A material spreader for the uniform distribution of granular material beneath the spreader by broadcasting the material through outlets formed within a rotating pan. The spreader has a funnel-shaped chute to receive material and direct it into the pan under the force of gravity. The pan has a flat-bottomed surface and vertical walls with outlets formed in its corners. Vanes are provided which extend the sides of the pan in a direction away from the center of the pan, thereby increasing the horizontal velocity of the material leaving the pan outlets. Baffle plates throttle the passage of material through the outlets in the corners of the pan, aiding the momentary retention of material in the pan to assure that substantially equivalent amounts of material exit each corner of the pan. Secondary outlets of adjustable size are provided in the bottom of the pan to allow material to exit nearly vertically. The horizontal throw of the pan may be varied by changing its rotational speed and by reversing its direction.

Apparatus and method for distributing particulate material substantially evenly over a square receiving area are disclosed, the apparatus comprising a rotatable trough having a discharge slot positioned along its length.

Apparatus for loading an enclosure with particulate solids includes a loading hopper, a discharge chute (integral with the hopper), and a movable member disposed below the outlet opening of the chute. The movable member includes a shaft driven in rotation by a motor and flexible, moderately hard deflecting strips, which are articulated to the shaft or to a structure rigidly integral with the shaft, so as to spread out from the shaft at an angle by the effect of centrifugal force when driven in rotation. At least one discharge opening is provided in the side wall of the hopper and/or of the chute in the direction of the rotating deflecting strips.

A particle separating apparatus is disclosed comprising a particle container. The particle container has an interior wall which defines a particle receiving chamber. The container has an opening exposing the chamber. The container is mounted to rotate about an axis generally coaxial with an axis of the opening. A conduit is provided for admitting a flow of particulate matter into the chamber through the opening. A plurality of apertures extend generally radially from the interior and through the container. Stabilizing mechanisms in the form of stabilizer blades are provided within the chamber with cushioned edges disposed closely adjacent to the interior wall with the edges extending generally parallel to the axis of rotation. A lifting mechanism is disposed within the chamber having lifting plates disposed to rotate within the chamber and urge particulate material from a closed end of the chamber toward the opening and promote uniform distribution axially within the interior of the container.