Ralph Wasylynuik hated his chemistry class when he was studying for a bachelor degree in agriculture.
But the class paid off when he invented a filter now used in tractor cabs around the world.
The filter uses activated carbon to help keep chemical fumes out of the driver’s area, said the Raymore, Sask., farmer and inventor.
His cab filter was patented and is marketed by Dutch Industries in Regina.
“It won awards and has been marketed all over the world,” he said.
Read Also
Support needed at all levels for high-value solar projects
Farmers, rural municipalities and governments should welcome any opportunity to get involved in large-scale solar power installations, say agrivoltaics proponents.
Wasylynuik has one American competitor but the U.S. filter hasn’t been tested or approved under recently adopted standards.
Wasylynuik’s filter was not his first invention that improved farm safety.
He also created a folding, extendable ladder that attaches to the side of a truck and enables a person to climb up to the box.
The ladder reduces the risk of injury because it is angled into the truck to make it more secure when weight is put on it.
That idea has been picked up by another manufacturing company – St. Front Enterprises of St. Front, Sask. A third idea, an auger designed for a truck bottom, is being manufactured by Cancade Co. in Brandon.
Wasylynuik has also made several machinery adaptations for his brother-in-law who had trouble farming because of a disability.
That relative is retired but Wasylynuik’s designs helped him stay in farming for several years.
Wasylynuik’s inventions have twice won him awards in the new inventions category at Regina’s Farm Progress Show.
He said his farm background led him to do a lot of tinkering. From his farm shop, he works on modifications that require little machining.
“I’ve probably got another 10 ideas floating around,”he said. “You sit there and think about it and make something that can be cheap and effective. Make it as simple as you can.”
Wasylynuik regards the auger as the most dangerous piece of equipment on a farm. Despite the use of guards and remote controls, augers still injure and kill farmers.
“Safety will drive it. Economics will drive it. A farmer will look to both.”
Wasylynuik has spoken at meetings advising fellow farm inventors. He said for every item on the market, there are probably 10 others that are just used on an individual’s farm.
While some fear their idea will be stolen, Wasylynuik said they should tell peers about their ideas and encourage feedback at farm events and trade shows.
“When you finish a week of talking to farmers, you’ll know if you’ve got something.”
