Manure spreader

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention relates generally to a liquid and semi-liquid type manure spreader, and more particularly, is directed to a manure spreader incorporating a V-shaped body for holding the manure, an impeller positioned near the bottom of the body to direct the manure to an outlet gate and a high speed spinner receiving the effluent from the gate for spray distribution as the spreader is propelled.
The manure spreader of the present invention includes a wheeled, open tank into the top of which liquid and/or semi-liquid manures can be easily fed by using existing, readily available loading equipment.
The body of the spreader is generally V-shaped in cross-sectional configuration and incorporates near the bottom thereof a heavy duty, internal, chopper-type auger or impeller.
The impeller is longitudinally positioned near the apex of the V-shape of the body and has its blades formed to a helix, a rear portion of which helix is designed to propel manure from the rear of the tank to a medially positioned gate and a front portion of the helix is designed to propel manure from the front of the body toward the medially positioned gate.
A high speed spinner is affixed in rotary engagement exteriorly of the body in position to receive the effluent from the gate and to direct the effluent in a spray pattern over the field to be so treated.
Preferably the spinner rotates at a rotative speed that is from ten to fifteen times the rotational speed of the impeller.
The drive of the spinner is taken from the drive of the impeller whereby both devices are rotated in unison, in opposite directions and at proportional rates of speed.
If desired, a hinged deflector can be employed in conjunction with the spinner to vary the spray pattern to suit the existing field conditions.
In the preferred embodiment, the spinner is provided with a plurality of staggered blades whereby only a small proportionate number of the blades will be in contact with manure at any given instance.
In this manner, the staggering of the blade pattern results in a device that is capable of operation at greatly reduced horsepower requirements