Abstract: A salt spreader for distributing a material includes a bucket including a front surface, a rear surface, and first and second side surfaces. The front and rear surfaces tend toward one another at a base of the bucket, and the bucket includes first and second ejection ports in the base. The salt spreader further includes a separator positioned in a center of the bucket parallel to the first and second side surfaces, first and second spinner mounts attached to the base of the bucket under the first and second ejection ports, respectively, first and second spinners rotatably mounted atop of the first and second spinner mounts, respectively, an auger positioned adjacent to the base of the bucket, and first and second covers within the bucket extending downwardly from the first and second side surfaces, respectively, toward the separator.

Abstract: An agricultural dump cart including a frame, ground conveyance devices carrying the frame, a dump bed, a dumping mechanism and at least one live wall mechanism. The dump bed is coupled to and carried by the frame, and the dump bed has a non-dumping position and a dumping position. The dumping mechanism is connected to the dump bed, and is configured to move the dump bed between the non-dumping position and the dumping position. The at least one live wall mechanism is operatively located along a side of the dump bed. The at least one live wall mechanism is configured for moving a crop material out of the dump bed.

Abstract: A self-driven modular sandbagging device applicable to a dump-truck with a truck bed that defines a sand carrying volume, comprising: a replacing tailgate for the truck bed, capable of replacing the original regular tailgate of the dump-truck, at the lower inner end of the replacing tailgate an integral elongated housing is included, in free contact with the carrying volume of the truck bed, in the integral elongated housing an auger is rotatably installed; the auger is driven by a hydraulic motor located inside the housing, a hydraulic pump connected to the hydraulic motor is attached to the external side of the replacing tailgate, at one end of the housing a bag-filler nozzle is included.

Abstract: An agitation unit for use in a lawn spreader and other dispensing equipment, and oscillating agitation systems therefor comprising such an agitation unit. The agitation unit includes a hub, an arm extending from the hub, and an extension on the arm configured to project downwardly to an extent relative to the arm and the hub to protrude into, but not through, the outlet passageway of the hopper.

Abstract: A material handling vehicle comprises an upper loading surface for loading of objects thereon, a control unit, a power source, a drive motor, at least one vehicle drive wheel powered by the drive motor, at least one vehicle support wheel, a first chassis and a second chassis, each of which comprises at least one wheel of the vehicle. The first and second chassis are pivotally coupled to each other by means of at least one coupling means, wherein said coupling means is arranged intermediate the first chassis and the second chassis at a position where the first chassis is arranged above the second chassis, wherein the coupling means extend at least partly vertically between the first and second chassis at said position. Further there are two drive wheels that are independently controllable. Further, a material handling system comprising at least one such material handling vehicle.

Abstract: A salt spreader for distributing a material includes a bucket including a front surface, a rear surface, first and second side surfaces, and a base surface, wherein the front and rear surfaces tend toward one another, and wherein the base surface includes an ejection port, a spinner mount attached to the base surface of the bucket under the ejection port, a spinner rotatably mounted atop of the spinner mount, and an auger positioned in a base of the bucket.

Abstract: A material application system includes a hopper assembly and a conveyor assembly. The hopper assembly includes an upper portion and a downcomer portion. Bulk material is loaded into the upper portion and passes through the downcomer portion. The downcomer portion may include a sail plate for agitating the bulk material to inhibit the formation of clogs in the bulk material.

Abstract: A material feeder in an additive manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment includes a feeding unit. The feeding unit includes a container capable of containing a powdery material, a first wall that is provided with a plurality of openings communicated with the container and that at least partially covers a region onto which the material is fed, and an opening-closing part capable of individually opening and closing the openings, the feeding unit forming a layer of the material on at least a part of the region by feeding the material inside the container onto the region from at least one of the openings that is opened by the opening-closing part.

Abstract: An agitation unit for use in a lawn spreader and other dispensing equipment, and oscillating agitation systems therefor comprising such an agitation unit. The agitation unit includes a hub, an arm extending from the hub, and an extension on the arm configured to project downwardly to an extent relative to the arm and the hub to protrude into, but not through, the outlet passageway of the hopper.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a floor surface includes a floor grinder-polisher system including a support frame and a plurality of grinding heads mounted on the support frame, a power source connected to the plurality of grinding heads and configured to supply power to the plurality of grinding heads, a controller configured to control the plurality of grinding heads, and a vehicle connected to the support frame and configured to support the power source. Each grinding head includes a grinding surface configured to rotate and engage a floor surface.

Abstract: A spreader, in particular for winter service vehicles, for spreading out solid spreading materials includes a spreading-material container for receiving the solid spreading materials to be spread out, and at least one liquid tank arranged within the spreading-material container and having an at least partly flexible sheath and variable volume for receiving liquid. The spreader furthermore comprises a conveying device in a floor surface of the spreading-material container for conveying the spreading materials out of the spreading-material container. The floor surface of the spreading-material container is horizontal or almost horizontal, with the at least one liquid tank being arranged on or above the floor surface such that, upon an at least partial filling of the liquid tank, there is formed a sliding surface for the solid spreading materials to be spread out that is inclined toward the conveying device relative to the floor surface.

Abstract: A system and method of automatically adjusting an amount of agricultural granular material delivered to a field in response to vehicle steering activities. The system includes a sensor that is associated with a steering system of a vehicle configured to apply the material to a field. The sensor is connected to a controller that is configured to determine a deviation value associated with discrete turning activities. The controller is configured to manipulate operation of a first commodity delivery system and a second commodity delivery system such that different amounts of the agricultural material can be delivered to alternate lateral sides of the vehicle in response to turning activities.

Abstract: A spreader with a material divider that is adjustable from side to side so as to change a percentage of a stream of material which flows through portions of the material divider and also supports and moves laterally with a spinner while the spinner is adjustable longitudinally. The geometry of spread patterns can be adjusted by laterally manipulating the location of the material divider.

Abstract: In order to allow a truck with the ability to distribute sand to a roadway, while also having the ability to tow accessories, a uniquely configured sander body is provided. The sander body is uniquely adapted for attachment to the truck tailgate, and specifically sized so that it does not interfere with the towing mechanisms of the truck. Further, sander body is also uniquely configured to have a sand distribution chamber, with a removable rear wall, thus allowing easy access for cleaning and maintenance purposes.

Abstract: A chute assembly may include a chute having an inlet and an outlet and an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism may be used to move the chute to adjust the outlet: forward to back with respect to a spinner disc; and/or, (2) side to side with respect to the spinner disc in order to change the spreading characteristics.

Abstract: An improved particulate material spreader includes an adjustable spinner apparatus which is incrementally adjustable forwardly and rearwardly to a plurality of operating positions relative to the discharge end of the material conveyor. The adjustment may be manual or automatic to adjust the drop point of the material onto the spinners, thereby accommodating varying application rates of the particulate material on a field, lawn, road, or other area. The spreader may be operatively connected to a microprocessor to receive data input and sensor feedback for variable rate technology.

Abstract: A hood assembly is provided for a conveyor having a housing with an inlet opening, a belt or auger for transporting particulate material through the housing from the inlet end to the outlet end. The hood assembly includes a hood pivotally mounted to the housing for movement between a closed position substantially closing the inlet end and an open position substantially exposing the inlet end. When the hood is opened, the inlet end of the conveyor housing can be visually inspected and physically cleaned to remove particulate material remnants remaining in the inlet end after the conveyor is shut off. A hopper is provided on the hood to facilitate introduction of material into the conveyor.

Abstract: A chute assembly may include a chute having an inlet and an outlet and an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism may be used to move the chute to adjust the outlet: forward to back with respect to a spinner disc; and/or, (2) side to side with respect to the spinner disc in order to change the spreading characteristics.

Abstract: An electrically-powered spreader for spreading a granular product is disclosed. The spreader may comprise a cap used to close a bottle containing the granular product. When in the open position, the bottle may be tilted into a position in which the granular product is fed by the force of gravity through an opening and into the spreader cap. A moving member within the spreader cap interacts with the granular product to propel it out of an opening in the spreader cap. In this way, the granular product is broadcast out of the bottle and onto the treatment area around the bottle.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a conventional pickup truck is equipped with a tailgate spreader and a salt wetting apparatus. In another embodiment, a conventional pickup truck is equipped with a tailgate spreader and a brine dispensing apparatus. In yet another embodiment, a conventional pickup truck is equipped with a tailgate spreader, a salt wetting apparatus, and a brine dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A lawn repair device and system configured to deliver sand and seed mixtures or other lawn maintenance materials to lawn divots or other lawn defects by tilt activation or piston assist devices that causes the interposing of an aperture beneath a reservoir containing the lawn maintenance materials. The lawn maintenance materials then passes through the aperture and out a channel that aims and confines the lawn maintenance materials to fill a user-selected divot. Other embodiments provide for sand or soil based seed mixtures having a clod like or agglomerated consistency to be processed through a built-in pulverizing device prior to delivery to the aperture to disrupt any agglomerated or clod like sand or soil based seed mixtures.

Abstract: An improved manure-grinding fertilizer spreader having at least two progressively bladed cylinders 17 at a bottom of a funneled mobile hopper 11 with a grinder base 12 proximate a discharge aperture 13. The mobile funneled hopper is hand-cart sized to be hand-pulled or small-tractor-pulled with at least two progressively bladed cylinders 17 being rotated by detachable engagement of wheels 15 with at least two cutter axles 10 and 56 on which the at least two progressively bladed cylinders 17 are situated axially. An optional agitator 47 may be used in conjunction with the improved manure-grinding fertilizer spreader so as to prevent manure build-up.

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 cap dispenses material from a container having a mouth. The cap has a main body mountable on the mouth. The main body includes a protruding portion having an opening for receiving material moving through the mouth. A combination seal and dispensing spout is pivotally mounted to the main body and has a top wall with an extended portion. The spout may be pivoted on the main body between a sealing position and a dispensing position. In the sealing position, the spout blocks flow of material through the opening. In the dispensing position, the spout is aligned with the opening in the protruding portion to allow material to flow through the protruding portion and onto the spout so that the material may be dispensed.

Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed which includes a chassis and a combination body for selectively dumping and spreading materials. A hoist is provided which extends between the body and the chassis for pivoting the body. A conveyor assembly for selectively conveying materials from the body is also included. A tailgate is pivotally connected to the body and has an opening therein to permit material to be transported therethrough. A rear feed gate assembly for selectively covering the opening of the tailgate is provided. The vehicle includes a rear diverter chute that is operably arranged with the conveyor assembly to direct the materials to a rear spreader. A front feed gate assembly for selectively covering an opening of a front end of the body is provided. First and second side chutes are operably arranged with the conveyor assembly to direct materials to a side spreader and a surface, respectively.

Abstract: An aggregate spreader having a container, a mounting flange, and a spreading assembly is provided. The container has an aggregate receiving cavity. The mounting flange extends from the container to removably connect the container to a stick of a tractor so that the container is movable by a hydraulic cylinder of the tractor between a spreading position and a loading position. The spreading assembly spreads aggregate disposable in the aggregate receiving cavity.

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 spreader device for distributing particles over a large area of ground includes: (a) a hollow, barrel-shaped body including a distribution door covering an opening at a front, lower end of the barrel-shaped body, and a fill door covering an opening in an upper, rear portion of the barrel-shaped body; (b) a frame on which the barrel-shaped body is mounted at a forward angle, with the front portion of the barrel-shaped body being substantially lower than the rear portion; (c) a remote-operated door opening mechanism attached to the barrel-shaped body for periodically opening and closing the door; and (d) a remote switch mechanism for activating the door opening mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of adapting a vehicle for use in either of a dump truck mode or a spreader truck mode includes a dump body unit and a removable hopper. The dump body unit has a main frame pivotally interconnected with a dump body. The main frame attaches to the vehicle and supports the dump body. The dump body has a substantially flat bed with a lengthwise channel containing an embedded conveyor. In dump truck mode, the conveyor is covered and materials may be loaded into and dumped from the dump body. In spreader truck mode, the conveyor is uncovered and the hopper is attached to the dump body so that an aperture at the hopper's base is aligned over the conveyor. Gravity-fed materials may then be conveyed along the body to an attached spreader for dispersion.

Abstract: A dump bed highway maintenance vehicle is provided with a removable tailgate which is formed of a tailgate frame having a pivotal connection with the truck dump bed which is spaced rearwardly from a normal pivot connection and contains a brine tank assemblage extending through the frame above a cross-bed auger. By so extending the brine tank assemblage through the frame, the center of gravity of the pivot mounted tailgate resides in a vertical plane extending through the outwardly displaced frame pivot mechanism. The forward wall of the brine tank assemblage is slanted forwardly upwardly to define a cross section resembling an inverted truncated right triangle.

Abstract: The dump body of a dump truck includes a tailgate having an opening through which material in the receptacle can be dispensed by an endless conveyor in the dump body, and a feedgate for adjusting the rate of discharge is removably mounted on one of the tailgate and the bottom of the dump body and has a passageway through which the conveyor belt extends and a door displaceable toward and away from the conveyor to adjust the size of the passageway and thus the rate of material discharge when the conveyor is in operation.

Abstract: A combined dump truck and spreader apparatus is disclosed for selectively dumping and spreading materials. The apparatus includes a truck chassis and a body for receiving and dispensing the materials. The body has a first and a second end and a first and second curved side wall. The body is secured to the chassis and a tailgate is secured to the first end of the body. An auger arrangement is disposed within the body and extends between the first and second ends thereof for transporting the materials along the body. The tailgate defines an opening which co-operates with the auger arrangement for permitting the flow therethrough of the materials. The arrangement is such that selective spreading and dumping of the materials from the opening is permitted.

Abstract: A manure-grinding fertilizer spreader has a spiral-bladed cylinder (1) as a preferred progressively bladed cylinder (17) at a bottom of a funneled mobile hopper (11) with a grinder base (12) proximate a discharge aperture (13). In a small, few-animal embodiment, the mobile funneled hopper is hand-cart sized to be hand-pulled or small-tractor-pulled with the spiral-bladed cylinder being rotated by detachable engagement of wheels (15) with a cutter axle (10) on which the spiral-bladed cylinder is situated axially. In a powered embodiment for all sizes, the spiral-bladed cylinder is rotated by an engine (35) in close proximity to a grinder blade (22) on the grinder base to cut stable-bedding straw and hard manure for pulverized spreading. In large commercial sizes, the funneled hopper can be at an end of a container bed (27) from which manure is belt-conveyed to the mobile hopper for grinding and spreading.

Abstract: An attachment mounting structure is provided for cargo bed and sprayer assembly attachments usable on a utility vehicle adapted for use in turf related applications. The structure includes pivotable supports between each attachment and the vehicle frame that permit them to be interchangeably mounted on the vehicle. The structure further includes a connection on each attachment that permits it to be secured to a hydraulic cylinder carried by the vehicle, thereby allowing the attachment to be tilted upward and rearwardly so as to provide access to the engine and/or related drive components carried beneath the attachment. The mounting structure also permits the two attachments to be quickly and easily interchanged so that the vehicle could be better utilized.

Abstract: An attachment mounting structure is provided for cargo bed and sprayer assembly attachments usable on a utility vehicle adapted for use in turf related applications. The structure includes pivotable supports between each attachment and the vehicle frame that permit them to be interchangeably mounted on the vehicle. The structure further includes a connection on each attachment that permits it to be secured to a hydraulic cylinder carried by the vehicle, thereby allowing the attachment to be tilted upward and rearwardly so as to provide access to the engine and/or related drive components carried beneath the attachment. The mounting structure also permits the two attachments to be quickly and easily interchanged so that the vehicle could be better utilized.

Abstract: An attachment mounting structure is provided for cargo bed and sprayer assembly attachments usable on a utility vehicle adapted for use in turf related applications. The structure includes pivotable supports between each attachment and the vehicle frame that permit them to be interchangeably mounted on the vehicle. The structure further includes a connection on each attachment that permits it to be secured to a hydraulic cylinder carried by the vehicle, thereby allowing the attachment to be tilted upward and rearwardly so as to provide access to the engine and/or related drive components carried beneath the attachment. The mounting structure also permits the two attachments to be quickly and easily interchanged so that the vehicle could be better utilized.

Abstract: The dump body of a dump truck includes a tailgate having an opening through which material in the receptacle can be dispensed by an endless conveyor in the dump body, and a feedgate for adjusting the rate of discharge is removably mounted on one of the tailgate and the bottom of the dump body and has a passageway through which the conveyor belt extends and a door displaceable toward and away from the conveyor to adjust the size of the passageway and thus the rate of material discharge when the conveyor is in operation.

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 multiple purpose dump unit designed to be mounted on a vehicle for hauling, dumping, spreading and the collection of refuse as well as for distributing salt, sand and other aggregates. The unit has a single dump body with a sloping, fixed endgate and a longitudinally extending conveyor along the open bottom of the dump body, and the unit is provided with a spreader mechanism at the exit gate from the conveyor to facilitate spreading of salt, sand and other aggregates. The unit is pivotally mounted near its rear end so that it can be lifted by hydraulic cylinders for dumping, spreading aggregate, asphalt, etc. The dump unit can be sized so that the vehicle can navigate narrow streets and alleys and is mounted at a height and with sides of a height to meet the requirements for manual refuse loading.

Abstract: An attachment mounting structure is provided for cargo bed and sprayer assembly attachments usable on a utility vehicle adapted for use in turf related applications. The structure includes pivotable supports between each attachment and the vehicle frame that permit them to be interchangeably mounted on the vehicle. The structure further includes a connection on each attachment that permits it to be secured to a hydraulic cylinder carried by the vehicle, thereby allowing the attachment to be tilted upward and rearwardly so as to provide access to the engine and/or related drive components carried beneath the attachment. The mounting structure also permits the two attachments to be quickly and easily interchanged so that the vehicle could be better utilized.

Abstract: A truck in accordance with the present invention includes a dump body, a truck frame with a rear axle, a lift system, and a conveying system. The dump body is defined by a unitary floor, a pair of sidewalls which extend tip from opposite sides of the floor, and a front wall and a back wall located on opposite sides of the floor and extending between the sidewalls. The dump body is pivotally connected to the truck frame adjacent to the back wall. The lift system is mounted to the truck frame and the dump body for lifting an end of the dump body proximate the front wall between a lowered resting position on the truck frame and an upper raised position. The conveying system is positioned on the floor behind the rear axle and extends between the pair of sidewalls. The dump body has at least one opening in alignment with the conveying system.

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 combined dump truck and spreader apparatus is disclosed for selectively dumping and spreading materials. The apparatus includes a truck chassis and a body for receiving and dispensing the materials. The body has a first and a second end and a first and second curved side wall. The body is secured to the chassis and a tailgate is secured to the first end of the body. A conveyor is disposed within the body and extends between the first and second ends thereof for conveying the materials along the body. The tailgate defines an opening which co-operates with the conveyor for permitting the flow therethrough of the materials. The arrangement is such that selective spreading and dumping of the materials from the opening is permitted.

Abstract: A spreader assembly for use with a dump-truck vehicle has a conventional spinner unit, an outer trough member mounted on the vehicle body with an outlet opening over the spinner unit, an inner trough member contained within the outer trough member and positioned with a discharge chute projected through the outer trough member outlet opening, and a hydraulic motor connected to the inner trough member for reciprocating the inner trough member with respect to the outer trough member to move materials to the spinner unit.

Abstract: A gasoline motor powered spreading apparatus for use with vehicles equipped with articulating dump boxes is described. The spreading apparatus includes a hopper assembly, a spinner, a mounting platform for a gasoline powered motor, a mounting platform levelling system, and a multiple output gearbox. The entire assembly is configured to substitute directly for most conventional vehicle tailgates. The levelling system ensures that the motor (platform) is level through the full range of articulation of the dump box in order to provide efficient operation of a gasoline powered motor. The multiple output gearbox provides variable gear ratios to power peripherals such as the spinner and the auger. The gasoline powered motor as well as the peripherals may be manipulated remotely from the driver's area of the vehicle. The apparatus is easily installed or removed and requires limited modification to the vehicle.

Abstract: A spreader mechanism having a rear operating position for spreading the material discharged from the truck body at the rear end of the truck body and a forward storage position clear of the rear end of the truck body. According to the invention, the spreader support has at least one longitudinally extending leg support mounted on the truck frame for longitudinal movement of the spreader between the rearward operating position and a forward storage position forward of the tailgate of the truck body.

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 combined dump truck and spreader apparatus is disclosed for selectively dumping and spreading materials. The apparatus includes a truck chassis and a body for receiving and dispensing the materials. The body has a first and a second end and a first and second side. The body is secured to the chassis and a tailgate is secured to the first end of the body. A first and second conveyor are disposed within the body and extend between the first and second ends thereof for conveying the materials along the body. The tailgate defines a first and a second opening which co-operate respectively with the first and the second conveyor for permitting the flow therethrough of the materials. The arrangement is such that selective spreading and dumping of the materials from at least one of the openings is permitted. A sloping guide extends between the conveyors for guiding the materials towards the conveyors.

Abstract: A dump truck having a longitudinally extending conveyor structurally integrated into the bottom structure of the dump body of the truck. A hydraulic drive system is selectively operable for running the conveyor in each direction for dispensing the material contents of the dump body at the front and rear ends of the dump body. Front and rear spreaders are mounted on the truck frame at the front and rear ends of the conveyor for spreading the dispensed material onto the roadway in front: of and rearwardly of the rear wheels of the truck.

Abstract: A dump truck having a longitudinally extending conveyor structurally integrated into the bottom structure of the dump body of the truck. A hydraulic drive system is selectively operable for running the conveyor in each direction for dispensing the material contents of the dump body at the front and rear ends of the dump body. Front and rear spreaders are mounted on the truck frame at the front and rear ends of the conveyor for spreading the dispensed material onto the roadway in front of and rearwardly of the rear wheels of the truck.