WO2006105663A1

WO2006105663A1 - Spreading apparatus, ramp and system therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2006105663A1
Application number: PCT/CA2006/000531
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jules Depault
Original assignee: Les Equipements Pro-Jet Inc.
Priority date: 2005-04-07
Filing date: 2006-04-06
Publication date: 2006-10-12
Also published as: WO2006105663A8

Abstract

An apparatus, ramp and system are disclosed for spreading a flowing material, the apparatus comprising an input, an output lower than the input, and a rotor or other such element therebetween for intercepting and controlling a downward flow of the material between the input and the output. In particular, the apparatus, ramp and system may be used to controllably spread various flowing materials on the ground or in a field, such flowing materials being generally characterized to include a sludge, a liquid, a granular composition, a semi-liquid, a powder and other such materials. For agricultural applications, the disclosed apparatus, ramp and system may be used with, for example, liquid, semi-liquid, dry and suspended powder fertilizers, granular fertilizers, manure, compost, organic sludge as well as seeds and other such agricultural materials. By controlling an output of the apparatus, ramp and system, a controllable amount of material may be spread across selected areas.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

[0001] SPREADING APPARATUS, RAMP AND SYSTEM THEREFOR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a spreading apparatus, ramp and system therefor. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus, ramp and system for spreading a flowing material, such as for example manure, organic sludge, fertilizers and the like, on a field in a controlled and measurable fashion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Field fertilization is an important task in most types of farming. Various techniques and systems have been developed to facilitate and improve the distribution of fertilizers on a field. One common fertilization method is to spread manure, or other such fertilizers, using a pressurized flow or jet of manure provided by a tank and pump system. The tank, which may hold anywhere between 3000 and 5000 gallons of manure, is pulled by a tractor across the field, thereby projecting manure thereon over a predefined area.

[0004] One particular drawback of prior art manure application methods and systems is that they do not provide a precise and measurable distribution of manure on the field. The manure is pumped directly from the tank and spread unevenly on the ground. Consequently, the field may not be adequately fertilized in some areas, and in others, may be over fertilized thus generating wasteful consumption of manure and possibly negative ecological effects in the soil.

[0005] Furthermore, by applying the manure under pressure, the vegetation growing in the field at the time of application may be damaged by the pressurized jet. This effect is generally undesirable, namely when applying manure to a field growing annual plants and vegetation that need not be replanted every season. [0006] A further disadvantage of pressurized applications is that manure may splatter and splash up from the ground during application, which generally yields undesirable odours in the area.

[0007] Consequently, a better manure spreading system and method is required to address the above and other drawbacks of pressurized fertilizing methods. Namely, a system and apparatus that reduces waste by optimizing the uniformity of manure spread throughout the field, that reduces damage to the field vegetation and that avoids splashing and the permeation of undesirable odours is needed. Such a system should provide a measurable and controllable means for spreading manure on a field and avoid the use of harmful pressurized distribution methods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a novel spreading apparatus.

[0009] It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a novel spreading system.

[0010] Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for spreading a flowing material, the apparatus comprising an elongate rotor, an input for distributing the material over the elongate rotor and at least one output, wherein a rotation of the elongate rotor controls a flow of the material to the output.

[0011] Also in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a system for spreading a flowing material contained in a transportable container, the system comprising a spreading ramp, the ramp comprising an elongate rotor, an input connectable to the container for distributing the material over the elongate rotor and at least one output; and a driving mechanism operatively connected to the rotor for imparting a rotation thereto to control a flow of the material to the output. [0012] Further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for spreading a flowing material over an area, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a spreading system comprising a spreading ramp, the ramp comprising an input, at least one output and an elongate rotor therebetween;

distributing the material over the elongate rotor via the input; and

driving the rotor as the system travels over the area to control a flow of the material to the output.

[0013] Still further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a ramp for spreading a flowing material, the ramp comprising an elongate casing defining a longitudinal input volume for receiving the material therein and at least one output below the input volume; and a spreading mechanism comprising at least one drivable element disposed longitudinally between the input volume and the output, the drivable element being drivable to control a downward flow of the material between the input and the output.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, showing by way of illustration an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, and in which:

[0015] Figure 1 is a side elevation view of a spreading system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 1A is an enlarged side elevation side view of a spreading ramp of the spreading system taken at bubble 1A in Figure 1 ;

[0017] Figure 2 is a vertical cross-sectional side view of the spreading ramp of Figure 1A mounted on a hydraulic support rack as part of the spreading system of Figure 1 , and wherein the spreading ramp is further shown in phantom lines at a lower elevation;

[0018] Figure 2A is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional side view of the spreading ramp taken at bubble 2A in Figure 2;

[0019] Figure 3 is a rear view of the spreading system of Figure 1 ;

[0020] Figures 4 and 4A are respectively exploded and enlarged exploded views of the spreading ramp of the spreading system of Figure 1 ;

[0021] Figures 5A and 5B are respectively rear and top plan views of the spreading system of Figure 1 modified to comprise a central and two side spreading ramps, wherein Figure 5A also shows in phantom lines the two side spreading ramps in partly and fully raised positions;

[0022] Figure 6 is a vertical cross-sectional side view of the spreading ramp of Figure 2 fitted with an optional funnelling system;

[0023] Figure 7 is a rear view of the spreading system of Figures 5A and 5B, wherein the spreading ramp is fitted with the optional funnelling system of Figure 6 and wherein the two side spreading ramps are shown in phantom lines in partly and fully raised positions;

[0024] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative spreading ramp of the spreading system of Figure 1 ; and

[0025] Figure 9 is a front view of a monitoring device for use with the spreading system of Figure 1. DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Referring now to Figure 1 , a spreading system, generally referred to using the numeral 10, and in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, will now be described. In general, the system 10 is used for spreading flowing materials on a field or on other such ground surfaces, such flowing materials being generally characterized to include a sludge, a liquid, a granular composition, a semi-liquid, a powder and other such materials. In the following description, which illustratively describes the spreading system 10 in an agricultural context, such flowing materials may include, but are not limited to, liquid, semi-liquid, dry and suspended powder fertilizers, granular fertilizers, manure, compost, organic sludge as well as seeds and other such agricultural materials. Though the following description focuses mainly on the use of system 10 for spreading such fertilizers and manures, the person of skill in the art will understand any of the above and other such materials may be considered herein without departing from the general scope and nature of the present disclosure.

[0027] The system 10 is generally comprised of a transportable container, such as tank 12, for carrying large quantities of a given material (e.g. manure or other such fertilizers), a vehicle (e.g. tractor) 14 for pulling the tank 12, and a spreading apparatus or ramp 16 for spreading the contents of the tank 12 on the ground in a substantially uniform manner. Depending on the application, different sizes of tanks and tractors may be considered. For example, a 3000-gallon tank 12 would generally require a 140 horsepower tractor, whereas a 5000-gallon tank 12 would generally require a 160 horsepower tractor. As should be apparent to a person skilled in the art, other tank and tractor combinations, as well as various other types of vehicles and containers, can be considered in the system 10.

[0028] With reference to Figures 1A and 2, the system 10 is designed to spread manure, and other such fertilizers, in a substantially uniform manner using a spreading apparatus, such as ramp 16, which uses gravity rather than a pressurized mechanism to spread the fertilizer. As will be discussed hereinbelow in greater detail, the ramp 16 comprises a spreading mechanism, illustratively comprised of a spreading rotor 18 activated by a driving mechanism, such as hydraulic motor 20, that controls the amount of fertilizer permitted to flow downwardly through the ramp 16 under gravity to be deposited on the ground. Using this method, manure is applied close to the ground and is not subject to unnecessary pressure that may yield damage in the crops.

[0029] Furthermore, the spreading system 10 is designed to operate efficiently, independently of the speed of the tractor 14 pulling the spreading equipment. In other words, spreading flow is controlled according to the speed of the tractor 14, thereby increasing spreading uniformity. Ultimately, the apparatus and system 10 is capable of spreading a precise and calculable amount of manure, actively controlled throughout the procedure to maintain a substantially constant and uniform deposit of manure over the entire surface of the field, and that with minimized damage to the crops and reduced permeation of undesirable odours.

[0030] Consequently, the system is further illustratively comprised of a hydraulic driving mechanism for activating the ramp 16 and controlling the output thereof. The hydraulic system generally comprises at least one of the aforementioned hydraulic motor 20, such as a GHL 400-type motor having a tachometer coupled thereto, for activating the ramp 16. The motor(s) 20 is illustratively driven by a hydraulic pump 22 and controller 24 therefor and a hydraulic system controller 26 to monitor and control the flow of oil directed to the hydraulic motor(s) 20 through hydraulic lines 27, and consequently to control the rotation of the rotor 18 in the ramp 16. A person of skill in the art will understand that other types driving mechanisms, motors and/or systems, such as water-driven motors, electric motors and control systems and the like, may be used to provide a similar result.

[0031] Referring now to Figures 1 , 1A and 2, power for the hydraulic pump 22 is generally provided by the tractor's engine (not shown), which also provides electric power to the system's electronic panel 34 (Figure 1). As a consequence, the hydraulic pump 22 should be selected in accordance with the type of tractor used. For example, a 160 horsepower tractor 14 will require a hydraulic pump operating at roughly ten (10) gallons per minute (GPM), whereas a 250 horsepower tractor 14 will require a hydraulic pump operating at roughly forty-five (45) gallons per minute (GPM). Other tractor and pump combinations will be apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art. [0032] To further monitor and control the operation of the system 10, that is to adjust the output of the ramp 16 as a function of the speed of the tractor 14 such that a consistent fertilizer coverage is maintained, the system 10 also comprises a speed monitor 28 and an optional GPS device and receiver 30 for providing accurate positioning and deposition measurements to the system 10. A computing device 32, illustratively comprising a data storage device, a processor and various other computing hardware and software modules, may also be included and configured to tabulate all applicable system parameters, data and spreading characteristics (e.g. predefined general spreading characteristics, position-dependent spreading characteristics, field and/or area dependant spreading characteristics, etc.) and provide accurate control of the system 10. Namely, computing device 32 may be configured to control, via optional speed and positioning readings acquired by the system 10, the output of the ramp 16 through the hydraulic system controller 26. The electric panel 34 of the tractor 14, powered by the tractor's engine, illustratively provides electrical power to the above system components. A person of skill in the art will understand that various permutations and combinations of the above spreading control and monitoring devices, may be considered without departing from the general scope and nature of the present disclosure.

[0033] Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, the ramp 16 is mounted to a ramp support rack 36 that is illustratively hydraulically coupled to the back of the tank 12. The rack 36 is illustratively constructed of square tubular steel components welded together and adjustably mounted to the tank 12. As illustrated in Figure 2, the height of the ramp 16 is optionally adjusted by activating the hydraulic cylinders 38 (Figure 3) coupled to the support rack 36. This feature may be useful to increase the ramp's versatility in various agricultural conditions. For example, the elevation off the ground of the ramp 16 could be selectively adjusted between four (4) to twelve (12) inches, or any other height if needed, to efficiently use the ramp 16 in fields cultivating various types of crops and plants and to adapt the ramp's use to different manuring periods.

[0034] The ramp 16 is further connected to the tank 12 through an input tube or pipe 40 for transferring the contents (e.g. manure, fertilizer, organic sludge, etc.) of the tank 12 to the ramp 16, and at least one return tube or pipe 42 for returning excesses or an overflow to the tank 12. In the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure, a turbine (not seen) coupled to the tank 12 is used to pump fertilizer from within the tank 12 to the ramp 16 through the input tube 40. As manure accumulates inside the ramp 16, excesses are returned to the tank 12 through return tubes or pipes 42.

[0035] In an alternative embodiment, fertilizer could be provided to the ramp 16 from the tank 12 under the action of gravity instead of using a turbine. For instance, if a tank output is provided toward the bottom of the tank 12, and if the input of the ramp 16 is provided below that tank output, then gravity alone may direct the fertilizer out of the tank 12 and to the ramp 16. In either case, the ramp 16 accumulates the fertilizer from the input tube 40 and controls the spreading flow thereof to the ground.

[0036] For simplicity, the present disclosure will focus on the illustrative embodiment of the enclosed Figures, wherein a turbine is used to convey the fertilizer from the tank 12 to the ramp 16. A person of skill in the art will understand that other methods may be used to transfer the fertilizer from the tank 12 to the ramp 16 without extending the general scope and nature of the present disclosure. Furthermore, due to the versatility of the ramp 16 and its connection means to the tank 12, various types of pumping mechanisms may be used without altering the function and performance of the disclosed ramp 16. Namely, system 10 is capable of operating with various equipment, such as tanks, pumps and turbines used with conventional systems. Furthermore, the versatility of the system 10 allows the ramp 16 to be used with various kinds of manure, fertilizers and other flowing materials and compositions, whether it is provided by a pump that chops the manure as it is fed to the ramp 16, or whether the manure is provided in a generally thick and strawy state. The system 10 is designed to address various manure/fertilizer compositions and consistencies.

[0037] Referring now to Figures 1A, 2A and 4, a first illustrative embodiment of the ramp 16 will be described in further detail. In general, the ramp 16 is comprised of an elongate casing 44 and a longitudinal rotor 18 controllably mounted therein. In this exemplary embodiment, the ramp 16 is roughly ten (10) to twelve (12) feet long, roughly two (2) feet high and roughly 1 foot deep. As will be discussed further hereinbelow with reference to Figures 5A and 5B, additional lateral ramps 16_L roughly five (5) to six (6) feet long may also be coupled to the central ramp 16_C to provide a longer spreading reach. Combined, the ramps will weigh approximately 800 pounds. For the purpose of clarity and simplicity, focus will first be drawn on a system using a single ramp 16.

[0038] The casing 44 of the ramp 16 may be manufactured of any solid and resilient material such as various types of metals and steels common to these equipments. The use of stainless steel in particular reduces the occurrence of corrosion and inherently increases the lifetime of the ramp 16. The ramp casing 44 illustratively comprises a back panel 46 solidly mounted to the ramp support rack 36, and a front panel 48 removably and pivotally coupled thereto. The back panel 46 of the ramp 16 defines a central input slot 50 for connecting the ramp 16 to the input tube 40 using an appropriate connector 51 , and a return slot 52 at each end thereof for either coupling to the return pipes 42 or for providing connecting inputs to subsequent ramps 16 extending laterally therefrom (such as the lateral ramps 16_L discussed further hereinbelow with reference to Figures 5A and 5B) again using appropriate connectors 53.

[0039] The front panel 48, comprised of a set of coupling flanges 54, is removably and pivotally coupled with the back panel 46 by inserting and securing the coupling flanges 54 within a set of corresponding slots 56 provided therefor in a top lip 58 of the back panel 46. A set of retention springs (not shown) may be added at the juncture of the two panels 46 and 48 to provide a retaining force for biasing the front panel 48 to a closed lowered position thereof under normal operating conditions. This panel system thus provides an access to the ramp 16 and rotor 18 enclosed therein when required either for maintenance or to address a malfunction. Furthermore, unusually large elements in the fertilizer that would otherwise clog the ramp 16 can exit the ramp by applying a sufficient force on front panel 48. A person of skill in the art will understand that the casing 44 may be manufactured and configured in various ways to provide similar results without departing from the general scope and nature of the present disclosure. In fact, various casing shapes, configurations and constructions may be considered without significantly altering the general function and operation of the disclosed system 10. [0040] Still referring to Figures 1A, 2A and 4, the rotor 18 is illustratively comprised of a substantially horizontal axle 60 and a plurality of radial blades 62 mounted longitudinally, parallelly and in a spaced apart relationship therealong, the radial blades 62 protruding radially from the axle 60. With added reference to Figure 4A, the axle 60 is illustratively comprised of an inner tubular shaft 61 , an outer tubular shaft 63 to which are mounted the blades 62 and a pair of sealing rings 65 provided at opposed ends of the axle 60 for sealingly connecting together the inner and outer shaft 61 and 63.

[0041] When activated, the rotating blades 62 of the rotor 18 control the flow of fertilizer deposited on the ground. In this embodiment, the blades 62 are comprised of a set of ten (10) elongated nylon runners, each having a square cross section of approximately one square inch, which are fastened directly to the axle 60. As will be discussed further hereinbelow with reference to Figure 8, other rotor constructions and configurations may be considered. Namely, the type of blades 62 used, their dimensions, and the mechanism through which they are mounted to the axle 60 may be altered to customize the output flow of the ramp 16 and provide various maintenance and adjustment options. A person of skill in the art will understand that these and other such permutations may be considered without departing from the general scope and nature of the present disclosure. Also, various other spreading mechanisms which do not necessarily make use of a spreading rotor, but still provide adequate means for selectively and/or controllably intercepting the downward flow of material between the input and output of the ramp or similar apparatus may also be considered to provide a like effect.

[0042] Still referring to Figure 4, the rotor 18 is mounted, and subsequently driven within the casing 44 using a set of bushings 64 fitted at each longitudinal end thereof. Each bushing 64 is coupled through a sealing cap 68 to respective bearings 66 fastened thereto. Illustratively, the sealing caps 68 are fitted to the back panel 46 of the casing 44, thereby supporting and maintaining the alignment of the rotor 18 therein and, when the front panel 48 is shut thereon, substantially sealing the ends of the ramp 16 to minimize loss of fertilizer therefrom. [0043] Illustratively, the sealing caps 68 are made of a solid plastic material and fastened to the back panel 46 using a set of screws or other such appropriate fasteners. The use of plastics to manufacture the caps 68 provide an enhanced seal since corrosion of the caps 68 is avoided. Furthermore, plastic caps 68 will reduce the overall weight of the ramp 16. Alternatively, the caps 68 may be manufactured of stainless steel or other such metallic materials and may be coupled to the back panel 46 using a set of fasteners such as screws, bolts or rivets, and/or be welded directly thereto.

[0044] Referring now to Figures 1 , 1A and 4, the rotor 18 is drivingly mounted within the casing 44 by extending distal ends 72 (Figure 4) of the bushings 64 through the caps 68 and bearings 66 and by fitting a sprocket wheel 78 thereon for the driving thereof. As described hereinabove, a motor 20 mounted on the support rack 36 or again directly on the ramp 16 using, as seen in Figure 4, an appropriate motor support casing as in 77, drives the sprocket wheel 78 using a driving sprocket 79 and driving chain 81 coupled thereto, or other such driving mechanisms, to activate the rotor 18 in the ramp 16. A person of skill in the art will understand that either one or two motors 20 may be used to drive the rotor 18. For instance, a single motor 20 could be used at one end of the ramp 16 to drive the rotor 18 from one end only. Alternatively, two motors 20 linked in parallel to the hydraulic system controller 26 could also be used if need be. Furthermore, alternative driving means and mechanisms may also be considered without extending the scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] Referring back to Figures 2A and 4, upper and front sealing bands 80 and 82 respectively, possibly manufactured of a sealing rubber or plastic, are fitted within the casing 44 such that the upper band 80 sealingly rests against or engages a portion of the blades 62 of an upper part 84 of the rotor 18 and such that the front band 82 provides a sealed juncture or engagement between the front panel 48 and a portion of the blades 62 of a front part 86 of the rotor 18. These bands 80 and 82 may be fastened to the front 48 and back 46 panels using various methods that may include, but are not limited to, using robust adhesives or glues, clasps, screws or other such fasteners. Illustratively, the upper band 80 is fastened to an L-shaped support bar or bracket 88 that is itself fastened to the back panel 46 using a set of screws to support and extend the upper band 80 above the rotor 18. The front band 82 is coupled to the front panel 48 directly using a set of fasteners such as screws.

[0046] Consequently, when the material (e.g. manure, fertilizer, etc.) is fed into the sealed ramp 16 and the rotor 18 is not activated and generally stationary, the material will fill an input chamber or volume 90 (Figure 2A) of the ramp 18 and be retained therein until activation of the rotor 18. Once the rotor 18 is activated, namely in a counter-clockwise direction in Figures 1A, 2 and 2A, the material will be directed toward the ground by the activated rotor blades 62 and conveyed thereto by a bottom sloped guide 92 of the front panel 48. When the rotor 18 is stopped, material will once again stop flowing to the ground and be confined to the input chamber or volume 90.

[0047] Consequently, when the rotor 18 is not activated, the material will be brought to the ramp 16 by the turbine in the tank 12 feeding the input tube 40 and be limited to the input chamber 90 of the ramp 16. As more material is pumped to the ramp 16, additional pressure in the material will push excesses back to the tank 12 through the return pipes 42. Since caps 68 are fitted to the ends of the ramp 16 and upper and front sealing bands 80 and 82 are provided within the casing 44, loss of fertilizer therefrom will be significantly limited. Also, since the spreading is substantially controlled and limited by the activation of the rotor 18, which is itself linked to the motion of the tractor 14 (discussed further hereinbelow), the spreading may be activated only when the tractor 14 starts to move, avoiding unnecessary spills when the tank's turbine is started while the system 10 is stationary.

[0048] Furthermore, the present gravity ramp configuration will allow the system 10 to be fully emptied on the field. For instance, when the tank 12 is emptied such that a pressure in the input tube 40 is significantly reduced, fertilizer in the return pipes 42 will remain therein and start backtracking toward the ramp 16. As the last amounts of fertilizer are spread to the ground, both the input tube 40 and return pipes 42 will empty their contents in the ramp 16 to be spread on the ground. This feature reduces wastes and, coupled with the sealing bands 80 and 82, helps reduce the amount of fertilizer lost by the system 10 when the system 10 is deactivated when empty for transport off the field. [0049] Additionally, the ramp's configuration and its position below the tank output allows the ramp 16 to be full at all times independently of the tank's inclination. For instance, in conventional systems, the tank's inclination could affect the system's output since pressure thereat would vary as a function of inclination. In the system 10, inclination has no effect on the ramp's output, ensuring a constant and uniform spreading of the fertilizer in any field conditions, as long of course as the ramp input rate is greater than the output rate controlled by the rotor 18, which is generally the case.

[0050] Still further, unlike with pressured jet systems, the ramp 16 will not significantly damage annual plants in the field during spreading since fertilizer is deposited close to the ground by gravity. This feature will also drastically reduce the permeation of undesirable odours in the surrounding area as splashing and spluttering will be greatly reduced.

[0051] Also, the driven rotation of the rotor 18 within the ramp 16 will allow various types of fertilizers to be processed and spread thereby. For instance, a lumpy or strawy fertilizer will be processed and broken down by the rotor 18 to provide a uniform spreading thereof. Alternatively, if the fertilizer is already processed by the turbine or pump feeding the ramp 16, a substantially same spreading result will be reached.

[0052] Referring now to Figure 5A, a series of three ramps 16 may also be used at once in a given system 10. For instance, the two lateral ramps 16_L may be hingedly coupled to the central ramp 16_C such that, when in operation, all three ramps 16 are aligned horizontally to the ground, and when not in operation, the two lateral ramps 16_L are hoisted up vertically along the sides of the central ramp 16_C. To move the lateral ramps 16_L from one position to the other, various mechanisms may be employed. In one example, the lateral ramps 16_L are hoisted up manually, possibly using a set of pulleys or the like. Alternatively, a hydraulic system may be used and controlled directly from the tractor 14. A person of skill in the art will understand that various methods and mechanisms may be used to obtain a like effect without departing from the general scope and nature of the present disclosure. [0053] Referring to Figure 5B, manure/fertilizer may still be fed to the ramps 16_C and 16|_ in the same manner as with the single ramp 16 of Figures 1 to 4. The material may be pumped from the tank 12 (or provided under gravity) to the ramps 16_C and 16_L through the central input tube or pipe 40 connected to the central ramp's input slot 50 and connector 51. The material will then spread through the central ramp 16c, and then subsequently through the lateral ramps 16|_ coupled thereto, through the return slots 52 and connectors 53 of the central ramp 16c- At the end of the lateral ramps 16_L, respective return pipes 42 will return material excesses to the tank 12.

[0054] To activate the ramps 16_C and 16_L, a set of hydraulic motors, as in 20, can be used in parallel. Though not explicitly illustrated in the Figures appended herein, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that each ramp 16c/16|_ may be fitted with at least one motor 20 for the activation thereof. Furthermore, each motor 20 can be driven in parallel by the hydraulic pump 22 through the hydraulic system controller 26 such that a constant and uniform flow of manure/fertilizer is spread by each ramp 16_C/16_L.

[0055] Referring now to Figures 6 and 7, an optional set of funnels 94 may be removably and pivotally coupled below the ramp 16 to the ramp support rack 36 such that the output flow of the ramp 16 is redirected thereby. As illustrated in Figure 7, these funnels 94 may be fitted successively along the length of the ramp 16. Generally, the funnels 94 will be pivotally coupled to a removable addition 96 of the ramp support rack 36, and used to customize the dispersion of fertilizer on the ground. To access the inside of the ramp 16 through the front panel 48, namely at the end of a spreading season or to address occasional maintenance situations, the funnels 94 and rack addition 96 can be removed as needed.

[0056] Referring now to Figure 8, an alternative ramp 100 usable with system 10 will be presented. In this embodiment, the ramp 100 is again comprised of a casing 102 and a rotor 104 controllably mounted therein. Casing 102 comprises rear and front plates 106 and 108 respectively, a top plate 110 linking these two plates, and bottom lip 112 fastened to the rear plate 106 for guiding the fertilizer to the ground. The rear plate 106, much like the back panel 46 of ramp 16, defines an input slot 114, although the latter is positioned at one end of the ramp 100, and an output slot 116, located at an opposed end thereof, for connection to the input and return tubes 40 and 42, respectively.

[0057] In this alternative embodiment, the rotor 104 is comprised of a shaft 118 comprising a set of radial blades 120 integrally coupled thereto and radiating therefrom. A set of rubber blades 122, adjustably fitted within respective retaining bars 124, are then fastened thereby to the radial blades 120 using a set of screws provided therefor. Once assembled, the rotor 104 is fitted with a set of bushings 126 at the ends thereof and a set of sealing rings 128 are fitted on the rotor shaft 118 and blades 122. The bushings 126 are then fitted through end plates 130 and bearings (not shown) for the activation thereof using a sprocket wheel 78 and a motor 20 as described hereinabove with reference to ramp 16.

[0058] In this embodiment, eight (8) rubber blades 122, each roughly three (3) inches wide (i.e. their radial length), are used to form the rotor 104. Unlike the first embodiment, no sealing bands such as 80 and 82 are used as the rubber blades 122, combined with the sealing rings 128, provide an adequate sealing mechanism to keep the fertiliser in an input chamber or volume 132 of the ramp 100 when the rotor 104 is not activated. Again, when the rotor 104 is not activated, fertilizer is brought to the ramp 100 by the input tube 40 and returned to the tank 12 through the return pipe 42.

[0059] As will be apparent to a person of skill in the art, both ramps 16 and 100 provide similar features and are operated in essentially the same manner. Though calibrations (discussed further hereinbelow) using the different ramps may be different, namely due to different throughput capacities and spreading flows for a given activation speed, the system 10 may be operated with either ramp 16 or 100. To simplify the following description of the system's implementation, reference will only be made to the first embodiment of the ramp, that is to ramp 16 and its various components. A person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the implementation of the system 10 with either ramp 16 or 100, or any other ramp operating in a similar fashion, does not depart from the general scope and nature of the present disclosure. [0060] Referring back to Figure 1 , the activation and use of the system 10 will now be described in further detail. As presented hereinabove, the system 10 is used to spread a substantially uniform and controlled amount of manure/fertilizer on a field. For instance, the user may pre-select a weight or volume of fertilizer to be spread per acre in the field. Generally, the system will accommodate any spreading rate required for a given field. For example, in the province of Quebec in Canada, fertilizer-spreading rates are limited to a maximum of 3500 gallons per acre, above which fertilizer may accumulate and stream in the field's ditches. The system 10 is designed to provide spreading rates ranging from as low as zero (0) gallons per acre to spreading rates well exceeding such maximum allowable spreading rates. Ultimately, the system 10 is designed to automatically calibrate the spread rate of the ramp 16, that is the amount of fertilizer delivered per unit of time, as a function of the travel speed of the tractor 14. Doing so, the system is able to maintain the pre-selected spread surface density.

[0061] To implement the system 10, a calibration may first be completed to assess the general fertilizer-spreading rate obtained as a function of the rotation speed of the rotor 18. In other words, one can determine how much fertilizer is delivered to the ground in a given amount of time for a given rotation speed. This factor, which may be determined on average for most fertilizers, manures, etc., may also be determined more precisely for a given material or type of material most commonly used in a given system 10, or again determined at the start of every spreading season.

[0062] Referring now to Figure 9, the calibration parameter is first programmed into the computing device 32. Subsequently, other parameters, including, but not limited to the selected spread density (e.g. pounds per acre, gallons per acre, etc.), the size of the field, the type of seed or culture, are entered into the computing device 32 using a simple user interface 98, as illustrated in Figure 9.

[0063] Once the system 10 is activated, the system's computing device 32, interfacing with the speed sensor 28 and the hydraulic system controller 26, will adjust, to maintain the selected spread density, the rotation speed of the rotor 18 within the ramp 16 as a function of the speed of travel of the tractor 14. Input from the motor's tachometer may also be used to adjust power delivered to the motor(s) 20 to compensate for variations in power/velocity ratios of the rotor 18 attributed to variations in the consistency of the fertilizer. Consequently, when the tractor 14 accelerates, the computing device 32 will read an increase in speed from the speed sensor 28 and communicate an increase in rotor rotation speed to motor(s) 20 through the hydraulic system controller 26. Conversely, when the tractor 14 decelerates, the rotation speed of the rotor 18 will decrease accordingly. Furthermore, when the tractor 14 stops moving, the computing device 32 will read a null velocity and stop the rotation of the rotor 18, thereby stopping the spreading of fertilizer to the ground. Consequently, no unnecessary spills of fertilizer will accumulate when the tractor 14 is stationary.

[0064] In addition, a GPS device 30 (Figure 1) may also be coupled to the computing device 32 to provide an accurate calibration of the spread rate for a given field and provide a mapping of forecasted and actual spread densities and coverage. For instance, the GPS device 30 may be used for precision farming where an analysis of the soil in various areas of a given field is provided to establish optimised fertilizer requirements for each such area. Since fertilizer requirements and needs may vary significantly from area to area, by uploading GPS and soil analysis data in the computing device 32, spread rates may be automatically controlled throughout the field according to the prescribed area- specific spreading rates defined by the soil analysis.

[0065] As described herein, the system 10 is designed to spread a flowing material, in the present context such as manure and other such fertilizers, in a substantially uniform manner using a gravity ramp, such as ramps 16 and 100, rather than a pressurized system. For example, system 10 may be used to spread liquid fertilizers, semi-liquid fertilizers (i.e. comprising a combination of solid and liquid components), as well as solid fertilizers such as limestone fertilizers in a water suspension or in a dry powder format. When using dry powder fertilizers, a blower and a cyclone blower may be used, instead of the aforementioned tank pump, at the input and output of the tank 12 respectively to transport the powder or dust to the spreading ramp (e.g. ramp 16 or 100) and to contain the returned powder excesses within the tank 14. [0066] Other types of manure/fertilizers, including, but not limited to, organic and chemical granular fertilizers, may also be considered by altering the fertilizer distribution mechanism to the rotor of the ramp, as in rotors 18 and 104 of ramps 16 and 100 respectively. For instance, granular fertilizer could be distributed from an appropriate fertilizer carrier to the ramp, as in ramp 16 or 100, using a distributing bib or the like that would guide the granules from a carrier output to the full length of the ramp. An additional vibration mechanism could also be coupled to the bib or carrier to adjustably control the flow of granules to the ramp. A set of funnels, as in 94, could also be used to change the spreading configuration from a ramp-wide spread to a delineated spread depending on the application and field to be fertilized.

[0067] Ultimately, the system 10, based on the same principles elaborated herein, could also be used as a seeder or planter, spreading seeds evenly and controllably throughout a given field. Additionally, the system 10 could be used for both field fertilizing and seeding at the same time by combining inputs to the ramp, such as ramps 16 and 100. A set of funnels, as in 94, could again be used in these applications.

[0068] The spreading system 10 is designed to operate efficiently independently of the speed of the tractor 14 pulling the spreading equipment. That is, a preselected spreading density may be substantially maintained throughout the spreading procedure with limited waste of fertilizer (and/or seeds) and damage to the annual crops in the field. Furthermore, the system is designed to operate with any conventional system components such as tanks, pumps and turbines, and with any type of fertilizers, whether it be pre-processed by the turbines, or provided in a generally lumpy and strawy consistency, and that, with limited blockage of the ramp during operation.

[0069] Ultimately, the apparatus and system 10 is capable of spreading a precise and calculable amount of material on a field that may be actively controlled throughout the procedure to maintain a constant and uniform spread density. Using a gravity system, damage to the crops is generally avoided and permeation of undesirable odours is substantially reduced. [0070] While this invention has been described with reference to the illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed to a limiting sense. Various modifications or combinations of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description. It is therefore intended that the described invention encompass any such modifications or embodiments.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An apparatus for spreading a flowing material, the apparatus comprising an elongate rotor, an input for distributing the material over said elongate rotor and at least one output, wherein a rotation of said elongate rotor controls a flow of the material to said output.

2. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein said flow is further engaged by an input pressure applied at said input.

3. The apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 and 2, wherein the material comprises at least one of a sludge, a liquid, a granular composition, a semi- liquid and a powder.

4. The apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the material comprises at least one of a liquid fertilizer, a semi-liquid fertilizer, a dry powder fertilizer, a suspended solid fertilizer, a granular fertilizer, manure, a compost, an organic sludge and seeds.

5. The apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the apparatus is used in agriculture for spreading the material on a field.

6. The apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein said rotation is controlled by a motor operatively coupled to said rotor.

7. The apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 6, said rotor comprising a longitudinal axle and at least two blades extending outwardly therefrom for controlling said flow via said rotation.

8. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 7, the apparatus further comprising an elongate casing coupling said input to said output, said rotor being operatively mounted within said casing to control said flow therein.

9. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 8, wherein said rotor is mounted within said casing such that a portion of at least some of said rotor blades - -

successively engages at least one inner sealing surface of said casing during said rotation.

10. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 9, wherein said inner sealing surface comprises a sealing band disposed within said casing and providing a seal with each said portion when engaged thereby.

11. The apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 9 and 10, wherein when said portion engages said sealing surface, a material access to said output from said input is substantially sealed thereby.

12. The apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 11 , wherein when said rotor is stationary, said flow is substantially blocked by said stationary rotor.

13. The apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 12, wherein the material is provided to said input from a container, the apparatus further comprising a redirection system redirecting material excesses to said container.

14. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 7, wherein each of said rotor blades extends radially from said axle and extends at least partially along the length thereof.

15. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 14, wherein each of said rotor blades comprises at least one of a nylon runner and a rubber blade secured to said axle.

16. The apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 15, wherein said output comprises a continuous output longitudinally disposed below said rotor.

17. The apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 16, wherein said output comprises a plurality of distributed outputs longitudinally disposed below said rotor.

18. The apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 17, wherein said output is below said input and wherein said flow comprises a downward flow.

19. A system for spreading a flowing material contained in a transportable container, the system comprising: a spreading ramp, said ramp comprising an elongate rotor, an input connectable to the container for distributing the material over said elongate rotor and at least one output; and a driving mechanism operatively connected to said rotor for imparting a rotation thereto to control a flow of the material to said output.

20. The system as claimed in Claim 19, wherein the material comprises at least one of a sludge, a liquid, a granular composition, a semi-liquid and a powder.

21. The system as claimed in any one of Claims 19 and 20, wherein the material comprises at least one of a liquid fertilizer, a semi-liquid fertilizer, a dry powder fertilizer, a suspended solid fertilizer, a granular fertilizer, manure, a compost, an organic sludge and seeds.

22. The system as claimed in any one of Claims 19 to 21 , wherein the system is used in agriculture for spreading the material on a field.

23. The system as claimed in any one of Claims 19 to 22, wherein said output is lower than said input and wherein said flow comprises a downward flow.

24. The system as claimed in any one of Claims 19 to 23, the system further comprising at least one of a pump and a blower operatively coupled between the container and said input for delivering the material thereto.

25. The system as claimed in any one of Claims 19 to 23, wherein said ramp input is mountable below a container output such that the material is delivered thereto via a gravitational flow of the material from the container to said input.

26. The system as claimed in any one of Claims 19 to 25, the system for spreading the material on the ground, wherein said ramp is coupled to the system such that said output is close to the ground.

27. The system as claimed in Claim 26, wherein said ramp is coupled to the system such that an elevation of said ramp from the ground is between four and twelve inches.

28. The system as claimed in any one of Claims 19 to 27, wherein said driving mechanism comprises a motor operatively coupled to said rotor.

29. The system as claimed in any one of Claims 19 to 28, the system further comprising a computing device configured to monitor a travel speed of the system, select a rotation speed to be imparted to said rotor based on said travel speed and communicate said selected rotation speed to said driving mechanism.

30. The system as claimed in Claim 29, wherein said selected rotation speed is regularly updated by said computing device to maintain a substantially uniform spreading rate from said ramp across a given area.

31. The system as claimed in any one of claims 29 to 30, the system further comprising a tachometer, said computing device being further configured to monitor said rotation speed via said tachometer to substantially maintain said rotation speed.

32. The system as claimed in any one of Claims 29 to 31 , the system further comprising a data storage device communicatively linked to said computing device, said data storage device for storing therein predefined material spreading characteristics for a given area, said computing device being further configured to select said rotation speed as a function of said data to substantially satisfy said material spreading characteristics in said area.

33. The system as claimed in Claim 32, the system further comprising a positioning device for communicating a position of the system in said area to said computing device, said material spreading characteristics being position- dependent, said computing device being further configured to select said rotation speed based on said position to satisfy said position-dependent characteristics.

34. The system as claimed in any one of Claims 32 and 33, wherein said characteristics comprise a spread surface density.

35. The system as claimed in any one of Claims 19 to 34, wherein said output comprises a continuous output longitudinally disposed below said rotor.

36. The system as claimed in any one of Claims 19 to 35, wherein said output comprises a plurality of distributed outputs longitudinally disposed below said rotor.

37. The system as claimed in any one of Claims 19 to 36, wherein said output is below said input and wherein said flow comprises a downward flow.

38. A method for spreading a flowing material over an area, the method comprising the steps of: providing a spreading system comprising a spreading ramp, said ramp comprising an input, at least one output and an elongate rotor therebetween; distributing the material over said elongate rotor via said input; and driving said rotor as the system travels over the area to control a flow of the material to said output.

39. The method as claimed in Claim 38, said system further comprising a transportable container containing the material, said container being operatively coupled to said input for delivering the material thereto.

40. The method as claimed in any one of Claims 38 and 39, wherein said output is lower than said input and wherein said flow comprises a downward flow.

41. The method as claimed in any one of Claims 38 to 40, the method further comprising the steps of: detecting a travel speed of said system; and selecting a rotation speed of said rotor based on said travel speed; wherein said driving step comprises driving said rotor at said selected rotation speed.

42. The method as claimed in Claim 41 , the method further comprising the step of acquiring a position of said system within the area via a positioning device, wherein said selecting step further comprises selecting said rotation speed based on said position.

43. The method as claimed in any one of Claims 38 to 40, the method further comprising the steps of: acquiring a position of said system within the area via a positioning device; and selecting a rotation speed of said rotor based on said position; wherein said driving step comprises driving said rotor at said selected rotation speed.

44. The method as claimed in any one of Claims 41 to 43, the method further for controllably spreading the material in accordance with spreading characteristics predefined for the area, said selecting step further comprising selecting said rotation speed such that said controlled flow substantially complies with the spreading characteristics.

45. The method as claimed in Claim 44, wherein said characteristics comprise at least one of a uniform spread surface density and a position-dependent spread surface density.

46. The method as claimed in any one of Claims 41 to 45, said system further comprising a computing system, wherein said selecting step is implemented automatically via said computing device.

47. The method as claimed in any one of Claims 41 to 46, said system further comprising a tachometer, the method further comprising the step after said selecting step of monitoring said rotation speed via said tachometer to substantially maintain said rotation speed.

48. The method as claimed in any one of Claims 38 to 47, wherein the material comprises at least one of a sludge, a liquid, a granular composition, a semi- liquid and a powder.

49. The method as claimed in any one of Claims 38 to 48, wherein the material comprises at least one of a liquid fertilizer, a semi-liquid fertilizer, a dry powder fertilizer, a suspended solid fertilizer, a granular fertilizer, manure, a compost, an organic sludge and seeds.

50. A ramp for spreading a flowing material, the ramp comprising: an elongate casing defining a longitudinal input volume for receiving the material therein and at least one output below said input volume; and a spreading mechanism comprising at least one drivable element disposed longitudinally between said input volume and said output, said drivable element being drivable to control a downward flow of the material between said input and said output.

51. The ramp as claimed in Claim 50, said casing comprising at least one longitudinal sealing inner surface disposed below said input volume, wherein when said element engages said surface, said flow is substantially sealed thereby.

52. The ramp as claimed in any one of Claims 50 and 51 , said spreading mechanism further comprising a rotor longitudinally disposed within said casing, wherein said element comprises a blade extending outwardly from said rotor, said blade being drivable via a rotation of said rotor.

53. The ramp as claimed in Claim 52, wherein said output comprises a continuous output longitudinally disposed below said rotor.

54. The ramp as claimed in Claim 52, wherein said output comprises a plurality of distributed outputs longitudinally disposed below said rotor.

55. The ramp as claimed in any one of Claims 50 to 54, the ramp further comprising a ramp input, said ramp input substantially distributing the material along a length of said input volume.