6-Bit Hydraulic Manifold and Its Use in Spreading Salt

Abstract

Disclosed is a system for precisely controlling distribution of saline, which employs a 6-bit manifold employing 6 solenoid valves for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid therethrough. The manifold is in hydraulic fluid communication with motor valves. A mathematical formula or a lookup table determines the amount of saline distributed. The system is devoid of feedback. The 6-bit manifold can be employed on a salt spreader vehicle for controlling an improved flighted auger assembly for distributing granular salt from the rear of a salt spreader vehicle. The auger assembly has 3-stages of increasing diameter flights. The largest flight is at a discharge end of the auger assembly. A choke surrounds the ultimate auger flight at the auger assembly discharge end. The space between the choke and the ultimate flight is between about ⅛ and ¼ inch.

1 - 5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . The system of claim  5  in combination with an improved flighted auger for distributing granular salt from the rear of a salt spreader truck, which comprises:
 (a) said auger having 3-stages of increasing diameter flights, the largest flight being at a discharge end of said auger; and 
 (b) a choke surrounding said ultimate auger flight at the auger discharge end, space between said choke and said ultimate flight being between about ⅛ and ¼ inch. 
 
     
     
         7 - 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . An improved flighted auger assembly for distributing granular salt from the rear of a salt spreader vehicle, which comprises:
 (a) said auger assembly having 3-stages of increasing diameter flights, the largest flight being at a discharge end of said auger; and   (b) a choke surrounding said ultimate auger flight at the auger assembly discharge end, space between said choke and said ultimate flight being between about ⅛ and ¼ inch.   
     
     
         12 . The improved flighted auger assembly of  claim 11 , wherein said salt spreader vehicle has a bed for storage of granular salt and said bed is fitted with a vibrator for urging granular salt into said auger assembly.