Assignee: Vetron Holdings LimitedInventors: Richard Keenan, Richard Christopher Moore, John Keenan
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Patent number: 5653567Abstract: A mobile batch feeder for cubed feed consisting of a supply hopper with conveyor leading to a cumulative dispensing chute. Rotational input to drive the conveyor also functions to trip open the dispensing chute periodically thereby to dispense measured batches of cube feed.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1995Date of Patent: August 5, 1997Assignee: Charley A. TaylorInventor: Charley A. Taylor