Compost mixing and aerating apparatus
AssigneeFrontier Manufacturing, Inc.
InventorsBradley S. Glaze, Kenneth R. Warner
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An improved composting apparatus is provided which is particularly suited for use with straw-like materials. The composting apparatus includes a counter-rotating drum and paddle assembly which generates a plurality of air streams in which the composting material is entrained. The air streams rotate in a vortex like pattern within a chamber to mix and aerate the composting material. The composting apparatus is configurable for being driven sideways through fence gates and the like, and has an additional configuration for being towed without requiring a trailer.
Claims43
A drum and paddle assembly for mixing and aerating a windrow of composting material comprising:
- a. an elongate drum having a longitudinal axis, first and second end portions, and a center portion, the drum being rotatable about its longitudinal axis at a predetermined rotational speed;
- and
- b. means extending outwardly from the drum for generating a compost entraining air stream when the drum is rotated at the predetermined speed, the compost entraining air stream having a sufficient velocity for entraining substantially all of the composting material therein for mixing and aerating the windrow of composting material when the rotating drum is engaged therewith.
A compost aerating apparatus for mixing and aerating a windrow of composting material comprising:
- a. a frame having a front, a rear, and first and second opposing sides;
- b. driving means connected to the frame for propelling the apparatus along the windrow;
- c. a pair of rear wheels rotatably connected to the frame;
- d. an elongate cylindrical drum journaled transversely in the frame, the drum having a longitudinal axis, first and second end portions and a center portion;
- e. means drivably connected to the drum for rotating the drum at a predetermined rotational speed;
- and
- f. the drum including means for generating a compost entraining air stream when the drum is rotated at the predetermined speed, the compost entraining air stream having a sufficient velocity for entraining substantially all of said composting material therein for mixing and aerating the windrow of composting material.
An apparatus for mixing and aerating a windrow of material comprising:
- a frame having a front, a rear, and first and second opposed sides;
- a pair of front wheels rotatably connected to the frame;
- a pair of rear wheels rotatably connected to the frame;
- an elongate cylindrical drum journaled transversely in the frame, the drum having a longitudinal axis and first and second end portions;
- means drivably connected to the drum for rotating the drum at a predetermined rotational speed;
- and,
- means for interlockingly engaging said first and second drum end portions with said respective first and second opposed frame sides and means for transmitting a transverse towing force exerted on said apparatus to said first frame side, through said transverse cylinder, and to said second frame side.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.