Improvements in Grain Binding Harvesters.
Year: 1888

page_text: Date of Application, 13th, Sept., 1888
Complete Specification Left, 11th July, 1889-Accepted, 7th Sept.,
1889
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Grain Binding Harvesters.
I WILLIAM MCINTYRE CRANSTON of 36 Worship Street, Finsbury, in the county
of Middlesex, Agricultural Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this invention
which has been communicated to me from abroad by the Walter A. Wood Mowing
and Reaping Machine Company of Hoosick Falls, New York, United States of
America, to be as follows:-
This invention relates to improvements in automatic grain binding harvesters and
more particularly to that class or type known as Low Down Machines, although
many of the improvements hereinafter described may be successfully used in other
types of Grain Binding Machines the object being to provide a machine which may
be manufactured at a sinaller cost than those now in use; which may be drawn easily
by two horses; which will handle all conditions of crops, and whose capacity will be
such that it will not "choke down."
The first part of the invention relates to the manner of supporting the outside
divider.
According to this part à V shaped piece of iron is bolted to the finger bar, and
extending horizontally outwardly therefrom supports the point of the divider, a bolt
passing through the divider point and the V shaped divider support. The. upper end
of the divider is supported by a vertical standard which is bolted to the finger bar
and to further strengthen the divider, a brace is bolted to the rear longitudinal
sill, and extending diagonally upwards is bolted to the upper end of the vertical
standard.
The second part of this invention relates to the manner of supporting the grain
wheel, and the mechanism connected therewith for raising and lowering the grain
side of the horizontal platform.
According to this part the vertical standard which supports the upper end of the
divider is provided with two horizontal lips or flanges in which are formed bearings
for a vertical threaded rod. The rod is permitted to freely revolve in its bearings,
but prevented from longitudinal movement therein. The threaded rod takes into a
threaded hole on one end of a swinging arm, in the other end of which is mounted
the grain wheel, on an axle or pin in the arm on which it turns.
In the organization of this machine the main or driving wheel is placed in front
of the cutting apparatus, and the grain wheel is not in line with the axle of the
driving wheel. To enable the machine therefore to be readily turned round a
corner, it is necessary that the grain wheel should be permitted to assume a line of
travel parallel with that of the driving wheel. This movement it is permitted in as
much as the vertical threaded rod, which carries the arm on which the grain wheel
is mounted, revolves freely in its bearings in the vertical standard.
In the top of the vertical threaded rod is secured a pin which passes through a
longitudinal slot in a socket mounted on the top of the vertical threaded rod, and
provided with a crank. By turning the crank, the vertical threaded rod will be
revolved, and this latter, taking into the threaded hole in the swinging arm which
carries the grain wheel will either raise or depress the grain side of the horizontal
platform, according to the direction in which the crank is turned. The socket may
be moved upwardly, the longitudinal slot therein permitting this movement on the
vertical thread rod, and then swung downwardly on the pin in the latter out of the
way in under the divider board. To permit this downward movement the mouth
of the socket and the top of the vertical threaded rod are suitably cut away
or bevelled for this purpose. The crank and socket when swung downwardly
under the divider board also act as a stop to prevent the platform from being
raised or lowered by the revolution of the vertical threaded rod consequent upon

page_text: turning a corner, except when it is desirable to make such adjustment and the crank
is moved by the operator in proper position for that purpose.
The third part of the invention relates to the construction of the horizontal plat-
form across which the grain is carried and the attachment of the guards and
platform to the front longitudinal sill.
According to this part the front sill is formed of the angle iron to which the
guards are bolted. The boards composing the platform are rivetted to a strip of
sheet metal at their forward ends where they are bevelled and the sheet metal
projects forwardly somewhat beyond the boards. The guards are bolted at the
underside of the sheet metal, and the bolts by which they are fastened pass through
the guards, the sheet metal and the angle iron. This brings the guard next the
ground, which position is very advantageous in cutting down crops, as it has been
found that if the front sill projects below the guards it is very apt to push the grain
down ahead of the latter. It is also desirable that the front sill project as little as
possible above the cutting apparatus and that the upper surface of the horizontal
conveyor be as nearly on a level as is possible with the cutting apparatus so that
the crop may be better laid by the rod thereon. In order therefore to make the
platform as shallow as possible and yet allow sufficient room between the platform and
the driving roller for the horizontal conveyor apron, for the apron with its transverse
cleats to pass a curved block of wood or other suitable material is interposed
between the angle iron finger bar, and the sheet metal to which the harvester
boards are rivetted immediately below the bearing at the front of the machine for
the spindle of the apron driving roller. The platform is thus dropped a sufficient
distance below the roller to allow the apron to pass, and as the bearing for the roller
is inside the innermost guard, the depth of the platform at this point does not
decrease the effectiveness of the operation of the machine in down grain. The roller
at the grain side of the machine inasmuch as it runs idle need not be of sufficient
diameter to increase the depth of the platform. The platform boards are secured
directly to the rear longitudinal sill which projects a sufficient distance below the
inner or driving roller to allow the apron to pass, but the depth of the platform at
the rear does not interfere with the operation of the machine.
In order to stiffen the platform a diagonal brace formed of steel is bolted edgwise
to the front and rear sills. Two other brace rods formed of steel are bolted edgwise,
one to the front sill, the other to the rear sill and both to the first mentioned brace
rod at about the middle point thereof, forming an X shaped brace which is best
adapted to sustain the platform and prevent its sagging.
The fourth part of the invention relates to the manner of pivotting the sail or
wind board. The sail is pivotted to the rear longitudinal sill and may be rocked
upwardly at right angles to the platform to act as a wind board in cutting short grain
or downwardly to form a rear extension thereof in cutting long grain. It is desirable
to make the conveyor apron as narrow as possible thereby decreasing the width of
the machine and it is found that by so pivotting the wind board or sail that when
rocked downwardly its surface will be below that of the conveyor apron, the
effectiveness and grasp upon the cross of the cleats secured to the conveyor apron
is much increased. The sail or wind board is made of canvas stretched over a
suitable frame work and the lower piece of the frame work is round. Two hooked
bolts secured in the rear sill, encircle the lower piece of the frame work and the bolts
pass through the sill between the belts of the apron, so that the sail when lowered
is below the surface of the conveyor. The sail may be held in any desired position
by the adjustment of the nuts on the hooked bolts.
The fifth part of the invention relates to the elevating and packing mechanism by
which the crop is carried from the horizontal conveyor to the binder and forced against
the trip.
According to this part, a horizontal shaft which overhangs the elevator table is
mounted in a bearing on a vertical post secured to the front sill. At or near each
end of this shaft is secured a spider of preferably four arms. In the opposing ends
of each arm is pivotted a rake head, provided with rake teeth, which as the

page_text: horizontal shaft revolves, are projected through interstices between the strips of
which the elevator table is composed and during the further revolution of the shaft
move the crop up the incline and are then withdrawn therefrom at the top of the
incline to repeat this operation. The rake teeth are held rigid against the crop by
trailing fingers secured to the rake heads and confined under a cam mounted on the
vertical post. The binder platform is placed at the top of the incline up which the
crop is conveyed, and the needle arm overhangs the binder platform, as does also
the tripping arm by which the binder is automatically started through the accumula-
tion of the crop. The needle arm is secured to one end of a shaft whose other end is
provided with a crank arm. by which the needle is reciprocated. The cam under
which the trailing fingers are confined is pivotted on the vertical post. A rod is
secured to the needle arm and to its actuating crank and on this rod is mounted one
end of a link whose other end is connected to the pivotted cam. When the tripping
arm has been actuated to start the binder the needle descends and the cam
on the
vertical post, through its connections with the needle and its actuating crank, is
swung upwardly, so that the rake teeth are free to be swung upwardly together with
the rake heads on their pivots in the spider arms, when coming in contact with the
crop, and the advance of the latter is arrested during the binding operation. An
upward movement of the needle arm and its crank again brings the can downwardly
in position to hold the rake teeth rigid and the advance of the crop is again continued.
Suitable stops are provided both on the rake heads and spider arms and on the
swinging cam to hold the parts in the desired position.
The sixth part of the invention relates to the elevator table.
According to this part, the elevator table is made elastic so
as accomodate
an unusually large quantity of straw and also the accumulation thereof during the
binding operation.
It is composed of a series of strips of sheet metal secured at their lower, but left
free at their upper ends where they rest upon a cross piece at the edge of the
binder table. In this way the sheet metal strips are permitted to yield downwardly
and thus increase the space for the crop.
The seventh part of the invention relates to the float.
According to this part. The float is composed of a series of curved wire spring
rods, secured in an overhanging arm fastened to the vertical post in which the
elevator and packer shaft has its bearings. The float rods extend downwardly
The rake
between the rake teeth and then upwardly beneath the tripping arm.
teeth are withdrawn from in between the float rods at the upper portion of the
incline, and the rods, besides acting to keep the crop upon the incline or the elevator
table, also act as clearer rods to strip the grain or other crop from the rake teeth.
The float rods also extending up beneath the tripping arm also ensure the crops
being forced in under the latter by the rake teeth. The float rods are also adapted
to yield to accomodate the crop which is thus carried forwardly to the binder by
positive acting mechanism between the yielding surfaces.
The eighth part of the invention relates to the tripping device by which the
binder is automatically started when sufficient grain has accumulated to form a
bundle.
According to this part The tripping arm overhangs the binder platform. It is
secured by a bolt passing through a vertical longitudinal slot therein by which con-
struction it is rendered adjustable to vary the size of the bundle to the tripping
lever, which is substantially similar in form to the upper portion of the binder frame
to the vertical portion of which it, is pivotted at or near the middle of its vertical
length. It rests upon lugs on the upper limb of the binder frame and its lower end
is provided with a spring plunger which is in the path of an ear secured to a
pivotted segmental portion of a gear wheel which meshes with a gear on the binder
driving shaft of the harvester the latter gear running constantly.
The pivotted segment may be swung inwardly so as to form with its gear a
mutilated gear wheel, but is normally forced outwardly so as to form a continuation
of the periphery of its gear wheel of which it forms a portion..

page_text: When the tripping arm has been raised a sufficient distance by the accumulation
of the grain so that the spring plunger is withdrawn from contact with the ear on the
pivoted segment, a spring interposed between the pivoted segment and a spoke of
its gear wheel forces the segment outwardly in mesh with the constantly revolving
gear on the. binder driving shaft and the binder is started. As the gear wheel
having the pivoted segment continues to revolve a flange on the pivoted segment
passes under a projection on the vertical post of the binder frame, and the spring
plunger again having come in the path of the ear on the pivoted segment, the spring
of the plunger is compressed, and, when the flange on the pivoted segment has been
released from the projection on the binder frame, is suddenly released and acts to
throw the pivoted segment inwardly toward the centre of the driving gear, and out of
mesh with the constantly revolving wheel on the binder driving shaft, and the binder
is again brought to rest until sufficient grain has again accumulated to form a bundle.
The spring on the plunger is of course somewhat stronger than the spring interposed
between the pivoted segment and the spoke of its gear wheel.
The ninth part of this invention relates to the manner of balancing the weight of
the machine upon the axle of the driving wheel thereby giving sufficient traction to
the latter to drive the various operative devices.
According to this part; the harvester frame also supports the binder frame, and the
wheel frame in which the driving wheel is mounted is pivoted to the harvester frame
in front thereof. The tongue frame which also supports the drivers scat is pivoted
to the wheel frame in front thereof. "The weight of the pole and the driver in his
seat is utilized to balance the weight of the harvester and binder upon the axle of
the driving wheel. The points of the guards are tilted up or down by rocking the
harvester on its pivots in the wheel frame, and the height of the cutting apparatus is
adjusted by rocking the wheel frame, carrying with it the harvester frame, on the
axle of the main wheel. The harvester frame is supported from the wheel frame, or
from the tongue frame by the tilting apparatus, and the tongue frame is supported
from the wheel frame by the raising and lowering devices, which connect the tongue
and wheel frames so that the weight of the former is utilized to balance the weight of
the harvester and binder.
The tenth part of the invention relates to the tilting mechanism.
According to this part the lever by which the reel is raised and lowered is also
made to answer the additional purpose of a tilting lever. This lever is pivoted to a
vertical post secured to the front sill and extends outwardly therefrom in reach of
the driver in his seat. It is provided with a link connection with a crank arm
secured to the reel frame and a spring detent taking into a segmental rack on the
vertical post. By releasing the spring detent from the segmental rack; and moving
the lever the reel may be adjusted to the desired height. On the vertical reel post is
pivoted a bar provided with a rack on its forward end. A spring detent mounted
on the tongue frame and within reach of the driver in his seat takes into the rack
teeth in the forward end of the rack bar. To tilt the machine the spring detent on
the tongue or pole frame is withdrawn from the rack teeth in the rack bar and the
driver taking hold of the lever by which the reel is adjusted, not releasing the spring
detent from the segmental rack on the vertical post, rocks the harvester on its pivots
in the wheel frame.
The eleventh part of the invention relates to the raising and lowering device by
which the height of the cutting apparatus is adjusted.
According to this part the tongue frame has a vertical standard secured thereto, in
which is provided a bearing for the threaded socket of a crank arm. A rod is hooked
into a hole in the wheel frame and its other end is threaded and takes into a threaded
socket. By turning the crank the machine is, through the threaded rod and socket,
rocked on the axle of the driving wheel and the height of the cutting apparatus
adjusted. The raising and lowering device forms a rigid connection between the
pivoted tongue frame and the wheel frame, so that the weight of the tongue and
the driver, whose seat is carried on the tongue or pole frame is utilized to balance
the machine upon the axle.

page_text: The twelfth part of the invention relates to the manner of supporting the reel
frame.
According to this part an elliptical brace is bolted to the front sill and extending
diagonally upwards from thence, surrounds and is bolted to the vertical post secured
to the front longitudinal sill. The elliptical brace extends beyond the vertical post
and carries at its upper end a box, in which is pivoted one end of a shaft the other
end being pivoted in an opposing box mounted on the vertical post. The pivoted
shaft carries an arm secured thereto at right angles therewith, and to this right angled
arm is secured a hollow arm parallel with the pivoted shaft. In the hollow arm the
reel shaft has its bearings.
A crank arm is formed on the pivoted shaft and is connected by a link to the reel
adjusting lever as hereinbefore set forth.
The thirteenth part of the invention relates to the mechanism for driving the
reel.
According to this part a yoke is pivoted on the driving axle, or concentrically
therewith, and carries a shaft communicating by an universal joint with a vertical
shaft, which has its bearings in a gear casing pivoted on the reel shaft. The shaft
mounted in the pivoted yoke has a bevil pinion which meshes with the driving gear
on the axle, and the vertical shaft carries a pinion secured by spline and groove
thereto which pinion meshes with a bevil gear wheel secured to the reel shaft.
The foregoing construction permits the adjustments of the reel and the cutting
apparatus without interfering with the operation of the machine.
The fourteenth part of this invention relates to the mechanism for driving the
harvester and binder from the driver wheel.
According to this part a bevil gear wheel is mounted on the axle which receives its
motion from the driving wheel. The driving shaft is mounted in bearings on the
wheel frame and is parallel with the path of the machine. This shaft carries on its
forward end a bevil pinion meshing with the bevil gear secured to the axle. The
rear end of the shaft carries an internal bell shaped gear wheel the teeth of which are
elliptical. The internal bell gear receives a pinion or gear also provided with
elliptical shaped teeth which mesh with and are driven by the teeth of the bell gear.
The pinion carries on its shaft, which is mounted on the harvester frame, a sprocket
wheel secured thereto. A sprocket chain passes over the sprocket, wheel, over a second
sprocket wheel secured to the elevator and packer shaft, and over a third sprocket
wheel secured to a shaft mounted on the harvester frame, which latter shaft carries
the constantly revolving gear wheel by which the binder is driven. The binder
driving shaft is provided with a gear wheel which meshes with a gear secured to a
shaft mounted on the harvester frame, on the front end of which shaft is the crank
wheel which carries the pitman by which the cutting apparatus is reciprocated, and
on the rear end of which is a sprocket wheel over which and over a sprocket wheel
secured to the spindle of the inner or driving roller of the horizontal conveyor, a
sprocket chain passes.
The fifteenth part of the invention relates to the mechanism for adjusting the binder
to place the band around the centre of the bundle.
According to this part the binder slides on the cross sill at the stubble side of the
harvester, and on the binder driving shaft, which extends outwardly in front of the
harvester frame. The binder driving gear slides on its shaft with the binder. A link
is connected to the binder frame and to a lever provided with a spring detent taking
into a segmental rack on the tongue frame. By the adjustment of the lever the
binder is moved backwardly and forwardly. In order to render such adjustment of
the binder possible and not interfere with the devices to swing the cam by which the
operation of the elevator and packer mechanism is controlled the link connecting the
cam with the arm secured to the needle and to its actuating crank is hooked loosely
over the said arm which can move longitudinally without disturbing its connections
5 with the swinging cam.
The sixteenth part of the invention relates to the mechanism by which the knotter
bill is opened, closed and held elastically closed at the same time permitting the

page_text: Knotter jaw to be drawn around in the direction of the discharge of the bundle by the
stress exerted upon the bundle by the discharge arms, and thereby doing away with
a detaching hook.
According to this part a shaped spring cam is pivoted concentrically on the
knotter spindle. The friction roller on the pivoted knotter bill passes between the
leaves of spring cam, and is thereby closed to grasp the ends of the band. The
force exerted upon the friction roller by the spring is sufficient to cause the spring
to rotate backwardly with the knotter in order to allow the bills to be drawn around
in the direction of the discharge by the stress thereof, the bill in the meantime being
held elastically closed by the pivoted spring cam. The mouth of the spring cam is
flaring to more readily admit the friction roller and its upper leaf is indentated to
better grasp the friction roller. The knotter bill is turned in proper position for the
succeeding bundle by a cam on the knotter driving disc and a cam collar on the knotter
driving pinion. The bill is opened by a raised portion secured to the spring cam,
which raised portion is also suitably formed to serve as a twine or band guide to
guide the latter in proper position with reference to the knotter. The spring cam
abuts against the knotter frame in proper position so that the knotter bill may be
opened and closed at the desired time.
The seventeenth and last part of the invention relates to the tucker.
According to this part a bifurcated arm is pivoted on the knotter frame. One of
the bifurcations extending downwardly rests upon the periphery of the knotter driving
disc. The other extends upwardly adjacent to the knotter bills and the bands rest
upon the flattened upper portion thereof, being delivered thereon by the needle arm.
Just prior to the revolution of the knotter bills, the tucker is forced upwardly by a
cam on the periphery of the knotter driving disc, which upward movement gives tho
requisite kink or bend in the band to ensure the formation of the loop around the
revolving knotter bill.
Dated this 12th d... a
H. GARDNER,
166, Fleet Street, London, Agent for the said W. M. Cranston
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Grain Binding Harvesters.
I WILLIAM MCINTYRE CRANSTON of 36 Worship Street, Finsbury, in the county
of Middlesex, Agricultural Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
which has been communicated to me from abroad by The Walter A. Wood Mowing
and Reaping Machine Company, of Hoosick Falls, New York, United States of
America, 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 improvements in automatic grain binding Harvesters, and
more particularly to that class or type known as Low Down Machines although many
of the improvements hereinafter described may be successfully used in other types of
Grain Binding Machines, the object being to provide a machine which may be
manufactured at a smaller cost than those now in use, which may be drawn easily by
two horses, which will handle all conditions of crops, and whose capacity will be
such that it will not choke down.
In the accompanying drawings Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a machine
embodying the invention.
Figure 2 is a top plan view.
Figure 3 is a plan view of the main and platform frames.
Figure 4 is a side elevation of the main frame, the driving wheel and a portion of
the platform frame; also of the driving shaft and its connections which serve to
transmit motion from the driving wheel to the packer shaft.
Figure 5 is a top plan view of the main frame and a portion of the platform frame,
showing also a modification of the mechanism for communicating motion from the
driving wheel; which modification is also shewn in Figure 4.

page_text: Figure 6 is a vertical section through the conveyor and packer, and also a portion
of the platform.
Figure 7 is a vertical longitudinal section through the platform.
Figure 8 is a perspective view of the packing mechanism and the elevator table.
Figure 9 is a side elevation of the cam which controls the action of the packer.
Figure 10 is a vertical cross section through the platform and sail, the latter being
shewn as rocked downwardly to form an extension of the platform.
Figure 11 is a vertical cross section through the platform and sail, the latter being
shown in an upright position to act as a wind board.
Figure 12 is a perspective view of the wind board or sail.
Figure 13 is a side elevation of the outside divider, the grain wheel and the
raising and lowering device connected with the grain wheel.
Figure 14 is a perspective view of a standard which supports the upper end of the
outside divider and also the rod on which the grain wheel is pivoted.
Figure 15 is a perspective view of the arm on which the grain wheel is mounted:
Figure 15. is a perspective view of the crank for adjusting the grain end of the
platform.
Figures 15 and 16 are side elevations of binder gear wheel and its driving gear.
Figure 17 is a perspective view of the binder gear, the tripping arm and the binding
frame..
Figure 18 is a perspective view of a casting attached to the vertical binder post,
and forming a part of the tripping mechanism.
Figure 19 is a perspective view of the elevator table and binder table.
Figure 20 is a perspective view of the binder frame, binder table, binder driving
shaft, and the packing mechanism.
Figure 21 is a perspective view of the cross sill on which the binder slides and a
portion of the binder frame; also the mechanism for driving the binder.
Figure 22 is a side elevation, illustrating the raising and lowering device.
Figure 23 is a perspective view of a portion of the main frame, and the hell mouthed
gear attached to the driving shaft mounted in the main frame.
Figure 24 is a perspective view of the gear wheel articulating with the bell mouthed
gear.
Figure 25 is a vertical longitudinal section through the centre of the driving
shaft, the bell mouthed gear, the gear articulating with the bell mouthed gear, and a
sprocket wheel secured to a shaft mounted on the platform frame and driven from the
gear shown in Figure 24.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the knotter and its spring cam, the bill being
shewn closed by the spring cam.
Figure 2 is a perspective view shewing the knotter bill open.
Figure 3 is a perspective of the spring cam of the knotter.
Figure 4 is a top plan view of the knotter frame.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the knotter pinion.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the knotter, tucker, grasper, knotter driving
disc, and the frame which supports the knotter frame.
Figure 7 is a perspective of the knotter driving disc.
Figure 8 is a perspective view of a stop against which the spring cam pivoted on
the knotter spindle abuts, and the frame supporting the knotter frame; the spring cam
being also shewn in dotted lines.
The first part of this invention is illustrated in Figures 1, 13, 14, 15 and 15°.
According to this part of the invention a standard AS is rigidly secured to the
front longitudinal sill A, to which the guards are bolted, and which forms what is
known as the finger-beam. This standard extends vertically forward from the
finger beam A and this forms the perforations all at its upper end, to receive
fastening bolts which pass through the outside divider A. The vertical standard A³
thus supports the upper end of the outside divider. A vertical brace ✓ shaped, as is
rigidly bolted to the finger beam A, from which it extends horizontally outwardly,

page_text: and supports the forward end of the outside divider Aº. A securing bolt a³ passes
through the converging brace a and the divider point a¹. To further stiffen and
strengthen the standard A³, a brace rod a¹ is secured to the rear longitudinal sill
of the platform frame, and extending diagonally upward, is bolted at a¹³ to the
standard A.
According to the second part of this invention which is also illustrated in
Figures 1, 13, 14, 15 and 15 the vertical standard A³ is provided with journalled
bearings to receive the screw rod B2 which is permitted to turn freely in its
bearings but prevented from vertical movement therein.
In the present organization of machine, the driving wheel is in advance of the
grain wheel and it is therefore necessary that the atter be permitted to assume any
angle with respect to the driving wheel, in order that the machine may be adapted to
turn corners. The grain wheel B is accordingly pivoted on the free end of the
swinging arm B. The other end of the swinging arm B¹ is provided with a threaded
hole into which takes the screw rod B³. It is evident that the grain wheel being
mounted on the swinging arm B₁, which in turn is mounted on the screw rod B²
having a free pivotal movement in its bearings 61, will be permitted to assume any
requisite angle in regard to the travel of the driving or master wheel. The upper
end of the screw rod B has securely pinned therein the stud 3 which passes through
a longitudinal slot in the crank B³. The lower end of the socket of the crank B³,
which fits over the upper end of the screw rod B is suitably cut away, as shewn in
Figure 15, so that the crank may be moved upwardly on the rod B2, and then swung
downwardly on the pin 3 as a pivot, out of the way beneath the divider board A⁹ as
shewn in Figure 13.
It is evident that the crank B³ serves as a means to turn the screw rod B², so that
the arm B may be elevated or depressed to change the height of the grain end of the
platform which is supported by the grain wheel B.
The third part of this invention is illustrated in Figures 3, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 11.
According to this part of the invention the boards which comprise the platform e
are rivetted at their lower ends to a strip of sheet metal e' which extending forwardly.
beyond the front ends of the boards e, is secured to the finger beam A between
the latter and the guards. This construction is chosen, inasmuch as the guards are
as near as possible to the surface of the ground, being thereby better adapted to cut
down or tangled grain.
The stretchers A* of the rollers of the horizontal conveyors A°, A7, are rigidly
bolted to the front and rear longitudinal sills of the platform frame. The roller e at
the grain side of the horizontal platform acts as an idle roller and hence its diameter
need not be such as to materially increase the depth of the horizontal platform. The
apron which runs over the rollers e, et is driven from the rollers e3; and in order
that sufficient room may be provided between the roller and the platform to permit
the apron with its transverse cleats to pass, a curved block of wood or other suitable
material e² is interposed between the finger-beam A and the strip of sheet metal e'.
In this way, the depth of the platform immediately beneath the roller e³ is increased ;
but inasmuch as the roller e³ occupies a position on the stubble side of the guards, the
depth of the platform at such point does not affect the operation of the cutting
apparatus in down or tangled grain. The forward ends of the boards e are bevelled
as shown in Figures 10 and 11.
It will be seen that by this construction, the front longitudinal sill projects the
minimum distance also above the cutting apparatus, and the reel is thereby more
effective in laying the grain upon the horizontal conveyor.
The platform boards e are secured to the rear longitudinal sill, which may be of
wood.
A diagonal brace rod a² is bolted to the front sill A, and also to the rear sill A¹.
A diagonal brace a is also bolted to the front sill A and to the brace a at about the
middle of the platform. A corresponding brace a³ is also bolted to the sill A¹ and
to the brace a² at the middle of the platform. The braces a² a³, and a' are formed

page_text: of steel set edgewise, and being secured to the rear and front longitudinal sills and to
each other at the centre of the platform are best adapted to stiffen the latter and
prevent sagging.
The fourth part of this invention relates to the attachment of the sail or wind
board. This is illustrated in Figures 10, 11 and 12. The sail A is made of canvas
stretched over a suitable frame work and is hence very light. The hook bolts a³,
which are secured in the rear longitudinal sill A' pass over the lower part of the
frame work of the sail A5, and form pivots upon which the sail may be rocked into
any desired inclination, as shown in Figures 10 and 11. Fastening nuts a hold the
hook-bolts as in place.
The pivot of the sail or wind-board A5 is below the upper surface of the horizontal
conveyor, so that when the sail is rocked downwardly in position shown in Figure 10,
its upper surface will be below that of the conveyor; and consequently the transverse
cleats secured to the apron will have a better holl upon the stalks of grain to convey
them across the horizontal platform than they would were the surface of A³ flush
with that of the horizontal conveyor, inasmuch as in the latter case the cleats or bats
secured to the apron would not have, for their entire length, a hold upon the stalks
of grain.
When the sail or wind-board is in the position shown in Figure 11 which position
it occupies when the machine is cutting short grain, it prevents the displacement of
the latter by the wind; and when as shewn in Figure 10, it acts in cutting long
grain, as an extension of the horizontal platform.
The fifth part of the invention, which relates to the elevating and packing
mechanism, by which the crop is carried from the horizontal conveyor to the binder,
and forced against the trip, to automatically start the binder, is illustrated in
Figures 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 19 and 20.
The elevating and packing mechanism consists of a series of rake heads J¹, provided
with rake-teeth j. .The rake-heads J' are pivotted in the opposing ends of spider-
arms J, which are rigidly secured to a shaft which overhangs the elevator table M,
and is supported entirely from the post which carries the reel and is secured to the
front longitudinal sill of the platform frame. Inasmuch as the elevating and packing
mechanism is supported entirely from the front of the machine no obstruction is
offered to the advance of the crop to the binder and the heads of long grain are not
bent backwardly. The purposes of such construction will be hereinafter made apparent
and are more particularly applicable and advantageous to this type of machine,
inasmuch as the harvesting and binding devices are balanced in rear of the driving
wheel by the weight of the tongue frame and its adjuncts in advance thereof. It is
therefore expedient that the weight of such harvesting and binding devices be thrown
as far forward as possible toward the driving wheel, in order to be more easily
balanced by the weight of the tongue frame in advance thereof.
G is a sprocket wheel which is rigidly secured to the forward spider J and serves in
the present instance to communicate motion from the shaft c to the conveying,
cutting and binding devices. The shaft c is driven as will be hereinafter explained
directly from the master or driving wheel.
The rake teeth are projected as the shaft c revolves through the interstices
between the strips of sheet metal m which form the elevator table and convey the
grain delivered upon the lower end of such incline up the horizontal conveyor to the
binder and beneath the tripping arm which overhangs the binder platform the crop
being conveyed between the table M and the float rods which overhang the elevator
table, and which are eccentric to the path of movement of the rake heads and rake
teeth.
Each rake head J is provided with the trailing finger or crank arm j¹ which is
rigidly secured either to the rake head J' or to the spindle thereof.
Pivoted concentrically with the shaft is the swinging cam J' occupying such a
position with reference to the trailing fingers or crank arms ¹ that as the latter
revolve with the rake heads J' they pass in under the swinging cam J2 and while the
cam is held in the position shown in Figure 8, in the manner to be hereinafter..
B

page_text: explained, will be held in contact with the grain upon the elevator table, to move the
latter forwardly to the binder. The needle arm in the present instance overhangs the
binder platform and is mounted upon the shaft 15 which is given a reciprocating
movement by the pitman k and crank arm k².
The radii of the eccentric pin in the gear wheel and of the crank ² are such that
the revolution of the gear wheel A¹ imparts the desired reciprocating movement to the
shaft to cause the needle arm secured thereto to descend to the proper position
to deliver the cord to the knotter, and also to ascend, ready for the succeeding
bundle.
Securely fastened in the crank arm and also in the needle arm (see Figure 1) is
the shaft swivelled on which shaft is a rod je which takes into the swinging cam J
at j. The rod ja is swivelled on the rod j so that when the binder is moved forwardly
and backwardly to place the band around the centre of the bundle, the operation of
the rod je and rod will not be interfered with.
When the rake teeth have forced sufficient of the crop against the tripping arm I
to automatically start the hinder, the needle arm and crank arm descend and
through the link will swing the cam J upwardly on its pivots, and the crank arm j
will when the cam is in such position and during that period of time when the binder
is binding the bundle, pass beyond the swinging cam J2, so that the crop will not be
delivered to the binder.
It is evident that when the needle arm again returns to its place, after the bundle
has been bound and ejected from the machine, the cam J2 will again be returned to
the position shown in Figure 8 and will hold the rake teeth in contact with the grain
upon the binding table. Suitable stops are formed on each rake head J to prevent
the rake teeth from revolving so far that the crank arm j¹ will not be in position to
pass under the cam J2. A suitable stop is also formed on the cam J2, and abutting
against a corresponding stop j³ on the box which forms the bearing for the shaft c
holds the cam J2 in rigid position while the crop is being conveyed to the binder.
The cam J is pivoted on the bearing for the shaft co by means of the hole j³ in the
cam J2
The sixth part of the invention relates to the elevator table.
According to this part of the invention the elevator table is made elastic so as to
accomodate an unusually large quantity of straw, and also the accumulation thereof
during the binding operation.
This part of the invention is illustrated in Figures 1, 6, 8 19 and 20. A transverse
piece m², which is inclined, to correspond with the inclination of the elevator table, is
secured to the upper end of a post o¹ fastened to the rear sill A' and to the curved
piece o² which forms the front side of the elevator.
A second transverse piece m¹ is secured at the foot of the elevator to the front and
rear sills. The curved strips of sheet metal m are secured to the strip m' at their
lower ends and are left free at their upper ends where they rest upon the inclined
strip m², the upper edge of which is flush with the binder table P¹.
It is evident that, should an extraordinary large quantity of grain be conveyed by
the rake teeth the strips m would yield downwardly to accomodate the accumulation
of the crop during the binding of the bundle. The strip M at the rear of the elevator
table overhangs the rear longitudinal sill and projects rearwardly beyond the rake
teeth, forming a rear extension of the elevator table.
The seventh part of this invention relates to the float.
This is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.
According to this part of the invention the bar N is rigidly secured to the reel
post from which it is entirely supported. The curved yielding rods n are secured
to the bar. N from whence they extend downwardly, surrounding the elevating and
packing mechanism, and thence upwardly where their ends rest upon the upper
portion of the incline. It is evident that as the rake teeth revolve they will be
projected through the interstices between the rods n and then at the upper part of the
incline will be withdrawn from in between them, thereby clearing the grain or crop
from the rake teeth. The float rods n are adapted to yield upwardly, and the crop is

page_text: thus conveyed forward to the binder between two yielding surfaces. The float rods n
act to hold the grain in contact with the rake teeth and also to strip the crop from the
rake teeth at the upper portion of the incline.
It will be noticed that the float, as well as the elevating and packing devices, is
supported entirely from the front of the machine, and the weight of these devices
brought as near as possible to the pivotal connections of the platform frame with the
main or wheel frame.
The eighth part of this invention relates to the tripping device, and is illustrated in
Figures 15, 16, 17 and 18.
13 is a constantly revolving gear wheel. is a gear wheel rigidly secured to the
knotter actuating shaft and motion is imparted to the various binding devices from
the gear wheel ¹ which forms one complete revolution during the binding of each
bundle. The gear wheel k¹ bas a portion of its periphery k pivoted thereto at d. It
is evident that when such pivoted portion or gear segment is swung inwardly
toward the centre of the gear wheel it will form a mutilated gear wheel, or a
broken gear.
A spiral spring d' is interposed between the spoke of the gear wheel
and the gear segment and acts normally to force the gear segment outwardly in
mesh with the gear wheel 13. is a lip or flange on the gear segment, which slides
against a corresponding flange on the gear keeping the gear segment in line with the
gear wheel. I is the tripping arm overhanging the binding receptacle, and is secured
by a bolt and slot so as to make it adjustable, to the tripping lever k which is right
angled in contour and has its horizontal portion resting upon the lugs p upon the
binder frame E. The vertical portion is pivoted by means of the sleeve » which
passes over a stud fastened in a lug 2 to the vertical binder post. The tripping
lever is free to rock on the pin or stud as a pivot. To the lower end of the
lever is secured a casting formed with outwardly extending lugs to receive the
spring plunger which is permitted an up and down movement in its bearings in
the lugs. The plunger is screw threaded and provided with the adjusting
nut 18.
Between the nut. 8 and the upper lug of the casting is interposed a spiral
spring. The adjusting nut & serves to regulate the tension of the spiral spring k³.
A gear segment has an outwardly extending arm k which is suitably indented to
receive the lower end of the spring plunger 6. The spring is sufficiently stronger
than the spring to overcome the latter, and hold the pivoted gear segment 3 in the
position shown in Figures 16 and 17 out of mesh with the constantly revolving gear
wheel which position it occupies during the formation of the gavel.
The gear segment has a flange shown in dotted lines in Figures 16 and 15b
which passes under a casting 2 secured to the vertical binder post E.
The operation of this part of the invention is as follows:-
When sufficient grain has accumulated beneath the tripping arm I to elevate tlic
latter a sufficient distance to rock the lever on its pivot so that the spring
plunger will be withdrawn from the projection the spring will be free to act,
and will force the gear segment into the position shown in Figure 15, so that it
will engage with the constantly revolving gear wheel 13, and the gear wheel ¹ will
thereby be revolved. As the gear wheel is nearing the completion of its revolution
the bundle will be ejected from the machine and the tripping lever will fall into the
position shown in Figure 17 bringing the spring plunger 4 in the path of the
portion of the pivotted gear segment ³. The flange de passing under the pro-
jection of the casting d will hold the gear segment in engagement with the gear
wheel thereby compressing the spring . As soon, however, as the flange de shall
have passed from in under the casting d², the spring will be free to act, and acting
suddenly, will overcome the tension of the spiral spring d and will force the gear
segment inwardly toward the centre of the wheel, and the binder will be
brought to a position of rest until such time as sufficient grain shall have accumulated
to form another bundle.
[6
.
The ninth part of this invention relates to the manner of balancing the weight of
the machine upon the axle of the driving wheel..

page_text: This part of the invention is illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3. According to this
part of the invention, the platform frame, which carries the cutting, conveying and
binding devices, is counterbalanced on the axle of the driving wheel in rear thereof by
the tongue frame in front thereof. A, A' are the front and rear longitudinal sills,
extending from the grain to the stubble side of the machine.
The binder frame E is mounted on the shaft G¹ and upon the transverse sill A² at
the stubble side of the machine upon which it is moved longitudinally in order to
place the band around the centre of the bundle. The binder post is at the front of
the machine and the binder being made open at the rear, no obstruction is offered to
the passage of long grain to the binder. In order to maintain the transverse balance
of the machine upon the axle of the driving wheel C2, the binder is located on the
stubble side of the driving wheel C2 and the conveyor and packer shaft is located
and supported on the grain side of the driving wheel C, and the weight of the binder
is thereby balanced by the weight of the packer and conveyor. The driving wheel C² is
mounted on the axle, which is journalled in bearings on the wheel or main frame which is
U shaped as shewn in Figure 3. The main frame is pivoted to the platform frame
between the brackets B and B, and the platform frame is permitted a free pivotal move-
ment in order to tilt the cutting apparatus on the pivotal connections of the main frame
with the platform frame. The tongue frame F1 is pivoted to the main frame in front
thereof, as shewn in Figure 1 and carries the drivers seat F2. The weight of the
tongue frame, it will thus be seen, is used to counterbalance the weight of the platform
frame in rear of the driving wheel upon the axle of the latter. It will, of course, be
- apparent that the weight of the binder and packer should be brought as near as
possible to the pivotal connections of the platform frame with the main frame. The
advantages therefore of supporting the packer and the binder and driving the same
entirely from the front of the machine, under the present organization of machine
will be readily apparent. The platform frame is held in a rigid position with the
tongue frame by a rod f³, which is pivoted to a post O', and takes at its upper end,
where it is formed with rack teeth, into a spring detent f on the tongue frame, as
will be hereafter more specifically described. In order to change the height of the
cutting apparatus, the platform frame, together with the main frame, is rocked on the
axle of the driving wheel. This is done by means of the crank F5 and rod f which
connects the tongue frame to the main frame, as will be more fully hereinafter
described.
The tenth part of the invention relates to the tilting mechanism. This part of the
invention is illustrated in Figure 1. C¹ is a post which is rigidly secured to the
bracket B. The reel pintle c¹ is supported from the post (and from the brace C of
the reel post. The upper portion of the reel-frame carries the reel shaft. The
reel-frame has a crank arm c18, which is connected by a link to the lever F pivotted
on the reel-post Cat f¹. The lever F is provided with a spring detent, which takes
into a segmental rack secured to the reel post 0. It is evident that by releasing the
spring detent on the lever F the reel frame may, by the adjustment of the lever F,
be rocked on its pintle e as a bearing, thereby changing the height of the shaft e
from the cutting apparatus. The rack bar fais pivotted to the reel post (at its
upper end.
Its forward end is provided with the rack teeth f, which are engaged by
the spring detent within reach of the driver in his seat F2. The bar f slides
through a haspf secured to the tongue frame F. When it is desired to tilt the
platform frame, in order to change the inclination of the guards or cutting apparatus,
the driver releases the spring detent fe from the rack teeth f4, and grasping the
lever F, not releasing the spring detent thereon from the segmental rack, tilts the
platform frame on its pivotal connections with the main frame; when it has been
moved into the desired position, allows the spring detent to engage the rack f*,
and the platform frame is held in the desired inclination. It will be seen that the
lever F answers both as a lever to adjust the reel, and also to adjust the angle
of inclination of the cutting apparatus, in connection with the bar f³ and the
detent fo
The Eleventh part of the Invention relates to the raising and lowering devices by

page_text: which the height of the cutting apparatus is adjusted. This part of the Invention is
illustrated in Figures 1, 2, and 22. According to this part of the Invention, the
tongue frame F is pivotted to the main frame in front thereof. A standard is
securely fastened to the tongue frame F¹. A crank F5, having a threaded sleeve, is
journalled in a standard f, in which it is free to turn but prevented from longitudinal
movement therein. A rod f' threaded at one end, takes into a threaded sleeve of
the crank F, and is hooked at f10, where it takes into a hole in the standard F. By
turning the crank F, the main frame, together with the platform frame, will be
rocked on the axle of the driving wheel inasmuch as the weight in front of the axle
of the driving wheel a little more than counterbalances that in the rear.
The Twelfth part of the Invention is illustrated in Figures 1, 3, and 5, and relates
to the manner of supporting the reel frame. According to this part of the Inven-
tion, the elliptical brace rod C is secured at its lower end to the upper end of the
bracket B, to which one side of the main frame is pivotted. The elliptical brace C
extends diagonally upward from the bracket B³, surrounding the reel post C¹ to which
it is bolted at clo, and extending thence diagonally upward carries a box el in which
the pintle c of the reel frame is journalled at one end, the other end of the pintle
being journalled in the reel post C¹. The reel post is rigidly secured to the
bracket B, to which one side of the main frame is pivotted. It will be seen that the
reel post C¹, inasmuch as it supports and carries both the packer shaft and the reel
frame, must be held rigidly. This is accomplished by the brace C. The pintle c¹²
has rigidly secured thereto an arm at right angles therewith, which carries a hollow
shaft 3 in which the reel shaft c is journalled, the arm ca being parallel with the
pivotted shaft or pintle c¹. The pintle c¹ has also secured thereto the crank arm c¹³, to
which is conected the link, also connected to the lever F.
.
The Thirteenth part of the Invention relates to the mechanism for driving the reel.
This part of the Invention is illustrated in Figures 1, 4 and 5. Pivotted concentrically
on the axle of the driving wheel is the casting C, forming a gear casing. The
casting has a bearing c', in which is journalled the shaft 8, carrying a bevel
pinion which meshes with the driving gear e secured to the axle. The shaft is
connected by a swivel or universal joint with the shaft d, which is mounted in
bearings c, in which it is permitted a longitudinal movement, and also a turning
movement. The bearings are formed in the gear casing c¹6 which is pivotted on
the arm ¹³. The shaft carries a bevel pinion between the bearings c¹7 secured to
the shaft d by a spline and groove. The bevel pinion meshes with the gear wheel
secured to the shaft c¹4.
It will be evident from the foregoing description that the tilting, raising and
lowering, and adjustment of the reel are rendered possible, such adjustments not
interfering with one another.
The Fourteenth part of the Invention relates to the mechanism for driving the
Harvester and Binder from the driving wheel. According to this part of the inven-
tion, which is illustrated in Figures 23, 24, and 25, the shaft W is journalled in the
main frame, and is parallel with the advance of the machine. The shaft W carries on
its forward end the bevel gear wheel to which meshes with the driving gear secured
to the axle. The rear end of the shaft is provided with the bell mouthed gear
wheel w whose teeth w² are formed substantially straight. The teeth of the bell
mouthed gear wheel mesh into the elliptical shaped teeth of the gear wheel w³, which
is secured to one end of the shaft w provided with a sprocket wheel we over which
and over the sprocket wheel G and the sprocket wheel g² a sprocket chain passes, serving
to communicate motion to the various operative devices. It will be seen that, owing
to the peculiar shape of the teeth of the gear wheel w³, the platform frame is permitted
a free tilting movement on iis pivotal connections with the main frame, without
disturbing the operative relation of the driving shaft W. The connection of the bell
mouthed gear wl with the gear wheel w³, it will thus be seen, forms a universal joint ;
and the centre of movement of such joint and the centre of movement of the platform
frame on its pivotal connections w with the main frame are on the same line, or
nearly so. A modification of this part of the Invention is shown in Figures 4 and 5.

page_text: According to that part of tho Invention, the driving shaft D is journalled at its
upper end in a box d', which is pivotted at d to the casting secured to the reel
post C¹. The lower end of the driving shaft D is journalled in the pivotted gear
casing Cat c³, 3, and is free to slide through its journalled bearings in the gear
casing or yoke C. The bevelled gear wheel d is secured by a spline and groove to
the shaft D between the bearings c³, c³, and meshes with the driving gear c². The
upper end of the shaft D) carries a pinion do, which meshes with the pinion c,
secured to the shaft c³. The sprocket wheel G revolves with the shaft and over
the sprocket wheel G and the sprocket wheel g² (see Figure 3) a sprocket chain passes,
driving the shaft G¹. It is evident that, owing to the connections of the shaft D
with the driving mechanism, and also with the shaft that neither the tilting nor
raising and lowering of the machine will interfere with the operative relation of the
driving mechanism. Referring to Figure 3, a is a brace secured to the front and
rear sills, stiffening the platform. a¹ is a diagonal brace secured to the transverse
sill A, and to the front sill A. a¹ is a diagonal brace rod secured to the rear end of
the transverse sill A2, and to the lower end of the bracket B and elliptical brace C.
The shaft G carries the gear wheel which meshes with the binder driving gear k¹,
(see Figure 21). The shaft G' also carries a gear wheel g', which meshes with the
gear wheel secured to the shaft G³ in its bearings in the sills A, A'. The shaft G³
carries the crank wheel G, on which is pivotted the pitman G5, which drives the
cutting apparatus. The rear end of the shaft G³ carries the sprocket wheel g³ over
which and over the sprocket g*, secured to the spindle of the driving roller of the
horizontal conveyor, a sprocket chain passes, thereby communicating motion to the
horizontal conveyor.
It will be noticed from the above description, taken in connection with the drawings,
that the packing mechanism, horizontal conveyor, and the binding devices are driven
directly from tlie driving wheel of the Harvester, and that these devices are all
mounted on the platform frame; and that, inasmuch as the depth of the platform is
materially decreased by leaving the same open at the rear, that the indirect way of
communicating motion from the driving wheel to the operating devices carried on the
platform frame, by means of driving mechanism located in front of the axle of the
driving wheel, which has hitherto been found necessary, is obviated; also that the reel
which is supported from the platform frame, is driven by mechanism located on the
main frame, and that the weight of the driving mechanism for the reel is transferred
from the platform to the main frame.
The Fifteenth part of the invention relates to the mechanism for adjusting the
binder to place the band around the centre of the bundle. According to this part of
the invention, which is illustrated in Figures 3, 20, and 21, the binder frame E is
provided with suitably grooved feet, which fit over the transverse sill A³, which is
extended forwardly in front of the sill A, and forms, in connection with the shaft G¹,
a way upon which the binder slides. The front casting P, which is grooved to receive
the transverse sill A2, is bolted to the binder frame E at p. The casting P is also
formed with a perforated lug p² which passes over the shaft G. The gear wheel 13
which serves to drive the gear wheel is secured by a spline and groove to the
shaft G', and slides with the binder, being held constantly in line of engagement with
the gear wheel by suitable lugs secured to the casting P on either side of the gear
wheel (see Figure 21). The rod ƒ (see Figure 2) is hooked at one end into the
vertical binder post, and at the other into the lever F³, which is pivotted to
the segmental rack F, and has a suitable spring detent to engage therewith.
The lever F3 serves to slide the binder. It will be evident from the previous descrip-
tion, with reference to the connection of the rod with the swinging cam J2, and
the rod, the rod j being mounted on the rod so that the latter can slide freely
on, that the longitudinal movement of the binder will not affect the operative
relation of the cam J2, rod 18, or rod j³.
The Sixteenth part of this invention relates to the mechanism by which the knotter
bill is opened, closed, and held elastically closed, at the same time permitting the
knotter jaw to be drawn around in the direction of the discharge of the bundle by the

page_text: stress of the discharge. This construction, it is evident does away with the detaching
hook. This part of the Invention is illustrated in Figures 1 2 3, 4, 5, 6, 7",
and 8. According to this part of the Invention, C³ represents the knotter frame,
which is rigidly secured to a casting A" which is fastened to the lower end of the binder
frame, and provided with the perforated lugs a¹, to which the breast plate is bolted.
Under the present organization of machine the knotter is shown as working below the
binder table. The casting is fastened to the casting All by a securing bolt al (See
Figure 6). B is the knotter driving disc, fastened to the knotter driving shaft, and is
provided with the gear segment 6, of a suitable number of teeth to impart one complete
revolution to the knotter pinion, which is secured to the knotter spindle. The knotter
pinion is provided with the delay shoe &, which rides upon the track or delay
surface, preventing the pinion from rotating and consequently holding the jaws of
the knotter immovable, until such time as the rack shall engage the knotter
pinion. The driving disc B is suitably cut away at 6 and 10 to permit rotation of the
pinion when in engagement with the rack b¹. The knotter consists essentially of the
jaw D¹ and the jaw D2 pivotted in a slot 3 in the jaw D at d. The jaw D² is
provided with a friction roller d15. Pivotted concentrically on the knotter spindle is
the spring cam E. It is formed with an indentation in its upper portion eat e and
sufficient elasticity is imparted to the spring E' by its being bent at e' to hold the pivotted
jaw D2 closed when the friction roller passes between the upper and lower leaves of
the spring E. The spring E' is furthermore provided with a flaring mouth, which
permits the entrance of the roller d. Nearly diametrically opposite the indentation e.
on the cam e is formed the cam projection e, which serves to open the pivotted bill D'.
A stop o³ is formed upon the casting A", which stops the forward rotation of the spring
cam E, so that the roller d may be engaged by the cam projection to open the
bill D² to receive the grasper ends of the band. The operation of this part of the invention
is as follows: While the bundle is accumulating, the knotter bill occupies the position.
shown in Figure 6", at right angles or nearly so, with the line of discharge.
When the needle arm has descended and delivered the cord to the knotter, the
segment engages the knotter pinion and imparts one complete revolution to the
latter. During such revolution, the cam E having been stopped against the pro-
jection o³, the friction roller 1 riding over the cam projection e, will open the
pivotted jaw D', so that the grasper ends of the bands will pass between the jaws D' D².
The knotter hook continuing its revolution, the friction roller d¹ drops off from the
cam projection e', and passing between the upper and lower leaves of the spring E¹, is
closed thereby upon the ends of the bands. The grasper G now releases the old end
of the band, severs the main band and catches the new end for the succeeding bundle.
The grasper in the present instance forms no part of the invention, and hence is not more
specifically set forth. The disc B continuing its revolution, the cut away portion 6,12
permits the knotter jaws to be drawn around by the force of discharge in the direction
thereof, and the end of the track coming in contact with the surface 13 of the
knotter pinion, after the knot has been stripped from the hook returns the knotter jaw
to the position shown in Figure 6. It will be evident that, while the knotter is.
performing its retrograde movement, in order that its bills or jaws may point in the line
of discharge, the spring cam E will be locked temporarilly fast to said jaw, and
swinging around therewith, will hold the pivotted jaw D' closed upon the grasper ends
of the bands. The lug 6 holds the knotter bill at right angles to the line of discharge,
or nearly so, until the stress of the latter shall be sufficient to turn the bills around in
the direction of discharge.
11
The Seventeenth, and last part of this invention relates to the tucker. This portion
of the invention is illustrated in Figures 6 and 7. F is a bifurcated arm which is
pivotted at to the casting A". One end of the spiral spring f" is hooked on the
casting A", and the other end over the arm F, serving to force the lower bifurcation 13
down upon the periphery of the driving disc B. The band, coming around the
bundle, rests upon the upper end of the bifurcation f As the knotter revolves, a
portion of the driving disc B° coming in contact with the lower bifurcation 13 of the

page_text: arm F, forces the upper bifurcation f upwardly, thereby ensuring both branches of
the twine being wound around the knotter jaws.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said Inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what 1
claim is
1. The combination of the main frame, the platform frame supported therefrom in rear
thereof, the driving wheel mounted in the main frame, the binding apparatus supported
on the platform frame on the stubble side of the driving wheel, and a conveyor and
packer located on the platform frame on the grain side of the drive wheel, substantially
as and for the purpose specified..
2. The combination of the main frame, the platform frame suspended therefrom in
rear thereof, the tongue frame supported from the main frame in front thereof, the
driving wheel and its axle mounted in the main frame, the binding apparatus carried
in the platform frame, supported and driven from the front of the platform frame, a
conveyor and packer mounted on the platform frame, and supported and driven from
the front of the platform frame, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
3. The conbination of the main frame, the driving wheel and its axle mounted
therein, the tongue frame pivotted to the main frame in front thereof, a horizontal
conveyor to convey the grain across the platform, the binder supported on the platform
frame, the binding receptacle open at the rear, a conveyor interposed between the
binding receptacle and the horizontal conveyor, and adapted to deliver the grain from
the latter to the former, and an overlying float suspended from the front of the platform
frame, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
4. The combination of the main frame, the driving wheel and the axle mounted
thercon, the platform frame pivotted to the main frame in rear thereof, and in rear of
the driving wheel, the tongue frame pivotted to the main frame in front thereof, a
tilting device connecting the platform frame and the tongue frame, a raising and
lowering device connecting the tongue and main frames, and the conveying and
binding devices located on the platform frame, and supported from the front thereof,
substantially as and for the purpose specified.
5. The combination of the main frame, the driving wheel and its axle mounted
thereon, the platform frame pivotted to the main frame in rear thereof, carrying the
binding apparatus, and provided with an open passsage for the crop at the rear, a
driving gear on the axle of the driving wheel, direct connections between the driving
gear and the operating mechanism on the platform frame, and the tongue frame
pivotted to the main frame in front thereof, substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
6. The combination with the main frame and the driving wheel and its axle carried
thereon, of the platform frame supported from the main frame in rear thereof, the
tongue frame supported from the main frame in front thereof, the driving gear on the
axle of the driving wheel, the packing and binding devices supported on the platform
frame in front thereof, the operating mechanism for the packing and binding devices
carried in the platform frame, and direct connections between the driving gear on the
axle and such operative mechanism, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
7. The combination with the main frame, the driving wheel and its axle mounted
thereon, a driving gear on the axle, the platform frame supported from the main
frame in rear thereof, the reel frame mounted on the platform frame, the reel shaft
carried on the reel frame, and direct driving connections between the reel shaft and
the driving gear on the axle, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
8. The combination with the main frame, the driving wheel and its axle mounted
thereon, a driving gear on the axle, the platform frame supported from the main
frame in rear thereof, carrying the conveying devices, and the binding apparatus, and
provided with an open passage at the rear for the heads of long grain, direct driving
connections between the operating devices and the driving gear on the axle, and the
wind board or sail pivotted to the rear longitudinal sill of the platform frame, so as to

page_text: be rocked downwardly to form a rear extension of the horizontal platform, substantially
as and for the purpose specified.
9. The combination of the main frame, the driving wheel and its axle mounted
thereon, a driving gear on the axle, the platform frame supported from the main
frame in rear. thereof, the packer shaft overhanging the platform, a gear on the
packer shaft, and an inclined driving shaft provided with driving gears meshing with
the gear on the packer shaft and the driving gear on the axle, substantially as and for
the purpose specified.
10. The combination of the main frame, the driving wheel and its axle mounted
thereon, the driving gear on the axle, the platform frame pivotted to the main frame
in rear thereof, the tongue frame pivotted to the front of the main frame, the convey-
ing, packing, and binding devices carried on the platform frame, direct connections
between the operating devices and the driving gear on the axle, the reel frame
supported on the platform frame, the reel shaft carried in the reel frame, and direct
driving connections between the reel shaft and the driving gear on the axle, substan-
tially as and for the purpose specified.
11. The combination of the main frame, the platform frame pivotted thereto,
the driving wheel and its axle mounted in the main frame, the driving shaft mounted
in the main frame and parallel with the advance of the machine, and a shaft on the
platform frame articulating by a swivel or universal joint with the driving shaft in
line with the pivotal connections of the platform and main frames, substantially as and
for the purpose specified.
12. The combination of the main frame, the platform frame pivotted thereto, the
driving shaft mounted in the main frame, and parallel with the advance of the
machine, a bell mouthed gear on the driving shaft, a shaft on the platform frame
having a gear with elliptically shaped teeth taking into the bell mouthed gear on a line
with pivotal connections of the main and platform frames, substantially as and for the
purpose specified.
13. The combination of the main frame, the platform frame pivotted thereto in rear
thereof and carrying the conveying, packing and binding devices, the driving wheel and
its axle, a driving gear on the axle, a gear casing pivotted concentrically with the axle,
the inclined driving shaft having a sliding bearing in the pivotted gear casing, a gear
meshing with the driving gear on the axle, and a second gear to drive the harvesting
devices carried on the platform frame, and a tilting device to rock the platform frame
on its pivotal connections with the main frame, substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
14. The combination of the main frame, the platform frame pivotted thereto, a lever
on the platform frame, a rack-bar pivotted to the platform frame, and a spring detent
to engage the pivotted rack-bar, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
15. The combination of the main frame, the driving wheel and its axle mounted
therein, a driving gear on the axle, the platform frame pivotted to the main frame in
rear thereof, a tilting device to rock the platform frame on its pivotal connections with
the main frame, the swinging reel frame mounted on the platform frame, the reel
shaft carried in the reel frame, a lever connected with the reel frame to swing the
latter, a box pivotted concentrically on the axle of the driving gear, and a shaft
journalled in said box, and having pinions meshing with the gear on the axle and
with the gear on the reel shaft, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
16. The combination of the main frame, the driving wheel and its axle mounted
thereon, a driving gear on the axle, the platform frame pivotted to the main frame in
rear thereof, a tilting device to rock the platform frame on its pivotal connections with
the main frame the reel frame mounted on the platform frame and carrying a reel
shaft, a box pivoited concentrically with the axle on the main frame, a shaft journalled
in the box and provided with gears meshing with the driving gear and with the
gear on the reel shaft, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
17. The combination with the main frame rocking on the axle of the driving gear
carried therein, of the platform frame supported from the main frame in rear
thereof, the tongue frame pivotted to the main frame in front thereof, a standard
0

page_text: on the tongue frame, a threaded sleeve journalled in the standard, and a link taking
into one end of the threaded sleeve, and at the other connected with the main frame,
substantially as and for the purpose specified.
18. The combination with the platform frame of the wind-board pivotted to the rear
longitudinal sill thereof, so that when rocked downwardly to form an extension of the
horizontal platform its surface is below that of the horizontal conveyor, substantially
as and for the purpose specified.
19. The combination with the rear and front longitudinal sills of the platform frame,
of the binder platform supported thereon, and the elevator table extending rearwardly
beyond the rear longitudinal sill, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
20. The combination with an overlying conveyor of an elevator table to support the
crop while being conveyed to the binder, and extending beyond the rear longitudinal
sill of the platform frame, to support the heads of long grain, substantially as and for
the purposo specified.
21. The combination of the angle-iron finger-beam, the platform boards secured at
their front ends to a strip of sheet metal supported between the guards on the angle-
iron finger-beam, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
22. The combination with the horizontal conveyor and the driving roller therefor at
the stubble side or end of the platform, and the platform dropped below the horizontal
conveyor a sufficient distance to allow the latter room to pass between the roller and
the horizontal platform, substantially as and for the purpose specified..
23. The combination of the horizontal conveyor and the driving roller therefor at
the stubble side of the machine, the angle-iron finger beam, the platform boards
secured to a strip of sheet metal fastened to the angle-iron finger-beam, and a curved
block interposed between the strip of sheet metal and the angle-iron finger-beam,
beneath the driving roller of the horizontal conveyor, substantially as and for the
purpose specified.
24. The combination with the horizontal apron or conveyor and the driving roller
therefor, located on the stubble side of the cutting apparatus, of the platform supported
a sufficient distance below the driving roller to allow the apron to pass between the
driving roller and the platform, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
25. The combination of the horizontal conveyor and elevated binder platforun sub-
stantially parallel thereto, the curved yielding strips bridging the space between the
horizontal conveyor and the binder platform, and an overlying packing and elevating
mechanism, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
26. The combination of the horizontal conveyor, the elevated binding platform
substantially parallel thereto, curved yielding strips bridging the space between the
horizontal conveyor and the binding platform, an overlying elevating and packing
mechanism to deliver the grain from the horizontal conveyor to the binding platform,
and curved yielding float rods overlying the table up which the crop is conveyed to the
binder, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
27. The combination of the horizontal conveyor, the elevated binder platform sub-
stantially, parallel thereto, curved yielding strips bridging the space between the
horizontal conveyor and the elevated, binding platform, a rotary overhanging packer,
curved yielding float rods extending grainwardly around the packer and then up the
incline, and adapted to guide the crop to the binding platform, and to strip the graiu
from the packer, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
28. The combination of the horizontal conveyor, the elevated binder platform, the
rotary packer interposed between the binding platform and the horizontal conveyor,
and adapted to convey the grain from the latter to the former, and composed of rake-
heads pivotted in radial arms secured to a revolving shaft, said rake-heads provided.
with crank-arms, a tripping arm, against which the crop is forced by the rotary packer,
a swinging cam pivotted concentrically on the packer shaft, under which the crank-
arins secured to the rake-heads pass, a needle-arm shaft, a crank-arm thereon, and a
link connecting the crank-arm and the swinging cam, whereby the starting of the
binder swings the cam on its pivot to stop the action of the packer in bringing
the grain to the binder during the binding operation, as specified.

page_text: 29. The combination of the horizontal conveyor, the binding platform, the rotary
packer and elevator interposed between the binding platform and the horizontal
conveyor, curved yielding strips bridging the space between the horizontal conveyor
and the binding platform, and mechanism substantially as described for arresting the
advance of the crop to the binder during the binding operation.
30. The combination of the rotary packer, composed essentially of rake-heads
pivotted in the ends of spider-arms secured to a revolving shaft supported from the
platform frame, the crank-arms secured to the pivotted rake heads, a swinging cam
pivotted concentrically on the revolving shaft of the packer, a sliding binding
imechanism, and a link connected with the binder operating mechanism and the swinging
cam, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
31. The combination with the front longitudinal sill of the reel-post secured thereto,
an elliptical diagonal brace secured to the front sill, extending thence diagonally
upward, surrounding and secured to the reel-post at about the middle point of its length,
and the reel-frame supported by the reel-post and the upper end of the elliptical brace-
rod, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
32. The combination of the front longitudinal sill, the reel-post secured thereto,
and the rotary packer and feeder suspended from the reel-post, substantially as and
for the purpose specified.
33. The combination of the front longitudinal sill, the vertical reel-post secured
thereto, an elliptical brace-rod supported at its lower end from the front longitudinal
sill, extending thence diagonally upward, surrounding and bolted to the reel-post at
about the middle of its length, a box secured to the upper end of the brace-rod, and
the swinging reel-framo journalled in the vertical reel-post and in the box on the
upper end of the brace-rod, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
34. The combination with the horizontal conveyor and the elevated binding
receptacle, of a rotary packer and elevator adapted to convey the crop from the
horizontal conveyor to the binding platform, the tripping arm overhanging the binding
platform, and the float rods adapted to hold the grain upon the incline up which the
crop is conveyed, and to guide the crop against the tripping arm, substantially as and
for the purpose specified.
་
35. The combination with the rear and front longitudinal sills constituting the
platform frame, of diagonal braces secured to the rear and front longitudinal sills
and to each other, at or near the centre of the platform, substantially as and for the
purpose specified.
36. The combination of the main frame, the platform frame pivotted thereto in rear
thereof, a horizontal conveyor on the platform frame, the binding apparatus supported
from the platform frame, a rotary packer adapted to convey the grain from the hori-
zontal conveyor to the binding apparatus, and the driving wheel supported in the main
frame between the rotary packer and the binding apparatus, substantially as and for
the purpose specified.
37. The combination of the angle-iron finger-beam forming the front longitudinal
sill, the rear longitudinal sill of the platform frame, an angle-iron cross sill at the
stubble side of the platform frame, extending forwardly beyond the front sill, and the
binding apparatus supported on the platform frame, and sliding on the angle-iron cross
sill, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
38. The combination with the platform frame of the binding receptacle substantially
parallel thereto, the horizontal conveyor, the incline between the horizontal conveyor
and the binding platform, a conveyor and packer overhung from the front of the
platform frame, and interposed between the binding receptacle and the horizontal
conveyor, and the wind-board pivotted to the rear of the platform fraine, so as to be
rocked downwardly to form a rear extension thereof, and the strip M forming part of
the incline up which the crop is conveyed, and extending, rearwardly beyond the
platform frame, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
39. The combination of the binding mechanism located on the platforin frame, the
horizontal conveyor, the rotary packer interposed between the binding mechanism and
the horizontal conveyor, the yielding incline up which the crop is conveyed to the

page_text: f
binder, the yielding float above the incline, the tripping apparatus against which the
crop is forced by the packer, and mechanism substantially as described for arresting
the advance of the crop between the yielding incline and the yielding float, during the
binding operation.
40. The combination of the binding platform, the binding apparatus and the tripping
arm overhanging the binder platform, the horizontal conveyor, the yielding strips
bridging the space between the horizontal conveyor and the binding platform, the
rotary packer mounted on the platform frame, and the eccentric yielding float rods
between which and the yielding strips the teeth of the rotary packer are projected to
convey the crop to the binding receptacle and beneath the tripping arm, substantially
as and for the purpose specified.
41. The combination with the packer-shaft supported from the platform frame, and
provided with a sprocket-wheel, of a shaft mounted at the stubble side of the platform
frame, provided with a sprocket-wheel and a sprocket-chain passing over the sprocket-
wheel, of a driving gear to operate the binder on the second sprocket-wheel shaft, the
crank-shaft mounted in bearings in the platform frame, a gear-wheel thereon meshing
with the gear-wheel on the binder driving shaft, a sprocket-wheel on the crank-shaft,
a roller for the horizontai conveyor and a sprocket-wheel thereon, and a sprocket-chain
passing over the sprocket wheel on the crank-shaft, and a sprocket-wheel on the roller
of the horizontal conveyor, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
42. The combination with the constantly revolving gear-wheel of an intermittently
revolving gear-wheel serving to actuate the binding mechanism and having a portion
of its periphery pivotted thereto, so as to be swung inwardly toward the centre of the
gear-wheel and out
mesh with the constantly revolving gear-wheel, an elbow
lever pivotted on the binder frame, a projection on the pivotted gear segment
adapted to engage the pivotted elbow. lever, substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
43. The combination with the binder driving gear, having a portion of its periphery
or rim pivotted thereto, of a lever pivotted on the, binder frame, and adapted to engage
the pivotted portion of the gear-wheel to rock the latter inwardly, and to be rocked,
by the accumulation of the grain, out of engagement with such pivotted portion
of the gear-wheel, and a spring interposed between such pivotted portion of
the gear-wheel and one of the spokes thereof, substantially as and for the purpose-
specified..
44. The combination with the binder driving gear having a gear segment pivotted
thereto, of a spring to force the gear segment outwardly, a pivotted arm adapted to
engage the gear segment and to be raised by the accumulation of grain away from
the gear segment, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
45. The combination with the binder driving gear having a gear segment pivotted
thereto, of a spring to force the gear segment outwardly to form a continuation of
the periphery of the gear wheel, a spring plunger carried on the rocking arın
engaging with the gear segment, a flange on the gear segment, and a stop or
projection beneath which the flange on the gear segment passes, substantially as and
for the purpose specified.
46. The combination with the elbow lever, pivotted at about the middle of its vertical
length to the binder frame and provided with a dependent arm overhanging the
binding receptacle, of a spring actuated gear segment pivotted to the binder driving
gear, and adapted to be engaged by the lower end of the vertical portion of the elbow
lever, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
47. The combination, in a rear-cut grain-binding harvester, of a vertical standard
secured to the grain side of the platform frame, a threaded vertical rod journalled in
the standard, a threaded arm carrying the grain wheel into which the rod takes,
and a brace secured to the rear end of the grain side of the platform frame
and the upper end of the vertical standard, substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
48. The combination of a vertical standard secured to the grain end of the angle-
iron finger-beam, a converging rod extending horizontally forwardly from the angle-iron

page_text: finger-beam, the divider-board supported at its lower end by the converging rod and at
its upper end pivotted to the vertical standard, and a brace secured to the rear
longitudinal sill and to the upper end of the vertical standard, substantially as and for
the purpose specified.
49. The combination with the vertical standard supported at the grain side of the
platform, of a threaded rod carrying the arm on which the grain wheel is supported,
and pivotted and mounted in the vertical standard, a crank provided with a longi-
tudinally slotted sleeve fitting over the upper end of the pivotted rod, a pin secured to
the rod and passing through the vertical slot in the sleeve, and an indentation in the
sleeve to permit the latter to be swung downwardly on the pin as a pivot, substantially
as and for the purpose specified.
50. The combination with the pivotted knotter bill and its spindle of a spring cam
pivotted on the knotter spindle and arranged at right angles thereto, substantially as
and for the purpose specified.
51. The combination with the pivotted knotter bill and its spindle of a spring cam
having opposing walls between which the pivotted bill is confined, said cam pivotted
on the knotter spindle and arranged at right angles thereto, substantially as and for
the purpose specified.
52. The combination with the knotter spindle and the pivotted knotter bill, its
rear extension, and a friction roller carried thereon, of a spring cam having
opposing walls between which the friction roller is confined to close the bill, said
cam pivotted on the knotter spindle and arranged at right angles thereto, substantially
as and for the purpose specified.
53. The combination with the knotter spindle and the pivotted knotter bill of a
spring cam pivotted on the knotter spindle and arranged at right angles thereto,
said cam having a yielding face to close the knotter bill, a raised projection on the
spring cam to open the knotter bill, and a stop on the knotter frame, substantially as
and for the purpose specified.
54. The combination with the knotter spindle, the pivotted knotter bill and its
friction roller, the spring cam pivotied concentrically with the knotter spindle and
arranged at right angles thereto, and indented to receive the friction roller, substantially
as and for the purpose specified.
55. The combination with the knotter spindle, the pivotted knotter bill and its
rear extension provided with a friction roller, of a spring cam having opposing walls
to receive the friction roller, and a flaring mouth, substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
56. The combination with the knotter driving pinion, its spindle, and the pivotted
knotter bill, of a spring cam pivotted concentrically with the knotter spindle and
arranged at right angles thereto, and the knotter driving disc adapted to permit the
rearward rotation of the knotter, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
57. The combination of the knotter spindle, its driving pinion and delay shoe, the
delay surface on the driving disc cut away to permit the rearward rotation of the
knotter pinion, a spring cam pivotted on the knotter spindle and arranged at right
angles thereto, a projection on the knotter spindle or pinion, and a cam on the
driving disc to engage the projection, to return the knotter hook in position at
right angles to the cord after the discharge of the bundle, substantially as and for
the purpose specified.
F
58. The combination with the revolving knotter hook, its driving pinion and the
knotter driving disc, of a bifurcated arm pivotted on the supporting frame for the
knotting apparatus, a spring to force one of the bifurcations down on the periphery
of the driving disc, and a lug on the latter to force the bifurcation upon which the
band rests upwardly, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
I
H. GARDNER,
166, Fleet Street, London, Agent for the said William McIntyre Cranston.