Patent ID: 6705552
Filing Date: 2004-03-16
Classification: A01C

Abstract:
A mobile spreading device for spreading compost material, the device comprising:a hopper for receiving material to be transported and distributed, the hopper having a front wall, a rear wall, opposing side walls and a bottom wall which define an initially open interior; a ground engaging wheel assembly supporting the hopper for transport across spreading ground; a combination mixing and distribution element rotatably mounted in the interior of the hopper for conveying material received in the hopper interior to an elongated outlet located in a discharge area of the hopper; a closure mechanism having a retractable slat which is positionable at variable angular positions for varying the discharge area of the hopper; wherein the combination mixing and distribution element comprises a shaft having a longitudinal axis and having a plurality of discs located at spaced axial distances thereon, the discs being uniformly inclined at an angle in the range of 15-20Â° relative to line drawn perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft; wherein the combination and mixing element also has a plurality of tines located on the shaft thereof, each tine being located between a pair of discs; and wherein each pair of discs on the shaft are separated by a pair of tines located at approximately 180Â° locations about the shaft, the tines also being inclined at the same angle of 15-20Â° with respect to a line drawn perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.