AN IMPROVED AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT
Year: 1859

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Robinson, of Sutton, near Hull, Agricultural
Implement Maker, for the Invention of "AN IMPROVED AGRICULTURAL
IMPLEMENT."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Robinson at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 15th
September 1859.
1, JOHN ROBINSON, of Sutton, in the County of York, Agricultural Imple-
ment Maker, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "AN
IMPROVED AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT," to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to that class of agricultural implement employed for
harrowing or disturbing to a small depth the surface of land over which it is
drawn, and it consists in constructing and arranging two horizontal wheels of
light metal framework, each having two or more rings or circles framed
together radially or otherwise from a central boss; the under side or face of
each horizontal wheel, or the circles or rings thereof, have tangs, pointed studs,
or harrow points of a suitable length or form suitably disposed around each
ring or circle. These two wheels or circular frames have each a draft or pull
bar attached at one end to a stud or pin passing through the centre boss of
each, whilst the other end of each draft or pull bar is attached to a "double
tree" or frame, having a series of holes therein for enabling different angles.
of draft or pull to be given. One of the draft bars or pull bars is of a greater

page_text: length than the other, so that the centres of the horizontal wheels, or circular
frames or harrows are not parallel with the line of the "double tree" as the
one centre approaches nearer thereto than the other. The draft or pull bars
connecting the "double tree" with the centre of each circular harrow are at
the end nearest to the "double tree" bent upward or suitably curved, or
otherwise formed so as to prevent the hind part of the harrow from rising, and
to enable a uniform level pull to be communicated to the circular barrows
when in contact with the ground. The opposite ends of the draft or pull
bars may be forked so as to clipp the top and bottom side of each wheel or
circular harrow, or they may have a suitable strong stud pin to extend through
the boss or nave of each horizontal wheel or circular harrow, and upon which
stud or stud pin the circular frames or harrows are free to revolve. The yokes
or splinter bars or shafts are to be connected with the extreme end of the
"double tree," or where a traction engine or other machine is employed for
drawing the harrows, the "double tree" may be connected thereto by means
of links. The circular frames or harrows being free to revolve or rotate upon
the centre stud or pin at the end of each draft or pull bar, the angular position
and the different lengths of these bars bas a tendancy to pull to keep the
peripheries of the circular harrows in contact, and also to cause them to rotate
whilst being drawn over the ground. These implements may either be con-
structed of wood or metal.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said John Robinson in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 15th
March 1860.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOHN
ROBINSON, of Sutton, near Hull, in the County of York, Agricultural Imple-
ment Maker, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Fifteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine, in the twenty-third year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me,
the said John Robinson, Her special licence that I, the said John Robinson,
my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said John
Robinson, 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,

page_text: exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "AN IMPROVED
AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the
said John Robinson, by an instrument in writing under my hand and seal,
should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention,
and in what manuer 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 John Robinson, do hereby declare the
nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement, and accompanying Sheet of Drawings:-
This Invention relates to that class of agricultural implements employed
for harrowing or disturbing to a small depth the surface of land over which it
is drawn, and it consists in constructing and arranging two or more horizontal
wheels of light metal framework, each having two or more rings or circles
framed together radially or otherwise from a central boss; the under side or
face of each horizontal wheel, or the circles or rings thereof have tangs,
pointed studs, or harrow points of a suitable length or form suitably disposed
around each ring or circle. These wheels or circular frames forming harrows,
have each a draft or pull bar attached at one end to a stud or pin passing
through the centre boss of each, whilst the other end of each draft or pull bar
is attached to a "double tree" or frame having a series of holes therein for
enabling different angles of draft or pull to be given. One of the draft bars
or pull bars should be of a greater length than the other, so that the centres
of the horizontal wheels, or circular frames or harrows are not parallel with
the line of the "double tree," as the one centre approaches nearer thereto
than the other. The draft or pull bars connecting the "double tree" with the
centre of each circular harrow are at the end nearest to the "double tree"
bent upwards or suitably curved or otherwise formed, so as to prevent the hind
part of the harrow from rising, and to enable a uniform level pull to be com-
municated to the circular harrows when in contact with the ground. The
opposite ends of the draft or pull bars may be forked, so as to clip the top and
bottom of the centre stud of each wheel or circular harrow, or they may have
a suitable strong stud pin to extend through the boss or nave of each hori-
zontal wheel or circular harrow, and upon which stud or stud pin the circular
frames or harrows are free to revolve. The yokes or splinter bars or shafts
are to be connected near to the extreme end of the "double tree," or where a
traction engine or other machine is employed for drawing the harrows, the

page_text: "double tree" may be connected thereto by means of links. The circular
frames or harrows being free to revolve or rotate upon the centre stud or pin
at the end of each draft or pull bar, the angular position, and the different
lengths of these bars has a tendency to pull and to keep either side of the
peripheries of the circular harrows in contact with, and also to cause them to
rotate whilst being drawn over the ground. These implements may either be
constructed of wood or metal.
Circular rotating harrows of various forms and arrangements have been
constructed heretofore, and have been set in motion, or caused to rotate by
various means, but chiefly by means of wheel gearing and the joint action of a
vertical bearing wheel running in contact with the ground, and single harrows
circular on the plan have hereto. ⚫ been constructed, and by means of a
weighted lever arm have been cause to press more heavily on one side than
on the other, and so produce a rotating action when drawn by means of a
connection direct with the centre of the harrow over the surface of the
ground. In the latter case, the teeth on one side only of the harrow are
performing their full amount of work, whilst those on the other portion are
not usefully employed. In the former case, where wheel gearing was
employed for giving horizontal rotation to the circular harrow, the liability to
derangement rendered it practically useless.
In the present Invention it is not intended to make claim for the circular
form, or for combining two or more circular harrows together howsoever the
same may be connected together, but only for the novel mode of constructing,
combining, and working such harrows as herein-after set forth. In harrows
constructed according to this Invention, the frames may either be composed
of two or more rings, octagon or of other polygonal form, and the arms or
other means of framing together radially the said rings may at their outer
extremities be curved or bent tangentially for the purpose of more securely
binding or framing the whole together. The radial bars may at their points
of junction or intersection either have punched therein an eye or hole for
receiving the centre pin or stud, or instead thereof each arm may in length be
of less than half the diameter, and the inner ends of cach be received in
mortise or dovetail holes or openings in a cast-iron central boss, in which
central boss the central stud or pin may turn freely, or be keyed fast
thereinto.
Instead of the harrow points of the two or three series of rings being in the
same radial line, it is essential that no more than one point should be within
any such line, so that the effect produced upon the surface of the ground is
that a series of diamond-shaped forms or intersections of lines should be made,

page_text: which otherwise would not be the case. Instead of the horse-tree or double
tree being only of a total length equal to the distance apart of the centres of
the two or more harrows, I make such horse-trees or double trees of a greater
length, so that an equal angle of draft may be given beyond the centre of each
harrow, so that the direction of rotation of the two extreme harrows may be
regulated or governed thereby, instead of relying upon the means of canting
or throwing out of the level by means of the centre pin and the short curved
stays which connect the top of each centre pin or stud with the cross bar or
connecting rod. Thus the direction of rotation of the harrows may either be
to right or left as the pull bars are connected to the right or left of the centre
line of each harrow with the horse-tree or double tree. Instead of relying
upon the weight of the harrow or harrows for giving the amount of penetration
in heavy land, I extend the centre pin or stud of each harrow upward, and
place thereupon one or more weights, having a hole in the centre of each, and
thus load such harrow to any required extent according to the lightness or
heaviness of the land.
In connecting each rotating harrow direct to the "horse tree or double
tree," or at right angles therewith, so that the pull is straight, each harrow
would be dragged or drawn over the surface, and make a series of lines
parallel to each other, and in the line of draft subject only to accidental turning
from the alternate interposition of obstructions on one side or the other.
Now, if either harrow be connected to the "horse-tree" or "double tree" to
the right or to the left of the centre, so as to make an angle therewith, such
harrow will revolve or turn in a direction from the back towards the external
angle formed by the point of junction of the draw-bar with the "horse-tree"
or "double tree;" and in illustration of the effects to be obtained by differently
harnessing or connecting the rotating harrows with the "horse-tree" or
"double tree."
I have, in the accompanying Drawings, shewn several views thereof, for
the purpose of enabling those who have to use or employ such harrows in
practice to vary the direction of rotation in each harrow; thus, where two
revolving harrows are used, they may be made to rotate towards each other,
or from each other, or the one to the right, and the other to the left, and
where three harrows are employed a similar but extended combination and
changes of direction of rotation may be effected. Instead of having to lift
and turn the harrow at each end of the field, as is the case with the non-
revolving harrow in ordinary use, the harrows constructed according to this
Invention are made to turn or pivot upon the centre of one of the extreme
end harrows, without the necessity for their being lifted, and the whole of the

page_text: surface thus comes under treatment, and the necessity for manual assistance
for lifting or turning is thereby dispensed with.
In the accompanying Sheet of Drawings I have shewn several views of
harrows constructed according to this Invention; and although I have shewn
in the larger views two harrows only combined together, I do not thereby
intend to limit myself to the employment of two only, as more than two
revolving harrows may be combined together. And although I have generally
shewn two sets of rings, yet there may be three or more such, and each be
supplied with tangs or harrow points disposed in relation to radial lines drawn
from the centre, as herein-before set forth.
In the following Figures I have shown some of the modes or methods
which I prefer for constructing, combining, and working revolving harrows
according to this Invention, as herein-before described, such views being
only intended to illustrate such of the methods of construction and combi-
nation and mode of working as the textual description particularly relates
thereto.
Figures 1 and 2 are plans illustrative of one arrangement of the parts of
harrows constructed according to this Invention. In Figure 1, the circular
rings, radiating arms and the heads of the harrow points, tangs or studs, only
are shown. In Figure 2, the nut, etc., screwed on to the top of the upright
bolt passing through the centre of the harrow, as also part of the "double
tree" and cross bar are shown. Each of the radiating arms is "bossed out"
in the centre to form an eye therein, through which to pass an upright bolt,
as seen more distinctly in the views, Figures 1, 3, 4, and 6, and around which
central bolt the harrow is free to rotate, or may be affixed thereto. In these
Figures it will be seen that the radiating arms are curved between the inner
and the outer rings in such a manner that the centre line of each radiating
arm, when produced to the outer circle, renders each harrow point, stud, or
tang on the outer circle equidistant from such centre line produced. The
circular rings also at the parts where the tangs, studs, or harrow points are to
be attached are to be suitably swelled out, and a hole punched therein,
through which the head of the harrow point is passed. This head being
screwed to allow of the tangs, studs, or harrow points being secured by suitable
nuts to the circular rings and radiating arms of the harrow. The radiating
arms being arranged at right angles to one another, two above and two below
the circular rings, a collar or washer of a depth equal to that of the rings
being placed intermediately between the upper and lower series of radiating
These radiating arms having holes punched in them where they inter-
sect the circular rings of the harrow, to allow of the heads of the studs, tangs,
arms.

page_text: or harrow points being passed therethrough, and secured by nuts, as before
described.
Figure 3 is a section taken on the line A, B, of Figure 1, shewing also the
nuts and weights on the top of the upright bolt, and part of the cross bar,
draught, or pull bar, etc., attached to the central upright bolt; the direction
of the draught or pull bar in this Figure, and in Figure 4, being partly shown
in plan in Figure 2. Figure 4 is an elevational view taken on the line C, D,
of Figure 2; in this view the harrow points attached to the outer ring or circle
only are shewn. Figure 5 is a plan view shewing two harrows coupled
together by a cross bar, and each attached by means of a draught or pull bar
with suitable shackles and chains to the "double tree," to which the yoke or
splinter bars are attached; or when a traction engine or other machine power
is used for drawing the harrows, the "double tree" may be connected thereto
by means of links. Figure 6 is an elevational view of Figure 5, looking from
the harrows towards the "double tree;" Figures 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 are
detached views of different parts of the harrows to be hereafter referred to by
letters.
In the above-mentioned Figures the following letters of reference apply to
like or corresponding parts of each. a, a, etc., are the series of circular rings;
b, b, etc., the radiating arms, swelled or "bossed out" in the centre, through
which the upright bolt c is passed. This bolt, having towards its lower end a
fixed collar or shoulder c', which rests on the uppermost of the radiating arms,
the lowest extremity of this bolt having a nut d' screwed thereon and against the
lowest of the radiating arms; d, d, etc., the harrow points, studs, or tangs;
e is a ferule placed between the forked ends of the draught or pull bar, and
through which the bolt c passes; f, the draught or pull bar shewn detached in
elevation, Figure 11; f', f, the forked extremities of the same through which
the upright bolt c passes; this is also shewn in detail by a sectional plan,
Figure 8; g is a cross bar connecting the two arrows; g', g', the extremities
of the same through which the upright bolt c is passed, also shewn in detail
by a sectional plan, Figure 9; h, h, bracing pieces in which the cross bars
work, and by which they may be adjusted (shewn also in detail, Figure 7 ;)
i is a nut screwed on to the upright bolt c (shewn in Plan at Figure 10,) on
which the weights k, etc., rest; l, a thumb nut or screw; m is the "double
tree;" n, the yokes attached to the "double tree."
Figures 12 to 15 exhibit the series of radiating arms let into, and bolted
or otherwise secured to a central boss or nave, instead of the arrangement
shewn more particularly in Figures 1, 3, 4, and 6. Figure 16 is a Diagram
to a reduced scale, and shews two pairs of harrows, one pair of these harrows

page_text: having in this case three circular rings instead of two, as shewn in the before-
mentioned Figures to an enlarged scale; and the three perimeters of the
other pair of harrows being octagonal in contour instead of circular, (or they
may be made of any other polygonal contour.) Thus Figure 16 may be taken
as an illustration of the combination of more than two rotating harrows, and
also of some of the variations in the modes of constructing and setting to
work.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Robinson, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Thirteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and sixty.
Witness,
JOHN COWL,
Sutton,
Churchwarden.
JOHN ROBINSON.
L.S.)