An apparatus for forcing airflow through (i.e., aerating) a particulate material
consists of a planar bearing surface and a ventilation conduit underlying the planar
bearing surface. A plurality of delivery conduits extend between the ventilation
conduit and the planar bearing surface with a mouth of the delivery conduits being
near the planar bearing surface. A grate, defining a plurality of openings, covers
the mouth of each delivery conduit. Each grate has a top surface substantially
parallel to the planar bearing surface and positioned at or no more than a select
distance below the planar bearing surface. This select distance is close enough
to the planar bearing surface to prevent the accumulation of particulate material
over the grate as the particulate material is scraped from the planar bearing surface
with an implement having a linear edge abutting the planar bearing surface.
