Abstract: A spreader for spreading a material including at least one pair of rotating discs having a plurality of generally radially oriented blades attached thereon for disbursing the material in a pre-selected pattern. The discs are rotatably positioned below an end of a funnel unit to receive material passing through the funnel units. The material, as it passes through the funnel units, is directed to a predetermined impact region on each of the rotating discs by a corresponding pair of deflecting vanes integrally fit and movably attached within each funnel of the pair of funnel units. Each deflecting vane is selectably movable by a corresponding actuator from a first position to a second position while the spreader is operating.

Abstract: A spreader for solid manure and other particulate material includes upright rotational beaters having paddles to dispense product from the rear of a wagon onto an agricultural field. The paddles on the beaters overlap along a midpoint between the beaters to improve product distribution on the field. The perimeter edges of the paddles are in close proximity to the side edges of the beater frame to facilitate product sheer, and thus improved distribution. The paddles on each beater are vertically and radially offset, and at least some of the paddles are spring-loaded.

Abstract: A dispenser apparatus for placement in an aircraft to eject an article into a selected external environment, the dispenser apparatus including a long open tray in the form of a bench ejector having a seat and a back, the bench having a primary end portion and an opposing secondary end portion, wherein the bench cradles the article, also included is an arm and finger on the secondary end portion that momentarily retains the article while a reciprocating beam on the primary end portion ejects the article from the bench in a rotating or spinning manner via the beam adding impact force to one side of the article while the arm and finger retain one side of the article to impart the spinning rotation to the article as it is ejected from the bench ejector.

Abstract: A vegetation treatment system includes at least one distribution apparatus, a transport such as a vehicle, having a receptacle for housing a vegetation treatment, and a funnel that facilitates passage of the vegetation treatment from the receptacle to each distribution apparatus. When in use, the vegetation treatment system may be used by an operator to target specific areas for vegetation treatment, particularly where treatments are applied to bedded crops. Each distribution apparatus is mounted onto the transport for application of the treatment. The system also includes one or more mechanisms that articulate each distribution apparatus such that they can be stowed.

Abstract: A spreader assembly comprising: a frame having a longitudinal axis; at least two bins mounted to the frame, two of the at least two bins being disposed sequentially along the longitudinal axis and each including a movement imparting assembly oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame and being configured to advance material lengthwise in opposed directions toward adjacent ends of the two bins; and at least one discharge movement imparting assembly mounted to the frame, oriented substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the frame and being configured to receive material conveyed by at least one of the two bin movement imparting assemblies and advance the material towards a lateral end of the frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for loading solid particles into an enclosure, including: a means for supplying solid particles to be dispensed, which can be arranged on the top part of the enclosure to be loaded and which pours the solid particles in a substantially vertical manner into a feeding pipe (1); a mobile device (2) disposed entirely or partially inside the enclosure and under the feeding pipe, including a central shaft (3) rotatably driven by a motor means (4) about a substantially vertical axis and deflector elements (6) having a substantially identical shape and being rotatably secured to the shaft (3), preferably arranged in line with one another at different heights about the shaft (3) and pivotably connected thereto so that they can be raised, for example by centrifugal force; and a feeding pipe (1) at least partially surrounding said central shaft (3) and comprising at least one opening (5) for discharging the solid particles, which opening is provided on the horizontal or side wall thereo

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for loading solid particles into a vessel, comprising: a means for supplying solid particles to be distributed, said means pouring said solid particles into a supply pipe (1), a movable assembly (2) arranged below the supply pipe (1), comprising a central shaft (3) and deflector elements (5) which are integral in rotation with said shaft and arranged around the shaft on multiple vertical tiers (E1-E4) and are articulated about it in such a way that they can lift up, a supply pipe (1) surrounding at least partially said central shaft and comprising at least one orifice (4) for discharging the solid particles which is arranged on a side and/or horizontal wall, this device being characterized in that the movable assembly (2) is designed in such a way as to allow adjustment of the position of the deflector elements (5) on the central shaft (3) in order to vary its permeability to the solid particles.

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

Abstract: An agricultural spreader system includes a first motor, a second motor, and a valve system coupled to the first motor and to the second motor. The first motor is configured to be driven by a working fluid and to drive a first spreader disc in rotation. The second motor is configured to be driven by the working fluid and to drive a second spreader disc in rotation. The valve system is configured to transition between a series flow arrangement and a parallel flow arrangement. The series flow arrangement is configured to direct the working fluid to the second motor through the first motor. The parallel flow arrangement is configured to direct a first portion of the working fluid to the first motor, and to direct a second portion of the working fluid to the second motor.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing animal bedding material is provided for use in an industrial livestock production facility. Bedding material is delivered to the site in a primary dispensing vehicle, which is configured with a walking floor conveyor for allowing a smaller secondary dispensing vehicle to be loaded with the animal bedding material directly from the primary vehicle. The process includes distributing the animal bedding material evenly over the area to be treated directly from the rear of the secondary vehicle in one or more passes along the bedding area. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a double feed spreader having two dispensing holes, constituted by forming two dispensing holes in a large-capacity feed spreader for dispensing granular feed and organic compost, and consequently by providing a dual shutter and a dual spreader fan to enable the quick and effective spreading of feed over a wide area.

Abstract: A material spreader attached to and towed by an agricultural vehicle for spreading material such as organic material and fertilizers over a ground surface. The material spreader having a containment box and a material expeller, the expeller having rotating flails positioned along a substantially vertical axis with one or more sets of paddles swingably connected to the flails and the paddles are axially spaced apart along the flail above and below the material spreader floor a desired distance to enhance flow-through of rocks, manure and other organic material and fertilizers.

Abstract: 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.

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: 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.

Abstract: A plural bin metering system for broadcasting material ingredients contained therein over a ground surface. The system includes at least two material ingredient hoppers, each of the hoppers having a material ingredient discharge port. At least one of the material ingredient hoppers includes a variably controllable metering unit associated therewith for variably controlling the discharge of material ingredients therefrom independently from the rate of discharge of material ingredients from the other material ingredient hopper. A conveyor is disposed below the hoppers for receiving material ingredients discharged from the hoppers, and a material ingredient broadcasting device disposed off of one end of the conveyor for receiving material ingredients conveyed thereon, received from the hoppers, for broadcasting the material ingredients over a ground surface. The metering unit is capable of metering material ingredients from its associated hopper at ultra low rates.

Abstract: A manually driven spreader for particulate material has two rotatable plates. The dispersed material from the spreader has an even dispense pattern without unwanted skewing found in prior art spreaders. The spreader covers greater area compared with single plate spreaders. The spreader has features that allow an operator to adjust the ports of the container during operation and also blocking/unblocking the ports without having to let go of the grip of the handle used to push the spreader.

Abstract: A work vehicle having a fluent material spreader comprising two counter-rotating variable speed impellers adapted to receive and broadcast fluent material. A right-side impeller broadcasts out to a right-side material broadcast width, and left-side impeller broadcasts out to a left-side material broadcast width. Rotational speed of the right-side impeller is commanded to achieve a desired a right-side material broadcast width, and rotational speed of the left-side impeller is commanded to achieve a desired a left-side material broadcast width. Command of the right-side and left-side impellers is achieved either manually by and operator, or automatically by a control system based on sensor input.

Abstract: A material spreader includes a belt/chain assembly. The belt is mounted within the chamber of the material spreader and the chain remains out of contact with the material during the operation of the device. A sliding barrier is mounted at the rear of the belt, and moves from a forward position adjacent the front of the spreader to a rear position adjacent the rear of the spreader. One form of the hydraulic system utilizes a sensor for built up pressure within independently driven augers. In response to this pressure build up the sliding barrier speed is reduced.

Abstract: An improved feed dispenser is programmable to allow for a desired feeding schedule. When a feeding interval begins, a dispersion wheel begins operating. A separate spinner plate is used to block feed from the dispersion wheel, and begins operating to allow feed to the dispersion wheel only after a delay of several seconds after the dispersion wheel begins operation. In addition, the dispersion wheel is operated for another period of several seconds after the spinner plate ceases operation in order to clear the mechanism and prevent blockage.

Abstract: A material spreader includes a belt/chain assembly. The belt is mounted within the chamber of the material spreader and the chain remains out of contact with the material during the operation of the device. A sliding barrier is mounted at the rear of the belt, and moves from a forward position adjacent the front of the spreader to a rear position adjacent the rear of the 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 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: An agricultural spreader (100) includes material storage means (1) for storing agricultural material (2), at least one material spreading means (4) to spread the agricultural material (2) onto a surface (20) below the agricultural spreader (100) and variable speed material conveying means (3) for conveying the agricultural material (2) from the material storage means (1) to the material spreading means (4). The spreader (100) further includes an inclinometer means (7) for measuring a pitch of the agricultural spreader (100) relative to a horizontal plane and control means (6) adapted to vary the speed of the variable speed material conveyor means (3) in response to at least one input, at least one of which is an output (8) from the inclinometer means (7), in order to provide a required supply rate of agricultural material (2) to the material spreading means (4). In an alternative embodiment the control means (6) controls the area of an aperture (11) of a metering means (10).

Abstract: 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 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 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 machine for spreading bedding material, comprises a hopper for receiving a bulk supply of the material. The hopper has sides, ends and a base, conveying means in the hopper for displacing the bulk supply in the hopper towards the ends, and discharge apertures in the base and located towards or at the ends, whereby material displaced by the conveying means falls through the discharge apertures, and including two distribution spinners which are adapted to be driven about upright axes and are located to receive the material which falls through the respective apertures, and to propel it horizontally away from the respective hopper ends onto the area to be layered.

Abstract: A crop residue spreader for an agricultural combine including a unique support element which is an elongate tube, including a center portion and a pair of legs extending outwardly in opposite directions from the center portion, each of the legs including an end portion opposite the center portion and an intermediate portion. The end portions include pivot elements coaxially aligned about a pivotal axis for pivotal connection to a rear end of the combine for movement between spreading and non-spreading positions. The intermediate portions include mounting elements for supporting rotatable crop accelerators in side-by-side relation, and the center portion includes at least one mount for mounting a pair of crop residue deflectors in cantilever relation to the tube and extending partially around the crop residue accelerators, respectively. The tube can also include mounts or supports for holding a shield in desired relation to the crop residue accelerators.

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: 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.

Abstract: A versatile and easily serviceable material spreading apparatus of the type for movement over a ground surface while broadcasting a material along a path on the ground surface. The apparatus includes a belt cartridge which can be slid into or pulled out of a chassis compartment having ledges for supporting the cartridge. The belt cartridge provides an upper flight on which material is carried from a hopper supported on the chassis to a broadcasting unit carried at one end of the chassis. A plurality of broadcasting units each of which has an attachment component, which in combination with a mating attachment component carried by the chassis, permits quick fastening and removal of each unit relative to the chassis. One of the broadcasting units mounts an elongated rotatable member below a drop-off end of the upper flight of the belt cartridge, and the rotatable member is driven in a direction so that the upper rotating periphery of the rotating member propels the material upward and away from the chassis.

Abstract: 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.

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: The spreader comprises an elongated hopper which is mountable across the rear end of a truck box in an underslung fashion. When the end-gate of the box is opened, aggregate can spill into the hopper. The hopper forms a discharge slot along its lower end. A pair of coaxial, end-to-end drums are rotatably mounted in the hopper and extend into the lower portion of the slot. Each drum is separately driven. A ramp extends between the box floor and the front upper quadrants of the drums for feeding aggregate thereto. A pair of separately actuated, pivoting flaps bear against the upper rear quadrants of the drums and function to open or close the upper portion of the slot. The ramp/drum assembly provides even, well distributed discharge of aggregate. The flap/drum assemblies can provide an effective shut-off or lay down narrow or wide strips of aggregate.

Abstract: An implement for spreading granular material, such as fertilizer, wherein the flow of fertilizer from the hopper is controlled by the position of a metering slide under an outlet opening of the hopper. The metering slide has an indented asymmetric edge which cooperates with the outlet opening to control of the flow of fertilizer onto an underlying spreader. The metering slide is moved into its position under the outlet opening by the pivotal movement of a sector-shaped support in hinged connection with the metering slide. The metering slide is urged against the hopper and the sector shaped support by a spring. The flow of material from a plurality of outlet openings is selectively controlled either individually or in unison. Also, the implement can be tilted.

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: Apparatus and method for depositing salt granular materials upon a highway pavement at practical speeds. The deposition forms two narrow bands of the salt through utilization of two impeller-based mechanisms which are canted downwardly at an acute angle toward the pavement. The dump bed of trucks utilizing the apparatus is maintained in a down orientation through the utilization of a salt transport mechanism implemented as dual augers extending the length of the truck bed. Two embodiments of the apparatus are described each being self-contained and mountable upon a truck bed with relative ease. In one embodiment, a brine formation tank of generally triangular cross-sectional configuration is combined with a brine holding tank to form the sides of a V-box hopper structure. The brine formation tank is charged with salt and water to form a saturated brine which is permitted to migrate through a baffling system to the brine holding tank.

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 process for the uniform distribution of a comminuted solid in an enclosure into which the solid falls essentially vertically onto a mobile mechanism (particularly useful for charging catalyst particles to a reactor vessel) comprising deflector elements rotated around the same shaft and disposed on at least two vertically displaced levels. On each level is provided the same number of deflector elements of essentially identical shape, the deflector elements on the different levels being vertically disposed exactly above each other and, on each level, the deflector elements are rotated at the same speed so as to remain disposed vertically with respect to each other during the entire charging process.

Abstract: A stationary spreader (10) which is activated in response to a signal from a sensor (118) indicating a condition of the adjacent ground surface, is described. The stationary spreader includes a bin (12), a spreader housing (34) and a control box (106) which are removably mounted together. The bin holds the material to be spread and preferably has a stirrer (16) and an auger (18) which both act to move the material out of a dispensing opening (24) in the side (12D) of the bin. The spreader housing is mounted over the dispensing opening and includes a spreader assembly (38). The spreader assembly has a lifting motor (40), a pair of solenoids (62) and a spreader bucket (44). The lifting motor is mounted above and connected to the spreader bucket and acts along with the solenoids to vertically raise or lower the bucket. A spreader compartment (76) is located in the bottom of the bucket and houses the spreaders (86 and 88).

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: 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: An apparatus for filling a receptacle with a divided solid product, comprises a feeder hopper and a dispersion head. The dispersion head includes a series of parallel and coaxial plates superimposed on one another wherein the surface area of the plates diminishes from the top plate down to the bottom plate. The whole assembly is devised such that each plate includes an aperture which allows gravity feed to the plate situated immediately underneath. The lower plate may include an aperture in order to feed the center of the receptacle. The plates are rotated to permit ejection of divided solids by centrifugal force. At least one of the plates has apertures and is placed at the exit of the hopper and in front of the particle distribution plates.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a receptacle with a divided solid product by a dispersion head comprises plates which rotate about an axis dispersing into the receptacle at various distances from the axis particles of the solid product which flow over the plates.

Abstract: An apparatus for attachment to the rear of a harvester-thresher to evenly distribute the by-product of threshing evenly over a wide area. The by-product is mainly straw and chaff. The apparatus is a single integrally combined unit formed of a straw spreader and a chaff spreader and driven by a single variable speed hydraulic motor. The by-product has a first portion engaged by the flexible and easily releasable flails of the straw spreader as it leaves the rear of the harvester-thresher, the remaining portion gravitates or is directed to the high volume air flow chaff spreader to complete the controllable distribution of the by-product. To increase the efficiency of the unit a shroud with deflectors has been placed around the chaff spreader.

Abstract: A spreading device is disclosed including two impellers mounted to rotate in rotational correspondence about their axes toward one another as the device is moved in a forwardly advancing direction so as to broadcast particulate materials deposited thereon in a controlled distribution pattern along a predetermined distribution path generally in the direction of advancement of the device onto a selected target area.