IMPROVEMENTS IN HARVESTING MACHINES
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Melville Thomson Neale, of 22, Buckingham Street,
Adelphi, in the County of Middlesex, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
HARVESTING MACHINES."
Sealed the 13th May 1879, and dated the 7th December 1878.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Melville Thomson Neale at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 7th December 1878.
MELVILLE THOMSON NEALE, of 22, Buckingham Street, Adelphi, in the County
of Middlesex. "IMPROVEMENTS IN HARVESTING MACHINES."
This Invention relates to harvesting machines wherein the cut stalks or crop of
wheat or other cereal are or may be bound in bundles or sheaves. My improve-
ments have reference to the general arrangement of such machines, and to other
features hereinafter mentioned. I cause the cut stalks or crop in suitable quantity
for a bundle or sheaf to be deposited over twine or binding material in the lap of a
gatherer able to oscillate or reciprocate (when actuated) on an axis, and having
combined with it apparatus such as is hereinafter referred to, so as to constitute a
combined gatherer and twine carrier.
This operates, in conjunction with what I call a compressor, which may be con-
structed with tines or teeth on a resilient axis, or capable of resilient action, to
accommodate different bulks of stalks. The twine carrier apparatus is constructed
with pincers and a knife or cutter. As the combined gatherer and twine carrier
oscillates or reciprocates the pincers and knife are carried to and fro in the arc of a
circle. The compressor oscillates or reciprocates on a separate axis. When the
combined gatherer and twine carrier is in position to receive the stalks or crop to
form a bundle or sheaf the pincers have hold of the free end of a length of twine or
binding material which they have drawn from the source of supply (it may be a
bobbin or reel), and the stalks or crop are delivered on to the gatherer over this
twine or binding material; then (the twine or binding material being still held by

page_text: the pincers) the combined gatherer and twine carrier and the compressor are moved
into positions in which the collected stalks are surrounded (or practically so) by a
band of twine or binding material, and are compressed or held firmly together
between the combined gatherer and twine carrier and the compressor. Whilst the
stalks are so held a portion of the knotting apparatus seizes the twine or binding.
material; it is released by the twine carrier pincers and the band of twine or binding
material is tied ; it is held by a cleat or cleats during the tying. After the knot has
been formed a part of the twine or binding material beyond the sheaf or bundle is
presented to and gripped by the twine carrier pincers, the knife cutting the twine
or binding material so as to separate from it the tied band of the bundle or sheaf;
the combined gatherer and twine carrier returns to the position for receiving a fresh
supply of stalks or crop; during this return movement the bound bundle or sheaf is
released and allowed to fall to the ground, and twine for binding the fresh supply
of stalks or crop is drawn out from the reel or source of supply. When the quantity
of stalks or crop deposited in the lap of the gatherer is less than required to form a
bundle or sheaf the forming of a knot may be prevented by an arrangement as
follows: A device I call a drop piece jointed to the twine carrier is so arranged
that when the combined gatherer and twine carrier is in the position which obtains
during the formation of the knot the drop piece is free to assume its lowest position
unless supported by stalks or crop; if there be a sufficient quantity of stalks or crop
in position between the gatherer and compressor the drop piece will be supported
by the stalks or crop in such a position as to present to a suitable actuating device
a part by the movement of which the twine carrier pincers' jaws will be released and
allowed to open at the proper time. If the drop piece be not supported by stalks
or crop the twine carrier pincers will not release the twine or binding material. No
knot will be formed, and as the combined gatherer and twine carrier returns to
position for receiving a supply of stalks or crop the slack of the twine or binding
material will be drawn back by a spring contrivance.
The knotting or tying of the twine or binding material may be effected by
apparatus such as described in the Specifications of former Patents granted to me
the 27th day of January 1877, (No. 368), and the 18th day of December 1877,
(No. 4745). For this purpose the loopers are appropriately arranged, and the
reciprocating pincers, their sheath, and the pusher are arranged to work at right
angles to the loopers.
In combining apparatus according to my former Patents with my present improve-
ments I may arrange the shaft which carries the cams for operating various parts
of the machine above the reciprocating pincers' sheath and pusher of the knotting
apparatus, working therein in a direct manner, and working the loopers from a cam
on the same shaft through a roller and simple lever.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Melville Thomson Neale in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
7th June 1879.
MELVILLE THOMSON NEALE, of 22, Buckingham Street, Adelphi, in the County
of Middlesex. IMPROVEMENTS IN HARVESTING MACHINES."
"
This Invention relates to harvesting machines, wherein the cut stalks or crop of
wheat or other cereal are or may be bound in bundles or sheaves. My improve-
ments have reference to the general arrangement of such machines, and to other
features hereinafter mentioned. I cause the cut stalks or crop in suitable quantity
for a bundle or sheaf to be deposited over twine or binding material in the lap of a
gatherer able to oscillate or reciprocate (when actuated) on an axis, and having
combined with it apparatus such as is hereinafter referred to, so as to constitute a
combined gatherer and twine carrier.
This operates in conjunction with what I call a compressor, which may be con-
structed with tines or teeth on a resilient axis, or capable of resilient action to
accommodate different bulks of stalks. The twine carrier apparatus is constructed
with pincers and a knife or cutter. As the combined gatherer and twine carrier
oscillates or reciprocates, the pincers and knife are carried to and fro in the arc of
a circle. The compressor oscillates or reciprocates on a separate axis. When the
combined gatherer and twine carrier is in position to receive the stalks or crop to
form a bundle or sheaf the pincers have hold of the free end of a length of twine or
binding material which they have drawn from the source of supply (it may be a
bobbin or reel) and the stalks or crop are delivered on to the gatherer over this twine
or binding material, then (the twine or binding material being still held by the pincers)
the combined gatherer and twine carrier and the compressor are moved into positions
in which the collected stalks are surrounded (or practically so) by a band of twine or
binding material, and are compressed or held firmly together between the combined
gatherer and twine carrier and the compressor; whilst the stalks are so held a por-
tion of the kuotting apparatus seizes the twine or binding material, it is released by
the twine carrier pincers, and the band of twine or binding material is tied; it is
held by a cleat or cleats during the tying. After the knot has been formed a part
of the twine or binding material beyond the sheaf or bundle is presented to and
gripped by the twine carrier pincers, the knife cutting the twine or binding material
so as to separate from it the tied band of the bundle or sheaf, the combined gatherer
and twine carrier returns to the position for receiving a fresh supply of stalks or
crop during this return móvenient the bound bundle or sheaf is released and
allowed to fall to the ground, and twine for binding the fresh supply of stalks or
crop is drawn out from the reel or source or supply. When the quantity of stalks
or crop deposited in the lap of the gatherer is less than required to form a bundle or
sheaf, the forming of a knot may be prevented by an arrangement as follows:-A
device I call a drop piece is suitably jointed and so arranged that when the com-
bined gatherer and twine carrier is in the position which obtains during the
formation of the knot the drop piece is free to assume its lowest position unless
supported by stalks or crop; if there be a sufficient quantity of stalks or crop in
position between the gatherer and compressor, the drop piece will be supported by
the stalks or crop in such a position as to present to a suitable actuating device a
part by the movement of which the twine carrier pincers' jaws will be released, and
allowed to open at the proper time; if the drop piece be not supported by stalks or
crop the twine carrier pincers will not release the twine or binding material, no
knot will be formed; and as the combined gatherer and twine carrier returns to
position for receiving a supply of stalks or crop, the slack of the twine or binding
inaterial will be drawn back by a suitable contrivance.
The knotting or tying of the twine or binding material may be effected by
apparatus such as described in the Specifications of former Patents granted to
me the 27th day of January 1877 (No. 368), and the 18th day of December 1877
(No. 4745). For this purpose the loopers are appropriately arranged, and the

page_text: Fig. 5 is an end view thereof.
Fig. 6 shews in plan a guiding plate and hook arrangement whereby the binding
material is first supported for presentation to the loopers, and then guided aside for
the purpose hereinafter explained.
Fig. 7 is a side view of the twine carrier with its hinged cleat or gripper, the side
seen being that seen also in Fig. 2.
Fig. 8 is a projected view shewing the cleat or gripper and part of the case of the
twine carrier.
Fig. 9 is an end view of the parts shewn in Fig. 7.
Fig. 10 is a sectional view shewing the twine carrier pincers, their sheath and
knife, and the method of actuating the cleat or gripper.
The platform 1, reaper fingers 2, and knives, beaters, or dummies 3, brush or
rake 4, arm 5, and main wheel 13 as indicated in Fig. 1, are similar to those des-
cribed in the Specifications of my previous Patents, No. 4745, 13th December 1877,
and No. 1116, 20th March 1878.
The cut stalks having been gathered by suitable means (it may be by a recipro-
cating rake or fork (29) as described in the Specification of my previous Patent,
No. 4745 of 1877), are deposited in the lap of the combined gatherer and twine
carrier, whose arms (see Figs. 1 and 2) for this purpose are caused to assume the
position shewn by dotted lines at a* in Fig. 2, the end of the binding material
being held as shewn by the twine carrier pincers b, so that when the stalks are
forced on to and over the arms (a), they are also deposited on to and against or
over the binding material. Two or more arms (one of which is shewn at c) are
caused to descend and force the stalks towards the compressor d and clear of the
twine carrier pincers, consequently as the arms rise the binding material is
gradually taken further round the collected stalks, until the arms assume the
position shewn (in full lines) at a in Fig. 2, at which time the collection of stalks
is completely surrounded by the binding material. Whilst the arms a are moving
upward the compressor d advances (from a position to the left of that shewn in
Fig. 2), and compresses the stalks between itself and the arms a; the relative
positions of the compressor and arms a, when the stalks are compressed and bound,
is represented in Fig. 2, the collection of stalks being supposed to be at X. The
compressor d is made capable (by means of a spring elastic bar or its equivalent)
of resilient action, so that it may accommodate itself to varying bulks of stalks.
The arms a are carried by a shaft spindle or bar a' to which an oscillating or
reciprocating radial motion is imparted by part of a double face cam a² connecting
rod a³, and double chain pulley a' as in Fig. 1, or by equivalent means which will

page_text: give such motion at the required times. The compressor d is carried by a spindle
d', to which motion is imparted from the cam a² by a connecting rod d³ and double
chain pulley a, or equivalent means. The arms c receive their motion from a
suitably formed face cam c' (see Fig. 1) on the driving shaft c³, or equivalent
means for operating such arms at the proper times. The shaft C2 is driven by
wheel gearing from the main wheel 13 as will be obvious. The chain E transmits
rotary motion to the shaft E', and consequently to the double face cams E² and
E³, which operate the trying gear as will be hereinafter explained. That arm a
which at its end carries the twine carrier pincers b, is provided also with a sheath
62 and a knife or cutter 63, as clearly shewn in Figs. 7, 8, 9, and 10.
The end of the pincer stock 6 is fixed to the casing 65 at b*. The sheath b²
slides in the casing and is kept in its forward position by the spring 6º. The
pincer jaws b' are hinged and open by means of a spring 67. The pincer jaws are
formed with a recess or flat part into which the knife or cutter 68 can slide. The
knife or cutter is attached to the sheath 62. It will be evident that when the
sheath is pressed backwards, the jaws b¹ of the pincers will be free to open, and
the knife b3 will be drawn back, as, shewn in Fig. 10, but when the sheath is
released it will slide over and close the pincer jaws, and the knife sliding along the
recess or flat part will shear or cut off any binding material which the jaws may
be gripping. The sheath 62 has a projection 68 which slides in a groove in the
casing 65; the necessary backward motion is transmitted to the sheath by the
lever arm (see Fig. 2), as hereinafter explained. The projection 68 has an inclined
plane The cleat or gripper g is formed of two jaws g', g², the one being fixed
to the casing 65, the other hinged as shown; a pin g³ on the hinged jaw enters a corre-
sponding recess in the fixed jaw, and the two jaws are opened by a suitable spring g*.
The tail end g of the hinged jaw passes over the inclined plan 6º of the sheath 65.
When therefore the sheath is pressed backwards to open the twine carrier pincers
6', the inclined plane be forces the tail end g* outwards, and consequently causes the
jaw g2 to press against the jaw g'. The object of this is to enable the binding
material which has been passed around the collected stalks to be gripped and held,
whilst the free end of the binding material is liberated and the operation of tying
the knot is performed.
When the combined gatherer and twine carrier arm a and the compressor d
have gathered the collection of stalks, the binding material is in the position shewn
in Fig. 2 at X. The loopers h¹, h2, (similar in construction and action to those
described in the Specification of my previous Patents, Nos. 368 and 4745 of 1877),
are then caused to move forward and partially rotate thereby, twisting into two
loops that portion of the binding material which is presented to them. Motion is
transmitted to these loopers by the lever h³ operated by one face of the double face
came (see Figs. 1 & 2). A tension device i is jointed to the framing and operated
by the connecting rod i and spring 2 When the loopers h' and h² advance the
tension device i also moves forward and pays out the necessary binding material to
the said loopers. Whilst the loops are being formed the loop lifter j stands in a
position between the two loopers and receivers, and holds up a part of the binding
material for the purpose of forming a clear passage between the forks of the
loopers. When the loopers have formed the two loops a tube k and the hook
within it pass through the forks of the loopers (and consequently through the loops
themselves), as shewn in dotted lines in Fig. 3; the hook then catches hold of the
binding material near the end held by the twine carrier pincers' jaws b', which for
this purpose present the said part of the binding material (see Figs. 2 and 3), and
the point of the hook having arrived at the entrance to the sheath k, the twine
carrier pincers' jaws b¹ open and the hook still moving retires within the sheath k
and draws with it the now free end of the binding material, the cleat or
gripper g', g, at the same time gripping firmly the binding material above the
collected stalks, as shewn (Figs. 2 and 3). The loopers having risen and deposited
the loops around the sheath or tube k, and the tension device i, drawn back all the

page_text: slack of the binding material, the pusher m advances for the purpose of pushing
the two loops off the sheath or tube k on to the binding material near the free end,
which is drawn within k by the hook . In order to clearly explain the operation
of completing the tying of the knot reference should be made to Figs. 3, 4, 5, and 6,
which shew (full size) the loop lifter and pusher m, tube k, hook l, and other parts.
The tube is formed with slots or keyways, ², along its sides, and the pusher m
has corresponding keys or projections (m², m²) which are capable of sliding freely
within them. The end of the sheath or tube k is tapered for the purposes, firstly,
of allowing it to pass more readily through the loops, and, secondly, of permitting
the two loops to be more readily pushed off. The body of the pusher m has jointed
to it at m³ a fork or presser n; to the side of the fork or presser is a pin, projection,
or roller n¹, which slides in a passage or slot o. Also, attached to the body of the
pusher m is an inclined plane m. The improved loop lifter j is attached to a
lever and hinged at ; the loop lifter is retained in its upward position by the
spring (see Fig. 5); on the side of the lever j is an inclined plane jt. The
pusher is actuated by a lever m³ and the double face cam e³ (see Fig. 2). The
tube and hook are operated by the double face cam e2 (Fig. 1) and suitable
levers. Above the body of the pusher m and attached to it is a part me having an
eye m' through which the binding material passes.
As the pusher m moves forward to push the loops off the sheath or tube ka
projection m³ in the inclined plane m' strikes the inclined part j of the loop lifter
lever and forces the loop lifter down to the position shewn by dotted lines (Figs. 3
and 4); the object of this is to enable the loops to be drawn (by the tension
device i) up to the end of the sheath or tube k, and thus prevent the paying out of
slack towards the knot. Whilst the pusher is advancing the pin or roller n' is
travelling in the slot o, and the fork or presser n is caused to follow the path shewn
by dotted lines in Fig. 3. The binding material which is being at the same time
pulled by the tension device enters between the prongs of the fork or presser n.
When therefore the two loops are pushed off the end of the sheath or tube k the
tension device pulls the loops tight on to the string near the end which has been
drawn within the sheath or tube k and the knot is tightened against the under side
of the fork or presser. Before the pusher m completes its forward stroke the
inclined plane m comes in contact with the incline j and forces it out to the
position indicated by dotted lines in Fig..4, the loop lifter j is thereby drawn from
between the loops.
When the twine carrier pincers' jaws b¹ release their hold of the free end of the
binding material they remain open. So soon as the pusher m has pushed off the
loops and the knot has been tightened by the fork or presser n (the binding material
being in a straight line between the tied knot and the eye m7, as shewn in dotted
lines, Fig. 3), the sheath b² of the twine carrier pincers is released, and the jaws
grip firmly the binding material, the knife 63 at the same time cutting it off above
the knot. The upward motion of the sheath 62 when it closes the pincers b'liberates
the tail end g, and the cleat or gripper g¹, g², opens, whereupon (the compressor d
having fallen) the tied bundle of stalks falls to the ground.
When the combined gatherer and twine carrier a descends preparatory to receiving
another collection of stalks, it carries with it the end of the binding material, which
is gripped by the pincers' jaws b1, b2. Now it is necessary that the binding material
should be supported in such a position that when the twine carrier has risen it
will be properly presented to the prongs of the loopers h¹, h²; it is also necessary
that the part of the binding material which is now between the cleat or gripper
g', g, and the looper n¹ should be led on one side out of the way of the hook / when
it has to seize the free end of the binding material. For this purpose a hook plate p
of peculiar form, as shewn clearly in Fig. 6, as also in its proper position in Fig. 5,
is employed. The plate p is hinged or centered at p¹, and is normally retained in
its outward position by the spring p². The plate p slides on a plate r. which is
attached to the framing of the machine. The plater has a hole or slot r¹, as shewn.

page_text: Along one side or edge of the plate is a slot or space r², in which a plate or presser s
travels; this plate or presser is attached to the frame of and is actuated by the
motion of the loopers h³, h², as shewn in Fig. 2.
When the twine carrier arm descends, the binding material is drawn from the
bobbin or reel through the eye m³, and enters the hook p³ of the plate p (see Fig. 6),
so that when the twine carrier arm a has ascended, the binding material is sup-
ported by the hook p³, and presented as shewn in Figs. 2 and 3.
When the loopers have partially made their forward stroke the plate or presser s
comes in contact with the shoulder 24, and the plate p is thereby forced until it
reaches the position shewn by dotted lines in Fig. 6, when the plate or presser s con-
tinues its stroke along the slot without further affecting the plate p, except that
it is held in its position. This action of the plate p causes the hook p³ to be with-
drawn to the point shewn, and the binding material being released, follows the
direction of the slot 7, formed by the edges of the plate p and the hole in plate r;
the binding material is thus lead on one side for the purpose before described, and
is retained in that position until the plate p is liberated.
Whilst the loops are being tightened by the tension device, as before described, it
is essential that the binding material should be so gripped or locked that it
cannot pull from the reel or bobbin; to accomplish this I provide a break or cleat t
centered at t¹, and having a tail piece t². When the loopers have twisted up the
two loops, and the sheath or tube k has nearly completed its stroke through them, a
projection to strikes the tail t2, and causes the cleat or break t to be forced against
the periphery of the sheave or pulley over which the binding material passes; the
binding material is thereby held firmly until the sheath or tube k has partially
returned.
To insure the combined gatherer and twine carrier arm a being kept in its
proper position whilst the collection of stalks is being bound, I provide a catch or
latch u operating in conjunction with an abutment formed on the case 65 of the twine
carrier arm a, and which abutment presses against the catch or latch u; the action
will be understood by reference to Fig. 2. This catch or latch u is released at the
proper time by a pin or projection ul (attached to the shaft or spindle of the armns c),
which strikes the opposite end u² of the latch or catch u.
The sheath 62 of the twine carrier pincers 6 is (as before mentioned) operated by
the lever arm f(see Fig. 2), which is centered on the same axis (9) as another
lever arm fx, which has at its end a pin or projection f¹. A cam f2 on the shaft e¹
gives by a bell crank lever, as shewn, the necessary upward motion to the con-
necting rod f³, The end of the connecting rod has a hook f4, which is capable of
gearing with the projection f' and lifting the arin fx, thereby depressing the arm f
and the sheath 62 of the twine carrier pincers. b. Connected with the hook f is a
link or connection f5 and a short lever arm fe, with which is formed the long arm
or drop piece f7 (see Fig. 2), centered on the side frame at f8. When the arm a
brings up and the compressor d receives a collection of stalks, the drop piece f7 is
raised and the hook f drawn in gear with the lever arm fx, by which means the
binding material is at the proper period released by the pincers; but when there are
few or no stalks collected the drop piece will not be raised, and consequently the
hook fwill move (into the position shewn by dotted lines) without operating the
lever fx, f, and the binding material will still be retained by the twine carrier.
V (Fig. 2) is a pulley at the end of an arm to which radial motion is imparted, so
that it shall take up the slack of the binding material when there are few or no
stalks to bind.
Referring to Fig. 3, A shews in full lines the position of the binding material
when presented to the loopers h', h; B shews in dotted lines the position of the
binding material after the two loops have been formed and deposited on the sheath
or tube k; C shews the position after the two loops have been forced off the tube,
the knot completed, and the binding material presented between the jaws b¹ of the
twine carrier pincers to be gripped and cut off.

page_text: Referring to Fig. 2, D shews the position of the binding material when the arms a
are ready to receive a collection of stalks.
Having now described the nature of my said Invention, and explained in what
manner the same is to be or may be performed or carried into practical effect, I
would have it understood that what consider to be novel and original and
therefore claim as secured to me under the Letters Patent first hereinbefore in part
recited is,―
1st. The combination of parts constituting the improved combined gatherer and
twine carrier, constructed, arranged, and operating substantially as hereinbefore
described and shewn, for the purposes specified.
2. The improved cleat or gripping apparatus constituting part of my improved
combined gatherer and twine carrier, and constructed, arranged, and operating sub-
stantially as herein before described, for the purpose specified.
3. The improved drop piece apparatus, constructed, arranged, and operating sub-
stantially as herein before described, for the purpose of preventing the release of the
end of the binding material when few or no stalks are gathered.
4. The improved tension apparatus whereby the binding material is drawn tight,
substantially as described.
5. The general arrangement in combination, as described and shewn, of apparatus
for gathering and binding stalks or crop of wheat or other cereal.
In witness whereof, I, the said Melville Thomson Neale, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Fifth day of June, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy nine.
M. T. NEALE. (L.S.)