Apparatus and method for automatically dispersing aggregate material

A method of automatically dispersing aggregate material on a predetermined schedule while substantially preventing dispersal of said aggregate material other than on said predetermined schedule, said method comprising the steps of:

• feeding said aggregate material onto a generally horizontal distributor floor from a spout;
• confining said aggregate material within upright walls having an unobstructed opening therein and being peripherally disposed on said distributor relative to said floor;
• and
• rotating said distributor in accordance with said predetermined schedule, said rotation applying a centrifugal force upon said aggregate material to cause said aggregate material to exit said distributor through said opening in said upright walls.

An apparatus for automatically dispersing aggregate material on a predetermined schedule and for retarding dispersal of said aggregate material other than on said predetermined schedule, said apparatus comprising:

• a hopper for holding said aggregate material, said hopper having a spout extending downward therefrom and terminating at a bottom end;
• a distributor having a floor and upwardly extending walls peripherally located relative to said floor, said walls having a plurality of openings therein positioned proximate said floor, and said distributor being positioned so that said floor is centrally located beneath said bottom end of said spout and said walls extend above said bottom end of said spout;
• a motor positioned beneath said distributor and coupled to a central section of said distributor floor;
• a battery for supplying electrical energy to said motor, said battery being coupled to said motor;
• a timing circuit coupled to said motor, said timing circuit having an electrical power requirement, and said timing circuit operating to determine a dispersal duration during which said motor causes said distributor to rotate and during which said aggregate material is dispersed through said plurality of openings in said distributor walls;
• and
• means, coupled to said battery and to said timing circuit, for storing a sufficient quantity of electrical energy to supply said electrical power requirement of said timing circuit throughout said dispersal duration.