Abstract: A material spreading drive system for a hopper spreader having a conveyor and a spreader separately driven by two electric motors that are powered directly from the electrical system of the vehicle. The conveyor drive system includes a gearbox that transmits 90 to 95 percent of power received from the conveyor motor to the conveyor, thus reducing the demand on the electrical system. As a result, the electrical system is capable of also powering a second electric motor that drives the spreader. Due to the improved efficiency of the conveyor belt system, increased conveying and spreading speed are possible as well as independent control over the operating speeds of the conveyor and spreader.

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

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A foldable drill implement has a supply hopper mounted on a center frame section and a rearwardly mounted broadcast hopper extending onto wing frame sections. Various augers connect the supply hopper to the broadcast hopper and maintain a level of fill in the broadcast hopper. Folding of the wing section relative to the center frame section utilizes swing plates and spacer plates to dampen oscillation of the wing sections. Controls regulate flow of material by sensing accumulated excess material and deactuating the augers. A differential assembly is provided for sensing torque pressure due to an accumulation of material in transverse broadcast augers to regulate flow.

Abstract: An improved manure spreader and process for unloading and spreading utilizes a powered flexible reversible movable floor which moves with the load towards the thrower so that the load is uniformly conveyed without relative movement between the load and the flexible movable floor and with an automatic stop system to stop movement of the floor when an upright wall portion of the movable floor reaches the area of the thrower with the automatic system also stopping the upright portion of the movable floor at its maximum extension for the loading mode after it has been reversed.