Patent ID: 7063280

Claim:
A broadcast spreader with directional control, comprising: a hopper adapted to store granular particles and including a discharge port through a surface thereof; a fan rotating about an axis for distributing the granular particles passing from the hopper through the discharge port in a predetermined distribution pattern; a rotating plate that is secured to and adapted for rotation with respect to the hopper, said rotating plate defining an opening therethrough that is substantially in registry with but smaller than the discharge port, thus serving to define a pathway for the granular material from the hopper through the discharge port and onto the fan, wherein rotation of the rotating plate relative to the hopper causes a clockwise or counterclockwise shifting of the pathway for the granular material, thus altering the direction of the predetermined distribution pattern; and a shutter plate that is secured to and adapted for slidable movement with respect to the rotating plate, such slidable movement of the shutter plate relative to the rotating plate regulating flow of granular material from the hopper, through the discharge port and the opening defined through the rotating plate, and onto the fan.