Patent GB-180716-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to harvesting machines
IPC: A01D75/06
Filed: 1921-01-20
Abstract: 180,716. Cameron, L. J. Jan. 20, 1920. Shocking-machines.-A shocking-machine comprises a moulding-device, which receives sheaves from a binder and forms them into a shock, and a ring-like member which is adapted to move up to and grip the shock, withdraw it from the moulding-device, turn it into a vertical position and deposit it on the ground. The sheaves are thrown from the binder on to a shelf of rods 34 which directs them into a holder 39, whence they are conveyed by constantly-running endless bands 33<a>, 33<b> to the loader 42 for the moulding-device. An arresting-member 38 ensures only one sheaf at a time being on the loader. The moulding-device comprises an inner truncated cone 30, mounted on and rotatable about a shaft 41 and carrying six spacers 31 for the sheaves, and an outer cone member formed by curved rods 32 connected by stays 46, the outer member being in halves which can be swung apart on hinges 47. The loader 42 feeds a sheaf into each of the spaces between the spacers 31, the end portion 32<a> of the rods 32 being pivoted so as to yield and permit the sheaves being pushed into the moulder. As each sheaf is pushed into place it moves the inner cone round and brings the next space into sheaf receiving position. When the moulder is fully charged the leader automatically stops and a conveying ring 1 is moved forwards to grip and withdraw the complete shock. The ring 1 is made up of two halves each comprising a central part 26, fixed to a supporting arm 2, and terminal segments 27 adapted to be opened when the ring is about to seize or to discharge a shuck. The arms 2 are pivoted in carriers 9 enclosing square vertical members 13 of a travelling frame comprised by these members and a cross-bar 3 in which the vertical members are journaled and which is secured to longitudinal members 15 carrying wheels 18 running in tracks 21, 22 extending along each side of the main frame. The carriers 9 can slide along the members 13 and are supported by sleeves secured to wheels 17 which run in tracks 19, 20 below the tracks 21, 22. The tracks 19, 20 are inclined sharply downwards near their rear ends and are pivoted and adjustably spring supported to permit shocks of different lengths being delivered by the machine. As the ring 1 approaches the moulder, stops 25<b> engage the top of the shock and cause the ring to close on the sheaves, the terminal segments 27 also closing as the two halves of the ring move into the same plane. As the carrier moves on wards, struts 48 holding the outer cone of the moulder closed are released, thus permitting the outer cone to open and release the shock when the carrier is retracted. The struts are automatically set in position again after removal of the shock. The shock swings on the pivots 2 into a vertical position after it is drawn clear of the moulder, and as the carriers move down the inclined portion of the track it is deposited on the ground. The ring, which is locked in a closed position after gripping the shock by a spring catch 4, Fig. 7, on the pivot 13 riding into a space between a ratchet-toothed stop 61 and a spring stop 67, is freed by a bar 65 at the rear of the frame engaging and pushing aside the stop 67; an extension 49 of the catch 4 engages a stop 63 and causes a slight opening of the ring. On the carrier commencing its forward movement the ring is opened widely by the catch 4 engaging the rear vertical portion of a ratchet stop 66. The ring is swung to the shock-receiving position shown in Fig. 5 by the extension 49. Fig. 7, engaging a stop 62, the pivoted stop 67 forming a bridge to carry the catch 4 to the front side of the stop 61.