Improvements in Apparatus for Sowing Seeds and Grain.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 3rd June, 1897-Accepted, 31st July, 1897
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COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Apparatus for Sowing Seeds and Grain.
I, THOMAS STANDISH O'GRADY of Whiteman Creek, Grafton, New South Wales,
Australia, Gentleman, 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 :-
This invention relates to improvements in apparatus for sowing seeds and grain in:
the earth, and has for its object to provide a simple arrangement which will allow the
seeds to be distributed in a regular manner, and at required intervals.
The arrangement I propose to employ consists of a hopper or conical holder within
which the seed is placed. The end of this holder is provided with an aperture of
suitable dimensions and with side pieces so that the seed on falling out is directed
through a channel to the required spot. The aperture is closed by a lever, one end
of which projects into the channel and completely closes the aperture. The lever is.
pivoted to small lugs on the holder, and the other end projects for some distance
forming a trigger. A spring is provided bearing against this trigger, and causing it.
to close the aperture when released so that the seeds cannot escape.
An adjustable stop is provided which may consist of a small screw fitted to the
trigger and meeting the side or face of the holder when the trigger is pressed down.
According to the position of this screw the trigger can be pressed down to a greater
or less extent, the size of the opening being thus regulated exactly. In sowing seeds
the trigger is pressed down and then released, a given quantity escaping at each
operation, this quantity being determined by the screw. The case or holder may be
divided longitudinally by suitable partitions forming a series of chambers, each;
chamber containing a different kind of seed, so that several kinds may be sown at the
same operation and in exactly regulated quantities.
This arrangement is applicable as a hand sower, the device being in this case of a size
suitable for holding in the hand, and the trigger is operated by a finger. or thumb as
the hand is moved along the ground.
For sowing on a larger scale the arrangement may be fitted to the back of
a cart or the like or may be secured to the person in any convenient manner.
The trigger in this case can be operated by hand, or a lever may be employed to press
it down at suitable intervals as the machine moves.
In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, reference is had to the
accompanying sheet of drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a side view of iny sowing device,
Fig. 2 is an elevation of the same at right angles, Fig. 3 is a section, and
Fig. 4 a plan of same, and Fig. 5 is a cross section showing the divisions formed in
the case.
A is the holder or hopper which as shown is of tapering or conical form having at
its lower end a channel shaped opening a. To the lugs a¹ the lever B is pivoted, the
lower end of this lever fitting into the channel closing the aperture. The other end
forms a finger piece or trigger and to this part a screw stop bis fitted, this screw bearing
against the surface of the holder when the trigger is pressed down. The spring C is
provided bearing against the under surface of the trigger and throwing
it up when released. To the under side of the trigger the wire D is fitted

page_text: This wire
passing through a small perforation in the side of the holder.
is bent so as to bear upon the other side of the holder, and the lower extremity
projects towards the aperture bearing against the lower end of the lever.
As the trigger is pressed down this wire is also pushed slightly down causing the end
to press against the lever, and to ensure a clear passage for the seeds.
The holder is furnished with the divisions E forming it into a series of chambers in
each of which a special kind of seed can be placed. The holder however may simply
consist of one chamber. The holder is provided with the cover F formed with
the perforations f and the pivoted plate F¹ is fitted inside this cover this
plate being formed with corresponding perforations f. This plate can be turned so
as to cover or uncover the apertures by means of the pin passing through a grooved
slot in the cover. This arrangement allows the quantity of seed remaining in the
holder to be observed without the necessity of removing the cover.
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Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is.
(1.) An improved device for use in sowing seeds, consisting of a holder having an
aperture at its lower end, a lever closing the said aperture and adapted to be opened
when required, and an adjustable stop regulating the quantity of seed supplied,
substantially as described and for the purposes specified.
(2.) In an improved device for use in sowing seeds, the combination with a conical
or tapering holder and a suitable opening at the lower end, of a lever fitted to the
lower end of the holder and adapted to close the aperture, a spring connected to the
said lever and an adjustable stop regulating the opening, substantially as and for
the purposes specified.
(3.) In an improved device for sowing seeds, the combination with a tapering holder
and channeled opening at its lower end, of a lever adapted to close the said opening,
a spring bearing against the lever and a screw fitted to the lever forming an adjustable
stop, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
(4.) In a device for sowing seed, the combination with a tapering holder having
a channel shaped opening at its lower end, of a trigger lever adapted to close the
said opening, a spring bearing against the lever, and an adjustable stop fitted to the
same, a bent wire also secured to the lever and extending within the holder, and
divisions in the said holder forming separate compartments, substantially as and for
the purposes specified.
(5.) In a device for sowing seeds, the combination with a tapering holder having a
channel shaped opening at its lower end, of a trigger lever closing the opening,
a spring bearing against the said lever, a screw stop, a bent wire fitted to the
lever and extending within the holder, and a cap or cover provided with
openings, and means for closing the said openings, substantially as and for the
purposes specified.
(6.) The improved device for use in sowing seeds, constructed and operating
substantially as described and shown in the accompanying drawings, and for the
purposes specified.
11007
GEO. H. RAYNER,
37, Chancery Lane, London, Agent for the Applicant.