Improvements in Sheaf-binding Harvesting Machines.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 10th June, 1893
Complete Specification Left, 31st Mar., 1894-Accepted, 9th June 1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Sheaf-binding Harvesting Machines.
We ALEXANDER MCGREGOR of Albion Iron Works, Leigh, in the County of
Lancaster, Engineer, and HENRY BURCH of the same place, Draughtsman, do
hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to sheaf binding harvesting machines the object being to
improve the arrangement and construction of the parts hereinafter described.
The first part of the invention relates to improvements in the construction of the
framework of the machine.
In order give greater stability, the gear frame which encircles the main road
wheel is formed of two channel section bars, having the ribs on the inner side of
the frame. To the forward end of the outer bar of this frame the back of the
finger bar is secured in the manner hereinafter described, and bent diagonally
upwards to the desired level, when it is continued past the front of the road wheel,
then bent at right angles past the outer or stubble side of the wheel and forming a
convenient support for the various brackets and bearings necessary for the gearing
and the road wheel; and again bent at right angles past the back of the wheel,
being finally bent diagonally downwards to the necessary level for connecting to
the angle bar which forms the "back bone" of the grain platform of the machine.
In order to connect the front and back portions of this outer frame, and form a
support for the inner or grain side of the road wheel and cross shaft, we make use
of a similar channel section bar having its ribs on the side next the wheel, and bent
back at each end so that the ribs may fit close against those on the outer bar, and
in order to prevent the bolts or rivets from being subjected to any shearing
strain, we insert fish plates in the double channel spaces. Or instead of bending
the ends of the inner bar, the same may be provided with corner knees or brackets
which fit between the ribs of the inner and outer bars. By placing the ribs on the
inner side of the frame, they assist in securing the quadrants for the road wheel,
the cross shaft bearings, and other inside brackets.
The angle bar which forms the "back bone" of the grain platform is formed of
a size that will fit closely between the ribs of the channel section frame and thus
relieve the bolts which secure it from any shearing strain; and with the same
object in view, to the forward part of the frame we make use of a strengthening
plate which fits between the front of the frame and the back of the finger bar, and
having ribs on the back side to closely clip the frame, and corresponding ribs on
the front side to closely clip the finger bar. This strengthening plate is provided
with a bearing for the spindle of the inner roller of the conveyor apron, and a
raised projection for guiding the canvas. The bottom part is formed with a flange
or ears for supporting the forward inner corner of the platform bottom.
The outer end of the finger bar is connected to the back bone by means of an
angle plate in the ordinary manner, but we prefer to make this angle plate of a
sufficient length to form an abutment for a diagonal stay to the upper part of the
outer dividing board. Instead of connecting the outer dividing irou direct to the
back bone we make use of a distance piece rivetted to the former, and curved so as
not to obstruct the crop in passing on to the platform; and also provided with a
recess to receive the upright support for the dividing board.
To the forward part of the before mentioned gear frame in a line, or nearly so,
with the inner bar of the said frame, we attach a bracket which is carried upwards
sufficiently to clear the connecting rod that drives the knife and extended forwards
to a position suitable for attaching the draught pole. From the top side of the

page_text: forward part of this bracket we carry an upright angle bar which forms the main
support for the front of the elevator frame. To the top end of this upright angle
bar we secure a recessed plate which carries the bearings for the forward ends of
the inner and outer elevator rollers and the extra roller; the recess in the plate
forming a guard for the wheels which communicate the motion from one elevator
roller to the other. Attached to this plate are bearings for the crank shaft which
actuates the "grain butter" and communicates motion to the reel: To this plate
also the rack quadrant and pivot for the tipping lever is secured. The back of the
plate also forms a ready means of firmly securing the upper part of the diagonal
steel plate which forms the front end for the elevators. As a further support to
the recessed plate and the elevator end we carry an angle bar either curved or
diagonally, from the lower part of the same to the outer end of the gear frame.
From the main shoe on the finger bar we carry an upright angle bar to support
the forward end of the seat board, and forming a convenient arrangement for
securing the bottom part of the diagonal elevator end and also the bearings for the
forward ends of the bottom rollers of the elevators. At a point on this upright
bar which is lineable with the centre of the joint which connects the draught pole
to the draught bracket we attach a lug or bracket for receiving the stud or end of
the side stay to the pole; and this, by being lineable admits of the machine being
tipped up or down to the desired angle without causing the forward end of the pole
to move sideways as is the case when the main draught bracket and the stay
bracket are out of line. To resist the pull or strain on the upright angle bar I
carry a stay rod through the before mentioned lug or bracket and passing between
the inner elevator canvas to the back part of the machine; and adding in a measure
to the general stability of the framework. To further reduce the strain on the
upright angle bar, and bring the draught of the machine to a more effective
position on the before mentioned named shoe we form or secure a lug and connect
the same, by means of a draught rod to a slide which carries the whipple-trees, and
is free to move backwards or forwards on the draught pole. By this arrangement,
the forward draught of the machine is direct from the main shoe; the pole only
acting as the guide sideways, or for tipping the machine.
In order to support the back end of the seat board, and admit of grain passing
up the elevators which is of a greater length than the ordinary width of the machine,
we make use of an angle or other section bar supported by a bracket which is
secured to the rear of the chanuel section frame at a point as nearly under the seat
board as convenient; this angle or other bar being carried diagonally backwards
to the required distance before being bent upwards to the seat board. In order to
overcome any tendency to twist the frame, on the upper part of this supporting
bracket we form a lug in such position as to receive the end of a diagonal stay rod
which is carried from the inner, or grain side of the gear frame, or other suitable
point of attachment.
The next part of the invention relates to the arrangement and construction of
the binder frame, and to the manner of locking the binder gear during the process
of packing, and instantly releasing the same on sufficient grain being packed to form
the desired size of a sheaf.
To the underside of the main tube of the binder frame and parallel with the
needle shaft which is carried by this tube, we secure a bar or pipe which is
supported by one or more brackets mounted on the gear frame of the machine and
having a roller or rollers under the pipe, so that the same, and with it the whole of
the binding apparatus is free to move endways. Parallel with this moving pipe we
make use of a fixed pipe having its ends secured to brackets attached to the outer
bars of the elevator frames. On the inner side of the main tube of the binder
frame, and under the binding table we form a horizontal rectangular frame
carrying the packer shaft and gearing, and having a straight bar on edge which is
over, and parallel with the fixed pipe. The forward end of this straight bar moves
through a guide which is formed in one with the bracket which secures the fixed
pipe to the elevator frame, the guide being provided with a roller under which the

page_text: straight bar is free to pass; and the back corner of the rectangular frame is
provided with a bracket which clips the fixed pipe, and is fitted with a roller
working under the pipe, so that in this manner the binding apparatus is kept
from tilting, and at the same time is free to travel backwards or forwards as
desired.
Beneath the horizontal rectangular frame is carried a two throw crank shaft for
actuating the packers in the ordinary manner; and on the outer side of the forward
crank we prefer to place three or more studs or pins at equal distances from the
centre of the shaft, and each carrying a roller either of which rollers may act as a
driver to a pawl which is pivotted on the side of the first motion spur wheel which
drives the binder gear; this wheel being loose on the crank shaft and driven by
the contact of one or other of the rollers with the pawl. In order to disengage the
pawl, and admit of the packers continuing to work while the binding apparatus is
at rest, we make use of a stop-arm which by means of an adjustable spring is
brought into contact with the pawl so as to retain it in a position clear of the path
of the rollers until the stop-arm is otherwise acted upon. This stop-arm is
mounted on the supporting tube or pipe which is secured to the binder frame
under the needle shaft; and is formed with a sleeve or boss encircling the pipe and
has an arm or quadrant extending partially around the boss of the needle and at
sufficient distance from the same to admit of the stop arm being raised without the
quadrant arm coming into contact with the needle boss. A trip lever is formed
with its attachment end of the same sweep as the quadrant arm to which it is
adjustably secured, so that the relative positions of the trip lever and the stop arm
may be varied as desired and thereby admit of a larger or smaller quantity of grain
being packed to form a sheaf before the pressure on the trip lever is sufficient to
raise the stop arm and bring the binding apparatus into gear.
On an extension of the quadrant arm we mount a stud or roller which, when the
needle is in operation comes into contact with a projecting rib or segment formed
at the back of the boss of the same; thus preventing the stop-arm from being
actuated by its spring until the needle has returned to the position for the stud or
roller to clear the projecting rib on the needle boss.
The next part of the invention relates to an arrangement of gearing for driving
the binding apparatus. We extend the forward end of the packer crank shaft to a
bearing formed in the boss of the first motion bevel pinion. This boss is of
sufficient length to form a journal for the pinion, which is carried in a bearing
formed at the front end of the rectangular fraine; and on the back of this boss we
form a flange or plate which carries the pawl for engaging either with the stop-arm
as previously described or one or other of the driving rollers which in this case are
mounted on a corresponding flange or plate keyed or otherwise secured to the
packer shaft in juxtaposition to the plate on the back of the boss of the bevel
pinion. This first motion bevel pinion gears into a bevel pinion at the lower end
of an inclined shaft which has a bevel pinion at its upper end gearing into a bevel
wheel on the forward end of the binder shaft. This bevel wheel has its teeth
shrouded by a casing which is formed in the binder frame, the pinion which
operates it being at the inner side and within this casing; the back of the
periphery of the bevel wheel being provided with a boss which carries the crank
pin for attaching the connecting rod which drives the crank shaft to which the
needle is secured. The stop-arm for engaging the pawl and the quadrant arm for
attaching the trip lever are in this bevel gear arrangement secured one at either
end of an independent rod or spindle carried in suitable bearings conveniently near
the needle shaft; the operation of the trip lever and stop arm being similar in
every respect to that described as mounted on the supporting tube or pipe.
A similar arrangement of extended forward end of the packer shaft and mounting
the trip lever and stop arm on an independent spindle may be used with ordinary
chain or spur gearing; the first motion chain or spur pinion in this case being
provided with a boss which forms a journal for it, while at the same time the boss
is bored out to form the bearing for the front end of the packer crank shaft, and a

page_text: plate is formed at the back of the boss to carry the pawl; or the first motion spur
pinion may be placed within the rectangular frame and carried by the packer
shaft, the end of the latter only being carried in the bearing at the front of the
rectangular frame.
The next part of the invention relates to the adjustment of the position of the
compressor arm so that it may act in unison with the trip lever in resisting
the action of the packers until sufficient grain has been accumulated to form a
sheaf of the desired size and that it may form a rigid abutment for the needle to
compress the sheaf against. We mount the said compressor arm on a slide which
is formed on a boss keyed or otherwise secured to a shaft which may be actuated
by a cam on the main wheel of the binder shaft in the ordinary manner; and we
make use of an adjusting screw so that the arm may be moved backwards or
forwards along the slide by simply turning the screw. The compressor arm is
formed by preference with two ears, one on either side of the slide, and a bolt is
inserted through the ears and a slot which is formed in the slide; so that when the
desired position of the arm is obtained by means of the adjusting screw, the bolt
inay be tightened and thereby form a rigid connection between the arm and the
slide.
In order to actuate the compressor arm in a simple and efficient manner, we make
use of the following arrangement.
On the end of the needle shaft in close proximity to the boss of the needle we
place the boss of the slide to which the compressor arm is adjustably attached; and
from the opposite side of this latter boss we extend a catch arm which engages
under a hooked latch which is pivotted to a suitable bracket secured to the
supporting tube of the binder frame or other convenient position, and is provided
with a spring to keep the latch in gear with the catch-arm until it is otherwise
acted upon.
To the side of the latch nearest the needle boss we pivot a pawl so
adjusted that when the needle has completed its outward stroke, the pawl shall
engage in a ratchet tooth which is formed on the boss of the needle; and
preferably, the same spring that acts to keep the latch in gear with the catch arm,
also acting to keep the pawl in gear with the ratchet tooth on the needle boss.
The instant the needle commences its return stroke, owing to the pawl on the side
of the latch being in gear with the ratchet tooth on the needle boss, the latch is
forced out of gear with the catch arm, thereby allowing the compressor to drop
before the sheaf as the latter is being discharged from the binding apparatus. In
order to raise the compressor arm immediately after the passing of the sheaf, on
the side of the catch arm nearest to the needle boss we form a lug or tooth which,
as the needle is completing its backward movement is caught by a corresponding
lug or tooth on the needle boss and the catch arm is moved sufficient to engage
under the latch, where it remains firmly secured until again released in the manner
previously described.
Instead of securing the bracket to which the latch is pivotted, firmly to the
supporting tube; the bracket may be also pivotted on the tube and kept in
position by an adjustable bolt and spring; so that in the event of any undue strain
on the compressor arm the last mentioned spring may have a slightly yielding
tendency, more especially at the instant of final compression of the sheaf, and
thereby prevent any overstraining or breakages that might otherwise occur.
The next part of the invention relates to the manner of actuating the main clutch
so as to move it into or out of gear with the main driving pinion. On the inside of
the back bar of the gear frame we secure a bracket having a stud or pin on which
is pivotted the clutch lever; the fork end of the same engaging with an annular
groove in the clutch and the outer end being actuated by a rod which is connected
to a crank formed at the lower end of an upright shaft; the top end of which is
bent in the form of a lever and placed in a position convenient to the driver's hand.
In order that the clutch may be forced out of gear automatically when the machine
is moved backwards, the clutch teeth which engage with the first motion pinion are
ratcheted, or formed with a square face on the driving side only; and instead of

page_text: connecting the rod directly to the outer end of the clutch lever, it is free to slide
through an eye in the same and the motion of the lever is controlled by a nut on
the extremity of the rod which causes the same to act positively when moving the
clutch out of gear, and a spring placed on the rod at the other side of the lever
which acts for moving the clutch into gear, but gives way when the clutch is forced
out of gear by any backward movement of the machine.
Instead of having a fixed abutment for this spring, our improvement consists in
carrying the same in a swivel bracket which is pivotted on the main bracket under
the eye at the outer end of the lever, and forms a moving abutment for the spring,
allowing it to follow the sideway movement of the rod caused by the throw of the
crank which actuates it.
Dated this 9th day of June 1893.
GEO. DAVIES & SON,
4, St. Ann's Square, Manchester, Agents for the Applicants.
CUMI LEIDDI DOITI
Improvements in Sheaf-binding Harvesting Machines.
We ALEXANDER MCGREGOR of Albion Iron Works Leigh, in the County of
Lancaster, Engineer, and HENRY BURCH of the same place, Draughtsman, do
hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to
be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:―
This invention relates to sheaf binding harvesting machines the object being to
improve the arrangement and construction of the parts hereafter described which
will be readily understood on reference to the accompanying drawings.
The first part of the invention relates to improvements in the construction of the
framework of the machine.
In order to give greater solidity and stiffness the gear frame a a¹ Fig. 1 which
encircles the main road wheel b is formed of two wrought iron or steel bars of a
channel section, having the ribs on the inner side of the frame. To the forward end
of the outer bar of this frame the back of the finger bar c is secured in the manner
hereinafter described, and bent diagonally upwards as shown in Fig. 6 to the desired
level, when it is continued past the front of the road wheel then bent at right angles
past the outer or stubble side of the wheel, forming a convenient support for the
various brackets and bearings necessary for the gearing and the road wheel; and
again bent at right angles past the back of the wheel; being finally bent diagonally
downwards as shown in Fig. 7 to the necessary level for connecting to the angle
bar d which forms the "back bone" of the grain platform of the machine. In
order to connect the front and back portions of this outer frame, and form a support
for the inner or grain side of the road wheel and cross shaft, we make use of a
similar channel section bar a¹ having its ribs on the side next the wheel, and bent
back at each end so that the ribs may fit close against those on the outer bar, and
in order to prevent the bolts or rivets from being subjected to any shearing strain,
we insert fish plates a² in the double channel spaces as shown in Fig. 5. Or instead
of bending the ends of the inner bar, the same may be provided with corner knees
or brackets which fit between the ribs of the inner and outer bars. By placing the
ribs on the inner side of the frame, they assist in securing the quadrants for the
road wheel, the cross shaft bearings, and other inside brackets.
The angle bard which forms the "back bone" of the grain platform is formed of a
size that will fit closely between the ribs of the channel section frame as shown in
Fig. 3 and thus relieve the bolts which secure it from any shearing strain; and.
with the same object in view, to the forward part of the arm of the front part of the
frame we make use of a strengthening locking plate e Figs. 1, 4 and 6 Sheet 1,

page_text: which fits between the front of the frame and the back of the finger bar, having
ribs on the back side to closely clip the frame arm and corresponding ribs on the
front side to closely clip the finger bar.
The
This strengthening plate is provided with a bearing e¹ to receive the movable
bushing for the spindle of the inner roller of the conveyor apron, and a raised pro-
jection for guiding the conveyor canvas. The bottom part is formed with a flange
or ears e for supporting the forward inner corner of the platform bottom.
bolts are arranged in such positions as to detract as little as possible from the
strength of the frame and the finger bar; the outer bolt at e being conveniently
placed for securing a diagonal platform stay e³, the plate relieving the finger bar
from any undue strain caused by this stay.
The outer end of the finger bar is connected to the back bone by means of an
angle plate in the ordinary manner, but we prefer to make this angle plate f
Figs. 1 and 8 Sheet 1, of a sufficient length to form an abutment for a diagonal
stay y to the upper part of the outer dividing board. Instead of connecting the
outer dividing iron d' direct to the back bone d we make use of a distance piece /
rivetted to the former, and curved so as not to obstruct the crop in passing on to the
platform; and also provided with a recess to receive the upright support for the
dividing board.
To the forward part of the before mentioned gear frame in a line, or nearly so,
with the inner bar of the said frame, we attach a bracket i Figs. 1, 2 and 9 which
is carried upwards sufficiently to clear the connecting rod that drives the knife,
and extended forwards to a position suitable for attaching the draught pole j. From
the top side of the forward part of this bracket we carry an upright angle bar k
which forms the main support for the front of the elevator frame. To the top end
of this upright angle bar we secure a recessed plate / which carries the bearings for
the forward ends of the inner and outer elevator rollers and the extra roller; the
recess in the plate forming a guard for the wheels which communicate the motion
from one elevator roller to the other. Attached to this plate are bearings for the
crank shaft m which actuates the "grain butter," and communicates motion to the
reel.
To this plate also the rack quadrant n and pivot for the tipping lever may be
secured. The back of the plate also forms a ready means of firmly securing the
upper part of the diagonal steel plate o which forms the front end for the elevators.
As a further support to the recessed plate and the elevator end, we carry an angle
bar p either curved, or diagonally, from the lower part of the same to the outer end
of the gear frame a.
From the main shoe g on the finger bar e we carry an upright angle bar r to support
the forward end of the seat board, and forming a convenient arrangement for securing
the bottom part of the diagonal elevator end o, and also the bearings for the
forward ends of the bottom rollers of the elevators. At a point on this upright bar
which is lineable with the centre of the joint which connects the draught pole j
to the draught bracket i, we attach a lug or bracket r for receiving the stud or end
of the side stay j¹ to the pole; and this, by being lineable admits of the machine
being tipped up or down to the desired angle without causing the forward end of
the pole to move sideways, as is the case when the main draught bracket and the
stay bracket are out of line. To resist the pull or strain on the upright angle bar
we carry a stay rod through the before mentioned lug or bracket and passing
between the inner elevator canvas to the back part of the machine; and adding in
a measure to the general stability of the framework. To further reduce the strain 4
on the upright angle bar, and bring the draught of the machine to a more effective
position, on the before mentioned main shoe q we form or secure a lug g' and
connect the same by means of a draught rod q2 to a slide which carries the whipple-
trees, and is free to move backwards or forwards on the draught pole. By this
arrangement the forward draught of the machine is direct from the main shoe; the
pole only acting as the guide sideways, or for tipping the machine.
In order to support the back end of the seat board, and admit of grain passing

page_text: up the elevators which is of a greater length than the ordinary width of the
machine; we make use of an angle or other section bar s, Fig. 10 Sheet 2, supported
by a brackett which is secured to the rear of the channel section frame a at a point
as nearly under the seat board as convenient; this angle or other bar being carried
diagonally backwards to the required distance before being bent upwards to the
seat board. In order to overcome any tendency to twist the frame, on the upper
part of this supporting bracket we form a lug tin such position as to receive the
end of a diagonal stay rod 2 which is carried from the inner, or grain side of the
gear frame, or other suitable point of attachment.
The next part of the invention relates to the arrangement and construction of the
binder frame, and to the manner of locking the binder gear during the process of
packing, and instantly releasing the same on sufficient grain being packed to form
the desired size of a sheaf.
To the underside of the main tube of the binder frame 1, Fig. 11 Sheet 3, and
parallel with the needle shaft 2 which is carried by this tube we secure a bar or
pipe 3 which is supported by one or more brackets 4 niounted on the gear-frame of
the machine and having a roller 5, or rollers, under the pipe, so that the same and
with it the whole of the binding apparatus, is free to move endways.
Parallel with this moving pipe 3, we make use of a fixed pipe 6, having its ends
secured to brackets 7 and 8 attached to the outer bars 9 and p of the elevator frames.
On the inner side of the main tube of the binder frame, and under the binding
table, we form a horizontal rectangular frame 10, carrying the packer shaft and
gearing, and having a straight bar on edge 10% which is over, and parallel with the
fixed pipe 6.
The forward end of this straight bar moves through a guide which is
formed in one with the bracket 8, which secures the fixed pipe to the elevator
frame, the guide being provided with a roller 12 under which the straight bar is
free to pass; and the back corner of the rectangular frame is provided with a
bracket 13 which clips the fixed pipe 6 and is fitted with a roller 14 working under
the pipe, so that in this manner the binding apparatus is kept from tilting, and at
the same time is free to travel backwards or forwards as desired.
Beneath the horizontal rectangular frame is carried a two throw crank shaft 15
for actuating the packers in the ordinary manner; and on the outer side of the
forward crank we prefer to place three or more studs or pins at equal distances
from the centre of the shaft, and each carrying a roller 16, either of which rollers
may act as a driver to a pawl 17 which is pivotted on the side of the first motion
spur wheel 18 which drives the binder gear; this wheel being loose on the crank
shaft and driven by the contact of one or other of the rollers with the pawl. In
order to disengage the pawl, and admit of the packers continuing to work while the
binding apparatus is at rest, we make use of a stop-arm 19 which by means of an
adjustable spring 20 (Fig. 12 Sheet 3) is brought into contact with the pawl so as.
to retain it in a position clear of the path of the rollers until the stop-arm is
otherwise acted upon. This stop-arm is mounted on the supporting tube or pipe 3
which is secured to the binder frame under the needle shaft; and is formed with a
sleeve or boss 21 encircling the pipe and has an arm or quadrant 22 extending
partially around the boss of the needle 23 and at sufficient distance from the same
to admit of the stop-arm being raised without the quadrant arm coming into contact
with the needle boss. A trip lever 24 is formed with its attachment end of the
same sweep as the quadrant arm 22 to which it is adjustably secured, so that the
relative positions of the trip lever and the stop-arm may be varied as desired and
thereby admit of a larger or smaller quantity of grain being packed to form a sheaf
before the pressure on the trip lever is sufficient to raise the stop-arm and bring the
binding apparatus into gear.
On an extension of the quadrant arm we mount a stud or roller 25 which, when
the needle is in operation comes into contact with a projecting rib or segment 23*-
formed at the back of the boss of the same; thus preventing the stop-arm from
being actuated by its spring until the needle has returned to the position for the
stud or roller to clear the projecting rib on the needle boss.

page_text: The next part of the invention relates to an arrangement of gearing for driving
the binding apparatus; we extend the forward end of the packer crank shaft 26
Fig 14 Sheet 4 to a bearing formed in the boss of the first motion bevel pinion 27.
This boss is of sufficient length to form a journal for the pinion, which is carried in
a bearing formed at the front end of the rectangular frame; and on the back of this
boss we form a flange or plate 28 which carries the pawl 29 for engaging either
with the stop-arm as previously described, or one or other of the driving rollers 30
which in this case are mounted on a corresponding flange or plate 31 keyed or
otherwise secured to the packer shaft 26 in juxtaposition to the plate 28 on the
back of the boss of the bevel pinion. This first motion bevel pinion 27 gears into
a bevel pinion 32 at the lower end of an inclined shaft 33 which has a bevel
pinion 34 at its upper end gearing into a bevel wheel 35 on the forward end of the
binder shaft 36. This bevel wheel has its teeth shrouded by a casing 37 which is
formed in the binder frame, the pinion which operates it being at the inner side and
within this casing; the back of the periphery of the bevel wheel being provided with a
boss 38 which carries the crank pin 39 for attaching the connecting rod which drives
the crank shaft to which the needle is secured. The stop-arm for engaging the
pawl and the quadrant arm for attaching the trip lever are in this bevel gear
arrangement secured one at either end of an independent rod or spindle carried in
suitable bearings conveniently near the needle shaft; the operation of the trip lever
and stop arm being similar in every respect to that described as mounted on the
supporting tube or pipe.
A similar arrangement of extended forward end of the packer shaft and mounting
the trip lever and stop arm on an independent spindle may be used with ordinary
chain or spur gearing; the first motion chain or spur pinion in this case being
provided with a boss which forms a journal for it, while at the same time the boss is
bored out to form the bearing for the front end of the packer crank shaft and a
plate is formed at the back of the boss to carry the pawl; or the first motion spur
pinion may be placed within the rectangular frame and carried by the packer shaft,
the end of the latter only being carried in the bearing at the front of the
rectangular frame.
The next part of the invention relates to the adjustment of the position of the
compressor arm Fig. 13 so that it may act in unison with the trip lever in resisting
the action of the packers until sufficient grain has been accumulated to form a sheaf
of the desired size and that it may form a rigid abutment for the needle to compress
the sheaf against. We mount the said compressor arm 40 on a slide 41 which is
formed on a boss 42 keyed or otherwise secured to a shaft 43 which may be actuated
by a cam on the main wheel of the binder shaft in the ordinary manner; and we
make use of an adjusting screw 44 so that the arm may be moved backwards or
forwards along the slide by simply turning the screw. The compressor arm is
formed by preference with two ears one on either side of the slide and a bolt is
inserted through the ears and a slot which is formed in the slide; so that when the
desired position of the arm is obtained by means of the adjusting screw, the bolt
may be tightened and thereby form a rigid connection between the arm and
the slide.
In order to actuate the compressor arm in a simple and efficient manner, we make
use of the following arrangement.
On the end of the needle shaft 45, Fig. 15 Sheet 4, in close proximity to the boss
of the needle we place the boss 46 of the slide 47 to which the compressor arm 48
is adjustably attached; and from the opposite side of this latter boss we extend a
catch arm 49 which engages under a hooked latch 50 which is pivotted to a suitable
bracket 51 secured to the supporting tube 52 of the binder frame or other con-
venient position, and is provided with a spring 53 to keep the latch in gear with the
catch-arm until it is otherwise acted upon. To the side of the latch nearest the
needle boss we pivot a pawl 54 so adjusted that when the needle 55 has completed
its outward stroke, the pawl shall engage in a ratchet tooth 56 which is formed on
the boss of the needle; and preferably, the same spring that acts to keep the latch

page_text: in gear with the catch arm, also acts to keep the pawl in gear with the ratchet
tooth on the needle boss. The instant the needle commences its return stroke,
owing to the pawl on the side of the latch being in gear with the ratchet tooth on
the needle boss, the latch is forced out of gear with the catch arm, thereby allowing
the compressor to drop before the sheaf as the latter is being discharged from the
binding apparatus. In order to raise the compressor arm immediately after the
passing of the sheaf, on the side of the catch arm nearest to the needle boss we form
a lug or tooth 57 which, as the needle is completing its backward movement is
caught by a corresponding lug or tooth on the needle boss and the catch arm is
moved sufficiently to engage under the latch, where it remains firmly secured until
again released in the manner previously described.
Instead of securing the bracket to which the latch is pivotted, firmly to the
supporting tube, the bracket may be also pivotted on the tube, as shown in
Fig. 16 Sheet 4, and kept in position by an adjustable bolt and spring 58; so that
in the event of any undue strain on the compressor arm the last mentioned spring
may have a slightly yielding tendency, more especially at the instant of final
compression of the sheaf, and thereby prevent any overstraining or breakages that
might otherwise occur.
The next part of the invention relates to the manner of actuating the main
clutch so as to move it into or out of gear with the main driving pinion. On
the inside of the back bar of the gear frame we secure a bracket 59, Fig. 18
Sheet 4, having a stud or pin 60 on which is pivotted the clutch lever 61; the
fork end of the same engaging with an annular groove in the clutch 62 and the
outer end being actuated by a rod 63 which is connected to a crank 64 formed at
the lower end of an upright shaft, the top end of which is bent in the form of a
In order that the
lever, and placed in a position convenient to the driver's hand.
clutch may be forced out of gear automatically when the machine is moved
backwards, the clutch teeth which engage with the first motion pinion 65 are
ratcheted, or formed with a square face on the driving side only; as shown in the
drawing; and instead of connecting the rod directly to the outer end of the clutch
lever, it is free to slide through an eye in the same and the motion of the lever
is controlled by a nut 66 on the extremity of the rod which causes the same to
act positively when moving the clutch out of gear, and a spring 67 placed on the
rod at the other side of the lever which acts for moving the clutch into gear,
but gives way when the clutch is forced out of gear by any backward movement
of the machine.
Instead of having a fixed abutment for this spring, our improvement consists in
carrying the same in a swivel bracket 68, Figs. 18 and 19 Sheet 4, which is
pivotted on the main bracket under the eye at the outer end of the lever, and
forms a moving abutment for the spring, allowing it to follow the sideway
movement of the rod caused by the throw of the crank which actuates it.
Another mode of forming the swivel bracket is shown in section at Fig. 20
Sheet 4 in which the upper part of the bracket is enclosed so as to protect the
spring from dirt.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what we
claim is :-
1. In sheaf binding harvesters the combination of the channel section bar
forming the gear frame, with the fish plates fitting between the ribs of the same
substantially as set forth.
2. In sheaf binding harvesters, the arrangement of the angle bar which forms
the back bone of the platform so as to fit between the ribs of the channel section
frame substantially as set forth.
-
3. In sheaf binding harvesters, the strengthening locking plate between the
back of the finger bar and the front of the gear frame substantially as set forth.
4. In sheaf binding harvesters, the manner of connecting the outer end of the
B

page_text: finger bar to the back bone and to the outer dividing iron, in combination with
the diagonal stay and the distance piece, substantially as set forth.
5. In sheaf binding harvesters, the recessed plate fixed to the front end of
the elevator formed substantially as and serving the purposes set forth.
6. In sheaf binding harvesters, the manner of attaching the draught pole, with
the bracket for the side stay lineable with the main draught bracket substantially
as set forth.
7. In sheaf binding harvesters, the arrangement of the draught rod, from the
main shoe so as to draw independently of the attachments for the draught pole,
substantially as set forth.
8. In sheath binding harvesters, supporting the back end of the seat board, with
the bracket having the lug to receive the diagonal stay rod substantially as set
forth.
"
9. In sheaf binding harvesters, the manner of constructing the binder framework
and supporting the same substantially as set forth.
10. In sheaf binding harvesters the use of three or more studs and rollers to
act as drivers for the pawl on the first motion wheel substantially as set forth.
11. In sheaf binding harvesters, mounting the stop arm and the quadrant arm
with the adjustable trip lever on a boss or sleeve which is centered on the main
supporting pipe under the binder frame substantially as set forth.
12. In sheaf binding harvesters, the projecting rib or segment formed at the
back of the boss of the needle, in combination with the extension of the quadrant
arm substantially as set forth.
13. In sheaf binding harvesters the arrangement for driving the binding
apparatus by means of bevel gear actuated in the manner shown and described,
the first motion bevel pinion having the boss forming its journal and a bearing for
the end of the packer shaft substantially as set forth.
14. In sheaf binding harvesters the arrangement for driving the binding
apparatus by bevel gear in combination with the casing for the bevel wheel and
pinion substantially as set forth.
15. In sheaf binding harvesters, the spur or chain gear having a similar boss to
that described for the first motion bevel pinion, with the plate carrying the pawl
and the corresponding plate secured to the packer shaft and carrying the driving
rollers substantially as set forth.
16. In sheaf binding harvesters the manner of adjusting the compressor arm on
the slide 41 substantially as set forth.
17. In sheaf binding harvesters the arrangement of catch arm, latch, pawl and
ratchet tooth on the needle boss for retaining and releasing the compressor arm, in
combination with the fixed bracket for the latch substantially as set forth.
18. In sheaf binding harvesters, the similar arrangement to that of Claim 17 in
combination with the pivotted bracket and the adjustable bolt and spring sub-
stantially as set forth.
19. In sheaf binding harvesters the manner of actuating the main gear clutch
in combination with the swivel abutment for the spring substantially as described.
Dated this 30th day of March 1894.
GEO. DAVIES & SON,
4, St. Ann's Square, Manchester, Agents for the Applicants.