Patent ID: 8272584
Filing Date: 2012-09-25
Classification: A01C,B05B,E01C,E01H

Abstract:
1. A gravity-feed spreader for particulate matter, comprising: a rotor having a shaft, at least one paddle, and a longitudinal axis of rotation, wherein the spreader is operable for gravity-feed operation with the longitudinal axis of rotation of the rotor in a horizontal position; a generally cylindrical rotor housing having a central axis, the central axis of the rotor housing being coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the rotor, the rotor housing including a pair of closed, axial ends joined by a cylindrical surface, the closed, axial ends being on opposite sides of the rotor, the rotor shaft extending through each closed, axial end; an entrance aperture for the particulate matter formed in the cylindrical surface of the rotor housing between the closed, axial ends; an exit aperture for the particulate matter formed in the cylindrical surface of the rotor housing between the closed, axial ends; a rotor driver coupled to the rotor shaft for rotating the rotor; an intake housing including a passageway therethrough for the particulate matter, the intake housing having a first end in communication with the entrance aperture of the rotor housing and a second end; a gate for selectively opening and closing the particulate matter passageway in the intake housing, the gate being continuously adjustable between fully open and fully closed positions; an agitator coupled to the rotor shaft for facilitating movement of particulate matter through the passageway in the intake housing; a support member connected to the rotor housing and the intake housing; and a handle connected to the support member; wherein the at least one paddle extends axially substantially an entire distance between the closed, axial ends of the rotor housing and radially substantially to the cylindrical surface of the rotor housing.