GB2180432A

GB2180432A - Material spreaders

Info

Publication number: GB2180432A
Application number: GB08622653A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Der Lely Ary Van; Cornelis Johannes Geradus Bom
Original assignee: C Van der Lely NV
Current assignee: C Van der Lely NV
Priority date: 1983-12-06
Filing date: 1986-09-19
Publication date: 1987-04-01
Also published as: GB8622653D0; DK558584D0; FR2555856A1; GB8430036D0; DK172504B1; IT8423899A0; DE3442465A1; DK558584A; IT1178711B; DE3442465C2; NL8304183A; FR2555856B1; GB2150802A; IT8423899A1; GB2150802B; GB2180432B

Abstract

Material spreaders, in particular fertilizer dispensers are disclosed that comprise a frame, a hopper (1) and distribution members (4,5 or 84,85) at least one of which is movable about an upwardly extending rotary axis with respect to the frame and/or the hopper, which can be set askew transversely of the normal direction of travel of the device over a surface on which material is to be spread, and which is fixable optionally in one of at least two different positions. This spreader can be readily set for acting on the distribution pattern (27,117) of the material as spread by the spreader and, in particular, a peripheral strip of a surface to be covered, within the distribution pattern, can be arranged to have material spread uniformly over its entire width (17) with a boundary edge that is sharply defined. <IMAGE>

Description

1 GB 2 180 432 A 1

SPECIFICATION

Material spreaders A This invention relatesto devices for spreading material on surfaces. Itis particularly concerned with a fertilizer dispense for distributing fertilizer, comprising aframe, a hopperand at least one distribution member rotatable about an upwardly extending rotary axis. There is known from German Patent Application DAS 1,180,562 a fertiliser dispenser of this kind that is settable in an inclined positionwith respect tothesurfaceto be covered transversely of the normal direction oftravel of the dispenser overthe surface during operation (thatis,the dispensercan be inclined about an axis extending in the direction of travel).

To this end, this known dispenser, when coupled with the lifting device of a tractor, can be set in an inclined position transversely of the normal direction of travel overthe surface by displacing one of the two lower lifting arms of the threepoint lifting device of the tractorwith respeetto the other lifting arm. However, such a skew setting of the dispenserto reach a desired inclined position can be carried out only with difficulty. Likewise retu m from the inclined position to the normal position in which the distribution member is again rotatable about its rotary axis parallel to the surfaceto be covered also requires elaborate measuring and matching.

From German Patent Application DAS 1,180,562 there isfurthermore known a fertilizer dispenser which can be arranged on an intermadiate frame for setting the dispenserin an inclined position. However, with this construction the dispensercannot be readily setaskewand subsequently returnedtothe horizontal position. In this dispenserthe askewsetting is usedfor spreading material over equal distances on both sides of the dispenserwhen the surfaceto be covered does not lie in one plane.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a device for spreading material on a surface, comprising a frame, a hopper and at least one distribution memberthat is movable aboutan upwardly extending rotary axis and which can be set with respectto theframe and/orthe hopper askew transversely of the normal direction of travel of the device in operation overthe surface on which material isto be spread, this distribution member being fixable 11o optionally in one of at leasttwo different positions.

This device can be readilysetfor acting on the distribution pattern of the material as spread bythe device. In particular, a peripheral strip of a surfaceto be covered can have material spread thereupon in a mannersuch thatthe material is uniformly spread overthewidth of this peripheral strip with a boundary edgethat is sharply defined.

In an advantageous embodiment of the device the distribution member is pivotable about a pivotal shaft 120 with respectto theframe and/orthe hopper.

In a further embodimentof the device a dosing member is arranged above the distribution member so asto join the hopper,the dosing membertogether with the distribution member being adjustable with respectto the f rame and/orthe hopper. In this way, independently of the position of the distribution member, material is fed through the dosing member invariably atthe same place with respectto the direction of travel of the device overthe su rface on which material is being spread. When the distribution member is setaskewthe place of feed of material to the distribution member does notvary so that a fixed position of the angle of distribution in which the material leavesthe circumference of the distribution member can be maintained. Thisfixed position of the angle of distribution is advantageous forobtaining a uniform distribution of the material.

The invention also provides a method of using a device for spreading material, the device comprising a frame and at least one distribution memberthat is movable about a rotary shaft for spreading material overa strip of land during operation, wherein for covering a strip located on one side of the device and where material has to be uniformly spread overthe distance from the device tothefurthest remote edge of the strip, the distribution member is set in an inclined position, viewed in the normal direction of travel of the device overthe surface on which material is to be spread, the distribution member being inclined downwards towards the stripto be covered.

In addition the invention provides a method of spreading material by means of a device comprising two distribution members arranged side by side, viewed in the direction of travel of the device over a surface on which material is to be spread, in which method material is spread on substantially coinciding sectors on both sides of the device during operation, wherein thetwo distribution members are simultaneously set askew at equal angles for covering that partof the strip which extends on one side of the device and which has to be uniformly covered with material overthe entire distancefrom the device up to thefurthest remote edge of the strip.

For a better understanding of the invention and to show howthe same may be carried into effect, referencewill now be made, byway of example,to the accompanying drawigs, in which:- Figurel is a schematic rear view of a spreading device, showing two distribution members set askew.

Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of distribution sectors of the two distribution members when set as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 schematically shows the distribution pattern obtainable bythe device setasshown in Figures 1 and 2, Figure 4, is a schematic rear view of the device of Figure 1, showing the distribution members set askew to the other side, Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of the distribution sectors covered by the distribution members when set as is shown in Figure 4, Figure 6 schematically shows the distribution pattern obtained with the distribution members set as shown in Figure 4, Figure 7 is a part-sectional frontview of part of the The drawing(s) originally filed was (were) informal and the print here reproduced is taken from a later filed formal copy.

2 spreading device of Figures 1 to 6, Fig ure8 is aside veiw taken in the direction of arrow Vill in Figure7, Figure9 is a schematic rearview of a further embodimentof a spreading device,shown with only one of two distribution members set askew, Figure 10 is a schematic plan viewof the distribution sectors obtained bythe distribution members in the position shown in Figure 9, Figure 11 shows the distribution pattern obtained bythe device as shown in Figure 9, Figure 12 shows the device of Figure 9 with the two distribution members set askew in opposite senses, Figure 13 shows the distribution pattern obtainable in the position of the distribution members shown in Figure 12.

Figure 14 is a schematic rearview of the device shown in Figures 9 and 12 butwith the distribution members downwardly inclined in the direction towards one another, Figure 15 showsthe distribution pattern obtained in the position of the distribution members shown in Figure 14, Figure 16 is afrontview of part of the device of Figures 9to 14, Figure 17 is a sideviewtaken in the direction of arrowXVII in Figure 16, Figure 18 is a frontview of part of a further embodiment of a spreading device, Figure 18, is a schematic plan view of the device of Figure 18, and,, Figure 20 is a sectional view of a hinge of a distribution member of the device of Figures 18 and 19,taken on line XX-XX in Figure 18.

The device shown in Figure 1 is a fertilizer dispenser 100 that comprises a hopper 1 having two spouts 2 and 3 in the delivery part. Below the delivery spouts 2 and 3 there are distribution members 4 and 5,which are rotatable about upwardly extending rotary axes 6 and 7. The distribution members are rotated aboutthe 105 rotary axes 6 and 7 in the direction indicated bythe arrows 8 and 9 in Figure 2, the proximal sides of the distribution members moving in forward direction with respecttothe normal difection of travel 10 of the device overthe ground. The axes 6 and 7 of the 110 distribution members are located in a plan 29 at right anglestothe direction of travel 10.

The distribution members 4and 5 are designed so, and are driven with a speed such,that in conjunction with feeding place of material from the delivery spouts 115 2 and 3to the distribution members, thetwo distribution members spread the material on substan tially coinciding sectors 13 and 14 (Figure 2). With respectto the direction of travel 10 the material is fed to the distribution members at a distance in front of 120 the rotary axes 6 and 7. The delivery spouts 2 and 3 and the outlet ports thereof (not shown) are arranged symmetricallyto a vertical plane 15 in the horizontal position of the device, this plane passing through the longitudinal centre fine of the device and extending in 125 the normal direction of travel 10.

In a position of the distribution members 4 and 5 in which they are parallel to the surface to be covered, they spread material on both sides of the plane 15 over equal distances 16 of, for example, 25 metres so that 130 GB 2 180 432 A 2 the device can spreadthe material overan overall width of about48 metres. The distribution sectors then havethe shape schematically shown in Figure 2 as indicated bysolid lines in the left-hand side of the plane 15 and by broken lines onthe right handside.

In the position shown in Figure 1 thetwo distribution members4and 5 are inclined bythe same angle 18 of about5'in a transverse direction (that is, about an axis extending in the direction of travel 10) so that viewed from the rear in the direction of travel 10 they are both downwardly inclined to the right. In this skew setting the distribution members 4 and 5 spread the material on the sectors 13 and 14 respectively indicated in Figure 2 by solid lines. Owing to the skew setting the top right hand boundary lines 19 and 20 in Figure 2 of these distribution sectors are downwardly inclined so that, with respectto the direction of travel 10 and as viewed from the rear, the material is spread on the right-hand side of the device over a shorter distance 17 than on the left-hand side. The distance 17 depends on the magnitude of the angle 18. The value of the angle 18 is preferably chosen so thatthe distance 17 is about half the distance 16.

With the distribution members askew in the manner just described substantiallythe same amount of material is spread to the right-hand side of the plane 15 as is the case when the distribution member 4 and 5 are horizontal i.e. parallel to the surface to be covered. However, this material is spread over a shorter distance and so the distribution pattern 27 shown in Figure 3 is obtained, in which material is deposited on the su rface uniformly overthe distance 17. On the left-hand side material is spread overthe greater distance 16 in amounts decreasing awayfrom the plane 15 so that in the distribution pattern 27 shown in Figure 3 a substantially straight, downwardly extending line isformed from the plane 15to a point lying at the distance 16from the plane 15. A distribution pattern of this nature is desirable in that, whereas during a subsequent material-spreading run to the left (asviewed in Figure 3) of the material already spread with the distribution members set horizontal again, the tapering spread of material overthe distance 16 can be brought upto a substantially uniform depth, no further material needsto be added overthe distance 17. The distance 17 cantherefore bethewidth of a peripheral strip of a surface (as shown in Figure3) which it is advantageousto be ableto coverto a uniform depth at a single pass.

With the distribution members 4 and 5 set as shown in Figure 1, the outermost left hand boundary lines 21 and 22 of the distribution sectors as seen in Figure 2 are positioned substantiallyas in the horizontal position of the distribution members. In the horizontal position of the distribution membersthe outermost right-hand boundary lines of the sectors on the right-hand side extend likethe boundary lines 21 and 22, as indicated by broken lines 23 and 24 in Figure 2. The two distribution sectors are then symmetrical to the plane 15 and cover the same distances on both sides of the plane 15 so that material is spread over 24 metres on each side as already indicated.

[twill be appreciated that by means of the shape and size of the distribution members 4 and 5 and their speeds of rotation the distances 16 and 17 of 24 metres f'! I 3 GB 2 180 432 A 3 and 12 metres respectively may be chosen differently. In orderto obtain distribution sectors as shown in Figure 2the distribution members 4and 5 are symmetrical to one anotherviewed in a direction at right anglesto these distribution members However, the distribution members may occupy relative positions abouttheir rotary axes 6 and 7 such thatthey are notsymmetrical to one another and tothe plane 15.

Figure 4 shows the device of Figure 1 butwiththe distribution members 4 and 5 set askew to the other side atan angle 18. In this disposition of the distribution members material is spread on sectors 25 and 26 equal to the sectors 13 and 14 of Figure 2 and symmetrical to the plane 15. The distribution pattern 28 of Figure 6 is obtained,which is identical to the distribution pattern of Figure 3, butwhich is directed in the opposite sense with respeettothe width of the machine.

Owing to the possibility of setting askewthe distribution members 4 and 5 with respeetto the frame and the hopper optionally to the right orto the left, a peripheral strip of the surfaceto be covered can be covered on the right-hand side asweli as on the left-hand side in a mannersuch thatthe material is uniformly spread substantiallythroughoutthe overall 90 width.

Thetwo distribution members 4 and 5 are each set askewwith respectto the hopperand the frame of the device in a mannersuch thatthey remain at equal heights above the surfaceto be covered. This is im po rta nt for obtaining an optimum uniform distribution of the material onthe surfaceto be covered asthe distribution onthe surface also depends onthe height of the distribution members abovethe surfaceto be covered.

Figures7 and 8 show in more detail the device of Figures 1,and 4. As is shown in Figures7 and 8 each of the deliveryspouts 2 and 3 isopen on the undersideto form an outlet port31.The ports31 are covered by hemi-spherical dosing rings32. The dosing rings 32 each have delivery openings 33 and 34. On the outer side of the rings 32 there are adjustable closing members35 and 36, bywhich the delivery openings 33 and 34 can be optionally screened to a greater or lesser extent. The setting mechanism forthese closing members is notshown in detail. Thetops of the dosing rings 32freely surround the lower ends of their respective spouts (Figure 7). The dosing rings 32 bear on the distribution members 4and 5 and are located centrally around the rotary axes 6 and 7 respectively. The rings 32 are centred around centering discs 37 arranged centrally in the distribution members as is shown in detail in the righthand part of Figure7. In Figures7 and 8the distribution members 4 and 5 are shown in horizontal positions; they are notset askew as shown in Figure 1. The dosing rings bearing on the distribution members are coupled with fixing devices 30 (not shown in detail) sothatthey do not rotate togetherwith the distribution members.

The distribution members comprise disc-shaped parts 38, on which spreading arms 39 are arranged. The spreading arms 39 of the two- distribution members are identical and identically disposed with respect to the rotary axes 6 and 7 and with respectto the respective directions of rotation 8 and 9. The tops of the dosing rings 32 surround the lower ends of the delivery spouts 2 and 3 with some amount of clearance. The delivery spouts are provided with collar-like rims 40.

The distribution members 4 and 5 are fastened to shafts 41 jou mailed in gear boxes 42 and 43 respectively. Each of the gear boxes 42 and 43 is rigidly secured to carrying arms 44 and 46. The carrying arms for each gear box are connected with a bearing 47. The bearings 47 are each rotatably arranged on a supporting shaft48, which is rigidly secured in the frame of the device. In this embodiment each shaft 48 is rigidly secured to the hopper 1 by means of plates 48, 50.

Midway between the delivery spouts 2 and 3 there is a easing 51 comprising transmission members and provided with a carrying arm 52,which is pivotable about a pivotal shaft 53. The shaft 53 is fastened to frame parts 54 interconnecting the bottoms of the delivery spouts 2 and 3. To theframe parts 54 is rigidly secured a frame plate 55 having a plurality of lock holes 56. A lock bolt 57 on the arm 52 may be inserted at will into any one of the holes 56.

The bottom of the casing 51 is provided with an ear 58, to which controlrods 60 and 61 are fastened by means of a pivotal shaft 59. The controlrods 60 and 61 are coupled by means of pivotal shafts 62 and 63 respectively with ears 64 and 64 provided on the underside of the gear boxes 42 and 43. The casing 51 has an input shaft 66, the front end 67 of which can be coupled by means of an auxiliary shaftwith the power take-off shaft of a tractor or a similarvehicle. The shaft 66 is coupled by means of transmission members in the casing 51 with an output shaft 68, to which a double rope disc or sprocket 69 is rigidlysecured. The disc 69 is coupled by means of ropes or chains 70 and 71 with pulleys 72 and 73 on shafts 74 and 75 journalled in the gearboxes 42 an 43. The shafts 74 and 75 are journalled - as is shown in Figure 8forthe shaft 74- in the gearbox 42 and in a bearing 45 fastened to the arms 44 and 46. The shaft 74 and 75 are coupled by means of bevel gearwheels 76 with the shafts 41 and 42 respectively to which the distribution members 4 and 5 respectively are fastened.

When the device is put into use it is cou pled with, for example, the lifting device of a tractor or a similar vehicle, which is not shown in detail in the drawings. When the device is attached to the tractor, the shaft 66 is coupled with the powertake-off shaft of the tractor. Through the shaft 66, the transmissions in the casing 51,thechains70and71 and the transmissions in the gearboxes 42 and 43the shafts 41 andhencethe distribution members 4 and 5 can be rotated with the desired speed in the directions indicated bythe arrows 8 and 9. The gear box 51 is preferably provided with exchangeable wheels or other mechanismsto permit varying the speed of rotation of the distribution members 4 and 5.

The device is particularly suitable for use as a fertilizer dispenser orforspreading other granular andlor powdery material, the material to be spread being charged in the hopper 1 forspreading on the field during the run of the device. In the normal working position in which the material has to be spread overthe same dista.nces on both sides of the device the distribution members 4 and 5 are set 4 GB 2 180 432 A 4 parallel to the surface to be covered, that is horizontal in a horizontal position of the device as is shown in Figure 7. From the hopper 1 the material is fed through the outlet ports 33 and 34to the distribution members, which thus spread the material. The outlet ports 33 and 34 open out above places on the distribution members which are located in front of the axes 6 and 7 with respectto the direction of travel 10. The centre point of the outlet ports 33 and 34 in each dosing ring 32 is located, in the horizontal position of the device, in 75 a plane 11 or 12 extending in the direction of travel 10 and going through the axes 6 and 7.

To setthe distribution members 4 and 5 askew, as is shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2,the distribution members4 and 5 are adjusted with respectto the 80 hopperand theframe of the device.This adjustment is carried out byturning the arm 52 aboutthe pivotal shaft 53 afterfirst removing the locking pin 57 from the hole in which it is engaged. Turning the arm 52 brings about, through the control-rods 60 and 61, a turn of the 85 gear boxes 42 and 43 and hence of the shafts 41 and the distribution members 4 and 5 aboutthe pivotal shafts 48.When the distribution members 4 and 5 are turned into the desired position the lock pin 57 is re-inserted in a new one of the holes 56 so that the position of the distribution members 4 and 5 around the shaft 48 is locked. The arms 44 and 46 are parallel to the arm 52. The pivotal shafts 48,48 and 53 are in a common plane parallel to a plane common to the shafts 74,75 and 68, to which is also parallel a plane common to the shafts 59,62 and 65. Thus all these shafts cross any plane which is at right angles to these common planes at points which are in various parallelogram arrangements with respectto one another.

With the disposition of the dosing rings 32 on the distribution members 4 and 5, the outlet ports 33 and 34 invariably occupy the same position relative to the rotary axes of the distribution members. Therefore, when the distribution members are displaced about 105 the pivotal shafts 48,the position of the outlet ports relative to the distribution members will not change.

Material is thus fed to the distribution members invariably atthe same place relative to the rotary axes 6 and 7. The material can thus be spread so that it will 110 leave the circumferences of the distribution members in the same circumferential angle around the rotary axes of the distribution members.

By the construction thatthe pivotal shaftsofthetwo distribution members are located in various parallelo- 115 gram arrangements, the distribution members are constrained to turn through the same angle. In this way a satisfactory positioning of the distribution members can be readily obtained, whilst it is ensured thatthetwo distribution members are inclined at the 120 same angleto the surfaceto be covered or, as the case may be, in the horizontal position with respectto this surface. This has an advantageous effect on the uniform distribution of the material.

As the dosing rings 32 are hemi-spherical, each point of the innerface is spaced apart---from a centre by the same distance. This centre is located, as in this embodiment, preferably on the centre line 78 of the shaft 48. Therefore,the closing rings 32 satisfactorily maintain their positions around the lower ends of the 130 delivery spouts 2 and 3 respectively when the distribution members are displaced around the shafts 48. The number of holes 56 is such thatthe distribution members can be set askew in one of a plurality of positions. This skewsetting, which is at about 5'in Figure 1 and is the position indicated by broken lines in Figure 7, may depend on the shape of the distribution members. In this embodimenteach distribution member comprises a disc 79,which extends conically upwards---from the central parttowardsthecircumference. The disc79 is providedwith ejection blades 80, which in this embodiment are identical for each of the distribution members, butwhich may, as an alternative, have different shapes. The blades 80 of the distribution member4are symmetrical with respectto the blades of the distribution member 5 and with respectto the plane 15. The distribution members are arranged symmetricallyto the plane 15, but they may be relatively off-set abouttheir shafts 6 and 7 so that the blades 80 are no longer symmetrical to the plane 15.

Turning to Figure 9 the device here shown is a spreader comprising a hopper 81 having delivery spouts 82 and 83, belowwhich there are distribution members 84 and 85. The distribution members 84 and 85, as in the preceding embodiment, are rotatable about upwardly extending rotary axes 86 and 87. During operation the distribution members are rotated abouttheir rotary axes in the directions indicated bythe arrows 88 and 89 in Figure 10. The distribution members 84and 85 are pivotable about pivotal shafts 90 and 91 and are arranged on the frame of the device. The pivotal shafts 90 and 91 are horizontal in the horizontal position of the device and extend in the normal direction of travel 93 of the device overthe ground.

During operation of the devicethe material is fed from the hopper81 to the distribution members, whilstthey are rotating. The directions of rotation of the distribution members,their diameters and the speeds of rotation are chosen in conjunction with the places of feeding 94 and 95 of the material to the distribution members so that the distribution members spread the material on distribution sectors 96 and 97 (Figu re 10) located mainly one on each side of a plane 98 that is vertical when the device is in the horizontal position, that extends in the direction of travel 93 and that passes midway between the distribution members 84 and 85. The places of feeding 94 and 95 are spaced apart f rom the rotary axis 86 and 87 on the proximal sides of the axis. The centres of the places 94 and 95 are located in a plane 108 transverse of the direction of travel 93 and going through the axis 86and87.

In the position shown in Figures 8 and 10the distribution member 84 is parallel to the surfaceto be covered and the distribution sector96thereof is bounded by sector edges 99 and 1 00,the edge 99 being closeto being at right anglestothe plane 98 in a lateral direction, whereasthe edge 100 is close to extending parallel tothe plane98. This horizontal distribution member 84 spreads the material laterally overa distance 101 from the plane-98,which may be 18 metres. Ifthe distribution member85wereto be set also in horizontal position itwould also spreadthe material, on the other side of the plane 98, over a distance equal to the distance '101 so that the material would be spread over a total width of about 36 metres.

As shown, however, the distribution member 85 is set askew so that its distribution sector 97 has an edge 102 70 extending towards the side of the machine at an angle awayfrom the plane 108 greater than the angle between the edge 99 and the plane 108. Afurther edge 103 of the distribution sector 97, which corresponds with the edge 100, is symmetrical with respectto the 75 edge 100 about the plane 98. Owing to the inclination of the distribution member 85 at an angle 104, or for example, about 5'the material spread thinly is spread, on the sector 97, over a distance 105 from the plane 98 which is approximately half the distance 101. With 80 respectto the normal direction of travel 93 material is sprea d on the right-hand side over a distance of about 9 metres. With the inclination of the distribution member 85 and the horizontal position of the distribu tion member 84the distribution pattern 106 shown in 85 Figure 11 is obtained. In thiswayas described above with referenceto Figure 3, on the right-hand side of the pattern a peripheral strip of a surfaceto be covered is served such thatthe material is uniformlyspread throughoutthe width of this strip, equal to the 90 distance 105, up to the outeredge of the peripheral strip. On the left-hand side of the pattern, as will be apparentfrom Figure 11, the material is spread with decreasing density away from the device over a part 109 of the distance 101. This part 109 of the strip 101 95 receiving material with decreasing densitywill be covered with material with a density decreasing in the opposite sense during the next run (with both distribution members horizontal) to the left of the run giving its pattern shown in Figure 9 to give overall, a 100 substantially uniform distribution pattern on the strip 109.

The mode of spreading material on peripheral strips as shown in Figures 1 to 8 and in Figures 9to 11 is particularly suitable for spreading materials on agri cultural soil. Fertilizers, in particular granular andlor powdery fertilizers can be spread so that distribution patterns are obtained as shown in Figures 3,6 and 11.

By using the devicewhich at least one distribution memberset askewwith respectto the surfaceto be covered during a run along a peripheral edge of the surface, a uniform distribution pattern can be obtained throughout the width of the peripheral strip.

The outer boundary of the distribution pattern is steep (Figures 3,6 and 11) so thatthe distribution density is the same.overthe whole width of the peripheral strip. In this waythe peripheral strips of fieldsto be covered can be provided in

a desired mannerwith fertilizers or other materials whilst minimising the risk of spread ing material on adjacent plots or of material getting in to ditches or on to paths or roads, which brings about loss of material and an undesirable spread on surfaces not to be covered.

]twill be appreciated that by means of the device as shown in Figure 9 a peripheral strip on the left-hand side of the device, as viewed from the rear in the direction of travel 93, can be uniformly covered in the described manner by maintaining the distribution member 85 in a horizontal position, and by inclining the distribution member 84 at an angle 104 (as 130 GB 2 180 432 A 5 indicatedforthe distribution member85 in Figure g). Thenthe resultant distribution pattern issymmetrical to the distribution pattern 106 of Figure 11 with respect tothe vertical plane 98.

When both the distribution members 84and 85 are horizontal,the distribution sector 110 covered bythe member 85 is equal tothe distribution sector96, covered bythe member84,the outeredge of the distribution sector 11 Othen being as indicated by broken lines 107.

Although as shown in Figure 9 one only of the distribution members is set askew, both distribution members may be set askew in opposite senses as is shown in Figure 12. In this setting each of the distribution members spreads material laterally overa shortened distance. When the angle of inclination 104 of the distribution member is 5'(as in Figure 9) this shortened distancewill be equal to the distance 105. In this position of the distribution members a distribution pattern 111 of the kind shown in Figure 13 is obtained,thetwo distribution members spreading material on both sides of the plane 98 uniformlywith the same density overthe whole shorterwidth 105 on each side. In this distribution pattern the material is spread with uniform density over an overall width 112 equal to twicethe distance 105 up to the outer edges 115 and 116 of the distribution pattern, which arevery steep.

As in this embodimentthe distribution members can be setaskew independently of one another,they can be downwardly inclined in directions towards one another, as is shown in Figure 14. In this arrangement the distribution sectors initially overlapping over a given distance as is shown in Figure 10, overlap overa small distance, and the sector edges 100 and 103 are at even more acute anglestothe direction of travel 93. As a result, in the direction towardsthe outer sides material is spread over equal distances 114 (Figure 15) which are substantially equal to or slightly largerthan the distance 101. It is because material is spread in slightly upward direction in the arrangement of Figu re 14thatthe overall width 118 (Figure 15) may slightly exceed twice the distance 101 of Figure 10.

When as in the embodiment of Figures 9 and 10 the material is spread on sectors receiving the material each on one side orthe other of the plane of symmetry 98, the places of feeding 94 and 95 will be usually located on the proximal sides of the rotary shafts 86 and 87. Thus the places of feeding 94 and 95 are turned through about 90'in the directions indicated by the arrows 88 and 89 as compared with the places of feeding in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 8. The places of feeding in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 8, which are located in f ront of the rotary axes 6 and 7, with respectto the direction of travel 10, can be successfully used for spreading the material bythe two distribution members on sectors which overlap practically completely.

Figures 16 and 17 show on an enlarged scale part of the device of Figure 9 and showthatthe device comprises a gear box 120 provided with transmission members 131 and forming, in effect, part of theframe 92. The gear box 120 is fastened to frame beams 121 extending between the lower ends of the delivery spouts 82 and 83. The ends of the gear box 120 are 6 GB 2 180 432 A 6 located belowthe central partof the deliveryspouts and of the distribution members 84and 85. On the frontofthe gear box 120, nearits ends,gear boxes 122 and 123 hold shafts 124towhichthe distribution members84and 85 are rigidly secured. The gear boxes 122 and 123 are pivotabie about pivotal shafts 125with respect to the gear box 120. In the horizontal position the pivotal shafts 125 are horizontal and extend in the normal direction of travel 93 of the device.

The gear boxes 122 and 123 are provided with forwardly projecting arms 126, the front ends of which are journailed in bearings 127 fastened to carrying arms 128 fixed in the frame. Each arm 126 has coupled with it a setting arm 129 provided with a locking pin 130. The pin 130 can be inserted optionally into any one of a plurality of holes 131 in the associated carrying arm 128.

The gear box 120 comprises a plurality of gear wheels 131 rotatable about horizontal shafts and driving shafts 132, the centre lines of which coincide with pivotal shafts 125 and which are journalled in the ends of the gear box 120 and connected with respective gear wheel transmissions 133 in the gear boxes 122 and 123. One of the shafts of the gear wheels 131 is connected wIth a shaft 134which can be coupled with the powertake-off shaftof a tractorora similar vehicle to which the device can be attached. This shaft 134is arranged in the rowof gearwheels 131 in a mannersuch thatthetwo distribution members 84and 85 rotate in the desired directions88 and 89 abouttheir rotary axes.

In this embodimentthe pivotal shaft 125for each of the distribution members 84 and 85 is located in a plane that extends in the normal direction of travel 93, that is perpendicular in the horizontal position of the device and that passes through the centre lines of the delivery spouts 82 and 83.

A dosing mechanism 135 is provided atthe lower end of each of the deliveryspouts 82 and 83, this mechanism comprising a horizontal plateforming the bottom of the delivery spout and having one or more outlet ports,which can be optionally closed to a greater or lesser extent by a closing plate, which is not shown in detail. These outlet ports are, of course, 110 located abovethefeeding places 94 and 95.

The setting arms 29 and the carrying arms 128 are nearthefrontof the distribution members and can be actuatedfrom thetractor.To this end the setting arms 129 may, if desired, be provided with prolongations for ready accessfrom thetractor. This disposition of the carrying and setting arms in front of the distribu tion members with respectto the direction of travel 93 has the advantage that material which is ejected to the rearwith respecttothe normal direction of travel 93 does notcome into contact with the carrying and setting arms.

As inthe embodimentof Figures 1 to 8, each of the distribution members 84is provided with a disc shaped part 136, on which spreading arms 137 are arranged. The conical part of the disc 136 is upwardly inclined at an angle of about 50towards the circumfer ence in the horizontal position of the distribution members. The material is passed through the open ings in the dosing mechanism 135 from the hopper so 130 that it arrives atthe places 94 and 95 on the discs, which places are eccentric to the rotary axes of the distribution members.

Figures 18, 19 and 20 showa different embodiment foran independent skew setting of thedistribution members as in the embodimentof Figures9to 17.

Component parts corresponding with those of Figures 9to 17 are designated in Figures 18to 20 bythe same reference numerals.

In the embodiment of Figures 18to 20the shafts 124 of the distribution members 84 and 85 are journalled in gear boxes 141. These gear boxes are providedwith ears 142 which are pivotable about pivotal shafts 143.

The pivotal shafts 143 arejournalled in ears 144 rigidly secured to a U-section supporting beam 145,which is fastened totheframe beams 121. The beam 145 is horizontal in a horizontal position of the device so that thetwo pivotal shafts 143 are located in front of the gear boxes 141 of the two distribution members atthe same level. The centre line of each pivotal shaft 143 is spaced apart by a distance 146 f rom the vertical plane 147 extending in the direction of travel 93 and passing through the centre line of the associated delivery spouts, which centre line coincides with the rotary axis of the associated distribution member in its horizontal position.

The gear box 141 which is located below the distribution member 84 is provided with a coupling shaft 148 forwardly projecting from the gear box and connectable with an auxiliary shaft 156, which can be coupled with the powertake-off shaft of a tractorto which the device can be attached.

The gear boxes 141 each have two bevel gear wheels 149, one of which in each gear box isfastened to the shaft 124 of the associated ejection disc, whereas the other is coupled with a coupling shaft 150 extending between the two gear boxes 141 and being located inside the U-section beam 145. The coupling shaft 150 hastwo universal joints and two relatively slideable parts.

The ears 142,which are rigidly secured to the gear boxes 141, are rigidly secured to forwardly extending setting arms 151 which are connected with setting arms 152 generally in the mannershown in Figure 16 and 17. Each arm 152 has a locking pin 153which can be optionally inserted into any oneof holes 154in the carrying arm 155 inwhichthe arm 151 isjournalled.

Also inthe embodimentthe distribution members 84and 85can be individually set askew byturning them aboutthe pivotal shafts 143.Thisturning can be carried outthroughthe setting arms 152 bytaking the locking pins 153 out of the holes 154 and re-inserting them into different holes 154 afterthe turn, so that the desired inclined position of the or each distribution memberisfixed.

In the embodiment each pivotal shaft 143 is located at such a distance 146 from the associated plane that, viewed on plan,the pivotal shaft 143 is located approximately belowthe centre of the outlet ports in the dosing member. In thisway, when the distribution member is setaskew, the place 94 or 95wherethe material arrives atthe distribution member changes as little as possiblewith respectto the rotary axis of the distribution member. Thus, even in the inclined position of the distribution member, material leaves 7 GB 2 180 432 A 7 the distribution memberin the same circumferential angle aboutthe rotaryshaft86 or87 respectivelyas in the horizontal position of the distribution member. This has a favourable effect on uniform distribution.

The devices described are particularly suitable for spreading material on a field. In a first run the device can travel at a distance 17 (Figures 1 to 3) or 105 (Figures 9 to 11) from the edge of the f ield to be covered. The two distribution members 4 and 5 orthe distribution member 85 is downwardly inclined towards the peripheral strip to be covered in orderto deposit material with uniform density throughoutthe width of this strip. In the next, adjacent run the two distribution members can be set horizontally or parallel to the surface to be covered. The adjustment of the distribution members can be readily performed. In the horizontal position of the distribution members the material is spread over equal distances on both sides of the device. The material is spread towardsthe outermost edges of the strip to be covered with decreasing density in order to obtain the desired overlap with the distribution patterns of the adjacent runs. When the device is attached to a tractor, the coupling need not be changed between a run along the edge of the field and fu rther runs. Moreover, no further adjustments (otherthan setting one or both distribution members horizontally) of the device are needed between the distributions on the peripheral strip and the further strips. The job can thus be rapidly carried out. The skew setting is such thatthe width 17 or 105 of the peripheral strip is equal to half the distance 16 or 101 overwhich material is normally spread on each side of the centre of the device. This is advantageous for preceding or subsequent opera- tions, since the same tracks can be used.

By the designs shown it is easy to make a construction in which the distribution members are independently adjustable. [twill be understood that the constructions shown are given byway of example and may be differently designed to ensure the possibility of an independent skew setting of the distribution members about pivotal axes parallel to the surfaceto be covered and extending in the direction of travel of the device as a whole overthe surface. In the horizontal position of the devicethese pivotal axes are horizontal as is shown in the Figures.

Whilstvarious features of the spreading devices that have been described, and that are illustrated in the drawings, will be setforth in the following claims as inventive features, it is to be noted thatthe invention is not necessarily limited to thesefeatures andthat it encompasses all of the features that have been described both individually and in various combinations.

Claims

1. A device for spreading material on a surface comprising a frame, a hopper and at least one distribution member that is movable about an upwardly extending rotary axis and which can beset with respect to the frame and/orthe hopper askew transversely of the normal direction of travel of the device in operation overthe surface on which material is to be spread, this distribution member being-Fixable optionally in one of at least two different positions.

2. A device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the distribution member is pivotable about a pivotal shaft with respect to the frame andlor the hopper.

3. A device as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the pivotal shaft is parallel to a plane extending parallel to said normal direction of travel of the device in operation with the device in horizontal position.

4. A device as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the pivotal shaft is parallel to said normal direction of travel of the device.

5. A device as claimed in Claim 2,3 or4, wherein the pivotal shaft is at least substantially parallel to a plane, parallel to which the distribution member is rotatable about its rotary axis.

6. Adevice as claimed in anyone of Claims 2to 5, wherein the pivotal shaft is located ata higher level than the distribution member.

7. Adevice asclaimed in anyone of Claims 2to 5, wherein the pivotal shaft is located at a lower level than the distribution member.

8. Adevice asclaimed in anyone of claims 2to 7, wherein the pivotal shaft is located in a plane passing through the rotary axis of the distribution member when the device and the distribution member are in horizontal positions.

9. A device for spreading material on a surface, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Printed in the United Kingdom for Her Majesty's Stationery Office by the Tweeddale Press Group, 8817356, 4187 18996. Published at the Patent Office, 25 Southampton Buildings, London WC2A lAY, from which copies may be obtained.

9. Adevice as claimed in anyone of Claims 2to 7, wherein the pivotal shaft is located parallel to and at a distance from a plane passing through the rotary axis of the distribution member and extending vertically in said normal direction of travel of the device, when the device is in horizontal position.

10. Adevice as claimed in anyone of claims 2to 9, wherein between the hopper and the distribution memberthere is a dosing device having at least one outlet portthrough which during operation material to be spread can befed from the hopperto the distribution member, whilst at least in horizontal position of the devicethe pivotal shaft is located in a vertical plane extending in said direction of travel and passing at least approximately through the centre of gravity of the outlet port orthe outlet ports.

11. A device as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims, wherein above the distribution memberthere is a dosing member which adjoins the hopper, this dosing member together with the distribution mem- ber being adjustable with respect to the frame andlor the hopper.

12. A device as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the dosing member is in contact by its underside with the distribution member, the dosing member being guarded against rotation with the distribution member.

13. Adevice as claimed in Claim 11 or 12,wherein the dosing member is located by its underside around the outer circumference of a centering member located centrally about the rotary axis of the distribution memberand connected with the distribution member.

14. Adevice as claimed in Claim 10, or in anyone of Claims 11 to 13 as appendantto claim 10, wherein the dosing member has one or more outlet ports which can be closed optionally to a great or lesser extent by means of a closing member.

15. Adevice as claimed in Claim 10, or in anyone of claims 11 to 14asappendaritto claim 10, wherein the dosing member is of hemi-spherical shape with 8 GB 2 180 432 A 8 substantially all points of the innerface of the dosing memberatequai distancesfrom a centre.

16. A device as claimed in Claim 15, wherein said centre is located at least substantially on the pivota i 5 shaft of the distribution member.

17. A device as claimed in anyone of the preceding Claims, wherein the device comprises two distribution members, and a transmission casing thatcan be connected with a driving mechanism, the two distribu- tion members being drivablefrom this casing.

18. A device as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the transmission casing is provided with means connectable with the powertake-off shaft of a tractor of similar primemover.

19. Adevice asclaimed in anyone of Claims 1 to 16 oras claimed in Claim 17 or 18, wherein the device comprises two distribution members which are, or said two distribution members are, interconnected in a manner such thatthey can be simultaneously set in inclined positions.

20. A device as claimed in Claim 19, wherein the two distribution members are connected with one another in a manner such thatthey can be simultaneously set askew by equal angles of inclination.

21. A device as claimed in Claim 19 or20, wherein thetwo distribution members are interconnected in a parallelogram structure by the simultaneous skew setting of the distribution members with respectto the frame and/orthe hopper. - 22. A device as claimed in Claim 19,20 or 21 95 wherein the two distribution members are designed, arranged to be rotated during operation and arranged to be fed with material in a manner such that each of the two distribution members spreads the materia ion a sector, which sectors substantially coincide.

23. Adevice as claimed in anyone of Claims 1 to 16, oras claimed in Claim 17 or 18, wherein the device comprises two distribution members which can be set, or, said two distribution members can beset, askew independeiy one of the other.

24. A device as claimed in anyone of Claims 1 to 16, oras claimed in anyone of Claims 17to 23, wherein the device comprises two distribution membersthatare, orsaidtwo distribution members are, located side by side, viewed in said normal direction of travel of the device, the rotary axes of these two distribution members being located in a plane extending substantially at right angles to said normal direction of travel of the device and being at least substantially vertical in horizontal position of the 115 device.

25. Adeviceasclaimed in anyone of Claims21 to 24 as appendant to claim 17, wherein the transmission casing is pivotally jou mailed in the frame and is adjustable and fixable at will in anyone of a plurality of 120 positionswith respect to theframe,the transmission casing being connected by means of control-rods with gear boxes in which the shafts of the distribution members are journalled.

26. A device as claimed in anyone of the preceding 125 Claims, wherein the, or at least one of the distribution members is fastened to a shaftwhich isjournalled in a gearbox which is pivotable about a pivotal shaft and is arranged in the frame of the device.

27. A device as claimed in Claim 26, wherein the 130 gearbox is located above the distribution member and wherein with respectto the direction of spread of material during operation of the device, the carrying arm structure is located on that side of the distribution memberwhich is oppositethis direction of spread.

28. A device as claimed in anyone of preceding Claims 17 to 27, wherein the two distribution members are arranged on apart of the frame which interconnects two delivery spouts of the hopper spaced apart transversely of said normal direction of travel of the device.

29. Adevice as claimed in claim 26, or claim 26 and either Claim 27 or Claim 28, all as appendantto any one of Claims 17 to 25, wherein the gear box is fastened to an end of a transmission casing extending transverse of said normal direction of travel of the device and comprising transmission members by means of which the two distribution members, which are relatively spaced, can be driven; and wherein one of the transmission members is formed by a gear wheel arranged on a shaftwhich can be coupled with the powertake-off shaft of a tractor or a similar prime mover.

30. A device as claimed in Claim 26,27 or28, wherein the gear box holding a shaft of one of the two distribution members is provided with an input shaft which can be coupled with the powertake-off shaft of a tractor ora similar prime mover; and wherein the transmission members in the gear box are coupled by means of a coupling shaft with the transmission members in the gear box of the other of thetwo distribution members.

31. Adevice as claimed in anyoneoftheClaims 17 to 30, wherein the pivotal shafts forthe two distribu- tion members are located on the proximal sides of, and at a distance from, the rotary shafts of the two distribution members.

32. A method of using a device for spreading material, the device comprising a frame and at least one distribution memberthat is movable about a rotary shaftfor spreading material over a strip of land during operation, wherein for covering a strip located on one side of the device and where material has to be uniformly spread overthe distancefrorn the device to the furthest remote edge of the strip, the distribution member is set in an inclined position, viewed in the normal direction of track of the device overthe surface on which material is to be spread, the distribution member being inclined downwards towards the strip to be covered.

33. A method as claimed in Claim 32, wherein the distribution member is set askew to an extent such that the material is spread o\er a distance from the distribution member equal to about half the distance overwhich material is spread in a position of the distribution member parallelto the surface to be covered.

34. A method of spreading material by means of a device comprising two distribution members arranged side by side, viewed in the direction of travel of the device over a surface on which material is to be spread, in which method material is spread on substantially coinciding sectors on both sides of the device during operation, wherein the two distribution members are simultaneously set askew at equal Y 9 k 1 4 GB 2 180 432 A 9 angles for covering that part of the strip which extends on oneside of the device and which hasto be uniformly covered with material overthe entire distancefrom the device uptothefurthest remote 5 edge of the strip.

35. A device for spreading material on a surface, substantially as hereinbefore described with referenceto Figures 1 to 8, or Figures 9to 17, or Figures 18 to 20 of the accompanying drawings.

36. A method of using a device for spreading material, substantially as hereinbefore described with referenceto Figures 1 to 8, or Figures 9to 17, or Figures 18to 20 of the accompanying drawings.

37. A method of spreading material, substantially as herein before described with reference to Figures 1 to8,ofFigures9tol7, orFiguresl8to20ofthe accompanying drawings.

Amendments to the claims have beenfiled, and have the following effect:Claims 1-37 above have been deleted ortextually amended. Newortextually amended claims have beenfiled as follows:- CLAIMS 1. A device for spreading material on a surface comprising a frame, a hopper and at least two distribution members which are movable about upwardly extending rotary axes, the device being couplableto the lifting device of a tractor or similar prime mover and the distribution members being askew relative to each other so as to be downwardly inclined in directions at least substantiallytowards one another.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein between the hopper and each of the distribution members that is a dosing mechanism having at least one outlet port through which during operation material to be spread can be fed from the hopperto the distribution member.

3. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the dosing mechanism has one or more outlet ports which can be closed optionally to a greater or lesser extent by means of a closing member.

4. A device as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3,wherein the device comprises a transmission casing that can be connected with a driving mechanism, the two distribution members being drivable from this casing.

5. A device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the transmission casing is provided with means connectable with the powertake-off shaft of the tractor or similar prime mover.

6. A device as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein each of the distribution members is fastened to a shaft which isjournalled ina gearbox.

7. A device as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the two distribution members are located side by side, viewed in the intended normal direction of travel of the device.

8. A device as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the two distribution members are arranged on apart of the frame which interconnects two delivery spouts of the hopper which are spaced apart transversely of the intended normal direction of travel of the device.