Douglas Bill Steffen

US Patent:

50444492, Sep 3, 1991

Filed:

May 4, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/519294

Inventors:

Louis Stirek - Griswold IA
Bruce J. Steffens - Griswold IA
Douglas B. Steffen - Griswold IA

Assignee:

Triple S Engineering, Inc. - Griswold IA

International Classification:

A01B 2304
A01B 1908
A01B 3520

US Classification:

172634

Abstract:

This invention relates to a flex tine soil mulcher comprised of a plurality of spaced parallel elongated support arms which extend in a lateral direction with respect to the travel of the device over a cultivated field. A plurality of elongated spaced soil-engaging tines are secured to each of the support arms and extend downwardly therefrom. An upstanding bracket arm is secured to each of the support arms with the bracket arms being in longitudinal alignment. First and second parallel connecting arms are pivotally secured to the bracket arms whereby the attitude of the tines with respect to a vertical plane can be adjusted by longitudinally moving one of the connecting arms with respect to the other. A stop means interconnects the connecting arms to prevent longitudinal movement of one connecting arm with respect to the other in first longitudinal direction, but permits free longitudinal movement between the connecting arms in an opposite longitudinal direction.

US Patent:

54311179, Jul 11, 1995

Filed:

Aug 9, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/103117

Inventors:

Bruce J. Steffens - Griswold IA
Douglas B. Steffen - Griswold IA
Louis Stirek - Griswold IA

Assignee:

Triple S Engineering, Inc. - Griswold IA

International Classification:

A01C 700

US Classification:

111180

Abstract:

An external shutoff element for a multiple row pneumatic seed planter having a transverse frame, a plurality of seed planting elements thereon, a hollow rotary seed selector drum with a plurality of spaced apart rows of seed retaining perforations which correspond to the planting elements, an airblower forcing air outwardly from within the drum thereby suspending individual seeds in a depression associated with each perforation so long as the perforation is not blocked, a discharge portion for dislodging the seeds from the perforations and delivering them to the respective planting elements, the improvement comprising a shutoff element movably mounted on the frame above the discharge portion for selectively engaging the outside of the drum to cover a group of rows of perforations so that the usual radial pneumatic bias generated by the airblower ceases to hold the seeds in the covered rows of perforations and they fall before the discharge portion can deliver them for planting. Electrical control and actuating elements including solenoids, switches and indicator lights are also connected to the shutoff elements to allow an operator in the cab of the tractor to selectively shut off rows of the planter.