Improvements in Machinery for Rolling or Crushing; also for Cutting and Thrashing Agricultural Pro- ducts, and Adapting Horse Power to Thrashing Machinery, &c.
Year: 1844

page_text: Improvements in Machinery for Rolling or Crushing;
also for Cutting and Thrashing Agricultural Pro-
ducts, and Adapting Horse Power to Thrashing
Machinery, &c.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
COLBORNE CAMBRIDGE, of Market Lavington, in the County of Wilts, Agri-
cultural Machine Maker, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing
date at Westminster, the Thirtieth day of April, in the seventh year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the
said William Colborne Cambridge, Her especial licence, full power, sole
privilege and authority, that I, the said William Colborne Cambridge, my
executors, administrators, and assigns, and such others as I, the said William
Colborne Cambridge, my executors, administrators, or assigns, should at any
time agree with, and no others; from time to time, and at all times during
the term of years therein mentioned, should and lawfully might make,
use, exercise, and vend, within England, Wales, the Town of Berwick-upon-
Tweed, and in all Her Majesty's Colonies and Plantations abroad, and in the
Islands of Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, and Man, my Invention of
"CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS, FIRST, IN MACHINERY FOR ROLLING OR CRUSHING GROUND;
BECOND, FOR CUTTING AND THRASHING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS; AND, THIRD, AN

page_text: IMPROVED ADAPTATION OF HORSE POWER TO THRASHING MACHINERY, WHICH MAY ALSO
BE APPLIED TO OTHER USES;" in which said Letters Patent is contained a
proviso, obliging me, the said William Colborne Cambridge, by an instrument
in writing under my hand and seal, particularly to describe and ascertain
the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, and to cause the same to be inrolled in Her Majesty's High Court
of Chancery within six calendar months next and immediately after the date
of the said in part recited Letters Patent, as in and by the same, reference
being thereunto had, will more fully and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
William Colborne Cambridge, do hereby declare that the nature of my said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is to be performed, is particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following description thereof, reference
being had to the Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the letters and figures
marked thereon (that is to say):-
My Invention consists, firstly, in an improved machine or apparatus for
rolling ground and crushing or breaking clods or large lumps of earth.
Secondly, in an improved construction or arrangement of the parts, and in
the mode of driving or actuating engines or machines employed for cutting hay,
straw, and other agricultural produce.
Thirdly, in certain improvements in machinery for thrashing corn.
And, lastly, in a novel combination or arrangement of mechanical parts
constituting an engine to be employed for driving various descriptions of
machinery by horse power or manual labour.
The first part of the Invention, viz., the machine for rolling land, as shewn
in Sheet I. of the accompanying Drawings; in which Fig. 1 represents a side
elevation of a machine for rolling land, and which may also be employed for
dibbling corn. It consists of a triangular cast-iron framework a, a, furnished
with wooden shafts and other appendages, as seen in the Drawing. Fig. 2 is
a plan view of the machine. At the lower end or angle of the framing a, a,
an axle b, b, is mounted in bearings, and carries a series of narrow wheels or
rollers c, c, which are allowed to turn freely and independent of each other on
the axle b. The periphery of each of the wheels c is indented or has teeth
formed thereon of a conical or pyramidical shape, as shewn in Fig. 1. At the
upper external angle of the cast-iron framing a, a, two running wheels d, d,
are mounted, for the purpose of facilitating the removal of the machine from
one place to another, which is effected by simply turning the shafts over, and
thereby inverting the position of the machine, and bringing the running wheels
d, d, on to the ground, so as to raise the pressing wheels c therefrom, as shewn

page_text: in Fig. 1. From the peculiar form of the teeth of the pressing wheels c, c,
I am enabled to employ this machine for dibbling or making holes in the
ground for the purpose of receiving seed, as seen in Fig. 1. Figs. 3 and 4
represent a side elevation and plan, or horizontal view, of a clod crusher, in
which the crushing wheels are made with plain or merely angular peripheries
instead of the indented ones, shewn in Figures 1 and 2. Fig. 4* is a section
of the rim of one of the wheels, shewn at full size.
The peculiar novelty of this part of the Invention consists, first, in con-
structing the pressing wheels c, c, in the manner shewn in the Drawing, and
placing them at any convenient distance apart on an axle, so as to allow them
to turn independent of each other, whereby the clods or lumps of earth are
more effectually broken or crushed than by machines of the ordinary con-
struction; second, in the adaptation or application of the running wheels d, d,
as above shewn, whereby the pressing wheels may be raised from the ground
and the machine transported from place to place, as circumstances may require,
by merely turning the shafts over to the opposite side, and thereby bringing
the running wheels in contact with the ground.
The machinery or apparatus for cutting straw and other substances into
chaff, and which constitutes the second part of the Invention, is shewn in
Sheet II. Fig. 5 represents a side elevation of a machine which is con-
structed entirely of iron. a, a, is the feed box or trough, in which the materials
to be cut are placed; b,b, is a cast-iron framework for supporting the machine.
A long shaft or spindle c, c, is mounted horizontally on one side of the machine
(as seen in the plan or birds-eye view, Fig. 6), and carries at one end the
fly wheel d, to which the knives or cutting instruments s, s, are bolted, as seen
in the end elevation, Fig. 7. On the opposite end of the horizontal shaft c
a winch handle is mounted, for the purpose of actuating the machine, and
an additional handle may, if required, be attached to the fly wheel d, as seen
in Fig. 5. Another mode of actuating chaff-cutting engines is shewn in
Figures 9, 10, 11, and 12. A bevel wheel e, Figures 6 and 8, is mounted
on the shaft c, and gears into and drives a similar wheelf on the shaft, 9, which
turns in bearings beneath the feeding trough or box a, a. At about the centre
of this shaft 9 is a small crank, which is by means of a rod m connected to a
vibrating lever n, which at its opposite end is connected to two other rods m**
(see Fig. 5). The upper end of the rod m is connected to a mouth piece,
which is raised while a proper length of hay or straw is being delivered for-
ward by the fluted rollers; and when a sufficient quantity has been brought
forward the mouth piece is depressed, so as to compress the materials and
render them more solid to cut. The hay, straw, or other material is fed for-

page_text: ward by two fluted rollers 9 and q* (see Figures 6 and 7), as is generally the
case. On the axle of the lower one is mounted a ratchet wheel j (Figures 5
and 6), which is actuated by a click o at the upper end of a bent lever 7. The
lower end of this lever is connected to the rod k, which is actuated by a second
crank i on the end of the shaft g at every rotation thereof (as seen in Figures
5 and 6), and the ratchet wheel j is prevented from turning in the wrong
direction by means of the pall p on the axle r of the upper fluted roller. On
the opposite end of the lower fluted roller q is mounted a toothed wheel t (see
Fig. 8), which gears into another wheel t* of similar dimensions, and mounted
on the axler of the upper fluted roller By this means both fluted rollers
are made to rotate in opposite directions and at the same speed, so as to
deliver or feed the hay, straw, or other material from the feeding trough in a
regular manner. The longer arm of the lever is furnished with a number
of holes, as seen in Fig. 5), so that the connecting rod k may be attached
to the lever l, nearer to or further from the centre of motion, as may be
thought desirable, and thereby the length of the chaff is regulated. When
chaff-cutting engines of large dimensions are employed, a greater power
than that obtained by the ordinary winch handle is required to drive them.
In place, therefore, of the ordinary fly wheel and winch, I connect, as shewn
in Fig. 9, the cutting part of the apparatus to an engine or apparatus,
by means of which I obtain greater power. Fig. 9 represents a plan or
horizontal view of this improved mode of actuating chaff-cutting machinery
when constructed of large dimensions; Fig. 10 is a side elevation of the
engine; Fig. 11 is a longitudinal vertical section, taken in the line A, B,
of Fig. 9, for the purpose of shewing the manner of constructing the
bearings in which the main or driving shaft is mounted; and Fig. 12 is
a transverse section of the same, taken in the line C, D, of Fig. 9. This
improved engine is bolted to the platform, and forms part of the chaff-
cutting engine, as shewn in Figs. 9 and 12. The power obtained by this
improved mode will be found sufficient to drive two or more chaff-cutting
machines, which may be connected therewith, as will be hereafter shewn and
described. The framework u, u, is made of cast iron, and at its upper end
carries a pair of plummer blocks or bearings, in which the horizontal shaft v,
Fig. 10, is mounted. On this shaft are affixed a pair of vibrating levers w, w,
to one of which a connecting rod x is jointed, as seen best in Figs. 10 and 12.
This rod communicates the motion of the levers w, w, to the crank y of the
crank shaft y*, whereby the vibrating motion is converted into a rotary one.
The crank shaft is mounted in bearings in a peculiar manner, as will be seen
best in Figs. 11 and 12, for the purpose of reducing the friction of the said

page_text: shaft as much as possible. It will be seen, by referring to these Figures, that
the crank shaft y* is supported by large antifriction rollers z, z, and is main-
tained in a proper position thereon by two pairs of small rollers 1, 1. By this
means I cause the crank shaft to run much more lightly or easily than it would
do in ordinary bearings. Power is communicated from the crank shaft to the
chaff engine by a rod r, furnished with universal joints, so that the engine may
stand at an angle for greater convenience, or the power may be applied in a
more direct manner by means of a spur wheel 3, Fig. 9, or at a greater dis-
tance by means of a strap or band passing over the large wheel 4. Either
of these plans may be employed, at the option of the attendant; and as a
heavy fly wheel 5 is adapted to this part of the apparatus, it will be unnecessary
to attach any fly wheel to the knives or cutting instruments, which are, there-
fore, simply mounted on a shaft, and made to revolve in front of the feeding
box, as seen in Fig. 9, and in the detached view Fig. 9*.
I claim, under this head of my Invention, the peculiar arrangement or con-
struction of parts shewn in Figs. 5, 6, 7, and 8, and also the improved mode
of driving or actuating chaff-cutting machinery, as shewn in Figs. 9, 10, 11,
and 12.
The thrashing machinery, or that which constitutes the third part of my
improvements, is shewn in Figs. 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18. Fig. 13 repre-
sents an external side elevation of the machine complete; Fig. 14 is an end
elevation, shewing one mode of actuating the machine by manual labour;
Fig. 15 is a plan or birds-eye view, looking down from above; Fig. 16 is a sec-
tional view of a detached portion, drawn upon an enlarged scale. The standards
and cross pieces which constitute the framework are seen at a, a, a, a; and
b, b, are cast-iron brackets, firmly bolted to the framing, for the purpose of
supporting the bearings, in which the cranked shaft d, d, is mounted. A large
toothed wheel e, e, is mounted at one end of this cranked shaft, and takes into
and drives a small wheel or pinion g on the drum shaft. The teeth of the
pinion 9 are made of wood; it is therefore called a mortise pinion, and, being
keyed on to the drum shaft, it gives motion to the drum, which is shewn by
dots at h in Fig. 13. An additional handle f is bolted to one of the arms of.
the large toothed wheel e, and, in combination with the crank shaft d, con-
stitutes a three-throw crank. The crank shaft d, d, is shewn in the Draw-
ings as mounted in ordinary bearings, but, if thought advisable, antifriction
wheels or rollers may be applied thereto, in the manner shewn and described
under the former head, and also shewn in Figs. 17 and 18. The drum head h
is made of iron, as seen in the sectional view Fig. 16. Six wooden beaters
t, t, t, covered with plate iron, are bolted on to the drum heads h, the beating.

page_text: edges being somewhat in advance of the true radius from the centre of the
drum. The circular roof or coverings, s, of the drum is constructed of plate
iron, furnished with sharp stripping edges u, u, mounted on wooden bearings,
and attached to a pair of circular iron frames v, v, which may be set at a
greater or less distance from the drum by means of three set screws 2,2,2,
one being connected to the middle of the roof and the other two at each end.
Fig. 17 represents a side elevation of another mode of actuating thrashing
machinery by hand labour, and Fig. 18 is a plan or birds-eye view of the
same. This plan of actuating thrashing machinery is similar to that described
under the last head. The driving or crank shaft y* is mounted in bearings,
constructed with antifriction rollers, in a similar manner to that shewn in
Figures 11 and 12, and which will not therefore require further description
than merely to state that these bearings are supported by cast-iron brackets
u, u, which are firmly bolted to the wooden or other framing a, a, of the
thrashing machine. The crank shaft carries at one end a fly wheel 5, and at
the other end a large friction wheel 4, which bears against and drives by
means of its friction of contact a small wheel or roller 6, which is mounted
on the shaft of the drum or beater. This shaft of the drum or beater being
mounted in slotted bearings, the roller 6 is or may be kept in contact with the
large friction wheel 4 by means of a smaller friction wheel 7, which revolves
and bears against the drum shaft, as seen in Fig. 17. The friction wheel 7 is
mounted at the upper end of one of the arms of a right-angled lever 8, which
has its fulcrum at 9, and is furnished at the opposite end with a weight 10 for
the purpose of maintaining the friction wheel 7 in contact with the drum
shaft. It will be seen, on referring to Fig. 18, that the crank shaft y* is
furnished with two cranks placed at right angles to each other; these cranks
are by means of rods a, a, connected to the vibrating levers w, w, which have
their fulcra at 11, and are worked by alternately raising and depressing the
handles 12. If required, an additional lever B, with shaft and connecting
rod 14, may be employed (as seen in Fig. 18).
The peculiar novelty which I seek to claim under this head is, first, the
employment of a three-throw crank constructed and applied in the manner
shewn in Figures 13, 14, and 15; and, secondly, the improved method of driving
thrashing machinery by means of levers and friction wheels, as shewn in
Figures 17 and 18.
The fourth and last part of the Invention consists in a combination of
mechanical parts constituting an engine for driving thrashing machines, chaff
engines, mealing mills, and other machinery for which motive power is required.
Fig. 19, Sheet IV., represents a plan or horizontal view of the improved

page_text: engine as fixed when at work; Fig. 20 represents a side elevation of the same;
Fig. 21 is an end elevation, and Fig. 22 a detached view in elevation, of the
gearing or means of transmitting motion. This engine is intended to be driven
by horse power. The framework, which is made of cast iron, is seen at a, a,
and carries the bearings in which the toothed wheels, hereafter describe, rotate.
b, b, is another framing connected to the former framing a, a.
The upright
shaft c turns in bearings made in the cross piece o (Figures 19 and 20), and
in a step o, (see Figures 20 and 22,) in the lower framing b, b. A large spur
wheel e is keyed on to the shaft c, which is actuated by driving round the hori-
zontal arms t, t, t, t, by horse power. The large spur wheel e, e, gears into and
drives a pinion f on the upright shaft d, which is supported by the cross
piece p, Fig. 19. The lower end of this shaft d carries a large bevel wheel g,
which gears into and drives the bevel pinion h, the shaft of which is mounted
in bearings i, i, (as seen in Fig. 22), and is furnished at its outer end with a
universal joint u, to which is connected the shaft v, whereby motion is com-
municated from this engine to any description of stationary machine that may
require to be driven. The engine is mounted on four wheels w, w, w, w, two
being mounted on the front axle, which turns at its centre on a pin, (as seen
in Fig. 19,) so as to facilitate the turning round of the whole carriage. A
framing for the purpose of receiving shafts or arms is connected to the fore
axle, as seen at 9, q, for the purpose of dragging the carriage from place to
place. The other two wheels w, w, are mounted on the back axle m, m; and
r, r, are two flanges at the back part of the carriage, to which the shafts or
drawing arms may be attached, for the purpose hereafter mentioned. The arms
t, t, are furnished on one of their sides with a rib s, s, so that when the said
arns are fastened to the flanges r, r, of the machine, the rib s will be found
to correspond with a similar rib s on the framework, and thereby constitute
an inclined railway, up which a thrashing machine or other engine may be
drawn, and placed on the above engine, for the purpose of being conveyed
from one place to another.
The peculiar feature of novelty in this part of my improvements is, the
arrangement of the gearing or working parts, whereby I am enabled to con-
struct a more compact machine than those in general use for similar purposes.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Colborne Cambridge, have here-
unto set my hand and seal, this Thirtieth day of October, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and forty-four.
WILLIAM COLBORNE (L.s.) CAMBRIDGE.

page_text: AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the same Thirtieth day of October,
in the year above mentioned, the aforesaid William Colborne Cambridge came
before our Lady the Queen in Her Chancery, and acknowledged the Speci-
fication aforesaid, and all and every thing therein contained, in form above
written. And also the Specification was stamped according to the tenor of the
Statute in that case made and provided.
Inrolled the same Thirtieth day of October, in the year above written.