IMPROVEMENTS IN WHEEL HARROWS AND SEED SOWERS
Year: 1836

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Clark, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of
Middlesex, Patent Agent, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN WHEEL
HARROWS AND SEED SOWERS." A communication from abroad by Sidney
Hervey Weston, of Winooski, in the County of Chittenden and State of Ver-
mont. United States of America
ealed the 15th August 1876, and dated the 10th May 1876.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Clark at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 10th May 1876.
WILLIAM CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex, Patent
Agent. "IMPROVEMENTS IN WHEEL HARROWS AND SEED SOWERS."
The machine of this Invention consists of a frame upon which is placed a seed
box, either portable or fixed, having an adjustable perforated bottom and a perforated,
and vibrating bottom over the same, to which vibrating bottom is attached by
elongated vertical pins a series of oscillating arms running up through the centre of
the seed box, and fixed in the centro of their length to a cross bar by loose pivots,
the cross bar being portable, and when adjusted for use is fitted into a slide at
cither end of the seed box. On the outside of the seed box, and fixed at front of
the main axle, is a metallic frame carrying a shaft, at one end of which is a toothed
wheel gearing with a larger wheel on the hub of the wheel of the frame carrying
the seed box. At the other or inner end of this shaft is a cam having in its face a
wave-shaped groove; running in this cam groove, and on its lower side, is an
oscillating lever which connects with tho vibrating bottom of the seed box, giving
it twenty-four motions to each revolution of the wheel of the seed box frame; on
this cam shaft between the gear wheel and cam and close to the latter is an
eccentric collar with a lever attached to it which, when thrown out from the seed.
box, disconnects the gear wheel, and when drawn to the seed box throws them into
gear, rotating the shaft and cam, oscillating the lever, and vibrating the upper.
bottom of seed box, as stated. The vertical bar passes down through the axle,
under it, and to the adjustable bottom of the seed box, the operating of which
adjusting bar admits of tho perforations in the two bottoms of the seed box to be
opened or closed, more or less, to suit the kind and quantity of material sowed.
When so desired the perforations may be entirely closed, the gear wheels thrown
out, and thic apparatus used as a wheel harrow only.

page_text: The Invention further consists in combining the above seed sowing mechanism
with a low truck between the wheels of the same connected to it by a chain and a
drag harrow hinged at its front end to said truck, and connected at its rear end by
a chain passing over suitably arranged pulleys on the inain frame to a hand lever,
by which it may be suspended clear of the ground when desired.
In the accompanying Drawing (Figure 1) I have represented a plan of the
apparatus, from which it may be better understood. The frame which carries the
seed box consists of a pair of wheels B mounted on the axle A, to which the
polo C is attached, and is provided with a seat D for the driver. A pair of wheels F
mounted on an axlo constitutes a truck, which forms the medium of attachment
and support for the front end of the harrow. g, g, are the harrow teeth and H
drag rods and chains employed for attaching the truck to the polo C, adjustable
clevises on the harrow frame engaging with perforated lugs on the axle of the truck;
is a hand lever for elevating the rear end of the harrow by means of chain M,
which passes over a grooved pulley N, affording an elevated support therefor, and
over a supplementary pulley inounted in a bracket for reflexing tho chain to the
line of draught of the lower end of the lever L; R is the seed box, having a sloping
back and being provided with covers; S is the wave-shaped cam groove, and S' is
an eccentric collar, and S a lever for throwing the gear wheel T, T", above
mentioned in and out of gear; T is an eccentric sleeve inclosing shaft T"; T is a
large gear wheel mounted on the hub of the wheel B meshing with a smaller
wheel T which is secured to and rotates the shaft T. An oscillating lever
connects cam S with the countersunk apertured upper bottom in the seed box R,
said bottom being provided with agitating pins, one end of which lever has a
sleeve or roller running in the groove of the cam S and the other end a stud
engaging with the bottom.
The adjustable bottom in the seed box is also provided with countersunk
apertures to correspond with those in the upper bottom, thus preventing any lodg-
ment at the bottom of the box or between the bottoms. A rigid arm is secured to
the adjustable bottom, and engages with a slot in the lower end of the spring
adjusting lever 1, for moving it to and fro in a line with the axletree A, and "is
a corrugated plate secured to the front of the seed box for locking the lever in
position.
In the seed box there are a series of partitions to strengthen the bottom of the
box and prevent any shifting of the contents of the same when on a hill sido or
uneven ground. is a broad flat stay passing from the pole C to and over box R
the front end being turned under for the purpose of elasticity and the back end
formed into a Y or yoke, the whole forming an elevated support for pulley N.
The harrow teeth g, which form part of the present Invention, are shown in
Figure 2, and consist of three parts, viz., a cast point 1, a steel mould board 2, and
a cast or wrought iron bolt 3 of the peculiar form shown. An extension 4 of n
bracing rib on point 1, provided with one or more stud bolts or rivets, unites
the point and mould board. The head 5 of bolt 3 is similarly provided and
attached.
The compound tooth is securely attached by the said bolt, and an additional one
passing through the perforated lug G on the point. The steel mould boards occupy
the positions where the principal friction and wear would otherwise occur, and
remove nearly all liability to turn, while their small size and simple form enable
them to be added at a trifling cost. The points 1, if broken, can be cheaply
replaced.
In operation the seed or other material to be distributed is placed in the seed
box R the quantity per acre is then regulated by throwing the adjusting spring
lever to or from the driver, who occupies the seat D. The lever being a strong
spring pressing towards its corrugated locking plate it is firmly held in position
by engaging with the corrugation that may be at the point of set of the lever. The
harrow being attached to the frame the lever L is thrown forward, to allow the
harrow to fall to the ground; the driver then draws the lever S" toward the box,

page_text: which act throws wheels T and T into gear, rotating the shaft T and cam S,
causing the upper bottom of the seed box to vibrate, sowing the seed, &c., evenly
upon the ground to in turn be covered by the harrow.
In passing to and from the field, or if from any cause it is desirable to throw tho
apparatus out of action, the lever S" is thrown forward, disconnecting the gears T¹
and T", and the lever L drawn back, raising the back end of the harrow from the
ground, causing it to move by means of the wheels F, F, attached to its front
end.
The vertical agitating pins on the box serve to prevent any lodgment or packing
of seeds or fertilizers. The harrow is also employed adapted for covering broadcast
seed, turning the ground from each side to the centre, having teeth either of tho
form shown in Figure, for pulverizing or mellowing the ground preparatory to
planting or for turning in broadcast seed, or the same form of teeth as in Figaro 2,
to operato similarly to the same, for turning the ground all one way; either may
be employed as required.
In passing to and from the field, or when it is desired to throw the harrow out
of action for any reason, the lever L is operated, which raises the rear end thereof
when the truck E, F, supports its front end. For operation, the lever L being
released the harrow is relieved of vertical control.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said William Clark in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 10th November
1876.
WILLIAM CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex, Patent Agent.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN WHEEL HARROWS AND SEED SOWERS." A communication
from abroad by Sidney Hervey Weston, of Winooski, in the County of Chittenden
and State of Vermont, United States of America.
This Invention relates to improvements in wheel harrows and ɛced sowers which
inay be used singly or in combination. The machine combined consists of a framo
upon which is placed a seed box, either portable or fixed, having an adjustablo
perforated bottoin, and a perforated and vibrating bottom over the same, to which
vibrating bottom are attached elongated vertical pins. On the outside of the seed
box, and fixed at the front of the main axle, is a metallic frame carrying a shaft, at
ono end of which is a gear wheel meshing with a larger gear wheel on the hub of
one of the main wheels of the supporting frame. At the other or inner end of this
shaft is a cam, having in its periphery a wave-shaped groove, and running in this
cain groove, and at its lower side, is an oscillating lever which connects with tho
vibrating bottom of the seed box, giving the bottom twenty-four motions to each
revolution of the main wheel. On this cam shaft, between tho gear wheel and
cam, and close to latter, is an eccentric collar with a lover attached to it, which,
when thrown out from the seed box, disconnects the gears, and when drawn to tho
seed box causes them to mesh, thereby rotating the shaft and cam, oscillating the
lover, and vibrating the upper bottom of seed box as stated. At the front of tho
seed box, and within reach of tho driver, is a vertical adjusting bar moving along a
notched locking plate. The vertical bar passes down through the main axletree,
under it, and to the adjustable bottom of the sced box, the operating of which
adjusting bar admits of the perforations in the two bottoms of the seed box being
opened or closed more or less to suit the kind and quantity of material sowed.
n
The Invention further consists in combining the above seed sowing mechanism
with a low truck between the wheels of the same, connected to it by a chain and a
drag harrow hinged at its front end to said truck and connected at its rear end by
a chain passing over suitably arranged pulleys on tho main frame to a hand lover,

page_text: When so desired
by which it may be suspended clear of the ground when desired.
the perforations in the seed box may be entirely closed, the gears disconnected, and
the apparatus used as a wheel harrow only.
In the accompanying Drawings Figure 1 is n top view of the seed sowing device
and harrow combined ready for use. Figure 2 is an enlarged section through the
seed sowing device on line A, B, Figure 1. Figure 3 is a section through the seed
sower and harrow on line E, F, Figure 1. Figure 4 is an englarged section through
the seed sower and line C', D', Figure 2. Figure 5 is an enlarged section through
the seed sower on line C, H, Figure 3.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of one form of tooth detached.
Figures 7 and 8 are perspective views of different forins of harrow proper from
that shown in Figure 1, which may be used. Figure 9 is a perspective view of one
of the teeth of the harrow shown in Figure 7 detacthed.
In all the Figures like letters indicate corresponding parts.
A represents the axletree; B, B, the wheels; C, the pole; and D, driver's seat;
all of which may be of ordinary construction constituting a frame to drag and
carry the harrow or coverer proper. E represents the harrow axle, and F, F, a pair
of wheels constituting a truck which forms the medium of attachment and support
for front end of the harrow. g. 9, y, represent the harrow teeth, and H, H, drag
rods and chains attaching the truck axle E to the pole C. K represents adjustable
clevises on the harrow frame engaging with perforated lugs on the axle E. Lisa
hand lever for elevating the rear end of the harrow G by a chain M connecting
the rear end of the harrow G to said lever L. N is a grooved pulley affording an
elongated support for the chain M, and O is a supplementary pulley reflexing the
chain M to the line of draft of the lower end of the lever L. P is a U shaped
bracket providing bearings for the lower pulley O. R is a seed box having a
sloping back, 1, 1, being the covers of the same. S represents a wave-shaped
groove cam, S an eccentric collar, and S" a lever for throwing wheels T and T
in and out of gear. T is an eccentric sleeve inclosing a rotating shaft TT is
a large gear wheel secured to the hub of the wheel B, which serves to rotate the
smaller wheel T secured to and rotating the shaft T within the eccentric
sleeve T. U represents an oscillating lever connecting the cam S with a perforated
upper bottom U in the seed box R. One end of the lever U has a sleeve or roller
running in the groove of the cain S, and the other end a stud engaging with the
bottom U. V is an adjustable bottom in the seed box R, with perforations to
correspond with those in the upper bottom U. The apertures in both the upper
and lower bottoms U₁ and V are countersunk on the upper side to prevent any
lodgment at the bottom of the seed box or between the bottoms. X represents a
rigid arm secured to the adjustable bottom V, and engaging with a slot in the
lower end of the spring adjusting lever X for moving to and fro in a line with the
nxletree A the adjustable bottom V of the box R. X" represents a corrugated
locking plate secured to the front of the seed box R. Y is a series of partitions in the
seed box R to strengthen the bottom of the box and prevent shifting of its contents
when on a hill side or uneven ground. Z represents a broad flat stay passing from
the pole C to and over the seed box R to the front end being turned under for the
purpose of elasticity, and the back end formed into a Y or yoke, the whole con-
stituting an elevated support for the pulley N, the Eced box R, which is firmly
secured in position supporting the stay. Z represents a series of agitating pins
secured to the vibrating bottom U and operated thereby.
1
The teeth, which form part of the present improvements, consists of three parts,
viz, a cast point 1, a steel mould board 2, and a cast or wrought iron bolt 3 of
the peculiar form represented in Figure 6. An extension 4 of a bracing nib on the
point I provided with one or more stud bolts or rivets unites the point and mould
board. The head 5 of bolt 3 is similarly provided and attached. The compound
tooth is securely attached by the said bolt, and an additional one passing through
the perforated lug 6 on the point. The steel mould boards 2 occupy positions

page_text: where the principal friction and wear would otherwise occur, their small size and
simple form enabling them to be added at a trifling additional cost. The points 1 if.
broken can be cheaply roplaced. The double teeth g' also have the cast points 1
and steel mould boards, as indicated.
In operation the seed or other material to be distributed is placed in the seed
box R. The quantity per acre is then regulated by throwing the adjusting spring
lever X¹ to or from the driver, who occupies the seat D. The lever, being a strong
spring pressing towards the corrugated locking plate X", is firmly held in position
by engaging with the corrugation that may beat the point of set of the lever. The
barrow or coverer G being attached to the frame the lever L is thrown forward to
allow the harrow to fall to the ground. The driver draws the shipping lever S"
toward the box R, thus throwing T' and T into gear, rotating the shaft T and
cam S, causing the lever U to oscillate, and the upper bottom of the seed box R
to vibrate, sowing the seed, &c., evenly upon the ground to, in turn, be covered by
the harrow G.
In passing to an from the field, or if from any cause it is desirable to throw the
apparatus out of action, the lever S" is thrown forward, disconnecting the gear
wheels T and T", and the lever L drawn back, raising the rear end of harrow G
from the ground, causing it to run on the wheels F, F, attached to its front end.
The vertical pins Z serve to prevent any lodgement or packing of seeds or
fertilizers by keeping such seeds or fertilizers in a state of constant agitation.
The harrow G, shown in Figures 7 and 8, is adapted for covering broadcast seed,
turning the ground from each side to the centre; that shown in Figure 7 G¹, having
the form of teeth shown in detail in Figure 9, is for pulverizing or mellowing
the ground preparatory to planting or for turning in broadcast seed. The one
shown in Figure 8 G, which has the same form of teeth as G, is to operato
similarly to the same, turning the ground all one way. Either may be employed as
required.
In passing to and from the field, or when it is desired to throw the harrow out of
action for any reason, the lever L is operated, which raises the rear end thereof,
when the truck E, F, supports its front end. For operation the lever L being
released the harrow is relieved of vertical control.
Having described the nature of the said Invention and the manner of performing
the same, I declare that what I claim as the Invention to be protected by the herein-
before in part recited Letters Patent is,-
First. The combination with the frame A, B, C, D, and harrow proper G of
the truck E, F, hinge jointa K, and chains H, M, constructed and arranged sub-
stantially as described and represented for the purpose set forth.
Second. The tooth g composed of the cast point 1, 4, 6, steel mould board 2, and
bolt 3, 5, constructed and arranged as represented and described for the purpose
set forth.
Third. The axletree A, wheeis B, B, poles C, seat D, pulley bracket P, N, O,
and hand lever L, the whole constituting an improved frame constructed, com-
bined, and arranged in the manner shown and described for the purpose set
forth.
Fourth. In a seeding machine the combination with a seed box of an adjustable
bottom and a vibrating bottom or slide, the perforations in both being countersunk,
and so placed in the seed box that the larger diameters of the perforations are on
the upper side of the bottoms, as and for the purpose herein set forth.
Fifth. In a seeding machine the combination with a seed box of an adjustable
and a vibrating bottom having a series of vertical agitating pins, subtantially as
and for the purpose set forth.
Sixth. In a seeding machine the gears T¹ and T", eccentric sleeve T, shaft Till
lever S, wave-shaped groove cam S, and oscillating lever U (combined as herein
described) operating the vibrating bottom of the seed box, and operated by the
rotation of the wheel B, substantially as set forth.
Seventh. In a seeding machine the adjusting spring lever X' working at its

page_text: upper end in or along a corrugated locking plate X", and connected to a rigid
arm X on the adjustable bottom V, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
Eighth. In a seeding machine the broad plate stay Z secured to the pole, being
bent under at one end, and having a pulley yoke at the other end, as and for the
purposes herein set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Clark, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Ninth day of November, in the year of our Lord Ono
thousand eight hundred and seventy-six.
W. CLARK. (LS.)