Patents by Inventor Terrance Friggstad

Terrance Friggstad has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6371216
    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 spring mechanism is provided which interconnects the rockshaft and the first tool frame to exert a spring force on the tillage tools supported on the first tool frame to urge the tools into the ground. The spring mechanism is supported on a support arm extending rearwardly from the rockshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventor: Terrance A. Friggstad
  • Patent number: 6371215
    Abstract: A frame for a tillage implement includes a pair of opposing frame sections pivotally connected to a central kingpost for a folding movement between a transversely extending working position and a longitudinally extending transport position. The frame sections have mounted thereto a number of tool sub-frames carrying ground engaging working tools. The tool sub-frames are pivotally movable relative to a rockshaft carried by the frame sections so as to be rotatable between a lowered operative position and a generally vertical raised non-working position. Depth control for the ground engaging tools is accomplished through the rotation of the rockshaft about its pivot lug. The frame sections are connected at the inner end to the kingpost so that the main frame members abut when placed in the working position. Each frame member is supported by a pair of wheel assemblies at the inner and distal ends respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventor: Terrance A. Friggstad
  • Patent number: 6336511
    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. An automatic locking mechanism is associated with a transport latching apparatus to effect a release of the latching mechanism in response to the actuation of the hydraulic cylinders for converting the wing members from the transport configuration to the field operating configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventor: Terrance A. Friggstad
  • 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20010011595
    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: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    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: 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20010008185
    Abstract: A frame for a tillage implement includes a pair of opposing frame sections pivotally connected to a central kingpost for a folding movement between a transversely extending working position and a longitudinally extending transport position. The frame sections have mounted thereto a number of tool sub-frames carrying ground engaging working tools. The tool sub-frames are pivotally movable relative to a rockshaft carried by the frame sections so as to be rotatable between a lowered operative position and a generally vertical raised non-working position. Depth control for the ground engaging tools is accomplished through the rotation of the rockshaft about its pivot lug. The frame sections are connected at the inner end to the kingpost so that the main frame members abut when placed in the working position. Each frame member is supported by a pair of wheel assemblies at the inner and distal ends respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Inventor: Terrance A. Friggstad
  • Patent number: 6260630
    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 17, 2001
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventor: Terrance A. Friggstad
  • Publication number: 20010006110
    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: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Publication date: July 5, 2001
    Inventor: Terrance A. Friggstad
  • Publication number: 20010001988
    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: May 31, 2001
    Applicant: Flexi-coil Ltd.
    Inventor: Terrance A. Friggstad
  • Publication number: 20010001421
    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: May 24, 2001
    Applicant: Flexi-coil Ltd.
    Inventor: Terrance A. Friggstad
  • Publication number: 20010001422
    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: May 24, 2001
    Applicant: Flexi-coil Ltd.
    Inventor: Terrance A. Friggstad
  • Patent number: 6223831
    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: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventor: Terrance A. Friggstad