초록 ▼

A motorized spreader for dispersing granular and other material, such as fertilizer, seed, and salt, or the like, provides improved uniform control of the flow of the material from the spreader. The motorized spreader includes a frame and drive train supporting the frame. A hopper for holding granul

A motorized spreader for dispersing granular and other material, such as fertilizer, seed, and salt, or the like, provides improved uniform control of the flow of the material from the spreader. The motorized spreader includes a frame and drive train supporting the frame. A hopper for holding granular material is also supported on the frame and includes a dispensing opening for directing the flow of granular material from the hopper onto the ground. An agitator is positioned in the hopper for urging the granular material in the hopper toward the dispensing opening so that the flow of the granular material from the hopper is controlled. The drive train includes first and second wheels, with each wheel including an axle. A differential drivingly couples the axles of the wheels together and includes a first drive sprocket and a second drive sprocket, the first drive sprocket coupling to a motor to drive the motorized spreader at a ground speed. The second drive sprocket couples to the agitator for driving the agitator so that the rotational speed of the agitator is proportional to the ground speed of the motorized spreader for regulating the flow of the granular material through the dispensing opening.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim the exclusive property or privilege in the embodiments of the invention defined as:] [1.] A motorized spreader for dispersing granular material onto a ground surface, said motorized spreader comprising:a hopper for holding granular material, said hopper having a dispensing opening for dire

[ I claim the exclusive property or privilege in the embodiments of the invention defined as:] [1.] A motorized spreader for dispersing granular material onto a ground surface, said motorized spreader comprising:a hopper for holding granular material, said hopper having a dispensing opening for directing a flow of granular material downwardly toward the ground surface;an agitator positioned in said hopper for urging the granular material in said hopper toward said dispensing opening;a drive train supporting said hopper, said drive train having first and second wheels, each wheel including an axle;a motor adapted to be powered;a differential drivingly coupling said axles of said wheels, said differential including a first drive sprocket and a second drive sprocket, said first drive sprocket coupling to said motor to drive said motorized spreader at a ground speed and coupling to said agitator for rotating said agitator at a rotational speed proportional to the ground speed of the motorized spreader regardless of whether the spreader is moving in a curved or rectilinear path to control the flow of granular material through the dispensing opening of the hopper.