Abstract: A filter basket apparatus that filters a slurry stream as the slurry stream is being pumped into a slurry tank. The filter basket apparatus includes a filter basket pivotably coupled to the tank so that the basket can be selectively inserted into an inlet in the slurry tank and extracted from the inlet and dumped to remove collected foreign material. The filter basket includes one or more portions of a lower wall that includes one set of substantially parallel grate members.

Abstract: A liquid manure applicator comprises a tank for holding a supply of liquid manure that is distributed onto a farm field through a distributor having a plurality of distribution ports and hoses. The hoses lead to individual distribution tools that include a pair or rotary coulters and a bellows for applying downforce to the coulters. The distributor includes a ring that restricts the size of the solids entering the distribution ports and hoses to something substantially equal to or less than 50% of the cross-sectional area of the hoses. This prevents the hoses from plugging even when small diameter hoses are used to lower the application rates to values more consistent with the needs of a zone tilled field. A rotary chopper in the distributor reduces the size of larger solids until they have been broken up into pieces small enough to pass the restriction provided by the ring.

Abstract: Distribution unit (21, 23) for distributing material into a number of delimited openings (23) arranged next to each other in such a manner that a transition (27) is provided between the individual openings; and wherein, in connection with the individual transition, a pushing unit (25) is arranged, wherein said pushing unit is arranged such that it is able to actively push material in a direction away from the transition. The distribution unit may partake in a weighing apparatus. Material settling in the transition is pushed down into one of the openings by the pushing unit.

Abstract: This device comprises an element driven in rotation about a vertical axis, placed at an outlet of a passage used for introducing a divided solid material into a receptacle. The element comprises two conduits for dispersing the material, each having a curved shape and an opening through which the material can flow out into the receptacle. The conduits are curved about an axis perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the element but in opposite directions from one another. Each of the conduits further comprises at least one longitudinal partition extending over a length of the conduit.

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 truck having a conveyor arrangement and a material spreader and a control mechanism to regulate the speed said conveyor arrangement conveys materials and to regulate the velocity the materials are ejected from said material spreader. The material spreader includes a material guider to guide the trajectory of substantially all of the materials in a direction substantially opposite the direction of forward movement of the truck. The control mechanism also includes a velocity sensor adapted to detect the velocity of the truck and to send a signal indicative of the truck velocity to a velocity controller. The velocity controller sends a signal to the conveyor arrangement and the material spreader which is dependent on the truck velocity to control the conveyor arrangement and the velocity of the materials ejected from the material spreader to obtain a material velocity relative to the ground surface of substantially zero when the truck is moving.

Abstract: A truck having a conveyor arrangement and a material spreader and a control mechanism to regulate the speed said conveyor arrangement conveys materials and to regulate the velocity the materials are ejected from said material spreader. The material spreader includes a material guider to guide the trajectory of substantially all of the materials in a direction substantially opposite the direction of forward movement of the truck. The control mechanism also includes a velocity sensor adapted to detect the velocity of the truck and to send a signal indicative of the truck velocity to a velocity controller. The velocity controller sends a signal to the conveyor arrangement and the material spreader which is dependent on the truck velocity to control the conveyor arrangement and the velocity of the materials ejected from the material spreader to obtain a material velocity relative to the ground surface of substantially zero when the truck is moving.

Abstract: A pair of straw and chaff spreaders for a combine are operable to distribute straw and chaff in an even and wide spread pattern on the ground behind the combine. Each spreader has an upright shaft drivably coupled to upper and lower dishes. Flexible arms on the upper disk distribute straw. Rigid channel shaped arms on the lower disk propels chaff and small particulate materials in the pattern. The turning channel shaped arms also generate an air stream which distributes straw and chaff in the wide spread pattern.

Abstract: For the continuous melting of silicon granulate for a band drawing method, a melt reservoir in communication with the melt crucible based on the principle of communicating vessels, is provided in the form of a thermally insulated, annular crucible in whose center axis a rotary plate to be centrifugally accelerated is arranged, the speed thereof being continuously varied. Two pipe parts connected to one another at an angle between approximately 45.degree. to about 90.degree. are secured on the rotary plate, the one, vertical pipe part thereof serving as admission in the rotational axis and the other pipe part thereof forming the acceleration path for the granulate particles in the direction toward the annular melt crucible. On the basis of this arrangement, a uniform delivery and melting of the granulate particles in the melt surface is achieved and, thus, a continuous silicon band drawing with uniform layer thickness is enabled. The arrangement is used in the manufacture of silicon bands for solar cells.

Abstract: A grain spreader for being mounted within a grain bin directly beneath the inlet opening in the roof structure of the grain bin for causing any grain introduced into the grain bin through the inlet opening to be evenly spread within the grain bin. The spreader includes a funnel positioned directly beneath the inlet opening for initially receiving the grain passing through inlet opening, a chute positioned directly beneath the funnel for receiving grain from the funnel, a motor for causing the chute to slowly rotate, and a deflector positioned beneath the chute for receiving grain from the chute as the chute rotates and for directing the grain radially outward and downward from the funnel.

Abstract: A particle separating apparatus is disclosed comprising a particle container. The particle container has an interior wall which defines a particle receiving chamber. The container has an opening exposing the chamber. The container is mounted to rotate about an axis generally coaxial with an axis of the opening. A conduit is provided for admitting a flow of particulate matter into the chamber through the opening. A plurality of apertures extend generally radially from the interior and through the container. Stabilizing mechanisms in the form of stabilizer blades are provided within the chamber with cushioned edges disposed closely adjacent to the interior wall with the edges extending generally parallel to the axis of rotation. A lifting mechanism is disposed within the chamber having lifting plates disposed to rotate within the chamber and urge particulate material from a closed end of the chamber toward the opening and promote uniform distribution axially within the interior of the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing uniform distribution of aggregate material has a rotatable hopper mounted on a support frame to receive aggregate material from an apparatus supplying aggregate material. Attached to the rotatable hopper, and in communication with a discharge opening of the hopper, is a chute extending downwardly and angularly outwardly from the axis of rotation of the hopper. The chute includes a baffle which responds to the gravitational force applied by the flow of aggregate down the chute to cause rotation of the hopper and thereby provide for uniform spreading of aggregate beneath the hopper. A modified version includes a first hopper pivotally mounted on the support frame in a manner to receive aggregate from the supply apparatus and a second hopper rotatably mounted beneath the first hopper with the chute attached to the rotatable hopper to receive aggregate from the rotatable hopper and cause rotation of the rotatable hopper.

Abstract: This invention provides a distribution system suitable for coating articles placed in a given area with particulate material in a substantially uniform manner. The system comprises a plurality of arms which are provided with an inlet opening and a discharge opening. The arms are mounted for rotation about a central axis in conjunction with means for dividing and feeding a supply of particulate material from a source thereof into said inlet openings of the arms. The discharge opening is located on each of the arms in such manner so as to permit discharge of the particulate material from each arm over the given area, whereby when the arms rotate in conjunction with the dividing and feeding means, a supply of particulate material is divided and fed into the inlet openings of the arms and is discharged through the discharge opening. In this manner, a substantially uniform shower of the particulate material is provided over the given area.

Abstract: A particle spreading apparatus for use in evenly dispersing particles such as grain upon introduction of such particles within a particle storage bin. The apparatus includes a rotating drum having output ports and output tubes affixed thereto through which the particles must pass to enter the bin. The tubes are of varying lengths and at varying angles to the horizontal plane, thereby encouraging even distribution of the particles throughout the particle storage bin. Each output port opening may be selectively varied.

Abstract: A device for disentangling and spreading short steel fibers used for the reinforcement or crack prevention of concrete or mortar employed for civil engineering works, building constructions or the like. The device comprises a hopper for storing short steel fibers which has a bottom opening which is connected to a nozzle. A horizontal disc rotated by a motor is mounted at the intersection of the bottom of the hopper and the nozzle with the plane of the disc parallel with the general orientation of the nozzle, the disc being formed with a plurality of plate shaped members ranged radially on its upper surface forming an impeller. Projecting from the upper surface of the disc on the axis thereof is a central boss having a plurality of vanes radially mounted thereon in such a manner that they are alternately at different heights. The boss also has pendulum-like agitating arms pivotally mounted at the top thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for spreading distributable material, more particularly, fertilizer in granular or powdery form, said device comprising a hopper having at least one outlet port and a spreading member connected herewith and a dosing member to be adjusted for defining the passage of each outlet port, a control-mechanism moving the dosing member into a position in which the outlet port is closed or into the adjusted position; the invention has for its object to spread said material accurately and provides screw means operative between the dosing member and the control-mechanism for very sensitive adjustment said dosing member.

Abstract: Powder to be used for coating articles electrostatically is maintained in a fluidized condition in the supply container and in conveyor ducts all the way to a discharge over the inner wall of an annular channel onto the rotating disk of an electrostatic coating machine.