IMPROVEMENTS IN DITCHING MACHINES
Year: 1883

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Robert Fowler of the Steam Plough Works Leeds in the
County of York for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN DITCHING
MACHINES." A communication to him from abroad by Henry Carter and
William Rennie of Toronto, Ontario Canada.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said Robert Fowler at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 25th January 1883.
it
"
ROBERT FOWLER of the Steam Plough Works Leeds in the County of York.
IMPROVEMENTS IN DITCHING MACHINES Communicated to me from abroad by
Henry Carter and William Rennie of Toronto Ontario Canada
This Invention relates to certain improvements in a ditching machine known as
Carter and Rennie's machine and patented by them in the United States under
Letters Patent No 238,647. The object of the present Invention is to improve the
operation of the said ditching machine.
It consists, first, in binding the plates forming the segmental rim of the
elevating wheel by a ring about the same diameter as the frame of the wheel and
so arranged that the plates are rivetted or otherwise secured to the rim as hereafter
explained. Secondly-In hinging the body piece of the bucket to the said ring.
Thirdly-In the peculiar form of the plates forming the segmental rim of the
elevating wheel. Fourthly-In the peculiar arrangement of the friction rollers
located at the discharging spout of the elevating wheel so that the body of the
bucket shall come in contact with them and be pushed back clear of the outer rim.
Fifthly-In providing a peculiarly constructed spring cam bar arranged so as to
force out the buckets as each approaches the ground, thereby giving power and
grip to the wheel. Sixthly-In designing the cam bar with a joint near the point
where the buckets commence to raise the material so that the said cam bar shall
permit the bucket to "give" in the event of coming against an obstruction.
Seventhly-In so forming the spade and connecting it to the frame of the machine
that when it is adjusted, it moves on a circle of the wheel. Eightly-In providing

page_text: a plate forming a back to the elevating buckets, the said plate being hinged at its
bottom end to the spade and having a spring also attached to the spade and acting
against the plate. Ninthly-In providing the plate forming the spring back with
flanges fastened on each side of the plate so that they can be moved when the
machine is to be worked in sticky ground. Tenthly-In the peculiar manner in
which the outer supporting wheels are braced to the tongue. Eleventhly-In
connecting the tongue to a block adjustably held in the front frame by a dog which
may be worked by the driver from his seat.
In the drawings Figure 1 is a perspective side view of the whole machine.
Figure 2 is a perspective detail of one of the plates forming the bottom of the
elevating bucket and also the rim of the elevating wheel. Figure 3 is a
perspective detail of the body piece of the bucket. Figure 4 is a perspective
detail showing two of the buckets in position between the rings employed in
binding the plates together. Figure 5 is a perspective detail of that portion of the
machine where the elevating buckets empty into the discharging spout. Figure 6
is a detail showing the cam bar. Figure 7 is a detail of the nose of the spade.
Figure 8 is a detail showing the manner of hinging the nose of the spade to its
body. Figure 9 is a detail of the spade and its connections. Figure 10 is a
skeleton detail showing the arrangement of the levers for operating the machine.
In the drawings like letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in each
figure.
As the Invention relates to improvements in the construction of a known
machine it is not necessary in this Specification to describe fully the entire
construction and operation. The details in which the machine the subject of the
present patent differs from the known machine are specifically described.
The first improvement is in the particular construction of the elevating wheel.
This is shown fully in Figure 1 and in the detail Figures 2, 3 and 4. The rim of
the wheel is composed of a series of plates A, flanged as shown in Figure 2, and
rivetted as represented in Figure 4, to two metal rings B, the plates A, being
rivetted between these rings sufficiently far apart to permit the back of the body
piece C to slip between them.
It will also be seen on reference to Figure 2 that these plates A are narrower
where they are not flanged, the reduction in the width being made for the purpose
of permitting the sides of the body piece C to work between the plate and the
rings binding them together, the body C being as represented pivoted to the metal
rings B, a ferrule a being placed between the sides of the body piece at the pivot
point as represented.
It will thus be seen that the plates A bound rigidly together by the metal
rings B, form a segmental rim or tyre to the wheel, and also constitute a bottom
to the bucket formed by the body piece C, projecting beyond the periphery of the
wheel. The rim of the wheel thus formed is securely braced to its hub by the
spokes D.
E is a friction roller journalled in a bracket rivetted to the body piece C. This
roller is designed to rest upon the cam bar F, which is shaped substantially as
shown in Figure 6 in order to force the body piece C outside the periphery of the
wheel at the point where it is desired to make the elevating bucket and is likewise
shaped to permit the body piece of the bucket to be pushed in flush with the
periphery of the wheel at the point where it discharges the earth it has
elevated.
It will be noticed on reference to Figure 6 that the cam bar F has a joint
formed in it at b. The cam bar on one side of the joint is provided with a spring G
forming thereby a spring cam bar to force the body piece of each bucket as it
approaches the ground out beyond the periphery of the wheel in order to constitute
a grip to prevent the wheel-slipping.
As the wheel continues to revolve the friction roller E passes the point b.
At this point the bucket should commence to gather the earth which has been
loosened by the spade H the advantage of the joint being that should the bucket

page_text: come in contact with any obstruction which might otherwise injure it the joint
permits the cam bar to spring back allowing the body piece C to recede sufficiently
to clear the obstruction As the wheel continues to revolve each bucket proceeds
to gather its load of earth which it raises to the top of the wheel where a discharge
spout I is fixed as shown.
As it is necessary that the body piece C should recede within the periphery of
the wheel at this point and at the same time do so only gradually, three friction
rollers are provided; the friction roller a being journalled on the end of a spring
bar e.
The next roller is held in an adjustable spindle so that its distance from the
periphery of the wheel may be regulated.
The next roller 9 is journalled on a spindle fixed to the frame of the
machine.
As each bucket approaches the discharge spout, the body piece C first comes in
contact with the roller d. This roller forces the body piece inwardly. It next
comes in contact with the roller f which pushes it still farther in and finally the
roller g completes the desired operation
The body pieces C, revolving with the wheel, after passing the roller g, project
within the periphery instead of beyond it until it has reached the point where it is
desired to force it outwardly in order to constitute a grip on the ground to prevent
the wheel slipping.
On reference to Figures 9 and 10, the manner of securing the sparle or plow H
to the frame of the machine will be understood. It will be noticed in these Figures
that the shank of the spade H is curved and is held in bearings J fixed to the frame
of the machine in such a manner that when the spade is raised or lowered it at all
times will follow the circle of the elevating wheel. It therefore follows that
the nose of the spade will always be at the same distance from the buckets,
no matter at what elevation the spade may be set.
With the view of enabling the driver to readily adjust this spade a hand lever K
is provided. This lever is pivotted to the frame of the machine and is connected
to the spade H, by the link L (see Figures 9 and 10).
A notched bar M is pivoted to the lever K and is arranged to engage with some
fixed point in the main frame of the machine. It will thus be seen that the driver
by adjusting the angle of the lever K, can raise or lower the spade as required and
hold it in any desired position.
In order to form a back for the buckets while elevating the earth from the nose
of the plow to the point of discharge a steel back plate N is provided hinged at h
to the nose of the plow and extending from that point, around the wheel as shewn,
the said plate being held so that it will move with the spade.
A spring O is provided as shewn for the purpose of stiffening the plate N, but
at the same time permit it to spring should anything being elevated by the buckets
be larger than the space allowed for its passage.
The flanges P are fixed to the back plate, N, as shewn so that they can readily
be removed when the machine is to be used in sticky ground.
Figures 10 and 11 shew skeleton views of the mechanism for raising the frame
of the machine.
Qis the main frame of the machine upon which the elevating wheel is journalled.
R is a notched bar attached to the steadying frame S, which steadying frame
as shewn, in Figure 1, is supported by the ground wheels T.
U is a pawl pivoted to the frame Q and arranged to engage with the notches on
the bar R (see Figure 10) This bar U is connected to a crank lever V and also
pivoted to the frame Q and connected by the rod W' to the hand lever W which is
pivoted on the rear of the frame Q near the driver's seat.
By drawing upon the hand lever W, the pawl U, is fulcrummed on the notched
bar R which being connected to the steadying frame S, carried on the ground
wheels T causes the said ground wheels to carry the weight of the machine.
On reference to Figure 10 it will be seen that the stop bar X fits into a notch

page_text: made above the notch into which the pawl U is entered, thus when the movement
of the lever W forces the main frame Q to mount on to the bar, R, the stop bar X,
falls into the next notch and thereby holds the steadying frame in position while
the lever is thrown forward so as to enable the bar U to fit into one of the notches
above the notch into which it has recently been fulcrummed. It will thus be seen
that the driver by moving the hand lever W backwards and forwards can raise the
front of the machine to any desired altitude.
With the view of permitting the free movement of the bar R in the frame Q I
provide, the friction rollers q (see Figures 1 and 11) which friction rollers by
coming in contact with the frame, Q prevent the bar binding.
The hand lever Y pivoted on the frame Q is suitably connected as shewn to the
spindle Y¹ of the castor wheel. This lever is provided with a suitable spring pawl
arranged to engage with notches formed on the quadrant attached to the frame Q,
thereby enabing the driver to raise the rear end of the machine on the castor wheel.
When it is desired to drop the elevating wheel into a ditch the stop bar X is
thrown out of the notch by the action of the pawl U which as will be seen on
reference to Figure 10 may be caused to come in contact with the end of the bar X
thereby forcing it out of the notch into which it may at the time be fitting the
connection between the steadying frame and main frame being thereby broken, the
main frame, which carries the elevating wheel, will of course drop.
On reference to Figure 1 it will be seen that the tongue Z is pivotted upon a block
Z' held in the front end of the frame Q. This block Z' has a pawl Z, pivoted upon
it and designed to fit into a notch formed in the front bar of the frame Q for the
purpose of holding the block Z' in the position it is indicated in Figure 1.
When the front of the frame Q is lowered and it is desired to raise the inner end
of the tongue Z, the pawl Z2, is drawn out of its notch by the rod Z³ thereby
permitting the block Z¹ to move upwardly.
Although the Drawing exhibits only one ground wheel T, it is of course
understood that there are two such wheels as in the original machine herein before
referred to. In that machine the ground wheels are braced only to the rear of the
machine but as it is found in practice that the machine could not be easily turned
when so braced in the present Invention the additional stay rods Z* are provided
extending from the ground wheels T, to the tongue Z, to which they are connected
by a pin designed to work into a longitudinal slot formed in the bottom of the
tongue. This slot permits the free movement of the steadying frame and also of
the tongue notwithstanding the stay rods Z. which if they were fixed rigidly to the
tongue would prevent the movement of either the steadying frame or the tongue.
So far the machine has been described as constructed for horses to draw but as it
is intended that the machine should be used for steam power as well Figures 12. 13
and 14 shew the necessary alterations for enabling the machine to be so used.
As the only alterations in the machine are those necessary to adapt it for this
particular purpose the views about to be described do not show any portion of the
imachine except that immediately connected with the alterations. Instead of
arranging the tongue, Z, for horses we provide a castor wheel A', supported in a
suitable journal formed on the tongue, Z, as shown. On the top of this castor wheel
spindle a sprocket wheel, B', is fixed which sprocket wheel is connected by the
chain, C¹, to a sprocket wheel D' keyed to a sleeve journalled on the spindle Y', of
the castor wheel.
This sleeve extends through a journal formed on the frame Q, and has keyed on
its top end a bevilled pinion E, arranged to engage with a similar pinion keyed to
a horizontal spindle having a crank handle E, as clearly shown in Figure 12.
Thus it will be seen that by turning the crank handle E², the front castor wheel A²,
may be turned with the view of guiding the machine when it is being drawn
forward.
When it is being, drawn backwards the castor wheel A¹, is of course
not used for steering, the rear castor wheel Y³, being then operated by the
Bundle Y
In order to guide the machine and at the same time keep the sides of the

page_text: elevating wheel clear of the sides of the ditch what may be termed "land sides," F',
are provided which when the machine is built for horses is placed as shown in
Figure 1, on the bottom of the main frame Q. These land sides are formed by
a bar bent around this frame and is a little wider than the elevating wheel.
When the machine is built for steam power as shown in Figure 12, the land
sides are formed on the spindle of the castor wheel extending around the front of
the castor wheel and is also of a width a little greater than the width of the
elevating wheel. It will be seen that the land sides are situated slightly above the
level of the bottom of the wheel; this is in order that it may not come in contact
with the ground until the ditch has first been formed, after which they form an
absolute guide for keeping the machine in the ditch, therefor relieving the operator
of any trouble in attending to the guiding of the machine.
As the operation of pulling the machine by steam power is the same as that
employed for driving steam ploughs this operation is not described but it may be
here mentioned that the seat G', is made reversible when the machine is constructed
for steam power so that the operator can turn the seat so as to face in the direction
the machine is at the time moving.
What is claimed as the Invention is:-
First. An elevating wheel of a ditching machine having a segmental rim
composed of plates separated from each other but all rigidly bound together by two
metal rings about the same diameter as the periphery of the wheel and forming a
flange on either side of the segmental rim to constitute the rigid connection
specified.
Second. In an elevating wheel of a ditching machine having a segmental rim
composed of plates separated from each other but bound rigidly together by two
metal rings secured to and on either side of the said plates the combination of
body pieces hinged to and between the metal rings so as to form with the plates a
series of discharging earth buckets substantially as and for the purpose specified.
Third. In a ditching machine in which the body piece of each earth elevating
bucket is hinged between rings forming sides to the tyre or rim of the wheel; a
series of plates forming the bottom of the buckets and also the segmental rim of the
wheel, each plate being flanged behind the pivot point of the buckets while that
portion of it which forins the bottom of the bucket is unflanged and is of such a
width that the body piece can work freely between it and the rings to which the
plates are rivetted.
Fourth, In a ditching machine in which the earth is elevated by a series of
buckets arranged round the periphery of a wheel, each bucket being composed of a
stationary bottom and a hinged body piece as described, the combination of a series
of rollers located at the discharging spout of the elevating wheel so that the body
of the buckets will come in contact with them so as to be pushed back clear of the
outer rim substantially as and for the purpose specified.
Fifth. In a ditching machine in which the body piece of each elevating bucket
is hinged as described and is provided with a friction roller as specified, the com-
bination of a spring cam bar so shaped and arranged that the body piece of each
bucket as it approaches the ground is forced out beyond the periphery of the wheel
in order to constitute a grip to prevent the wheel slipping substantially as and for
the purpose specified.
Sixth. In a ditching machine in which the body pieces of the elevating buckets
are thrown in and out as required by a cam bar, a joint formed in the said cam bar
near the point where the buckets cominence to raise the material in combination
with a spring arranged to act on the said cam bar near the said joint so that while
forcing the body piece out to form elevating buckets they will "give" should they
come in contact with an obstruction.
Seventh. In a ditching machine in which the earth is elevated by a series of
buckets formed on the periphery of a wheel, a spade or plow carried in bearings
so arranged that when the spade is raised or lowered it will follow, the circle of the
said wheel.

page_text: Eighth. In a ditching machine in which the earth is elevated by a series of
buckets formed on the periphery of a wheel, a curved plate held in position by a
spring so as to form a back to the buckets while elevating the earth, in combination
with sides detachably fixed to the plates so that they can be readily removed when
the machine is to be worked in sticky ground.
Ninth. In a ditching machine in which the weight of the machine is carried by
the earth elevating wheel journalled in a frame adjustably connected to a steadying
frame supported by two wheels, one on each side of the machine, the combination
of a stay rod fastened to the axle of each wheel and extending obliquely to the
tongue of the machine in such a manner that their connecting point or points
move longitudinally on the said tongue to permit the free vertical movement of
either the steadying frame or the tongue substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
In witness whereof I the said Robert Fowler have hereunto set my hand and
seal this Twenty fourth day of January in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and eighty three.