IMPROVEMENTS IN SHEAF-BINDING MECHANISM FOR HARVESTING MACHINES
Year: 1881

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Henry Harris Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake,
& Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for an Invention
" IMPROVEMENTS IN SHEAF-BINDING MECHANISM FOR HARVESTING
MACHINES."
of
A communication from abroad by David Munson Osborne.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Henry Harris Lake at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 22nd July 1881.
HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent
Agents, Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN SHEAF-BINDING
MECHANISM FOR HARVESTING MACHINES." [A communication from abroad by
David Munson Osborne, of Auburn, New York, United States of America.]
This Invention relates to sheaf-binding mechanism for harvesting machines,
and comprises the following novel parts and combinations of parts, that is to
say:
Cord-knotting devices combined with an arm oscillating horizontally.
Cord-knotting devices on a horizontally-oscillating arm with a vertically
oscillating cord carrying arm.
Cord-knotting devices on a horizontally oscillating arm, a vertically oscillating
cord carrying arm, and a slotted grain platform or table.
The combination of inclined ways with the devices last mentioned.
Knotting devices on a horizontally oscillating arm, a fixed switch-frame, and
segment gear for rotating the knotter spindle.
Knotting devices on a horizontal arm, a fixed switch-frame, and a camway for
imparting a vertical movement to a cord-holding device.
In combination with the devices last stated a vertically pivoted switch for
opening the jaws of the cord-holder.
A cord-holder pivoted at one end to a horizontally oscillating arm, and a fixed
slotted guide for its other end.

page_text: A vertical hollow knotter-spindle, a horizontally hinged hook, and a vertically
pivoted cord-finger.
A hollow knotter spindle and hook, a vertically-moving cord-holder, and a
vertically-oscillating cord carrying arm.
A vertical knotter spindle and hook, a cord-finger, and a vertically-oscillating
cord-holder.
A hollow knotter-spindle and hook, a connecting rod pivoted to the hook and
united by trunion connection with its operating devices.
A hollow knotter-spindle, its hook connecting rod, trunion connection, and
double-armed lever on a horizontal arm, and a fixed camway for operating the hook
of knotter-spindle.
A hollow knotter shaft and pinion, and intermediate gearing for connecting it
with fixed sector-gearing on switch-frame.
A hollow knotter shaft and hook, its operating devices, cord-finger, and pivoted
switch for operating the same.
A cord-holder with movable jaw, knife, and link having a cross-head- with a
lever, and pivoted switch for operating both jaw and knife.
A pressure plate on the cord-finger with a bail on the cord-carrier for holding
the cord when released from the jaws of cord-holder.
1
A cord-finger, pressure-plate, and bail on cord-holder.
Grain-elevating aprons, slotted grain receiving table, horizontally oscillating arm
below said table carrying hollow vertically rotating knotter and hook, a cord-
holder controlled by a fixed cam, and a vertically oscillating swinging cord-
carrying arm.
A vertically-rotating knotter, vertically-oscillating cord-holder, and an oscillating
take-up.
A knotter-spindle supported by a horizontal arm, vertically-oscillating cord-
carrying arm, oscillating cordholder, and an oscillating take-up.
A knotter plate, knotter carrying arm, oscillating cordholder, and a cord-finger.
Knotting devices on arm supported by a vertical axis, a cord-carrying arm
hinged to the same axis, so as to have a vertical movement, a lever hinged to the
lower end of the same axis, having its other end pivoted radially to a rotating
gear-wheel, and connecting by a pitman with the cord carrying arm.
A take-up on the pitman extension with tension and guiding sheaves on the
cord carrying arm.
Intermediate gear-wheels on a stud with a mutilated or flattened hub, and ribs
on the switch-frame to serve as a_stop_for_the_hub to hold the gear in working
position.
A knotter spindle and pinion with intermediate gear-wheels and hub on a fixed
stud with fixed sector gearing on the switch-frame, and ribs or stops for holding the
same in working position.
An arrangement of cord-knotting, holding, and cutting devices and switch-frame,
so that the same can be readily reinoved, and a wire-twisting, holding, and cutting
device substituted to change it from a cord binding to a wire binding machine,
and vice versa.
In carrying the said Invention into practice I provide a binder frame of metal,
which is supported by a guide-piece bolted to a beam, and the same is held in a
vertical position by a short guide-piece or hook fastened to a beam under the
binder-table. In these guide-pieces the binder-frame can, with devices connected
therewith, and a table, be moved from right to left for the purpose of placing the 5
band in proper position around the bundle, the movement being affected by the
driver on his seat by means of a hand-wheel, and its shaft and pinion connected
with a rack on the binder-frame.
A vertical rock-shaft is supported in bearings. On the upper end of this shaft
are formed jaws, to which is pivoted the cord or string carrying arm. The forward a
end of this arm is bent downward at nearly right angles to its body, and has a
needle point, and has near its point a mortice through it nearly parallel to the axis

page_text: of the cord-carrying arm, in which are pivoted two sheaves, between which the
cord passes.
A sheave is located on the arm at its bend, and a tension sheave is
placed on the arm a few inches further back. The lower end of a rock-shaft has
jaws, to which is pivotted one end of an arm, the other end of the arm being fitted
as a pivot radially to a hub in a gear-wheel near its outer circumference, this gear-
wheel being supported in bearings, so as to bring the axial centre of the wheel to
coincide with the axial centre of the jaws and the axial centre of the rock-shaft,
the lever corresponding in length to the radial distance between its pivotal axis
in the gear wheel, and the axis arm uniting it to the jaws of the rock-shaft.
To a lever near its intersection with the said gear-wheel the lower end of a
pitman is pivoted by a stud, and is curved backward to give room for the table,
and united by a pivot to the cord-carrying arm in front of its pivot, con-
necting it with the vertical rock-shaft. This pitman has an extension carried
above its pivot, and on the top of it is pivoted a bell-crank shaped lever, having
on its upper end a sheave, the other branch of the lever being connected by a
spring and link having holes for the adjustment of the said spring to greater or
less tension. The cranked lever and its connecting parts form a take-up for the
stack of the cord when the machine is in operation.
The gear-wheel has rotary motion imparted to it in a direction from its front
upward, and back by a pinion wheel on a shaft supported at its inner end by a
post, and at its outer end by a similar post, the shaft having on its outer end a
sprocket-wheel, which is united by a square linked chain to a similar sprocket
wheel of less size on the crank shaft. An arm is provided, one end of which is
bolted to a projecting flange of the vertical rock-shaft, so as to project at right
angles to the axis of the pivot of the cord carrying arm, the two arms and lever
being arranged substantially in the same vertical plane. This arm has in addition
to the support derived from the rock-shaft to which it is attached a roller arranged
in bearings about midway of its length, the periphery of which rests and rolls
upon a curved rail or track on a switch frame. The said rock-shaft, arm, cord-
carrying arm, pitinan, lever, and the devices connected therewith being thus united
and supported by the rock-shaft and the gear-wheel, they receive a compound
motion by the rotation of the said wheel on its axis from the front upwards and
backwards. When the projecting end of the arm is thrown back towards the
harvester to nearly its extreme limit the cord-carrying arm is descending the point
of the needle, having nearly reached the knotter-plate, the arm approaching a
horizontal position. The continued revolution of the gear-wheel carries the cord-
carrying arm through its connection by the pitman with the lever further down,
the needle end entering an opening in the plate. The continued rotation of the
gear-wheel, carrying with it the end of the lever pivoted to it, imparts to the rock-
shaft, to which the lever is pivoted, a vertical rocking movement, corresponding to
the two extreme horizontal positions of the said lever produced by the rotation of
the gear-wheel.
A corresponding oscillating movement horizontally on the rock-shaft as a pivot
is imparted to the rock shaft-arm, and the same horizontal combined with a vertical
movement is imparted to the cord-carrying arm, the vertical motion being imparted
to it by its connection through the pitman with the lever.
The cord or string carrying arm thus has a vertically oscillating and laterally
swinging motion.
On the cord-carrying arm and supported by it there are separating rods which
aid in separating the grain forming the bundle from the sheet of grain flowing
from the mouth of the elevating aprons.
The knotting devices comprise a hollow spindle to which near its outer
circumference a hook is pivoted, the hollow spindle at that side being cut away for
a little more than half its diameter, leaving the opposite side, which is in the form
of a vertical section of a cone, projecting beyond the body of the spindle far
enough to form a lip for the point of the hook to close against, and in its closed
position forms substantially with the lip a conical-shaped point for the cord more

page_text: readily to slip from; in completing the knot the book has in addition to the hole
for pivoting it to the spindle a long slot for connecting it with a link rod by a pin.
This link rod nearly fills the bore of the hollow spindle, and is slotted at its upper
end sufficient to receive the hook, and the pin passes through the long opening of
the hook. The hook being pivoted to the shaft and the link being fitted to slide
in the shaft, this long opening is necessary to the free working of the hook by the
link-rod without bending. This rod extends below the spindle in which it works,
and is connected at its lower end to the jaws of a lever by a trunnion washer or
thimble having a trunnion, and is held in position by nuts above and below the
thimble, by which means the link can be lengthened or shortened to give the
proper closing and opening of the hook. In order to give the link the necessary
vertical movements for opening and closing the hook, the lever is connected to one
end of a journal piece, and to the other end of the journal-piece is connected a lever,
the two levers projecting at right angles nearly from the opposite ends of their
journal-piece and stand nearly in the same horizontal plane. To the outer end of
one lever is pivoted a roller, its axis being at right angles to the lever and parallel
to the journal-piece. An ear projects from this lever at a point opposite the roller,
and in it is inserted a rod surrounded by a coiled spring. A toothed pinion is
keyed to the lower end of the knotter-spindle. These several parts are supported
by suitable bearings formed in a stand or frame which has a projecting ear on the
side of the bearing for a journal; in this is a hole through which the rod is free to
slide, the spring being placed on it above the car and below its head, and by its
action serves to keep the roller up against the track or camway on the under side
of the switch-frame.
In order to more fully guide the roller, a track or rail is arranged below the
aforesaid track or cam way, and bolted to the switch frame by bolts leaving a
space between the two a little greater than the diameter of the roller.
The switch-frame has elongated holes in it for bolting it to the binder-frame.
For holding the end of the cord or string a holder is provided. This cord-holder
has a fixed jaw and a movable jaw. This jaw has a shank piece curved outward
from its body or toothed end, and is made wide enough to admit of a vertical slot
or elongated hole through it, its continuation beyond the slot being rounded for
receiving a spring, and has its rounded part supported by a guide piece attached
to the body of the holder, its front end being held in place by a cap-piece,
this cap-piece having a horizontal elongated opening for the curved shank to
work in.
A cutter having a rounded shank to receive a spring is fastened to the wide end
of the cutter by one end, the other passing through a guide-piece fastened to the
-body-of-the-cutter being supported by a mortice in the cap, the cutter being
arranged to slide just above the movable jaw and parallel to it, the cutting end of
the cutter or knife in its forward movement passing the point where the jaws
meet, so that the cutting of the cord may be certain. The forward movement of
the cutter and movable jaw is due to the action of their respective springs. To
open or draw back the cutter and jaw against their springs a link is provided having
a cross head at one end, an enlarged head at the other with an opening, and has a
thread cut therein for receiving the screw end of a link rod; a nut on the rod serves
to hold the parts in their adjusted position, their combined length being lengthened
or shortened at pleasure for giving the desired throw to the cutter and opening
between the jaws. The link has formed on its outer end a link-shaped loop. The
upper branch of the cross head is inserted in a hole formed in the wide end of the
cutter, the lower end being inserted in the opening of the movable jaw. The loop
end of the link is placed on a stud. The lever has a roller pivoted to the lower
end of the stud which passes vertically through the outer or vibrating end of the
lever for that purpose.
This lever is pivoted vertically in the rock-shaft-arm.
The forward end of the cord-holder is inserted in a vertical groove formed in a
knotter stand, and which serves to guide it in its vertical movements.
A bail is fastened to the top of the cord-holder, which in connection with a lip

page_text: or pressure piece connected with the cord-finger serves to hold the cord when the jaws
release the cord in finishing the tying of the knot. A hook or lip is formed on the
underside of the cord-holder; when in position in the machine, its lip is under a
cam rib on the switch frame and the body of the cord holder rests on top of it;
the rib is of uniform thickness, so that the hook or lip and body of the cord-holder
when it rests on the rib will slide freely over it. A switch is pivotted vertically in
the switch frame. The pivot which projects below the frame has a short lever
connected with it, and a spring connecting the other end of the lever to a similar
lever on the pivot of the switch, the spring serving by its action to keep both the
switches in working position. This switch being pivoted to the switch frame
serves to close the cord-finger. The cord finger is worked in the knotter stand by
a pivot. To the lower end of this pivot a short arm is fastened; to its projecting
end a link rod is connected, the other end of the link being connected by an eye
piece to a vertical stud in a vibrating lever. The eye-piece has a hole and thread
cut in it, and the end of the link rod has a thread cut in it for uniting the two
and adjusting their lengths.
A spring has one of its ends connected with the eye piece, its other end being
connected to a downward projection of the rock-shaft-arm.
To the vibrating lever on the lower end of the stud, which projects for the
purpose, a roller is pivoted; this lever at its other end is pivoted vertically to the
arm. A track or vertical rail is raised on the switch frame equal in height to
the depth of the roller, an opening being provided for the passage of the roller
through on its return movement, and a deflecting track piece being connected near
the opening so as to ensure the passage of the roller through the opening. The
switch, heretofore described, being pivoted to the switch frame at a point near the
end of the track, the roller on the arm in its backward and forward movement
must necessarily traverse opposite sides of the track and switch. With the cord-
finger is connected a pressure-plate, which moves with it, and in connection with
the bail on the cordholder serves to grip the cord and hold it after its release from.
the jaws of the cordholder. For communicating a rotary motion to a pinion
on the lower end of the knotter shaft, two gear-wheels are united and supported
on a fixed stud projecting downward from the underside of the knotter-stand; one
of the wheels has a hub projecting below it, the two wheels and it being connected
so as to revolve freely together on their supporting stud, which has an enlarged
head that is recessed into a hub, and serves to hold it on the stud. This hub has
a flattened side which serves, in connection with projecting ribs at either end of
the toothed sector on the switch frame, to lock and hold the gear wheels from
displacement after it has passed beyond the influence of the toothed sector. These
gear-wheels are so arranged that whilst one gear-wheel meshes with a pinion on
the knotter-shaft the other meshes with the toothed sector, and the hub is in
position to lock its flattened side with the ribs when the last named gear-wheel is
out of mesh with the sector. A plate is provided having an opening for the passage of
the needle and for guiding the cord properly to the knotter under the action of the
cord-finger, and also serves to shield the knotter parts from straws; it is fastened
to the outer end of the rock-shaft-arm over knotter by bolts or screws. To receive
and hold the grain until sufficient has accumulated for a bundle a table or platform
is provided, which is supported at the knotter end when in position by a horizontal
arm projecting under it from the harvester frame, its other end being supported by
a knee-piece bolted to it and a flange piece on the upper bearing of the vertical
rock-shaft. The platform has an opening through it made wide enough for the
knotter-plate, which projects above it to traverse freely; this slot is curved in
shape to suit the path in which the knotter-plate travels in connection with the
rock-shaft arm. Brackets are fastened to the platform at their lower ends so as to
inove with it, and are hollowed out on their front edges, and serve as a ledge
against which the grain is pressed by the cord in encircling the bundles, serving also
as an aid in the separation of the grain to be bound from that being discharged
from between aprons. The binding or grain receiving table being located below

page_text: and in front of the discharging ends of the aprons, the grain falls upon the upper
part of the brackets, which are inclined toward the aprons, and are united by an
inclined shelf, so that the grain slides down in front of the brackets. On the
platform at each side of the slot are fixed inclines or ways, which serve in the
completion of the knotting of the band by raising the bundle as it is carried outward
by the cord carrying arm to draw the knot snug.
To hold the cord for binding a box is provided, and fastened by a bracket to the
lower bearing-support of the vertical rock-shaft; it has a hinged cover with a hole
through it for the passage of the cord from the box, and a guide is provided and
supported on the hinge end of the arm through which the cord passes from the box
to the tension sheave, passing first through an eye piece connected with the sheave,
and thence once or twice around the sheave and upon a take-up, thence forward
over the sheave on the cord carrying arm, and through the needle eye over one of
the other sheaves to the jaws of the cord holder. The tension sheaf has a spring
and thumb nut for regulating the pressure to give the desired tension.
On the
As this mechanism is combined for the use of both wire and cord as a binding
material, I will now describe the pieces to be substituted for those to be removed
when it is desired to bind the sheaves with wire instead of with cord or string.
I provide a twister frame having a shear plate fastened to its upper surface with
a hole in it to correspond with the hole through the stand for a twister-spindle,
which is inserted in the stand or frame, and has fastened to it above the stand and
close to the shear plate, so as to turn with it, a revolving shear cutter. On
the spindle above the cutter is placed a clearer, in which the spindle revolves
freely, the outer end of the clearer being prevented from turning with the spindle
by a stud pin fastened to it and inserted in a hole in the twister stand.
spindle above this clearer, with space enough left for the wire to pass between
it and the clearer, is fastened a twister hook, so as to turn with it. On the
lower end of spindle is fastened a pinion. To the side of the twister stand is
fastened a plunger socket, in which the end of a plunger works, and serves to hold
the end of the wire. This twister stand and its connected pieces is bolted to the
end of the horizontal oscillating arm in place of the cord knotter stand removed.
A circle rack is provided and pivoted to the under side of the said arm, so as to
vibrate freely horizontally. It has a roller pivoted to its under side, and has teeth
arranged on its inner edge in the arc of a circle of which the pivot of the circle
rack is the centre. A guide-piece bolts to twister-stand, and serves to support and
guide the circle rack. To the top of the twister stand is pivoted an upper wire-
holder, and to a wire plate which fastens to the arm and serves as a finger to bring
the wire into position for the twister hook and cutter, and hold the same after the
same is severed and free from the jaws of the plunger.
--
To the pivoted jaw of the wire holder is connected by a pivot one end of a rod,
its other end passing through a hole in a stud inserted in the end of a vibrating
lever, which is pivoted in the arm. On the lower end of the stud which projects
below the lever is placed a roller. A pin is inserted in the rod outside of the stud,
and a spring placed on the rod inside of the stud, and is held firmly against the
stud by pin and washer. A plunger is provided having a lip or tooth formed near
one end,.which is inserted in its socket, its other end being inserted in a stud in
the end of a vibrating arm which is pivoted to the arm; on the lower end of this
stud which projects below the vibrating arm a roller is pivoted. On the extension
of the plunger beyond the stud is placed a spring, the end of the spring resting
against a stop in the arm.
A switch frame is provided and bolted to the binder frame in place of the one
removed; this switch frame has a curved rail or way for the roller of the arm to
travel over, and aids in supporting the arm. A double cam way is formed in the
switch frame of irregular form. Within this camway the roller of the circle-rack
travels, and is controlled by it, and through it the circle-rack receives its oscillating
movements on its pivot connection for the purpose of imparting the necessary
rotation to the twister-hooks at the proper time.

page_text: A vertical cam-way is formed on the switch, and to the switch frame in front of
this cam-way is pivoted a two ended switch; the lower end of the pivot has a short
arm, to which is connected a spring, the other end of spring being connected to a
similar arm on the lower end of the pivot of a trip cam, the spring serving to keep
both the switch and trip cam in proper working position; the spool for holding the
wire is supported on a spindle.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Henry Harris Lake in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
21st January 1882.
HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, and Co., Patent
Agents, Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN SHEAF BINDING
MECHANISM FOR HARVESTING MACHINES." A communication from abroad by
David Munson Osborne, of Auburn, New York, United States of America.
This Invention relates to sheaf binding mechanism for harvesting machines, and
comprises various improvements and novel features, as hereinafter set forth.
In the accompanying Drawings the said binding mechanism is shewn as applied
to a harvester or harvesting machine, so constructed as to receive the cut grain as
it falls, carry it to the stubble side of the machine, and elevate it above the driving
wheel and discharge it on the stubble side of the said wheel upon a receiving
platform or on the ground.
As this class of machines is well known and understood, so much only of the
harvester is herein described as is necessary to enable the operation of the binding
mechanism and the manner of applying the same to the harvester to be readily
understood. In the said Drawings
Figure 1 is a perspective view, representing the binding mechanism as applied to
a harvesting machine, and as it appears when looking towards the grain delivering
or driving wheel end of the said machine.
Figure 2 is a similar view, with the grain receiving table removed, and all of the
parts of the machine omitted, excepting so much of the frame of the same as supports
the binder or binding mechanism.
Figure 3 is a plan or top view of the switch-frame hereinafter described; and
Figure 4 is an edge view of the said switch-frane, showing the cam-way on its
under side, and the lower guiding rail or track.
Figure 5 is a top view of the knotter-plate; and
Figure 6 is an edge view of the same.
Figure 7 is a plan or top view of the knife or cutter and its spring; and
Figure 8 is an edge view of the same.
Figure 9 is a perspective view, looking from the rear or opposite side to that of

page_text: Figure 2 of the horizontally oscillating knotter carrying arm, showing the cord-
holding devices and their operating mechanism, the switch-frame, the knotter
spindle and hook, the cord-finger, and the point of the needle.of the cord-carrying
arm, the cord extending from it to the cord-holder, a portion of the arm and
knotter-stand being broken away to more clearly illustrate the jaws of the cord-
bolder.
,
Figure 10 is a perspective view of the front of the oscillating arm, the switch-
frame, and switches, the cord-finger, and devices for operating the same, the knotter-
spindle with its hook opened, and the gearing for operating the same:
Figure 11 is a detached rear view of the cord-holder, shewing the cord in position
in, the jaws, the cutter for severing tlie cord, and the devices which connect it and
the moveable jaw with their operating lever, and the pivot-piece for connecting the
said cord-holder to the oscillating arm, the needle being up and not shewn in this
view.
Figure 12 is a perspective view of the said cord-holder with its jaws open, the
cutter drawn back, and the released end of the cord drawn out, and the jaws near
the point of closing upon the cord, which is shewn as extending through the opening
formed by the said jaws and below the same to the opening in needle, a portion of
which is shown in dotted lines. .:.
Figure 13. is a perspective view of the knotter-spindle, its pivoted hook, a
connecting rod, and trunnion connection; with the devices for operating the said
hook.
Figure 14 is a view of the band of cord, having a knot as formed by the knotting
devices.
Figure 15 is a vertical section of the knotter-spindle and its pinion, the con-
necting rod and trunnions, and the pivoted hook, the section being taken through
the centre of the said spindle..
Figure 15 is a view of the said hook detached.
Figure 16 is a. perspective view of the knotter carrying arm as seen from the
rear, and broken away, so as to show the position of the parts, with the cord-holder
up its jaws closed on the cord, and the cord severed by the cutter preparatory to
the completion of the knot and the discharge of the sheaf or bundles; it also shows
the operating devices of the knotter and cord-holder.
Figure 17 is a full sized view of the upper end of the knotter-spindle, its hook,
and pivots, and the upper end of the connecting rod, the cord being in position for
the closing of the hook prior to finishing the knot.
Figure 18 is a similar view with the hook closed and the knot completed, ready
to be discharged by the opening of the said hook.
Figure 19 is a vertical transverse section of the knotter carrying arm through
the knotter-stand, showing the knotter-spindle and its pinion in position, the end
of the cord-holder, the cord-finger and pressure plate, the mechanism for operating
the knotter-hook, the toothed sector, and the cam on the switch-frame.
Figure 20 is an underside view of the knotter-stand, showing the knotter-pinion,
the intermediate gear wheels, the hub with a flattened side, the trunnion
connections, and a lever and roller for operating the connecting rod of the 4
knotter-hook, and also the cam-track and toothed segment for operating the
knotter-spindle.
Figure 21 is a perspective view, showing the several parts which are employed
to convert the machine when adapted for cord-tying into a wire twisting machine,
so that wire instead of cord may be used as a binding material, thus giving to the 5
same machine a double capacity by permitting the use therewith of either material
for binding, that is to say, wire or cord, as the cost of the material or the facilities
for obtaining the same may render desirable.
Figure 22 is a full sized perspective view of the wire-twister-stand, showing
the several parts of the twisting and cutting devices, together with the plunger 5.
and socket or wire-holder.
Figure 23 is a full sized view of the revolving shear for cutting the wire.

page_text: Figure 24 represents on a very much reduced scale a perfect wire-band as it
appears upon the bundle when bound by the wire binding devices.
It will be seen by reference to the Drawings that some of the above named
Figures are drawn to a larger scale than others.
Like letters indicate the same parts throughout the Drawings.
In Figure 1, A, A, represent longitudinal bed-pieces of the harvester-frame at
the front and rear of the main supporting and driving wheel; B.represents the
outer. cross-bar and B' the inner cross-bar; C is the said driving-wheel, which is
located between these said four bars, and is connected by means of brackets with
tho beams Band B¹. This driving wheel supports the said beams and the frame-
work and operating machinery connected therewith, and the grain-elevating
aprons D' and E. The outer or divider end of the machine is supported by a
smaller wheel. located nearly opposite the main wheel C, the frame-work and
machinery mounted thereon being very nearly balanced on the two wheels.
A binder-framé D of metal is supported by the guide piece n*, bolted to the
bean B, and the same is held in a vertical position by a short guide-piece or hook-
fastened to a beam beneath the binder-table. In these guide-pieces the binder-
frame can, with the devices connected therewith and the table.E, be moved from
right to left, so that the band will be placed in the proper position around the
bundle; this movement is effected by the driver when on his seat by means of a
hand wheel o*, and its shaft and pinion connected with a rack on the binder-frame.
A vertical rock-shaft T is supported in bearings 2*2* of the frame D; on.
the upper end of this shaft are formed jaws F, to which is pivoted the cord or
string carrying arm G by the pivot-pin H. The forward end of this arm is bent
downward nearly at right angles to its body, and lias a needle-point C, and near
its point a mortice which extends through it, nearly parallel to the axis of the.
arm G. In this mortice are pivoted two sheaves M', between which the cord or
string N passes. A sheave is located at M on the arın G at its bend, and a tension
sheave is placed at L' on the said arm a few inches further back. The lower end
of the rock-shaft T¹ has jaws J¹ to which is pivoted by a pivot pin m* one end of
an arm I', the other end of the said arm being fitted as a pivot radially to a
hub in the gear-wheel R, near its outer circumference; this gear-wheel R is
supported in the bearings R' so as to cause the axial centre of the said wheel to
coincide with the axial centre of the pivot pin m⭑* of the jaws J¹, and the axial
centre of the rock-shaft T, the lever 1, corresponding in length to the radial
distance between its pivotal axis in the gear-wheel R, and the axis-arm uniting
it to the jaws J¹ of the rock-shaft T'.
To the lever I', near its point of intersection with the wheel R, the lower end
of a pitman H is pivoted by a stud 62; this pitman is curved backward to make
room for the table E', and is united by a pivot I to the arm G in front of its
pivot H, which connects it with the vertical rock shaft T¹, as above described.
This pitman H¹ has an extension J, which extends above its pivot I, and has
pivoted to its upper end a bell-crank shaped lever K. This lever has on its upper
end a sheave K, and its other branch is connected by a spring L and link having
holes for the adjustment of the spring L, so that its tension may be varied. The
lever K and its connecting parts form a take-up for the slack in the cord when the
machine is in operation.
The gear-wheel R has rotary motion imparted to it in a direction from its front
upward, and back by a pinion or gear-wheel on a shaft t*, Figure 1, supported at
its inner end by a post C, and at its outer end by a similar post. This shaft has
on its outer end a sprocket-wheel which is united by a square linked chain to a
similar sprocket-wheel of less size upon the crank-shaft; these several parts, with
the exception of the shaft *, are not shewn in the Drawings, as any ordinary or
convenient manner of imparting motion to the gear-wheel R from the driving and
supporting wheel C of the harvester may be employed.
O¹, Figure 2, represents an arm, one end of which is bolted to the projecting
flange U of the vertical rock-shaft T¹ by bolts u*, u* so as to project at right

page_text: angles to the axis of the pivot H of the cord-carrying arm G, the said arm O', the
lever I, and the arm G being arranged substantially in the saine vertical plane.
This arm O has, in addition to the support derived from the rock-shaft T¹ to which
it is attached, a roller c² arranged in bearings d about midway of its length; the
periphery of this roller rests and travels upon the curved rail or track T on the
switch-frame S.
The arm O, the cord-carrying arm G, the pitman H', the lever I', and the
devices connected therewith being thus united and supported by the rock-shaft T¹
and the gear-wheel R, they receive a compound motion by the rotation of the said
wheel on its axis from the front upward and backward. In Figures 1 and 2, these
parts are represented in the position they occupy when the projecting end of the
arm O is thrown back towards the harvester to nearly its extreme limit. The
cord-carrying arm G is then descending, the point of the needle having nearly
reached the knotter-plate O as the arm I approaches a horizontal position, the
continued revolution of the wheel R carries the arm G, by reason of its connection
by the pitman H with the lever I', further down, the needle end entering an
opening in the plate O. The continued rotation of wheel R, carrying with it
the end of the lever 1' pivoted to it, imparts to the rock-shaft T', to which the
lever I is pivoted, a vertical rocking movement corresponding to the two extreme
horizontal positions of the lever I produced by the rotation of wheel R.
A corresponding oscillating movement horizontally on the rock-shaft T' as a
pivot is imparted to the arm 0¹, and the same horizontal movement combined with
a vertical movement is imparted to the cord-carrying arm G, the vertical motion
being imparted to it by its connection through the pitman H' with the lever I'
The said cord or string carrying arm G thus has a vertically oscillating and
laterally swinging motion.
On the arm G and supported by it are separating rods v* and w*, which aid in
separating the grain forming the bundle from the sheet or quantity of grain
flowing from the mouth of the clevating aprons D' and E.
The knotting devices consist of a hollow spindler (see Figures 13, 15, 17,
and 18), to which near its outer circumference a hook is pivoted, the said hollow
spindle at that side being cut away for a little more than one half of its diameter,
leaving the opposite side, which is in the form of a vertical section of a cone,
projecting beyond the body of the spindle far enough to form a lip for the point of
said hook to close against (see Figure 15), and in its closed position form with
the said lip a substantially conical shaped point from which the cord or string may
readily slip during the completion of the knot.
Figure 15 shows the form of the hook, which has in addition-to-the-hole-to-
enable it to be pivoted to the spindle a long slot or opening f², so that it may be
connected with a link-rod s by a pin t, which passes through the said opening (see
Figures 13, 15, and 17). This link-rod nearly fills the bore of the hollow spindle 7,
and is slotted at its upper end sufficiently to receive the hook. As this book is
pivoted to the shaft or spindle 2, and the link or link-rod S is fitted to slide in the
said shaft, the long slot or opening f' is necessary to ensure the free working of
the hook by the link-rod without bending; the two extreme positions of the hook,
that is to say, its position when closed and open are shown in Figures 13, 15, 17,
and 18. The rod s extends below the spindle 7 in which it works, and is connected
at its lower end to the jaws w of a lever w¹ by a trunnion, washer, or thimble w
having a trunnion V₁ (see Figures 13 and 15), and is held in position by nuts U', v,
above and below the said thimble . By these means the link s can be lengthened
or shortened, or so adjusted as to effect the proper closing and opening of the
hook r¹. In order to impart to the link or link-rod S the necessary vertical move-
ments to effect the opening and closing of the hook, the lever is connected to
one end of a journal or journal-piece (see Figure 13); to the other end of this
journal-piece is connected a lever x. These two levers aul and a project at right
angles or nearly so from the opposite ends of the said journal-piece, and are in
nearly the same horizontal plane. To the outer end of the lever a¹ is pivoted a

page_text: roller y, whose axis is at right angles to the said lever, and parallel to the journal-
piece x. An ear y projects from the arm or lever a¹ at a point opposite to the
roller, and has inserted in it a rod surrounded by a coiled spring s
A toothed
pinion (see Figures 13 and 15) is keyed to the lower end of the knotter-
spindle 7. These several parts are supported by suitable bearings formed in a
stand or frame t¹, see Figures 2, 9, 10, 16, 19, and 20. This stand t is connected
to the end of the arm O by the bolts c* and d*. The said stand has a projecting
ear g on the side of the bearing for the journal ; in this ear is a hole, through
which the rod is free to slide; the spring placed upon the said rod presses at
one end against the upper surface of the said ear, and at its other end upon the
under surface of the head of the said rod, and by its action serves to keep the
roller y up against the track or cam-way e* on the underside of the switch-
frame S. In order to more fully guide the said roller y, a track or rail * (see
Figures 4 and 19) is arranged below track or cam-way e*, and bolted to the switch-
frame S by bolts g* and *, leaving a space between the said tracks a little greater
than the diameter of the roller.
The switch-framo S (see Figures 3, 9, 10, and 16) has in it elongated holes j*
to enable it to be bolted to the binder-frame D, the said frame S being shown in
position upon the said binder-frame in Figure 2; represents one of the bolts
for securing it in position, the other bolt being concealed by the raised track of
the switch-frame.
In order to hold the end of the cord or string I employ a holder V, sec
Figures 11 and 12.
This cord or string holder has a fixed jaw W and a movable jaw V₁, the toothed
part of the same being shown at 22 in Figure 11, as closed on the fixed jaw with
the cord N in position, and in Figure 12, as drawn back, so that the end of the
cord is released, and the needle part of the cord is in position for the jaws to close
upon it when not held back against the pressure of a spring a'. The said jaw V
has a shank-piece curved outward from its body or toothed end, and is made
sufficiently wide to enable a vertical slot or elongated hole g to be formed there-
through. The continuation of the said shank-piece beyond the said slot is rounded,
as shown at Z, to receive the spring a', and is supported by a guide-piece Y
attached to the body of the holder. The front end of the said piece is held in
place by a cap-piece X secured to the holder V, this cap-piece having a horizontal
clongated opening for the curved shank to work in. W represents a cutter
which is supported by a mortice in the cap-piece X, and has a rounded shank Y
to receive a spring a. This shank is fastened at one end to the wide end of the
cutter, and its other end passes through a guide-piece X³ fastened to the body of
the cutter W This cutter is arranged to slide just above the movable jaw V₁
and parallel to it, the cutting end of the said cutter or knife in its forward move-
ment passing the point where the jaws W and V meet, so that the cutting of the
cord may be effected with certainty. The forward movement of the said cutter
and movable jaw is due to the action of their respective springs a and a. To
open or draw back the cutter and jaw against the action of the said springs a
link is provided having a cross-head at one end and an enlarged head at the
other end; this head is provided with an opening 7 and has a screw thread cut
in it for receiving the screwed end of the link-rod e; e¹ represents a nut on this rod
which serves to hold the link or link-rod e and the cross-head in the desired
position after their adjustment; this adjustment may be so effected that their
combined length is lengthened or shortened at pleasure in order to give the desired
throw to the cutter W and opening between the jaws. The link or link-rod e
has formed on its outer end a link-shaped loop. (see Figures 9 and 16).
The upper branch or end of the cross-head bis inserted in a hole formed in the
wide end of the cutter W1, and the lower end of the said cross-head is inserted in
the opening of the movable jaw V. The loop end of the link e is placed over
a stud f, sec Figures 9, 11, and 16.
passes vertically through the
This stud f

page_text: outer or vibrating end of a lever f which carries a roller g attached to the lower
end of the said stud. This lever is pivoted vertically in the arm O' at h.
The cord-holder V above described is pivoted at d to the part d', which is bolted
to the arm O' by the bolt i passing through the hub k². The forward end of the
said cord-holder is inserted in a vertical groove i* formed in the knotter-stand t¹,
which groove serves to guide the said cord-holder in its vertical movements.
A bail C is fastened to the top of the cord-holder V, which bail, in connection
with a lip or pressure-piece connected with the cord-finger 1, as hereinafter
described, serves to hold the cord when the jaws release the same in completing
the tying of the knot.
A hook or lip c is formed on the underside of the said cord-holder V (see
Figures 9, 11, and 12). In Figure 9 the said cord-holder is shown in such a
position that its lip c is beneath the cam-rib U' on the switch-frame, the body of
the said cord-holder V resting on the top of it. The upper surface of this cam-
rib U is shown in Figure 4, and the lower surface corresponds with it in shape,
the rib being of uniform thickness, so that the hook or lip c and the body of the
cord-holder V when it rests upon the rib U' will slide freely over it. A switch-
is pivotted vertically in the switch-frame S by a pivot at j.
This pivot which projects below the frame has one end of a short lever J'
connected with it, the other end of the said lever being connected by a spring k to
a similar lever on the pivot 12 of the switch o. The spring serves by its
action to keep both of the said switches in working position. The switch o which
is pivoted to the switch-frame S by the vertical pivot 12, as shown, serves to close
the cord-finger, as herein after described. This cord-finger (see Figures 9, 10,
16, and 19) is worked in the knotter-stand t' by pivot c², as shown in Figure 9,
wherein the arm 0¹ is broken away to show the said pivot more clearly. To the
lower end of this pivot a short arm m¹ is fastened; to the projecting end of this
arm a link-rod n is connected (see Figure 10), the other end of the said link-rod
being connected by an eye-piece d² to the vertical stud e in the vibrating lever n¹.
The said eye-piece has a hole with threads cut in it, and the end of the link
rod n has threads cut in it to enable the said piece 2 and rod n to be united, and
their lengtli adjusted. A spring f2 has one of its ends connected with the eye-
piece d, its other end being connected to a downward projection of the arm O
To the vibrating lever n' on the lower projecting end of the stud e² a roller o' is
pivoted. This lever at its other end is pivoted vertically to the arm O' at *.
For operating this lever, and by it through its connecting parts the cord-finger, a
track or vertical rail g**, g³, is raised on the switch-frame S equal in height to the
depth of the roller o', an opening h² being left between the parts g* and g³ of the
track for the passage, of the roller o¹ on its return movement, a deflecting track-
piece being connected with the part g2* near the opening h, so as to ensure the
passage of the roller o¹ through the said opening. The switch herein before
described being pivoted to the switch-frame S at a point near the end of part g³ of
the track, the roller o' on the arm n' in its backward and forward movements must
necessarily traverse opposite sides of the said part 3 and switch o, hereinafter
explained in the description of the operations of the machine.
To the cord-finger is connected a pressure-plate m which moves with it, and
in connection with the bail c¹ on the cord-holder V serves to grip the cord or string
and hold it after its release from the jaws of the said cord-holder. These several
parts are shown in working position in Figure 10.
For communicating rotary motion to the pinion q¹ on the lower end of the
knotter-shaft, two gear-wheels p' and q are united and supported on a fixed stud
projecting downward from the under side of the knotter-stand ; the wheel p¹ has
a hub a projecting below it, the two wheels and the said hub being connected so
as to revolve freely together on their supporting stud b* (see Figure 20) which has
an enlarged head that is recessed into the said hub a*, and serves to hold it in a
position on the stud. This hub has a flattened side ³ which serves in connection

page_text: with the projecting ribs p at the ends of the toothed sector S¹ on the switch frame S,
to lock and hold the said gear-wheels froin displacement, after the said hub has
passed beyond the influence of the said toothed sector S'. These gear-wheels are
.80 arranged that whilst the gear-wheel q engages with the pinion q¹ on the
knotter-shaft, the wheel p engages with the toothed sector S¹, and the hub a* is in
such a position that its flattened side will be locked by the ribs p when the gear
wheel p¹ is out of engagement with the sector S¹ (see Figures 2, 9, 10, 16,
and 20).
O represents a plate of the form shown in Figures 5 and 6, and located as
shown in Figures 1 and 2. This plate has an opening for the passage of the
needle, and for guiding the cord properly to the knotter under the action of the
cord-finger, and also serves to prevent the entrance of straw into the parts of
the knotter. The said plate is fastened to the outer end of the arm O' and above
the knotter by means of bolts or screws.
To receive and hold the grain until a sufficient quantity of the same has
accumulated to form a bundle or sheaf, a table or platform E¹ is provided, which
is supported at the knotter end when in position, as shewn in Figure 1, by a
horizontal arm projecting under it from the harvester-frame, its other end being
supported by a knee piece F bolted to it, and a flange-piece K³ on the upper
bearing of the vertical rock-shaft T¹. The said platform has formed in it an
opening P which is of sufficient width to enable the knotter-plate O, which
projects above it, to traverse it freely. This slot is curved in form to suit the path
in which the knotter-plate travels in connection with the arm 0¹,
Brackets Q, Q, Q, are fastened to the platform at their lower ends so as to move
with it, and are hollowed out on their front edges, these brackets serve as a ledge
against which the grain is pressed by the cord in encircling the sheaf or bundle,
and also assist in the separation of the grain to be bound from that being
discharged from between the aprons D' and E. The binding or grain receiving
table being located below and in front of the discharging ends of the said aprons
D' and E, the grain falls upon the upper part of the brackets, which are inclined
toward the said aprons, and are united by an inclined shelf 13, so that the grain
slides freely down in front of the said brackets. On the platform at cach side of
the slot P are fixed inclines or ways P1, P1, which assist in the completion of the
tying of the knot in the band by raising the bundle as it is carried outward by
the arm G so as to draw the knot tight. To hold the cord or string to be used in
binding, a box N¹ is provided and fastened by a bracket to the lower bearing
support of the vertical rock-shaft.
The said box has a hinged cover with a hole through it for the passage of the
cord N, a guide m³ is provided and supported on the hinge-end of the arm G
through which guide the cord N¹ passes from the box N to the tension sheave L',
passing first through an eye-piece n³ connected with the sheave, and thence once.
or twice around the said sheave. The cord or string then passes to the take up
sheave K¹, thence forward over the sheave at M, and through the needle eye over
the sheaves M to the jaws of the cord-holder V, as shown in Figure 9. The
tension-sheave L¹ has a spring and thumb-nut (not shown) for regulating the
pressure to give the desired tension.
The operation of my improved sheaf binding mechanism is as follows, that is to
say: The gear-wheel R has, as herein before described, a rotation from front to rear,
upwards and backwards, imparted to it through its connection with the main
supporting wheel C, and in its rotation the said wheel R through the lever I',
connecting it with the rock-shaft T', and by the pitman H' imparts to the arm G
an oscillating motion vertically, and a swinging motion laterally back and forth.
In these movements the needle descends as the arm O passes the centre line of
its backward movement, the needle point G passing down through the opening in
the knotter-plate, and on its return movement remaining below the plate, rising as
it approaches the forward throw of the arm O¹ and reaching its extreme elevation
when the arin O' reaches the central point of its extreme movement.

page_text: brings
When the needle in descending from the position shown in Figure 1 has reached
its lowest position (this position being shown in dotted lines in Figure 16), and the
arm Obaving oscillated from its extreme backward throw to near the centre of its
extreme return movement, the roller o' strikes the switch o and is thrown to the
left as it moves forward, and through its connection with, the cord-finger
the same into the position shown in Figure 10, the said finger bringing with it
both strands of the string or cord and holding them in the proper position for the
hook, which is open and projects at right angles from its spindle to catch the
said cord as it revolves. The flattened side of the hub a* of the pinion q then
leaves the rib p, and the teeth of the pinion wheel p are brought into gear with
the teeth S¹ of the toothed sector on the switch-frame S, causing the knotter-
spindle to revolve and wind the said strands of the cord around the knotter-
spindle below the hook, as shown in Figure 17. As the winding proceeds the
cord-carrier V rises on the cam U' (see Figure 16), thereby feeding the cord to the
knotter as it is taken up by the rotation of the spindle. The cord as it is fed to
the said knotter lies across the bail c', and as the cord-holder rises the top of the
said bail is raised high enough to carry the strands of the cord over and across
the hook at the completion of one revolution of the shaft, as shown in Figures 16
and 17. The cord-holder being at its highest point brings the bail c¹ up against
the under side of the pressure plate m, thereby clamping the cords sufficiently tight
to finish the process. The jaw W and i2, are then opened, as shown in Figure 12,
by the roller g of the lever f striking the switch ¹, and being forced outward,
holding the movable jaw V¹ and knife W' open until the roller
the said switch i', when the recoil of their springs closes them, severing, the cord
passes off from
above the jaws, the latter then close upon the cord and hold it, as shown in
Figure 10. The shape of the switch is such that in connection with the slot or
long opening g' in the movable jaw V, the cutter is moved in advance of the said
jaw V. The switch is of sufficient length to hold the jaws open and the cutter
back long enough for the rotation of the knotter to draw out the end of the cord in
the jaws of the cord-holder V, so that it will be above the cutter and the jaws will
only close on the needle end of the cord. This position of the cord is shown in
Figures 12 and 16. The knotter-hook is now caused to close upon the cord or
string by the action of the roller y and spring, this roller passing up the forward
incline of the cam rib e* formed on the under side of the switch-frame S, as shown
in Figure 4.
The forward movement of the arms O¹ and G then brings the bundle over the
inclined ways P1, P1, raises it and draws the loop off from the knotter spindle and
hook, and completes the knot, as shown in Figure 18; the roller y then strikes the
outer downwardly projecting rib e*, opens the hook 7, and releases the bundle, the
knot being completed on the band, as shown in Figure 14.
I will now proceed to point out the pieces of the mechanism which require to be
removed to enable the machine above described to be used for binding sheaves
with wire instead of cord or string, and will then describe the pieces which require
to be substituted for those removed, their mode of application and the operation of
the same in connection with the parts that are retained and used in common both 4
for cord and wire binding. I first remove from the cord-binder frame the switch-
frame S and its connected parts, I then remove from the arm O¹ the cord-holder V
and its connected parts, including the lever f, which is pivoted to the arm O' at h.
I then remove the knotter-stand with the several parts connected therewith,
including the lever pivoted in the arin O' at * and then the knotter-plate. All 5
the remaining parts are used except the cord-box N₁, which it is not necessary to
remove as the wire spool is supported by the spindle S³ on the cord-carrying-arm,
which when wire is used becomes the wire carrying arm.
In Figures 21 and 22 are shown all the pieces required for using wire for bands,
only so much of the parts of the binder common to both being shown as will fully 5
show the points of connection of the new parts substituted.
The twister-frame M² has a shear-plate O fastened to its upper surface with a

page_text: hole in it to correspond with the hole through the stand for the twister-spindle N2,
which is inserted in the frame or stand M and has fastened to it above the said stand
and close to the shear-plate, so as to turn with it, a revolving shear cutter P2. On
the spindle N above the cutter P2 is placed a clearer Q2 in which the spindle N2
revolves freely, the outer end of the said clearer being prevented from turning
with the spindle by a stud or pin R fastened to it, and inserted in a hole in the
twister stand M. On the said spindle above this clearer, and with sufficient space
for the wire to pass between it and the said clearer, is fastened the twister hook Sª
so as to turn with it. On the lower end of the spindle is fastened a pinion T2.
To the side of the twister-stand is secured a plunger socket U', in which the end
of the plunger V2 works, and serves to hold the end of the wire. This twister-
stand and its connected pieces are bolted to the end of the horizontal oscillating
arm O in place of the cord-knotter-stand t¹ which has been removed.
A segmental rack W2 is provided and pivoted to the underside of the arm O'
at i, so as to vibrate freely horizontally. This rack has a roller Y pivoted to its
under side at Z2, and has teeth A³ arranged on its inner edge in the arc of a circle
of which the pivot i is the centre. A guide piece B3 is bolted to the twister-stand,
and serves to support and guide the said rack. To the top of the twister-stand M'
by the ear C3 is pivoted an upper wire-holder D³, and to the wire plate E3 (shown
in dotted lines), which is secured to the arm 0¹, and serves as a finger to bring the
wire into position for the twister-hook and cutter, and hold the same after the
same is severed and free from the jaws of the plunger V2.
To the pivoted jaw of the wire-holder D³ is connected by a pivot at G³ one end
of a rod F3, whose other end passes through a hole in a stud H³ inserted in the
end of a vibrating lever 13 which is pivoted in the arm 0¹ at h. On the lower end
of this stud H3 which projects below the lever I³ is placed a roller K³. A pin L³
is inserted in the rod F3 outside of the stud H³, and a spring M³ is placed on the
rod inside of the said stud, and is held firmly against the latter by a pin in the
said rod F3 and a washer, as shown at N³. The plunger V2 has a lip or tooth 0³
formed near one end, which is inserted in its socket U2, its other end being inserted
in a stud P3 in the end of a vibrating arm Q3 which is pivoted to the arm O' at k*
in place of the arm which has been removed. On the lower end of this stud Ps
which projects below the arm Q³ a roller R³ is placed. On the extension of the
plunger beyond the stud P3 is placed a spring X³, the end of which rests against a
stop Y on the arm 0¹. A² represents a switch-frame which is bolted to the
binder-frame in place of the one removed; this switch-frame A2 has a curved rail
or way B for the roller c² of the arm O' to travel over, and assists in supporting
the said arm. A double cam-way C2 is formed in the said switch-frame A² of
irregular form, as shown by the parallel walls D2 and E2, which form its sides;
within this cam-way the roller Y2 of the rack W2 travels, the said roller being so
controlled by the said cam-way that the said rack receives its oscillating move-
ments on the pivot connection i in order to impart the necessary rotation to the
twister-hooks at the proper time.
A vertical cain-way F is formed on the switch, and to the switch-frame in
front of this cam-way at H2 is pivoted a two ended switch G2, the lower end of
the pivot of which has a short arm 12; to this arm is connected one end of a
spring J2, whose other end is connected to a similar arm K on the lower end of
the pivot of a trip-cam L², the said spring serving to keep both the switch and
trip-cam in proper working position.
The operation of my improved mechanism when thus adapted for binding sheaves
with wire is as follows, that is to say:-When the wire is threaded in the arın G,
and the needle G' in a similar manner to the core or string in the cord-binder,
with the end of the wire held by the plunger V2 and the socket U2, the said needle
carries the wire around the bundle and down through the opening Ts (shown in
dotted lines) with the needle near its lowest descent on the return movement of
the arm 0. The rack W2 is moved so as to give one of the hooks of the twister a
forward movement sufficient to bring it around the wire held in the jaw O³ of the

page_text: plunger V, the hook remaining at rest until the upper wire-holder is caused to
close on the wire by the roller K³ passing off of track F2 on to its inclined part Us,
and on the inside of the switch G2, forcing the lever I³ outward, and with it the
rod F³ so as to close the movable jaw V of the upper wire-holder against the
fixed jaw W³, thereby clamping both strands of the wire firmly. As the arm 0¹
advances the roller R³ of the lever Q3 is brought into contact with the trip-cam L²,
which throws it inward and draws the plunger V2 back in its socket so as to
release the end of the wire held therein; at the same time the rack W² is moved,
causing the twister-hook and cutter to revolve, thereby drawing the end of the
wire out of the jaw 03 and cutting it off; the following hook brings the needle-
wire across the plunger which closes its jaw 03 upon it, and the following cutter
severs it above the plunger; the hooks each engage with one end of the wire,
which as the hooks revolve is brought across the clearer Q2 and bent nearly at
right angles. The continued revolution of the twister-hooks twists the two
strands together, as shown by the band Figure 24. In the return movement of
the arm the roller K³ passes back outside of the switch G2, and the upper wire-
holder is opened and the completed bundle discharged; the revolution of the
twister hooks S2 in the reverse direction serves to liberate them from the ends of
the wire, the trip-cam L2 being free to swing back and permit the roller R³ to pass
it without affecting the plunger.
Having thus fully described the said Invention as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondent, and shown how the same may be conveniently and
advantageously carried into practice, I wish it understood that I claim,― ·
First. The knotting devices supported upon a vertically-pivoted horizontally-
oscillating arm, substantially as above set forth.
Second. The knotting devices supported upon the vertically pivoted horizontally
oscillating arm in. combination with a vertically oscillating and swinging cord-
carrying arm, substantially as shown and described.
Third. The knotting devices, carried on the vertically-pivoted horizontally-
oscillating arm, and the vertically oscillating and swinging cord-carrying arm, in
combination with a horizontal slotted grain-receiving table, as above set forth and
for the purposes specified.
Fourth. The knotting devices carried on the vertically-pivoted horizontally-
oscillating arm, the vertically oscillating and swinging cord-carrying arm, and the
slotted grain-receiving table, in combination with the inclined ways on the surface
of the said table, as above set forth and for the purposes specified.
Fifth. The knotting devices carried by the vertically-pivoted horizontally oscillating
arm in combination with the fixed-switch-frame, having a segmental-rack-or-toothed-
sector for imparting rotary motion to the knotter-spindle, substantially as herein
described and shown in the Drawing.
Sixth. The knotting devices carried by the vertically-pivoted horizontally-
oscillating arm in combination with a fixed switch-frame, having a cam-way for
imparting a vertical up and down movement to the cord-holder carried on the said
horizontally-oscillating arm, substantially as above described.
Seventh. The combination of the knotting devices carried on the vertically-
pivoted horizontally-oscillating arm, the cor-dholder pivoted to and receiving its
horizontal movements from the said arm, and its vertical movements from the
switch-frame, a vertically pivoted switch for opening the jaws of the said cord-
holder, and a spring for closing the same, substantially as above set forth.
Eighth. The cord-holder pivoted to the horizontally oscillating arın at one end,
so as to permit a vertical movement of its other or moving end, in combination
with a fixed vertically slotted guide piece for the said moving end, substantially as
above described.
Ninth. The combination of the vertical hollow knotter-spindle and its horizontally
hinged hook with the vertically pivoted cord-finger, substantially as above set
forth and for the purposes specified.
Tenth. The combination of the vertical hollow knotter-spindles and its

page_text: horizontally hinged book with the vertically-osenating cord-norder and one vertically
oscillating cord-carrying arm, as above set forth and for the purposes specified.
Eleventh. The combination of the vertical hollow knotter-spindle, the hook
hinged thereto, the cord-finger, and the vertically oscillating cord-holder; substantially
as above described.
Twelfth. The combination with the hollow knotter-spindle and its hook of the
connecting rod pivoted to the said hook, and united by trunnion connections with
its operating devices, substantially as herein described.
Thirteenth. The combination of the hollow knotter-spindle and its hook, the
connecting rod and its trunion connections, with the double armed pivoted lever
and the roller y, supported on the horizontally-oscillating arm, and the cam-way or
track e on the fixed switch-frame for operating the said hook, substantially as
above set forth and for the purposes specified.
Fourteenth. The hollow knotter-shaft or spindle and its pinion, the knotter-
hook, the connecting rod and its operating devices, and the intermediate gear-
wheels supported by the horizontally oscillating arm in combination with the
toothed sector on the fixed switch-frame, substantially as above described and
shown in the Drawings.
Fifteenth. The hollow knotter-shaft or spindle, its hook and operating devices,
the cord-finger l, the lever m¹, the link n, the lever n¹, and the pivoted switch o
for operating the same, all arranged and combined as above set forth and shown
in the Drawings and for the purposes specified.
Sixteenth. The cord-holder, its movable jaw, the knife, the link b having a cross-
head b¹, the link e, the pivoted lever f, and the pivoted switch i', all arranged and
combined as above set forth and as shewn in the Drawings for the purposes
specified.
Seventeenth. The pressure-plate in combination with the bail on the cord-
holder for holding the cord when released by the jaws of the said cord-holder,
substantially as described.
Eighteenth. The combination of the cord-finger, the pressure-plate, and the bail
on the cord-holder, as above set forth and for the purposes specified.
Nineteenth. The combination with the grain elevating and discharging aprons,
the horizontal slotted grain-receiving table located outside of and below the
discharging ends of, the said aprons, the vertically pivoted horizontally oscillating
arm arranged below the said platform and carrying a hollow vertically rotating
knotter-spindle and hook, the vertically oscillating cord-holder controlled in its
vertical movements by a fixed cam-way, and the vertically oscillating and swinging
cord-carrying arm hinged to the axis of the said horizontally oscillating arm, all
arranged, combined, and operating as above described with reference to the Drawings
and for the purposes specified.
Twentieth. The combination of the vertically rotating knotter, the vertically
oscillating cord-holder, and the oscillating take-up, as above set forth and for the
purposes specified.
Twenty-first. The combination of the vertically-rotating knotter-shaft supported
by an arm oscillating on a horizontal axis, the vertically oscillating and swinging
cord-carrying arm hinged to the same axis, the vertically oscillating cord-holder and
the take up K lever supported on the extension of the pitman H', the whole
arranged substantially as above described and shown in the Drawings.
Twenty second. The combination of the knotter-plate O, the horizontal knotter
carrying arm, the vertically oscillating and swinging cord-carrying arm, the
vertically oscillating cord-holder, and the vertically pivoted cord-finger, substantially
as above described.
Twenty third. The knotting devices mounted on a horizontally oscillating arm
supported on a vertical axis, the vertically oscillating and swinging cord-carrying
arm hinged to the upper end of the same axis, and the lever hinged to the lower
end of the said axis, and having its other end pivoted radially to the rotating gear-

page_text: wheel R, and connected by the pitman to the said cord carrying arm, all combined
and adapted to operate as above described.
Twenty fourth. The combination of the take up supported on the pitman
extension, and the sheaves K, L, M, and M¹, with the cord-carrying arm and cord-
holder V, as above set forth and for the purposes specified.
Twenty fifth. The combination of the intermediate gear-wheels arranged upon a
stud and their hub flattened, as at i³, with the ribs on the switch-frame, to provide
a stop and holder for the said wheels, substantially as above described.
Twenty sixth. The knotter-shaft and its pinion, the intermediate gear-wheels
arranged upon a stud, the toothed sector on the switch-frame, and the ribs or stops
for holding the said wheels, all arranged and adapted to operate as above
described.
Twenty seventh. The removable knotting devices and the removable switch-
frame and its devices, so combined with the horizontally-oscillating knotter-carrying
arm, the vertically oscillating and swinging cord-carrying arm, and the binder-
frame and their. operating mechanism, that the same may be removed, and wire
twisting, holding, and cutting mechanism substituted for the said knotting mechanism,
and a switch-frame carrying different mechanism for operating the wire twisting,
holding, and cutting devices substituted for the switch-frame carrying the operating
devices for the knotter, the whole being arranged and combined in the manner
above described and shown, to adapt the machine for binding sheaves with wire
instead of with cord or string as above set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said Henry Harris Lake, have hereunto set my
hand and scal, this Twenty-first day of January, in the year of our Lord
- One thousand eight hundred and eighty two.