IMPROVEMENTS IN REAPING AND MOWING MACHINES, PART OF WHICH IS APPLICABLE TO MACHINERY IN ARNEDAL
Year: 1865

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Adam Carlisle Bamlett, of Thirsk, in the North
Riding of the County of York, Agricultural Engineer, for the Invention
of "IMPROVEMENTS IN REAPING AND MOWING MACHINES, PART OF WHICH IS
APPLICABLE TO MACHINERY IN ARNEDAL."
Sealed the 1st June 1866, and dated. the 6th December 1865.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Adam Carlisle Bamlett
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition,
on the 6th December 1865.
I, ADAM CARLISLE BAMLETT, of Thirsk, in the North Riding of the County
of York, Agricultural Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN REAPING AND MOWING MACHINES, PART OF
WHICH IS APPLICABLE TO MACHINERY IN GENERAL," to be as follows:-
1st. The first part of this Invention relates to combined reaping and
mowing machines, and consists of an arrangement for reducing the quick
speed at which the knife is driven for grass mowing to a slower one for
reaping; to accomplish this I use an internal wheel for mowing, and an
external wheel for reaping, both wheels gearing into the same pinion; it will
thus be seen the internal wheel is much larger in diameter than the external
one, and consequently drives the knife at a quicker speed.

page_text: 2nd. In order to lay the cut grass into a better swathe I use a travelling
band driven by pullies or other appliances in addition to and running parallel
with the usual swathing board.
8rd. The Invention consists in forming one or more recessed collars on the
spindles, so as to lubricate the bearings in a better manner; a portion of the
hearings work within the recessed collar or collars, which prevents the oil
being wasted, they also have a tendency to keep dust out of the bearings.
This part is most useful when applied to the crank pin; it is also applicable
to the bearings of machinery in general.
4th. The Invention consists in attaching the short pole in combined reaping
and mowing machines (which carries the front wheel) to the body of the
machine in such a manner that the front wheel can be placed nearer to the
knife for mowing and further from the knife for reaping, which is accom-
plished by attaching the rear end of the short pole to the machine by a stout
bolt, on which it can rotate and describe a small portion of a circle sufficient
to make the required adjustment of the front wheel, or it may be accomplished
by providing two holes for the bolt to work in.
5th. I sometimes use a worm and wheel as a first motion, then I place
the crank shaft in a vertical or angular position and mount the axle of the
main wheel in a slot which is parallel with the crank shaft, so as to be better
able to regulate the cutting height of the knife. I also use small pullies on
the wheel in place of teeth, so as to reduce the friction.
6th. In order to produce a reversible reaper, i.e., one that shall be capable
of cutting both ways, I construct it with two finger bars and knives and two
crank shafts, the pinions of which are made to slide on their spindles to put
the knife in or out of gear. The pole or shaft is attached to the centre of
the frame by a universal joint, and is provided with a catch at each end of
the machine for holding it in position. The machine is also provided with a
hinged shield fitted to the side of the platform next the standing corn. When
the machine has cut to the end of the field the attendant will release the
catch which holds the pole in position, turn his horses round to the other
end of the machine, the rakeman also changing his position from one end to
the other end of the machine, his weight bringing the set of knives that have
been idle into cutting position, and he also putting one set out of gear and
bringing the other set into gear and reversing the hinged shield. on the side
next the standing corn; then the machine is ready for its return cut.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Adam Carlisle Bamlett in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 6th June 1866.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, ADAM
CARLISLE BAMLETT, of Thirsk, in the North Riding of the County of York,
Agricultural Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Sixth day of December, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-five, in the twenty-ninth year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me,
the said Adam Carlisle Bamlett, Her special licence that I, the said Adam
Carlisle Bamlett, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others
as I, the said Adam Carlisle Bamlett, my executors, administrators, and
assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time
and at all times thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and
lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United King-
dom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man,
an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN REAPING AND MOWING MACHINES, PART OF
WHICH IS APPLICABLE TO MACHINERY IN GENERAL," upon the condition (amongst
others) that I, the said Adam Carlisle Bamlett, my executors or admini-
strators, by an instrument in writing under my, or their, or one of their
hands and seals, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of
the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed,
and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six
calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters
Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Adam Carlisle Bamlett,, do hereby.
declare the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to
be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement in writing, and on reference being had to the accompanying
Sheet of Drawings, that is to say :-
The first part of this Invention relates to combined reaping and mowing
machines, and consists of an arrangement for reducing the quick speed at
which the knife is driven for grass moving to a slower one for reaping; to
accomplish this I use an internal wheel for mowing and an external wheel
for reaping, both wheels gearing into the same pinion; it will thus be seen
that the internal wheel is unuch larger in diameter than the external one, and.
consequently drives the knife at a quicker speed.

page_text: :
Secondly, the Invention consists in forming one or more recessed collars
on the spindles so as to lubricate the bearings in a better manner; a portion
of the bearings work within the recessed collar or collars, which prevents the
oil from being wasted, they also have a tendency to keep dust out of the
bearings. This part of my Invention is most useful when applied to the
crank pin; it is also applicable to the bearings of machinery in general.
Thirdly, the Invention consists in attaching the short pole which carries
the front wheel in combined reaping and mowing machines to the body of
the machine in such a manner that the front wheel can be placed nearer to
the knife for mowing and further from the knife for reaping, which is
accomplished by attaching the rear end of the short pole to the machine by
a stout bolt, on which it can rotate and describe a small portion of a circle
sufficient to make the required adjustment of the front wheel, or it may be
accomplished by providing two holes for the bolt to work in.
Fourthly, in order to produce a reversible reaper, i.e., one that shall be
I capable of cutting both ways, I construct it with two finger bars and knives
and two crank shafts, the pinions of which are made to slide on their spindles
to put the knife in or out of gear. The pole or shaft is attached to the centre
of the frame by a universal joint, and is provided with a catch at each end of
the machine for holding it in position. The machine is also provided with a
hinged shield fitted to the side of the platform next the standing corn. When
the machine has cut to the end of the field the attendant will release the
catch which holds the pole in position, turn his horses round to the other end
of the machine, the rakeman also changing his position from one end to the
other end of the machine, his weight bringing the set of knives that have
been idle in cutting position, and he also putting one set our of gear and
bringing the other set into gear and reversing the hinged shield on the side
next the standing corn; then the machine is ready for its return cut:
Such being the nature and object of my said Invention for "Improvements
in Reaping and Mowing Machines, Part of which is applicable to Machinery
in general," I will now proceed to describe more in detail the manner in
which the same is to be or may be performed or carried into practical effect,
and in order that the same may be distinctly understood I have annexed
hereunto a Sheet of Drawings illustrative thereof, and have marked the same
with figures and letters of reference corresponding with those in the following s
explanation thereof, that is to say :-
The first part of my Invention, namely, constructing the machine so that
the knife can be run at two different speeds for reaping and mowing, is shewn
at Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4. In Figure 1. the red circles show the pitch. lines

page_text: of the internal wheel and pinion D and D¹ as arranged for grass mowing:
When it is required to reduce the speed for reaping the driving wheel'
Figure 1 is removed and replaced by that shown at Figure 2, which has an
external wheel; the pitch line is shown by the red circle E. A modification
of this is shown at Figures 3 and 4, in which both the internal and external
wheels D and E are formed in one, the pinion being caused to slide on its'
shaft from one wheel to the other.
The second part of my Invention is illustrated by Figure 5, and consists of
a better method of oiling the crank. A is the crank pin; B, the' connecting
rod, the bearing of which is encased at each end in two circular collars or
receivers C, C, which are recessed at CC, to hold the oil as it runs out
of the end of the bearing, and which is returned again to it by the revolutions
of the crank. This part of my Invention is applicable to machinery in
general..
.
The third part of my Invention, shown at Figure 6, consists in connecting
the rear end of the short pole G, which carries the swivel wheel G¹, to the
main frame by a stout bolt I; this short pole works in a guide J. To
alter the position of the swivel wheel for reaping slack the bolt I and shift the
guide pole and swivel wheel to the position indicated by the dotted lines K, K.
This Figure shows the machine arranged for mowing, the swivel wheel, finger
bar shoe, and the driving wheel being in a line so as to follow in the track
made by the usual swathe board.
The fourth and last part of my Invention is shown at Figure 7, plan view,
and Figure 8, side elevation; this reaper is reversible or capable of cutting
both ways; it is provided with two finger bars L, L. L'is the driving wheel
which gives motion to a bevil wheel, and is geared with two pinions and crank
shafts N, N; these pinions are connected by a sliding bar 0, 0, and are put
in gear and out of gear or reversed by a lever P. (Figure 8) held in position
by a quadrant P¹. When the lever is in the middle hole the knife is out of
gear; the end holes are for reversing the motion. The draft pole Q is attached
to the frame by a universal joint, and is held in position by a spring catch Q¹
taking on to a guide Q" furnished with a series of holes, which enables the
cutting height to be altered. R. (Figure 7) is a hinged shield attached to
the side of the platform next the standing corn; in one position it is shewn by
full lines, in its other position by dotted lines. The driving wheel L' is to be
covered by the usual box, forming at each end a seat for the rakeman. When
it is required to reverse the machine the bevil pinions are first reversed, then
the hinged shield R, and lastly the spring catch Q' is released, the driver
turning his team round to the other end of the machine; the rakeman mean-

page_text: while having taken his seat on the other end of the box; the machine is then
ready for its return cut.
Having now described the nature and object of my said Invention for
"Improvements in Reaping and Mowing Machines, Part of which is applicable
to Machinery in general," together with the manner in which the same is to be
or may be performed or carried into practical effect, I would remark, in con-
clusion, that I claim as my Invention the several improvements in reaping and
mowing machines as herein-before described and illustrated by the Drawings
hereunto annexed, or any mere imitation or modification thereof constructed
and operating in substantially the same or a similar manner, and with respect
to the method of lubricating the crank pins, I claim also the application of
this part of my Invention to machinery in general.
In witness whereof, I, the said Adam Carlisle Bamlett, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Second day of June, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-six.
ADAM CARLISLE BAMLETT. (L.S.)

page_text: DISCLAIMER AND MEMORANDUM OF ALTERATION as proposed to
be filed by the Patentee Adam Carlisle Bamlett in the Great Seal
Patent Office with the Specification to which the same relates,
pursuant to the Statutes in that case made and provided.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, the said
ADAM CARLISLE BAMLETT, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her Majesty Queen Victoria by Her Letters Patent under
the Great Seal of Great Britain and Ireland, bearing date at Westminster,
the Sixth day of December One thousand eight hundred and sixty-five,
in the twenty-ninth year of Her reign, did give and grant, unto me, the
said Adam Carlisle Bamlett, my executors, administrators, and assigns,
the sole privilege of making, using, exercising, and vending my Invention
of "IMPROVEMENTS IN REAPING AND MOWING MACHINES, PART OF WHICH IS

page_text: APPLICABLE TO MACHINERY IN GENERAL," within the United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, for and
during the term of fourteen years thence next ensuing :
And whereas in pursuance of a condition in the said Letters Patent
contained, I, the said Adam Carlisle Bamlett, did within six calendar
months next after the date of the said Letters Patent cause a Speci-
fication in writing under my hand and seal, purporting to describe and
ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same
was to be performed, to be duly filed in the Great Seal Patent Office :
And whereas since filing the said Specification, I, the said Adam
Carlisle Bamlett, have discovered that the said Invention is not ascer-
tained and described with sufficient precision, and that the title thereof
is too extensive so far as relates to the application of my improvements
generally, and that some of the improvements described in my said
Specification and the claims founded upon them are open to objection
on the ground that they are partly wanting in novelty or not of sufficient
-utility:
six
And whereas I, the said Adam Carlisle Bamlett, am desirous of
*striking out a part of the title of my said Invention, and of limiting the
claims made in my said Specification, and of disclaiming, altering, and
amending the said Specification in manner following, that is to say, I
strike out of the title of my said Invention the words, "part of which is
applicable to machinery in general." Also in my said Specification
as set forth in the Queen's Printers' printed copy thereof published in
One thousand eight hundred and sixty- in line 34, page 3, thereof, I
substitute for the word "moving" the word "mowing." In line 1 of
page 4 of the same printed copy I strike out the words "Secondly, the
"Invention" and following words down to and including the words
"machinery in general" in line 6 of the same page. In line 7 of the
same page 4 I substitute for the word "Thirdly" the words "The
"second part of." In line 15 of the same page 4 I strike out the words
Fourthly, in order to produce" and following words down to and
including the words" "for its return cut" in line 28 of the same page 4.
Also in lines 30 and 31 of the same page I strike out the words "part of
"which is applicable to machinery in general." Also in line 8 of page 5
"

page_text: of the same printed copy I strike out the words "the second part" and
following words, letters, and numerals down to and including the word
general" in line 14 of the same page; and in line 15. of the same
page 5 I substitute for the word "third" the word "second." In line 23
of the same page 5 I strike out the words "the fourth and last," and
following words, numerals, and letters, down to and including the words
"for its return cut" in line 2, page 6, of the same printed copy; and in-
lines 4 and 5 of the same page 6 I strike out the words "part of which
is applicable to machinery in general." Also in line 8 of the same
page 6 I insert after the words "herein-before described" the words
"as the first and second parts of my Invention." Also in line 10 of the
same page I strike out the words "and with respect" and following
words down to "machinery in general" in line 12 of the same page 6.
And the Figures 5, 7, 8, of the Drawings annexed to my said Speci-
fication I disclaim. And I do hereby declare that my said Specification
when altered and amended as proposed by me will read as follows:-
66
"NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Adam Carlisle Bamlett,, do hereby
"declare the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the
same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
"in and by the following statement in writing, and on reference being
"had to the accompanying Sheet of Drawings, that is to say :-
"The first part of this Invention relates to combined reaping and
"mowing machines, and consists of an arrangement for reducing the
"quick speed at which the knife is driven for grass mowing to a slower
"one for reaping; to accomplish this I use an internal wheel for
"mowing and an external wheel for reaping, both wheels gearing into
"the same pinion; it will thus be seen that the internal wheel is much
"larger in diameter than the external one, and consequently drives the
"knife at a quicker speed.
"The second part of the Invention consists in attaching the short
pole which carries the front wheel in combined reaping and mowing
"machines to the body of the machine in such a manner that the front
"wheel can be placed nearer to the knife for mowing, and further from
"the knife for reaping, which is accomplished by attaching the rear end
"of the short pole to the machine by a stout bolt on which it can rotate
"and describe a small portion of a circle sufficient to make the required

page_text: "
adjustment of the front wheel, or it may be accomplished by providing
"two holes for the bolt to work in.
"Such being the nature and object of my said Invention for 'Im-
"provements in Reaping and Mowing Machines," I will now proceed to
"describe more in detail the manner in which the same is to be or may
" be performed or carried into practical effect, and in order that the
"same may be distinctly understood I have annexed hereunto a Sheet
" of Drawings illustrative thereof, and marked the same with figures
" and letters of reference corresponding with those in the following
"explanation thereof, that is to say,-
have
Α
"The first part of my Invention, namely, constructing the machine so.
"that the knife can be run at two different speeds for reaping and
"mowing is shewn at Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4. In Figure 1 the red
" circles show, the pitch lines of the internal wheel and pinion and D¹
"as arranged for grass mowing. When it is required to reduce the
"speed for reaping, the driving wheel, Figure 1, is removed and replaced
"by that shown at Figure 2, which has an external wheel; the pitch
"line is shown by the red circle E. A modification of this is shown at
Figures 3 and 4, in which both the internal and external wheels D
" and E are formed in one, the pinion being caused to slide on its shafts
"from one wheel to the other.
66
"The second part of my Invention, shown at Figure 6, consists in
" connecting the rear end of the short pole G which carries the swivel
"wheel G¹ to the main frame H by a stout bolt I; this short pole
"works in a guide J. To. alter the position of the swivel wheel for
"reaping, slack the bolt I and shift the guide pole and swivel wheel to
"the position indicated by the dotted lines K, K. This Figure shows
"the machine arranged for mowing, the swivel wheel, finger bar, shoe,
" and the driving wheel being in a line so as to follow in the track made
"by the usual swathe board.
Having now described the nature and object of my said Invention
"for 'Improvements in Reaping and Mowing Machines,' together with
"the manner in which the same is to be or may be performed or carried
"into practical effect, I would remark in conclusion that I claim as my
" Invention, the several improvements in reaping and mowing machines:
"as herein-before described, as the first and second parts of my said
"Invention, and illustrated by the Drawings hereunto annexed, or any

page_text: mere imitation or modification thereof constructed and operating in.
substantially the same or a similar manner.
"In witness whereof, I, the said Adam Carlisle Bamlett, have here-
"unto set my hand and seal, this Second day of June, in the
"year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-six."
(Signed)
"ADAM CARLISLE BAMLETT." (L.S.)
In witness whereof, I, the said Adam Carlisle Bamlett, have here-.
unto set my hand and seal, this Twenty-fifth day of April, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-
one.