IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR EFFECTING AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS, PARTS OF THE SAID IMPROVEMENTS BEING APPLICABLE FOR THE OBTAINMENT OF MOTIVE POWER FOR GENERAL PURPOSES
Year: 1855

page_text: En the Matter of a Patent granted to John Henry Johnson, of 47,
Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of Middlesex, and of Glasgow,
North Britain, Gentleman, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR EFFECTING AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS,
PARTS OF THE SAID IMPROVEMENTS BEING APPLICABLE FOR THE OBTAINMENT
OF MOTIVE POWER FOR GENERAL PURPOSES," dated the Sixth day of
January, One thousand eight hundred and fifty-five, to which a
Specification has been duly filed, and which said Letters Patent
have been duly assigned to Robert Romaine, of Canada West, in
North America, Printer and Publisher, by Indenture, bearing date
the Twenty-first day of December, One thousand eight hundred
and fifty-five.
[The words printed in Italics are in Red Ink in the original.]
ORANDUM OF ALTERATION proposed to be entered by the said
Robert Romaine, as such assignee as aforesaid, pursuant to the Statutes
n that case made and provided.
HEREAS the said Letters Patent were applied for and granted to the
ohn Henry Johnson, as my agent, and for an Invention made by me:
whereas since the filing of the said Specification, and the assigning of the

page_text: said Letters Patent, I have ascertained that the said John Henry Johnson did
in error describe a portion of my Invention in terms not sufficiently correct
and clear to be understood by mechanical men, and that the said John Henry
Johnson did, in an after part of the said Specification, which sets forth a series
of particular claims to novelty, altogether misapply the terms of the sixth claim,
which has reference to the above-mentioned portion of my Invention, and is
totally distinct from that portion to which he made such sixth claim, referrable,
as will clearly appear by reference, to that part of the Specification to which
such sixth claim is appropriate and was intended to apply: I therefore wish
to alter, and I do hereby alter, the said Specification, by making the slight
verbal alterations, shewn by red ink in the copy of the Specification hereunto
annexed, by striking out certain words and substituting other words in the
written parts thereof, in order to make sense of the Specification, and give due
significance to it in respect of the amended portions, both of which I declare
to relate to one and the same part of my Invention.
In witness whereof, I, the said Robert Romaine, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Nineteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-six.
Witness,
JNO. BLYTHE ROBINSON,
Solicitor,
Beverley.
ROBT ROMAINE. (L.S.)
1, JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of
Middlesex, and of Glasgow, North Britain, Gentleman, do hereby declare the
nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS
FOR EFFECTING AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS, PARTS OF THE SAID IMPROVEMENTS BEING
APPLICABLE FOR THE OBTAINMENT OF MOTIVE POWER FOR GENERAL PURPOSES," a
communication from abroad, to be as follows:-
This Invention relates generally. to the improved arrangement and con-
struction of machinery or apparatus for effecting agricultural operations, for
which Letters Patent for Great Britain were granted to me on or about the
Tenth day of May, One thousand eight hundred and fifty-three. As arranged
for digging or working land, the improved agricultural machine consists of an
open framework of wood and metal, running upon a pair of large loose wheels
set in front of the actual digging details, and are capable of being drawn by horses
with shafts or traction gear in the usual manner. The frameworks is extended

page_text: downwards to.carry the transverse shaft of the digging or working cylinder,
behind.which.shaft, at the extreme.hind end of the machine, is a bearing or
supporting, roller, for. relieving the frame of a portion of its dead weight. The
transverse digging shaft,has keyed upon it a metal cylinder, on which are bolted
a set of arms for carrying the digging bars or knives. These arms are set at
equal.distances.apart.upon the circumference of the cylinder, and they radiate
outwards, their outer. ends. having bolted or rivetted to them a corresponding
set. of bars or diggers, running from end to end of the digging cylinder. The
edges of these bars, which are either plain or serrated, are so that, on the revo-
lution of the cylinder, they are the most favorably disposed for entering the
earth, and they are either made to run parallel with the digging axle, or are
set-spirally or inclined thereto.; or these bars may be formed in double angular
lengths, so as to present points and inclined surfaces to the earth during
working. The digger is actuated by a pair of horizontal steam engines, set
one on each side of the plane, the connecting rods of the two cylinders being
respectively jointed to cranks revolving horizontally. These cranks are
set upon vertical spindles, the lower ends of which have keyed upon them
bevil wheels, gearing with larger bevil wheels, fast one on each end of the
digger shaft. These larger bevil wheels are concealed quite within the two
open ends of the .digger cylinder, so, that the latter can work quite close
down to the surface of the land without endangering the action of the gear-
ing. The same vertical driving: spindles have each a bevil pinion gearing
with a corresponding pinion on the after end of a short horizontal
shaft running longitudinally, this latter shaft having upon it a clutch and
double bevil pinion arrangement for driving an intermediate bevil wheel
in alternate directions. The gearing is precisely the same on each side, and
the two intermediate bevil wheels are fast upon the two ends of a trans-
verse shaft set just, behind the main carrying wheels of the machine. This
transverse shaft has upon it a pair of metal pulleys, formed with india-rubber
or other elastic surfaces, each of which surfaces is opposed to the broad peri-
phery of one of the main carrying wheels. With this arrangement, as the
digging goes on, the digging bars are kept well fed up to their work by the
propelling action given to the main carrying wheels from the engine shaft
through the elastic drums. The attendant can at pleasure disengage this
system of driving by means of a quick screw or other movement, which shall
draw the elastic drums out of contact with the main carrying wheels. A
windlass in front of the frame is fitted up for the purpose of tipping the frame.
A transverse framepiece or levelling board is attached to the frame behind the

page_text: digger, for the purpose of smoothing off the earth after the disturbing effect of
the digger, and at the same part a seed sower may also be attached. The
leveller and seed box détails are arranged on the same general plan as already
described in the Specification of my Patent of 1853.3
.
My Invention relates also to the obtainment of.. motive power by the use of
à vertical tubular steam boiler, which, when applied to my agricultural
machine, is disposed upon a central platform upon the frame between the two
driving steam cylinders. This boiler consists of an external conical shell, or
this shell may be a flattened conc. This shell forms the water space for the
boiler feed. The bottom is formed by a narrów.water space, inclined or angled,
to suit the flue tubes, the lower ends of which open into this water space. The
tubes are conically disposed; that is to say, they are set in a wide ring, enclosing
the fire bars at the bottom just above the bottom water space, whilst they slope
towards each other to form a narrow ring at the top. The upper ends of the
tubes open into an overhead steam' chamber. The flue tubes may be thus set
any number of rings ör lines, taking care to break joint in each row or series.
In this way the tubes form a species of hollow cone for the reception of the
heat as the furnace current rises directly up from the bars, and works through
or between the flue tubes, thus giving off a most effective heating. power, the
whole of the tubes being enclosed by an outer shell set within the water.space
shell. Any waste steam from the chamber above may be blown down into
heating sections disposed inside the feed water shell.
in
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said John Henry Johnson in. the Great Seal Patent Office on the
Sixth July, One thousand eight hundred and fifty-five.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOHN
HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of Middlesex,
and of Glasgow, North Britain, Gentleman, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Sixth day of January, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and fifty-five, in the eighteenth year of Her reign,
did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said
John Henry Johnson, Her special license that I, the said John Henry Johnson,
my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said John
Henry Johnson, my executors; administrators; or assigns, should at any time

page_text: agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during
the term therein expressed; should and lawfully might make, use, exercise,
and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the
Channel Islands; and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR EFFECTING AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS, PARTS OF
THE SAID IMPROVEMENTS BEING APPLICABLE FOR THE OBTAINMENT OF MOTIVE
POWER FOR GENERAL PURPOSES," a communication from abroad, upon the con-
dition (amongst others) that I, the said John Henry Johnson, by, an instru-
ment in writing under my hand and seal, should particularly describe and
ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was
to be performed; and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent
Office within six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the
said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said John Henry Johnson, do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement, reference being had to the accompanying Drawings, and to the letters
and figures marked thereon, that is to say:-
This Invention relates generally to the improved arrangement and con-
struction of machinery or apparatus for effecting agricultural operations, for
which Letters Patent for Great Britain were granted to me on or about the
Tenth day of May, One thousand eight hundred and fifty-three. As arranged
under one modification for digging or working. land, the improved agricultural
machine consists of an open. framework of wood or metal, running upon a
pair of large! loose wheels set in front of the actual digging details, and
capable of being drawn by horses with a pole or shafts or traction gear in the
usual manner. The framework is extended downwards to carry the transverse
shaft of the digging or working cylinder, behind which shaft, at the extreme hind
end of the machine, is a bearing or supporting roller, for relieving the frame of
a portion of its dead weight. The transverse digging shaft has keyed upon it
a metal cylinder, on which are bolted a set of arms for carrying the digging
bars or knives. These arms are set at equal distances apart upon the circum-
ference of the cylinder, and they radiate outwards, their outer ends being
bolted or rivetted to them, a corresponding. set of bars or diggers running from
end to end of the digging cylinder. The edges of these bars, which are either
plain or serrated, are set so that, on the revolution of the cylinder, they are the
most favorably disposed for entering the earth, and they are either made to
run parallel with the digging axle or are set spirally or inclined thereto; or

page_text: thėse. bars. may be. formed in double angular lengths, so as to present points
and inclined surfaces to the earth.during working. The digger is actuated by
a pair of horizontal steam engines, set one on each side of the frame, the
connecting rods, of the two cylinders. being respectively jointed to cranks
revolving horizontally. These cranks are fast upon vertical spindles, the lower
ends of which have keyed upon them bevil wheels gearing with larger bevil
wheels, fast one on each end of the digger shaft. These larger bevil wheels are
concealed quite within the two open ends of the digger cylinder, so that the
latter can work quite close down to the surface of the land without endanger-
ing the action of the gearing. The same vertical driving spindles have each
a bevil pinion, gearing with a corresponding pinion on the after end of a short
horizontal shaft running longitudinally, this latter shaft having upon it a
clutch and double bevil pinion arrangement, for driving an intermediate bevil
wheel in alternate directions. The gearing is precisely the same on each side,
and the two intermediate bevil wheels are fast upon the two ends of a transverse
shaft set just behind the main carrying wheels of the machine. This trans-
.verse shaft has upon it a pair of metal pulleys, formed with india-rubber or
other elastic surfaces, each of which surfaces is opposed to the broad periphery
of one of the main carrying wheels. With this arrangement, as the digging
goes on, the digging bars are kept well fed up to their work by the 'propelling
action given to the main carrying wheels from the engine shafts through the
elastic drums. The attendant can at pleasure disengage this system of driving
gear by means of a quick screw or other movement, which shall draw the
elastic drums out of contact with the main carrying wheels. A windlass
in front of the frame is fitted up for the purpose of tipping the frame. A
transverse frame piece or levelling board is attached to the frame behind the
digger, for the purpose of smoothing off the earth after the disturbing effect of
the digger, and at the same part a seed sower may be also attached. The
leveller and seed box details are arranged on the same general plan as already
described in the Specification of the Patent granted to me in One thousand
eight hundred and fifty-three..
My Invention relates also to the obtainment of motive power by the use of
a vertical tubular steam boiler, which, when applied to my : agricultural
machine, is disposed upon a central platform upon the frame between the two
driving steam cylinders. This boiler consists of an external conical shell, or the
shell may be a flattened cone. This shell forms the water space for the boiler
feed. The bottom is formed by a narrow water space, inclined or:angled, to
suit the flue-tubes, the lower ends. of which open into this water space... The

page_text: tubes are conically disposed, that is to say, they are set in a wide ring, enclosing
the fire bars at the bottom just above the bottom water space, whilst they
slope towards each other to form a narrow ring at the top. The upper ends
of the tubes open into an overhead steam chamber. The flue tubes may be
thus set in any number of rings or lines, taking care to break joint in each
row or series. In this way the tubes form a species of hollow cone for the
reception of the heat as the furnace current rises directly up from the bars,
and works through or between the flue tubes, thus giving off a most effective
heating power, the whole of the tubes being enclosed by an outer shell set
within the water space shell. Any waste steam from the chamber above may
be blown down into heating sections disposed inside this feed water shell.
And in order that the said Invention may be more properly understood, I
shall now proceed to describe the several Figures on the Sheets of Drawings
hereunto attached, and illustrating the Invention, under a forni somewhat
modified from that already herein-before referred to.
Figure 1, on Sheet 1 of the Drawings, represents a complete side elevation
of the machine with the digger out of action; and Figure 2 is a corresponding
plan of the same; and Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 'are separate details of the
digging or working cylinder and blades, which will be herein-after more fully
described and referred to.
As arranged for digging or working land, the improved agricultural machine
consists of an open framework A, composed of wood and metal, running upon
a pair of large loose wheels B, B, set in front of the actual digging details,
and carried by the cranked or bent axle B', passing under the bottom of the
boiler B. The frame is capable of being drawn by horses, with a pole,
shafts, or traction gear, in the usual manner. The peripheries of these running
wheels are made of sufficient width to prevent the machine from sinking
too deeply into the land when in operation. The framework A is extended
downwards to carry the transverse shaft C of the digging or working cylinder
D, behind which shaft, at the extreme back part of the machine, is a bear-
ing or supporting roller E, for relieving the framework of a portion of its dead
weight when in action, and to serve as a land roller. This roller is retained
between the two side frames F by a rod or bolt G, passed through it from end
to end, and it may be adjusted in height so as to regulate the 'depth of the
digging or working cylinder by means of the holes H in the frame. The
transverse digging shaft has keyed upon it the metal cylinder D, on which are
bolted a set of radiating arms I, for carrying the digging bars or knives J:.
These arms are set at equal distances apart upon the circumference of the

page_text: cylinder D, and their outer ends have screwed or rivetted to them the bars or
diggers J, as is clearly shewn by the transverse sectional detail of a portion of
the cylinder at Figure 3: The edges of these bars, which may either be plain,
as in Figure 4, or serrated, as in Figure 5, are set so that, on the revolution of
the cylinder, they are the most favorably disposed for entering and cutting the
earth, and they are either made to run parallel with, the digging axle, or are
set spirally or inclined thereto, as shewn in Figure 2; or their bars may be
formed of double angular lengths, as represented in Figure 6, so as to present
points and inclined surfaces to the earth during working. Figure 7 is a trans-
verse section of one of the cutting or digging blades detached; and Figure 8
represents the application of teeth or curved picks to the surface of the digging
cylinder in place of blades. The digger is actuated by a pair of horizontal
steam engines, set one on each side of the frame, the connecting rods K, K,
of the cylinders L, L, being respectively jointed to the cranks M, M, which
revolve horizontally. These cranks are fast upon the vertical shafts N, N,
which work in the collar and footstep bearings O, P. A bevil wheel Qis
keyed on to each of these shafts near their lower extremities, such wheels
gearing with larger bevil wheels R, R, fast, one on each end of the digger
shaft. These larger bevil wheels are concealed within the two open ends of
the digging cylinder D, so that the latter can work quite close down to its axis
without endangering the action of the gearing. The same vertical driving
spindles have each a bevil pinion S keyed, on to them, gearing into a corre-
sponding pinion T on the after end of the short horizontal shaft U, running
longitudinally in the bearings V, V, which are bolted to the sides of the framing.
This shaft is fitted with a clutch W and double bevil pinion arrangement X, X,
for driving the intermediate bevil wheel Y in alternate directions, according
as one or other of the bevil pinions are brought into gear by the reversing
handle or rod Y. This gearing is precisely the same on each side of the
machine, and the two intermediate bevil wheels Y, Y, are fast upon the two
ends of the transverse shaft Z, which is set just behind the main carrying
wheels of the machine. This shaft has fast upon it a pair of metal pulleys
or rollers a, a, formed with india-rubber or other elastic surfaces, each of
which surfaces is opposed to, the broad, periphery of one of the main carrying
wheels. By this arrangement, as the operation of digging goes on, the digging
bars are kept well.fed up to their work by the propelling action given to the
main carrying wheels from the engine shafts through the elastic pulleys or
rollers a, a.
The attendant may at pleasure, disengage this system of driving gear by

page_text: means of a quick screw or other movement, which shall draw the elastic drums
out of contact with the main carrying wheels. In the Drawing I have repre-
sented a pair of screw spindles fitted with foot levers a', a', whereby the
attendant may either keep the rollers a hard up against the running wheels,
by pressing on the levers a¹, or disengage them altogether, and stop the pro-
pulsion of the machine by reversing the action of the screws. A pair of
winches B, B, in front of the machine framing are fitted up for the
purpose
of tipping the frame to the desired extent, according to the depth to
which the cutters or diggers are to enter the ground, the cord c of these
winches being secured to the front ends of the frame, which will oscillate on
the axles of the main carrying wheels as working centres.. Steam is supplied
to the engines by the vertical steam pipe 6', which opens into the branch
pipes C by a telescopic joint and stuffing box at d', in order to allow for the
raising or lowering of the frame by the winches b, b. The exhaust pipes are
represented in blue lines in the Drawing; they enter a chamber in the boiler,
as will be herein-after described. A transverse framepiece or levelling board
d is attached to the frame immediately behind the digger, for the purpose
of
smoothing off the earth after the disturbing effect of the digger; a seed box
and distributor e may also be attached to this board. The levelling board,
roller, and seed box details are arranged on the same general plan as I have
already described in the Specification of the Patent of One thousand eight
hundred and fifty-three..
Figure 9 represents in side elevation a slight modification of the framework
of the machine and mode of driving the diggers, and Figure 10 is a plan of
the same.
According to this arrangement, the side frames A are each made'
out of a single plate of metal, connected together by suitable tie rods' or
tubular stays. The engines are also differently disposed, being placed in the
centre of the frame in the front end of the machine. The steam cylinders B,
B, which may be constructed on the oscillating principle, work the two lateral
driving shafts C, C, through the double cranks D, D. These shafts are carried
or supported by the ordinary plummer blocks E, E, bolted to the sides of the
frames, and work at their lower extremities in the footstep bearings F, F; the
digging or working cylinder G, which is represented by the red line, is precisely
similar to the one represented in Figures 1 and 2. It is driven at each
extremity by the bevil pinions H, H, keyed on to the lower portions of the
shaft C, such pinions gearing into bevil wheels I, concealed in the ends of the
digging cylinder, for the purpose herein-before described; a slot or opening is.
made in the side of the framing, to allow the pinions H to work through into

page_text: the, bevil wheels on the shaft of the digging cylinder. J represents the adjust-
able roller for supporting the back end of the framing; and K, the levelling
board, which may be arranged with a seed box and distributing apparatus,
similar to that shewn at Figures 1 and 2. A slight modification is also effected
in the mode of propelling the machine. In place of using frictional rollers
or pulleys for that purpose, two pinions rollers L are employed, having a
number of studs pins or teeth on their peripheries, which work take into corre-
sponding holes or teeth reeesses formed in the peripheries, of the main support-
ing wheels M. Each of the rollers L are loose on the transverse shaft N, and
may be thrown in
or out of action by the clutches O, O, which works on
feathers on the shaft N. This shaft carries at each extremity a worm wheel
P, actuated by the endless screws Q, on the main driving shaft; different sizes
of worm wheels may be employed, according to the speed required, the shaft
N.working in vertical slots in the frame for that purpose. In this arrange-
ment.also the winches are dispensed with, the digging cylinder being raised by
bearing upon the end of the traction shafts. In Figure 9 the digging cylinder
is represented as being in action.
Figure 1, on Sheet 2 of the Drawings, represents a transverse vertical
section of an improved form of boiler, which may be applied to the agricul-
tural machine herein-before, described, and. Figure 2 is a corresponding longi-
tudinal section of the same. When applied to the machine in question, it may
be disposed upon a central platform upon the frame, between the two main
running or carrying wheels. This boiler consists of external shell or casing A,
formed with an expanded top or lip at B, and serves as the water space for
heating the boiler feed previous to its being pumped into the boiler. The
bottom of the shell is formed by a narrow water space C, inclined or angled
to suit the flue tubes D, the lower ends of which open into this water space.
The two sets of tubes are made to lean or slope toward each other at the top,
a large space being left between the sets at the bottom to receive the fire
bars E, which are placed just above the bottom water space C. In place of
this water. space running entirely below the fire bars, an opening may be
formed therein, in which the fire bars may be inserted, the circulation of the
water taking place round the front and back portion of the fire, or through
tubular stays, which may be used to support the ends of the fire bars.. The
upper ends of the tubes open into an overhead steam chamber. F, which may
be made. either circular or otherwise. The steam is obtained from this
chamber by first passing up the closed pipe G, and then down into the steam
pipe H, as shewn by the arrows, A safety valve and spring balance I is fitted

page_text: on to the short pipe J, which forms a communication between the internal and
external steam pipes. In the accompanying Drawings, the boiler is repre-
sented as being of an oblong form, but in many cases for general purposes it
will be found more convenient to make it cylindrical, in which case, in place of
the tubes being arranged in rows, they will be disposed in concentric circles,
and will surround the fire entirely, excepting at that side where the fuel door
K is situated. In this way the tubes will form a species of hollow cone for
the reception of the heat, as the furnace current rises directly up from the
bars, and works through or between the tubes, as indicated by the arrows,
thus giving off a most effective heating power, the whole of the tubes being
enclosed by an outer shell, set within the water space shell A. Any waste
steam from the chamber F may be blown down into heating sections disposed
inside the feed water shell. Steam spaces L, L, are disposed inside the water
space shell for the purpose of receiving the exhaust or waste steam from the
engines by the pipes M, M, thereby not only assisting in heating the feed
water; but materially increasing the draught, by allowing such waste steam to
pass up by the chimney N through the blast pipes 0, 0, which are flattened
inside, to take up less space between the outside of the boiler and the
smoke box.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of the said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried
into effect, I would observe, in conclusion, that I do not confine or restrict
myself to the precise details or arrangements which I have had occasion to
describe or refer to, as many variations may be made therefrom without
deviating from the principles or main features of the said Invention; but what
I consider to be novel and original, and therefore claim as the Invention
secured to me by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent, is, ―
First, the general arrangement and construction of machinery, apparatus, or
means for effecting agricultural operations, and for the obtainment of motive
power, as herein-before described.
Second, the system or mode of constructing rotating digging knives or bars,
wherein such knives present points and inclined surfaces to the earth, as
herein-before described.
Third, the application and use in digging machines of double angular edge
pieces as knives or digging bars.
Fourth, the system or mode of actuating the digging cylinder by means of
wheels concealed within such cylinder, for the purpose herein-before described.
Fifth, the system or mode of driving and keeping up the digging bars to

page_text: the area of earth to be operated upon by the agency of elastic frictional
surface wheels or pulleys.
Sixth, the application and use of studs or teeth in driving the main sup-
porting wheels from their peripheries digging cylinder of pin and hole-wheels or
digging-cylinder
pulleys, as herein-before described.
Seventh, the system or mode of arranging and constructing tubular steam
boilers, wherein the upright tubes form a hollow, conical; pyramidal, or wedge-
formed chamber.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Henry Johnson, have hereunto set
my
hand and seal, the Sixth day of July, One thousand eight
hundred and fifty-five.
A. E. COCKBURN.
Temple, July 2nd, 1856.

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Henry Johnson, of 47, Lincoln's Inu Fields, in
the County of Middlesex, and of Glasgow, North Britain, Gentleman,
for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR
EFFECTING AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS, PARTS OF THE SAID IMPROVEMENTS
BEING APPLICABLE FOR THE OBTAINMENT OF MOTIVE POWER FOR GENERAL
PURPOSES." A communication.
-
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Henry Johnson at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
6th January 1855.
I, JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of
Middlesex, and of Glasgow; North Britain, Gentleman, do hereby declare the
nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS
FOR EPPECTING AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS, PARTS OF THE SAID IMPROVEMENTS BEING
APPLICABLE FOR THE OBTAINMENT OF MOTIVE POWER FOR GENERAL PURPOSES," a
communication from abroad, to be as follows:-
This Invention relates generally to the improved arrangement and con
struction of machinery or apparatus for effecting agricultural operations, for
which Letters Patent for Great Britain were granted to me on' or about the
10th day of May 1853. As arranged for digging or working land, the

page_text: improved agricultural machine consists of an open framework of wood and
metal, running upon a pair of large loose wheels set in front of the actual
digging details, and are capable of being drawn by horses with shafts or traction
gear, in the usual manner. The frameworks is extended downwards to carry
the transverse shaft of the digging or working cylinder; behind which shaft,
at the extreme hind end of the machine, is a bearing or supporting roller,
for relieving the frame of a portion of its dead weight. The transverse digging
shaft has keyed upon it a metal cylinder, on which are bolted a. set of arms for
carrying the digging bars or knives. These arms are set at equal distances
apart upon the circumference of the cylinder, and they radiate outwards, their
outer ends having bolted or rivetted to them a corresponding set of bars or
diggers running from end to end of the digging cylinder. The edges of these
bars, which are either plain or serrated, are so, that on the revolution of the
cylinder they are the most favourably disposed for entering the earth, and they
are either made to run parallel with the digging axle, or are set spirally, or
inclined thereto; or these bars may be formed in double angular lengths, so as
to present points and inclined surfaces to the earth during working. The
digger is actuated by a pair of horizontal steam engines set one on each side of
the plane, the connecting rods of the two cylinders being respectively jointed
to cranks revolving horizontally. These cranks are set upon vertical spindles,
the lower ends of which have keyed upon them bevil wheels gearing with
larger bevil wheels fast, one on each end of the digger shaft. These larger
bevil wheels are concealed quite within the two open ends of the digger
cylinder, so that the latter can work quite close down to the surface of the
land without endangering the action of the gearing. The same vertical driving
spindles have each a bevil pinion, gearing with a corresponding pinion on the
after end of a short horizontal shaft running longitudinally, this latter shaft
having upon it a clutch and double bevil pinion arrangement, for driving an
intermediate bevil wheel in alternate directions. The gearing is precisely the
same on each side, and the two intermediate bevil wheels are fast upon the two
ends of a transverse shaft set just behind the main carrying wheels of the
machine. This transverse shaft has upon it a pair of metal pulleys, formed
with india-rubber or other elastic surfaces, each of which surfaces is opposed
to the broad periphery of one of the main carrying wheels. With this arrange-
ment, as the digging goes on, the digging bars are kept well fed up to their
work by the propelling action given to the main carrying wheels from the
engine shaft through the elastic drums. The attendant can at pleasure dis-
engage this system of driving by means of a quick screw or other movement
which shall draw the elastic drums out of contact with the main carrying

page_text: wheels. A windlass in front of the frame is fitted up for the purpose of
tipping the frame. A transverse frame piece or levelling board is attached
to the frame behind the digger, for the purpose of smoothing off the earth
after the disturbing effect of the digger; and at the same part a seed sower
may also be attached. The leveller and seed box details are arranged on the
same general plan as already described in the Specification of my Patent
of 1853.
My Invention relates also to the obtainment of motive power by the use of a
vertical tubular steam boiler, which, when applied to my agricultural machine,
is disposed upon a central platform upon the frame between the two driving
steam cylinders. This boiler consists of an external conical shell; or this shell
may be a flattened cone. This shell forms the water space for the boiler feed.
The bottom is formed by a narrow water space, inclined or angled, to suit the
flue tubes, the lower ends of which open into this water space. The tubes are
conically disposed, that is to say, they are set in a wide ring, enclosing the fire
bars at the bottom just above the bottom water space, whilst they slope towards
each other to form a narrow ring at the top. The upper ends of the tubes open
into an over-bead steam chamber. The flue tubes may be thus set in any
number of rings or lines, taking care to break joint in each row or series.
In this way the tubes form a species of hollow cone for the reception of the
heat as the furnace current rises directly up from the bars, and works through
or between the flue tubes, thus giving off a most effective heating power, the
whole of the tubes being enclosed by an outer shell set within the water space
shell. Any waste steam from the chamber above may be blown down into
heating sectious disposed inside the feed-water shell.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said John Henry Johnson in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 6th July 1855.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOHN
HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of Middlesex,
and of Glasgow, North Britain, Gentleman, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Sixth day of January, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-five, in the eighteenth year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the

page_text: said John Henry Johnson, Her special license that I, the said John Henry
Johnson, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the
said John Henry Johnson, my executors, administrators, or assigns, should at
any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times, there-
after during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make,
use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR EFFECTING AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS,
PARTS OF THE SAID IMPROVEMENTS, BEING' APPLICABLE FOR THE OBTAINMENT OF
MOTIVE POWER FOR GENERAL PURPOSES," a coinmunication from abroad, upon the
condition (amongst others) that I, the said John Henry Johnson, by an instru-
ment in writing under my hand and seal, should particularly describe and
ascertain the nature of the said. Invention, and in what manner the same was
to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent
Office within six calendar months next and immediately after the dates of
the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said John Henry Johnson, do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement, reference being had to the accompanying Drawings, and to the
letters and figures marked' thereon, that is to say:-
...
**
This Invention relates generally to the improved arrangement, and con-
struction of machinery or apparatus for effecting agricultural. operations, for
which Letters Patent for Great Britain were granted to me on or about.
the Tenth day of May, One thousand eight hundred and fifty-three, As
arranged under one modification for digging or working land, the improved
agricultural machine consists of an-open-framework of wood or metal running
upon a pair of large loose wheels set in front of the actual digging details,
and capable of being drawn by horses. with a pole or shafts or traction
gear, in the usual manner. The framework is extended downwards to carry
the transverse shaft of the digging or working cylinder; behind which shaft,
at the extreme hind end of the machine, is a bearing or supporting roller, for
relieving the frame of a portion of. its dead weight: The transverse digging
shaft bas-keyed upon it a metal cylinder, on which are bolted a set of arms for
carrying the digging bars or knives. These arms are set at equal distances
apart upon the circumference of the cylinder, and, they radiate outwards, their
outer ends being bolted or rivetted to them, a corresponding set of bars or
diggers running from end to end of the digging cylinder. The edges of these,
bars, which are either plain or serrated, are set so, that on the revolution of the

page_text: cylinder, they are the most favorably disposed for entering the earth, and they
are either made to run parallel with the digging axle, or are set spirally or
inclined thereto; or these bars may be formed in double angular lengths, so as
to present points and inclined surfaces to the earth during working. The
digger is actuated by a pair of horizontal steam engines, set one on each
side of the frame, the connecting rods of the two cylinders being respectively
jointed to cranks revolving horizontally. These cranks are fast upon vertical
spindles, the lower ends of which have keyed upon them bevil wheels, gearing
with larger bevil wheels fast, one on each end of the digger shaft. These
larger bevil wheels are concealed quite within the two open ends of the digger
cylinder, so that the latter can work quite close down to the surface of the
land without endangering the action of the gearing. The same vertical
driving spindles have each a bevil pinion gearing with a corresponding pinion
on the after end of a short horizontal shaft running longitudinally, this latter
shaft having upon it a clutch and double bevil pinion arrangement for driving
an intermediate bevil wheel in alternate directions. The gearing is pre-
cisely the same ou each side, and the two intermediate bevil wheels are fast
upon the two ends of a transverse shaft, set just behind the main carrying
wheels of the machine. This transverse shaft has upon it a pair of metal
pulleys, formed with india-rubber or other elastic surfaces, each of which
surfaces is opposed to the broad periphery of one of the main carrying wheels.
With this arrangement, as the digging goes on, the digging bars are kept well
fed up to their work by the propelling action given to the main carrying
wheels from the engine shafts through the elastic drums. The attendant
can at pleasure disengage this system of driving gear by means of a quick
screw or other movement, which shall draw the elastic drums out of contact
with the main carrying wheels. A windlass in front of the frame is fitted up
for the purpose of tipping the frame. A transverse frame piece or levelling
board is attached to the frame behind the digger for the purpose of smoothing
off the earth after the disturbing effect of the digger; and at the same part
a seed sower may be also attached. The leveller and seed box details are
arranged on the same general plan as already described in the Specification
of the Patent granted to me in 1853.
My Invention relates also to the obtainment of motive power by the use of a
vertical tubular steam boiler, which, when applied to my agricultural machine,
is disposed upon a central platform upon the frame between the two driving
steam cylinders. This boiler consists of an external conical shell; or the shell
may be a flattened cone. This shell forms the water space for the boiler feed.
The bottom is formed by a narrow water space, inclined or angled, to suit the

page_text: flue tubes, the lower ends of which open into this water space. The tubes are
conically disposed, that is to say, they are set in a wide ring, enclosing the fire
bars at the bottom just above the bottom water space, whilst they slope towards
each other to form a narrow ring at the top. The upper ends of the tubes
open into an over-head steam chamber. The flue tubes may be thus set in any
number of rings or lines, taking care to break joint in each row or series. In
this way the tubes form a species of hollow cone for the reception of the heat
as the furnace current rises directly up from the bars, and works through or
between the flue tubes, thus giving off a most effective heating power, the
whole of the tubes being enclosed by an outer shell set within the water space
shell. Any waste steam from the chamber above may be blown down into
heating sections disposed inside this feed-water shell.
And in order that the said Invention may be more properly understood. I
shall now proceed to describe the several Figures on the Sheets of Drawings
hereunto attached, and illustrating the Invention under a form somewhat
modified from that already herein-before referred to.
Figure 1, on Sheet 1 of the Drawings, represents a complete side elevation of
the machine, with the digger out of action; and Figure 2 is a corresponding
plan of the same; and Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 are separate details of the
digging or working cylinder and blades, which will be herein-after more fully
described and referred to.
As arranged for digging or working land, the improved agricultural machine
consists of an open framework A, composed of wood and metal, running upon
a pair of large loose wheels B, B, set in front of the actual digging details, and
carried by the cranked or bent axle B', passing under the bottom of the boiler
B. The frame is capable of being drawn by horses, with a pole, shafts, or
traction gear, in the usual manner. The peripheries of these running wheels
are made of sufficient width to prevent the machine from sinking too deeply
into the land when in operation. The framework A is extended downwards
to carry the transverse shaft C of the digging or working cylinder D, behind
which shaft, at the extreme back part of the machine, is a bearing or sup-
porting roller E, for relieving the framework of a portion of its dead weight
when in action, and to serve as a land roller. This roller is retained between
the two side frames F by a rod or bolt G, passed through it from end to end,
and it may be adjusted in height so as to regulate the depth of the digging
or working cylinder by means of the holes H in the frame. The trans-
verse digging shaft has keyed upon it the metal cylinder D, on which are
bolted a set of radiating arms I, for carrying the digging bars or knives J.
These arms are set at equal distances apart, upon the circumference of the

page_text: cylinder D, and their outer ends have screwed or rivetted to them the bars or
diggers J, as is clearly shewn by the transverse sectional detail of a portion
of the cylinder at Figure 3. The edges of these bars, which may either be
plain, as in Figure 4, or serrated, as in Figure 5, are set so that on the revo-
lution of the cylinder they are the most favorably disposed for entering and
cutting the carth, and they are either made to run parallel with the digging
axle, or are set spirally or inclined thereto, as shewn in Figure 2; or their bars
may be formed of double angular lengths, as represented in Figure 6, so as
to present points and inclined surfaces to the earth during working. Figure 7
is a transverse scetion of one of the cutting or digging blades detached; and
Figure 8 represents the application of teeth or curved picks to the surface of the
digging cylinder, in place of blades. The digger is actuated by a pair of hori-
zontal steam engines, set one on each side of the frame, the connecting rods
K, K, of the cylinders L, L, being respectively jointed to the cranks M, M,
which revolve horizontally. These cranks are fast upon the vertical shafts
N, N, which work in the collar and footstep bearings O, P. A bevil wheel Q
is keyed on to each of these shafts near their lower extremities, such wheels
gearing with larger bevil wheels R, R, fast, one on each end of the digger shaft.
These larger bevil wheels are concealed within the two open ends of the
digging cylinder D, so that the latter can work quite close down to its axis
without endangering the action of the gearing. The same vertical driving
spindles have each a bevil pinion S keyed on to them, gearing into a corre-
sponding pinion T on the after end of the short horizontal shaft U, running
longitudinally in the bearings V, V, which are bolted to the sides of the framing.
This shaft is fitted with a clutch W, and double bevil pinion arrangement
X, X, for driving the intermediate bevil wheel Y in alternate directions,
according as one or other of the bevil pinions are brought into gear by the
reversing handle or rod Y'. This gearing is precisely the same on each side
of the machine, and the two intermediate bevil wheels Y, Y, are fast upon the
two ends of the transverse shaft Z, which is set just behind the main carrying
wheels of the machine. This shaft has fast upon it a pair of metal pulleys or
rollers a, a, formed with india-rubber or other clastic surfaces, each of which
surfaces is opposed to the broad periphery of one of the main carrying wheels.
By this arrangement, as the operation of digging goes on, the digging bars
are kept well fed up to their work by the propelling action given to the
main carrying wheels from the engine shafts through the elastic pulleys or
rollers a, a.
The attendant may at pleasure disengage this system of driving gear by
means of a quick screw or other movement which shall draw the elastic drums

page_text: out of contact with the main carrying wheels. In the Drawing I have repre-
sented a pair of screw spindles fitted with foot levers a', a', whereby the
attendant may either keep the rollers a hard up against the running wheels by
pressing on the levers a', or disengage them altogether and stop the propul-
sion of the machine by reversing the action of the screws. A pair of winches
B, B, in front of the machine framing are fitted up for the purpose of tipping
the frame to the desired extent, according to the depth to which the cutters or
diggers are to enter the ground, the cord c of these winches being secured
to the front ends of the frame, which will oscillate on the axles of the main
carrying wheels as working centres. Steam is supplied to the engines by the
vertical steam pipe b',. which opens into the branch pipes C' by a telescopic
joint and stuffing box at d', in order to allow for the raising or lowering of the
frame by the winches b, b. The exhaust pipes are represented in blue lines in
the Drawing; they enter a chamber in the boiler, as will be herein-after
described. A transverse frame piece or levelling board is attached to the
frame immediately behind the digger, for the purpose of smoothing off the
earth after the disturbing effect of the digger; a seed box and distributor e
may also be attached to this board. The levelling board, roller, & seed box
details are arranged on the same general plan as I have already described in
the Specification of the Patent of 1853.
Figure 9 represents in side, elevation a slight modification of the framework
of the machine and mode of driving the diggers, and Figure 10 is a plan of the
same. According to this arrangement, the side frames A are each made out of
a single plate of metal; connected together by suitable tie rods or tubular stays.
The engines are also differently disposed, being placed in the centre of the frame
in the front end of the machine. The steam cylinders B, B, which may be con-
structed on the oscillating principle, work the two lateral driving shafts C, C,
through the double cranks D, D. These shafts are carried or supported by
the ordinary plummer blocks E, E, bolted to the sides of the frames, and work
at their, lower extremities in the footstep bearings F, F; the digging or
working cylinder. G, which is represented by the red line, is precisely similar
to the one represented in Figures 1 and 2. It is driven at each extremity by
the bevil pinions H, H, keyed on to the lower portions of the shaft C, such
pinions gearing into bevil wheels I, concealed in the ends of the digging
cylinder, for the purpose herein-before described; a slot or opening is made in
the side of the framing, to allow the pinions H to work through into the bevil
wheels on the shaft of the digging cylinder. J represents the adjustable roller
for supporting the back end of the framing; and K, the levelling board, which
may be arranged with a seed box and distributing apparatus, similar to that

page_text: shewn at Figures 1 and 2. A slight modification is also effected in the mode of
propelling the machine. In place of using frictional rollers or pulleys for that
purpose, two rollers L are employed, having a number of studs, pins, or teeth
on their peripheries, which take into corresponding holes or recesses formed in
the peripheries of the main supporting wheels M. Each of the rollers L are
loose on the transverse shaft N, and may be thrown in or out of action by the
clutches O, O, which works on feathers on the shaft N. This shaft carries at
each extremity a worm wheel P, actuated by the endless screws Q on the main
driving shaft; different sizes of worm wheels may be employed, according to
the speed required, the shaft N working in vertical slots in the frame for that
purpose. In this arrangement also the winches are dispensed with, the digging
cylinder being raised by bearing upon the end of the traction shafts.. In
Figure 9. the digging cylinder is represented as being in action.
Figure 1, on Sheet 2 of the Drawings, represents a transverse vertical
section of an improved form of boiler, which may be applied to the agri-
cultural machine herein-before described, and Figure 2 is a corresponding
longitudinal section of the same. When applied to the machine in ques-.
tion, it may be disposed upon a central platform upon the frame, between the
two main running or carrying wheels. This boiler consists of external.
shell or casing A, formed with an expanded top or lip. at B, and serves as
the water space for heating the boiler feed previous to its being pumped
into the boiler. The bottom of the shell is formed by a narrow, water
space C, inclined or angled, to suit the flue tubes D, the lower ends of
which open into this water space. The two sets of tubes, are made to lean or
slope towards each other at the top, a large space being left. between the
sets at the bottom to receive the fire bars E, which are placed just above
the bottom water space C. In place of this water space running entirely
below the fire bars, an opening may be formed therein, in which the fire bars
may be inserted, the circulation of the water taking place round the front and
back portion of the fire, or through tubular stays, which may be used to sup-
port the ends of the fire bars. The upper ends of the tubes open into an over-
head steam chamber F; which may be made either circular or otherwise. The
steam is obtained from this chamber by first passing up the closed pipe Gand
then down into the steam pipe H, as shewn by the arrows. A safety valve
and spring balance I is fitted on to the short pipe J, which forms, a communi-
cation between the internal and external steam pipes. In the accompanying
Drawings, the boiler is represented as being of an oblong form, but in many
cases for general purposes, it will be found more convenient to make it cylin-
drical; in which case, in place of the tubes being arranged in rows, they will

page_text: be disposed in concentric circles, and will surround the fire entirely, excepting
at that side where the fuel door K is situated. In this way the tubes will form
a species of hollow cone for the reception of the heat, as the furnace current
rises directly up from the bars, and works through or between the tubes,
as indicated by the arrows, thus giving off a-most effective heating power, the
whole of the tubes being enclosed by an outer shell, set within the water space
shell A. Any waste steam from the chamber F may be blown down into
heating sections disposed inside the feed water shell. Steam spaces L, L, are
disposed inside the water space shell for the purpose of receiving the exhaust
or waste steam from the engines by the pipes M. M, thereby not only assisting
in heating the feed water, but materially increasing the draught, by allowing
such waste steam to pass up by the chimney N through the blast pipes 0, 0,
which are flattened inside, to take up less space between the outside of the
boiler and the smoke box.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of the said
Invention, & the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried into
effect, I would observe, in conclusion, that I do not confine or restrict myself
to the precise details or arrangements which I have had occasion to describe
or refer to, as many variations may be made therefrom without deviating
from deviating from the principles or main features of the said Invention;
but. what I consider to be novel and original, and therefore claim as
the Invention secured to me by the herein-before in part recited Letters
Patent, is,―
First, the general arrangement and construction of machinery, apparatus, or
means for effecting agricultural operations, and for the obtainment of motive
power, as herein-before described.
Second, the system or mode of constructing rotating digging knives or bars,
wherein such knives present points and inclined surfaces to the earth, as
herein-before described.
Third, the application and use in digging machines of double angular edge
pieces, as knives or digging bars.
Fourth, the system or mode of actuating the digging cylinder by means
of wheels concealed within such cylinder, for the purpose herein-before
described.
Fifth, the system or mode of driving and keeping up the digging bars to the
area of earth to be operated upon by the agency of elastic frictional surface
wheels or pulleys.
Sixth, the application and use in driving the digging cylinder of pin and
hole wheels or pulleys, as herein-before described.

page_text: Seventh, the system or mode of arranging and constructing tubular steam
boilers, wherein the upright tubes form a hollow conical, pyramidal, or wedge-
formed chamber.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Henry Johnson, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, the Sixth day of July, One thousand eight hundred
and fifty-five.
J. HENRY JOHNSON. (L.S.)