IMPROVEMENTS IN MOWING AND REAPING MACHINES
Year: 1870

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the "International Patent
-
Office," Southampton Buildings, London, Consulting Engineer, for
the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN MOWING AND REAPING MACHINES."-
A communication from abroad by George Washington Newton.
Yost, Franklin William Andrews, Lyman Stewart, and Henry.
Allerton Hutson, all of Pennsylvania, United States of America.
Sealed the 15th March 1870, and dated the 22nd January 1870:
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert: Lake.
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on
the 22nd January 1870.
I, WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the "International Patent Office,***
Southampton Buildings, London, Consulting Engineer, do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN MOWING AND REAPING
MACHINES," a communication, to be as follows:-
The nature of the said Invention consists mainly in the following.
peculiarities -A box main frame is pivotted midway between its ends.
on the main axle or axles and balanced evenly, thereon, which frame
Α

page_text: shall inclose the gear wheels.
The two main axles are combined with
two main driving wheels and one main spur wheel, so that each
axle when its driving wheel moves forward will clutch and drive the
spur wheel, and when the driving, wheel moves backward will not
clutch nor drive the spur wheel. Two screw bolts are combined with
the box main frame, so that the screw bolts shall perform two functions,
one that of fastening together the box cases of the frame, and the
other that of an axle and journal bearing for some of the gear
wheels. A lug projects lengthwise from each end of the box main
frame which may serve one or more of three purposes, that is to say,
it will serve for fastening together the box cases by combining each
lug of two parts, one part made integral with one case and the other
part integral with the other case, or cach part rigidly attached to its
respective case and holding them together by a band around them; it
will also serve. as a journal bearing for a gear wheel axle, and as a part
for the attachment of the connecting frame. The said connecting frame
is attached to each end of the box main frame in line or nearly in line
with the crank wheel axle, which shall surround one of the main
driving wheels and connect the cutters with the main frame. The said
connecting frame is clastic so that its connecting ends may be rigidly
attached to the main frame, and the part which surrounds the driving
wheel may spring and vibrate up and down, A slot formed lengthwise in
each lug of the main frame in the side toward the cutters is combined
with an end of the connecting frame har, which projects key like throngh
the band which passes around the lug. A ratchet plate rigidly fastened
on each main axle is combined within the box main frame, with a
series of ratchet teeth in the perimeter of a recess in each side of the
main spur wheel. A sleeve is combined with one of the screw bolts,
when screw bolt fastenings are used for the box main frame as another
way of making a journal bearing for the crank wheel axle. A system
of gear wheels is arranged within the box main frame so that the axles
of the receiving wheels shall be lower than the axles of the imparting
wheels and which will allow the crank wheel to be at the bottom of
and within the box main frame, two spur wheels connectable and dis-
connectable with the main spur wheel are combined with two spur
pinions rigidly attached to the bevel spur wheel which gives motion
to the cutters, which two spur wheels or spur pinions or all of them
are of different sizes, so as to give to the cutters at discretion two
different alternative speeds. Two bevel spur wheels of different sizes

page_text: connectable and disconnectable are combined with the main spur wheel
with two bevel spur pinions on the same axle which gives motion to
the cutters, so as to give to the cutters in another way two different
alternative speeds. A partition or web is made across and within the
box main frame between the main axle and one end when 'screw bolt.
fastenings are not used, which web shall be integral with or rigidly
attached to one or both the box cases, so as to make in another way a
journal bearing for one end of the crank wheel axle. A lever is com-
bined with the box main frame and draft tongue by pivoting the fore
end of the lever to the tongue opposite the fore end of the frame on
a pin which reaches from the tongue through the lever and through
a slotted arc rigidly attached to the frame, which tongue is pivotted
on the main axle, and which lever is pivotted to a fulcrum attached to
the frame about midway between the main axle and the slotted arc to
cuable the operator in the seat to raise and lower the fore end of the
frame and therewith the connecting frame and cutters attached thereto,
and so regulate the closeness of the cutting. A lever combined with
the connecting frame lever is pivotted on the end of the main axle,
between the contiguous driving wheel and the adjacent cutters, and
when at rest reaches around the driving wheel and lies on the draft
tongue in front; this lever has an arm which reaches forward and
downward from the main axle at an angle of less than ninety degrees,
and is attached to the connecting frame, adjacent to the cutters, the
said lever when in action being thrown over upon the connecting frame
behind the driving wheel to lift the cutters over any obstacles in their
way, it also locks itself in place. Another lever is combined with the
connecting frame lever and guard bar, which lever is pivoted to the con-
necting frame between the driving wheel and the guard bar pivot and
reaches forward and downward upon the end of the guard bar and
backward to the connecting frame lever, with which it is connected, so
as to raise and lower the farther end of the guard bar. A track clearer
(made simply by bending a small bar into a U like form) is combined
with the guard bar by putting the track clearer through a vertical mortise
in the farther end of the guard bar shoe and holding it in place
by its arc. A caliper formed track clearer may be combined with
the guard bar by pivoting one end of two bars to the farther end
guard bar. shoe, to one of which bars midway between the pivoted
and loose ends is attached an arc formed tongue which is slotted
and slides over a set screw attached to the other bar, or which slides

page_text: through a vertical mortise through the other bar, the bars being set
nearer together or farther apart as desired by the set screw for an
adjustable track clearer. A hollow shell like cast-iron cutter guard
is used as nearly as possible of an even thickness in all parts so that
it will anneal evenly and become alike tough throughout.
.
.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said William Robert Lake in the Great Scal Patent
Office on the 22nd July 1870.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
ROBERT LAKE, of the "International Patent Office," Southampton
Buildings, London, Consulting Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Quecu Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Twenty-second day of January, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy, in the thirty-
third year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give
and grant unto me, the said William Robert Lake, Her special licence,
that I, the said William Robert Lake, my executors, administrators,
and assigns, or such others as I, the said William Robert Lake, my exe-
cutors, 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 Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the
Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS
IN MOWING AND REAPING MACHINES," upon the condition (amongst others)
that I, the said William Robert Lake, my executors or administrators,
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 William Robert Lake, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same
is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by

page_text: the following statement, reference being had to the accompanying
Drawings forming a part of this Specification:-
The nature of the said Invention consists mainly in the following
peculiarities:-A box main frame is pivoted midway between its ends
on the main axle or axles and balanced evenly thereon, which frame
shall enclose the gear wheels. The two main axles are combined with
two main driving wheels and one main spur wheel, so that each axlc
when its driving wheel moves forward will clutch and drive the
spur wheel, and when the driving wheel moves backward will not
clutch or drive the spur wheel. Two screw bolts are combined with
the box main frame so that the screw bolts shall perform two functions,.
one that of fastening together the box cases of the frame, and the other
that of an axle and journal bearing for some of the gear wheels. A lug
projects lengthwise from cach end of the box main frame, which may serve
one or more of three purposes, that is to say, it will serve for fastening
together the box cases by combining cach lug of two parts, one part
made integral with one case, and the other part integral with the other
case, or each part rigidly attached to its respective case, and holding
them together by a band around them; it will also serve as a journal
bearing for a gear wheel axle, and as a part for the attachment of the
connecting frame. The said connecting frame is attached to each end
of the box main frame in line or nearly in line with the crank wheel
axle which shall surround one of the main driving wheels, and connect
the cutters with the main frame. The said connecting frame is elastic,
so that its connecting ends may be rigidly attached to the main frame,
and the part which surrounds the driving wheel may spring and vibrate
up and down. A slot formed lengthwise in each lug of the main frame
in the side toward the cutters is combined with an end of the connecting
frame bar which projects key like. through the band which passes
around the lug. A ratchet plate rigidly fastened on each main axle is
combined within the box main frame with a series of ratchet teeth in the
perimeter of a recess in each side of the main spur wheel. A sleeve is.
combined with one of the screw bolts when screw bolt fastenings are
used for the box main frame as another way of making a journal bearing
for the crank wheel axle. A system of gear wheels is arranged within the
box main frame so that the axles of the receiving wheels shall be lower.
than the axles of the imparting wheels, and which will allow the crank
wheel to be at the bottom of and within the box main frame. Two spur
wheels connectable and disconnectable with the main spur wheel arc

page_text: combined with two spur pinions rigidly attached to the bevel spur wheel
which gives motion to the cutters, which two spur wheels or spur pinions
or all of them are of different sizes so as to give to the cutters at dis-
cretion two different alternative speeds. Two bevel spur wheels of
different sizes connectable and disconnectable are combined with the
main spur wheel with two bevel spur pinions on the same axle which
gives motion to the cutters so as to give to the cutters in another way two
different alternative speeds. A partition or web is made across and
witliin the box main frame between the main axle and one end when
screw bolt fastenings are not used, which web shall be integral with or
rigidly attached to one or both the box cases so as to make in another
way a journal bearing for one end of the crank wheel axle. A lever is
combined with the box main frame and draft tongue by pivoting the fore
end of the lever to the tongue opposite the fore end of the framo on a pin
which reaches from the tongue through the lever, and through a slotted
arc rigidly attached to the frame, which tongue is pivoted on the main
axle, and which lever is pivoted to a fulcrum attached to the frame
about midway between the main axle and the slotted arc to enable the
operator in the seat to raise and lower the fore end of the frame and
therewith the connecting frame and cutters attached thereto and so
regulate the closeness of the cutting. A lever combined with the
connecting frame lever is pivoted on the end of the main axle between
the contiguous driving wheel and the adjacent cutters and when at rest
reaches around the driving wheel and lies on the draft tongue in front.
This lever has an arm which reaches forward and downward from the
main axle at an angle of less than ninety degrees and is attached to the
connecting frame adjacent to the cutters, the said lever when in action
being thrown over upon the connecting frame behind the driving wheel
to lift the cutters over any obstacles in their way, it also locks itself in
place. Another lever is combined with the connecting frame lever and
guard bar, which lever is pivoted to the connecting frame between the
driving wheel and the guard bar pivot and reaches forward and down-
ward upon the end of the guard bar and backward to the connecting
frame lever, with which it is connected, so as to raise and lower the
farther end of the guard bar. A track clearer (made simply by bending a
small bar into a U like form) is combined with the guard bar by putting
the track clearer through a vertical mortise in the farther end of the
guard bar shoe and holding it in place by its arc. A caliper formed
track clearer may be combined with the guard bar by pivoting one end

page_text: of two bars to the farther end guard bar shoe, to one of which bars
midway between the pivoted and loose ends is attached an arc formed
tongue which is slotted and slides over a set screw attached to the
other bar, or which slides through a vertical mortise through the other
bar, the bars being set nearer together. or further apart as desired by the
set screw for an adjustable track clearer. A hollow shell like cast-iron
cutter guard is used as nearly as possible of an even thickness in all
parts so that it will anneal evenly and become alike tough throughout.

page_text: Figure 16 is a view of the connecting frame lever and of the guard bar
lever.
..
Figure 17 is another view of the guard bar lever showing its action'on
the guard bar.
Figure 18 represents different views of the connecting clutch of the
coupling gear wheels.
Figure 19 is a top view of one form of changeable speed gear
wheels.
Figure 20 is a view of another form of changeable speed gear
wheels.
Figure 21 is a sectional view of the second form of changeable speed
gear wheels.
Figure 22 represents views of the different parts which combine to
make the second form of changeable speed gear wheels.
Figure 23 is a view of a U form track clearer.
Figure 24 is a view of a caliper form track clearer.
Figure 25 represents different views of a hollow shell-like cutter guard.
Figure 26 is a view of another form of hollow shell-like cutter guard.
Figure 27 is a view of the said Invention combined with a “dropper'
as a reaper.
"
Figure 28 is a view of the said Invention combined with a "reel self
rake" as a reaper.
Figure 29 is a rear perspective view of the said Invention as a
mower.
Figure 30 is a front perspective view of the said Invention as a
mower.
A and A¹ represent two truck like wheels which carry and drive the
gear wheels and thereby give power and motion to the cutters; B and B¹
represent two hollow shell like cases which make the main frame in the
form of a tight box to enclose and protect the gear wheels; a and a¹
represent two web like flanges which project out side wise from the
outer sides of the box frame cases B, B¹, to strengthen the frame; and
6¹ represent two hubs which project out sidewise from the outer sides
of the box main frame B, B¹, for journal bearings for the main axle ;
C represents a screw bolt through the box frame cases B, B', parallel
with the main axles (and between the main axles and one end) which

page_text: '
holds the cases together and is an axle for one or more gear wheels;
C' represents a screw bolt through the box frame cases B, B', parallel
with the main axles, and between the main axles and the end opposite
the screw bolt C which holds the frame cases together, and is a journal
bearing for a gear wheel axle. By, bending the screw bolt down
stirrup like within the box main frame, as in one form in Figure 9, I
make a recess which will hold a journal bearing; and by opening the
screw bolt yoke like as in another form in Figure 9 the bolt itself may
form the journal bearing. D and D' represent two main axles, which
at their outer ends are rigidly attached to the driving wheels A, A¹, and
which meet in line within the box main frame B, B'; 'D' and D³¨re-
present another form of two main axles, one of which D2 is a sleeve
rigidly attached to a driving wheel A, and reaches into the box
main frame, and the other of which D³ is rigidly attached to a
driving wheel A¹, and reaches through the box main frame B, B¹,
and through and loosely within the sleeve main axle D² and
driving wheel A. E represents a main spur wheel within the box
main frame B, B¹, and loose over the inner ends of the main
axles D, D', or loose over the inner end and middle part of the main
axles D2, D3; c and represent recesses in the sides of the main
spur wheel E; d and d¹ represent two series of ratchet teeth in the
perimeter of the recesses c, c¹, of the main spur wheel E, one series in
each recess.
The clutch face of each tooth is in the line of a radius of
the wheel, and is on the hinder side of the tooth when the tooth is at
the top of the wheel. F and F represent two clutch plates which
in one form, as in Figure 6, are rigidly attached to the inner ends of
the main axles D, D', and in the other form, as in Figure 7, one clutch
plate F is rigidly attached to the sleeve main axle D², and the other clutch
plate F¹ is rigidly attached to the main axle D³, and in both forms
the clutch plates are within the recesses c, c¹, of the main spur wheel E,
as in the vertical view of the wheel in Figure 8.
e and e¹ represent
two ratchets or series of ratchets pivoted to the ratchet plates F, F¹,
and which fit into the ratchet teeth d, d', of the main spur wheel E;
and represent projections on the inner sides of the clutch
plates F, F, fitted to the pivoted ends of the ratchets e, e¹, and
which support the ratchets, and allow the pivots to act only as guides ;
g, g', represent springs attached to the ratchet plates F, F¹, and
to the loose ends of the ratchets c, c¹, which press the ratchets out
against the ratchet teeth d, d', of the main spur wheel E; G represents

page_text: a spur pinion which meshes into the main spur wheel E and revolves
loosely over the axle bolt C; h represents a sleeve hub of the spur
pinion G which projects over the axle bolt C to the inner side of the
frame case B¹ to hold the spur pinion in place, and which in turn is itself
an axle; H represents another spur wheel loose on the axle hub h of the
spur pinion G, and which may revolve with the pinion or allow the
axle hub to revolve loosely within it; h¹ represents a sleeve hub of the
second spur wheel H, which projects over the axle hub h of the spur
pinion G, toward the frame case B¹; h² represents a grooved collar
of the sleeve hub h¹ of the second spur wheel H; i and ¹ represent two
series of clutch teeth in the contiguous sides of the spur pinion G and
the second spur wheel H. The clutch face of each tooth is in the line
of a radius of its wheel in one direction, and in a line parallel with the
axis of the wheels in the other direction. The clutch face of each spur
pinion tooth i when the tooth is at the top of the wheel is behind, and the
clutch face of each second spur wheel tooth when the tooth is at the top
of the wheel is before, so that by sliding the wheel against the pinion each
series of teeth will interlock withthe other and couple the wheels together,
and sliding the wheel away from the pinion will uncouple them, and
the wheel will not be driven. I represents a lever within the box main
frame pivoted to a projection of the frame case B', the inner segment
end of which lies within the groove of the collar 2 of the second spur
wheel H in Figure 1, in the groove of the clutch sleeve in Figure 19,
and in the groove of clutch ring in Figure 20, and which projects up
through the frame case within convenient reach of the operator in the
seat;
J represents another spur pinion, which revolves loosely over the
main axle D' next to the main spur wheel E, and meshes into the second
spur wheel H; K represents a bevel spur wheel, which revolves loosely
over the main axle D', and in Figure 1 is rigidly attached to the second
spur pinion J on the side next the frame case B¹; L represents a bevel
spur pinion, which meshes into the bevel spur wheel K; M represents
an axle, which reaches from the bevel spur wheel K through the end of
the box main frame B, B¹, and to the inner end of which is rigidly
attached the bevel spur pinion L; N represents a crank wheel rigidly
attached to the outer end of the axle M; O represents a pitman pivoted
to the crank wheel N and to the cutters; P represents a sleeve rigidly
attached to the yoke bolt C', and which reaches through the end of the
box main frame B, B', for another form of journal bearing for the axle M;
Q represents a connecting frame surrounding the driving wheel A', and

page_text: rigidly attached to each end of the box main frame B, B', in line or
nearly in line with the axle M, and which connects the cutters with the
main frame. It may be of one piece bent U form like to the desired
shape, or it may be of several pieces rivetted together, as in Figure 12:
It may be pivoted to the main frame, or it may be elastic and be fastened
rigidly thereto and become a floating bar. When rigidly attached one
end may be welded or fastened to a square or diamond shaped lug, which
may be inserted in a square or diamond shaped hole in the end of the
main frame, and the other end may be attached to a loop, which may be
put over the projecting part of the yoke sleeve P and fastened with a
set screw. j and j¹ represent two lugs, which project out lengthwise
from the ends of the box main frame B, 'B', and through the lug; j' is
a hole through which is put the axle M, and which lug j¹ may be a
journal bearing instead of the yoke sleve P; k and k¹ represent two
bands, which may be put over the lugs j, j¹, of the box main frame B, B¹.
Each lug may be combined of two parts, one part integral with one
frame case B, and the other part integral with the other frame case B¹;
or each part rigidly attached to its respective case, and when so combined
of two parts the bands over them will hold them firmly together in place
of the screw bolts C, C₁; and ♬ represent a combined flange across the
inside of the box main frame B, B', between the main axles D, D', and
the end in place of the screw bolt C', when screw bolt fastenings are
not used for another form of journal bearing for the axle M; m and m¹
represent two loops, which may be attached to the two ends of the con-
necting frame Q, and go over the lugs j, j', of the box main frame B, B¹;
in place of the bands k, k³, and which may serve both to attach the
connecting frame to the box main frame and to fasten together the box
frame cases; n and n¹ represent two slots lengthwise in the sides of the
lugs j, j¹, of the main frame B, B', adjacent to the floating bar Q; the
ends of the floating bar may project through the laps and within
the circles of the loops m, m¹, key.like, as in Figure 12, and set into
the slots for another way of fastening the floating bar rigidly to the main
frame; o represents a brace rigidly attached to the corner of connecting
frame Q; R represents a draft tongue socket pivoted to the main axle D'
between the main frame B, B', and the driving wheel A'; R' represents
a draft tongue attached to the tongue socket R; p represents an arched
flange curved upward and backward from the fore end of the main
frame B, B', next to the draft tongue R¹, or an arc fastened in the same
place and curved in the same way, and through which parallel with the

page_text: main axles is a long arched slot; p' represents two parallel arcs fastened
to and curved upward and forward from the hinge of the tongue socket R
over the main axle D', and in which in the hinder edges parallel with the
main axle is a series of notches; q represents a fulcrum pivoted to the
main frame B, B', next the draft tongue R¹, and between the main
axle D' and the fore end; S represents a lever pivoted to the tongue
socket R on a pin which reaches through the arched slot in the flange p
of the main frame B, B', which lever. is also pivoted to the fulcrum q;
it lies and may work up and down between the arcs p¹ of the tongue
socket, and extends backward within reach of the operator in the scat.
The draft tongue Ri being held firmly by the operating team raising and
lowering the loose end of the lever will raise and lower the fore end of the
main frame and of the connecting frame Q and cutters attached thereto,
and thus regulate the degree of the closeness of the cutting; and »¹
represent a catch and spring trigger attached to the lever S to set and
hold it in a notch of the arcs p' of the tongue socket R. The catch »
is chisel faced and wide enough to fit into the notches of both arcs, and
slides to and from under the lever by a rod lying in a loop, to which
rod may be attached a spring. The trigger is pivoted to the loose end
of the lever and attached to the spring, so that drawing the trigger will
draw the catch out of any notch, and allow the lever to move up or
down between the arcs; and letting go the trigger will throw the catch
into a notch of the arcs and hold the lever firmly in place. T represents
a lever pivoted to the end of the axle D¹ between a driving wheel A¹
and the grass or grain side of the connecting frame Q, and which when
at rest reaches round the contiguous driving wheel and lies on the draft
tongue in front, and when in use is thrown over behind the driving
wheel upon the connecting frame; s represents an arm of the lever T,
which when at rest projects from the pivot point forward and downward
at an angle of less than ninety degrees, and preferably at an angle of
about forty-five degrees; s¹ represents a chain or link attached to the
arms of the lever T, and also to the connecting frame Q. Throwing
the lever over behind the driving wheel A₁ will lift up the grass or grain
side of the connecting fraine and all thereto attached, so that 'thic cutters
may pass over any obstacle in the way, and it will throw the arms
over and beyond a vertical line through the centre of the main axle D',
so that the weight attached to the chain &¹ constantly will pull the lever
down on the connecting frame, thus making the lever always self locking
in use or at rest; U represents a lever pivoted to the brace o of the

page_text: connecting frame Q, which lever projects forward and downward from the
pivot, and also reaches backward therefrom to the arms of the lever T; s
represents a chain or link attached to the lever U, and also to the arm s
of the lever T; V represents a cutter guard bar pivoted to the brace o of
the connecting frame Q, which bar reaches outward from the pivot for the
cutters and cutter guards, and reaches inward from the pivot to and under
the end of the lever U, lifting up the arms of the lever T in raising the
grass or grain side of the connecting frame Q, will lift up the hind end and
thrust down the fore end of the lever U, and will thrust down the inner
end and lift up the outer end of the cutter guard bar V over any obstacle
in the way; W and W¹ represent two shoes attached to the cutter guard
bar V, one W at the inner end, and the other W' at the outer end; V₁
represents a cutter bar with cutters attached, which works reciprocally
in a groove on the cutter guard bar V; X represents a track clearcr,
made by bending a bar nearly double into a long open link U form like;
t represents à mortise curved at the hind end vertically through the
heel of the guard bar shoe W¹, in which is put the track clearer X, the
are of which track clearer encircles the curved part of the shoe within
the mortise, which mortise holds the track clearer in place by the arc;
represents a lug projecting out lengthwise from the heel of the guard'
bar shoe W to hold the track clearer when moving backward from
catching on the ground; Y and Y₁ represent another form of track
clearer made by pivoting two bars caliper form like on a pin crosswise
through the heel of the guard bar shoe W'; " represents an arched
tongue or brace attached to one of the caliper form track clearer bars Y
between the pivoted and loose ends, in which brace is an arched slot,
which slot slides over a set screw in the other bar Y¹. Or in another way
the tongue u may slide through a mortise in the bar Y', through which
bar and against the tongue may be set a screw pin, or the set pin may
go through the bar and one of a series of holes in the tongue. The
brace u and set screw or set pin will allow the bars Y, Y', to be fastened
nearer together or farther apart, as desired, which makes the track
clearer adjustable; Z represents a hollow shell like cutter guard of an
even thickness, as nearly as possible, in all parts, so that if of cast iron
it may anneal evenly and be alike tough throughout; v represents a
post like projection up from the inside bottom between the sides of the
cutter guard Z, nearly under the line of the heels of the cutters, to
which projection may be riveted the cutter shear plate; ' represents a
brace or web across the hollow of the cutter guard Z, nearly under the
.

page_text: line of the heels of the cutters, to which web may be riveted the cutter
shear plate for another form of hollow shell like cutter guard.
H', in Figure 19; represents another spur wheel similar to the second
spur wheel H and of the same size, or larger or smaller as desired, loose
on the axle hub h of the first spur pinion G, and next to the frame
case B¹; h³ represents a clutch collar on the axle hub of the first spur
pinion G between the two spur wheels H, H, attached so as to revolve
with the spur pinion, and to slide sidewise, when desired, on the axle ;
this purpose may be effected by projecting a spur from the inner surface
of the clutch collar into a groove lengthwise in the axle, or by two or
more flat sides of the inner surface of the clutcli collar fitted to like
sides of the axle within it, and in the periphery of which clutch coller
there is a circumscribing groove for the segment of the lever I;
represents a series of clutch teeth in the second spur wheel H, in the
side next the clutch sleeve ³, similar to the clutch teeth i of the first
spur pinion G, as in Figure 18; i³ represents a series of clutch teeth in
the clutch collar h³ in the side next the second spur wheel H, similar to
the clutch teeth i¹ of the spur wheel, as in Figure 18; represents a series
of clutch teeth on the other side of the clutch collar h³, similar to the
clutch teeth 2 of the second spur wheel H; i³ represents a series of
clutch teeth in the third spur wheel H in the side next the clutch
collar h³, similar to the clutch teeth is of the clutch collar; J¹ represents
another spur pinion rigidly attached to the bevel spur wheel K on the
side next the main frame case B', similar. to the second spur pinion J,
and of the same size, or larger or smaller, as desired. The spur wheels
H, H', may be of the same size and the spur pinions of different sizes;
the pinions may be of the same size and the wheels of different sizes;
or all the wheels and pinions may be of different sizes, but each pair
must not be alike at the same time. Coupling the clutch collar /³ of
the first spur wheel G with one or the other of the contiguous spur
wheels H, H', simply by moving the lever I will give a faster or slower
motion to the cutters, and is one form of changeable speed. As both of
the spur wheels H, H³, are loose on the same axle h the one that is not
clutched to the first spur pinion Ģ will be driven by the spur pinion that
meshes into it, both will revolve in the same direction, one faster than
the other, one driving and the other driven..
or
.
J in Figures 20, 21, and 22 represents the second spur pinion detached
from the bevel spur wheel K; w represents a sleeve hub of the second

page_text: spur pinion J which projects over the main axle D' toward the frame
case B', and which in turn is itself an axle. K in Figures 21 and 22
represents the bevil spur wheel detached from the second spur pinion;
K¹³ represents another bevel spur wheel loose over the hub axle w of the
second spur pinion J and loose within the large bevel spur wheel K..
The bevel spur wheels K, K', are both concave or bowl like, having a
recess within or between them. w¹ represents a clutch collar over the
hub axle w of the second spur pinion J in the recess between the bevel
spur wheels 'K, K', attached so as to revolve with the spur pinion and
to slide sidewise when desired over the axle, in a similar way to that of
the clutch collar ³ of the first spur pinion G, as in Figure 19, and in.
the periphery of which clutch collar there is a groove. x represents a
series of clutch teeth in the small bevel spur pinion K' in the side next
the clutch collar w¹, similar to the clutch teeth i of the first spur pinion G,
as in Figure 18; ¹ represents a series of clutch teeth in the clutch
collar w¹ in the side next the small bevel spur wheel K', similar to the
clutch teeth of the second spur wheel H, as in Figure 18; 202 repre-
sents a series of clutch teeth in the other side of the clutch collar w¹
next the large bevel spur wheel K, similar to the clutch teeth x of the
small bevel spur wheel K'; a represents a series of clutch teeth in the
large bevel spur wheel K in the side next the clutch collars w¹ of the
second spur pinion G, similar to the clutch 2 of the clutch collar;
y and y¹ represent two clutch rings, one of which y is in the circum-
scribing groove in the clutch collar w³ of the second spur pinion J, and
the other of which v¹ is over a hub of the large bevil spur wheel K, or
over the main axle D¹ between the bevil spur wheels and the frame
case B', which rings are connected by screw bolts through the large
bevil spur wheel, and in the outer one of which is a circumscribing
groove for the segment of the lever I; L' represents another bevil spur
pinion similar to the first bevil spur pinion L, and the same size or larger
or smaller as desired, on the same axle M, and which meshes into the
small bevel spur wheel K at the same time the first bevel spur pinion
meshes into the large bevil spur wheel K. Coupling the clutch collar w
of the second spur pinion J with one or the other of the bevel spur
wheels K, K', simply by moving the lever I will give a faster or slower
motion to the cutters, and is another form of changeable speed, and also
similarly to the other form of changeable speed.
As both bevel spur
wheels are loose on the same axle D', the one that is not clutched by the
second spur pinion J will be driven by the bevel spur pinion that

page_text: .
meshes into it; both will revolve in the same direction, one faster than
the other, one driving and the other driven.
C² in Figure 14 represents a minor axle for a gear wheel lower than
the main axles and parallel therewith. between the main axles and the
end of the box main frame B2, B3; J and K in Figure 14 represent the
combined spur pinion and bevel spur wheel on the main axle C³, and
which spur pinion meshes directly into the main spur wheel E.
M' represents another minor axle for gear wheels on the same plane
with the first minor axle C² and at a right angle thereto; L in Figure 14
represents the bevel spur pinion on the second minor axle M² so as to
mesh into the bevel spur wheel K; H2 represents a shell like spur wheel
on the second minor axle M' near the end of the box main frame B2, B³,
opposite the first minor axle Cacross the main axles D, D', in which
spur wheel in the side toward the main axles is a deep recess, and in the
perimeter of which recess is a series of gear cogs; M² represents another
minor axle for gear wheels below the first minor axle C³, and parallel
with the second minor axle M', and which reaches the length of the
box main frame B², B³, or to the cross line of the peripheries of the
driving wheels; J* represents another spur pinion on the third minor
axle M² to mesh into the hollow spur wheel H²; N¹ represents 'in dotted
lines a crank wheel on the third minor axle M² on the end opposite the
second bevel spur pinion J² and within the box main frame B², B"; O'
represents in dotted lines one end of a rod pivoted to the crank wheel N'
within the box main frame B2, B3, and as nearly as possible at the bottom
thereof, and which works through a slot in the side of the frame case B².
The axle of each succeeding gear wheel is dropped to get the rod within
the box main frame as nearly as practicable on a level with the cutters
without tipping the frame.
Many of the features of this Invention may be used in mowing or
reaping machines of any common general form.
Having thus fully described the said Invention, as communicated to
me by my foreign correspondents, I wish it understood that I claim,-
First. The arrangement of a combined main axle D, D', through an
inclosing box main frame B, B¹, or B2, B³, midway between the ends, so
that the frame will balance evenly thereon as described for a mowing
and reaping machine.

page_text: Second. The combination of two screw bolts C, C³, with an inclosing
box mainframe B, B', passed through midway between the combined
main axle D, D¹, and the ends of the frame, so that the straight bolt C
will act both as a fastening bolt and a gear wheel axle, and the bent or
yolk bolt C¹ will act both as a fastening bolt and journal bearing for a
gear wheel axle, as described for a mowing and reaping machine.
one
Third. The combination of
when the axles meet in line, as
machine.
main axle D with another main axle Di
described for a mowing and reaping
Fourth. The combination of one main axle D2 with another main
axle D³, one within the other, as described for a mowing and reaping
machine..
Fifth. The combination of two clutch. plates F, F', rigidly attached
to two main axes D, D¹, or D², D³, with a main gear wheel E, and within
recesses in the sides of the main gear, wheel, as described for a mowing
and reaping machine.
Sixth. The combination of a sleeve P with a screw bolt C¹ and with
an inclosing box main frame B, B¹, or B³, B³, as described for a journal
bearing for a gear wlieel axle for a mowing and reaping machine.
Seventh. The combination of a partition 1, 1, with an inclosing box
main frame B, B₁, or B2, B3, for the journal bearing of a gear wheel axle,
as described for à mowing and reaping machine."
Eighth. The combination of two lugs j, j, of an inclosing box main
frame B, B', or B2, B3, when each lug is combined of two parts, one part
integral with one box case, and the other part integral with the other
box case, with two bands k, k¹, to fasten together the box cases of the
'frame; as described for a mowing and reaping machine.
Ninth: The combination of a U shaped connecting bar Q surrounding
a driving wheel A¹³, and with a main frame B, B¹, or B², B³, when-
attached to the fore and hind ends of the frame nearly in line with the
crank wheel axle, as described for a mowing.and reaping machine...
.
Tenth. The combination of the two ends of an elastic- connecting
bar;Q-projecting through the laps of two loops m, m³, with two slots n, n',
in two lugs j,,, of an inclosing box main; frame B, B', or B², B³, to
fasten the connecting frame rigidly to the main frame, as described for a
mowing and reaping machine.
Eleventh. The arrangement of a lever S pivoted at one end to a hinged
12

page_text: combined draft tongue and socket R, R', with a slotted arched flange p
with a fulcrum q of a main frame B, B¹, or B³, B³, and with two arcs p¹
of the tongue hinge R, and which lever is held in place by a catch and
spring trigger r, r³, as described for a mowing and reaping machine.
Twelfth. The arrangement of a lever S pivoted to the end of a main à
axle D¹ with a connecting bar Q, so that in lifting the connecting bar
the army and chains will be thrown over and beyond a vertical line
through the centre of the main axle, as described for a mowing and
reaping machine.
Thirteenth. The arrangement of a lever U pivoted to a brace o of a
connecting bar Q with a guard bar V and with a lever T, as described
for a mowing and reaping machine.
Fourteenth. The combination of a guard bar shoe W₁ with a U form-
like track clearer X by the are of the track clearer lying within and held
in place by a vertical mortise through the shoe, as described for a
mowing and reaping machine..
Fifteenth. The combination of a guard bar shoe W₁ with two caliper
form-like track clearer bars Y, Y', which bars are connected by a brace u,
as described for a mowing and reaping machine.
Sixteenth. The combination of two spur wheels H, H', of unequal
sizes, with two spur pinions J, J', of the same size or of unequal sizes,
as described for a mowing and reaping machine.
Seventeenth. The combination of two spur pinions J, J', of unequal
sizes with two spur wheels H, H', of the same size or of unequal sizes,
as described for a mowing and reaping machine.
•
Eighteenth. The combination of the two spur wheels H, H', of
unequal sizes with a bevel spur wheel K, as described for a mowing and
reaping machine.
Nineteenth. The combination of two bevel spur wheels K, K³, of
unequal sizes, with two bevel spur pinions L, L, of the same sizes, or
of unequal sizes, as described for a mowing and reaping machine.
Twentieth. The combination of a combined main axle D, D¹, with a
bevel spur wheel axle C³ and with a crank wheel axle M2, when each
receiving axle is lower than the imparting axle preceding it, as described
for a mowing and reaping machine.
Twenty-first. The arrangement of a crank wheel N¹ and rod O¹ within

page_text: an inclosing box main frame B, B¹, or B³, B³, as described for a mowing
and reaping machine.
Twenty-second. The combination of a hollow shell like cutter guard Z
with a post like projection v, as described for a mowing and reaping
machine.
Twenty-third. The combination of a hollow shell like cutter guard Z
with a cross bar v², as described for a mowing and reaping machine.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have here-
unto set my hand and seal, this Twenty-second day of July,
in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and
seventy.
.
Witness,
D. L. WAGNER.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE. (L.S.)