IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR THRASHING, DRESSING, AND SCREENING GRAIN
Year: 1879

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Henry Brinsmead, of Ipswich, in the County of Suffolk,
for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR THRASHING, DRESSING,
AND SCREENING GRAIN."
Sealed the 12th August 1879, and dated the 26th February 1879.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Henry Brinsmead at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 26th February 1879.
HENRY BRINSMEAD, of Ipswich, in the County of Suffolk. "IMPROVEMENTS IN
APPARATUS FOR THRASHING, DRESSING, AND SCREENING GRAIN."
This Invention has for its object improvements in apparatus for thrashing, dressing,
and screening grain.
In order to prevent accidents which now frequently arise from persons falling
over the opening at which corn is fed into the machine and being caught by the
revolving drum of the machine, I provide a yielding drum guard arranged in such
manner that in case a man falls forward against it or falls on to it, so as either to
turn the guard upwards or downwards, a shield shall at once close the feeding
aperture whichever way the guard may be moved. To effect this I place above the
drum and parallel with it two axes, one above the other. The upper axis carries a
wooden guard, which stands upward and extends forward a distance above the inclined
board or shoot down which the corn is fed to the drum. The other axis has secured
to it a metal plate, which I call the shield. Ordinarily this stands upwards, and
comes against the front of the lower part of the guard; but if the guard is turned
on its axis in either direction the shield at once closes down over the top of the
drum and shuts off all access to it. To obtain this result the upper axis which
carries the guard has fixed to it two toothed quadrants of different lengths of
radius, one at each end. The quadrant of longer radius gears with a toothed wheel
on one end of the lower axis which carries the shield, and the shorter quadrant
gears into the top of a similar wheel at the other end of the axis of the shield.
The two toothed wheels are loose on the lower axis, but by clutches sliding end-
wise on the axis are locked to it when they turn in one direction, but when turned
Duine 1021

page_text: in the opposite direction the teeth of the two parts of the clutch slip over one
another, and the toothed wheel turns on the axis.
The teeth of the ratchet clutch at the two ends of the axis are in the same
direction, so that if the guard is turned in one direction one quadrant will turn the
wheel it gears with in a direction to revolve the axis which carries the shield, and
so will turn the shield down over the drum. If the guard is turned in the opposite
direction the same result takes place, only the axis of the shield is then turned in
the same direction by the other quadrant, and when the axis of the shield is turned
by either one or other of the pinions through its clutch, the pinion at the opposito
end of the axis turns in the opposite direction as the ratchet teeth of the two parts
of its clutch slip over one another. When the shield has thus been turned down to
cover over the top of the drum, it cannot be turned back to its original position
until the two toothed wheels on the axis of the shield are set free from the ratchet
clutches. Levers or other mechanism may be provided to allow of these clutches
being drawn back whenever it is required to set back the shield and guard to their
ordinary position. The springs which force together the two parts of the ratchet
clutches may be of any desired strength, so that when the guard has been set to the
position required it shall not too readily shift from that position.
In order to automatically feed forward corn to the drum of a thrashing machine
I use a succession of parallel shafts, all caused to revolve in the same direction, and
all provided with three or other number of rows of prongs or teeth projecting from
them, and the prongs carried by one shaft being so placed as to pass between the
prongs of the shafts next to it, in a similar manner to the revolving beaters or
shakers described in the Specification of a former Patent granted to me in the year
1852 (No. 572).
The corn thrown on to one end of the series of shafts is carried forward by them
as they revolve towards the opposite end of the series.
Here the corn bas to pass below a curved plato, which can be turned on hinges
so as to bring it nearer to or further away from the spikes of the parallel shafts,
and so diminish or increase the opening through which corn can pass to the drum.
The forward end of the plate where the cam first comes against it is curved
upwards, so as, as it were, to form a hopper mouth for the corn to enter; below it
in the plate are also a number of slots. Rake teeth are caused continuously to
pass down through the slots, and to enter into the upper part of the layer of corn
below the plate, and the teeth have then a forward movement given to them to
throw back the upper portion of the layer of corn. All excess of corn beyond that
which is required to pass to the drum is thus continuously thrown back and turned
over and over, so as to break up any masses of corn entangled together, and thus a
uniform feed is maintained. As the corn passes over the last of the series of
parallel shafts it comes on to a plate which passes back for a distance below the
series of shafts, and the corn is moved along this plate by the prongs of the shafts
until at the end of the plate it passes on to the drum. After the grain has been
beaten out of the ears by the drum the straw passes as usual on to a shaker.
The shakers usually employed are composed of a series of parallel frames, each
carrying cross slots, and secured at one end to a bar, which is suspended by sus-
pension rods, whilst below the centre of the frames they are acted on by a revolving
crank, the alternate frames being suspended at opposite ends. To improve the
action of shakers of this class, in place of forming each longitudinal frame in one
piece I form it in two, one extending from one end to a bearing on the crank pin,
and the other from the other end to another bearing on the same crank pin, and I
form each part with a tail piece extending below the other part to the end cross
bars, which are suspended by the suspension rod. Thus in place of one end only
of each frame being lifted and lowered by the action of the crank both ends will
be equally lifted and lowered, and thus the shaking action will be greatly increased.
In order to balance the weight of the shakers and prevent them resting with their
whole weight upon the crank pin I interpose a coiled spring between each part of

page_text: the frame and the tail piece of the other part of the frame which is below it.
When these springs are compressed to the extent of one half of their play by the
weight of the part of the frame above them they sustain the parts of the frame,
and none of their weight comes on the crank pin, and if one or other of them is
depressed and then released they will both oscillate up and down freely for a con-
siderable time; thus but little power is required to give to them their necessary up
and down movement.
Any grain which is mixed with the straw on the shakers drops out and passes
down between the cross slats or openings of the surface of the shaker frame, and
falls as usual on to the upper sieve. The upper jog shoe or frame which carries
these sieves I in a similar manner to that just described couple by springs with
the lower jog shoe or frame which carries the lower sieves. To do this I connect
to each side of the upper frame or jog shoe one end of a metal rod; the rod lies
parallel with the frame, and passes freely through a hole in a projection, which
stands up from the sides of the lower frame or jog shoe.
On the rod are two coiled springs, one to come on each side of the projection;
the opposite ends of the springs bear against collars on the rod. When each of the
jog shoes is at the central point of its to and fro movement the springs neutralize
one another, and there is no tendency for the jog shoes to move from this position.
When the jog shoes are moved in opposite directions one or other of the springs is
compressed; on the return movement of the shoes the spring again expands, and
aids the driving cranks to move the shoes.
The finishing dressing sieve (on to which the grain is passed after it comes from
the chaffing dressing sieve) I mount on the lower jog shoe, and elevate the grain
to it by a revolving elevator, which throws the grain up a trunk into a hopper,
from which it passes on to the finishing dressing sieve. After passing over this
sieve the grain passes to another elevator, which throws it up to the final revolving
adjustable screen, or it might be to an adjustable flat screen. The two elevators
are at the two ends of the axis of the fan which supplies the blast. The blast
from the fan I divide into two parts. One part is conducted at once below the
chafting dressing sieve; the other part is first conducted below the finishing
dressing sieve, and then passes onwards to the chafting dressing sieve.
In order to keep clear the spaces between the wires of the final revolving screen
1 form such screen in the manner described in the Specification of a former Patent
granted to me, No. 119, in the year 1875, and provide it with revolving clearers
formed as single or multiple threaded screws, as therein described.
I forin such clearers from wires or rods of a wedge shaped section, so that when-
ever the gauge of the sieve is diminished by bringing the wires of the sieve closer
together, as described in that Specification, the clearers cannot be nipped and held
fast between the wires, as they then spring outwards from between them sufficiently
to prevent their being held fast. To drive the clearers I form the gear wheels
which transmit motion to them from the axis of the screen, half with frictions urfaces
and half with spur teeth.
In some cases in place of employing a revolving screen for the final finishing of
the grains I employ a flat screen so formed that the cross bars or supports which
carry the wires of the sieve are on its upper surface, and yet offer no impediment
to the free passage of grain over the sieve. This allows of clearers being used on
the under side of the sieve to pass up between the wires, and to be moved freely to
and fro from one end of it to the other. The cross bars or supports which carry
the wires I also form in such a manner that the gauge of the screen can be increased
or diminished. To effect this I form each cross bar or support of two parallel
helices of wire of equal pitch placed side by side, and made to interlock with one
another, that is, all the coils of one helix hook into the coils of the other helix.
A third helix of smaller diameter and half the gauge of the other helices lies above
them and screws into or interlocks with the coils of both. A rod is passed through
this upper helix and forms the support by which the whole is carried. The lower

page_text: "
helices are of a pitch equal to double the distance between the wires of the sievë.
The wires of the sieve are secured alternately one to the bottom of a coil of one
helix the next to the bottom of a coil of the other helix, and so on for all the wires
as the helices pass completely across the screen. By bringing the sides of the
frame of the screen closer together or moving them further apart from one another
the helices are uniformly contracted or allowed to elongate, and so the gauge of
the screen can be increased or diminished. The clearers used for keeping clear the
spaces between the wires of this screen may be washers or discs carried on a rod
.below the screen, and standing up somewhat between the parallel wires, which
form the screen surface, and the rod can be moved to and fro continuously so as to
cause the clearers to traverse from one end of the screen to the other.
Or a coil of wire might be used as a clearer, the coil being mounted on a circular
rod cut away somewhat on its upper surface, so that the top of the coils may enter
between the parallel wires of the sieve.
Other constructions of clearers may however be used with the screen.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Henry Brinsmead in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 26th August
1879.
HENRY BRINSMEAD, of Ipswich, in the County of Suffolk,
APPARATUS FOR THRASHING, DRESSING, AND SCREENING GRAIN."
"IMPROVEMENTS IN
This Invention has for its object improvements in apparatus for thrashing,
dressing, and screening grain.
In order to prevent accidents which now frequently arise from persons falling
over the opening at which corn is fed into the machine, and being caught by the
revolving drum of the machine, I provide a yielding drum guard arranged in such
manner that in case a man falls forward against it or falls on to it so as either to
turn the guard upwards or downwards, a shield shall at once close the feeding
aperture whichever way the guard may be moved. To effect this I place above the
drum and parallel with it two axes, one above the other. The upper axis carries a
wooden guard, which stands upward and extends forward a distance above the
inclined board or shoot, down which the corn is fed to the drum. The other axis
has secured to it a metal plate, which I call the shield. Ordinarily this stands
upwards, and comes against the front of the lower part of the guard, but if the
guard is turned on its axis in either direction the shield at once closes down over
the top of the drum and shuts off all access to it. To obtain this result the upper
axis which carries the guard has fixed to it two toothed quadrants of different
lengths of radius (one at each end). The quadrant of longer radius gears with a
toothed wheel on one end of the lower axis which carries the shield, and the shorter
quadrant gears into the top of a similar wheel at the other end of the axis of the
shield. The two toothed wheels are loose on the lower axis, but by clutches sliding
endwise on the axis are locked to it when they turn in one direction, but when
turned in the opposite direction the teeth of the two parts of the clutch slip over
one another and the toothed wheel turns on the axis.
The teeth of the ratchet clutch at the two ends of the axes are in the same
direction, so that if the guard is turned in one direction one quadrant will turn the
wheel it gears with in a direction to revolve the axis which carries the shield, and
so will turn the shield down over the drum. If the guard is turned in the opposite
direction the same result.takes place, only the axis of the shield is then turned in
the same direction by the other quadrant, and when the axis of the shield is turned
by either one or other of the pinions through its clutch the pinion at the opposite
end of the axis turns in the opposite direction as the ratchet teeth of the two parts
of its clutch slip over one another. When the shield has thus been turned down
to cover over the top of the drum it cannot be turned back to its original position
until the two toothed wheels on the axis of the shield are set free from the ratchet
clutches. Levers or other mechanism may be provided to allow of these clutches
being drawn back whenever it is required to set back the shield and guard to their
ordinary position. The springs which force together the two parts of the ratchet
clutches may be of any desired strength, so that when the guard has been set to the
position required it shall not too readily shift from that position.
Figure 1 shows an end elevation, and Figure 2 a vertical section of a drum guard
arranged as above described.
A is the revolving drum of a thrashing machine; B, C, are the two axes mounted
above this drum. On the upper axis C is carried the wooden guard D, which
extends forwards a distance above the inclined board or shoot E, down which corn
is fed to the drum. On the axis B is the metal shield F, which ordinarily stands
upwards and rests against the front of the lower part of the guard D. On each
end of the axis B is also mounted loosely and so that it can turn thereon a toothed

page_text: -
wheel G. On the inner side of each of these toothed wheels is a ring of ratchet
teeth. A corresponding ring of teeth on a sliding clutch piece, which is free to
slide along the axis but cannot turn around it, is forced by a spring, as shewn,
against the ratchet teeth at the side of the toothed wheel. The inclination of the
ratchet teeth of both wheels and clutches are, as before stated, all formed in such a
direction that if either of the toothed wheels is turned in a direction to turn the
metal shield F downwards the clutch locks the toothed wheel and axis B together,
so that the axis turns with the toothed wheel; but if the toothed wheels are turned
in the opposite direction they slip around the axis and are not locked to it by the
clutch. H, I, are toothed quadrants fixed at the ends of the axis C, and gearing
⚫ one into the top of the toothed wheel G at one end of the axis B, and the other
into the bottom of the other toothed wheel G at the other end of the axis B; thus
when the guard and its axis C are turned in either direction the two toothed
wheels G will be caused to turn one in one direction, and the other in the opposite
direction. Thus whether the guard be pulled forward or pressed back, one or
other of the toothed wheels will always be turned in a direction to close down the
shield F and shut off all access to the drum.
In order to automatically feed forward corn to the drum of a thrashing machine
I use a succession of parallel shafts, all caused to revolve in the same direction, and
all provided with three or other number of rows of prongs or teeth projecting from
them, and the prongs carried by one shaft being so placed as to pass between the
prongs of the shafts next to it in a similar manner to the revolving beaters or
shakers described in the Specification of a former Patent granted to me in the year
1852 (No. 572).
The corn thrown on to one end of the series of shafts is carried forward by them
as they revolve towards the opposite end of the series.
Here the corn has to pass below a curved plate which can be turned on hinges
so as to bring it nearer to or further away from the spikes of the parallel shafts,
and so diminish or increase the opening through which corn can pass to the
drum.
The forward end of the plate where the corn first comes against it is curved
upwards so as, as it were, to form a hopper mouth for the corn to enter below it ;
in the plate are also a number of slots. Rake teeth are caused continuously to
pass down through the slots, and to enter into the upper part of the layer of corn
below the plate, and the teeth have then a forward movement given to them to
throw back the upper portion of the layer of corn. All excess of corn beyond that
which is required to pass to the drum is thus continuously thrown back and turned
over and over so as to break up any masses of corn entangled together, and thus a
uniform feed is maintained. As the corn passes over the last of the series of parallel
shafts it comes on to a plato which passes back for a distance below the series of
shafts, and the corn is moved along this plate by the prongs of the shafts until at
the end of the plate it passes on to the drum.
In place of using in the apparatus above described a series of axes carrying teeth
an endless band with teeth projecting from it may be used.
Figure 3 is a plan view, and Figure 4 a vertical section of apparatus arranged as
above described for automatically feeding corn to the drum of a thrashing
machine.
A is a series of triangular shafts which are all caused to revolve simultaneously in
the same direction in the manner shown. Each shaft carries three rows of prongs B,
and the prongs carried by one shaft are so placed as to pass between the prongs of
the shafts next to it. The corn is fed forward from the inclined board O on to the
shafts and prongs, and as they revolve they carry the corn forward to the curved
plate D. This curved plate turns on a hinge at D', so that its position may be
adjusted. In the curved plate are a number of slots, through which pass rako
teeth E carried by the front bar of a frame F. This frame is jointed at G to a
frane H, which is free to rock on axes at H. I, I, are cranks on an axis J, by
which the forward part of the frame F is supported, and by which a rising and

page_text: Taming and a backward and forward movement is given to the frame and to the rake
teeth E.
The bearings of the crank axis J are carried by a frame which can also turn on
an axis at H, so that this axis may be raised or lowered and locked in any desired
position either by the means shewn or by other suitable means. The crank axis
has a revolving motion given to it by a band working over a pulley on its end.
The rake teeth, as before explained, serve to throw back all excess of corn beyond
that which is required to be allowed to pass to the drum, and to break up any
masses of entangled corn which may come under their action. A uniform feed of
corn is thus maintained past the curved plate D, and comes on to the plate K,
which passes back below the spiked shafts A, and the corn is moved back along it
by the spikes, as before explained, and is delivered to the thrashing drum L.
At Figure 5 I have shown how an endless band carrying spikes may be used in
place of the series of spiked shafts A. It will be seen that its action is precisely
the same as that of the spiked rollers.
After the grain has been beaten out of the ears by the drum the straw passes as
usual on to a shaker.
The shakers usually employed are composed of a series of parallel frames, each
carrying cross slabs and secured at one end to a bar which is suspended by
suspension rods, whilst below the centre of the frames they are acted on by a
revolving crank, the alternate frames being suspended at opposite ends. To improve
the action of shakers of this class in place of forming each longitudinal frame in one
piece I form it in two, one extending from one end to a bearing on the crank pin,
and the other from the other end to another bearing on the same crank pin; and
I form each part with a tail piece extending below the other part to the end cross
bars which are suspended by the suspension rods. Thus in place of one end only
of each frame being lifted and lowered by the action of the crank both ends will be
equally lifted and lowered, and thus the shaking action will be greatly increased
without increasing the rate at which the shaker feeds the straw forwards. In
order also to balance the weight of the shakers and prevent them resting with their
whole weight upon the crank pin I apply springs in such manner as to transfer the
weight of the frames or shaker boxes from the crank axis to the suspending rods.
In the arrangement above described this may readily be effected by interposing a
coiled spring between each part of the frame and the tail piece of the other part of
the frame which is below it. The springs are made of such a strength that with-
out any aid from the crank they will sustain the frames or boxes approximately in
a mean position, and the work the crank has to do is little more than to establish
and control their oscillations. Thus but little power is required to give to them
their necessary up and down movement.
Figure 6 is a plan of a straw shaker constructed according to my Invention;
Figure 7 is a longitudinal section and Figure 8 is a transverse section of the same;
Figure 9 is a plan view of the frame of one part or division of one of the shaker
boxes, and shews clearly the manner in which they are constructed and in which
they are jointed to one of the cranks of the crank shaft.
A is a portion of the frame of the thrashing machine; the stationary bearings of
the crank axis B are carried by it. The cranks for acting on the alternate shaker
boxes are on opposite sides of the crank axis, as shewn at Figure 8, so that when
one rises the other descends, as is usual. C, C, are bars suspended by their upper
ends from the frame; D are transverse bars attached to the lower ends of the
suspension bars; E, E, are the halves or divisions of the shaker boxes, each formed
with a tail piece F, as above explained; the tail pieces F are jointed to the bars D.
There are two sets of suspension bars C and transverse bars D at each end of the
shaker. The tail pieces of the two halves or divisions of one shaker box are jointed
one to the outer bar at one end of the shaker, the other to the outer bar at the
other end of the shaker. The tail pieces of the two halves or divisions of the
next shaker box are similarly jointed to the two inside bars, and so on alternately.
The alternate boxes are thus free to move independently one of the other as in, an

page_text: 'ordinary shaker.: The two halves or divisions of each shaker box are each attached
by a bearing to one and the same crank. G, G, are cross slats or bars with which
"the surface of the two halves or divisions of the several shaker boxes are covered.
In Figure 6 these slats or bars are only shown on one of the shaker boxes; the
frames of the other shaker boxes are shewn without these bars. H, H, are coiled i
-springs interposed between the tail pieces F and the under side of the balves or
divisions E of the shaker boxes.
The springs are attached by suitable connections, as the Drawing shews.
As before stated these springs are made approximately of such a strength that
they sustain the halves or parts of the shaker boxes approximately in a mean 1
position without assistance from the crank, and as the crank to which the halves or
parts of such shaker boxes are jointed rises an extension or partial relief of the
springs takes place, and as it descends there is on the contrary a further com-
pression of the springs.
The next improvements relate to the treatment of the grain that passes from the
thrashing drum and shaker. Any grain which is mixed with the straw on the
shakers drops out and passes down between the cross slats or openings of the surface
of the shaker frame and falls as usual on to the upper sieves. The upper jog shoe
or frame which carries these sieves I in a somewhat similar manner to that just
described couple by a pair or pairs of springs with the lower jog shoe or frame :
which carries the lower sieves, that is, I couple them together by the springs in
such a manner that when each of the jog shoes is at the central point of its to and
fro movement the springs neutralize one another, and there is no tendency for the
jog shoes to move from this position, but when the jog shoes are moved in opposite
directions one or other of the springs is compressed, and on the return movement
of the shoes this spring again expands and aids the driving cranks to move the
shoes.
Figure 10 shews a plan view, Figure 11 a longitudinal section of these parts of a
thrashing machine, and of other parts working in connection with them, as herein-
after described. A is the upper jog shoe and B the lower jog shoe; they are coupled
to the opposed cranks on a crank shaft C as is usual, so that they are thrown to
and fro by the cranks in opposite directions. D is a rod carried by the frame of
the upper jog shoe; on this rod are two coiled springs E. Between the adjacent
ends of these springs a projection from the frame of the lower jog shoe enters; this
projection can slide freely to and fro along the rod D. When the jog shoes are
thrown by the cranks in opposite directions one of the springs gets further com-
pressed and the other relieved.
The two jog shoes with the sieves carried by them I make approximately of the
same weight. The upper jog shoe is carried by links F, and the lower jog shoe by
links G.
The upper jog shoe carries the caving riddles by which short straws called cavings
are separated from the chaff and grain. The grain drops down through the sieve
and is conducted down to the chaffing dressing sieve H carried by the lower jog
shoe. The grain after passing over or through this sieve is conducted by a shoot to
another sieve I, and passing through this sieve is conducted into the casing by
which a revolving elevator J is surrounded. This elevator is, as shown in the cross
section, Figure 12, at one end of the axis of the revolving fan K, and throws the
grain upwards into a hopper L from which the grain descends on to a finishing
dressing sieve M mounted on the lower jog shoe, and after passing over this sieve is
conducted by a shoot to a second elevator N at the opposite end of the axis of the
fan; by this elevator the grain is thrown up to an adjustable screen O. The screen O
in the arrangement shewn in the Drawing is a flat screen made adjustable in the
manner herein after described, but a revolving screen, or screen of other ordinary
construction may be used instead of it.
The screen O is supported by suspending links, and is coupled by links P with
the lower jog shoe, and thereby caused to shake to and fro with it.
By mounting the finishing dressing sieve M on the lower jog shoe and using two

page_text: a
elevators, one to raise the grain to the sieve M, and the other to raise the grain
after it has passed over this sieve and convey it to the final adjustable finishing
screen, so dividing the lifting of the grain into two operations. The grain bas not
to be lifted by either of the elevators to the same extent as heretofore requisite, and
therefore need not be struck as violently as heretofore by the revolving blades of
the elevators; breakage and injury of the grain is consequently avoided.
The blast from the fan K I divide into two parts; one part is conducted at once
below the chaffing dressing sieve, the other part is first conducted below the
finishing dressing siove and then passes onwards to the chaffing dressing sieve, as
shown at Figure 11.
Another improvement relates to the construction of revolving clearers used
with adjustable revolving screens. The improvement relates to revolving clearers
formed as screws, and used with screens that are made adjustable in the manner
described in the Specification of a former Patent granted to me, No. 119, in the
year 1875.
I now form such clearers from wires or rods of a wedge shaped section, such as
shown at Figure 13, so that whenever the gauge of the sieve is diminished by
bringing the wires of the sieve closer together, as described in that Specification,
the clearers cannot be nipped and held fast between the wires, as they then spring
outwards from between them sufficiently to prevent their being held fast.
Another improvement relates to the manner of driving the revolving clearers. I.
form the gear wheels which transmit motion to them from the axis of the screen
half with friction surfaces and half with spur teeth, as shewn at Figures 14 and 15.
By this means I ensure that the clearers shall always enter the same distance
between the wires of the screen.
Another improvement consists in constructing flat screens used for screening
grain in such a manner that the cross bars or supports which carry the wires of the
sieve are on its upper surface and yet offer no impediment to the free passage of
grain over the sieve. This allows of clearers being used on the under side of the
sieve to pass up between the wires and to be moved freely to and fro from one end of
it to the other. The cross bars or supports which carry the wires I also form in such
a manner that the gauge of the screen can be increased or diminished. To effect
this I form each cross bar or support of two parallel helices of wire of equal pitch,
by preference placed simply side by side, but they might be made to interlock with
one another, that is, all the coils of one helix hook into the coils of the other helix.
A third helix of smaller diameter and half the gauge of the other helices lies above
them and screws into or interlocks with the coils of both. A rod is passed through
this upper helix and forms the support by which the whole is carriod. The lower
helices are of a pitch equal to double the distance between the wires of the sieve.
The wires of the sieve are secured alternately, one to the bottom of a coil of one
helix, the next to the bottom of a coil of the other helix, and so on for all the wires
as the helices pass completely across the screen.
The
By bringing the sides of the frame of the screen closer together, or moving them
further apart from one another, the helices are uniformly contracted or allowed to
elongate, and so the gauge of the screen can be increased or diminished.
clearers used for keeping clear the spaces between the wires of this screen may be
washers or discs carried on a rod below the screen and standing up somewhat
between the parallel wires which form the screen surface, and the rod can be moved
to and fro continuously so as to cause the clearers to traverse from one end of the
screen to the other.
Or a coil of wire might be used as a clearer, the coil being mounted on a circular
rod cut away somewhat on its upper surface so that the top of the coils may enter
between the parallel wires of the sieve.
Other constructions of clearers may however be used with the screen.
The flat adjustable screen O shewn at Figures 10, 11, and 12, is formed in the
above manner. Detail view of parts of this screen are shewn at Figures. 16

page_text: Along two opposite sides of the screen are rods P, one of which is shown at
Figure 16, each having upon it a wire helix; the ends of the wires of the sieve are
secured to these helices. Along the centre of the sieve the wires are supported in
the manner above explained. The wires are secured to two helices Q placed side
by side. A third helix R interlocks with both helices Q; through the helix R
passes a strong rod which at its ends is supported by the two ends of the frame of
the sieve, and the rod thus serves to support the straight wires of the sieve at their
centre. The two side rods P have upon them small chain wheels Z, and these are
geared together by an endless chain, as shown at Figure 17, or they might be
otherwise geared together, so that when one is turned the other shall turn with it.
At the other extremity of each of tho rods is a screw thread that screws through
the end of the frame of the sieve; this end is moveable and can be brought nearer
to or further from the opposite and fixed end. When either one or other of the
rods: P is turned in one or other direction, the other turns with it, and the moveable
end is either moved towards or away from the fixed end of the frame of the sieve.
The several helices are thus all caused to contract or elongate uniformly, and the
wires of the sieve thereby brought nearer together or moved further apart.
The clearer shewn as being used with this sieve to keep clear the spaces between
the wires is formed of a rod S, having upon it a number of loose washers or discs,
which stand up somewhat between the wires which form the screen surface; the rod
at its ends is supported between guides at the ends of the frame of the sieve, and
is moved to and fro by connecting rods T passing from its ends to cranks U, to
which a slow revolving motion is imparted.
t.
As before stated, a coil of wire might be mounted on the rod, and its coils enter
between the wires, which form the screen surface in place of using discs. In this
case the upper surface of the rod would be somewhat flattened, to allow the coils to
stand up from it and enter between the parallel wires of the sieve.
It will be seen that the wires forming the screen surface of the screen O of the
machine shewn at Figures 10, 11, and 12 are crosswise of the sieve. This arrange-
ment is adopted simply for the sake of convenience. Ordinarily the wires forming
the screening surface would be placed lengthwise of the screen, and the sides of the
screen would be made so that they could be moved nearer to or further from one
another. Figures 18, 19, and 20 shew an adjustable flat screen made in this
manner: A, A, are the two opposite sides of the frame of the sieve; they are held
together by two rods B, B, having near their ends right and left handed screws,
which screw through corresponding screw threaded passages in the sides A. The
ends of the rods carry rollers, to rest upon inclined guides and act as runners for
supporting the screen, and allowing it to be freely rocked to and fro. C, C, are
cross rods passing through holes in the sides A. R, R, are wire helices on these
rods; the coils of these helices interlock with the coils of two helices Q, to which
are secured the wires which. form the sieve surface. The clearer shewn as being
used with this sieve is composed of a number of discs mounted on a rod S, which
is moved to and fro by its being connected at its ends by short cords or chains to
two endless chains V, which work over pairs of chain wheels W. One of the chain
wheels, of one pair is on the same axis as one of the chain wheels of the other pair,
so that if the wheels are turned both ends of the rod S will be moved a uniform
distance. Any convenient arrangement may be adopted for giving a slow revolving
motion to the chain wheels W. Adjustable flat screens formed as hereinbefore
described may be used, not only in combined machines for thrashing and dressing
grain, but are also applicable generally for screening grain.
Having thus described the nature of my Invention, and the manner of performing
the same, I would have it understood that I claim,-
First. The combination of guard and shield, acting substantially in the manner
hereinbefore described, to prevent persons from falling onto the revolving thrashing
drum.
Second. The combination of apparatus for securing a uniform feed of corn to the
drums of thrashing machines substantially as hereinbefore described.

page_text: Third. In the construction of straw shakers, in which the shaker frames or boxes
are connected at the centre with a crank, and are controlled at one end by sus-
pending bars or other equivalent instruments; the application of springs in such
manner as to relieve the crank axis from the weight of the frames or boxes, and
cause the same to be borne by the suspending bars or their equivalents, substantially
as described.
Fourth. The division of the frames or boxes of straw shakers each into two parts,
for the purpose hereinbefore described, each part being connected by a bearing with
the crank, and each having a tail piece projecting from it beyond the crank, which
tail pieces are supported by suspended swinging bars, or otherwise suitably sup-
ported, by which construction of straw shaker increased shaking action is obtained
without increasing the speed at which the straw is carried forward.
Fifth. The construction of straw shakers, substantially as hereinbefore described,
and shewn in the Drawing annexed.
Sixth. Coupling together by springs, substantially in the manner hereinbefore
described, the upper and lower jog shoes, which carry the sieves of machinery for
dressing and screening grain.
Seventh. Providing two revolving elevators of the kind herein before.described
and shewn in the Drawings, one to raise the grain on to a finishing sieve on the
lower jog shoe, the other to raise the grain after it has passed over this sieve, and
convey it to the adjustable screen by which the screening is effected.
Eighth. The combined arrangement of machinery for dressing and screening
grain, substantially as hereinbefore described, and illustrated at Figures 10, 11,
and 12.
Ninth. The construction of revolving clearers formed as screws used with adjust-
able revolving screens from wires or rods of a wedge shaped section for the purpose
described.
Tenth. Driving revolving clearers, which are formed as screws, and which are
used with adjustable revolving screens by gear wheels on the axis of the screen and
clearers respectively, such gear wheels being formed with friction surfaces for part
of their width, and spur teeth for the remainder of their width, the friction surfaces
serving to prevent the clearers entering too far between the wires of the screen.
Eleventh. The construction of flat screens with the wires forming the screening
surface, supported at a point or points intermediate of their length by helical coils
of wire, substantially as herein before described.
Twelfth. The construction of adjustable flat screens, substantially in the manner
horein before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Henry Brinsmead, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Twenty third day of August, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy nine.
HY. BRINSMEAD. (L.S.)