Abstract: A spring coil assembly having a first row of coils arranged in a first spacing pattern and a second row of coils adjacent the first row and arranged in a second spacing pattern that is different from the first spacing pattern. The spring coil assembly can be assembled using an apparatus comprising a main conveyor adapted to convey a plurality of coils along an axis, an assembler which is operable to intertwine a plurality of coils into a spring coil assembly, and a transfer station operable to move a plurality of coils from the main conveyor into the assembler. The transfer station includes a plurality of pusher arms each of which include a gripper which is operable to grasp an individual coil, a carriage supporting the gripper arms and means for shifting the carriage axially relative to the axis so that a plurality of coils carried by the gripper arms are displaced in the direction of travel of the conveyor.

Abstract: A rake wheel construction for an agricultural hay rake includes a central hub and a series of rake fingers that extend outwardly from the central hub. A peripheral rim is located outwardly of the central hub, and each rake finger is engaged with the rim at a location between an inner end and an outer end defined by the rake finger. An open area is located between the central hub and the peripheral rim, and a disc member is located in the open area between the central hub and the peripheral rim. A series of bracket members are secured to the disc member, and are located inwardly of the peripheral rim, and a brace member extends between the central hub and each bracket member.