Portable spreader for particulate matter

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.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The invention relates, in general, to spreaders for distributing particulate matter and, in particular, to man-portable spreaders for distributing particulate matter.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Some conventional spreaders for distributing particulate matter may rely in whole or in part on entraining the particulate matter in air. Using air to entrain the particulate matter may require high power to generate sufficient air velocity and may generate undesirable noise.[0005]Some conventional spreaders may use an impeller with a vertical axis of rotation. Impellers with a vertical axis of rotation may jam easily. Impellers with a vertical axis of rotation may impart only a small tangential trajectory to the particulate matter, unless the trajectory of the particulate matter is altered by contact or collision with an exit nozzle. If the particulate matter does collide with an exit nozzle, the particulate mat...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]An intake housing may include a passageway therethrough for the particulate matter. The intake housing may have 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 may be disposed in the intake housing. The gate may be continuously adjustable between fully open and fully closed positions. An agitator may be coupled to the rotor shaft for facilitating movement of particulate matter through the passageway in the intake housing.

Problems solved by technology

Using air to entrain the particulate matter may require high power to generate sufficient air velocity and may generate undesirable noise.

Impellers with a vertical axis of rotation may jam easily.

If the particulate matter does collide with an exit nozzle, the particulate matter may be fractured or pulverized.

Ease of handling and operation may be another problem with known spreaders.

The user may have difficulty supporting the spreader because of the location of the center of gravity of the spreader relative to the handle of the spreader.

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