IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF REAPING AND MOWING MACHINES
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Alexander McGregor, of Leigh, in the County of Lan-
caster, for the Invention of 'IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF
REAPING AND MOWING MACHINES."
Sealed the 11th October 1878, and dated the 20th April 1878.
"IMPROVEMENTS
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Alexander McGregor at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 20th April 1878.
ALEXANDER MCGREGOR, of Leigh, in the County of Lancaster.
IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF REAPING AND MOWING MACHINES."
This Invention has for its object improvements in reaping and mowing machines,
and the first part relates to the reaping machines described in the Specification of
Letters Patent granted to me, bearing date the 20th day of February 1877,
No. 699, and consists in the first place of an arrangement of the rake cam or cams,
combined with the movable friction rollers, whereby I am enabled to dispense with
the loose or movable piece of the rake cam, whilst at the same time the rake arms.
are securely guided in their path, whether as rakes or gatherers, and are perfectly
controllable, either automatically or by the man driving the machine.
Around a portion of the periphery of the usual cam track or tracks, and corre-
sponding to that part where the rake arms or gatherers begin to descend to reel in
the standing grain to the cutters, and extending back to where the rake leaves the
back end of the platform, I form a raised or vertical flange, having a horizontal
flange on its top edge, projecting inwards, so as to form an internal groove or
channel, in which the friction rollers of the rake arms are guided when reeling in
and raking off or delivering the grain.
.
At the inner circle of the portion of the cam corresponding with the path of the
delivery rakes over the platform only, I form an incline or bridge piece, over which
the friction roller of the rake arm runs up, causing the rake to pass over the plat-
form without delivering or raking off the crop, when it is desired that they should
act as gatherers only. By sliding the friction rollers outwards they run in the
internal groove or channel and cause the rake to deliver the cut crop, but when the

page_text: friction rollers are slidden inwards, they will run over the incline or bridge piece
and cause the rake to pass over without delivering the cut crop.
The axles of the friction rollers are formed with a knee, so that they may pass
clear of the incline or bridge piece when running in the internal groove or channel,
and delivering the crop. Though in this particular arrangement I have described
the inner camway path as the one to cause the rake to act as a dummy, and the
other or outer camway path to cause the rake to sweep off the sheaf, I do not
confine myself to this particular arrangement, and in some cases use the outer cam-
way path for causing the rake to act as a dummy, and the inner one for causing it
to act as a rake.
As a modification of this part of my Invention, I sometimes make use of two
rollers to each rake arm head, one on either side of the knee or crank of the
axle, and by sliding the axle I cause either the outer or the inner rollers to run
on or under a track which shall give the corresponding rake the particular action
required.
In order to actuate the sliding rollers automatically, so as to give the required
number of dummies after a rake, I arrange a drum or barrel to be driven by the
gearing, so as to make one revolution during the passage of a certain number of
rakes over the platform. On this drum or barrel is formed two or more series of
projections, which shall come in contact with the trigger or catch for actuating the
sliding rollers. The action of this drum or barrel will be more clearly illustrated by
assuming the case of one made to give one revolution for three of the rake shaft
during the passage of twelve rakes over the platform (or in the case of a machine
having four rake arms, the rake shaft shall make three revolutions for one of the
barrel or drum), and having three series of projections. The first, consisting of six,
allows one dummy only to pass after every rake; the second, consisting of four,
allows two dummies to pass after every rake; and the third, consisting of three,
allows three dummies to pass after every rake.
In some cases a drum or barrel is arranged, having five series of projections, viz.,
thirty, twenty, fifteen, twelve, and ten, arranged to make one revolution during the
passage of sixty rakes over the platform, and allowing from one to five dummies.
after each rake, according to which series of projections are set to act upon the catch
or trigger.
The same arrangement of drum is also available for actuating the switch or
movable part of the cam in those machines in which the friction rollers are not
made to slide.
The second part of this Invention consists of a peculiar arrangement for throwing
he machine into and out of gear. On the boss of the main driving wheel, and
between that wheel and the frame, I place the first motion gear wheel, which is free
to turn on this boss, and having attached or formed on the side thereof a ring of
radiating clutch teeth. Around the boss of the main wheel and between it and the
first motion gear wheel, I place a corresponding ring or plate, of radiating clutch
teeth set to face those on the side of the first motion gear wheel; this ring or plate
is not free to turn, but is free to slide on the boss of the main wheel a sufficient
distance to be in or out of gear with that on the first motion wheel. To the back
of this sliding ring or plate are rivetted or secured two or more pins which pass
through holes formed in the arms or centre of the main wheel. Either around these
pins or in other suitable holes formed in the main wheel are placed springs to cause
the rings of clutch teeth to be pressed into gear. At the outer ends of these pins is
secured a boss or ring, which is free to slide on the outer boss of the main wheel,
and having formed in it an annular groove to receive the fork of an ordinary clutch
lever.
On the outer end of the axle carrying the main wheel is placed a flanged axle
cap secured by a pin to the axle. Outside this cap is placed a boss or bracket free
to turn on the cap, but prevented from coming off by a hooked stud clipping the
flange of the cap. In this boss or bracket are formed holes to receive the driver's
seat standard and foot iron, also an upright arm, to which is attached the haud

page_text: lever for throwing in or out of gear. By this arrangement the lever is brought
outside the main wheel, and close to the driver's hand, thereby avoiding the risk
and inconvenience of reaching over to the inner side of the wheel, and when
travelling on the road (or when out of gear) the main wheel only revolves.
In some cases an ordinary ring of internal or external teeth is attached to the
first motion gear wheel, and two or more pawls are arranged to gear into the same
in the ordinary manner, with springs to keep them in gear
According to this part of the Invention from each pawl an axle or shaft is carried
through the holes in the arms or centre of the main wheel, and cranks are secured
to the outer end of these axles or shafts.
These cranks may be actuated by a sliding boss or ring, or by compound levers
so as to move the pawls out of gear when required.
Either of these arrangements are equally applicable to a single wheel back
delivery reaper.
In order to keep the driver's seat in the same relative position with regard to the
main wheel, and that it may be unaffected by the raising or lowering of the machine,
a projecting arm is formed on the flanged axle cap having a hole or stud at its
outer end, concentric with the second motion shaft of the axle plate of the frame.
A rod from this arm is carried to the tipping lever bracket, bolted to the pole, and
from an upright on this rod is attached a link connecting the same to the seat
bracket, forming a parallel lift.
Another part of this Invention consists of an improved arrangement for tipping
the platform and fingers up or down, and in manner of attaching the hand lever
for the purpose. The draught pole of the machine is jointed to the lower portion
of the frame, and from the upper part is carried a rod which is connected to a crank
lever, the shaft of which works through a hole in a bracket on the draught frame.
On the outer end of this shaft is formed a square, on which is fixed a washer
having two studs or trunnions on its periphery. Between this fixed washer and
the end of the bracket through which the shaft projects is placed the socket for
receiving the hand lever. This socket is formed with a central recess for receiving
a spring pressing against the fixed washer, the trunnions on the washer connecting
the same to the socket. A stud in the face of the socket catches in holes in the
face of a quadrant which forms part of the bracket, and the spring between the
washer and the socket admits of the latter being moved on the shaft endways
sufficient to shift the stud from one hole to another in the quadrant plate, as may
be required for the proper adjustment of the machine.
In order to overcome the inconvenience of lengthening or shortening the cord for
actuating the controllable clutch, the cranks or pulleys for carrying the cord are
mounted on the rod which connects the upper portion of the frame with the tipping.
lever crank on one side, and to the tipping lever socket on the other in such manner.
as to enable the cranks or pulleys to maintain the same relative position with
regard to the controllable clutch.
In order to adjust the outer or dividing shoe wheel, the same is carried on an
axle which is attached to a sliding block on the dividing shoe, and a spring catch
pin is inserted through the centre of the axle, catching in holes in the dividing shoe.
The block is, by preference, made to travel in the arc of a circle, a stay being con-
nected from the outer end of the axle to a joint on the dividing shoe corresponding
with the centre of the circle. To the back part of this sliding block is fixed a
socket for receiving the lever for raising or lowering.
The third part of my Invention relates to improvements in mowing and reaping
machines, and consists,―
Firstly. In an improved mode of connecting the end of the connecting rod to the
knife, whereby the latter (or should the knife be withdrawn, the end of the con-
necting rod) is prevented from slipping down when the finger bar is elevated to a
vertical position for transport. For this purpose the end of the connecting rod is
formed with a stud projecting opposite the one which fits in the eye of the knife
head, and in the movable drop piece which keeps the connecting rod attached to

page_text: •
the knife, I provide a recess or groove in which the extra projecting stud is free to
work the full stroke of the end of the connecting rod, but when the finger bar is
turned up in a vertical postion, the projecting stud on the connecting rod comes in
contact with a stopped part of the recess in the drop piece, and is thus prevented
from slipping down.
Secondly. In an improved arrangement of pawls and springs used for communi-
cating the motion of the driving wheels to the main shaft. It has been usual to
make the pawls (and in many cases the travelling wheels themselves) right and
left handed, and very often great inconvenience has been caused on a breakage of
one of the parts through the delay caused by a wrong description, or a misunder-
standing of the order for a right or left part. To obviate this inconvenience I
make the pawls in such a manner that they, together with the springs and
travelling wheels, will answer for either right or left hand. I extend a similar
projection for catching into the teeth of the ratchet wheel on each side of the longi-
tudinal centre line of the pawl. Around the central boss of the travelling wheel I
form a plate having two holes, and two projecting studs at right angles and equal
distances. I arrange the pins of the pawls to fit in the holes of the plate, and by
preference, straight flat steel springs with a loop at one end to fit over the studs in
the plate, which being at equal distances and the pawls formed in the manner
previously described enables them to be set to work either way and so answer for
right or left, as may be required.
Thirdly. In improvements in the manner of attaching the driver's seat in that
class of mowing and reaping machines called "combined machines," and in which it
is advantageous to have the driver's seat further from the cutting apparatus in
reaping than in mowing. To effect this movement of the seat I attach the lower end
of the seat standard to a socket or boss which fits in a hole in the frame of the
machine, and is free to partially rotate in the same so as to cause the seat to
describe the arc of a circle of sufficient length for the purpose required. To this
before-mentioned socket or boss I attach a spring, catch, bolt, or other suitable
contrivance for retaining it in the desired position.
In some cases I prefer to form the seat standard of round iron rivetted or secured
at the bottom end of this socket or boss, and at the upper end I attach a short
piece of flat spring steel to overcome the jolting caused by a rigid seat.
The fourth part of this Invention has for its object improvements in the manner
of connecting the gear frame with the draft frame in that class of mowing and
reaping machines in which the finger bar is connected to the gear frame by means
of a double joint or hinge bar.
On the end of the lifting lever spindle which passes through the draft frame, and
at the opposite end to that at which the lifting lever and quadrant are secured, is
formed a knee or crank. At the outer end of this knee or crank is pivotted a crank
lever, to the short arm of which is attached a link connecting the same with the
under or gear frame. By means of a spring, catch, or other suitable appliance, this
last-mentioned lever is locked in any previously determined position with regard to
the link so as to lengthen or shorten the same in the manner of an ordinary tipping
lever for raising or lowering the points of the fingers by raising or lowering the
gear frame and altering the relative angle of the gear frame with the draught
frame.
According to this improvement when the lifting lever is actuated for raising the
whole of the finger bar before the slackness of the lifting chain is taken up, the
crank on the outer end of the lever spindle will come into operation, thereby
raising the gear frame and with it the point of the finger, so that they may more
readily pass over the cut grass or other obstructions.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Alexander McGregor in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 19th
October 1878.
ALEXANDER MCGREGOR, of Leigh, in the County of Lancaster.
IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF REAPING AND MOWING MACHINES."
"IMPROVEMENTS
The first part of this Invention relates to the reaping machines described in the
Specification of Letters Patent grant to me, bearing date the 20th day of Feb-
ruary 1877, No. 699, and consist in the first place of an arrangement of the rake
cam or cams combined with the movable friction rollers, whereby I am enabled
to dispense with the loose or movable piece of the rake cam, while at the same
time the rake arms are more securely guided in their path, whether as rakes or
gatherers.
Fig. 1 in the annexed Drawings is a partial plan, and Fig. 2 a partial sectional
view of part of the cam and rake arm. a is the friction roller which governs the
motion of the rake arms. The roller is carried by cranked arm or axle b, which
can be slidden in the socket c¹ of the rake arm c, so that the roller may run either
on the inner or outer path or track of the cam.
When the cranked axle b is shifted outwards the roller a travels under the
covered portion of the cam d (see Fig. 2), thereby causing the rake which the
roller governs to sweep the cut crop off the platform. When the cranked axle b is
shifted inwards at a point on the line e, corresponding with the line of the cutters,
the roller & runs up an incline or bridge piece d' on the inner circle of the cam,
thereby causing the rake to rise up clear of the platform, as shown in the dotted
lines, Fig. 2, and pass over the cut crop without raking it off. Though in this
particular arrangement I have described the inner camway path as the one to cause
the rake to act as a dummy, and the other or outer camway path as the one to
cause the rake to sweep off the sheaf, I do not confine myself to this particular
arrangement, and in some cases I use the outer camway path for causing the rake
to act as a dummy, and the inner one for causing it to act as a rake.
As a modification of this part of the Invention I sometimes make use of two
rollers (ff, Fig. 3) to each rake arm head, one on either side of the crank g of the
axle, and by sliding the axle I cause either the outer roller f to run under a
covered portion of the canway h, and the rake which it governs to sweep the plat-
form or the inner roller f¹, to run up the incline or bridge piece h¹, and its rake to
rise up clear of the cut crop.
The sliding rollers may be actuated automatically so as to give the required
number of dummies after a rake, but I do not confine myself to any particular
arrangement, this part of my Invention relating only to the camway without the
movable piece, in conjunction with the sliding rollers, substantially as described.
The second part of this Invention consists of a peculiar arrangement for throwing
the machine into and out of gear. On the boss (Fig. 4) of the main driving
wheel i, and between that wheel and the frame, I place the first motion gear
wheel k, which is free to run on the boss i¹, and has attached or formed on the side
thereof a ring of radiating clutch teeth k¹, k'. Around the boss i¹ of the main wheel,
and between it and the first motion gear wheel k, I place a corresponding ring or
plate of radiating clutch teeth 1, 1, set to face those on the side of the first motion
gear wheel. This ring or plate is not free to turn, but is free to slide on the boss
of the main wheel a sufficient distance to be in or out of gear with that on the first
motion wheel. To the back of this ring or plate 1, 1, are rivetted or secured two or
more pins m, m, which 'pass through holes formed in the arms or centre of the
main wheel. Around these pins (or in other suitable holes formed in the main
wheel) are placed coiled springs to cause the rings of clutch teeth to be pressed into
gear. At the outer end of these pins is secured a boss or ring n, which is free to
slide on the outer bcss of the main wheel, and having formed in it an annular
groove n¹ to receive a fork of an ordinary clutch lever.n².

page_text: On the outer end of the axle o (Fig. 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8) is placed a flanged axle
cap o secured by a pin to the axle. Outside this cap is placed a boss or bracket o³
free to turn on the cap, but prevented from coming off by a hooked stud os clipping
the flange of the cap. In this boss or bracket are formed holes to receive the
driver's seat standard o' and the foot iron 0%, also an upright arm 06, to which is
attached the hand lever p for throwing into or out of gear. By this arrangement
the clutch lever is brought outside the main wheel i and close to the driver's hand,
thereby avoiding the risk and inconvenience of reaching over to the inner side of
the main wheel, and when travelling on the road (or when out of gear) the main
wheel only revolves.
In some cases an ordinary ring q, Figs. 6 and 7, of internal (or external) teeth is
attached to the first motion gear wheel, and two or more pawls r, r, are arranged
to gear into the same in the ordinary manner, as shown in dotted lines (Fig. 7),
with springs to keep them in gear.
According to this part of the Invention from each pawl an axle or shaft f¹ is
carried through the holes in the arms or centre of the main wheel, and cranks
secured to the outer end of these axles or shafts.
are
These cranks may be actuated by a sliding boss or ring 2³, or by compound
levers so as to move the pawls out of gear when required.
Either of these arrangements is equally applicable to a single wheel back delivery
reaper.
In order to keep the driver's seat (s, Fig. 8) in the same relativo position with
regard to the main wheel, and that it may be unaffected by the raising or lowering
of the machine, a projecting arm t is formed on the flanged axle cap, having a hole
or stud at its outer end concentric with the second motion shaft of the axle plate
of the frame. A rod from this arm is carried to the tipping lever bracket u
bolted to the pole w; and from an upright on this rod is attached a link t³ con-
necting the same to the seat bracket, forming a parallel lift.
Another part of this Invention consists of an improved arrangement for tipping
the platform and fingers up or down, and in the manner of attaching the hand
lever for the purpose. The draught pole w (Fig. 8) is jointed to the lower portion
of the frame at w¹, and from the upper part at w³, is carried a rod w³, which is con-
nected to a crank lever w' (shown more clearly to larger scale in Fig. 9), the shaft
of which (5) works through a hole in the tipping lever bracket u. On the outer
end of this shaft is formed a square, on which is fixed a washer x (Fig. 9 and 10),
having two studs or trunnions x¹, x¹, on its periphery. Between this fixed washer
and the end of the bracket through which the shaft projects is placed the socket u¹
for receiving the hand lever. This socket is formed with a central recess for
receiving a spring u² pressing against the fixed washer x, the trunnions on the
washer connecting the same to the socket. A stud u³ in the face of the socket
catches in holes in the face of a quadrant, which forms part of the bracket u³, and
the spring u² between the washer and the socket admits of the latter being moved
on the shaft w end ways, as shown in the dotted lines Fig. 9, sufficient to shift the
stud from one hole to another in the quadrant plate, as may be required for the
proper adjustment of the machine.
In order to adjust the outer or dividing shoe wheel y (Figs. 11 and 12), the same
is carried on an axle y' which is attached to or forms part of a sliding block on the
dividing shoe, and a spring latch pin y² is inserted through the centre of the axle,
catching in holes y³ in the dividing shoe. The block is by preference made to travel
in the arc of a circle, a stay y being connected from the outer end of the axle to a
point on the dividing shoe, corresponding with the centre of that circle. To a con-
venient part of this sliding block is attached or formed a socket y³ for receiving the
lever for raising or lowering.
The next part of my Invention relates to improvements in mowing and reaping
machines, and consist in an improved arrangement of pawls and springs used for
communicating the motion of the driving wheels in the ordinary class of two-
wheeled machines to the main shaft.

page_text: It has been usual to make the pawls (and in many cases the travelling wlicels
themselves) right and left handed, and very often great inconvenience has licen
caused on a breakage of one of these parts through the delay caused by a wrong
description or a misunderstanding of the order for a right or left part.
To obviate this inconvenience I make the pawls in such a manner that they;
together with the springs and travelling wheels, will answer for either right or left
hand.
Fig. 13 is a diagram of this arrangement. I extend a similar projection for
catching with the teeth of the ratchet on each side of the longitudinal centre line A, A,
of the pawl.
Around the central boss B of the travelling wheel I form a plate having two
holes A', A', and two projecting studs B', B', at right angles and equal distances:
I arrange the pins of the pawls to fit in the holes of the plate, and, by preference,
straight flat steel springs C, C, with a loop at one end to fit over the studs in the
plate. The dotted lines show the pawls and springs set to work the opposite
warp.
The last part of this Invention has for its object improvements in the manner of
connecting the gear frame with the draught frame in that class of mowing and
reaping machines in which the finger bar is connected to the gear frame by means of
a double joint or hinge bar.
Fig. 14 is an elevation of that part of a machine necessary to illustrate my
improvements. On the end of the lifting lever spindle which passes through the
draught frame D, and at the opposite end to that at which the lifting lever and quad-
rant are secured, is formed a knee or crank E. At the outer end of this knee or crank
is pivotted a cranked lever F, to the short arm of which is attached a link G, con-
necting the same with the under gear frame H. By means of a spring catch, shewn
in dotted lines I (or other suitable appliance), this last-mentioned lever is locked in
any previously determined position with regard to the link, so as to lengthen or
shorten the same in the manner of an ordinary tipping lever for raising or lowering
the points of the fingers by raising or lowering the gear frame and altering the
relative angle of the draught frame.
According to this arrangement, when the lifting lever K is actuated for raising
the whole of the finger bar, before the slackness of the lifting chain L is taken up,
the crank E on the outer end of the lever spindle will come into operation, thereby
raising the gear frame, and with it the points of the fingers, so that they may more
readily pass over the cut grass or other obstructions.
I do not confine myself to this particular arrangement, as in some cases, to suit
the construction of the machine, I find it necessary to have the knee or crank E at
the same side of the machine as the quadrant and lifting lever. I also, in some
cases, set the knee or crank in such position as to cause it to come into operation
only after the slackness of the chain is taken up and the latter has commenced to
raise the finger bar.
Fig. 14 is a modification of this part of my Invention in which the link M of the
ordinary tipping lever N is provided with a slot R. On actuating the lifting lever /
the back stay O of the hinge bar, or the hinge bar itself, comes in contact with the
under side of the gear frame H and raises the same, and with it the points of the
fingers, the stud P working up the slot in the tipping lever link.
I would here remark that in my Provisional Specification I referred to certain
other arrangements of mechanism as forming part of my Invention, namely:-
1. A method of overcoming the inconvenience of lengthening or shortening the
cord for actuating the controlled clutch.
2. An improved mode of connecting the end of the connecting rod to the knife so
as to prevent it from slipping down when the finger bar is elevated into a vertical
position for transport.
3. An improved mode of attaching the driver's seat in "combined machines ;" and
I wish it to be understood that I am desirous of disclaiming, and I hereby disclaim
such arrangements as forming any part of my Invention.

page_text: Having now described the nature and object of my said Invention, together with
the manner in which the same is to be or may be performed or carried into practical
effect, I wish it to be understood that I claim as my Invention,-
First. The cam without the movable piece, in conjunction with the sliding rollers
and the modifications thereof, substantially as described with reference to Figs. 1,
2, and 3.
Secondly. The particular arrangement for throwing in or out of gear, and the
modification thereof, as described with reference to Figs. 4, 5, 6, and 7.
Thirdly. The arrangement of rods and links for keeping the driver's seat in
position, as described with reference to Fig. 8.
"
Fourthly. The arrangement of tipping lever socket, with spring and washer, as
described with reference to Figs. 8, 9, and 10.
Fifthly. The particular manner of adjusting the outer or dividing shoe wheel as
described with reference to Figs. 11 and 12.
Sixthly. The arrangement of pawls and springs, as described, and illustrated by
Fig. 13.
Seventhly. The combination of parts for causing the points of the fingers to rise
by the action of the lifting lever with the modifications thereof, substantially as
described with reference to Figs. 14 and 15.
In witness whereof, I, the said Alexander McGregor, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Seventeenth day of October, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight.
ALEXANDER MCGREGOR
(Tα)