An Improved Cultivator.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 3rd Oct., 1895-Accepted, 16th Nov.. 1895
An Improved Cultivator.
We, GEORGE WILLIAM SHAILER, Settler, and JOHN SAMUEL WATCHORN,
Merchant, both of Palmerston North, in the Colony of New Zealand, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
Our invention relates to an improved cultivator which acts as a digger, hoe, and
rake in one operation; and by which the soil can be broken up, weeds extracted,
and the soil left in a state ready for cultivation.
By this invention the soil between growing crops can be loosened, the weeds,
couch grass, sorrel, and the like extracted, thrown up, and exposed on the surface,
the whole apparatus consisting of a few simple parts easily made and put together
and therefore readily repaired or renewed.
Our invention is illustrated on the accompanying sheets of drawings on
which,-
Figure 1 is a front view of our machine as arranged to be worked by hand
for flower borders, market gardens, and orchards.
Figure 2 is a side view of the same.
Figure 3 is a side view of one of the discs or cutters.
Figure 4 is a section of the same taken through the line A-B, and
Figure 4 is a section of one of the tine taken through the line C-D.
Referring to Figures 1, 2 & 3, (a) are side frames having handles (a¹) and
wheels (6) which enable the machine to be easily moved over the surface of the
soil in the direction of the arrow as shewn in Figure 2. (c) are brackets
fastened to the frames (a) in any suitable manner and carrying a spindle (c¹) on
which revolve discs (d). These discs (d) form the principal part of our inven-
tion and consist of a central boss (d') upon which are formed, mounted, or cast,
excavating tines or teeth (2). We prefer these to be about five-eighths of an inch
broad throughout their whole length on the front edge and tapering off to the
back as shewn in full sized section in Figure 44. On the periphery of the
boss and between the tines we form (by preference) a projecting cutting edge (e)
which serves to strengthen the said tines and also to cut into the top soil and
render it more capable of separation by the tines; by this arrangement any sticks,
straws, or refuse on the surface are broken up. We find it best in practice to
make the tines or teeth (d2) about equal in length to the diameter of their boss (d)
and of a total diameter say of twelve inches, the boss being four inches in diameter.
They are curved as shewn in Figure 3 of the proper curve for entering the ground,
the bosses (d) forming a roller which rolls upon the ground as the machine
progresses forward. The discs work freely upon the axle (c) and being set at
about one inch and a quarter apart cut into the soil, thoroughly disintegrating it,
and throwing the refuse and weeds behind as the machine progresses. It will be
found that the weight of the machine itself in general gives sufficient adhesion to
enable the tines to work without slipping but if necessary additional weight may
be added in any well known manner. (f) in Figures 1 & 2 shew curved plates
fastened at one end to the frame (a) and passing down between the tines to act as
scrapers and prevent choking between the said tines when working on
descriptions of soil. These curved plates can also be adapted to the machine
llustrated in Figures 5 & 6. In Figures 5 & 6 is shewn our machine as adapted
some

page_text: to animal power in which case similar discs (d) are made use of revolving on a
spindle (c) carried by radial arms having a quadrant rack (r) and spiral (8)
worked by a handle (st) and actuated by the driver sitting in the seat (t) by which
means the pressure upon the discs and the effect of the tines can be regulated
according to the nature of the soil and the purposes for which the machine is
required. It will be evident that the size, number, and form of the discs and tines
may be varied according to the work to be done.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is,-
1. In a cultivator a cylinder formed of discs to roll upon the surface of the soil
fitted with tines to enter and cut up the soil substantially as described herein and
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
2. A cultivator consisting of a cylinder formed of revolving discs fitted with
tines and arranged substantially as described herein and illustrated on the drawings
by Figures 1 & 2.
3. A cultivator consisting of a cylinder formed of revolving discs fitted with
tines and arranged substantially as described herein and illustrated in Figures 5
& 6.
Dated this 3rd day of October 1895.
S. S. BROMHEAD,
97 Newgate Street, London, E.C., Agent for Applicants.