Abstract: A combine harvester has at least one rotor oriented in the longitudinal direction of the harvester and configured to separate grains and light chaff from a stream of residue material transported to the distal end of the rotor, where said stream is ejected downwards into a chopper housing. The chopper housing has a pair of chopper wheels configured so that the stream of residue material is ejected directly into the area between said chopper wheels, with essentially no residue being allowed to enter the space between the circumference of the wheels and the sidewalls of the chopper housing. The harvester also has a spreader with a pair of laterally placed spreader openings in the chopper housing, preferably with a pair of spreader snouts mounted on said openings.

Abstract: A processing apparatus for fluid with a simple structure, high productivity, ability of precise dispersion, emulsification and grinding, is provided. The apparatus of the present invention comprises at least two processing faces of a first face and a second face, both of which are arranged in a tight-closed passage, and positioned opposite to each other to constitute part of said passage, and a contact pressure applying mechanism for putting both faces 1, 2 into closed contact with each other, wherein the rotation of the second processing face 2 in respect of the first processing face 1 may cause dispersion or emulsification of the fluid to be processed between both processing faces 1, 2.

Abstract: A grain spreader includes a vertical shaft, a receiver for receiving the grain and distributing the grain to a diverter that is rotatably mounted on the shaft with an outlet that is eccentrically positioned relative to the shaft, and a spreader pan that receives the grain form the distributer. The spreader pan is mounted to rotate on the shaft beneath the diverter. The diverter and the spreader pan are rotated by controllable motors so that the diverter can be stopped and the rotational speed of the spreader pan can be varied. The spreader pan has a bottom base and a series of varying length vanes that are vertically and radially aligned on the base to operably engage the grain and spread the grain within a bin or the like. The lengths of the vanes are preferably determined by a formula. In certain embodiments the spreader pan may have an opening to allow grain to pass through the pan without engaging the base so as to fill the center of a bin more evenly.

Abstract: 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.

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

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for dispensing chemical material, and in particular, granular, agricultural material, from a moving device driven over terrain to be treated with the material. A metering system for dispersing the material includes on apertured metering disk positioned above a rotatable impeller. The apertured disk meters material from a product container, by gravity feed, onto the impeller below at a rate proportional to the linear speed at which the apparatus is driven to dispense material at a uniform density over the terrain. The metering disk is a component of a product container which is removably mounted to the device. The impeller rotates at a constant speed to disperse the deposited material at a uniform distance from the apparatus, and the position on which the material is deposited on the impeller is adjustable.

Abstract: 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.

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 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.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided comprising a hopper having a front wall, rear wall, a first an second side wall, a bottom and open top portion for evenly spreading shaving material over a floor area. A means for moving the shaving material from the front wall to the rear wall adjacent to the bottom is additionally provided wherein the shaving material exits the hopper by a single discharge opening at the back wall where it is discharged onto at least two rotary spreader disks which rotatedly spread the material in an even fashion on the floor area. The side walls of the apparatus are angled downward to allow for the even emptying of the hopper. The hopper is mounted on a transport means for moving the hopper over the floor area. The instant apparatus is particularly useful for the distribution of ground cover in small poultry facilities.

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 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.

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 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 method and apparatus for spreading material including a container for the material to be spread; the container includes an open top for receiving the material, a front wall, a rear wall, a left side wall, a right side wall, and a bottom; apparatus adjacent the container bottom for moving the material along the container bottom in a direction from the front wall toward the rear wall; openings provided in the left and right side walls adjacent the container bottom and the rear wall for permitting the material to be discharged from the container; an auger adjacent the container bottom and rear wall for moving the material toward the openings; a first material spreader located outside of the container adjacent to the left side wall for receiving material discharged from the opening in the left side wall; a second material spreader located outside of the container adjacent the right side wall for receiving material discharged from the opening in the right side wall; and apparatus for rotating the first and secon

Abstract: An agricultural implement especially designed to distribute liquid, semi-liquid and solid forms of manure to a field. The manure spreader includes a V-shaped tank and two troughs below the tank. Each trough has an auger disposed in it. Wiper bars are provided to prevent build up of manure on the auger blades. An internal beater breaks up any manure that has bridged over the augers. An external beater, spaced apart from the rear of the tank is adapted to distribute the various forms of manure. A receiver conveys the manure from the troughs to the external beater.

Abstract: An improved manure spreader has two augers that lie in respective channels in the floor of the manure spreader box. The augers are journaled only at the front end of the box. Center and side holddowns overlie portions of the auger peripheries to restrain the augers from rising out of the channels. The augers propel material to a discharge opening in the box back wall. One or two rapidly rotating expellers on the outside of the box discharge opening receive the material and fling it onto the ground. The expellers may rotate about vertical or horizontal axes. A gate is slidable within the box back wall to selectively open and close the discharge opening. A breakup bar is pivotally connected between the gate and a cross brace in the box. Raising and lowering the gate simultaneously opens and closes the discharge opening and pivots the breakup bar. The breakup bar penetrates material in the box to thereby prevent bridging of the material over the augers.

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: A manure spreader device and method of distributing any of a variety of manure materials having varying consistencies are provided. The device and method embody a concept in which a plurality of elongated augers that are longitudinally positioned within a translatable bin deliver manure material to an outfeed location for translation of the manure material to a beater assembly which distributes the manure material onto a field or the like. A slippage characteristic is exhibited at the outfeed location whereby, when manure material within the outfeed location exceeds the expelling rate capacity of the beater assembly, slippage occurs between the manure material and rotating blades at the outfeed location so as to avoid overloading of the beater assembly by the particular manure material being spread.

Abstract: In a manure spreader of the slurry type, an expeller device includes blades which each have a planar portion canted or angled in the same direction to cause the expeller device to discharge manure in a lateral and rearward direction with respect to the direction of travel of the manure spreader.

Abstract: The manure spreader includes a V-shaped hollow body having a longitudinally positioned impeller rotatively carried near its bottom. The impeller blades are arranged in oppositely generated helices to urge the manure both from the rear of the body and from the front of the body toward an outlet gate which is positioned in the body intermediate its ends. A rotary spinner is carried outwardly of the body in position to receive the effluent from the gate and suitable drive mechanism is provided to rotate the spinner at many times the rotative speed of the impeller. The spinner and the impeller are rotated by a common drive and an adjustable deflector may be provided to easily vary the spray pattern from the spinner.

Abstract: A manure spreading apparatus adapted to be movably mounted upon the bed of a farm truck for chopping and spreading a load of manure carried by the truck. During a spreading operation, the apparatus advances from the back to the front of the bed and then reverses direction to return to its starting position. A rotating impeller throws the pieces of manure in a rearward and upward direction with sufficient velocity to clear the back end of the truck bed, and a feeding mechanism in front of the impeller engages the load as the apparatus advances, chopping and tearing the manure into pieces and feeding them towards the impeller. An arcuate top shield combined with a pair of side shields defines an impeller chamber, and a curved deflector plate adjacent the discharge opening of that chamber assists in directing the discharge of material.

Abstract: A transportable tank is disclosed for use as a manure spreader or for distributing foodstuff for livestock in a cattle barn. The tank is adapted to be towed by a tractor and connected the tractor power takeoff through a chain and sprocket arrangement. Shallow conveyor screws are provided on the bottom of the tank and carry the substance therein to the front or rear depending on their direction of rotation. A circular plate is fixed to a hollow shaft connected to the chain and sprocket arrangement and has a plurality of ejection fan blades. Several toothed shredding rotors are disposed radially and mounted for rotation about their respective axes and orbitally about the axis of the circular plate. A planetary gear system with a fixed sun gear is arranged between the rotors and the hollow shaft. The circular plate with its fan blades and the rotors are accommodated in a cylindrical drum mounted about its periphery on rollers.

Abstract: An improved beater mechanism for a manure spreader uniformly spreads and distributes a thin layer of shredded manure particles to the sides and the rear of the spreader over the ground in a wide spread coverage pattern, substantially greater in width than the width of the spreader. The mechanism comprises a main beater having saw-toothed paddles and being disposed in the rear end of the spreader with a wide spread distributor beater positioned upwardly and rearwardly therefrom in the path of the manure discharged by the main beater such that the discharged manure strikes the outer marginal edge portions of the distributor blades when the same are located in the upper forward quadrant of a cylindrical zone defined by the rotation of the distributor beater. Additionally, a third beater is provided having saw-toothed paddles which level the load of manure and assist the main beater in shredding the manure into smaller particles for distribution by the wide spread distributor beater.

Abstract: A power train for heavy duty equipment comprising a flexible power cable and a sensing mechanism for monitoring the contraction of the cable as torque is applied to the cable and a member for decreasing the power to another control mechanism in response to the torque applied to the cable.