Abstract: A product on demand nozzle assembly includes a chamber at least partially defined by an external wall and an array of vertically spaced nozzles. Each nozzle has an air inlet, an air and entrained product outlet extending from the external wall, and an entrainment zone between the air inlet and the air and entrained product outlet to receive a product therein to be distributed.

Abstract: A grain spreading device for evenly distribute grain as it is poured into a storage bin. The grain spreading device generally includes a flow-control ring (e.g., an evenflow ring) adapted to be positioned below a grain bin opening, the flow-control ring comprising an upper opening and a bottom, and a cone movably suspended below the flow-control ring by a plurality of springs to create a variable opening between the cone and the bottom of the flow-control ring, the plurality of springs creating a restoring force, wherein the variable opening increases in size when a weight of grain on the cone moves the cone away from the bottom of the flow-control ring against the restoring force of the plurality of springs.

Abstract: A combine harvester includes a housing having a rear hood and defining an interior, a blower for generating an air stream in a substantially rearward direction, and a cleaning system separating residue from a crop material such that the residue is transported via the air stream rearwardly to be discharged from the housing. A chopper rotor assembly is disposed within the interior below the rear hood and includes a chopper rotor having a plurality of blades for chopping the residue as it is received via the air stream. A chopper housing is disposed within the interior and defines an inlet of the chopper rotor for receiving the residue and an outlet spaced rearward from the chopper rotor for discharge of the chopped residue from the interior of the housing. An air gap through which the air stream may exit the interior is defined between the rear hood and chopper rotor.

Abstract: A straw chopper (42) for a combine harvester (10) is provided with a housing (54-60) that has an inlet (72) and an outlet (74), a rotor (46) with suspended chopping blades (48) that is arranged in the housing (54-60), adjustably arranged counter-blades (62) and a straw dam (64). The adjustments of the straw dam (64) and of the counter-blades (62) are coupled to one another.

Abstract: A spreader arrangement for an agricultural harvester includes a pair of spreader discs, at least one cover plate and a windrow chute. The spreader discs are generally horizontally arranged and rotatable in a counter rotating manner. Each cover plate is positioned at a location above a respective spreader disc, and is operable to inhibit a flow of crop material to the respective spreader disc when positioned above the respective spreader disc. The windrow chute has an entrance end positioned below the pair of cover plates and above the pair of spreader discs, whereby crop material is discharged from the top of the cover plates into the windrow chute.

Abstract: A portable backpack feeder apparatus including a granular-material container having a filling opening and a gravity-flow opening and flow sleeve extending from the gravity-flow opening of the container to an outflow opening, the flow sleeve being flexible along its length for manual flow control and for positioning and aiming the outflow opening.

Abstract: A material spreader is adapted to dispense granular material from a vehicle. The material spreader includes a feed chute having a discharge opening and a discharge disc assembly disposed below the feed chute. The discharge disc assembly includes a spinner disc adapted to receive granular material from the feed chute, a shroud disposed in at least partial covering relation to the spinner disc, and a rotational drive operatively connected to the spinner disc such that the spinner disc is rotatable within the shroud about a rotational axis. The shroud includes a pass-through opening disposed in substantially aligned relation with the discharge opening of the feed chute at a position radially removed from the central rotational axis. The discharge disc assembly is rotatably mounted in pivoting relation about a pivot axis extending through the pass-through opening and the discharge opening of the feed chute.

Abstract: A dispenser is provided for delivering a controlled quantity of a granular material. The dispenser includes a reservoir that retains granular material. The reservoir is supported in the dispenser with a passageway defined between opposing ends. A nozzle is provided for the outflow of material from the reservoir to a metering cup. A control plug is provided within the metering cup to adjust the controlled volume to be received within the cup from the reservoir. Once the metering cup is filled, the dispenser is inverted and the volume of material is directed from the cup, through the passageway and out of an opening adjacent a diffuser. The control plug is removable from the cup to vary the charge of material to be dispensed.

Abstract: A gravity-feed spreader for particulate matter may include a rotor. The spreader may be operable for gravity-feed operation with the longitudinal axis of the rotor in a horizontal position. A generally cylindrical rotor housing with a pair of closed, axial ends may be coaxial with the rotor. Entrance and exit apertures for the particulate matter may be formed in the surface of the rotor housing between the closed, axial ends. A rotor driver may be coupled to the rotor shaft for rotating the rotor. An intake housing may include a passageway therethrough for the particulate matter. A gate may be provided for selectively opening and closing the particulate matter passageway in the intake housing. An agitator may be coupled to the rotor shaft for facilitating movement of particulate matter through the passageway in the intake housing.

Abstract: A hopper spreader apparatus adapted for mounting to a vehicle, to be towed by a vehicle or to be pushed by hand, includes a sprayer apparatus for spraying liquid material as well as dispensing dry free-flow material. The hopper spreader apparatus includes a variable discharge mechanism, allowing adjustment of both the flow rate and the distribution pattern of the dry free-flow material particulate material being dispensed. The operation of the hopper spreader apparatus can be controlled remotely using radio frequency (RF) signaling. The hopper spreader apparatus obtains electrical power from an on-board battery and includes a battery charger to allow the battery to be charged when the hopper spreader apparatus is not in use.

Abstract: A method is provided for dispensing a controlled quantity of a granular material. The method employs a dispenser including a reservoir that retains granular material. The reservoir is supported in the dispenser with a passageway defined between opposing ends. The dispenser is first positioned in a loading orientation for the outflow of material from the reservoir through a nozzle to a metering cup. A baffle positioned proximate the opening of the metering cup stabilizes the controlled volume directed into the cup from the reservoir. Once the metering cup is filled, the dispenser is inverted. Then, the volume of material is directed from the cup through the passageway and out of an opening adjacent a diffuser, through which the material is spread.

Abstract: A motorized fertilizer dispenser includes a frustoconical housing having an open upper end in communication with a hollow interior. At a lower end is a dispersal opening. A rotatable sifting blade is positioned within the housing interior and adjacent the dispersal opening. A rotary disc having a plurality of radial blades positioned thereon is situated immediately beneath the dispersal opening. A motor operates both the sifting blade and dispersal disc whereby a desired amount of fertilizer is dropped onto the disc and projected outwardly to a target area.

Abstract: A spreader for spreading materials comprising a case for holding a product to be spread. The case comprising an aperture for ejecting the product to be spread from the case. The spreader further comprising a conveying device for displacing a portion of the product to be spread in a direction towards the aperture. The spreader equally comprising aperture adjustment device for controlling the displacement of an aperture obstruction device relative to an aperture surface of said aperture. The spreader further comprises a speed controller for setting the speed of the conveying device. The spreader comprises as well a blower for projecting the product to be spread, the blower having an inlet and an outlet. The direction of the outlet is adjustable along different angles. The spreader also comprises a angle adjustment system for the outlet of the blower. The inlet of the blower is placed at an angle relative to the aperture of the case.

Abstract: A dispenser is provided for delivering a controlled quantity of a granular material. The dispenser includes a reservoir that retains granular material. The reservoir is supported in the dispenser with a passageway defined between opposing ends. A nozzle is provided for the outflow of material from the reservoir to a metering cup. A control plug is provided within the metering cup to adjust the controlled volume to be received within the cup from the reservoir. Once the metering cup is filled, the dispenser is inverted and the volume of material is directed from the cup, through the passageway and out of an opening adjacent a diffuser. The control plug is removable from the cup to vary the charge of material to be dispensed.

Abstract: A shoulder mounted spreader for distributing salt or another granular material on the ground is provided. The device includes a shoulder carried hopper and a flexible hose for distributing the product. The inventive device has no moving parts.

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 dispenser is provided for delivering a controlled quantity of a granular material. The dispenser includes a reservoir that retains granular material. The reservoir is supported in the dispenser with a passageway defined between opposing ends. A nozzle is provided for the outflow of material from the reservoir to a metering cup. A baffle is provided within the metering cup to stabilize the controlled volume directed into the cup from the reservoir. Once the metering cup is filled, the dispenser is inverted and the volume of material is directed from the cup, through the passageway and out of an opening adjacent a diffuser.

Abstract: Granule distributing apparatus comprises a container (1) having a discharge opening (3) for a product to be distributed and a duct member (6) connected to the discharge opening provides a distribution chamber (64) for the product. The duct member (6) is foldable between working and storage positions. In the working position it projects away from the container (1) and allows products to pass through the discharge opening (3) and along the distribution channel (64). In its storage position the duct member (6) obturates the discharge opening (3) and extends over the top of the container. A locking member (5) is preferably provided which is manipulatable to locate the duct member (6) in the working position and also serves to close an entry end of the distribution channel (64) when the duct member is in the storage position.

Abstract: A device for an operator sitting in the driver's seat of a vehicle to deposit a quantity of material at a target location on the ground adjacent the passenger side of the vehicle, from a hopper having a discharge aperture and a valve for selectively opening and closing the discharge aperture. The hopper is removably mountable to the passenger side of the vehicle. A discharge tube is operatively associated with the hopper discharge aperture and extends from the hopper, for receiving material from the hopper and discharging the material substantially at ground level adjacent the passenger side of the vehicle. A controller within reach of the driver and operatively associated with the valve permits opening and closing the valve and thereby selectively depositing a controlled quantity of granular material.

Abstract: Adjustable discharge apparatus include a first conduit apparatus with a first conduit section extending along an arcuate path about a pivot axis. A second conduit apparatus is pivotally mounted about the pivot axis in a telescoping relationship with the first conduit apparatus. Adjustable discharge apparatus kits are also provided with a first conduit apparatus, a second conduit apparatus and a third conduit apparatus. The second and third conduit apparatus of the kit are for selective mounting to the first conduit apparatus.

Abstract: Adjustable discharge apparatus include a first conduit apparatus with a first conduit section extending along an arcuate path about a pivot axis. A second conduit apparatus is pivotally mounted about the pivot axis in a telescoping relationship with the first conduit apparatus. Adjustable discharge apparatus kits are also provided with a first conduit apparatus, a second conduit apparatus and a third conduit apparatus. The second and third conduit apparatus of the kit are for selective mounting to the first conduit apparatus.

Abstract: Rotary accelerating apparatus for a crop residue spreader of an agricultural combine, including blades mounted to a rotatable hub for rotation therewith, each of the blades having a surface oriented to face in the direction of rotation, the surface having opposite, spaced axial edges, and a mounting portion disposed intermediate the edges, and arms connected to and extending between the blades and the hub, each of the blades having first and second surface portions disposed primarily for contacting different flows of crop residue emanating from different locations for integrating, accelerating and discharging the flows for dispersal over an agricultural field, the mounting location of the blades, and the relative shapes and sizes of the portions thereof providing advantageous load distribution and transfer characteristics.

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: An apparatus preventing adhesion, growth and freezing of ice pieces, which tend to happen with quality artificial snow such as fine flake snow and powder snow. The rotary valve 1 to feed artificial snow at a constant rate includes: impeller rotary shaft 3 which is placed in cylindrical casing 2 along the length direction of the cylinder; a plurality of impellers 4 which are arranged around impeller rotary shaft 3 at an equal distance from each other in the radial direction; opening 25 for loading of artificial snow which connects the top portion of a wall of cylindrical casing 2 with the top portion of a housing; opening 7 for receiving compressed air which is formed on casing side wall 6 to receive said compressed air from a blower; and an exit 10 for artificial snow formed at the other casing side wall 9 to blow out artificial snow, cut in a given amount, with compressed air.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A truck trailer for hauling gravel, sand and other particulate materials includes a trailer body having a first conveyor extending along the bottom of the trailer, and a second conveyor that extends upwardly at an angle with respect to the first conveyor for conveying the gravel toward the rear or discharge end of the trailer. A movable tailgate assembly is mounted at the discharge end of the trailer and is movable between a lowered, non-engaging position to enable the gravel to be discharged from the trailer in discrete piles, and raised spreading positions for spreading the gravel across a prescribed area.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted spreader for distributing material onto a surface while the vehicle is in motion across the surface includes a discharge spout for directing the material being distributed onto the surface and a rotor coupled to the discharge spout for propelling the material into the discharge spout. The rotor has an axis of rotation that is substantially parallel to the surface. A rotor motor is coupled to the rotor to supply power to rotate the rotor. A conveyor such as an auger is coupled to the rotor and powered by a conveyor motor. The conveyor transports and meters material before the material enters the rotor. A closed-loop control system adjusts the speeds of the individual components so that a desired amount of material exits the discharge spout at zero velocity relative to the road.

Abstract: A discharge apparatus is disclosed for discharging materials from a container onto an open area such as a field. The apparatus includes a power discharge device which is disposed adjacent to a discharge outlet defined by the container. The arrangement is such that when the apparatus is being used to spread the materials onto the open area such as the field, the materials move from the container through the outlet towards the power discharge device for discharging the materials at a location on the field. A power source is drivingly connected to the power discharge device for rotating the power discharge device. A power sensor is provided for sensing the power supplied by the power source which is approximately the power used by the power discharge device, the power sensor generating a first signal which is correlated to the spread rate of the materials discharged.

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 portable particulate spreader comprising a container having a closed end, an open end and a storage chamber for holding particulate materials therein. A first strap handle is affixed to a side of the container adjacent the closed end. A second strap handle is pivotally affixed to same side of the container approximately midway between closed end and open end, so that a person can grasp the strap handles with both hands and toss particulate materials out of open end. The container further includes an agitation assembly for automatically agitating particulate materials within the container, so as to prevent particulate materials from sticking together. A dispensing assembly is for automatically dispensing particulate materials out of open end of the container.

Abstract: A discharge apparatus for discharging materials from a container onto a field, the apparatus comprising a power discharge device disposed adjacent to a discharge outlet defined by the container, the arrangement being such that when the apparatus is being used to spread the materials onto the field, the materials move from the container through the outlet towards the discharge device. A motor is drivingly connected to the discharge device for rotating the discharge device. A power sensor senses the power used by the motor and a control controls the rate at which the materials are spread. A data storage device associated with the power sensor and the control regulates the control. The arrangement is such that the data storage device dependent on the power sensor regulates the control for controlling the rate at which the materials are discharged so that when the container is moved across the field, the materials are discharged onto the field at a varying rate in order to optimize usage of the materials.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical dosimeter of granulate, such as seeds and fertilizer. The electro-mechanical dosimeter includes a feeder tube for holding the granulate, a cylindrical body attached to the feeder tube, and a conical plate attached to the cylindrical body for rotating the granulate horizontally outward towards the perimeter of the cylindrical body. The feeder tube has a first opening from which the granulate is feed to the plate and a volume register surrounding the feeder tube at the first opening. The electro-mechanical dosimeter also includes a motor for rotating the plate around a central axis of the cylindrical body, and a second opening on the cylindrical body from which the granulate exits the cylindrical body to a discharge tube where the granulate is dispensed at a controlled and even rate. The volume of the granulate may be changed by adjusting the size of the first opening by raising and lowering the volume register upon the feeder tube.

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 dispensing apparatus for particulate matter which distributes the particulate matter, at substantially the same rate, uniformly across a given area of a vessel and comprises a particle container having an opening at one end for receiving particulate material into an upwardly directed end and an outlet end at an opposite end for flowing particulate material. A rotor having multiple elongated, hollow arms, an opening at one end for receiving particulate material from the particle container, the multiple arms each having at least one aperture located in a lower portion thereof for discharging particulate material, wherein the rotor is rotatably positioned below and adjacent to the outlet end of the particle container to permit the flow of particulate material from the particle container to the rotor.

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 salt-sand spreader for use for spreading materials onto road surfaces primarily where icing or slippery conditions occur. The spreader includes an applicator for coating the particles with a liquid prior to discharging the particles to tend to speed up the ice melting reaction and if a suitable coating is used to inhibit corrosive action of the salt. Additionally, the velocity of discharge of the particles from a discharge mechanism is sensed or correlated to fan speed and the discharge velocity is adjusted to match the forward speed of the vehicle so that there is essentially zero relative velocity between the particles and the ground when the particles strike the ground.

Abstract: A particulate material dispensing system suitable for metering seed for individual rows of a seed sowing drill. The seed sowing drill having a container which acts as a seed hopper. Positioned beneath the container is a metering device. Below the metering device are a number of tubes which are seed outlets to which the metering device feeds the seed it receives from the container. A peripheral guide forms part of the metering device. The peripheral guide is a disc of material that defines an aperture. On the inner walls of the guide is a seed track and an outlet. There are a plurality of seed track/outlet combinations, one for each of the outlets. A vertical-axis rotor fits within the aperture of the guide. The rotor rotating within the aperture causes seed falling from the container into the guide to be dragged down and around the inside walls of the guide. The seeds are guided by a seed track to a guide outlet and into the appropriate seed outlet. At the base of the seed track is a flange.

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 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 lawn spreader composed of a cylindrical drum mounted to a user-operable handle assembly. Along the surface of a drum are a plurality of spaced-apart spike arrays with a plurality of aperture arrays interposed therebetween. A door at one end of the drum allows for deposit of granular materials, such as grass seed, within the drum. A paddle array within the drum is rotatable therein so as to open or close selected apertures of the aperture arrays. Upon drum rotation, as urged by the user on the handle assembly, the spikes first indent the earth with the grass seed then falling through the open apertures and into and between the resulting indentations in the earthen surface therebetween. The smooth surface of the drum then tamps the deposited seeds into the earthen surface. The spikes are preferably releasably attached to the cylindrical drum so that various types of spikes can be used.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for particulate matter which distributes the particulate matter, at substantially the same rate, uniformly across a given area. The apparatus is particularly suitable for dispensing particulate matter in a vessel having a centrally located vertical support member.

Abstract: The patching pan is a device for use with a truck having a material containment bed with a material distribution opening. The patching pan is rotatably and detachably mounted to the truck. In a first position, patching material is urged through the distribution opening onto the patching pan from which the material may be easily removed. In a second position, the patching pan is located below the material containment bed out-of-the-way such that the truck may move freely from one location to another.

Abstract: A conveying device for metering of bulk material includes a sleeve having an interior region having an inner threaded groove. The threaded groove is disrupted by a plurality of cross-wise extending compensating grooves. The conveying device further includes a rotatable part, at least a portion of the rotatable part being disposed inside of the interior region of the sleeve. The rotatable part has one or more flexible first bodies, an outermost point of the first bodies extending to an inner wall of the sleeve. The device conveys bulk material as the rotatable part rotates such that the first bodies move along the threaded groove from one compensating groove to a next compensating groove.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for uniformly distributing metered seasoning and/or granular/powdered material from an elongated opening in a seasoning snout includes a rotatable cylindrical spinner bar supported below the seasoning snout and driven at a surface speed greater than the falling speed of the seasoning from the metering openings so that seasoning falling from the metering openings hits the cylindrical bar and is sheared and directed generally tangentially to create a uniform curtain of seasoning materials while preventing the build up of seasoning material on the cylindrical spinner bar.

Abstract: A pulverulent material feeder apparatus includes a bottom plate extending horizontally and inner and outer cylinders disposed on the bottom plate in a coaxial relation. These cylinders define therebeween a material transporting space. A material extruding gap is formed between a lower edge of the inner cylinder and the bottom plate. The apparatus further includes a rotatable annular member connected to a rotatable shaft mounted at the coaxial center by means of spokes so that the annular member is disposed along the inner periphery of the outer cylinder and a gap adjusting cylinder which is disposed along the outer periphery of the inner cylinder and adapted to be adjusted with respect to the vertical position thereof for thereby making it possible to adjust the size of the extruding gap.

Abstract: A spreader to be mounted on a vehicle. The spreader has a main container to hold a particulate material and an outlet for a particulate material. The particulate material can be dispersed from the outlet and there is an electric motor adjacent the main body to drive the particulate material from the body. This electric motor has a drive shaft that extends to an outlet. There is a feeder, for example a screw conveyor, on the drive shaft to force the particulate material from the outlet when the shaft rotates. The spreader includes seals to prevent leaking of the particulate material from the body when the shaft is not rotating and also has the ability to warn when the level of particulate material in the main body is too low.

Abstract: A foodstuff flavoring apparatus includes a screw conveyor for transporting flavoring axially thereof. A downwardly directed outlet is located in the region of the outlet end of the screw conveyor. An independently driven rotor unit is located below the outlet of the conveyor and is supported from the housing of the screw conveyor unit by a rotatable transfer conduit through which flavouring, which is discharged from the outlet end of the screw conveyor, is delivered to the interior of the rotor housing and which is dispensed by the rotor toward a foodstuff. The rotor is driven by an independent variable-speed drive motor. An electrostatic charging head is located near the rotor housing in the path of the flavouring being dispensed therefrom for facilitating adhesion of the flavouring to the foodstuff. The orientation of the rotor relative to the screw conveyor is adjustable in a range of 360 degrees by rotation of the transfer conduit and is further rotatably adjustable about the axis of the screw conveyor.

Abstract: A suspension system is presented for a distribution chute of a device for uniformly spreading powdery materials over a circular surface. The distribution chute is suspended in a pivoting manner from a cage in such a way that the angle of tilt of the chute in relation to the vertical axis is adjustable. This cage is suspended from a peripheral annular ring having a vertical axis. The ring is vertically supported and laterally guided by wheels circumferentially spaced apart by an angle of 120.degree.. These wheels are mounted via bearings on a frame supporting the cage. An endless chain engages in a peripheral annular sprocket integrally connected to the cage in order to transmit to the latter a rotary motion about its vertical axis. A variant embodiment is presented with six smooth wheels, three of which have horizontal axes and three of which have vertical axes.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle is convertible to a first mode for broadcasting liquid agricultural material and to a second mode for broadcasting dry agricultural material. The vehicle includes a single main tank which is used in the first mode to transport liquid and in the second mode to transport dry material. The tank converges to an apex at the base and an auger is positioned within the tank extending upwardly from the apex to emerge from the tank at the top of the front wall. When filled with liquid, the auger is plugged at its discharge end allowing the auger tube to be filled with the liquid. When working in the second mode, the plug is opened and the auger extracts the dry material from the main tank and deposits it onto a pair of conveyor chains each forming a curtain of material which divides into separate receptacles for transportation to separate material supply tubes of a pair of booms extending outward to each side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A bander assembly for effecting a substantially even distribution of granular or particulate matter across a relatively wide band. The bander assembly includes a housing defining a throat section and a distributor section. The throat section has a series of baffles arranged toward one end thereof for agitating the granular material as it flows therepast. A series of deflectors are arranged in the distributor section for deflecting the granular material into a wide band having a substantially even or equal distribution thereacross. The present invention also relates to a method for effecting a substantially even or equal distribution of granular material from a bander assembly.