Hopper spreader

Abstract

A hopper spreader for evenly distributing relatively dry, flowable material about a hopper or other bulk container is disclosed. The hopper spreader includes a support ring on which is mounted a bearing aligned with the longitudinal access of the support ring by a plurality of gussets. A motor rotates a shaft aligned with the longitudinal access of the support ring and received in the bearing. An impeller is rotated by the motor and shaft and distributes outwardly the flowable material.

1 . A hopper spreader for distributing a material, comprising:
 (a) a support ring;   (b) a motor mounted on the support ring;   (c) a shaft rotated by the motor and aligned with the longitudinal access of the support ring; and   (d) an impeller mounted on the support shaft for rotation adjacent to the support ring.   
   
   
       2 . A hopper spreader as defined in  claim 1 , further comprising a bearing for the shaft supported on a plurality of gussets extended between the bearing and support ring. 
   
   
       3 . A hopper spreader as defined in  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of veins of the impeller having a concave surface upon which the material impacts. 
   
   
       4 . A hopper spreader as defined in  claim 3 , wherein the veins are canted at an angle relative to the shaft.