IMPROVEMENT IN HARVESTING MACHINES
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Farr Goodwin, of the Town of Skelton, in the
County of Middlesex, and State of New Jersey, in the United States of
America, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENT IN HARVESTING MACHINES."
Sealed the 7th May 1878, and dated the 9th November 1877.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said William Farr Goodwin at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 9th November 1877.
WILLIAM FARR GOODWIN, of the Town of Skelton, in the County of Middlesex,
and State of New Jersey, in the United States of America. "IMPROVEMENTS IN
HARVESTING MACHINES."
Figure 1 is a perspective view, the seat and tongue having been removed.
Figure 2 is a side view partly in section, taken from the inner or cutter bar side
of the machine, the driving wheels having been taken off.
Figure 3 is a vertical longitudinal section through the main axle showing a part
of one driving wheel.
Figure 4 is a transverse vertical section on line x, x, of Figure 3.
Figure 5 is a vertical transverse section on line y, y, of Figure 3.
Figure 6 is a vertical transverse section of the seat spring on line 2, 2, Figure 2.
Figure 7 is a detached view of the tongue and support of frame.
Figure 8 is a side elevation of the devices for locking the driving wheels with the
main axle and disengaging the same, part of the wheel being broken away.
Figure 9 is a detached view of a part of the locking device.
Figure 10 is a horizontal section of a part of the main axle and of the locking
devices.
Figure 11 shows an elevation of the pitman or link which connects the bifurcated
lever with the cutter bar.
Figures 12 and 13 show a modification of the self-adjusting bearing for the
axle.
Figure 14 illustrates the method of laying out the patterns from which the
screw is formed.
Figure 15 is an interior view of one side of the nut section.
Price 6d1

page_text: In the Drawings A, A, are the driving wheels mounted loosely upon the main
axle A¹, the rim of each wheel having an internal ratchet a.
The main frame consists of a drooping or front portion B connected by an open
or skeleton central part with a tubular part which is mounted upon the main axle.
The front part is provided with an inwardly projecting standard 6 which carries
the leading wheel and also supports the front side of the finger bar frame, as will
be explained. A. second upwardly projecting ratchetted standard b¹ carries a lifting
lever which tilts the cutter bar, frame, or shoe.
A. horizontal projecting arm 62 supports one end of a rock shaft and constitutes a
track to support or partially support the sleeve of the reciprocating screw section.
Each drive wheel is locked to the main axle by means of certain devices, shown
more plainly in Figures 8, 9, and 10, to which Figures attention is now more
especially directed.
C is an arm piece, formed in one piece, with a hub or short sleeve C¹ keyed to
the axle A¹; c is a pawl pivoted to the outer end of arm C and pressed by means of
a spring against the ratchet a when not withdrawn therefrom; D, d, is a tripping link,
having a segment D' at its lower end, and having its upper end attached to pawl c.
The upper end of this link has a right-angled shank d' (see Fig. 3), which enters and
travels in a slot c¹ (see Figs. 3 and 8) in the arm C, the part d being also in this
slot. The lower inner end of part d is screw-threaded and screws into the shank d¹,
whereby the length of the arm is made adjustable. The segment D¹ projects from
the arm forming a flange (see Fig. 3); E, E¹, (see Figure 9) are yokes, each provided
at one end with an eye or bearing ex adapted to clasp one wrist of a double
crank F, F¹, Fig. 10, there being one of these double cranks on each end of a rock
shaft G which is mounted in suitable bearings on the main frame of the machine.
The eyes or bearings ex may be secured to the cranks by means of pins f
(see Fig. 8), or by being slitted, as shown by Fig. 9, where the slitted part may be
closed around the wrists of the cranks.
The inner ends of the yokes are forked or hooked so that they shall straddle the
sleeve C¹, as indicated in dotted lines in Figs. 8 and 9, lateral play of the yokes
upon the sleeves being prevented by the collars c², c³; e, e, are dogs projecting from
the face of yoke E; and el, e¹, are similar dogs upon the face of yoke E.
In Figure 9 it is indicated that the dogs occupy a position upon one side of
sleeve C¹, dogs e¹, e¹, being upon the opposite side of the sleeve. Dogs e, c, are
longer than dogs e¹, e, so that when the parts are in working position, as in Fig. 10,
the ends of all the dogs are in the same vertical plane with the segment D, and
when the devices are in this position, that is, with the dogs removed as far as
possible from the sleeve C, the link D, d, is thrust outward from the sleeve by the
spring and the pawl engages with the ratchet a, thus locking the drive wheel
to the main axle, the segment revolving freely without contact with the spread dogs.
When however the position of the cranks F, F', is reversed the dogs are drawn
towards the sleeve and made to engage with the segment D, forcing it inward
upon the sleeve and withdrawing the pawl from the ratchet, as in Fig. 3, thus per-
mitting the drive wheel to revolve without rotating the main axle.
The operator can move the rock shaft and double cranks by means of the
weighted lever G', see Fig. 1.
Having now described the construction and operation of the devices through
which the rotation of the driving and carrying wheels is communicated to the axle,
I will now explain the means by which the rotary motion of the axle is converted
into a reciprocating motion, and is imparted to the cutter bar.
One of the peculiarities of an ordinary screw movement is this:When the bolt
rotates continuously in one direction upon its axis, the nut being held from turning
with the bolt, moves in a right line, that line being parallel with the axis about
which the bolt revolves; one face of the thread of the bolt engages with and acting
upon one face of the thread within the nut throughout the entire extent of one or
more convolutions of such thread, and if we have a screw with a right-hand thread
extending from end to end, or 'a left-hand thread from end to end, then the nut will,

page_text: the screw being rotated continuously in one direction, have a rectilinear motion in
one direction only, from one end to the other, this motion being on a line parallel
with the axis of the screw.
The object of this part of my Invention is to retain all the desirable features of
the screw as a mechanical power, and yet impart to the nut an alternating rectilinear
motion in opposite directions from a screw which has a continuous rotary motion,
and to do that I have devised what I term a "reciprocating screw," that is, a screw,
the thread of which alternates from right to left at short intervals, combined with
a nut adapted to engage with and be actuated by such a screw.
The mauner of constructing my movement is as follows:-Having decided to
give to the cutter nineteen reciprocations in each direction by each complete revolu-
tion of the driving wheels I take a cylinder of the proper diameter, say eight inches
in diameter, and proceed to lay out nineteen right-hand threads and nineteen left-
hand threads around its circumference. These lines will of course form nineteen
points of intersection upon the circumference of the block, as indicated by the light
and heavy shade lines in Fig. 14, these lines forming the pattern or outline of the
periphery of the screw, and by cutting down from the circumference to the centre
upon radial lines following this pattern I form the central helicoidal part, which is
then cast in metal. Any desired number of reciprocations at each revolution of the
screw may be produced by increasing or diminishing the number of the threads. The
nut L, L', is firmly attached to the main axle, and rotates with it. The helicoidal
part K. is provided with a sleeve K¹, which projects through the part L of the nut,
and has a flange N rigidly secured to its end. The part L of the nut section is
expanded horizontally and formed into a flaring oil receiver or cup, as shown at l,
Fig. 3, to catch the oil which may fall from the upper part of that section, and
convey it (the oil) to the lower part of the nut, as otherwise a portion of such oil
would be likely to flow outwardly upon the sleeve K' of the helicoid K. The part L'
of the nut is expanded centrally into a sleeve L2, which serves as a bearing for one
of the drive wheels, and is provided with the two ribs., 2, which ribs serve to confine
in proper working position the devices which lock that wheel to the sleeve L², the
axle A¹, and the nut. Flange M has trunnious m, m, at upper and lower sides, and an
arm M extending forward. The front end of arm M³ is curved to pass under the rock
shaft G, and is provided with a recess m¹, in which is placed an antifriction roller
or ball m² (see Fig. 2), which rests upon and traverses the track 62 of the main
frame. N, Nx, is a bifurcated lever, carrying at its lower end a wrist pin n. This
lever may be made of two comparatively thin pieces of metal. N is a buffer
guard attached to the lever N, N*, near its lower end to engage with buffer, to be
herein-after described. The lower bar N× is expanded at a point just in rear of
the buffer guard, and formed into a traverse plate n¹ which projects horizontally a
short distance each side of the bar, and rests upon an antifriction roller n², which
rolls in a seat or recess B³, formed for its reception in the main frame. n³, n³, are
socket bearings, interposed between the trunnions m, m, and the bifurcated lever,.
the upper bushing having an oil hole, as shown in Fig. 2; and should there be any
wearing away of these parts new bushings can be easily put in. O, O¹, is a tubular
standard, adjustably secured to the frame of the machine by bolts, which pass
through the frame and through slots o in the central angular plate O¹ of the
standard, one of the bolts and slots being shown in Fig. 2. 02 is a round shaft or
pivot, supported in the tubular standard which is located immediately in rear of
the flange M. The projecting ends of the pivot are squared and enter rectangular
slots n in the rear ends of lever N, N*, the lever being further secured to the
shaft by means of nuts o¹.
When desired bearing blocks may be employed in these slots, but they will not
ordinarily be needed, because the antifriction rollers m², n², will support the weight
of the lever end of the lever and the downward thrust upon it, which would other-
wise result from the forward rotary motion of the nut L, L', and the axle, and the
consequent-friction upon the helicoid K and sleeve K'.
From the above description it will be seen that when the pawl c is engaged with

page_text: the ratchet a, as shown in Fig. 1, a forward movement of the machine produces a
rotary movement of the nut section L, L', in the same direction as that of the
driving wheels, and will produce a reciprocating movement of the part K, K¹, and
flange M, and a vibrating motion of lever N, N*, about the pivot 02 as a centre,
which motion is imparted to the cutter bar P through the pitman P₁, and that the
throw of the traverse of the bar can be increased beyond that produced under the
adjustment of the parts shown in the Drawings by moving the pivot 02 and its
support 0, 0, nearer to the flange M, thus shortening that part of the lever between
its fulcrum (the pivot 02) and its power (the trunnions m, m,) and if bearing blocks
are used in slots n a thickness equal to the advance of the pivot should be taken
from the blocks in front of the pivot and placed behind the pivot. As the lower
portion of the space within the nut L, L¹, can be filled with oil these parts (the
screw) will run with but little friction.
Near the lower end of the lever N, N*, I arrange two buffers n³, n³, preferably
of rubber, against each of which the guard N' alternately strikes, thus materially
assisting the screw and nut at each end of the throw of the lever. The shank n of
the wrist pin is screw threaded, and engages with a female thread cut in the lower
half of the lever N, N*. The pin is screwed into this female thread until the
shoulder p bears upon the upper part N of the lever. A nut is screwed tightly
upon the lower projecting end of the pin, and serves as a jamb nut to secure the
nut firmly in place, thus dispensing with one nut.
The pitman Pl, see Fig. 11, is provided at each end with a spherical socket to
receive the round head of the wrist pins, and is divided longitudinally, as shown,
the two parts being adjustably secured to each other by means of bolts p and nuts p².
The angular position of the ends of the pitman relative to the central parts ensures
a continuous surface in the socket to receive the wrist pins. Each nut has upon its
upper surface a number of notches or slits p², and each bolt has a hole p³ through it, in
order that when the pitman has been properly adjusted upon the wrist pin the nuts
can be locked on the bolts by means of wires p', as shown. The leading wheel R is
mounted upon an axle projecting from the lower end of the plate, which slides
vertically in grooves in the standard b of the frame, and is adjusted vertically
therein by means of a set screw, or otherwise. Thus the front end of the frame,
which corresponds substantially to the shoe in ordinary mowing machines, may be
set at any desired hight from the ground.
The cutting apparatus is attached to and projects laterally from a cutter frame,
which is constructed, mounted, and operated as follows, particular reference being
had to Figs. 1 and 2-It consists of a flanged or grooved portion S, and two inner
lugs or ears S¹, S, each provided with a circular bearing. The rear groove receives
and supports the finger bar, the heel of the cutter bar or one of the knife sections
vibrating through or into the front slot or groove. The front car or lug S2 of the
cutter frame is mounted upon one end of a T shaped stud or pin s', the head of
which is supported in a recess or way b, formed for its reception in the inner
portion of the front drooping end of the main frame, the stud pin being free to rise
and fall within certain limits. T is a tilting lever, whose lower end is pivoted at t
in a hanger or bearing depending from the lower side of the main frame. The
front lower end of this lever passes through the circular bearing in the rear lug S¹
of the cutter frame, the rear end of the lever being adjusted vertically upon a rack
standard T2.
From the above description it will be seen that while the cutting apparatus can
vibrate upon the pivot pin s, and the front end of lever T when it is desired to lift
up the outer end of said cutting apparatus, the front side of the cutting frame
and of the guard fingers can be tilted up or down about the lever pivot't as a centre.
A lifting lever V, V, is pivoted in two upwardly projecting standards v, v₁, rising
from the main frame. A chain V2 connects the end V₁ of the lifting lever with the
cutter frame, in such manner that by the use of said lever the outer end of the
cutting apparatus may be elevated to pass obstructions. A notch 2 is formed in
the front side of the end of the lever, and when the cutter apparatus is turned

page_text: up into a vertical position, it may be tilted backward by lever T, so that the finger
bar will enter this notch to lock said finger bar in this upright position.
As shown in Fig. 2, the finger bar is supported in the cutter frame or shoe at an
angle to the plane of the cutter sections and the slots in the fingers through which
the cutters vibrate.
It will be seen from an examination of this Fig. that the rear edge of the finger
bar is much lower or nearer the ground than the front edge, and the result of this
construction being that the cut grass passes much more readily from the cutting
apparatus than it would if this finger bar were level; and a further, and perhaps
more important result is, that when the fingers are tilted forward or downward to
cut close to the ground, or to pick up down or tangled grass, the rear edge of the
finger bar will not rise above the level of its front edge as is customary in other
machines.
I have found that in practice an upwardly inclined position of the rear edge
of the finger bar interferes with a proper delivery of the cut grass, which objection
is easily overcome by my construction.
It will be seen that the upper side of the shank of the guard finger is beveled or
inclined to correspond with the angle of inclination of the finger bar. The groove or
recess 6 in the upright in which the pin s slides is provided at the lower end with a
shoulder 65, the pin s having a lug & at its forward upper end, and as the guard
fingers are tilted downward, the lug strikes the shoulder, and thereby prevents
further depression of the guard fingers or other displacement of parts.
U, U¹, is the tongue and seat frame or draft frame; U2 is the tongue. The
arms U¹ of the draft frame, which extend rearward, are each provided with out-
wardly extending lugs or pivots u, u³, which enter holes u² formed for their reception
in brackets Bs projecting rearwards from the main frame, and by preference cast in
one piece with said frame.
B is a locking latch pivoted to one of the arms B³, and provided upon its under
side with a series of notches us, corresponding in position to the series of holes u²
in the bracket to which it is pivoted. The distance between the brackets is as much
greater than the distance from outside to outside of the armis U₁ as will permit the
latch B' to be shut down into a position as shown in full lines, Fig. 7.
In order to remove the tongue frame from the main frame the latch is thrown
forward as in dotted lines, the frame moved over towards the bracket, which has
the latch attached far enough to perinit pivot u to slip out of its seat or hole, when
pivot u¹ being much longer than pivot u, can be removed from its seat. By adjusting
the tongue and seat frame in these holes in the brackets, the weight of the driver
may be made to properly counterbalance the weight of the main frame, or overcome
partially the downward thrust upon the leading wheel, as will be readily understood.
W is a draft rod connecting the wiffletree with a lug w projecting downward
from the main frame at a point nearly perpendicular to the main axle.
W is a hook pivoted to the tongue, upon which the main frame may be
suspended.
X is the seat spring,
.
x, x1, Fig. 6, are rubber or other springs arranged between the lower part of the
seat spring and the draft frame in recesses formed by the lips a³, x², and the central
wedge-shaped rib x³. The object of this construction is to permit a desired freedom
of lateral motion of the driver's seat.
It will be readily understood that the elasticity of the S shaped seat spring
allows sufficient rising and falling, and forward and backward motion, even though
the lower end of said spring be bolted rigidly to the tongue or draft frame, and
it will also be seen that by my plan for supporting the spring upon the narrow
edge of the rib x, in combination with the side springs x, x¹, the seat has a free
(within certain limits) lateral rocking motion upon the edge of rib ³ as a centre.
y is a driver's guard rising from the tongue or the tongue frame as may be most
convenient to prevent the driver from being thrown from his seat in case the
machine meets an obstruction or otherwise.

page_text: With a view to reduce the friction of the main frame upon the main axle, I have
divided the rear tubular portion of said main frame horizontally into two parts B¹, B²,
and have formed internal chambers 6* near each end of this tubular part. Within
each of these chambers I place a ring 6xx, and within this ring I arrange a sufficient
number of antifriction rollers b×××, to form a suitable bearing, commonly called a
cage, for the main axle.
In order that the rings may be self-adjusting to their inclosing casing, I make
the outer surface of each to represent a sphere with a sector cut from each side,
the centre of the sphere being the centre of the axle at a point about equidistant
from both ends of the rollers.
When preferred, the cage may be dispensed with, and the rings made of such
internal diameter as to fit the main axle.
In either construction the rings may be cast upon chill mandrels or bored.
It is obvious that these rings, owing to their external form, will be self-adjusting
in their chambers, and that by loosening the nut which bind the two parts B¹, B²,
together, the rings may be turned around within their chambers, should wear of
parts render this desirable.
Oil holes may be made in these chambers, and oil will be taken up from the
lower part of these chambers and applied to the axle and ring by the rollers.
Z, Z, Figures 3 and 5, represent respectively the upper and lower shells of a
somewhat longer chamber formed in the tubular part of the main frame; z is a
collar or flange firmly attached to and revolving with the main axle A¹; ¹, ¹, are
two followers fitting loosely the axle. They are oblong or rectangular in form, and
are prevented from revolving with the axle by means of ribs 22, 22, on the inside
of the chamber with which the ends of the followers engage; 3, 3, are keys or
wedges, the legs of which pass down upon each side of the axle;,, are shoulders
or abutments cast upon the inside of the chamber, preferably in an inclined position,
as shown in Fig. 3. The inner faces of the followers 2¹, 2¹, are flat, so as to
properly engage with the collar, their outer faces being preferably made curvi-
linear to engage properly with the keys 23, 3. This chamber is provided with a
suitable oil hole, and the collar z is of such size as to insure that it shall reach down
into the oil retained in the lower part of the chamber, and thus lubricate the parts.
It will be readily seen that by means of the collar, the followers ¹¹, the
keys 3, 3, and the set screws, the longitudinal portion of the main axle A¹, the
flange M, and the helicoid or screw K can be accurately adjusted relative to the
main frame and the nut section L, L', and also that any jar, concussion, or strain
which may ordinarily be produced upon the main axle will be transferred to and
supported by the devices contained within the chamber Z, Z.
For the purpose of securing together the two parts of which the main frame is
composed, I cast bolts a, a¹, into the lower section, the bolts extending upwardly
through the upper section, as in Fig. 4; a², a², are nuts applied to bolts a¹, a¹.
The lower ends of the bolts may be screw-threaded, or have heads, or made of
other shape, which will ensure their being held firmly by the cast metal.
The construction, operation, and function of the various parts of this machine
have been so fully set forth and described herein that no more detailed description
need be given, as I believe these matters will be fully understood by all who are
familiar with the general construction and operation of mowing machines.
Having thus set forth the nature of my Invention, and the manner in which the
same may be carried into practical effect, what I claim and desire to secure by
Letters Patent is,-
1st. The combination with the driving wheel provided with the ratchet teeth a,
of the arm C rigidly connected with the axle, the pawl c, and the tripping link D, d,
for withdrawing the pawl from the ratchet teeth and permitting the wheel A to
revolve without actuating the cutters, substantially as set forth.
2d. The combination of the segments D', yokes E, E¹, and the crank shaft for
operating the pawl c, substantially as set forth.
3d. The herein described reciprocating screw movement consisting of the part K,

page_text: each of whose faces is formed of two series of intersecting warped surfaces of the
reciprocating helicoid, and the nut or casing which is rigidly attached to the axle,
and acts as a cam block, its inner faces being suited to the conformation of the
part K, substantially as set forth.
4th. In combination with the helicoidal part K, the sleeve K', flange M, and
bifurcated lever N, N*, substantially as set forth.
5th. In combination with the bifurcated lever N, N*, the adjustable standard O, O¹,
substantially as set forth.
6th. In combination with the bifurcated lever N, N*, and trunnions m, m, of
the bushings n³, n³, substantially as set forth.
7th. In a harvester, the combination with the lever N, N*, and main frame of a
friction roller to support the front vibrating end of the lever upon the main frame,
substantially as set forth.
8th. In combination with the lever N, N*, and tubular standard 0, 0¹, the
pivot 02 connected to and oscillating with the lever, substantially as set forth.
9th. In combination with the bifurcated lever N, Nx, composed of bars or plates
of metal, the buffer guard N₁, constructed to operate substantially as set forth.
10th. In combination with the vibrating lever N, the buffers no, secured in boxes
or sockets cast upon the main frame, substantially as set forth.
11th. In a harvester the combination of the flange M provided with the arm M²,
the track 6, and a friction roller to support the flange against rotary thrust, sub-
stantially as set forth.
12th. The combination with the main axle of the sleeve L³ provided with the
ribs 1, 2, and the part L' of the nut section, whereby said sleeve is made to support
the one end of the axle upon a driving wheel to support the locking devices, and to
support and drive the nut section, substantially as set forth.
13th. The combination of the main axle, the main frame adjustable longitudinally
thereon, and carrying the fixed lever pivot with the vibrating lever, substantially
as set forth.
14th. A cast metal harvester frame provided with a grooved standard b in com-
bination with the leading wheel R mounted upon the adjustable plate R¹ which
slides in the grooved standard b, substantially as set forth.
15th. A cast metal harvester frame provided with a drooping front portion
adapted to sweep the cut grass from the path of one of the supporting wheels, sub-
stantially as set forth.
16th. The cutter frame S, S1, S2, provided with slots to receive the finger bar and
the cutters, substantially as set forth.
17th. The pivot pin & provided with the lug 8 in combination with the slot 6%,
having the shoulder 65 at the lower end, substantially as set forth.
18th. The combination with the cutting apparatus of the lifting lever V, VI,
provided with the notch and the tilting lever, substantially as set forth.
19th. In a harvester frame provided with a chamber bx divided longitudinally
into two parts, a globular self-adjusting ring b××, mounted upon the main axle
within the chamber, and bolts or set screws securing the two parts of the chamber
together upon the globular ring, substantially as set forth.
20th. In a harvester the tubular part B1, B2, of the frame provided with the
chamber b*, in combination with the globular ring b**, rollers bxxx, and bolts or
set screws securing the two parts of the chamber together upon the globular ring,
substantially as set forth.
21st. In a harvester the main axle A¹, having a collar rigidly attached thereto
between the driving wheels, in combination with the main frame provided with
abutments or shoulders on opposite sides of said collar, whereby the desired
longitudinal position of the main frame relative to the axle may be maintained,
substantially as set forth.
22d. The main frame provided with a chamber z, z¹, having abutments ^, ^, in
combination with the axle A', collar 2, keys 23, 23, and set screws 23, 20, substan-
tially as described.

page_text: 23d. The part L' of the nut provided with the expanded flaring part 1 to
collect and return the oil, substantially as described.
or
24th. The main frame provided with the rearwardly projecting arms
brackets B, provided with holes n² in combination with the tongue frame or draft
frame provided with arms U¹ having pivots u, u, substantially as set forth.
25th. The combination of a locking latch with the arm U₁ and bracket B³,
substantially as set forth.
26th. The yoke E made in one piece in the form of a hook to extend in rear of
the axle and rest upon the sleeve Ĉ in combination with the yoke E¹ for actuating
the segment D¹, and adapted to be removed from the sleeve C without taking off
the driving wheel, substantially as set forth.
27th. The draft frame provided with the central rib and the lips or ribs x², x²,
one upon each side of the rib x², and of less hight in combination with the seat
spring X and the springs x1, x, arranged in recesses formed by ribs x², x³, to permit
a rocking lateral motion of the seat, substantially as set forth.
28th. In a harvester a guard Y formed of a rod or bar of metal, and provided
with legs y, y, by means of which it may be mounted upon the frame of the
machine independently of the seat or seat support, substantially as set forth.
29th. The pitman or connecting bar P divided horizontally, the line of division
at the socket being upon an angle to the line of thrust or travel of the cutters,
substantially as set forth.
In witness that I claim the foregoing, I have hereunto set my hand and
seal, this Ninth day of November, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and seventy-seven.
WILLIAM FARR GOODWIN. (L.S.)