GB2070401A

GB2070401A - Apparatus for Dispensing Forage or the Like

Info

Publication number: GB2070401A
Application number: GB8105432A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Bythell D H; Nichol W J
Current assignee: Bythell D H; Nichol W J
Priority date: 1980-02-29
Filing date: 1981-02-20
Publication date: 1981-09-09
Also published as: GB2070401B

Abstract

Trailer apparatus for dispensing forage or the like comprises a part- circular container 3, in which a plunger 27 is adapted to travel, to push forage or other material towards a rotary disc 7. The disc 7 is preferably provided with cutting blades, and also provides a well-defined radial fan action, thereby to dispense forage via a discharge chute. The plunger 27 is driven by a lever mechanism comprising two levers 28 and 29, which are controlled by an hydraulic ram 31. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Apparatus for Dispensing Forage or the Like This invention relates to apparatus for dispensing forage or the like.

It is to be understood, however, that apparatus with which the invention is concerned may be suitable also for dispensing material other than forage. For example, in the field of agriculture, attempts have been made in the past to produce apparatus which is adaptable for use in dispensing either forage or manure, as circumstances may require.

Previously proposed apparatus for handling silage or the like include trailers which are provided at the front end thereof with a spinning disc. Silage in the trailer is fed towards the spinning disc, where it is thrown laterally out of the trailer. It has been found that such arrangements may be capable of handling silage or other material which is already in finelychopped form, and is relatively loosely packed.

However, these arrangements can not cope adequately with material which is either longchopped or compacted, as is often the case with forage retrieved from a store, for example.

Other previously proposed devices for dispensing forage employ screw-feed devices arranged transversely on a trailer, to dispense material laterally thereof. Again, such devices are really suitable only for handling material in a finely-chopped and loose form. Also, they tend to have a relatively low discharge aperture, which is often inconvenient to the user.

In the above-described arrangements, forage or silage to be distributed is typically transported to the spinning disc or to the screw-feed device by means of a moving floor (in the case of the screw-feed device, a simple hopper may be employed, alternatively). A problem encountered with such moving floor arrangements is that material to be distributed tends to be fed from underneath a load of material in the trailer, rather than moving the load uniformly towards the dispensing means, thereby giving a somewhat uneven feed.

There is thus a problem of providing apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, which is capable of dispensing forage directly from a compact state, in an even fashion. The aim of the present invention is to work towards a solution of this problem.

Preferred embodiments of the invention aim to provide apparatus for dispensing forage and the like, which is simple and robust in construction, with an economy of moving parts, and in which any wearing parts are relatively few and readily replaceable.

The invention has several novel aspects.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, comprising a forage container, a rotor for dispensing forage from the container, and a plunger for pushing forage in the container towards the rotor.

The provision of the plunger may enable forage to be pushed towards the rotor in a relatively uniform manner over the working area of the rotor, and the rate at which forage is dispensed may be controlled readily and accurately by control of the rate of movement of plunger. this can, of course, be of great importance when a user wishes to distribute forage evenly over an area.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, comprising a forage container, dispensing means for dispensing forage from the container, a plunger for pushing forage in the container towards said means, and a lever mechanism connected to drive said plunger.

The provision of the lever mechanism is particularly advantageous. in that for a given movement of a prime mover, an increased movement of the plunger can be obtained. This is especially advantageous when hydraulic rams, or the like, are used as prime movers. It may be appreciated that double-acting rams are desirable to facilitate reciprocable movement of the plunger. As the size of the forage container should be optimal, to minimize frequency of re-filling operations, the length of desired travel of the plunger can be relatively great. By using the lever mechanism, an hydraulic ram of modest stroke can be utilized. This can provide a cost saving of great significance, as double-acting hydraulic rams of relatively large stroke are particularly expensive.

In a particularly advantageous arrangement, two hydraulic rams of modest stroke can be used.

One of the rams is used to pivot two lever arms with respect to one another, and the other of the rams is used to adjust the length of one of those lever arms telescopically. Preferably, hydraulic control means is provided to control automatically the sequential operation of the rams.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, comprising a forage container and a rotor for dispensing forage from the container, the rotor extending radially of the cross-section of forage that is presented to the rotor in use.

Such an arrangement can be particularly useful, in that the outer regions of the rotor can be kept free from build-up and/or trapping of forage.

Also, it is usually desirable to maximize radial fan action of the rotor, and keeping the outer regions of the rotor free also assists in this respect.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, comprising a rotor for discharging forage from a forage container, the rotor being arranged to perform at least part of a cutting action on forage being dispensed.

This aspect of the invention is especially important. By providing the cutting action, the apparatus can deal the more readily with forage that is only long-chopped and/or has been stored in a compacted state.

Advantageously, replaceable cutter blades are provided on the rotor, and are positioned in such a way as to facilitate extraction of the forage from the container, and to impel the forage radially of the rotor. Preferred embodiments of the invention have features relating to the arrangement of such cutting blades in these respects, which features will be apparent from the discussion below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Another preferred arrangement of the invention is where the apparatus includes a discharge aperture through which forage is dispensed, and a part on the rotor co-operates with at least one cutting edge around the discharge aperture, to provide a cutting action on forage being dispensed. This cutting action is especially useful in dealing with long-chopped forage, and in keeping the rotor and discharge aperture clear.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are provided with eccentric means on the rotor or dispensing means, which eccentric is arranged to agitate forage disposed in the vicinity of an axis of rotation of the rotor or dispensing means.

Advantageously, the eccentric includes at least one cutting blade.

The provision of such an eccentric can be extremely useful in preventing the build-up of a core of slowly-moving forage in the vicinity of the axis of rotation, which core could give rise to undesirably high pressures, and impede progress of the forage generally towards the rotor or dispensing means.

A particularly useful embodiment of the invention is as an agricultural trailer for towing behind a tractor. Then, the trailer can have a forage container of part-circular cross-section, in which a plunger engages, to push forage towards a rotor at the rear of the trailer. Hydraulic rams for controlling the plunger can conveniently be powered from the hydraulic system of a tractor, and the drive for the rotor can conveniently be taken from the power take-off (p.t.o.) point of the tractor.

For a better understanding of the invention to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a top perspective view of trailer apparatus for dispensing forage or the like; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view thereof; Figures 3 to 5 are fragmentary views showing modified apparatus; Figures 6 and 7 show a modified rotor disc in side elevation and plan; Figures 8 and 9 show cutting teeth of the disc, respectively in side and plan view; Figures 1 Oa to 1 Od show an eccentric; Figure 11 shows a discharge aperture; and Figure 12 illustrates modified apparatus, in side view.

In the figures, like reference numerals denote like or corresDondinq Darts.

In Figures 1 and 2, the trailer apparatus includes a two-wheeled frame 1 connectible through a clevis 2 to the rear of a tractor of the kind having an hydraulic system and a power take-off shaft. A part-cylindrical container 3 is mounted on the frame 1, the axis of the container extending fore and aft and the top 4 of the container being open to permit loading of the material, such as forage, to be transported and distributed. Dispensing means for the material is provided on the container 3 at the rear thereof, as indicated generally at 5, while means for feeding the material axially towards the dispensing means is provided on the container 3, as indicated generally at 6.

The dispensing means 5 as shown in Figure 3 is composed of (a) a rotor comprising a rotary disc 7 mounted within the container coaxially therewith on a central shaft 8, and a peripheral series of radial blades 9 projecting from opposite faces of the disc, and (b) a casing enclosing the upper portion of the rotor and including a peripheral wall 10 having an outlet opening 11 at the top thereof, and a box-section traverse duct 12 to receive the material flowing through the opening 11 and discharge the material laterally. A central flap 1 3 in the duct 12 is pivoted at 1 3A and co-operates with the arcuate wall 10 and with guide plates 14 and 15 in the duct to provide for throw of the material selectively to the lefthand side or the right-hand side of the vehicle.

Hinged deflector plates 1 6 and 1 7 on the duct 12 at the ends thereof serve to direct the issuing material downwards in the desired direction on to the ground alongside the vehicle. A drive shaft 18 mounted under the container 3 has its front end connectible, through a reversing gearbox and a coupling shaft 20, to the power take-off shaft of the tractor, and has its rear end drivingly connected to the rotor shaft 8 through chain-andsprocket gearing such that the rotary disc can be driven in either direction of rotation. Figure 1 shows a somewhat simpler arrangement of flap 13 and guide plates 14 and 15.

The feeding means 6 include a carriage 22 whereof end runners 23 and 24 have top and bottom sets of two or more wheels engaging both faces of out-turned flanges 25 and 26 on the container, and a plunger 27 in the form of a disc mounted on the carriage and co-axial with the container so as to form a reciprocable end wall in the container. The feeding means 6 further include a pair of upwardly extending lever arms 28 and 29 pivotally interconnected at their upper ends and having their lower ends pivotally connected respectively to brackets 30 on the frame 1 and to the plunger 27, and an hydraulic ram 31 pivotally connected to the arms 28 and 29 intermediate their ends. The geometry of the arms 28,29 and the device 31 is such that actuation of the ram 31 effects reciprocation of the plunger 27.

The cylinder of the ram 31 is connected to the output of the hydraulic system of the tractor through a valve which is adjustable to control the speed of movement of the plunger 27.

In use of the vehicle to distribute material, especially silage, in a feed area, the vehicle is connected to the tractor, the plunger 27 is moved to its foremost position, the container is filled with the material, and the filled vehicle is then drawn to the feed area in the manner of a conventional trailer. With the vehicle positioned in the feed area, the flap 13 and the gears in the box 19 are adjusted for right-hand or left-hand discharge of material, and the valve in the hydraulic line to the cylinder of the device 31 is adjusted in accordance with the desired rate of discharge of the material. Thereupon the vehicle is drawn over the feed area at an appropriate speed with the blades 9 rotating to discharge material laterally and with the plunger moving axially rearwards to push material into the path of the blades. The vehicle thus operates as a distributor for the material.

When the container is empty, the vehicle is returned for reloading, and the discharging procedure is repeated.

The vehicle can be used as a transporter simply by operating the rotor and ram to discharge the load while the vehicle is stationary.

Clearly the vehicle can also be used as an ordinary trailer simply by rendering the rotor and ram inoperative, and unloading the container in the usual manner.

Modifications of the foregoing embodiment will now be described with reference to Figures 3 to 5.

An arcuate ledge 32 of wedge-section is disposed within the container 3 adjacent to the rotary disc 7 to form an inciined ramp for lifting the axially moving material clear of the walls of the container prior to discharge. Thus, the rotary disc 7 extends radially outwardly of the crosssection of material presented to it, to inhibit buildup or trapping of material around the disc 7, and also to enhance the radial fan action of the blades 9.

The rotary disc 7 has thereon a plurality of blades projecting inwards from the inner face thereof to assist the movement of the material to discharge and effect cutting-up of the material.

Thus, a circular hub cap 33 is secured to the rotary disc 7 eccentrically thereof, the centre 34 of the cap 33 being offset by several inches from the centre 35 of the disc 7, and a pair of semicircular blades 36 and 37 (of the same diameter as the hub cap) are secured to the hub cap with their straight edges extending along chords (or diametrically) of the hub cap, and lie in planes diverging from each other at an angle of 450 to the face of the hub cap. Additionally, triangular cutting blades 38 and 39 are disposed in two radially spaced peripheral series, each blade having a tangentiaily extending base and being curved radially outwards from base to tip.

Figures 6 and 7 show a particularly advantageous arrangement of the rotor disc 7. Six ribs 40 are mounted on one face of the disc 7, and are angularly spaced from each other by an equal amount. At least every alternate one of the ribs 40 is of increased height towards the periphery of the disc 7, to define a vane member 41. The vane members 41 provide a well defined radial-flow fan action in use of the rotary disc 7.

Mounted on or adjacent alternate ones of the ribs 40 are three radially extending cutting blades 42. Each of the blades 42 has an outwardly curved cutting edge 43, and includes an acute angle with the general plane of the rotor disc 7.

Thus, this particular arrangement of the rotor disc 7 is designed for use in just one direction of rotation, as indicated in Figure 7 by the arrow.

However, it may be appreciated that the rotary disc 7 could be made operable in either direction, by including a further set of oppositely disposed blades 42.

It will be appreciated that, as the blades 42 rotate with the disc 7, they cut somewhat into the material being fed towards the disc 7, and the curved cutting edges of the blades 42 help both to cut into the material and to carry the material away towards the periphery of the disc 7. The acute angle which the blades 42 include with the disc 7 is important, to ensure that a satisfactory cutting action is carried out, without causing blockages. Advantageously, it may lie in the range 1 50 to 450, and is preferably substantially 300.

Disposed alternately with the radially extending blades 42 are respective sets of blades 44 which extend generally circumferentially of the rotor. These are somewhat similar to the blades 38 shown in Figures 3 to 5. In Figures 6 and 7, there are two blades 44 in each set between a respective pair of radially extending blades 42.

However, there may be as many blades in each set as are necessary, depending upon the overall size of the rotary disc 7.

In Figures 6 and 7, the blades 44 are arranged in a spiral fashion on the disc 7. Figure 8 shows two successive blades on the spiral. Each blade curves radially outwardly of the disc 7, such that its tip includes an acute angle a with the general plane of the disc 7. Advantageously, the angle a lies in the range 400 to 800, and is preferably in the range 500 to 700. We have found a value of a=600 to be especially effective. As may be seen in Figure 8, the two successive blades 44 on the spiral are so arranged that the tip of one blade 44 is at substantially the same radial distance from the centre of the disc 7 as the base of the succeeding blade 44. This arrangement ensures that a cutting action is effected over a maximum cross-sectional area of the material fed towards the disc 7. It is to be noted, however, that each pair of successive teeth on the spiral are not part of the same set (i.e., they are not both between the same two radially extending blades 42). Such an arrangement, with the spacing indicated in Figure 8, would tend to trap material between two successive blades. The arrangement of the blades 44 in spiral fashion helps to provide a useful screw-action, to extract material being fed to the disc. The curved shape of the blades 44 also assist to dig out the material. As the blades 44 alternate with the radial extending blades 42, a crosscutting action is effected on the material fed to the disc 7.

Figure 9 shows how the blades 44 are formed as teeth, having two cutting edges that meet at an apex angle P which is advantageously in the range 300 to 900. Preferably, SB is in the range 400 to 600, especially good results are achieved when k is 450.

Figures 1 Oa to 1 Od shows an eccentric means comprising a hub 45, on which two part- or semicircular cutting blades 46 and 47 are mounted.

This arrangement is somewhat similar to that shown in Figures 3 to 5. However, in Figure 10, the hub 45 is centred somewhat to one side of the axis of rotation of the disc 7, whilst extending at least up to, and preferably somewhat over said axis. The cutting blades 46 and 47 are themselves mounted eccentrically, on the hub 45, such that they include respective angles x and y with respect to the convex surface of the hub 45.

Preferably, the angle x included by the innermost blade 46 is equal to or greater than the angle y included by the outermost blade 47. For example, x is preferably 450, and x is preferably 300.

This arrangement of the eccentric means is particularly useful in affording an efficient agitation of material that tends to build-up as a core around the axis of rotation of the disc 7. The hub 45 itself effects an agitating action, as do the blades 46 and 47, which, by virtue of their design and configuration, also cut into the material and guide it away towards the periphery of the disc 7.

It may be appreciated that the design configuration of the disc 7 illustrated in Figures 6 to 10 is such that all of the cutting blades may readily be mounted thereon in an easily replaceable manner.

Figure 11 illustrates diagrammatically a discharge aperture for material that is dispensed by the rotary disc 7 and deflected by deflecting means which may be, for example, along the lines shown in Figure 2. In Figure 11, the arrangement is such that material is discharged through an aperture 48 which is bounded by two cutting edges 49 which are arranged in V-formation. The angle 0 between the cutting edges 49 is advantageously in the range 400 to 600, and is preferably equal to 500. As the rotary disc 7 rotates, material is thrown-out through the aperture 48, and the vane members 41 on the disc 7 co-operate with the cutting edges 49 to provide a cutting action. This cutting action serves to keep the discharge aperture 48 clear, and is particularly useful when long-chopped material is being dispensed.

Although two cutting edges 49 are shown in Figure 11, it may be appreciated that a single cutting edge could be used, if desired.

Figure 12 illustrates diagrammatically an alternative arrangement for moving the plunger 27 in the body of the container 3.

!n Figure 12, a first lever arm 50 is pivotally secured at one end to a bracket on the frame of the trailer apparatus. At its upper end, the lever arm 50 is pivotally connected to a further lever arm 51. An hydraulic ram 52 is provided for pivoting the two lever arms with respect to one another. The lever arm 51 is provided with a telescopically extending portion 53, to one end of which the plunger 27 is secured. A second ram 54 is provided to control movement of the telescopically extending portion 53, with respect to the lever arm 51.

In operation of the arrangement shown in Figure 12, both rams 52 and 54 are fully retracted, with the plunger 27 at the forward end of the container 3. The ram 52 is then extended, until the plunger 27 is in an intermediate position between the ends of the container 3, whereupon the ram 54 is actuated to extend the telescopically extending portion 53, until the plunger 27 reaches its rearmost position. Both rams 52 and 54 are double-acting rams, such that the above process is then carried out in reverse to retract the plunger 27. Preferably, hydraulic control means is provided to control automatically the sequential operation of the rams 52 and 54, by a single-lever operation.

A particular advantage of the arrangement shown in Figure 12 is that a relatively long travel of the plunger 27 can be achieved, whilst using rams of relatively short stroke. Moreover, the maximum height of the lever arms 50 and 51 when the plunger 27 is retracted can be reduced as compared to the arrangement shown in Figure 1. This can be particularly important where it is desired to use the trailer apparatus within buildings.

Various modifications may be made to the arrangements illustrated in the accompanying drawing. For example, although the rotor disc 7 is shown as being perpendicular to the container 3, it may be disposed at another angle thereto, is desired. The hydraulic ram/lever arrangement for moving the plunger 27 is particularly advantageous, and one of the advantages that it provides is that the speed of travel of the plunger 27 can be infinitely variable by incorporating simple hydraulic fluid control means. However, other suitable means may be employed to move the plunger 27, is desired. For example, two parallel screw spindles may be arranged along respective sides of the container 3, engaging nut followers which drive the plunger 27.

It has been found that trailer apparatus as shown in the drawings can provide a simple, reliable and especially effective means for transporting and dispensing forage or the like. It can be effective not only to dispense precisionchopped loose forage (as previously proposed arrangements can do), but also to dispense equally effectively long-chopped and/or heavily compacted forage, which previously proposed arrangements have, at the least, great difficulty in dealing with. The rate of distribution of forage can readily be controlled by control of the speed of movement of the plunger 27. Also, control can be effected by the speed of rotation of the rotary disc 7. This can be done either on its own, or in conjunction with control of the speed of travel of the plunger 27.

The illustrated apparatus may be simple and robust, capable of easy repair and maintenance. A further advantage to users is that the discharge height of forage from the rotary disc 7 can be a useful height above ground, and subject to adjustment by discharge deflectors, for example, as shown in Figure 2.

It will be noted that, in the illustrated arrangement, the rotary disc 7 is positioned at the rear of the trailer, which has been found to be especially effective, inter alia, for assisting traction. However, if desired, it could be positioned at the front of the trailer.

The plunger 27 is preferably provided with a replaceable membrane (e.g. a rubber seal) to engage the inner wall of the container 27.

Apparatus as illustrated has been found equally effective in dispensing manure and forage.

Claims

1. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, comprising a forage container, a rotor for dispensing forage from the container, and a plunger for pushing forage in the container towards the rotor.

2. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, comprising a forage container, dispensing means for dispensing forage from the container, a plunger for pushing forage in the container towards said means, and a lever mechanism connected to drive said plunger.

3. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to Claim 1 or 2, including pressure-fluid operable means for driving said plunger.

4. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to Claim 3, wherein said pressure-fluid operable means comprises at least one hydraulic ram.

5. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to Claim 3 or 4, including control means for controlling the pressure of said fluid thereby to control the speed of movement of said plunger.

6. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to Claim 4 or 5 as appendant to Claim 2, wherein said lever mechanism comprises a first lever arm and a second telescopic lever arm pivoted thereto, and said pressure-fluid operable means comprises a first ram for controlling pivoting of said lever arms with respect to one another, and a second ram for controlling telescopic adjustment of said second lever arm.

7. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to Claim 6, including pressure-fluid control means for controlling automatically sequential operation of said rams.

8. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to any preceding claim, wherein said plunger is mounted on roller bearings which run on side portions of said container, in a direction of longitudinal extent of said container.

9. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to any preceding claim, wherein said plunger is provided with a replaceable membrane for engaging an inner wall of said container.

1 0. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, comprising a forage container and a rotor for dispensing forage from the container, the rotor extending radially of the cross-section of forage that is presented to the rotor in use.

11. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to Claim 10, and incorporating the features of any one of Claims 1 to 9.

1 2. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, comprising a rotor for discharging forage from a forage container, the rotor being arranged to perform at least part of a cutting action on forage being dispensed.

1 3. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to Claim 12, wherein the rotor is provided with cutting blades.

14. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to Claim 13, wherein said blades are replaceable.

1 5. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to Claim 1 3 or 14, wherein said rotor comprises a disc on which said blades are mounted.

16. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to Claim 1 3, 14 or 15, wherein at least one of the blades is disposed substantially radially of the rotor.

1 7. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to Claim 16, wherein the or each radially extending blade has an outwardly curved cutting edge.

18. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to Claim 16 or 17, wherein the or each radially extending blade includes an acute angle with the general plane of the rotor.

19. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to Claim 18, wherein said acute angle is in the range 150 to 450.

20. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to Claim 19, wherein said acute angle is substantially 300.

21. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to any one of Claims 13 to 20, wherein at least one of the blades extends generally circumferentially of the rotor.

22. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to Claim 21, wherein the or each circumferentially extending blade is in the form of a tooth.

23. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to Claim 22, wherein the or each tooth has an apex angle in the range 300 to 900.

24. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to Claim 23, wherein said apex angle is in the range 400 to 60".

25. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to Claim 24, wherein said apex angle is substantially 450.

26. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to any one of Claims 21 to 25, wherein the or each circumferentially extending blade points partly radially outwardly of the rotor.

27. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to Claim 26, wherein the or each circumferentially extending blade curves radially outwardly of the rotor.

28. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to Claim 26 or 27, wherein at least a tip of the or each circumferentially extending blade defines an acute angle with the general plane of the rotor.

29. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to Claim 28, wherein said acute angle is in range 40 to 800.

30. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to Claim 29, wherein said acute angle is in the range 500 to 700.

31. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to Claim 30, wherein said acute angle is substantially 600.

32. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to any one of Claims 21 to 31, comprising a series of said circumferentially extending blades arranged generally in a spiral on said rotor.

33. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to Claim 32, wherein a tip of one blade and the base of the other blade, of each pair of successive blades on said spiral, are at substantially the same radial distance from the centre of the rotor.

34. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to any one of Claims 12 to 33, including a discharge aperture through which forage is dispensed in use, and at least one cutting edge around said aperture, with which edge a part on said rotor co-operates to provide a cutting action on forage being dispensed.

35. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to Claim 34, comprising two cutting edges in V-formation around said discharge aperture.

36. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to Claim 35, wherein said two cutting edges include an angle in the range 400 to 600.

37. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to Claim 34, wherein said two cutting edges include an angle of substantially 500.

38. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to any one of Claims 12 to 37, and incorporating the features of any one of Claims 1 to 11.

39. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to any preceding claim, wherein said rotor or dispensing means is provided with vane members to provide a radiai-flow fan action upon rotation of said rotor or dispensing means.

40. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to Claim 39, or Claims 38 and 39, as appendant to any one of Claims 34 to 37, wherein at least one of said vane members cooperates with the or each said cutting edge to provide a cutting action on forage being dispensed.

41. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to any preceding claim, wherein the rotor or dispensing means has an axis of rotation and eccentric means, centered to one side of said axis and extending at least up to said axis, to agitate forage disposed in the vicinity of said axis.

42. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to Claim 41, wherein said eccentric means comprises a convex hub centered to one side of said axis, and at least one cutting blade mounted eccentrically on said hub.

43. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to Claim 42, wherein said eccentric means comprises two part-circular blades mounted eccentrically and generally in V-fashion on said hub.

44. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to Claim 43, wherein an innermost one and an outermost one of said part-circular blades include respective angles x and y with the surface of the hub, where x > y.

45. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to Claim 44, where x is substantially 450, and y is substantially 300.

46. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to any preceding claim, including a part-cylindrical forage container, wherein said rotor or dispensing means is mounted at one end of the forage container.

47. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to Claim 46, wherein said container is of part-circular cross-section.

48. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to any preceding claim, being a vehicle.

49. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to Claim 48, being a trailer adapted for towing behind an agricultural tractor.

50. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to Claim 48 or 49, wherein said rotor or dispensing means is at the rear of said vehicle or trailer.

51. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to Claim 49 or Claims 49 and 50, including a drive linkage extending between said rotor or dispensing means and a point for connection to a power-take-off means of an agricultural tractor.

52. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, according to any preceding claim, including deflector means for deflecting forage dispensed by said rotor or dispensing means.

53. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, the apparatus being substantialiy as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 1 or Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.

54. Apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, the apparatus being substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 1 or Figures 1 and 2, as modified by Figures 3 to 5 and/or Figures 6 to 9 and/or Figure 10, and/or Figure 11, and/or Figure 1 2 of the accompanying drawings.

55. A rotor for use in apparatus for dispensing forage or the like, the rotor being substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 3 to 5, or Figures 6 to 10 of the accompanying drawings.