Patents Assigned to Flexi-Coil Ltd.
  • Patent number: 6332412
    Abstract: A ground-engaging paired row furrow forming tool includes a tool body having fore and aft ends with an outer edge defined on each of two opposing sides of the tool body. A furrowing wing is located adjacent each of the opposing sides and protrudes from bottom portions of the tool body. The tool body has lower surfaces including a central front surface portion which is angled upwards towards the fore end and a center passage is defined between the furrowing wings. This passageway is in part defined by a central rear surface portion which is adapted to be substantially aligned fore to aft in a direction of travel T during operation of the ground engaging tool. This paired row opener works well without compromise in a broad range of soil conditions without fouling and enables planting of seed rows spaced widely apart while minimizing soil surface disturbance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventors: Gerry Steven Swab, James Wayne Henry
  • Patent number: 6325155
    Abstract: The invention disclosed is a support for a draft cable in a multi-sectional agricultural tillage apparatus movable between an open operating position and a folded transport position. The draft cable is attached to the central frame hitch and an outer wing, and is supported along its length by a folding support arm attached to the inner wing frame. A mechanical mechanism interconnects the central hitch frame with the support arm such that the cable moves to a non-interfering position when the tillage apparatus is in the transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventor: Terrance A. Friggstad
  • Patent number: 6321850
    Abstract: A forwardly folding tillage implement carries a number of ground engaging tools on a tool gang frame disposed to the rear of a carrier frame. A rockshaft is disposed between the carrier frame and the tool gang frame and is movable between four rotated positions about two axes of rotation. A control mechanism controls the relative angular position of the rockshaft. A support mechanism is disposed rearwardly of the axes of rotation to support the rear of the tool gang frame above the ground in the field working position. An abutment member restrains the relative rotation between the rockshaft and the tool gang frame to fully support the tool gang frame on the rockshaft upon rotation of the rockshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventor: Terrance A. Friggstad
  • Patent number: 6318279
    Abstract: A seed boot attachment for depositing a seed within a furrow including a synclinal shape housing extending to a forward point, furrow forming points extending rearwardly and downwardly from opposing side edges of a bottom surface of the housing, and at least one wear resistant insert secured to at least one of the side member of the furrow forming point, the insert comprising a truncated polyhedron, having a top face of a triangular shape, an opposing flat bottom face of a triangular shape and angled side faces extending between the peripheral edges of the top and bottom faces wherein at least two of the outer corners of the polyhedron are radiused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignees: Kennametal Inc., Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventors: Don C. Rowlett, Gerry S. Swab, James W. Henry
  • Patent number: 6315055
    Abstract: The invention disclosed is a support for a draft cable in a multi-sectional agricultural tillage apparatus movable between an open operating position and a folded transport position. The draft cable is attached to the central frame hitch and an outer wing, and is supported along its length by a folding support arm. A mechanical mechanism interconnects the outer wing with the support arm such that the cable moves to a non-interfering position when the tillage apparatus is in the transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventor: Terrance A. Friggstad
  • Publication number: 20010037887
    Abstract: The invention discloses a differential connecting rod and draft cable for an agricultural tillage device. The invention consists of a differential connecting rod which is positioned parallel to the center frame. The center frame is connected to the inner wing frame by a universal joint. The universal joint has a spherical bearing and a pivot. The pivot is positioned in a slot. The differential control rod positions the pivot in the slot. An ‘L’-shaped linkage and a spring assembly pivotally support the rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Applicant: Flexi-coil Ltd.
    Inventor: Terrance A. Friggstad
  • Patent number: 6305478
    Abstract: An agricultural implement, having ground engaging tools mounted on subframes that are movable through hydraulic actuators between raised transport and lowered working positions, is provided with a hydraulic circuit in which the actuators are connected in parallel with one another within a grouping of the actuators. The positioning of the ground engaging tools into a lowered working position closes the hydraulic circuit for the group of actuators. The subframes are arranged to float over ground undulations to maintain a common working depth for the ground engaging tools. The vertical movement of any one of the actuators in the common group will force a displacement of a corresponding amount of hydraulic fluid, which will then be shared by all of the remaining actuators in the corresponding group. A depth averaging control for the ground engaging tools and a mechanical headland stop apparatus are also provided for the agricultural implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventor: Terrance A. Friggstad
  • Patent number: 6302220
    Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a frame having a pair of tool-carrying wings pivotally mounted thereon for pivotal movement between raised transport positions and lowered ground-working positions. Each wing has a hydraulic wing actuator connected thereto which is extendable and retractible for effecting the pivotal motion. A hydraulic wing actuator circuit is connected to each of the wing actuators, which circuit, when connected to a tractor hydraulic system, enables the wing actuators to apply down pressure to said wings when the wings are in the lowered working positions. A hydraulic pressure control valve system controls the down pressure exerted by the wing actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventors: Dean J. Mayerle, David R. Hundeby
  • Patent number: 6298797
    Abstract: A nurse inductor mechanism for an agricultural seeding implement converts an air seeder meter box into a nurse inductor box to convey seed particles to the singulator of a planting mechanism. The nurse inductor mechanism is detachably mounted on the meter box of the air seeder to receive a supply of seed particles therefrom. The nurse induction mechanism intercepts the normal air flow for the metering mechanism to divert the stream of air into engagement with a pile of seed particles and induce the entrainment of the seed particles for conveyance thereof to the remote planting mechanism. A partition wall divides the nurse induction mechanism into a seed side and an air side. The seed side receives the supply of seed particles from the hopper and allows the seed to pass through a passageway into the air side for engagement by the stream of air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventors: Dean J. Mayerle, David R. Hundeby, Ronald N. Engen, George Neufeld
  • Patent number: 6296425
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing particles includes a storage tank for containing particles to be dispensed a metering mechanism for transferring particles from the storage tank and an air distribution system for receiving particles from the metering mechanism The air distribution system includes a bank of tubes for transporting particles in a flow of air having a flow rate, and a damper mechanism at the bank of tubes for selective control of the flow rate within the bank of tubes. The apparatus for dispensing particles also includes an air flow source for providing a flow of air to the bank of tubes, a sensor located at each tube for providing a sensor output signal indicative of a value of a flow characteristic, and a controller operably connected to the sensors and to the damper mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventors: Russell J. Memory, Robert K. Benneweis, Neil D. Klassen, Robert J. Wilson, James N. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6293352
    Abstract: An agricultural planter is provided with forwardly folding wing members that allow conversion of the planter from a laterally extending operating position to a compact transport position. To increase stability for the planter, the draw bar telescopes as the wing members are folded forwardly into the transport position. Brace members interconnect a forward portion of the draw bar and the wing members. As the wing members fold forwardly, the brace members are arranged to cause a rearward portion of the draw bar to extend rearwardly from the forward portion and effect the telescopic action in the draw bar. A draw bar hitch lock linkage is provided to keep the draw bar compacted when the wing members are in the operating position. A hitch lock actuator is tied into the hydraulic system for the movement of the wing members into the transport position to permit the telescopic action of the draw bar in concert with the forward folding of the wing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventors: David R. Hundeby, Stan W. Ylioja
  • Patent number: 6289830
    Abstract: A nurse inductor mechanism for an agricultural seeding implement converts an air seeder meter box into a nurse inductor box to convey seed particles to the singulator of a planting mechanism. The nurse inductor mechanism is detachably mounted on the meter box of the air seeder to receive a supply of seed particles therefrom. The nurse induction mechanism intercepts the normal air flow for the metering mechanism to divert the stream of air into engagement with a pile of seed particles and induce the entrainment of the seed particles for conveyance thereof to the remote planting mechanism. A partition wall divides the nurse induction mechanism into a seed side and an air side. The seed side receives the supply of seed particles from the hopper and allows the seed to pass through a passageway into the air side for engagement by the stream of air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventors: Dean J. Mayerle, David R. Hundeby, Ronald N. Engen, George Neufeld
  • Patent number: 6290433
    Abstract: An improved conveyor tube and distribution header for air conveyors such as air seeders serves to distribute seed and/or fertilizer products from the aircart to individual delivery tools via pneumatic conveyor tubes. The apparatus is adapted to achieve substantially even distribution of the materials being conveyed to each of the delivery tools. The apparatus includes a conveyor tube for conveying air-entrained material from a first location to a distribution head, which conveyor tube has an interior surface with a plurality of inwardly directed spaced apart projections which are disposed in spaced annular rows extending around the lengthwise axis of the tube for creating controlled turbulence in the flow of material. These projections are arranged in a particular manner to achieve the desired degree of turbulence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Poncelet, Russell James Memory, Hughie Douglas Kydd, Montgomerie Blair Summach
  • Patent number: 6285938
    Abstract: A primer system for agricultural product distribution machines, such as an agricultural air seeder, a precision planter, a sprayer, or the like, includes a tank or a bin for holding the product, a distribution system for conveying and distributing the product from the tank and a driving mechanism for driving the product from the tank into the distribution system at a certain rate. The driving mechanism can run automatically or can be selectively operated, based on commands received from a microcontroller. The microcontroller may receive signals from a user interface and from sensing equipment, such as a ground speed detector, a pressure sensor, a flow metre, or the like. In a regular mode of operation, the controller runs the driving mechanism automatically at a rate calculated based on the signals received from the above mentioned systems. Most agricultural machines have the automated mode of operation of the driving mechanism, conditioned by the ground speed of the tractor being higher than a minimum speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventors: Francis G. Lang, Robert K. Benneweis, Shane C. Durant, Paul G. Weisberg, Blake R. Neudorf, David R. Hundeby, Dean J. Mayerle
  • Patent number: 6273648
    Abstract: An improved conveyor tube and distribution header for air conveyors such as air seeders serves to distribute seed and/or fertiliser products from the aircart to individual delivery tools via pneumatic conveyor tubes. The apparatus is adapted to achieve substantially even distribution of the materials being conveyed to each of the delivery tools. The apparatus includes a conveyor tube for conveying air-entrained material from a first location to a distribution head, which conveyor tube has an interior surface with a plurality of inwardly directed spaced apart projections which are disposed in spaced annular rows extending around the lengthwise axis of the tube for creating controlled turbulence in the flow of material. These projections are arranged in a particular manner to achieve the desired degree of turbulence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Poncelet, Russell James Memory, Hughie Douglas Kydd, Montgomerie Blair Summach
  • Patent number: 6269887
    Abstract: A forwardly folding tillage implement carries a number of ground engaging tools on a tool gang frame disposed to the rear of a carrier frame. A rockshaft is disposed between the carrier frame and the tool gang frame and is movable between four rotated positions about two axes of rotation. A control mechanism controls the relative angular position of the rockshaft. A support mechanism is disposed rearwardly of the axes of rotation to support the rear of the tool gang frame above the ground in the field working position. An abutment member restrains the relative rotation between the rockshaft and the tool gang frame to fully support the tool gang frame on the rockshaft upon rotation of the rockshaft. A secondary hitch mechanism is also provide to couple a second implement behind the forwardly folding tillage implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventor: Terrance A. Friggstad
  • Patent number: 6269886
    Abstract: The invention discloses a differential connecting rod and draft cable for an agricultural tillage device. The invention consists of a differential connecting rod which is positioned parallel to the center frame. The center frame is connected to the inner wing frame by a universal joint. The universal joint has a spherical bearing and a pivot. The pivot is positioned in a slot. The differential control rod positions the pivot in the slot. An ‘L’-shaped linkage and a spring assembly pivotally support the rod. The draft cable is attached to the center frame hitch and outer wing. It is supported in the center by a folding support arm. This allows the wire to be moved when the cultivator is being transported. The draft cable transfers the draft force exerted on the outer wing to the center frame hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventor: Terrance A. Friggstad
  • Patent number: 6267067
    Abstract: A nurse receiver header for an agricultural planting implement is cooperable with a nurse mechanism that conveys a stream of seeds entrained in an air stream from a central hopper. A receiver is positioned at the planting mechanism to receive the seeds entrained in the air stream and accumulate a supply of the seeds for utilization by the associated planting mechanism. The receiver header may include a vent for dissipating the air stream when receiving the seeds for distribution to the receiver. The vent is provided with a hood to keep contaminants from entering the vent and passing into the planting mechanism. The receiver header is positioned so that an appropriate supply of seeds for the planting mechanism fills the tube between the receiver header and the receiver including the vent, resulting in a decreased volume of discharged air for the air stream and a diminished ability for the nurse mechanism to convey seeds. The receiver header can be configured to service multiple receivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventors: Dean J. Mayerle, David R. Hundeby, Ronald N. Engen
  • Patent number: 6267184
    Abstract: The invention discloses a differential connecting rod and draft cable for an agricultural tillage device. The invention consists of a differential connecting rod which is positioned parallel to the center frame. The center frame is connected to the inner wing frame by a universal joint. The universal joint has a spherical bearing and a pivot. The pivot is positioned in a slot. The differential control rod positions the pivot in the slot. An ‘L’-shaped linkage and a spring assembly pivotally support the rod. The draft cable is attached to the center frame hitch and outer wing. It is supported in the center by a folding support arm. This allows the wire to be moved when the cultivator is being transported. The draft cable transfers the draft force exerted on the outer wing to the center frame hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventor: Terrance A. Friggstad
  • Patent number: 6263978
    Abstract: The invention discloses a differential connecting rod and draft cable for an agricultural tillage device. The invention consists of a differential connecting rod which is positioned parallel to the center frame. The center frame is connected to the inner wing frame by a universal joint. The universal joint has a spherical bearing and a pivot. The pivot is positioned in a slot. The differential control rod positions the pivot in the slot. An ‘L’-shaped linkage and a spring assembly pivotally support the rod. The draft cable is attached to the center frame hitch and outer wing. It is supported in the center by a folding support arm. This allows the wire to be moved when the cultivator is being transported. The draft cable transfers the draft force exerted on the outer wing to the center frame hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventor: Terrance A. Friggstad