U.S. patent application number 13/680064 was filed with the patent office on 2013-03-28 for portable spreader for particulate matter.
The applicant listed for this patent is Wade Charles Barnett, Matthew S. Kressy. Invention is credited to Wade Charles Barnett, Matthew S. Kressy.
Application Number | 20130075502 13/680064 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44625083 |
Filed Date | 2013-03-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130075502 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Barnett; Wade Charles ; et
al. |
March 28, 2013 |
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.
Inventors: |
Barnett; Wade Charles; (Penn
Valley, PA) ; Kressy; Matthew S.; (Wellesley,
MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Barnett; Wade Charles
Kressy; Matthew S. |
Penn Valley
Wellesley |
PA
MA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
44625083 |
Appl. No.: |
13/680064 |
Filed: |
November 18, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12794762 |
Jun 6, 2010 |
|
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13680064 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
239/683 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01C 19/2005 20130101;
E01C 2019/206 20130101; A01C 15/007 20130101; B05B 11/00 20130101;
E01H 10/007 20130101; B05B 3/12 20130101; B05B 15/62 20180201; B05B
12/002 20130101; A01C 7/02 20130101; A01C 15/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
239/683 |
International
Class: |
B05B 11/00 20060101
B05B011/00 |
Claims
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 coaxial
with the rotor, the rotor housing including a pair of closed, axial
ends; an entrance aperture for the particulate matter formed in a
surface of the rotor housing between the closed, axial ends; an
exit aperture for the particulate matter formed in a 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 a curved surface of the rotor
housing.
2. The spreader of claim 1, further comprising an exit channel for
the particulate matter extending from the exit aperture of the
rotor housing.
3. The spreader of claim 1, wherein the rotor driver is
mechanically coupled to the rotor shaft.
4. The spreader of claim 1, wherein the at least one paddle
comprises a plurality of paddles.
5. The spreader of claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of
paddles extends axially substantially the entire distance between
the closed, axial ends of the rotor housing and radially
substantially to the curved surface of the rotor housing.
6. The spreader of claim 1, wherein the at least one paddle
comprises a brush.
7. The spreader of claim 6, wherein the brush extends radially to
and in contact with the curved surface of the rotor housing.
8. The spreader of claim 1, wherein the rotor driver comprises a
motor.
9. The spreader of claim 1, further comprising a canister for
holding the particulate matter, the canister being connected to the
second end of the intake housing.
10. The spreader of claim 9, wherein a longitudinal axis of the
handle and a longitudinal axis of the canister are substantially
parallel.
11. The spreader of claim 8, further comprising an on/off control
for the motor, the on/off control being located on the handle.
12. The spreader of claim 11, wherein the on/off control controls
positions of the gate including continuous adjustment from the
fully open position to the fully closed position.
13. The spreader of claim 12, wherein, when the spreader is
actuated from an off state to an on state, the on/off control
starts the motor before opening the gate.
14. The spreader of claim 13, wherein, when the spreader is
actuated from the on state to the off state, the on/off control
stops the motor after the gate is closed.
15. The spreader of claim 14, further comprising a mechanical
linkage between the on/off control and the gate.
16. The spreader of claim 1, wherein the agitator is coupled to the
rotor shaft with an eccentric drive.
17. The spreader of claim 8, wherein the support member includes a
battery housing, the spreader further comprising at least one
battery disposed in the battery housing.
18. The spreader of claim 2, wherein the exit channel includes a
lower surface that is substantially planar and further wherein,
when the spreader is operable for the gravity-feed operation with
the longitudinal axis of rotation of the rotor in a horizontal
position, the lower surface of the exit channel lies substantially
in a horizontal plane.
19. The spreader of claim 18, further comprising a canister for
holding the particulate matter, the canister being connected to the
second end of the intake housing wherein a longitudinal axis of the
handle and a longitudinal axis of the canister are substantially
parallel.
20. The spreader of claim 19, wherein the longitudinal axes of the
handle and the canister are at about forty-five degrees from the
vertical.
21. The spreader of claim 18, wherein a horizontal distance between
a center of gravity of the spreader and a midpoint of a grip
portion of the handle is minimized.
22. 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 coaxial
with the rotor, the rotor housing including a pair of closed, axial
ends; an entrance aperture for the particulate matter formed in a
curved surface of the rotor housing between the closed, axial ends;
an exit aperture for the particulate matter formed in the curved
surface of the rotor housing between the closed, axial ends; a
rotor driver coupled to the rotor shaft for rotating the rotor; an
exit channel for the particulate matter extending from the exit
aperture of the rotor housing, the exit channel including a lower
surface that is substantially planar wherein, when the spreader is
operable for the gravity-feed operation with the longitudinal axis
of rotation of the rotor in a horizontal position, the lower
surface of the exit channel lies substantially in a horizontal
plane; 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 curved surface of the rotor
housing and further wherein a midpoint of a grip portion of the
handle is higher in elevation than a center of gravity of the
spreader.
23. 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 coaxial
with the rotor, the rotor housing including a pair of closed, axial
ends; an entrance aperture for the particulate matter formed in a
curved surface of the rotor housing between the closed, axial ends;
an exit aperture for the particulate matter formed in the curved
surface of the rotor housing between the closed, axial ends; a
rotor driver mechanically coupled to the rotor shaft for rotating
the rotor; an exit channel for the particulate matter extending
from the exit aperture of the rotor housing; 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; a handle
connected to the support member; and an on/off control for the
rotor driver; 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 curved surface
of the rotor housing and further wherein actuation of the on/off
control controls positions of the gate including continuous
adjustment from a fully open position to a fully closed
position.
24. The spreader of claim 23, wherein, when the spreader is
actuated from an off state to an on state, the on/off control
starts the rotor driver before opening the gate and, when the
spreader is actuated from the on state to the off state, the on/off
control stops the rotor driver after the gate is closed.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. nonprovisional
patent application Ser. No. 12/794,762 filed on Jun. 6, 2010. This
application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 120 to U.S.
nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 12/794,762 filed on Jun.
6, 2010 and incorporates that application by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates, in general, to spreaders for
distributing particulate matter and, in particular, to man-portable
spreaders for distributing particulate matter.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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 matter may
be fractured or pulverized.
[0007] 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. The center of
gravity of the spreader is affected by the location of the
container for the particulate matter.
[0008] A need exists for a portable spreader for particulate matter
that is efficient, ergonomically designed, and inexpensive to
manufacture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In one aspect, a gravity-feed spreader for particulate
matter may include a rotor having a shaft, at least one paddle, and
a longitudinal axis of rotation. The spreader may be operable for
gravity-feed operation with the longitudinal axis of rotation of
the rotor in a horizontal position. A generally cylindrical rotor
housing may be coaxial with the rotor. The rotor housing may
include a pair of closed, axial ends.
[0010] An entrance aperture for the particulate matter may be
formed in a surface of the rotor housing between the closed, axial
ends. An exit aperture for the particulate matter may be formed in
a surface of the rotor housing between the closed, axial ends. A
rotor driver may be coupled to the rotor shaft for rotating the
rotor.
[0011] 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.
[0012] A support member may be connected to the rotor housing and
the intake housing. A handle may be connected to the support
member.
[0013] At least one paddle may extend axially substantially an
entire distance between the closed, axial ends of the rotor housing
and radially substantially to the curved surface of the rotor
housing.
[0014] The spreader may include an exit channel for the particulate
matter extending from the exit aperture of the rotor housing. The
rotor driver may be mechanically coupled to the rotor shaft. There
may be a plurality of paddles on the rotor.
[0015] The spreader may include a canister for holding the
particulate matter. The canister may be connected to the second end
of the intake housing. A longitudinal axis of the handle and a
longitudinal axis of the canister may be substantially
parallel.
[0016] The rotor driver may be a motor. The spreader may include an
on/off control for the motor. The on/off control may be located on
the handle. The on/off control may control positions of the gate
including continuous adjustment from the fully open position to the
fully closed position. When the spreader is actuated from an off
state to an on state, the on/off control may start the motor before
opening the gate. When the spreader is actuated from the on state
to the off state, the on/off control may stop the motor after the
gate is closed.
[0017] The support member may include a battery housing. The
spreader may include at least one battery disposed in the battery
housing.
[0018] The exit channel may include a lower surface that may be
substantially planar. When the spreader is operable for
gravity-feed operation with the longitudinal axis of rotation of
the rotor in a horizontal position, the lower surface of the exit
channel may lie substantially in a horizontal plane.
[0019] The invention will be better understood, and further
objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more
apparent from the following description of the preferred
embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] In the drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, like or
corresponding parts are denoted by like or corresponding reference
numerals.
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a portable
spreader for particulate matter.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a partially cut away, perspective view of the
spreader of FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a partially cut away, perspective view of the
spreader of FIG. 1, showing one way to couple a motor and a
rotor.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a partially cut away, perspective view of another
side of the spreader of FIG. 1, showing an embodiment of an
agitator.
[0025] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 4.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a partially cut away, perspective view of the
spreader of FIG. 1, showing an embodiment of a control
mechanism.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a rotor having a paddle in
the form of a brush.
[0028] FIG. 8 is a side view of the spreader of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a
gravity-feed portable spreader 10 for spreading particulate matter.
Spreader 10 may be used to distribute or spread particulate matter.
By way of example, and not limitation, particulate matter may
include plant seeds, grass seeds, fertilizer, calcium chloride,
sodium chloride (de-icing salt), herbicides, etc. The size of the
individual particles in the particulate matter may vary from small,
such as powdery materials, to larger materials such as sodium
chloride crystals, or even particles larger than sodium chloride
crystals. Spreader 10 may include a canister 12, a handle 14, a
first housing 16, a second housing 18, an intake housing 20, and an
exit channel 22.
[0030] Canister 12 may function as a storage container for the
particulate matter to be spread. Canister 12 may be formed
integrally with intake housing 20 or may be removably connected to
intake housing 20. For example, canister 12 and intake housing 20
may include complementary threads for threaded engagement. If
canister 12 is integral with intake housing 20, then a means for
filling the canister, such as a door or threaded cap, may be
provided in a surface of the canister 12.
[0031] Handle 14 may include a grip portion 26 where a user's
fingers may be placed. A control 28 may be located on handle 14. In
the embodiment shown, the control 28 is a trigger-type switch
located on the grip portion 26, although other types of controls
may be used. Handle 14 and canister 12 may have respective
longitudinal axes A and B. In one embodiment, axes A and B may be
substantially parallel. With axes A and B parallel, the distance h
between a midpoint 34 of the grip portion 26 and the center of
gravity D of the spreader 10 may be minimized, which may enhance
the ease of using the spreader 10.
[0032] FIG. 2 is a partially cut away, perspective view of the
spreader 10 of FIG. 1. Spreader 10 may include a rotor housing 36.
Rotor housing 36 may be generally cylindrical and may have a
longitudinal axis C. Opposed, axial ends 38, 40 of rotor housing 36
may be closed. In FIG. 2, the closed end 40 of rotor housing 36 is
cut away, but closed axial end 40 may be formed like closed axial
end 38. An entrance aperture 42 for particulate matter may be
formed in a curved surface of the rotor housing 36 between axial
closed ends 38 and 40. An exit aperture 44 for particulate matter
may be formed in the curved surface of the rotor housing 36 between
axial closed ends 38 and 40.
[0033] A rotor 46 having a rotor shaft 32 may be disposed in rotor
housing 36. Rotor 46 and rotor housing 36 may be coaxially disposed
on longitudinal axis C. Spreader 10 may be operable for
gravity-feed operation with the longitudinal axis C of the rotor 46
in a horizontal position. Rotor 46 may include at least one paddle
48. In some embodiments, a plurality of paddles 48 may be used. In
FIG. 2, four paddles 48 are shown, but fewer or more paddles 48 may
be used. Paddle or paddles 48 may be planar or substantially
planar, that is, flat or substantially flat, or may have other
forms. Paddle or paddles 48 may be made of one or more solid
materials.
[0034] At least the outer surface of paddles 48, that is, the
surface that contacts and propels the particulate matter, may be a
soft material, such as an elastomer, a fabric, etc. A soft material
may prevent pulverization of the particulate matter. Pulverization
of the particulate matter may adversely affect the performance of
spreader 10. The outer surface of paddles 48 may have a hardness in
a range of about 30-70 Shore A durometer.
[0035] Paddle or paddles 48 may be in the form of a stiff brush or
brushes. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a rotor 146 having a
paddle 148 in the form of a brush. A paddle 148 formed of a brush
may be planar, as shown in FIG. 7, or may have other forms, such as
a helix, etc. A paddle formed of a brush may be stiff. The brush
may be made of a plurality of bristles fixed to the center of the
rotor 146.
[0036] Paddles 48 (whether in the form of a brush or any other
material) may extend the entire length, or substantially the entire
length, of rotor 46 between axial ends 38, 40 of rotor housing 36.
There may be only enough clearance between paddles 48 and the axial
ends 38, 40 of rotor housing 36 to prevent contact between the
paddles 48 and the axial ends 38, 40. The paddles 48 may extend
radially from the center of rotor 46 to, or substantially to, the
curved surface of rotor housing 36. There may be sufficient
clearance between the radial edges of paddles 48 and the curved
surface of housing 36 to prevent contact between the two. Or, in
the case of a paddle 48 that is a brush, the paddle may contact the
curved surface of housing 36.
[0037] The width of the exit aperture 44 in the rotor housing 36,
that is, the dimension parallel to axis C, may be the same as the
distance between the axial ends 38, 40 of the rotor housing 36. An
exit channel 22 for particulate matter may extend from the exit
aperture 44 of the rotor housing 36. The width g of the exit
channel 22 (FIG. 1) may be the same or different than the width of
the exit aperture 44. The width of the exit channel 22 may be
constant or may vary. Exit channel 22 may include a bottom surface
30.
[0038] A support member may be connected to the rotor housing 36
and the intake housing 20. The support member may include the first
and/or second housings 16, 18. Handle 14 may be connected to the
support member. For example, handle 14 may be connected to first
housing 16.
[0039] The intake housing 20 may define a passageway 54
therethrough for particulate matter. Intake housing 20 may include
a first end 21 in communication with the entrance aperture 42 of
the rotor housing 36 and a second end 58. Canister 12 (FIG. 1) may
be formed integrally with intake housing 20 or may be removably
connected to intake housing 20 at second end 58. A gate 56 may be
disposed in intake housing 20 for selectively opening and closing
the passageway 54 in the intake housing 20.
[0040] In FIG. 2, the gate 56 is shown displaced upwardly somewhat
from the entrance aperture 42 of the rotor housing 36. In some
embodiments, the gate 56 may selectively open and close the
passageway 54 in intake housing 20 by opening and closing the
entrance aperture 42. Flow of particulate matter through intake
housing 20 may be aided by an agitator 60, discussed in more detail
below.
[0041] Shaft 32 of rotor 46 may be coupled to a rotor driver for
rotating the rotor 46. The rotor driver may be, for example, a hand
crank (not shown), or, rotor 46 may be rotated by a motor 24. Motor
24 may be, for example, an alternating current (AC) electric motor,
a direct current (DC) electric motor, an air motor, a hydraulic
motor, an internal combustion engine, etc. Motor 24 may be
connected to rotor 46 in a variety of conventional manners. Motor
24 may be located, for example, in second housing 18.
[0042] FIG. 3 is a partially cut away, perspective view of the
spreader 10 of FIG. 1, showing one way to mechanically couple motor
24 and rotor 46. A drive gear 62 on the shaft of motor 24 may
engage an intermediate gear 64 that engages a rotor gear 66 that is
coaxial with rotor 46. Other means to couple motor 24 and rotor 46
may include, for example, belts, direct drive, differing numbers
and types of gears, fluid couplings, etc.
[0043] Spreader 10 may include one or more batteries 68 to power
the motor 24. Batteries 68 may be housed, for example, in first
housing 16. Batteries 68 may be, for example, rechargeable.
Recharging may be performed with the batteries 68 in place in
housing 16 using a conventional charging device, or the batteries
68 may be removed for recharging, in a known manner. Spreader 10
may include a conventional AC electric plug, for corded operation
from an AC supply. The AC plug may be male or female.
[0044] FIG. 4 is a partially cut away, perspective view of another
side of the spreader 10 of FIG. 1, showing the structure of an
embodiment of an agitator 60. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a
portion of FIG. 4. An eccentric drive 70 may be fixed on an end of
the shaft of rotor 46, outside of closed axial end 38 (FIG. 5).
Agitator 60 may include, for example, a small diameter rod fixed at
one end to eccentric drive 70. The other end of the rod may be
disposed in passageway 54 in intake housing 20 above gate 56. The
rod may be made of, for example, a metal such as stainless
steel.
[0045] The agitator rod may include three segments 74, 76, 78 that
may be angled with respect to each other. Eccentric drive 70 may
drive segment 74, which causes segment 78 to move up and down and
sideways in intake housing 20. Movement of segment 78 facilitates
the flow of particulate matter through the passageway 54, which may
be opened and closed by gate 56. Segment 76 may pass through a wall
of intake housing 20 (FIG. 5). A seal 72 made of, for example,
rubber, may be used to seal the opening between segment 76 and the
wall of intake housing 20.
[0046] Referring again to FIG. 3, control 28 may control motor 24.
Control 28 may be located on handle 14. Control 28 may be, for
example, a trigger switch. Control 28 may also be, for example, a
variable speed switch, such as a potentiometer. Control 28 may be
biased to an "off" position by spring 80. Spring 80 may be disposed
between control 28 and an internal surface of handle 14. In the
"off" position of control 28, rotor 46 may not be turning.
[0047] A micro switch 112 may be disposed in handle 14 adjacent an
arm 114 of control 28. When control 28 is depressed, arm 114 may
activate micro switch 112 to connect a power supply, for example,
batteries 68, to motor 24. When control 28 is released, spring 80
may move control 28 to the "off" (not depressed) position, thereby
disengaging arm 114 from micro switch 112 and disconnecting the
power supply to motor 24.
[0048] Control 28 may also control gate 56 to open and close
passageway 54 through intake housing 20. By varying the position of
gate 56, the mass flow of particulate matter through the spreader
10 may be varied. In the "off" position of control 28, gate 56 may
completely close passageway 54. When gate 56 is closed, particulate
matter above gate 56 may not enter the rotor 46. When gate 56 is
partially open or fully open, particulate matter above gate 56 may
enter the rotor 46.
[0049] FIG. 6 is a partially cut away, perspective view of the
spreader 10 of FIG. 1, showing an embodiment of a connection
between control 28 and gate 56. Gate 56 may be fixed to a first
linkage member 82 that may be translatable along its longitudinal
axis. One end 84 of member 82 may be operatively engaged with a
second linkage member 86. Member 86 may engage member 82, for
example, via a tab 88 on member 86 that may be inserted in a slot
90 in member 82. Member 86 may be rotatable about a pivot 92. A
spring 94 may bias linkage member 86, and thus gate 56, to a closed
position. Spring 94 may be disposed between linkage member 86 and
an internal surface of handle 14.
[0050] One end of second linkage member 86 may include a pin 96
inserted in an opening 98 in a third linkage member 100. Third
linkage member 100 may be rotatable about a pivot 102. Pivot 102
may include a pin 104 (FIG. 4) fixed at one end to member 100 and
inserted in a pivot hole (not shown) in an internal surface of
handle 14. Another end of member 100 may include a pin 110. Pin 110
may be slidable in a slotted opening 108 formed in control 28.
[0051] The slotted opening 108 in control 28 may provide a delay
function. When the control 28 is not depressed, the spreader 10 may
be "off", that is, the rotor 46 may be stationary and the gate 56
may be fully closed. When the control 28 is depressed any amount,
the arm 114 may activate micro switch 112 to connect a power supply
to motor 24, as described above. However, gate 56 may not begin to
open until the pin 110 of linkage member 110 contacts an end 118 of
slotted opening 108. Further depressing control 28 may cause pin
110 to rotate linkage member 100 about pivot 102, which causes
linkage member 86 to rotate in an opposite direction about pivot
92, which causes linkage member 82 to translate gate 56. Thus,
partially depressing control 28 allows the rotor 46 to begin
rotating before the gate 56 begins to open. In this way,
particulate matter may not enter the rotor 46 when the rotor is
stationary, which may prevent jamming of the rotor 46.
[0052] When the spreader 10 is "on", that is, the rotor 46 is
rotating and the gate 56 is at least partially open, and the
control 28 is released by the user, spring 94 may rotate linkage
member 86 such that linkage member 82 translates to thereby move
gate 56 to a closed position. When gate 56 is fully closed, rotor
46 may continue to rotate until pin 110 of linkage member 100 moves
from end 118 of slotted opening 108 to end 116 of slotted opening
108. When pin 110 reaches end 116 of slotted opening 108, arm 114
of control 28 may disengage micro switch 112 and the rotor 46 may
no longer rotate, that is, the spreader 10 may be in the "off"
position.
[0053] Control 28 may used to continuously or infinitely vary the
position of gate 56 to thereby vary the mass flow through the rotor
46. It may also be desirable to vary the speed of motor 24.
Compared to infinitely variable speed control of motor 24, a less
expensive speed control may be a two speed (high/low) control. A
speed control 120 may be disposed on the handle 14. The speed
control 120 may have two positions corresponding to high speed and
low speed.
[0054] In the high speed position or mode, all the batteries 68 may
be used to power the motor 24. For example, five batteries 68 may
each have a voltage of 1.2 volts. In the high speed mode, the
voltage supplied to motor 24 may be 6.0 volts. In the low speed
mode, one battery, for example, may be disconnected so that the
voltage supplied to the motor 24 is 4.8 volts.
[0055] The diameter of the rotor and the angular velocity of the
rotor determine the speed at the tip of the paddle. The types of
particulate matter that may be used in the spreader may have
different resistances to shattering and pulverization. For a given
type of particulate matter, the paddle tip speed may be limited to
avoid shattering the particulate matter.
[0056] FIG. 8 is a side view of the spreader 10 of FIG. 1
illustrating a position wherein the spreader 10 may be operable for
gravity-feed operation. In the position shown in FIG. 8, the rotor
axis C may be horizontal. The exit channel 22 may have a lower
surface 30 that may be planar. In the position of FIG. 8, the lower
surface 30 may lie in a horizontal plane that may be normal to the
local gravity vector G (vertical direction). The axes A, B of the
handle 14 and canister 12 may form angles alpha and beta,
respectively, with the vertical.
[0057] In FIG. 8, the angles alpha and beta may be the same or
different. In one embodiment, alpha and beta may be equal so that A
and B may be parallel. Alpha may range from about thirty degrees to
about sixty degrees, or from about forty degrees to about fifty
degrees, or may be about forty-five degrees. Beta may range from
about thirty degrees to about sixty degrees, or from about forty
degrees to about fifty degrees, or may be about forty-five degrees.
Alpha and beta may be chosen to minimize the horizontal separation
h between the center of gravity D of the spreader 10 and the
midpoint 34 of the grip portion 26 of handle 14. Minimizing the
distance h may contribute to ease of handling the spreader 10.
[0058] In the position shown in FIG. 8, the midpoint 34 of the grip
portion 26 of the handle 14 may have at least the same elevation as
the approximate center of gravity D. Or, the midpoint 34 may be
vertically above the center of gravity D a distance k. The center
of volume F of the canister 12 may be vertically above the rotor
axis C. The center of volume M of the second housing 18, which may
contain batteries 68, may be vertically above the rotor axis C. The
center of volume N of the motor 24 may be vertically above the
rotor axis C. The center of gravity D of the spreader 10 may be
vertically above the rotor axis C. The locations of the centers of
volume, center of gravity, and axis of rotation may contribute to
ease of handling the spreader 10.
[0059] While the invention has been described with reference to
certain preferred embodiments, numerous changes, alterations and
modifications to the described embodiments are possible without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in
the appended claims, and equivalents thereof.
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