IMPROVEMENTS IN HARVESTING MACHINES
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firin of Haseltine, Lake, &
Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for the Invention of
A communication from abroad
"IMPROVEMENTS IN HARVESTING MACHINES."
by William Edward Kelly, of New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of
Abortion
Sealed the 21st December 1876, and dated the 3rd July 1876.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 3rd July 1876.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN HARVESTING MACHINES."
A communication..
This Invention relates to improvements in harvesting machines, and comprises
the following devices and combinations of parts, that is to say :-
I use a driving wheel provided with ratchet teeth, and in combination therewith
an arm rigidly connected with the axle, and a pawl which has a tripping link for
withdrawing the said pawl from the ratchet teeth, and perimitting the driving wheel
to revolve without actuating the cutters.
I combine with the rocking shaft a segment and segment clamps connected with a
tripping link and metal plates perforated to fit the shaft, and a cam for operating
the said pawl.
I also combine with the said rocking shaft, cam, and perforated plate a bearing
larger than the said shaft, whereby the segment clamps may both be moved in
opposite directions with a single cam.
I also employ a reciprocating screw apparatus, consisting of a part with faces
formed of two series of intersecting warped surfaces of a helicoid rigidly attached
to the axle, and a reciprocating nut or casing, which acts as a cam block, and whose
inner faces are adapted to the conformation of the aforesaid part. The central part
of the said nut is provided with trunnions, and connected with a bifurcated lever
fitted on an oscillating shaft or pivot supported in an adjustable tubular standard.
The said lever is slotted, and provided with bearing blocks at the part that fits on
the end of the said shaft.

page_text: In combination with the said bifurcated lever I employ a buffer guard which
presents wide flat surfaces to india-rubber buffers at the sides of the said lever. The
said buffers are secured in boxes or sockets cast upon the machine frame. The said
frame is constructed of cast iron or other suitable metal, and has a drooping front
portion adapted to sweep the cut grass from the path of the supporting wheels or
one of them. It also has a grooved standard arranged in combination with the
leading wheel of the machine, and mounted upon an adjustable plate which slides
in a grooved standard. I use a cutter frame provided with slots for the reception
of the finger bar and cutters.
In combination with the said cutter frame there is a pivoted rock shaft, and I
provide a tilting lever for actuating the said rock shaft. This lever has one part
arranged below the main frame, another part above the said frame, and a toothed
portion vibrating through the frame.
In combination with the cutting apparatus of the said machine I arrange a lifting
crank arm provided with a locking spur connected with the said pivoted rock shaft
and tilting lever.
This
A yoke or bracket is attached to the rear end of the tongue, and has combined
with it a clamp which engages with an arm at the rear of the machine frame.
clamp shuts inside of the arm, and confines the tongu strap or yoke upon studs
provided for this purpose.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed, by
the said William Robert Lake in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 1st
January 1877.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN HARVESTING MACHINES."
A communication from abroad by William Edward Kelly, of New Brunswick, New
Jersey, United States of America.
This Invention relates to improvements in harvesting machines, and comprises
the following devices and combinations of parts, that is to say:-
The said improvements comprise a harvester frame having a drooping front for
sweeping cut grass to one side, and in combination therewith of an adjustable
leading wheel.
They also comprise the combination with the drooping main frame of cutting
apparatus so connected therewith that its front may be tilted up or down to cut
near to or further from the ground. Also the combination with the cutting
apparatus of means for swinging it up from the ground, and for raising the drooping
'main frame.
They also comprise the combination with the driving wheels of ratchet teeth or
the like arranged near the periphery thereof, pawls or equivalent devices carried
by the axle, and means for causing these pawls to engage with the ratchets at the
will of the driver to lock the axle to the wheels. Also various combinations of
parts providing for conveniently operating the pawls just mentioned.
They also comprise a reciprocating screw apparatus or " movement" composed of
a rotary part or parts provided with alternating sections of right and left screw
threads or inclines, and a reciprocatory part or parts provided with corresponding
series of alternating sections of right and left screw threads or inclines designed to
convert rotary into reciprocatory motion.
Also the combinations of the reciprocatory part of the screw movement and a
lever, whereby the rotary movement of the axle of the machine may be made to
reciprocate the cutter bar, and whereby the lever may be adjusted to alter the travel
of the cutter bar, and may work with but little friction.
And the combination with the lever just mentioned of buffers, with which it
comes in contact at the end of its strokes, and which limit its throw, prevent violenţ

page_text: concussion in the reciprocating screw movement, and repel it so as to materially
assist in effecting its return stroke.
In the accompanying Drawing,-
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a machine embodying these improvements.
Figure 2 is a detail view illustrating part of the main frame of the machine, part
of the finger bar, and means for tilting the latter, so as to cause it to cut close to or
further from the ground, and for swinging and locking it out of position for use.
Figure 3 is an edge view of the said reciprocating screw movement," a part of
its enclosing case being shown broken away.
"
Figure 4 is an edge view of the male part of this screw movement, showing part
of the axle.
Figure 5 illustrates the method of laying out patterns from which the screw is
cast.
Figure 6 is a side view, partly in section, of a lever for imparting motion to the
cutters or knives from the reciprocating screw movement; Figure 7 is a plan or
top view of this lever.
Figure 8 is a side view, partly in section, of means for locking the driving wheels
to the axle for the purpose of setting the cutters or knives in action, and for releasing
the axle from the driving wheels, including a segment of one driving wheel; Figure 9
is a plan of the same, partly in section.
Figure 10 is an edge view of an arm forming part of the same, and carrying a
pawl.
Figure 11 is a transverse section of such arm and plan of a segment piece fitting
thereon.
Figure 12 is
a detail view of the wrist pin, by which the pitman is connected
with the cutter bar.
Figure 13 is a side view of a modification of the reciprocating screw movement;
and Figure 14 is a perspective view of the male part of the same.
Similar letters indicate corresponding parts throughout the Drawing.
A, A, are driving wheels mounted loosely upon an axle A¹, and preferably pro-
vided on the inner sides of the rims or treads with series of ratchet teeth a.
B designates the frame of the machine, which at the rear is supported upon the
axle, and at the front droops close to the ground, and preferably projects in front of
the inner driving wheel, or in other words the wheel which travels next the uncut
grass to afford facility for the attachment of the cutter bar and its appurtenances.
Owing to the curved form of its drooping front it sweeps the grass previously cut
away from the inner driving wheel. At the front it is supported by a leading
wheel C mounted upon an axle b projecting from a plate c, upon which fits a
grooved standard d forming part of the frame B (see Figure 1), whereby provision
is afforded for adjusting the front of the latter further from or nearer to the ground
to change the position of the finger bar. A set screw or equivalent device provides
for securing the front of the frame B in position relatively to the leading wheel.
The cutting apparatus consisting of a finger bar D and cutter bar E projects
laterally outward from a heel piece F connected with the drooping front part of
the frame B in such manner as to afford ample provision for tilting the front of the
cutting apparatus upward or downward to cut at different heights from the ground
and for swinging the cutting apparatus bodily off the ground and locking it. This
heel piece F (see Figure 2) is preferably connected to the drooping frame as
follows: It is provided at the front and back with circular bearings e, c¹, fitting
upon pivots ff, supported by the drooping front portion of the frame B. The
front pivot fis arranged on a block which is free to slide vertically upwards and
downwards in guides, and the rear pivot f¹ is capable of rocking longitudinally on
a fulcrum pin g arranged on the drooping part of the frame B and is connected with
a lever G.
When it is desirable to tilt the front of the cutting apparatus nearer to or further
from the ground the lever G is shifted to rock the rear pivot f¹, and the front
pivot ƒ adjusts itself upwards or downwards, as indicated by the dotted lines y.

page_text: The cutting apparatus may be locked in any position by manipulating the lever G
so as to cause it to engage with some fixture. Provision may be afforded for doing
this by furnishing the lever with teeth to engage with the frame, or the latter with
teeth for the lever to engage with.
In addition to the facility afforded by the pivots f, f¹, for tilting the cutting
apparatus they allow the cutting apparatus to be swung lengthwise off the ground.
The neans shown for effecting this adjustment consists of an arm H affixed to a.
ŕock shaft I and connected by a chain J with the heel piece F of the cutting
apparatus at some distance beyond its pivots.
Provision is made for conveniently actuating the rock shaft I by a lever K which
is so arranged that it may be conveniently reached; a segment piece L situated in
proximity to this lever and provided with teeth or notches may by aid of a dog or
pawl actuated by a spring to engage therewith serve to lock the lever in position
after it has been manipulated and yet allow it to be fully manipulated upon with-
drawing the dog or pawl h from the tooth or notch with which it may he engaged.
By pulling back the lever and thereby moving the rock shaft I the arm H will be
raised and made to draw up or swing the cutting apparatus from the ground to an
approximately vertical position, and then if provided at the toe or outer end with a
hand piece which may be conveniently reached it may be swung still nearer a
vertical position. If then the cutting apparatus is tilted backward by means of
the tilting.lever G so that it will project inside of the spurj the latter will secure or
lock it in place, as illustrated by dotted lines in Figure 2. The lever K has another
function, that is to say, by moving it so far back that it will rest upon the frame B
and then forcing it downwards it may be made to raise the drooping front from the
ground and cause it to engage with a catch M actuated by a spring N to engage
with and support it, and extending where it may, when desirable, be reached by
the driver's foot to cause it to release the frame. Thus the transit of the machine
This catch is
from place to place when not in use may be greatly facilitated.
shown as carried by the pole O of the machine which is connected to the axle
independently of the frame B.
The draft bar is preferably connected with the rear part of the pole by a down-
wardly projecting arm so that it will tend to raise the fore part and relieve the
draft animals of its weight. The driver's seat may be made adjustable to enable
the weight of the driver, no matter how great or small it be, to counterbalance the
pole for the same purpose.
I will now describe the means employed for effecting the rotation of the axle
from the wheels. The means for converting the rotary motion of the axle into a
reciprocating motion for the cutting apparatus, and the means for imparting the
latter motion to the said cutting apparatus.
Rigidly secured on the axle near each end (see Figures 8, 9, and 10 particularly)
is an arm P, to the outer extremity of which is pivoted a pawl Q which may be
made to engage with the ratchet teeth a projecting from the interior of the rims of
the wheels. To each pawl Q at some distance from its pivot is connected a rod R
provided at its inner end with a segment piece S. This rod is arranged in the
same vertical plane with the adjacent arm P, and although attached to and carried
by the rod R this segment picce is located behind the arm, as clearly shown in
Figures 8 and 10.
When the rods R are drawn inward the pawls Q are disengaged from the ratchets a
and the axle is freed from the wheels and is not rotated by thein; when, however,
the rods are moved outwards the pawls are caused to engage with the ratchets and
the wheels are locked to the axle, so as to rotate the latter when they move forward.
The means for operating these rods are shown as consisting of pairs of segment
pieces T, T, arranged on the axle so that they will not rotate with it, and so that
the segment pieces of each pair are opposite each other and their inner faces are
outside the outer faces of the segment pieces S which are connected with the pawl
rods.
The segment pieces T, T', of each pair may, by means of devices herein-after

page_text: described, be drawn towards each other, to impinge on the segment pieces S and
draw the pawl rods R inward.
When the pawl rods are in horizontal positions one or the other of the segment
pieces T, T, of each pair presses directly on the segment pieces S, to draw them
and the pawl rods inwards, but when in any other position they act upon the
segment pieces $ like wedges in drawing them inward, and in order that they may
do this their inner faces are made excentric to the outer faces of the said segment
pieces S.
The devices for operating the segment pieces T, T', are shown as consisting of a
rock shaft U supported by the frame B, and to which the pairs of segment pieces
are connected. Such rock shaft is provided with a foot lever V, the upper end of
which projects up within convenient reach of the driver's foot, to enable him to
operate the shaft, as shown in Figure 1. The said rock shaft is mounted in
elongated bearings or slots; hence, when. the parts are in' the position shown in the
Drawing, the pairs of segment pieces T, T¹, are spread as widely apart as possible,
the shaft U occupying the rear of the bearing or slot and permiting springs k,
applied to the pawl rods R, to force the latter outward and cause the pawls to
engage with the ratchet teeth a.
The driver in order to throw the cutters out of action moves the lever V over to
the front end of its slot, thus rotating the rock shaft U and cam X arranged on the
same, to simultaneously force the segment pieces T, T¹, towards one another, in
order to act on the seginent pieces S and draw in the pawl rods R, so as to disengage
the pawls from the ratchet teeth. I prefer to make the free ends of theso
pawls Q.and the faces of the ratchet teeth a with which they engage ares of circles,
of which the pivots of the pawls are the centres, in order that there shall be the
least possible power required to withdraw the pawls from these teeth when the
machine is in operation.
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 motion is this, namely:-When the bolt con-
tinually rotates in one direction on its axis the nut, if held and kept from turning
with the bolt, noves in a right line parallel with the axis about which the bolt
revolves, one face of the thread of the bolt engaging with and acting upon one face
of the thread within the nut throughout the entire extent of one or more con-
volutions of such thread; and if I have a screw with a right-hand thread extending
from end to end, or a left-hand thread from end to end, the nut will, if the screw is
rotated continuously in one direction, have a rectilinear motion in one direction
only from one end of the screw to the other on a line parallel with the axis of the
screw.
The object of this part of my Invention is the retention of 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 effect this object employ what I term a "reciprocating screw,"
that is, a screw that alternates from right to left at short intervals combined with a
nut adapted to engage with and be actuated by such a screw.
The manner of constructing this apparatus is as follows, namely:-It being
desirable to give to the cutters a certain number of reciprocations, say 19 in each
direction during each complete revolution of the driving wheels, I take a cylinder
(see Figure 5) of suitable diameter, say 8 inches, and proceed to lay out 19 right-
hand threads and 19 left-hand threads around its circumference. These lines have 19
points of intersection, and between these points of intersection they form the
outlines or periphery of the alternating screw, as indicated by the shading. By
cutting down from the circumference to the centre upon radial lines following this
pattern I form the central helicoidal or male part Y, which is then cast in metal
and keyed on the axle. Any desired number of reciprocations at each revolution
of the screw may be produced by increasing or diminishing the number of the
threads.

page_text: The reciprocating casing nut or female part consists essentially of two sections Z, Z',
the inner faces of which correspond substantially to the sides of the hclecoidal or
male part Y (see Figures 3, 4, and 5). These sections are arranged concentrically
on the axle A¹, but are not secured to rotate therewith. A casing ring B¹ secured
between the sections Z, Z¹, by bolts and provided with trunnions 1, 1, whose office is
herein-after explained, covers and protects the working parts. m designates packing
rings, which are preferably arranged between the casing ring B' and the sections Z, Z₁,
to make them retain oil or other lubricant.
C¹ designates a lever, which is shown as bifurcated, to extend across the recip-
cating screw movement Y, Z, Z¹. D¹ designates a tubular standard adjustably
secured to the frame of the machine by bolts which pass through slots in the base
plate E. This standard is located immediately to the rear of the reciprocating
screw movement. F¹ is a round shaft or pivot supported in the upright tubular
portion of the standard. The projecting ends of this shaft are square preferably,
and enter rectangular slots n in the lever C¹, and the latter is secured to the shaft
by means of nuts o; P, p; are bearing blocks arranged in slots n in front of the
pivots. G is a buffer guard attached preferably by a set screw to the lever C¹
near its lower end, to come in contact with buffers herein-after described. The
lever C¹ thus made and supported is fitted to the trunnions 1, l, of the reciprocating
screw movement. H¹ is a pitman connected preferably by ball-and-socket joints
with the front end of the lever C¹ and the heel end of the cutter bar E. Near the
lower end of the lever C¹ I preferably arrange on the frame B two buffers I¹ of
india-rubber or other suitable material, against each of which the said guard
alternately strikes when the lever is reciprocated, and by which it is so repelled as
to materially assist in effecting its reverse movement.
When the axle is rotated the male part Y of the reciprocating screw movement is
simultaneously rotated, and its alternating portions of right and left screw threads
acting alternately upon the corresponding portions of screw threads on the under
faces of the sections Z, Z¹, forming the female part of the movement, impart to the
latter a reciprocating movement along the axle, and this is imparted through the
lever C and pitman H¹ to the cutter bar; therefore the rotary movement of the
axle is converted into a proper reciprocating motion for operating the cutter bar
without the intervention of a single gear wheel. Should it be desired to lengthen
the throw or travel of the cutters beyond that produced under the adjustment
shown in the Drawing, I move the pivot F1 and its supporting standard nearer to
or further from the reciprocating screw movement, and in order that a proper
working relation between the reciprocating screw Y and its nut Z, Z1, shall not be
disturbed by this adjustment, a thickness equal to the advance of the pivot may be
taken from each of the bearing blocks p placed between the ends of the pivots and
the rear walls of the slots of the lever.
The wrist pin shown in Figure 12 for connecting the pitman H to the heel of the
cutter bar is preferably excentric to its shank q, so that by turning the said shank
in its seat the distance of the cutter bar from the vibrating lever C may be adjusted
to maintain a proper working relation between the cutters and the guard fingers, as
will be readily understood without explanation.
By arranging the ratchet teeth a and pawls Q near the rim of the driving wheel
I almost entirely avoid the lost motion which is incident to all of the backing
ratchets which are located near the hub of the wheel or upon one of the gear
wheels.
As the lower portion of the space within the reciprocating screw movement is
filled with oil the male part runs in the oil and applies it to the upper surface of
the female part, and the friction will be very slight.
In addition to the fact that this reversed thread upon both the screw and the nut
reduces the friction and increases the durability of the device it also enables me to
make the parts very much thinner and lighter than would otherwise be practicable.
Having thus fully described the said Invention, as communicated to me by my

page_text: Toreign correspondent, and the manner of performing the same, I wish it understood
that I claim,—
First. A harvester frame provided with a drooping front portion adapted to
sweep the cut grass from the path of one of the supporting wheels, as above set
forth.
Second. A harvester frame provided with a grooved standard in combination
with the leading wheel mounted upon the adjustable plate which slides in the said
standard, as above set forth.
Third. The heel piece for the cutting apparatus provided with slots to receive the
finger bar and the cutters, as above set forth.
Fourth. In combination with the cutter frame the pivot, capable of rocking
longitudinally, and a tilting lever attached to and actuating it, as above set forth.
Fifth. The tilting lever provided with teeth or notches to engage with the main
frame, as above set forth.
Sixth. The combination with the cutting apparatus of the lifting crank arm
provided with a locking spur, the pivotal rock shaft, and the tilting lever, as above
set forth.
Seventh. The combination with the driving wheels of ratchet teeth or the like,
arranged near the periphery thereof, pawls or equivalent devices carried by the axle,
and means for causing these pawls to engage with the said ratchet teeth, as above
described and for the purpose set forth.
Eighth. The combination with the pawl rod segment piece of segment pieces,
and means for actuating the latter, as above set forth.
Ninth. The combination with the rock shaft and cam of a bearing for the former
of larger size than the said shaft, whereby the segment pieces may be actuated
simultaneously, as above set forth.
Tenth. In combination with the vibrating lever the buffers, as above set forth.
Eleventh. The herein-described reciprocating screw apparatus or “movement,”
consisting of a rotary part or parts provided with series of alternating sections of
right and left screw threads or inclines and a reciprocating part or parts provided
with corresponding series of alternating sections of right and left screw threads or
inclines, as above set forth.
Twelfth. In combination with the male part Y the female parts Z, Z', the
trunnions, and the lever, as above set forth.
Thirteenth. In combination with the bifurcated lever the adjustable standard, as
above set forth.
Fourteenth. In combination with the lever C¹ and tubular standard the pivot F¹
connected to and oscillating with the lever, as above set forth.
Fifteenth. In combination with the lever C provided with slots and the pivot F¹
the bearing blocks 1, as above set forth.
Sixteenth. In combination with the bifurcated lever O¹ the buffer guard, con-
structed to operate as above set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this First day of January, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven.
WM ROBT. LAKE. (L.S.)