Improvements in Harvesting Machines.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 3rd Dec., 1889
Complete Specification Left, 3rd Sept, 1890-Accepted, 18th Oct., 1890°
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Harvesting Machines.
I, WALTER HONORATO BARKER of 37 Haverstock Hill London N.W. in the
County of Middlesex Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this invention to
be as follows:-
My invention relating to harvesting machines consists of certain improvements
hereinafter described whereby compactness and lightness are obtained and the several
operations from the cutting of the crop to the delivery of the sheaves are effected in
an efficient and simple manner and with less waste than heretofore. I will describe
my invention with reference to corn as the crop to be operated on, it being of course
understood that it is applicable to other crops.
According to my invention I connect the bars of the reel preferably at or about
the middle of their lengths to an endless pitch chain by means of links in such a.
manner as to receive a feathering motion when the machine is at work.
This pitch chain is carried on and gears with two sprocket or chain wheels one of
which is fast on a sleeve carried by an adjustable frame which is capable of being
raised and lowered to suit crops of different heights an the other or forward and
adjustable wheel is carried on an arm keyed onto one end of a spindle which passes.
through the sleeve. On the opposite end of this spindle is a crank arm connected by,
a telescopic or adjustable rod to a lover arranged in a convenient position to be
operated by the driver By means of this lever the driver without moving from his
seat may impart a partial rotation to the shaft carrying the crank arm and thereby
raise or lower as required the arm carrying the forward chain wheel so as to accom-
modate it to variations in the height of the crop being operated on.
On the sleeve which carries the back chain wheel there is secured a worin wheel.
with which gears a worm mounted on a rod or spindle driven from the back of the
machine by a pitch chain from the main driving shaft engaging with a sprocket wheel
fast on a short shaft to which the spindle is connected by a universal joint to admit
of its operating in whatever position the reel is adjusted or it may be driven by any'
other suitable means. The worm is free to slide along the spindle to accommodate
itself to any adjustable position of the reel but is caused to rotate with the said spindle
by a pin or key in the worm engaging in a longitudinal slot or key way in the said
spindle or I may use a square shaft so that when the spindle is turned rotation will
be imparted through the worm wheel to the sleeve carrying the chain wheel round"
which passes the endless pitch chain carrying the bars or rakes of the reel.
These bars or rakes are preferably provided with teeth or tines and are arranged at.
an angle to the bracket or brackets by which the bars are connected to the chain.
These teeth or tines assist in straightening the corn and prevent it from slipping past-
the ends of the bars. Each bar or rake is connected by an arm or bracket to a pro-
jection on one of the links of the pitch chain the said projection being at a right
angle to the link-the said bracket or arm being also connected at a short distance
from where it is connected to this projection by means of a rod or rods to a similar
projection on a forward link of the chain. By this mode of attaching the bars to the
pitch chain when the chain is passing round the chain wheels a feathering motion is
imparted to the bars or rakes so as to cause them to enter the corn at such an angle
that the corn will not be beaten down or injured and will lift the corn into position
for cutting and falling onto the platform, the arrangement also admitting of smaller
chain wheels being used. The adjustable frame which carries the reel is preferably
made in two parts hinged or jointed together so as to be capable of being adjusted to
any desired angle relatively to each other a toothed quadrant and an engaging lever
being provided at or near the joint for retaining the two parts in any position to
which they may be adjusted. The lower end of the hinged or jointed frame is also

page_text: .
provided with a similar retaining device for keeping the frame in its adjusted
position. The adjustment of this frame may be effected from the driver's seat or
otherwise.
Instead of operating the cutter bar by a long connecting rod directly from the
crank disc on the main driving shaft as in the usual manner I connect the crank by
means of a rod to one end of a double armed lever mounted on a suitable centre
the other arm of this lever being connected by another rod to the cutter, by this
means the power for driving the cutter bar is exerted in a more horizontal direction
than when driven in the usual way.
The corn as it is cut falls (assisted by the reel) onto the platform at the rear of the
cutter bar which may consist as usual of a frame carrying an endless feeding web or
creeper sufficiently wide to extend across the frame. I prefer however to employ
two or more endless aprons or feeding webs arranged side by side with a space or
spaces between them the said space or spaces being filled or covered by sheet metal
or other suitable material made to extend onto the packing platform by which
arrangement the aprons are efficiently supported and the corn as is boing fed to
the packers is prevented from falling between the endless aprons and the packing
platform.
The platform on which the corn is packed and bound is situated between the
feeding aprons and the road wheel and is raised at the end nearest the road wheel
where the binding is effected to allow room for the needle which is beneath.
As the corn is being fed by the endless apron or aprons towards the packer and
binding platform, the butt ends of the corn are acted on by a butter" arranged at
or about the front end of the packer platform. This butter consists of a rotating
cylinder or drum provided with slats or grooves and is preferably driven by gearing
from the shaft which operates the packers but it may be operated from any other
suitable part of the machine.
The packers according to my invention are preferably provided with two arms and
are suspended from eccentrics or cranks carried on a horizontal shaft above the
platform and at right angles to the knife bar the said arms being also connected by
links at about midway between their upper and lower ends to a bracket on the frame
which carries the packers and knotter so that when the packer shaft is rotated an
oscillating eccentric motion will be given to the lower ends of the packers which will
cause them to gather and pack the corn against an arm which while the corn is being
packed remains stationary but which when sufficient corn is packed to form a sheaf
moves away to allow the packed corn to be pushed into position to be bound. This
arm is suspended from the bracket to which the packers are attached and is kept in
its stationary position by a cam on the main knotter shaft suitably shaped to release
and raise it at the proper moment.
This arm is capable of being adjusted in position nearer to or further from the
packers to suit sheaves of different sizes..
When sufficient corn has been packed to form a sheaf, it is pushed into position to
be bound by means of rake arms or levers which are connected at about the centre of
their lengths to cranks fast on a shaft mounted in bearings on the frame which carries
the knotter and packers. The upper end of each of these rake arms is slotted through
which slots the main knotter shaft passes to give the required motions to the arms.
The cranks to which these rake arms are attached are rotated by means of a
segment on the main knotter shaft gearing with a pinion on the said crank shaft.
When these rake arms have operated so as to remove the corn into position for
binding they are retained in this position and do not return to their former position
until the sheaf has been bound and discharged. The lower ends of these rake arms are
hinged to the main part thereof so as to yield in their backward motion when passing
over the corn that is being packed.
The packers, knotting mechanism and the needle and parts immediately connected
therewith are carried on an adjustable frame capable of sliding transversely in the
machine to suit different lengths of corn or the like.
The packer shaft is provided with a sliding clutch having inclined teeth one

page_text: member of which clutch is formed on or connected to the sprocket or other wheel by
which the packer shaft is rotated. The other member of this clutch is carried on and
rotates the packer shaft but slides longitudinally thereon. This member of the clutch
is held engaged with the other member by à spring the power of which may be
regulated as required.
When sufficient corn to form a sheaf has been packed the forward motion of the
packers is resisted by the corn whereupon the sliding member of the clutch will be
caused to move along the packer shaft against the resisting power of the spring,
and by acting on a lever will release mechanism to enable the main knotter shatt
(which had up to this time been held stationary) to cominence rotating and through
the gearing herein before described give motion to the rake arins or pushers to push
the packel corn on to the binding portion of the platform in position to be bound the
arm against which the corn had been packed being simultaneously raised to permit of
the passage of packed corn which is effected by a cam on the knotter shaft acting on
a tail end of the arm.
When the corn is packed and is being pushed into position for binding (the
movable member of the clutch on the packer shaft having moved along the said
shaft) a bolt or detent actuated by a spring or the like is inserted between the trip
lever (which had been moved to release the knotter shaft) and the lever by which
it is operated from the sliding member of the clutch so as to keep the said trip
lever out of action and lock the sliding member of the clutch in position until
the knotter shaft is required to be again stopped and started whereupon the retaining
bolt or detent is withdrawn by a tappet on the main knotter shaft arranged to
operate at the required moment to allow the trip lever to return to its normal
position or the levers may be caused to operate a clutch for the same purpose.
The corn being in position to be bound the needle through the eye of which the
binding string passes now rises and passes the string round the sheaf or packed corn
and over the knotter and gripping device to be secured by the knotter.
The needle is curved in one direction from its butt end to the forward end where
the eye is situated and is broad and flat transversely throughout its length except that
a notch or recess is made in one side below the eye so that it may clear the knotter
and gripping device and also to provide a shoulder to hold and guide the binding
string in proper position to be engaged by the knotter.
The needle is pivotted to the outer end of an arm fitted with a ring or strap to turn
on a stationary disc situated beneath the binding platform and secured to the
adjustable frame which is connected to the frame above carrying the packers and
knotter. Passing eccentrically through this stationary disc (that is at a distance from
its centre) is a shaft on which a crank arm is mounted so as to be capable of sliding
longitudinally thereon. The needle is driven by this arm the outer end of which is
connected to the needle at a short distance from its connection with the arm which is
mounted on the disc.
On this shaft is a toothed segment or wheel which gears with rack teeth provided
on one end of a lever mounted on a stud on a bracket or frame of the machine the
opposite end of the said lever being operated by a cam suitably timed to impart
through the lever and gearing described the necessary motions to the needle.
1 prefer to connect the pinion by which the needle is worked to the shaft by a spring
to ensure the full stroke of the needle.
At the back of that part of the platform where the binding is effected there is
provided an arm or lever against which the corn is pressed by the needle while being
bound. This lever or arm which can be adjusted to suit different sizes of sheaves is
hinged at top so as to be capable of being moved out of position to permit of the free
discharge of the sheaf and the passage of the discharging rakes the said arm
afterwards returning into position again by its own gravity.
On the packing and binding platform which is a continuation the one of the
other there is provided ribs or projections for the purpose of supporting the corn
above the surface of the platform at about the part of the sheaf where it is bound
and to assist in compressing the sheaf as it is being bound.

page_text: 3
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!
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The portion of this rib or these ribs which are on the binding portion of the
platform is or are capable of tilting sideways so as not to interfere with the free
discharge of the sheaves and the passage of the delivering rakes and then resuming
its or their normal position by gravity.
The platform on which the packing and binding operations are effected is made
telescopic or to slide one part over another so that when the mechanism is moved or
adjusted in position laterally open spaces will not be left.
The knotter may be of the usual duck bill or "Appleby" type and is operated by
means of a bevil wheel on the knotter spindle gearing with a toothed segment on
the main knotter shaft. The knotter is situated over the binding platform at or
about midway between where the binding and the packing is effected. The knotter
is fixed at an angle to the main knotter shaft in a suitable position for receiving
the binding string raised by the needle. The bill or nose of the knotter is directed
towards the back of the machine to admit of the string being pulled off when the
sheaf is discharged.
The gripping device consists of two discs connected together at their centres,
portions of these discs being cut away at intervals to admit of the passage of the
needle end-and also to form notches to engage the string and force it on to a
hinged plate or arm which is held in position between the discs by a spring.
This gripping device is arranged at the rear of the knotter and may be operated
by means of a ratchet wheel fast on the spindle to which the discs are attached
the said wheel being operated by a pawl carried on an arm which is mounted on
the same spindle and connected by an adjustable rod to a rocking lever actuated by a
pin or projection on the segment wheel which works the knotter. A detent is also
provided to prevent back motion of the ratchet wheel I do not however restrict myself
to this means for working the gripper.
The knife for separating the string after the knot is formed is fixed to the knotter
bracket the cutting part being against the face of the gripper disc nearest to the
knotter which disc effects the separation of the string by pressing it against the edge
of the knife as the gripper is about finishing its motion. The surface of the gripper
disc against which the knife bears may be faced with steel to prevent wear.
The binding platform does not extend to the back of the machine a sufficient space
being left through which the sheaves fall to the ground behind the road wheel.
When the sheaf has been bound and knotted the needle descends to beneath the
platform and the sheaf is raked from the front of the machine towards this space by a
rake or rakes operated in any suitable manner preferably by mounting them on an
endless chain passing round chain wheels operated by bevil or other suitable gearing
from the main knotter shaft or otherwise.
The sheaf may be allowed to fall direct through this space to the ground but
I prefer to employ a removable supplementary support or platform in this space to
support the ears end of the corn while the sheaf is being bound. This platform forms
a continuation of the binding platform and on to this the sheaves are raked from the
front or fixed part of the platform. This supplementary platform may be suspended
from above and be maintained in position by a spring or springs or other suitable
device to receive a sheaf from the binding platform.
When a sheaf has been raked onto this supplementary platform it is caused to
descend and deposit the sheaf gently on to the ground so as not to shake the corn
from the ears or it may be arranged to move away when the sheaf is bound to allow
the sheaf to fall direct onto the ground. The lowering of this platform may be
effected by any suitable means for example a cam on the knotter shaft may be caused
to act through rods and lever connected to an arm on the frame carrying the said
supplementary platform the cam being suitably timed to effect the tilting of the
platform on its support at the proper periods to discharge the sheaves.
The several operations of packing binding and delivering the sheaves are performed
simultaneously in their consecutive order that is to say while a sheaf is being bound
and discharged another sheaf is being packed ready for binding on the forward or
packing part of the platform.

page_text: When it is desired to employ a sheaf carrier the movable platform last described
may be removed and a fixed platform forming a continuation of the binding platform
fitted in place thereof. This additional length of platform is made to extend beyond
the back of the machine to support the sheaves which are raked thereonto by the
discharge rakes into position to be discharged therefrom onto the sheaf carrier at the
back of and in line with the road wheel by means of discharge arms or rakes
suspended from above and operated by a cam and rods as hereinbefore described
with reference to the moveable platform. The back portion of this platform is capable
of being folded for convenience of transport.
1000
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Harvesting Machines.
I, WALTER HONORATO BARKER of 37 Haverstock Hill London N.W. in the
County of Middlesex, Engineer 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 :-
My invention relating to harvesting machines consists of certain improvements
hereinafter described whereby compactness and lightness are obtained and the several
operations from the cutting of the crop to the delivery of the sheaves are effected in a
more efficient and simple manner and with less waste than heretofore. I will describe
my invention with reference to the accompanying drawings and in the description
shall refer to corn as the crop being operated on, it being of course understood that
it is applicable to other crops.
Figure 1 of the drawings is a sectional side elevation and Figure 2 is a plan of a
harvesting machine constructed according to my invention.
Figures 3, 4 and 5 are respectively a side elevation, a plan and an end view of the
off or shoe wheel and means for altering its inclination.
Figure 6 is a side elevation shewing the mechanism for adjusting the position of the
reel or gatherer and means for raising and lowering the machine and for operating the
cutter bar.
Figure 7 is a side elevation of the reel or gatherer and its adjustments.
Figure 8 a plan of a portion of the pitch chain to which the rakes of the reel or
gatherer are attached.
Figure 9 a front elevation of the adjustable frame which carries the reel or
gatherer.
Figure 10 a side elevation of the sheaf delivering rakes.
Figure 11 an end view of a portion of the machine shewing an arrangement
of movable platform for depositing the sheaves onto the ground or discharging them
into a sheaf carrier.
Figure 12 front elevation of packers.
Figure 13 side elevation of the binding needle operating mechanism.
Figure 14 plan of the packing and binding platform.
Figure 15 transverse section of a portion of the machine shewing the arrangement
of the packers separating rakes or arms, binding needle and knotting device.
Figures 16 and 17 views at right angles to each other of trip mechanism for starting
and stopping the binding and knotting mechanism.
Figure 18 side elevation of arrangement of mechanism for adjusting the position of
the frame carrying the binding and knotting mechanism, showing also the sheet iron
platform and tilting compressor.
Figure 19 plan of the binding needle and
Figures 20 to 26 detail views of the knotter and the device for gripping and
severing the binding string.
Referring to Figures 1 and 2 A is the main framing which carries the whole of the

page_text: ·
operating parts of the machine and is mounted on two wheels B and C so as to be
capable of being raised and lowered according to the height from the ground at which
the corn is to be cut and for maintaining the mechanism out of contact with the
ground when travelling.
An arrangement for raising and lowering the frame is shewn in Figures 2, 3,
45 and 6 of the drawings and consists of two chains a and b one of which
chains a (Figure 6) is connected at one end to a segment or drum c fast on the
axis d of the main road wheel B the opposite end of the said chain being secured
to a drum a² on a short spindle 62 which also carries a ratchet wheel e and is
mounted in a bearing on the main frame A. The spindle 62 carrying the drum
and ratchet wheel e may be rotated by any convenient means such as a key or lever
so as to wind the chain around the drum a² and thereby rotate the axis d. Fast on the
axis d are the usual spur pinionsf which gear with the ordinary racks g on the frame A
so that when the axis d is rotated as described the frame A through the pinions f and
racks g will be raised on this side of the machine and it may be retained in its elevated
position by a detent e² engaging the teeth of the ratchet wheel e.
The opposite side of the frame is similarly raised by means of the chain b (Figures 3
and 4) one end of which is connected to an arm h which carries the off or shoe
wheel C and is pivotted at i to a bracket mounted on a stud 3 projecting from the
frame A. The upper end of the bracket is slotted in which slot enters a pin i+
projecting from the arm / so that by adjusting the pin in this slot the inclination
of the wheel C may be varied as required to permit of the machine passing through
narrower passages than is practicable when the wheel C is permanently fixed at an
angle as is usual.
The chain passes beneath a wheel or pulley k and is attached at its opposite end to
a drum provided with a ratchet wheel . By rotating the drum so as to wind the
chain thereon this side of the frame of the machine may he raised to the required
extent and may be maintained in its raised position by a detent engaging the
teeth of the ratchet wheel 1. To lower the frame the detents e², e, are disengaged
from the ratchet wheels e and 12 whereupon the frame will descend by gravity to
any required position.
The whole of the mechanism is operated (when at work) from the main road wheel B
by means of chains and gearing as hereinafter described.
According to my invention 1 construct the reel or gatherer by which the corn is
presented to the action of the cutter, of a number of bars, preferably having tines or
teeth, constituting rakes which rakes I connect to an endless pitch chain or endless
pitch chains in such a manner that they receive a feathering motion when at work
whereby they are caused to enter the corn without damaging the ears and also to
more effectually raise the corn (when beaten down) so as to present it in proper
position to be operated upon by the cutter.
The construction of this reel or gatherer is clearly shewn in Figures 1, 2, 7 and 8.
The pitch chain E (Figures 1 and 8) to which the rake bars are connected is carried
on and gears with two sprocket or chain wheels F and G one of which (F) is fast on a
sleeve H carried by the ordinary adjustable frame I, K, which is capable of being
raised an lowered to suit crops of different heights. The other or forward sprocket
wheel G is adjustably mounted on the outer end of an arm L keyed onto one end
of a spindle M which passes through the sleeve H. On the opposite end of this
spindle is keyed a quadrant N to which is hooked one end of a chain O the
opposite end of which chain after being passed round the quadrant and beneath a
pulley P, on the arm 12 projecting from the portion K of the adjustable frame, is
passed over another pulley Q situated at the junction of the part I with the part K of
the said frame and thence beneath another pulley 7 (Figures 6 and 9) at the junction
of the frame K with the main frame A of the machine. This end of the chain is then
connected to the end U of a lever p centred at t to the main frame A. The lever pis
arranged in a convenient position to be operated by the driver without moving from
his seat. By turning this lever on its centre t a partial rotation will be given through
the chain O to the spindle M and thereby raise or lower as required (according to the

page_text: direction in which the lever p is moved) the arm L carrying the forward chain wheel G
so as to accomodate it to variations in the height of the crop being operated on.
On the sleeve H which carries the back chain wheel F there is secured a worm
wheel Q with which gears a worm R mounted on a square rod or spindle S
(Figures 1, 2 and 9) fitted to slide longitudinally in a hollow shaft or sleeve X and
driven from the back of the machine by a pitch chain z passing round a sprocket
wheel T on the main shaft 150* which shaft is driven by gearing from a toothed
wheel 155 connected to or formed in one with the main road wheel B the said
chain engaging with the sprocket wheel U2 fast on a short shaft V to which shaft
the sleeve X is connected by a universal joint W to admit of the spindle S
operating in whatever position the reel is adjusted. The short shaft V is carried on
a bracket capable of being adjusted in position to take up slack in the chain. The
spindle S may be driven by any other suitable means than that last described for
example it may be connected by the universal joint W directly to the short shaft V
and the worm R be provided with a key or pin to slide along in a key way in the
spindle S to accommodate itself to any adjusted position of the reel, the said worm
being caused to rotate with the said spindle by the pin or key engaging in the longi-
tudinal slot or key way, so that when the spindle is turned, rotation will be imparted
through the worm, and worm wheel to the sleeve H carrying the chain wheel F round
which passes the endless pitch chain E carrying the bars or rakes D2 of the reel.
These bars or rakes which are preferably provided with teeth or tines m are arranged
at an angle to the brackets or arms D3 by which the bars are connected to the pitch
chain. The teeth or tines assist in straightening the corn and prevent it from
slipping past the ends of the bars. Each arm D³ of the rakes is connected at its
inner end to a projection n (Figure 1 and 7) on one of the links of the pitch chain E
the projection being at a right angle to the link. The said rake arm is also connected
by a link or links m' at a short distance from where it is connected to the projection n
to a similar projection n² on a forward or adjacent link of the chain substantially as
shewn. By this mode of attaching the rake bars to the pitch chain a feathering
motion is imparted to the rakes, when the chain is passing round the chain wheels F
and G, so as to cause them to enter the corn at such an angle as not to beat it down
or injure it but so as to lift the corn (if it be beaten down) into position for cutting
and falling onto the platform the arrangement also admitting of small chain wheels
being used.
Instead of a single pitch chain E at the centre of the rake bars as shewn in
the drawings two chains may be employed arranged near the opposite ends of the
bars.
Instead of mounting the back sprocket wheel F on a sleeve as described it
may be
fixed to the spindle M, the spindle then being driven and not the sleeve, the arm
carrying the smaller or front sprocket wheel G being fixed on a sleeve having its
bearing on the said spindle and connected to the drivers lever. The two parts I and K
of the reel frame are hinged or jointed together as usual so as to be capable of being
adjusted to any desired angle relatively to each other the two parts being retained
in their adjusted position by a pin Y on the part K engaging in one or other
of a series of holes in a bar Z connected at Y2 to a tail I on the part I of the
frame.
The angular position of the lower part K of this hinged or jointed frame is also
capable of adjustment and is retained in its adjusted position by a pin U³ on the
part K engaging one of a series of holes in a bar W2 (Figures 6 and 10) hinged
at t to the main frame A. The height of the forward sprocket wheel may be
regulated as required by the driver (without leaving his seat) by means of the lever
as hereinbefore described to suit variations in the height or condition of the crop and
by arranging the chain (by which the forward sprocket wheel is adjusted) around the
pulleys as herein before described the position to which it had been adjusted by the
driver will not be altered by the adjustmat of the angular position of the frame I
and K.
Instead of operating the cutter bar directly from the crank dise on the main

page_text: driving shaft 150* by means of a connecting rod as heretofore I connect the crank 1
on the main shaft 150* as shewn in Figures 6 and 9 to the upper end of a double
armed lever 3 which is centred on the outer end of an oscillating arm 4 mounted on
a stud 5 on the main frame A the lower end of the double armed lever 3 being
connected by a rod 6 to the cutter bar 7 (Figure 1). By this means the power for
driving the cutter bar is exerted in a more horizontal direction than when driven in
the usual way.
The corn as it is cut falls (assisted by the reel) onto the platform at the rear of the
cutter bar which platform may consist as usual of a frame Figures 1, 2 and 10
carrying an endless feeding web or creeper sufficiently wide to extend across the
frame. I prefer however to employ two or more endless aprons or feeding webs 9
arranged side by side with a space or spaces between them the said space or spaces
being filled or covered by sheet metal or other suitable material 10 (as shewn in
Figures 1, 2 and 10) extending onto the platform 11 (rigures 2, 11, 13, 14, 15
and 18) on which the corn is packed to form a sheaf. By this arrangement the
aprons are efficiently supported and the corn as it is being fed to the packers is
prevented from falling between the endless aprons and the packing platform. The
rollers on which these endless aprons travel are preferably made of tubes coated
with leather or wood or other suitable material to give a bite to the aprons.
The platform on which the corn is packed and bound is situated between the
feeding aprons and the main road wheel B Figures 1, 2, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 18
and is higher from the ground at the end 12 nearest the wheel B where the binding
of the sheaves is effected than it is at 11 where the packing of the corn takes place so
as to allow room for the binding needle operating mechanism which is arranged
beneath the part 12 of the platform as shewn in Figures 11, 13 and 15.
As the corn is cut it falls onto and is fed by the endless aprons 9 towards the
packing and binding platform and as it is moving forward the butt ends of the corn
are acted on by a "butter" arranged at or near the front end of the packer platform.
This butter is shewn clear in Figures 1, 12, 13 and 14 and consists of a rotating
cylinder or drum 13 provided with slats or longitudinal vanes 14 which act on the
butt ends of the corn to keep them regular and assist to place the ends of the
corn in position on the platform for packing. The butter is driven by gearing 2 from
the shaft which operates the packers but it may be operated by any other suitable
means.
15 and 16 are the packers which according to my invention are each provided with
two or more arms 17. These packers are suspended from eccentrics 18 and 19 on a
horizontal shaft above the platform and at right angles to the knife bar. The
packer arms 17 are connected at 20 about midway between their upper and lower
ends to arms 21, one of which is carried loosely on a short shaft or spindle 22
mounted in brackets on a frame 23 (shewn clearly in Figures 12 and 15) and the
other is mounted on one of the brackets itself which frame also carries the knotter
mechanism hereinafter described. The shaft v Figure 11 is rotated from the main
shaft 150 by the chain z which passes round a chain wheel y fast on a sleeve 23×
mounted so as to be capable of turning on the shaft v as shewn in Figure 17. This
sleeve is provided with a clutch tooth or with clutch teeth engaging with a corre-
sponding tooth or teeth on a collar or sleeve 24 fitted so as to slide on but to rotate
with the said shaft v.. The sleeve 24 is held in gear with the sleeve 23* by a
spring 25. When the shaft v is rotated an oscillating eccentric motion will be given
by the eccentrics 18, 19 to the upper ends of the packers 15 and 16 which will cause
their lower ends to travel in the path indicated by dot and pick lines in Figure 15 to
gather and pack the corn against an arm 26 which is suspended from the frame 23
carrying the short shaft or spindle 22. While the corn is being packed by the
packers 15, 16 this arm 26 is held stationary by an arm or stud 27 bearing against a
cam a fast on the knotter shaft 29. When sufficient corn is packed to form a sheaf
and the knotter shaft is thrown into gear in the manner hereinafter described and
commences to revolve, the arm or stud 27 is left free by the movement of the cam to
enter a break or space between the said cam a* and a cam b* so as to permit of the

page_text: arm 26 being raised by the packed corn and a web 28* on the needle into the position
shown by dotted lines in Figure 15. The corn as it is being raked into position for
binding is pressed by rakes hereinafter described against the said arm 26 and raises
it, the web 28* on the needle also lifting it until the stud 27 is in position to be
caught by the cam 6x which will raise the arm into its highest position. The web 28*
on the needle will raise the arm into position to be engaged by the cam if the corn
does not do so.
The arm is retained by the cam in its highest position until the sheaf
is discharged whereupon it is returned into its former position by the cam a acting
on stud and by its own gravity.
This arm is capable of being adjusted in position nearer to or further from
the packers by adjustment upon the bar 26× to suit sheaves of different sizes.
When sufficient corn has been packed to form a sheaf it is pushed into position to be
bound by means of rake arms or separators 30 mounted at about the centre of their
lengths on crank pins 33× on arms 31 fast on the shaft or spindle 22 each of the said
rakes being adjustable along their crank pins to suit corn of different lengths. The
upper end of each of these rake arms is slotted as shown at 32 through which slots
the main knotter shaft 29 passes and against which shaft the sides of the slots
bear to ensure motion in the required path to the arms when at work.
Thes crank or arms 31 to which these rakes are attached are rotated by means
of a toothed segment 33 on the main knotter shaft 29 gearing with a pinion 34 on the
shaft or spindle 22. When these rakes have operated so as to move the corn into
position for binding the pinion 34 is out of gear with the teeth of segment 33 and
the arms remain in this position as shown by the dotted lines 30× (Figure 15) to
separate the sheaf which is being tied from the corn which is being packed and do
not return to their former position again until by the continued rotation of the disc
or segment 33 the pinion 34 being prevented from rotating further by the stop 34*
thereon which bears against the cam surface 33" until the stop 34* is freed by a gap
in the cam surface when the teeth of the segment again engage with the pinion 34
by which time the sheaf will have been bound and discharged. The rakes will then
move backwards into position in readiness to push another pack of corn into position
to be bound and in order to permit of the rakes returning to this position their lower
ends 35 may be hinged to the main part so as to yield in their backward motion when
passing over the corn that is being packed.
The packers, knotting mechanism and the needle and parts immediately connected
therewith together with a portion of the platform are carried on the frame 23 which
is capable of sliding along the shafts v 29, 52 towards or from the cutter bar to suit
sheaves of different lengths the said shafts being provided with long keyways in
order that the parts to be driven may turn with the shafts as well as being free to
receive motion along them.
Mechanism for adjusting the position of the frame 23 and its adjuncts is shown in
Figures 2, 10, 15 and 18. The said frame is connected by links or arms 36 to lever
arms 37 and 37× mounted on a vertical spindle 38 carried in bearings on the main
frame A of the machine. The arm 37× is connected at 38* by a rod 39 to a lever 40
arranged in a convenient position to be operated by the driver by means of which
lever the frame 23 may be moved by the driver without moving from his seat and so
adjust the position of the frame as required.
The packer shaft vis rotated as herein before described by a clutch having inclined
teeth one member of which clutch is formed on or connected to the wheel which
rotates loose upon the shaft v the other member of the said clutch which slides on the
shaft v being engaged with the member y by the spring 25 the power of which spring
may be regulated as required according to the amount of compression which it is
desired to impart to the sheaf.
The trip mechanism for stopping and starting the knotter shaft is shewn in
Figures 16 and 17. The trip lever consists of two parts 41, 41x mounted on a stud 41ª
and connected together by a spring connection at 42×. The upper end of the part 41
is provided with a stud or friction bowl 41 which enters a groove 24* in the sliding
member 24 of the clutch fitted to slide on the packer shaft v. Fast on the knotter
B

page_text: shaft 29 is a spur wheel 29* gearing with a pinion 43× mounted loosely on a short
shaft 44* the said shaft being driven continuously from the main shaft 150* by the
chain z passing round a sprocket wheel 45× (see also Figure 11). On the shaft 44*
which is arranged parallel to the knotter shaft 29 is keyed a double armed driving
lever 44 having rollers or projections 45 which by coming into contact with a
projection 46* ou a spring detent 47* (centered at 47" upon the pinion 43×) will
impart motion to the said pinion in the usual way and through it to the knotter
shaft 29 through the wheel 29×. The pinion 43× is prevented from rotating at the
required times by the projection at the lower end of the part 41× of the trip lever
(under the action of the spring 42×) being brought into the plane of rotation of a
projection 48* on the spring detent 47* the detent being thus caused to rotate about
the centre 47 thus moving the tail 46× of the detent towards the centre of the wheel
and out of contact with the rotating double armed lever 44.
When rotation of the pinion 43× is required to recommence the lower end of the
lever 41 is taken out of the path of the projection 48× by the operation of the clutch
as hereinafter explained and the spring detent 47× resumes its normal position in
which its tail end is brought into the path of the driving arms 44 so as to be driven
thereby.
The operation of the trip is as follows:-Supposing the knotter shaft to be stationary
by reason of the projection 48x on the detent being in contact with the lower end
of the lever 41*. The corn being packed to form a sheaf and having been sufficiently
compressed the forward motion of the packers is resisted thereby and consequently
the shaft is prevented from rotating whereupon by the continued rotation of the
sleeve 23× the sliding member 24 of the clutch will be caused to move along the
packer shaft against the resisting power of the spring 25 and by a projection 1× on
the lower end of the part 41 acting on a projection 2* on the upper end of the
part 41 will withdraw the lower ond of the lever 41× out of the track of the
projection 48 on the detent 47* the wheels 43* and 29* commence to rotate.
When the teeth on that member of the clutch which is on the sleeve 23* ride over
the top of the teeth on the sliding member 24 this sliding member will be forced by
the spring 25 again into engagement with teeth of the other member 23* the upper
end of the lever 41 returning therewith and at the same time the projection 1* on the
part 41 of the trip lever separates from contact with the part 2× on the lever 41*
by reason of the bottom part of 41* having released the detent 47* the latter passes
to one side thereof and thereby prevents it from returning when the upper end of the
lever 41 returns as aforesaid and then a spring bolt 42 is admitted between the
projections 1× and 2× so that the said projections are kept separate and the lever 41
and consequently the clutch are locked in position. After the operation of knotting
is performed the cam 45 comes into contact with the end 3× of the bolt 42 and raises it
from between the projections 1× and 2× and by pressing on the projection w² prevents
the unlocking or separation of the two members of the clutch until the bolt 42 is fully
withdrawn.
When the packed corn is pushed by the rakes 30 into position to be bound the
needle 46 rises and passes the string (which is carried through the eye of the needle)
round the front of the sheaf or packed corn into position to be engaged by the knotter
and gripping device.
The needle which is shewn drawn to an enlarged scale in Figures 12, 13, 15 and 19
is curved in one direction from its butt end 47 to the forward end where the eye 48
is situated as shewn in Figure 15 and is flat transversely throughout its length except
that it has a strengthening web 4* and also a web 28* which serves to move the
arm 26 away from the sheaf when it is being pushed into position to be bound. . It is
. also provided with a notch or recess 50 in one side below the eye 48 so that it may
clear the knotter and gripping device and also to provide a shoulder to hold and guide
the binding string into proper position to be engaged by the knotter.
The needle is forked at its butt end 47 and is connected thereby to the outer end of
an arm 55 on a stud 56 mounted on the part 54 of the adjustable frame 23 situated
_beneath the binding platform. The forked butt end of the needle is also connected

page_text: at a short distance from its connection with the arm 55 to a crank arm 51 mounted
on and driven by a shaft or spindle 52 passing through bearings in the frame 23.
The arm 1 is capable of sliding along the spindle 52 to accommodate the position of
the needle when the frame 23 and needle are adjusted to suit sheaves of different
lengths. The needle is operated by means of a cam on the knotter shaft 29, acting on
a three armed lever 59 niounted on a stud 60 on a bracket 61 from the main frame A
of the machine. On the stud 60 there is also mounted loosely another lever '62
provided with a toothed rack 57, gearing with a toothed segment or wheel 58 fast on
the needie shaft 52. The lever 62 is connected to one arm 59* of the lever 59 by a
spring or yielding connection at 63 whilst the other two arms 64 and 6.) of the said
lever 59 carry friction bowls acted on by the cam 66 which is suitably timed to
impart through the lever 62 and gearing 58 and 57 the necessary motions to the
needle at the required periods. The spring connection 63 insures the full stroke
being given to the needle.
At the back of that part of the platform where the binding is effected there is
provided an arm or lever 66× (Figure 15) against which the corn is pressed by the
needle while being bound. This lever or arm is hinged at top to the frame 23 so as
to be capable of moving out of position to permit of the free discharge of the sheaf and
the passage of the discharging -rakes the said arın afterwards returning into position
again by its own gravity. This arm is adjustable in position on the bar on which it is
suspended to suit sheaves of different sizes and is retained in its adjusted position by a
pin inserted in one of a series of holes provide:! in the said bar. On the front or
packing portion of the platform there are provided ribs or projections 77, Figures 14,
15 and 18, upon which the corn is supported above the surface of the platform to
ensure the rakes 30 getting hold of the corn and on the binding or back portion of
the platform a rib 77* is provided upon which the sheaf rests clear of the platform
while being compressed and boun the said rib being capable of tilting sideways so as
not to interfere with the free discharge of the sheaves and the passage of the delivering
rakes, the said projection being automatically returned to its normal position by
weights as shown in Figure 18, or by springs.
The platform on which the packing and binding operations are effected is made in
three parts arranged to slide one part over another as shown in Figures 12, 14 and 18,
stops being provided to prevent the parts being separated too far the back part of the
middle sheet being provided with a hinged piece 12× Figures 12 and 14 so that when
the knotter frame 23 is adjusted for long corn the sliding sheets or platform shall not
project too far into the rear space as to prevent the sheaves being discharged. When
adjusted for short corn the hinged piece will lie flat on the other sheets of the .
platform.
The knotter 79 which may be of the usual duck bill or "Appleby" type is situated
above the packing and binding platform at or about midway between where the
packing and the binding of the corn takes place Figures 12 and 15. The spindle 78
of the knotter is arranged at an angle with the vertical in a suitable position for its
jaws to receive the binding string and its bill or nose before and at the conclusion of
the operation of tying is directed towards the back of the machine to admit of the
string being pulled off therefrom when the sheaf is being discharged.
This knotter and the gearing by which it is operated is shewn on an enlarged scale
in vertical section and in elevation in Figures 20 to 25.
The spindle 78 of the knotter is fitted to turn in a socket 79* formed in a bracket 80
projecting from the frame 23. Fast on this spindle is a pinion 81 which gears at
suitable intervals with teeth 82 on a disc 83 fast on the shaft 29. The disc 83 on that
side having the teeth 82 is provided as usual with a flange or rim 83* extending all
round the edge except where the teeth 82 are situated which works against a rubbing
surface 84 formed in one side of the pinion 81 and prevents the pinion turning except
when in gear with the teeth 82.
The gripping device as shewn in Figures 20 to 26 consists of two discs 85, 86
connected together at their centres. Portions of these discs are cut away at intervals
as shown at 87 to admit of the passage of the needle end, and also to form notches to.

page_text: engage the string which is forced thereinto upon the rotation of the disc on a hinged
plate or arm 88 which is held in position between the discs by a spring 89.
This gripping device is arranged at the rear of the knotter and. is operated by means
of a ratchet wheel 90 fast on the spindle 91 to which the discs 85, 86 are attached.
The ratchet wheel 90 is operated by a pawl 92 carried on an arm 93 which is mounted
loosely on the spindle 91 and is connected by a link 93* to an adjustable rod 94
carried on a rocking lever 95 actuated by a cam projection 96 on the segment wheel 83
which works the knotter. A detent 97 is also provided to prevent back motion of
the ratchet wheel. I do not however restrict myself to this means for working the
gripper. The string after the knot is formed is severed by a knife 97* fixed to the
knotter bracket 98 the cutting edge of this knife bearing against the face of
the gripper disc 85 nearest to the knotter so that as the disc makes a partial rotation it
effects the separation of the string by pressing it against the edge of the knife just as
the retainer is about finishing its motion after having gripped the string brought into
position by the needle. The surface of the disc 85 against which the knife bears may
be faced with steel to prevent wear.
At the back of the gripping device a projection with a notch or other means are
provided to which the string is secured when commencing to work the machine.
The portion 11 of the platform on which the binding of the sheaves is effected does
not extend to the back of the machine a space 98* Figure 14 being left through
which the sheaves are discharged onto the ground behind the road wheel. When the
sheaf has been bound and knotted the needle is caused to descend to beneath the
platform and the sheaf is raked from the front of the machine towards this space
by a rake or rakes or pushers 99 operated by an endless chain 100) passing round
chain wheels 101, 101× operated by bevel wheels 99× as shewn in Fig. 2 or by other
suitable gearing. The pushers or rakes 99 are connected to the pitch chain 100
as shown in Figure 10 so as to automatically receive a feathering motion when passing
round the chain wheels whereby they are brought into a vertical position to act on the
sheaves and afterwards are caused to lie against the chain. In order to obtain this
feathering motion of the rakes or pushers 99 each of the said pushers is hinged as
shewn at 102 in Figure 10 to a projection 103 from one of the links of the chain and
near where this connection is made the pusher is provided with a hinged projection or
detent 104 which when the pusher is in action bears upon a projection 105 from an
adjacent link of the chain so as to maintain the pusher in its operating position as
shewn by dotted lines at 106. When that portion of the chain to which a pusher is
attached is passing round the chain wheel 101 the hinged projection 104 will
leave the projection 105 as shewn by dotted lines at 107 and the pushers when moving
towards the chain wheel 101× will lie in a horizontal position on the chain as shewn
at 108 so as not to form any resistance to their motion and so as to occupy little
vertical space.
When a pusher is moving into its operating position round the wheel 101* it turns
on its centre 102 and a tail piece 109 coming into contact with the back of the
projection 105 (the detent 104 being then able to give in this direction clear of the
projection) prevents the said pusher coming too far forward and holds it in the position
shewn at 108* for the front of the projection 105 to engage the projection 104 and
hold the pusher in position while discharging a sheaf as hereinbefore described.
The sheaves may be pushed through the opening 98% in the platform on to the
ground if desired but I employ a removeable supplementary support or platform 1019*
in this space to support the ear ends of the corn while the sheaf is being bound.
This platform forms a continuation of the binding platform and onto this the
sheaves are raked from the front or fixed part of the platform. This supplementary
platform consists of arms covered with sheet iron as shewn in Figure 11 hinged
at 110 to the frame A and maintained in position by a spring 111 or other suitable
device to receive a sheaf from the binding platform.
The upper arm of this moveable platform is connected (above the axis 110 on which
it turns) by a rod 112 to the arm 113 of a two armed lever mounted on the shaft or
spindle 44 the other arm 115 of the said two armed lever being acted on at the

page_text: required intervals by a cam 116 on the wheel 29× so as to cause this platform to
descend and deposit the sheaf (which bad been raked onto it) gently on to the ground
so as not to shake the corn from the ears, or it may be arranged to move away
when the sheaf is bound to allow the sheaf to fall direct onto the ground. This
platform is returned to its normal position by the spring 111 in readiness to receive
the next sheaf so soon as the cam 116 ceases to act on the arm 115.
When it is desired to employ a sheaf carrier the moveable platform last described
is removed and a fixed platform forming a continuation of the binding platform
fitted in place thereof. This additional length of platform is shewn by dotted lines ·
at 117 Figures 2 and 11 and is made to extend beyond the back of the machine to
support the sheaves which are raked thereonto by the discharge rakes. 118 is the
sheaf carrier binged or suspended at 119 from the back of the machine in line with
the road wheel B. The sheaves are discharged from the platform 117 onto this sheaf
carrier by rakes or arins 120 attached to the bracket 121 which is mounted on the
axis 110 from which the moveable platform (when used) is suspended and operated
in a similar manner thereto by the cam surface 116 so as to cause the arms 120 to push
the sheaves onto the carrier 118 which carrier is provided with a foot lever 122 by
which the driver holds it in position and discharges the sheaves.
In commencing to work with this machine the reel or gatherer is adjusted to and
fixed in the required position and the height of the machine adjusted to suit the
condition or quality of the crop to be operated on as hereinbefore described. The
binding string is then led through suitable guide eyes and through a guide eye 122*
in the rib 77 on the packing platform and thence through the eve of the needle as
shewn in Figure 15 the end of the string being then placed in the notch provided for
the purpose in the projection at the back of the retainer a knot being tied in the
end of the string to prevent it from escaping from the notch. The machine is now
ready for work and when brought into position the driver by means of the handle 5*
throws the clutch 151* into gear with the wheel 152× whereupon through the
gearing 153, 154* and 155* the main shaft 150× will commence to rotate and
impart motion through the pitch wheel T and pitch chain to the other parts of the
machine as hereinbefore described. The corn as it is cut falls onto the canvas platform
and is fed thereby up to the packers and when sufficient corn in packed to form a
sheave it is moved forward by the rake arns 30 (when the knotter shaft is released
as herein before described) into position for binding. The mechanism is so timed that
when the corn is brought into position for binding the needle carrying the binding
string rises and passes the string round the front of corn and into position to be
engaged by the gripping device and the knotter which knotter then effects the
knotting of the string and securely binds the corn. The string is then severed by
being brought against the knife 97x by the rotation of the gripper or retainer and
gripped again thereby releasing the bound sheaf which is then discharged as herein-
before described. During the binding and knotting of the sheaf as described another
supply of corn is being cut and packed and when sufficiently compressed is (after
the bound sheaf is discharged) moved into position for binding for which purpose
the rake arms which bad moved the previously formed sheaf on to the binding portion
of the platform will have passed over the corn being packed, into position for moving
it onto the binding portion of the platform in position to be bound. The sheaves
are discharged by the discharge rakes 99 on to the ground at the rear of the machine
or onto a sheaf carrier as hereinbefore described. It will thus be seen that the
operations of packing and binding of the sheaves are taking place consecutively and
simultaneously, that is to say, while one sheaf is being bound on the back part of
the platform another sheaf is being formed on the front part of the platform ready
to be bound.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
11

page_text: -
while a sheaf is being bound on one part of the platform, another sheaf is being
formed on another part of the platform ready to be bound the said parts of the platforms
being arranged at or about the level of the travelling apron as hereinbefore described
and shewn.
2. In or for harvesting machines a reel or gatherer having bars or rakes connected
with an endless chain or endless chains in such manner that a feathering motion is
given to the bars or rakes substantially as herein before described.
3. In or for harvesting machines a reel or gatherer having bars or rakes attached
to a chain mounted on sprocket wheels one of which is mounted on a hollow shaft
or sleeve and another of which is mounted on an arm secured to a shaft or spindle
passing through the hollow shaft or sleeve and means for adjusting the position of
the forward wheel substantially as and for the purpose herein before described.
.
4. In or for harvesting machines an arm or arms (26) against which the crop is
packed and means for retaining the said arm or arms in position while the sheaf is
being formed and for afterwards releasing the arms to allow the sheaf to be pushed
into position to be bound substantially as hereinbefore described.
5. In or for harvesting machines arms or rakes 30 and means for operating the
said arms to push the crop into position to be bound and for causing them to remain
in this position until the sheaf has been bound and delivered and then to return the
rakes to their normal position substantially as hereinbefore described.
6. In or for harvesting machines providing the upper ends of the rakes 30 with
slots to embrace a horizontal shaft and connecting the said rakes below the said shaft
at about the centre of their length to crank arms fast on a shaft deriving inter-
mittent motion from the knotter shaft as described so as to impart the required
movements to the rakes at the required periods substantially as herein before described.
7. In or for harvesting machines rakes 30 substantially as described in the last
preceding claiming clause and provided with means for adjustment along the rake
crank-pins substantially as herein before described.
8. In or for harvesting machines means for operating the packers 15 and 16 the
said means consisting of a clutch one member of which is capable of driving and
sliding longitudinally on the shaft carrying the packers and held by a spring in
engagement with the other member of the clutch which is fast on a sleeve rotated
from the main driving shaft the strength of the spring being capable of adjustment
as required according to the degree of compression to be given to the sheaf sub-
stantially as herein before described.
9. In or for harvesting machines the combination with the clutch and spring
referred to in the last preceding claiming clause of the trip lever 41, for bringing
mechanism into action to release and arrest the motion of the knotter shaft at the
required period substantially as hereinbefore described.
10. In or for harvesting machines the combination with the clutch on the packer
shaft and the trip lever operated thereby and referred to in the last preceding
claiming clause of a bolt actuated by a spring for retaining the trip lever out of
engagement with the driving mechanism of the knotter shaft and the cam on the
knotter shaft arranged to withdraw the bolt at the required time and also to maintain
the clutch locked until the said bolt is withdrawn such withdrawal allowing the trip
lever to come into position, to arrest the motion of the knotter shaft substantially as
herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
11. In or for harvesting machines the binding needle 46 curved in one direction
from the butt end towards the eye (with or without the 'web 28×) and broad trans-
versely throughout its length except near the eye where there is provided a notch or
recess forming a shoulder substantially as and for the purpose hereinbefore described
and illustrated in Figures 13, 15 and 19 of the accompanying drawings.
12. In or for harvesting machines, the arm 66× at the back of the binding platform
against which arm the sheaf is pressed by the needle while being bound the position
of the said arm being adjustable in position to suit sheaves of different sizes and being
free to move in the direction in which the sheaves are discharged substantially as
herein before described.

page_text: 13. In or for harvesting machines a packing platform provided with ribs or
projections to support the crop above the surface so as to permit of the rakes getting
hold of the crop to push it into position to be bound substantially as herein before
described.
14. In or for harvesting machines a rib or projection on the binding platform
to assist in compressing the crop while being bound the said rib or projection being
capable of tilting sideways to admit of the free discharge of the sheaf and then of
resuming its normal position substantially as hereinbefore described.
15. In or for harvesting machines constructing the platform on which the packing
and binding operations are effected in parts capable of sliding one over another and
providing the sliding part with a hinged piece or hinged pieces substantially as and
for the purpose hereinbefore described.
16. In or for harvesting machines providing in proximity to the gripping device
means whereby the end of the binding string is secured when commencing to work
the machine or when a fresh supply of string is required substantially as hereinbefore
described.
17. In or for harvesting machines delivering or discharging rakes or pushers
attached to an endless chain or endless chains carried on sprocket wheels the said
rakes or pushers being so connected to the chain or chains that they receive a
feathering motion when passing round the sprocket wheels substantially as herein-
before described.
18. In or for harvesting machines or removeable supplementary suspended plat-
form forming a continuation of the platform on which the crop is bound the said
supplementary platform being kept in position by springs or equivalent means and
caused by the cam 116 or equivalent means to descend at the required periods so as
to deposit the sheaves gently on the ground behind the machine substantially as
hereinbefore described.
19. In or for harvesting machines the combination with the platform on which
the binding of the crop is effected of an additional platform extending beyond the
back of the machine an additional rake or additional rakes for discharging the
sheaves from the extended platform onto a sheaf carrier attached to the said platform
substantially as hereinbefore described.
20. The general construction combination and arrangement of parts substantially
as herein before described and illustrated by the accompanying drawings and con-
stituting a harvesting machine capable of binding a portion of the gathered crop
at the same time that another portion is being formed into a sheaf ready for
binding.
Dated this 3rd day of Sentember 1890