Improvements in Three-row Combination Corn-planters and Row-checkers.
Year: 1887

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Three-row Combination Corn-planters and
Row-checkers.
I, ROBERT IRONS SKILES, of Denver, in the county of Arapahoe, in the State
of Colorado, United States of America, Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature
of my invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THREE-ROW COMBINATION CORN-PLANTERS,
AND ROW-CHECKERS," and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
In the accompanying drawings,
Figure 1, is a plan view of a three-row planter and row-checker embodying my
invention, the driver's seat and the mechanism for adjusting the row-checker being
broken away to show the parts beneath. Fig. 2, is a side elevation of the same,
the driver's seat and row-checker adjusting mechanism being in place. Fig. 3,
is a vertical longitudinal section of the feed-box, dropping mechanism, and its
adjuncts. Fig. 4, is a similar section of the feed-box and dropping mechanism at
right angles to fig. 3. Fig. 5, is an elevation of the hand-wheel and mechanism
for adjusting the row-checker and of the shipping lever for starting and stopping the
planting mechanism, looking from the rear of the machine. Fig. 6, is a plan view
of the shoe which is placed beneath each feed-box and of the knife attached thereto
for cutting roots &c. Fig. 7, is a detached top or plan view of the guides which
partially inclose the feed-cylinders of the feed-box and retain the grain in the
cylinders until the proper moment for its escape therefrom. Fig. 8, is a transverse
section of the seed conductor or dropper on the line N, N, showing the position
of the discharge-regulator or flirt-valve W.
Like letters and figures refer to like parts wherever they occur.
My invention relates to that class of planters by means of which the seeds are
deposited in the ground at regular intervals, and are covered in various ways by the
planter as it progresses.
In this class of planters it is desirable that the machine move in a straight line,
and that in moving to and fro across a field the rows planted should be uniform and
at equal distances apart. It is also desirable that the planter be capable of planting
the seed at uniform depth notwithstanding any inequalities of the surface or ground
over which the machine passes.

page_text: The objects of my invention are, first, to provide means for automatically making
a row of checks in the ground as the planter crosses the field, which checks can
be used as guides when returning; second, to provide means for planting the seed
opposite to the checks made, so as to ensure straight rows both ways and at right
angles third to provide means therefor and so to combine the feed-boxes that three
rows may be simultaneously planted; fourth, to provide means whereby either one,
two, three, or four seeds may be dropped at a time, as desired; fifth, to provide
a planter which will plant at any desired depth; sixth, to provide means whereby
the feed-boxes are rendered independent of each of the others, so that the seed from
each will be planted at a given and uniform depth, notwithstanding any inequalities
of the ground, depressions, sharp ditches, dead furrows, &c.
In order to facilitate the subsequent description of the devices and their operation, I will
first broadly outline the constructions which embody the main features of the invention.
There is, first, a main axle, A, with the usual wheels and a rigid frame,attached in
front thereof, and which carries the tongue; secondly, there is a transverse vertically-
adjustable frame for the seed-boxes, said frame carried by the rigid frame, and on
this second frame the seed-boxes are mounted so as to each have its independent vertical
movement thirdly, there is a rear or floating frame pivoted to the axle and which
carries the power-shaft, and on which is arranged the power or driving wheel;
fourthly, there are two check-row markers journaled on the vertically-adjustable
seed-box frame and set to track with the droppers; fifthly, there are two independent
sets of sprocket-wheels and link-belting for actuating the check-row markers and
two independent sets of gear wheels and extensible tumbler-shafts with universal
joints for actuating the feed devices, all of which gearing is driven from the single
power-shaft of the rear floating frame; sixthly, there is an independent mechanism
for adjusting or setting the check-row marker in stopping, starting, and turning;
seventhly, there is a hand-lever and rack and a series of links or levers for adjusting
the vertically-movable frame which carries the seed-boxes; and, finally, there is
a loose or sliding casting on the tongue, which casting receives the double-tree and
is connected by chains and rods to the main axle near the shoulders, so as to bring
the draft of the team entirely on the axle.
I will now proceed to describe more specifically the mechanism preferred, so that
others skilled in the art to which the invention appertains may apply the same.
In the drawings, A, indicates the main axle, provided with the wheels 64 65, which
have a grooved or concave tread to act as seed-coverers. To the main axle A, are
mortised or tenoned the two conveying braces A' A², which meet, and are secured
to the tongue A³, by a bolt or bolts A. On either side of the tongue A³, are
longitudinal braces A A7 which extend forward from the axle A, and are connected
by a transverse brace just back of the double-tree, as indicated by dotted line A³,
left-hand fig. 2. To this transverse brace A³, the tongue A3, is also mortised. The
braces A¹, A2, A5, A6, and A', with the axle A, constitute the rigid frame which
supports the vertically-adjustable seed-box frame.
Loosely fitted on the tongue A³, so as to slide thereon, is a casting 8, having on its
upper surface a loop or box for the double-trec 11, and on its under side a hook 8',
for the attachment of chains and rods 9 and 10, which extend divergently thence
and are secured to the axle A, toward the shoulders thereof, by which means the
rigid frame is relieved of strain and the draft is brought directly on the axle.
12 and 13, indicate the usual whiffletrees.
To the rear of the axle is the pivoted or floating frame, wherein is journaled the
driving-shaft and the power-wheel. This frame is composed of the timbers
B, B1, B2, B3, B4, connected with each other by castings E', E, and bolts F, or
otherwise suitably secured, and pivoted on the main axle A, by means of hinges D D¹,
(see figs. 1 and 2), adapted to embrace or receive the inner ends of the timbers
B B, B2, B3, B, and also to clasp the main axle A, whereby a strong and effective
hinge-connection for the floating frame is secured.
E (see fig. 2) indicates the pin or pintle of the frame, which is directly over
the main axle A. The object of this floating frame is to allow the large driving-

page_text: wheel B, to rise and fall on uneven ground independently of the axle-wheels. It
also relieves the axle and the driving-gear of severe twisting strains.
Bolted to the under sides of the frame pieces or timbers B³ B, are journal-
boxes B B7, (see figs. 1 and 2), for the driving-shaft 15, to which shaft, is secured
the power or large wheel B³, so as to cause the rotation of the shaft 15, with the wheel B³.
This wheel is also grooved or has a concave tread to serve as a covering-wheel.
Secured on the shaft by a feather or spline and key-seat, so as to slide longitudinally
thereon, but rotate therewith, is a clutch G, with suitable groove for the forked
shipping-lever H, (see figs. 1 and 5), and arranged loosely on said shaft are two sets
of rigidly-connected bevel-gear and sprocket wheels-the left-hand set, composed
of a bevel-gear K, sprocket-wheel L, sprocket-wheel, M, and sprocket-wheel L, in
the order named, and the right-hand set; composed of a bevel-wheel, K', a sprocket-
wheel L, and a sprocket-wheel L.-These sets of gear are prevented from moving
endwise on the shaft by means of collars L³, L8, which are secured to the shaft 15,
by set screws.
The bevel-wheels K and K', have each a limited number of teeth, (so as to drive
only part of the time), and the teeth are diametrically opposite each other on the
different bevel wheels-the purpose of which will hereinafter, appear. The bevel-
gear K has a clutch-section on its hub, to engage with the clutch G, and cause the
left-hand set, K L M L', of gear to revolve with the shaft.
Journaled in bearings on the rear floating frame, back of the main or driving
shaft 15, is a second shaft Q, provided with sprocket-wheels I and I³, keyed
thereto so as to revolve therewith, and from the sprocket-wheel L of shaft 15, a link-belt
extends to the sprocket-wheel L of shaft while a second link-belt extends from
sprocket-wheel of shaft Q to sprocket-wheel L on the driving-shaft 15. Con-
sequently, when the left-hand set of gearing KL, &c, is clutched to and moves with
the driving shaft 15 the power is transmitted by link-belt to sprocket-wheel L and
revolves shaft Q, which in turn, by means of sprocket-wheel L' and link-belt,
communicates the power to sprocket wheel L on shaft 15, and as the right-hand set
of gearing K, L, and L, is loose on shaft 15, (though rigidly connected to each
other) causes said gear-wheels to revolve.
Before describing the connections of the driving mechanism with the feed devices
and check-rower it will be necessary to describe the vertically-adjustable frame C,
which carries the seed-boxes, and its adjuncts. Cindicates the feed-box frame, which
has the form of a right-angled paralellogram, strengthened by braces 28, 29, 30, and
31, which are mortised, and serve as guides for reciprocating rods 26 and 27,
which actuate the feed mechanism of the seed-boxes. This frame C is supported by
or rests transversely on the front or rigid frame A' A2 A3 A' &c, and is controlled
by four levers 16, 16, 17, and 17, of which 16 and 16¹, are bent sufficiently to
clear the mechanism in the centre of the feed-box frame C, (see fig. 2), and are
pivoted to the front bar of said frame, as at 162, and 163, and to the rigid
frame A A &c. by the opposite ends of the levers 16 161, as at 16%, and 16. The
second set of levers 17 and 17', are pivoted to the rear bar of the feed-box frame, as
at 17, and 173, and have their opposite ends rigidly connected to a square rod 171,
which passes through the levers, said rod 174, being journaled in boxes 18 18%, which
are attached to and project slightly in advance of main axle A.
Secured to the rod 17 is an actuating-lever 18, (see fig. 2.) with a spring-bolt 18³,
or its equivalent, and a notched circular casting or rack, 18, which is secured to the
axle A, and between the arins of which rack 18, the lever 18, operates. (See plan
view, fig. 1.) This feed-box frame C, carries the feed-boxes and their connections
and also the bearings R, R, of the row-checker shaft. Consequently, when said
frame is raised or lowered by the mechanism just described, the entire planting
mechanism is raised or lowered with it clear of the ground or to any adjustment
for the required depth of planting.
I will next describe the construction of the feed-boxes and the check-rowers, as
well as their arrangement on this vertically-adjustable frame C.
The feed-boxes, which are three in number-36, (the centre box,) 39, (the
.
.

page_text: right-hand box,) and 40, (the left-hand box)-are placed in line with the two main
wheels 64 65 and the central or power wheel, B8, which act as coverers. Said feed-
boxes are each provided with three eyes or boxes 41, 42, and 43, (see left-hand
figs. 1 and 2) and secured to the frame C, in line therewith, are for each feed-box two-
sets of three other eyes or boxes each viz., 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, and 55. (See figs. 2
and 3). Passing through the said boxes of both feed-box and frame Care three
rods.44, 45, and 46, which rods are encircled between the boxes of the feed-box and
frame by spiral springs, 61, 62, and 63, sufficiently strong to substantially sustain the
weight imposed on them, and which, while they yieldingly support the feed-boxes each
independently of the other, allow them to accommodate themselves to inequalities of the
ground, dead furrows &c.
On the upper ends of the rods 44, 45, and 46 are collars 47, 48, and 49, (see fig. 2,)
secured by set screws, which prevent the displacement of the feed-boxes, &c.
To the lower ends of said rods 44, 45, and 46, (see figs. 2 and 6,) where they extend
below the frame C, is attached the shoe Z. Pivoted or otherwise secured thereto by
a bolt, 56, is a knife O, the upper end of which extends into a recess (see figs. 2, and 3),
formed in the bottom of the dropper. This knife O, not only cuts the small roots or
runners which would tear the corn from the ground at the first plowing, but also
serves to clear the track for the dropper 57.
Each of the feed-boxes 36, 39, and 40, (see figs. 3 and 4), contains two cylinders, 66,
and 67, arranged loosely and in axial line on a single shaft having an enlarged central
portion or collar against which the ends of the said cylinders are forced by spiral or
equivalent springs 68, and 69, contained in concealed cavities 70, and 71, in the ends
of the cylinders.
Each cylinder is provided with rows of holes 72, dividing its circumference evenly,
each hole of a diameter and depth sufficient to contain but one kernel of corn, (or the
amount of other seed desired.) and each cylinder is also provided at its inner end (next
to the collar on the shaft) with ratchet-teeth corresponding in number and position
with the number and position of the rows of holes.
The ratchet-teeth in the two cylinders point in opposite directions, for purposes
which will hereinafter appear. By means of these ratchet-teeth and the pawl-rods 33,
&c., pawls 73, and 74, the cylinders are alternately rotated in reverse direction to
cause the feed from the hopper 40, to fall into the spout or dropper 57.
Pivoted in the spout or dropper 57, as at 77, is a flirt-valve or regulator, W, the
lower end of which controls the outlet of the spout or dropper 57, while its upper end
is actuated by two tappet-fingers, 75 and 76, in the sliding pawl-rod 33.
It will be noticed that as the pawl-rod 33 slides in one direction it revolves one of
the cylinders by pawl 73, so as to discharge into spout or dropper 57 one lot of
kernels, and at the same time actuates or flirts the regulator W, by means of
finger 76, then on the reverse movement it revolves the other by means of pawl 74,
and flirts or moves the regulator W in the opposite direction by means of finger 75.
This regulator is made of sheet iron, and operates to catch the corn, as it drops
from one cylinder and hold it until the check-rowers touch the ground.
Riveted, as at 91, to the opposite sides of the feed-boxes are two sheet-iron
aprons or guides 78 and 79, (see figs. 4 and 7) which extend at an angle down to
the cylinders on either side, so as to expose three rows of holes to the corn in the
box. One-half of each of these guides, as at 80, and 87, fig. 7, extend only to the
cylinders while the other half of each, as at 88 and 89, are carried around con-
centric with the cylinders and a trifle beyond their centres. A narrow shield, 90.
(see figs. 4 and 7) may be used to protect the pawl-rod and pawls 73 74.
The number of grains of corn delivered by the cylinder can be regulated by
plugging the holes to reduce their number. By having separate cylinders with
different pockets, interchangeable with those shewn in the drawings, any kind of
seed may be planted. The back edge of the lower end of the spout or dropper 57,
forms the path or groove in the ground into which the corn or grain is dropped.
I will next describe the row-checkers.
Secured to the feed-box frame C (see, fig. 1) are bearings R and R', in which

page_text: are journaled shafts R2 and R3, having on their inner ends the wheels R and R', and
on their outer ends long tubular bearings R and R. In each of these bearings are
tubes or a tube having a slot as at S, and a pin S, which passes through the
bearing, and within the tube are springs S and S°, which extend from the pin S³
to points S S. These devices constitute the row-checkers, which will penetrate the
ground sufficiently to make a plain mark, but, owing to their construction, should
they come in contact with a rock or hard lump of dirt, or any other obstacle,
they can recede through the long tubular bearings R or R7, sufficiently to pass
without injury. In this respect they act independently of each other and of the rest
of the machinery. The row-checkers are secured on their respective shafts so as to
be parallel with each other and mark the ground at the same time.
Having described the individual elements and the several groups of elements, I will
now describe the mechanism by which they are geared together, driven, and caused
to coact.
Returning to fig. 1, of the drawings and to that part of the description which
related to shafts 15 and Q, and their adjuncts, wherein it was shewn how from the
large wheel Bs the shafts 15 and Q and the right and left-hand sets of gear K, L M L'
and L L K were caused to move, we find that from the sprocket-wheel M of shaft 15
a link-belt extends to wheel R on the shaft of the left-hand row-checker, and a
similar link-belt extends from the sprocket-wheel on the right of shaft 15 to the
wheel R on the end of the shaft of the right-hand row-checker. Consequently both
row-checkers are simultaneously operated from the power-shaft 1.5.
In order to control the row-checkers independently of the gearing for automatically
operating them, so as to be able to adjust the row-checkers in starting, stopping, and
turning, the following devices are provided.
Immediately over the power-shaft 15 is secured a fixed shaft or rod H³, (see fig. 5),
supported by a bracket or standard I, secured to frame-piece B³. On this shaft H', is
loosely journaled a hand-wheel T, to the hub of which is secured a sprocket-wheel 'T',
also free to revolve on shaft Hs, and over this sprocket-wheel T', passes a chain or
link-belt to the sprocket-wheel L, of shaft 15. The loose hand-wheel T and sprocket-
wheel T, are prevented from moving endwise on shaft H³ by a collar, T2, secured by
a set-screw. It will be at once apparent that when the clutch G is disengaged and
the left-hand set of gearing, K, L, M, and I, is free to move independently of the
shaft 15, the driver can, by means of the hand-wheel T, the sprocket-wheel T', link-belt
and sprocket-wheel L, control said gearing, K L M, &c., and through it the row-
checkers, so as to adjust them at pleasure. In doing so the hand-wheel is moved so
as to bring the row-checker on the side corresponding with the last row of checks,
exactly in contact with the last check made in the row. The team is then started
and guided so that one row-checker will come in contact with each check in that
row as the team advances, thus forming a new row on the other side of the planter,
to be used when returning. On this same fixed shaft H (see fig. 5) is secured a
collar, H, having two pins, H and H³, which extend through slots H*, cut in the
shipping-lever H, which controls the clutch G on the driving-shaft 15.
84, indicates the driver's seat, supported by curved arms 81 82 83, and within reach
of this seat the shipping-lever H and hand-wheel T are placed.
In order to operate the cylinders of the feed-boxes 36, 39, and 40, two shafts U
and U, are journaled in supports U2 U³, secured to the rear floating-frame, which
carries the driving-shaft 15. The shafts have on one end bevel-pinions P P¹, having
each a full set of teeth, and which gear with the mutilated bevel-pinions KK, of the
power-shaft 15, the opposite ends of said shafts having universal joints X'X', by
which they are connected with shafts U Us, and the latter are, in turn, connected by
universal joints X2 X³, with shafts U8 U, the whole constituting a tumbler-shaft for
communicating motion to the reciprocating-rods 26 27.
In order to provide for change of relation between the rigid frame A¹ A², &c., and
the rear floating-frame B¹ B, &c., as well as the vertical rise and fall of frame C, the
shafts U Us, are loosely connected to the universal joints X X', by a feather or

page_text: spline U, and key-seat U7, (see fig. 1), so as to allow the end-play of shafts U₁ U',
(which have bearings 19 19 on frame C), while they are still compelled to rotate with
the boxes X X'.
On the ends of the shafts U Uº, are pinions 22 23, which mesh with racks 24 25,
on the inner ends of slide-rods 26 and 27, so that power is transmitted from the
power-shaft 15 to the slides 26 and 27, and as the bevel-pinions K and K³, are
mutilated, each having its teeth diametrically opposite to the other, the slides 26
and 27 are moved first in one direction and then the other.
The slide-rods 26 27 may be of wood, and rest in recesses of the braces 28 29 30 31
of frame C, which serve as guides.
The slide-rods 26 27 are connected together by pawl-rod 32 of the middle feed-
box, 36, and to the opposite ends of said slide-rods are connected the pawl-rods 33
and 34, of the left and right-hand feed-boxes, 39 40. Consequently the reciprocating
motion of the slide-rods 26 27 are communicated to the pawl-rods 32 33 34 of the
feed-boxes, and thence to the cylinders 66 67 of the regulator W of the several
feed-boxes.
For the full construction and operation of the pawl-rods 32, 33, and 34, see previous
description and figs. 3 and 4 of the drawings.
As the feed-boxes have a vertical movement independently of the frame C and of
each other, and the pawl-rods must follow the boxes, a loose or adjustable connection
of some kind between the slide-rods 26 27 and the pawl-rods 32 33 34 becomes
necessary, and for this purpose I prefer to attach to the ends of the slide-rods 26 27
vertically-slotted stirrups or projecting castings 35, (see figs. 1 and 4 and dotted
lines, fig. 2), and provide the ends of the pawl-rods 32 33 34 with T-heads, so that
when the pawl-rods are held at right angles to their normal position the T-heads can
be entered in the slots of the casting 35, and when turned back to their normal
position the pawls can rise and fall independently of the slide-rods 26 and 27 without
becoming detached therefrom.
The several pawls have their bearings in slots in the sides of the feed-boxes
(See fig. 1).
It will be noticed by reference to fig. 2 that the centre of the square bar 171, to
which the levers 17 17 which operate the frame C, is lower and a little in advance of
the centre of the universal joints X X, and this difference permits the shafts U₁
and U, to slide outward from the hubs of the joints when the feed-frame C is raised
by the actuating lever, and inward when the frame is lowered.
It will also be noted that the relation between the bevel-gears K. K', of shaft 1.5
and the pinions 22 23 of tumbler-shafts Us Us, should be such that the stroke of the
slide-rods 26 and 27 shall be the same as the distance between the centres of the rows
of holes in the feed-cylinders 66 and 67, (see fig. 4), in order that the feed may be
regular.
The wheels and gears of the driving mechanism are all of substantially the same
size, or proportioned so that the speeds are uniform, and the dropping of the grain
will consequently coincide with the operation of the row-checker. From the nature
of the connections of the driving gear the bevel-gears P P₁, by means of which the
slide-rods 26 27 are reciprocated, will turn in opposite directions.
The operation of the devices, briefly stated, will be as follows: The rotation of
wheel B causes the rotation of shaft 15 with it, and it, by means of clutch G, causes
the left-hand connected series of bevel-gears and sprockets K L M L', to move with
the shaft 15. The sprocket L, by means of a link-belt, rotates shaft Q, which by a
second link-belt, drives the right-hand series of connected bevel and sprocket-
gearing, KL L, which latter turns on shaft 15. The two mutilated bevel-gears K K',
drive the two tumbler-shafts U2 U+ U8, and Us U7 U, in opposite directions, and thus
reciprocate the slides 26. 27, and through pawl-rods 32 33 34 operate the cylinders of
the feed-boxes. The seed as it falls is covered by the concave wheels 64 65 B*. At
the same time and at the same speed the sprocket-wheels M and L', by means of link-
belts, drive the row-checkers.

page_text: By means of the lever 182, shaft 17, and pivoted lever 16, 161, 17, and 171, the
feed-frame C is adjusted to give the desired depth of planting, while the independent
vertical movement of the feed-boxes 36 39 40, permitted by the rods 44 45 46, (sco
figs. 2 and 3), boxes or cyes 41 42, &e, and the springs, allows each feed-box to adapt
itself to the inequalities of the ground, and the rear pivoted or floating-frame, B B B³,
&c., allows the large driving-wheel to rise and fall on uneven ground independently
of the axle-wheels, so as to relieve the axle, the frame, and the driving mechanism of
severe twisting strains.
I am aware that the power or drive-wheel has heretofore been journaled on a floating-
frame pivoted to the main frame, and do not herein broadly claim the same, but,
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention,
and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is :
1. In a corn-planter, the combination, with a rigid frame and tongue secured
thereto, of a loose double-tree hox or casting arranged to slide on the tongue, and
chains or rods which connect said loose box with the rigid frame substantially as
and for the purposes specified.
2. In a three-row corn-planter, the combination, with a rigid frame A A¹ A² and
tongue A³, secured thereto, of the casting S, having hook 8', and the draft-rods
and chains 9 and 10, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
3. In a corn-planter or seeder, the combination, with a rigid frame having its axle
and wheels, of a floating-frame pivoted on the rear of the main frame and having a
power-wheel and power-shaft, clutch and pinion devices on the power-shaft of the
floating frame, and tumbler-shafts for actuating the feed mechanism of the planter
from the shaft of the floating frame, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
4. In a combined corn-planter and row-checker, the combination of a main frame
having its axle and wheels, an adjustable fee-box frame, row-checkers and feed
devices mounted thereon, a rear pivoted or floating frame having a driving-shaft and
driving-wheel, and driving mechanism for actuating the row-checker and feed
mechanism from the driving-shaft of the floating frame, substantially as and for the
purposes specified.
5. The combination, with the main frame A A' A² &c., having its wheels 64 65,
of three feed-boxes and the row-checkers carried by said frame, a pivoted or floating
rear frame, B B &c., having the driving wheel B, driving-shaft 15, two sets of
gears K L M and K L L, and the link-belting and tumbler-shafts for actuating the
feed mechanism and row-checkers from the driving-shaft 15 of the floating frame,
substantially as and for the purposes specified.
6. In a corn-planter, the combination of a rigid main frame having its axle and
wheels, a vertically-adjustable feed-box frame mounted thereon, a rear pivoted or
floating frame having a driving-shaft and driving-wheel, and driving-gear for
actuating the feeding mechanism from the driving-shaft of the floating frame,
substantially as and for the purposes specified.
7. In a corn-planter or seeder, the combination, with a main frame, of an adjustable
feed-box frame mounted thereon and a series of feed-boxes loosely mounted on the
feed-box frame so as to have each its independent movement, substantially as and for
the purposes specified.
8. In a corn-planter or seeder, the combination, with a main frame, of an adjustable
feed-box frame mounted thereon, a series of feed-boxes loosely mounted on the feed-
box frame so as to have each an independent movement and row-checkers journaled
on the adjustable feed-box frame, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
9. In a corn-planter or seeder, the combination, of a main frame, a feed-box frame
adjustably mounted thereon, a rear pivoted or floating frame having a driving-shaft
and wheel, and driving mechanism for actuating the feed mechanism, substantially as
and for the purposes specified.
10. In a corn-planter or seeder, the combination, of a main frame, an adjustable
feed-box frame mounted thercon a series of feed-boxes mounted on the feed-box frame
so as to have each its independent movement, a pivoted or floating rear frame having

page_text: a driving shaft and wheel, and gearing for actuating the feed devices from the driving-
shaft of the rear floating frame, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
11. In a corn-planter or seeder, the combination, of a main frame, an adjustable
feed-box mounted thereon, row-checkers journaled on the adjustable feed-box frame,
a series of feed-boxes loosely mounted on the feed-box frame so as to each have an
independent movement, a rear pivoted or floating frame having a driving-shaft and
-wheel, and driving-gear for actuating the feed mechanisms and the row-checkers from
the driving-shaft of the rear floating frame, substantially as and for the purposes
-specified.
12. The combination, with the main frame A A A², of the adjustable feed-box
frame C, the levers 16 16 17 17¹, rod 17ª, and hand-lever 18%, substantially as and for
the purposes specified.
13. The combination, with the main frame, of the adjustable feed-box frame, the
levers 16 16 17 17, and journals 18 18', the rear pivoted or floating frame, the driving-
shaft 15, gear-wheels KK, and extensible tumbler-shafts having the universal
joints XX, with spline and key-seat, the journal-boxes 18 181, being. below and in
advance of the universal joints X X', substantially as and for the purposes specified.
14. The combination, with the driving-shaft 15, its sprocket-wheels and link-belts,
and the row-checkers actuated thereby, of the shaft F, the hand-wheel T, and sprocket-
wheel T', and its link-belt, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
15. The combination, with a feed-box frame, a feed-box loosely mounted thereon
so as to have a movement independent of the frame, a slide-rod moving on the feed-
box frame, and a pawl-rod having bearings on the feed-box, of a loose connection
between the slide-rod and the pawl-rod-such as the slotted casting 35--and the
T-head of the pawl-rod, substantially as and for the purposes specified."
16. The combination, with feed-cylinders 66 67 and flirt-valve or regulator W, of a
pawl-rod having reverse pawls for actuating the cylinders and pendent tappets or
fingers for actuating the flirt or regulator valve, substantially as and for the purposes
specified..
17. The combination, with a feed-box frame, of a feed-box loosely mounted on said
frame, having eyes or boxes for the passage of rods, a series of rods, springs on said
rods, which springs yieldingly support the feed-box, and a shoe attached to the lower
ends of said rods, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
18. The combination, with a feed-box having a socket or recess on the under side
of its spout or dropper and a shoe, of a knife pivoted on the shoe and having a tang
or shank which extends up and enters the recess on the under side of the dropper,
substantially as and for the purposes specified.
Duted this 7th day of March A D 1887
ALLISON BROS.,
Agents for the Applicant.