Patent GB-190222627-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or connected with Means for Collecting and Loading or Carting Farm Produce such as Corn or the like.
Inventor: HARVEY EDWARD CHARLES
Filed: 1902-10-17
Granted: 1903-10-01
Abstract: 22,627. Harvey, E. C. Oct. 17. Hay-loaders. - Relates to apparatus for collecting and loading cut corn crops and like farm produce. The apparatus is adapted to be attached at the side or at the rear of the wagon to be loaded, by suitable spring connections, and may, if desired, be supplied with a separate pair of horseshafts to assist the traction. The frame b is carried on castor wheels c and on a pair of main wheels d connected by pawl-and-ratchet mechanism to the main shaft or axle d<1>. A series of prongs or tines g are fixed in a divergent position in front of the carriage to collect the crop, and their rear ends are bent to form a pocket g<x>, from which the crop is removed by the elevator h. Screens or side pieces g' are attached at each side of the collector g, and a sheet g<3> of canvas or the like is fixed between the tines to collect the corn that may be shelled out. The frame h of the elevator is pivoted at h', so that it can be turned down by the aid of a winch i, for storage or transport. The tines h<9> are hinged to cross-bars carried by endless chains, driven from the main shaft d<1>. The tines h<9> may be turned down, so that certain of them may be rendered inoperative during the action of the machine. The elevator is enclosed in a casing h<11>, and delivers the crop upon a conveyer mounted and driven so that it can deliver the crop to any part of the wagon or load and can also be folded down for storage. The conveyer j is mounted in a horizontal frame k pivoted in a forked frame k<3> and adjusted therein by worm and segment gearing operated by the handle k<7x>. The frame k<3> is carried by a hollow shaft k<4> mounted in a frame l, and is adjusted by worm and wheel gearing operated by the hand-crank k<10>. The frame l is pivoted on the carriage b, and is also adjustable by worm and segment gearing. The conveyer j is driven from the main shaft d<1> by chain and bevel gearing so arranged as to allow of the folding up of the parts. The Specification describes a number of modifications. In one form a spiral elevator is employed instead of the elevator h and conveyer j already described. In another form in which the carriage b is attached at the rear of the wagon, the tines g are arranged at the side of the carriage b and deliver the crop to a horizontal conveyer, which delivers it to an elevator overhanging the rear of the wagon. A flexible shoot of large area is employed at the upper end of the elevator for delivering the produce at the required spot. The shoot is formed of canvas or the like lined with plates of zinc to afford a smooth surface. The tines g instead of being fixed may be pivoted, and of C-shape, and provided with buffer springs. In this case, the elevator is arranged immediately over the tines. In another form of machine adapted for loading corn in sheaves, the tines g deliver the sheaves to a short elevator, which discharges them down a shoot with sides so arranged that the sheaves are turned round so that they can be picked up by a second elevator, which discharges them into the wagon. Apparatus is employed in connection with this machine for knocking over sheaves that are set up in shocks, so that the tines g can pick them up. The apparatus consists of an adjustable frame, projecting in front of the tines g and supporting a number of reciprocating or endlessly-travelling fingers which engage the sheaves and throw them over. The tines g in some cases may be independently pivoted and each provided with a small supporting-wheel.