Improvements in Sheep Shearing Machines and in Flexible Shafts therefor.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 4th Sept., 1893-Accepted, 4th Nov., 1893
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Sheep Shearing Machines and in Flexible Shafts
therefor.
We, DAVID SILVER and CHARLES THOMAS SILVER, both of Tamworth,
New South Wales, Engineers, 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 machines for shearing sheep, and to flexible shafts for
transmitting driving power thereto. It consists in several improvements, more or
less related to one another, in that class of shearing apparatus in which a recipro-
cating cutter and fixed gathering plate are used in combination with driving levers
of the first class and auxiliary parts which obtain their motion from a flexible shaft
as beforementioned.
In the annexed explanatory drawings, Figures 1 to 13ª refer to the machine, and
Figures 14 to 23 to the shaft. Figures 1 and 2 are a longitudinal section and a
transverse section respectively of the first design of machine; Figures 3, 4, and
5 and 6 are respectively longitudinal sections, detail of driving lever, and detail of
tension lever of the second design of machine; Figures 7 and 8 are respectively
longitudinal section and detail of tension lever of the third design of machine;
Figures 9 and 10 fragment views descriptive of two modified constructions of
machines similar in principle to the machines already referred to; Figures 11, 12,
and 13 are longitudinal sections respectively of three further designs of machines,
those shewn in Figures 11 and 12 being related to the one shewn in Figure 3; and
Figure 13 is illustrative of a modified arrangement of the driving mechanism.
Figure 23 is a side view of the flexible shaft complete, coupled at the top end to
overhead gear, and at the bottom end provided with a machine coupling. Figure 14
is a fragment side elevation and transverse section through a flexible shaft made
according to the present invention; Figures 15 and 16 fragment side elevation and
transverse section respectively of an adaptation of the same principle of construc-
tion; Figures 17 and 18 similar views of a second adaptation of the same;
Figures 19 and 20 similar views shewing the application of the feature of novelty
in the first mentioned shaft to the well known "spiral tube" shaft; and Figures 21
and 22 similar views of another method of construction embodying the same
principles. Similar figures of reference indicate corresponding and like parts in all
the drawings.
Referring to Figures 1 and 2: 1 is the case of the machine, 2 comb or gathering
plate, 3 cutter, 4 bushing with footstep, 5 tension nut and bushing, 6 tension locking
spring, 7 main vibrating lever having a hub or centre 8 which works in a bushing 4
and is bored centrally to form a bearing or seating for the lower spindle 15 of the
centre-block, 9 is a vertical slider piece on the back end of the lever 7, and 10 is a
carrier thereon in which the rear end of the tension lever 11 sits, 12 is a cylindrical
or spherical rolling piece set in the centre-block 13 in such a way as to be
immovable transversely of the machine, 14 is the upper spindle of the centre
block 13 on the top of which the spherical point in the tension nut bears and
applies tension. The driving lever 7 always vibrates in a fixed horizontal plane
and does not move either upwards or downwards; the centre-block as well as being
capable of rotary vibratory motion is also made capable of moving upwards and
downwards along the axis of vibration in order that it may act upon the part 11,
which operates as a third class lever and apply tension through it to the cutter ;
the part 12 can roll in the part 13 so as to permit adjustment of the part 11 about
the fulcrum 10; and the part 11 can roll transversely in the part 12 to settle the
fork or claw on the cutter and distribute the tension evenly. 16 is a screwed

page_text: socket on the forward end of the lever 11 into which the screw 17 works; this
screw is so arranged that when it is screwed in its head will bear upon and depress
the spring centre finger 18; its head is made polygonal in order that its contact
with the spring 18 may lock it and prevent it slacking back. Several alternative
methods of constructing this adjusting mechanism for the centre spring finger are
shewn in subsequent figures; this feature is entirely novel, for heretofore no
construction was known in which the stiffness of this spring finger could be
regulated at will. The vibrator 19 consists of two jaws parallel with one another
and formed to grasp the slider 9 on each side and connected pivotally to the disc 20.
The slider 9 is cylindrical in section. The pivotal connection for the vibrator may
take the form of a pin on the vibrator working in a hole bored excentrically in the
disc or of a pin fixed excentrically in the disc working in a hole in the vibrator;
these arrangements being shewn in Figures 7 and 3 respectively. 21 is the main
shaft, 23 the main bearing, 24 top section of case, 25 cover.
Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6 read together; the construction of the case, main bearing,
vibrator, cutter, and gathering plate being identical with similar parts in previous
figures. The spindle 26 fits and works in the bushings 4 and 5, and is formed with
a rearwardly projecting arm 27 on the end of which the slider 9 is formed; the
spindle is also provided with a finger piece 28 which projects forward and sits in a
cavity in the tension lever 30; the part 30 is bifurcated and its two arms embrace
the part 27 in such a way that they may move to permit the adjustments of the
tension to be made; at the rear end they are connected by a ball-centre pin 29
the two ends of which are grasped by the claws 31 on the end of the part 30, the
spherical portion of the pin working in a cylindrical hole in the rear end of the
arm 27. The centre spring finger 32 is formed bowed, and the pin 33 (which is
milled on the under side of the head so as to engage with similar milling on the
spring and lock it) passes through the spring and screws into the shank of the fork.
The finger 28 need not be bent as shewn if any other arrangement is adopted by
which the part 30 can be locked to the spindle and kept in its place. The action
in applying tension is somewhat different from the action of the machine shewn in
previous figures, for in this construction both levers move bodily downwards. If
desired the rear portions of the pieces marked 27 and 30 might be formed like the
parts 35, 42, and 43 in Figure 7.
The tension action in the design shewn in Figures 7 and 8 is similar to that
shewn in Figures 1 and 2. The parts 34, 35, 36 and 37 correspond with the
parts 8, 7, 9, and 10; and the parts 38, 39, and 40 with the parts 15, 13, and 14.
The part 39 is formed like a box to receive a tongue piece 44 which projects
rearwardly into it from the shank 41; this shank is bifurcated in the rear part and
formed into two pieces 42 which are united in a ball at the rear end, which ball fits
a spherical cavity in the part 37. There is a spherical point on the tongue 44
which fits into a spherical cavity (not shewn) in the under part of the part 40,
thereby locking the two levers in working position; the sides of the part 44 might
be formed spherical or the whole tongue 44 might be made spherical and fitted into
the box-like portion of the centre-block 39 so that both levers may have a universal
action relatively to one another, but always so that they will be locked in one
another whilst in work. Another method of adjusting the pressure of the spring
centrefinger is here shewn; the spring is made as a first-class lever 45 having its
fulcrum at 46 and being acted upon by a screw 47 at the rear end, the point of this
screw being milled or otherwise formed so as to lock itself on the spring 45 and
prevent slacking back.
Figure 9 illustrates a method of combining the constructions shewn in the figures
already described. The parts 50 and 51 take the place of the parts marked 26
and 35. The rear end of the part 52 is seated in the part 51 in the manner shewn
in Figure 7 the part 52 is formed like the part 42 in Figures 7 and 8, and the
part 53 fitting and moving in the part 5 acts upon the tension lever through a
saddle 54 which is formed so as to allow the tension lever to roll to distribute the
tension as already described. A finger-piece may be formed on the sleeve 53 in

page_text: lieu of the saddle 54; this finger-piece might be made like the part 28 shewn in
Figures 3 and 4, or it could be made projecting straight out; in either case a cup
or seating is made in the piece 52 to receive it. The parts 50 and 51 always
vibrate in a fixed horizontal plane whilst the tension lever is capable of all
necessary adjustments in its mountings.
Figure 10 is illustrative of a modification of the principle of the design shewn in
Figures 7 and 8. The parts 55 and 56 correspond with the parts 34 and 35 and
the part 57 with the part 41, the mountings of these parts being similar to those
already described. The part 57 is a single bar supported at the rear end on the
end of the carrier 56, and it is bored to allow the end 60 of the tension piece to
pass through it; the upper end 59 of this piece fits and works in the part 5, and
has a spherical projection 61 which fits into a spherical cavity (omitted in the
drawings) in the tension lever 57, upon which it presses; the piece 57 is bored
at 58 to allow the part 60 to pass freely through it.
Figure 11 shews a method of combining some of the features of previously
described designs. The parts 63, 64, and 66 and 68 correspond with the
parts 50, 51, and 52 and 53 in Figure 9; and the part 69 corresponding with the
part 28 in Figure 4 is formed on the end of a lever 67 whose fulcrum is on
the part 65; the spindle 63 passes through this lever 67, and a saddle or finger-
piece on the part 68, similar to the saddle 54 bears on it just rearward of the
finger-piece 69.
Figure 12 shews another possible modification on similar lines. The parts 70
and 81 correspond with the parts 63 and 64 in Figure 11, the part 75 with the
part 67 and the mounting 73-74 with the top mounting on the part 65; the pin 80
acting on the part 75 at the axis of vibration takes the place of the parts 53 and 54
shewn in Figure 9. The portion of the part 75 within the square hole 72 is made
square so as to prevent upsetting, or, alternatively, the rear end of the part 75 may
be made with a broad foot or may be pivoted in the part 73. If the rear end of
the part 78 be so formed that it cannot slide in the carrier 77, it will be necessary
to slot the lever 78 where the yoke 79 enters it to allow the sliding action to take
place at that point; or alternatively the yoke 79 could be made firm with the
part 78 and some device-a roller for instance-inserted between the part 76 and
the yoke to lessen friction.
The carrier or mounting 77 for the rear end of the lever 78 (which lever
corresponds with the part 66 in the preceding figure) is formed on or secured to
the upper case of the machine. The lever 78 is bifurcated like the one shewn in
Figure 8; its rear end fits and works freely in the part 77 and a pin or yoke
piece 79 passes through the arms. This pin or yoke passes through a slotted hole
in part of the centre-block and the finger-piece of the lever 75 bears upon it
centrally and applies the tension; this pin or yoke also locks the lever 78 to the
centre-block; and it should be so formed that it cannot be withdrawn and allow
the parts to come adrift until the tension is relieved.
In the design shewn in Figure 13 the principle of the mounting of the levers
already described is again used but the tension lever is of the first class.
82 and 83 are the pivots or spindles of the tension block, 84 the driving lever
integral therewith, 85 the driving slider on the rear end of the part 84, 86 the
mounting or carrier for the rear end of the tension lever 87, 88 a spherical or
cylindrical piece through which the part 87 passes and fitting the box-like
portion 89 of the centre-block. The mounting or carrier 86 is supported on a
screwed rod or spindle which is acted upon by a nut in the upper case of the
machine. The piece 88 sits in a slight cavity in the top part of the chamber 89 so
that it will not move out of its position whilst in work and the part 87 is pinned or
otherwise locked or secured to the piece 89 so that whilst it may roll transversely
therein it will be unable to move out of its proper position whilst the tension is
down and the machine in work.
In the design shewn in Figure 13 the driving and tension levers move about
different centres as they do also in Figure 12; the construction of parts must

page_text: therefore as before be such as to allow of the consequent longitudinal play of the
two levers relatively to one another taking place.
Figure 13 illustrates an alternative method of constructing the "motion"
mechanism. The construction of the lever 90 and the slider 91 are substantially
as before described, but here the vibrator is made cylindrical to fit the slider 91
instead of as in the other designs with parallel faces whereby two lines of contact
and not as here surfaces of contact are obtained. The connection of the vibrator
with the disc 92 through a pivot 93 may be as already explained; but it is pre-
ferably by an arrangement exactly the reverse of that shewn; that is to say, the
pin 93 is formed solid on the disc 92 and the part 94 is made thick at the back and
bored to receive the pin.
"
The essential feature of that portion of the invention which relates to the shaft
consists in using a flat strip or ribbon of steel or its equivalent as a "backbone
and fixing to it a number of short sections of tube or equivalents therefor to form
guards and carriers for the flexible core through which power is transmitted. The
invention does not refer to the core or active part of the shaft, which may be of
metal, catgut, rope, or other material formed in any manner already well known.
There are many ways of applying this invention; several are shewn in the
drawings, but I do not wish to restrict myself to these alone. For instance, there
might be used instead of the ribbon tube shewn in Figure 19 a similar tube made
of wire coiled in precisely the same way; and a double or single "backbone" as in
Figures 16 or 18 might be used in connection therewith instead of the flat strip as
illustrated in Figures 14 and 20. Another application is the use in combination
with flexible shaft cases of such a "backbone" whereby their flexibility in one
direction is restrained. I have found that excessive flexibility of the shaft is a
fault in shearing apparatus, and that it is desirable that the liability of a shaft such
as is shown at 104 in Figures 19 and 20 to swing crosswise of the shearer should be
restrained; complete freedom from back to front only is required with very little
side play. Figure 14 illustrates the simplest method of applying this principle.
92 is a piece of flexible steel ribbon the full length of the shaft, about one-half or
five-eighths of an inch wide and sufficiently stout to give the necessary strength
whilst permitting easy flexure of the whole shaft. I find No. 16 B.W.G. suitable.
Short tubular sections of light metal 93 each from one to six inches in length and
flanged over, pinned, secured by clips or bands, or otherwise connected to the
"backbone" 92 form the casing for the rotating core 94 which may as before
stated be formed of catgut in one length or in sections or of wire rope, or in any
other well-known manner; these pieces 93 may be belled out at the ends so as to
avoid nipping the core. Figures 15 and 16 17 and 18, 19 and 20, 21 and 22 are
each respectively fragment side elevation and transverse section of several methods
of carrying out this portion of the invention, in some cases a solid wire or a wire
rope being used to form the "backbone," in others a flat strip, and in one a solid
tube being cut so as to improve its flexibility in one plane. In Figures 15 and 16
two stiffeners or "backbones" of solid wire are used, one on each side of the shaft ;
between these a continuous flexible tube 96 or a number of tubular sections are
supported; the tube or tubular pieces are connected to the wires 95 at intervals by
clips 97. In Figures 17 and 18 the construction is identical, with the exception
that only one wire is used; 99 represents the wire "backbone," 100 the shaft
casing, 101 the clips or connections, and 102 the driving core. In lieu of the plain
tubes or tubular pieces 96 and 100 tubes or tubular pieces corrugated like an
expansion tube may be used so as to ensure better flexibility. When one wire only
is used as in Figures 17 and 18, it will not act as a stiffener; it will only act as a
"backbone." Figures 19 and 20 shew the application of the invention to the well
known spiral tube flexible shaft. The "backbone 103 is here laid along the
spiral tube and both are secured together by any of the means before described.
Figures 21 and 22 illustrate a method suggested by the same principle for
improving the flexibility of a tube. A number of drifts 108 are cut in a continuous
length of flexible steel tube; these drifts may be on one side or both sides of the

page_text: tube, as may be desired, the principle being identical in both; the drifts should be
made with a round nosed tool, so as to offer as little liability as possible to the
metal tearing or cracking. Figure 23 illustrates a full view of a shaft constructed
as shewn in Figure 14, 90 being the head bearing, and 91 the driving pinion. Any
well-known method of connecting the shaft to the overhead gear and the machine
may be adopted.
We wish it to be understood that we do not specifically restrict ourselves to the
several constructions illustrated in the drawings; but we do not desire to claim
any feature of the machines described broadly as our invention except in so far as
the claiming clauses following suggest such an interpretation. We are aware that
very many designs of shearing machines are known, and that some of their features
are in some degree or another common to our machines; and we do not, therefore,
claim that these machines are all novel in their entirety.
Having now particularly described and explained the nature of our said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what
claim is,
1. In a shearing machine, the combination of the parts marked 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11,
12, 13, 14, and 15, substantially as described.
2. In a shearing machine the combination of the parts marked 12, 13, 14, and 15;
the tension lever 11; a carrier for the rear end of the lever 11 moving coincidently
therewith about the axis of vibration; and tension mechanism acting on the part 14,
substantially as decribed.
3. In a shearing machine, the combination of the parts marked 26, 27, 28, 30
and pivotal seating for the rear ends of the part 30 on the part 27, substantially as
described with reference to Figures 3 to 6 of the drawings.
4. In a shearing machine, the combination and general construction of the parts
marked 26 to 31 and tension mechanism acting on the part 26 substantially as
described with reference to Figures 3 to 6 of the drawings.
5. In a shearing machine, the combination of the parts marked 34, 35, and 37
to 44, substantially as described with reference to Figures 7 and 8 of the
accompanying drawings.
6. In a shearing machine the employment of a tension lever bifurcated as shewn
in Figure 8 of the drawings and provided with a tongue piece 44 projecting into a
centre-block so as to be acted upon by the tension mechanism, the rear end of said
tension lever being supported by a carrier moving in a fixed plane about the axis of
vibration and said centre block being capable of moving along said axis, substantially
as described with reference to Figures 7 and 8 of the drawings.
7. In a shearing machine, the combination with a spindle 50 and a carrier 51
thereon, of a tension lever mounted therein and acted upon by a tension nut or screw
through a sleeve 53 carrying a saddle or finger 54, substantially in the manner
shewn in Figure 9 of the drawings.
8. In a shearing machine, the combination of the parts marked 55, 56, 57, 59, 60,
61 and 62, constructed and operating substantially as shewn in Figure 10 of the
accompanying drawing.
9. The general construction and combination of the parts in a shearing machine,
substantially as illustrated in Figure 11 of the accompanying drawings.
10. The general construction and combination of parts in a shearing machine,
substantially as illustrated in Figure 12 of the accompanying drawings.
11. The general construction and combination of parts in a shearing machine,
substantially as illustrated in Figure 13 of the accompanying drawings.
12. In a shearing machine, the combination with the spring centre finger of the
claw of the tension lever, of a screw acting on such spring whereby the stiffness of
the same may be varied and regulated at will without removing the spring,
substantially as described.
13. As an adjustment in a shearing machine a screw acting upon the spring

page_text: centre-finger of the tension claw, whereby the stiffness of such spring may be
regulated.
14. In a shearing machine, "motion" mechanism consisting of a vertical slider
such as 9, on the vibrating lever, and a vibrator 19, part cylindrical in section,
pivoted to the disc or crank 20 and having parallel jaws which embrace the slider
and operate the same, substantially as described.
15. In a shearing machine "motion" mechanism consisting of a vertical slider
part cylindrical in section, such as 91, on the vibrating lever, and a vibrator 94 of
corresponding section grasping the slider and pivoted at right angles to its axis
to the disc or crank, as described with reference to Figure 134 of the drawings.
16. A flexible shaft casing or shell for the purpose set forth, consisting of a
" backbone and a core-carrying guide or guides attached thereto, substantially as
set forth.
17. A flexible shaft casing or shell for the purpose set forth consisting of a
flexible strip or ribbon or a flexible wire such as 99, and a continuous flexible
tube secured thereto, substantially as described with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
18. Å flexible shaft casing or shell for the purpose set forth, consisting of a
flexible strip or ribbon such as 92 or a flexible wire such as 99, and a number of
short sections of tube secured thereto, substantially as described with reference to
the accompanying drawings.
a backbone
"
19. The combination with a shaft case or shell wholly flexible, of
or stiffener consisting of a flexible metallic strip or pair of wires, substantially as
described.
20. A flexible shaft case or shell consisting of a tube formed of a flexible
metallic strip or ribbon wound spirally and a "backbone" substantially as
described.
21. The method herein described of improving the flexibility of a tube to make
it suitable for a flexible shaft shell or case, consisting in cutting drifts across it,
substantially as shewn in Figures 21 and 22 of the drawings.
Dated this 4th day of September 1893.
JENSEN & SON,
77, Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Patent Agents.