Improvements in Threshing Machines.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application, 22nd Apr., 1892
Complete Specification Left, 23rd Jan., 1893-Accepted, 1st Apr., 1893
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Threshing Machines.
I MANUEL RUL, of 21 Calle de la Acequia, in the City of Mexico in the
Republic of Mexico, Machinist do hereby declare the nature of this invention to
be as follows:-
This invention relates to a threshing machine which consists of a cylinder
constructed of wood on a frame of iron in which are placed cogs or teeth and
which has besides a cover or envelope of sheets of steel which protect the machine
from friction caused necessarily by the straw of the grain threshed.
The manner of constructing the cylinder has the advantage that the teeth can
be easily and accurately inserted as they have a square part and then a screw with
a nut for fastening them securely in place so that in case of breakage they can be
easily replaced, thus avoiding the inconvenience of those which screw directly on
the wood, or iron. When the latter are to be replaced, the proper position must be
sought and the pieces of the broken one be drawn out which is not always easily
accomplished causing much loss of time and requiring knowledge that is not always
possessed by the persons using the apparatus.
On the cylinder before described is placed the concave or cylindrical sector in
which are also inserted in the same way three rows of teeth of the same shape, but
they are so placed that a curved row of teeth in the concave will correspond to a
row of teeth on the cylinder. This concave is placed in the main frame of the
threshing machine in such a manner that by means of two exterior screws it can be
moved farther from, or nearer to, the shaft of the threshing cylinder. The move-
ment of the concave will not be parallel to the tangent plane but will be a hinge-like
movement around a point near to the cylinder, which permits the approach of one
or other of the teeth in a different way, that is the exterior row for example moves
one half inch toward the cylinder the second three-eighths and the last a quarter
the object of this being that the ears of wheat, barley, etc., may suffer the removal
of their largest grains by the first teeth, (first exterior row) those that are left by
the second, and the very small grains (which would otherwise pass with the straw)
by the third or last row of teeth. This arrangement has, besides, the great
advantage of not breaking the kernels, for it is easily understood that having ample
room for its passage it will not be forced and consequently cannot be broken. The
exterior regulating screws by which an up and down movement of three inches can
be given to the concave, allow the teeth to be long enough and leave ample space
for the passage of the straw, which economizes motive power. Besides as the
hollow between the threshing teeth can be regulated at will, it is easily understood
that the thresher is adaptable to wheat barley and oats as well as for beans, etc.
On the concave in communication with the box of the threshing cylinder, there is
a conductor which carries off the dust, the hulls and particles of straw, by virtue of
the current of air which passes from the threshing cylinder to the interior of the
threshing machine, thus avoiding to a certain extent the passage of this dust
directly on the man who puts the grain to be threshed into the machine, which
would incapacitate him in a short time. The table on which the grain to be
threshed is placed and which is near the mouth of the cylinder, is slightly inclined
toward the outside so that the stones, earth, and other heavy or hard substances
carried by the grain will not pass into the cylinder and concave which they would
injure. Instead, they roll to the outside of the machine down the inclined plane.
When the straw and kernels have been separated at the other side of the cylinder
and concave, as described, the straw separator begins and this is composed of a box,
the whole bottom of which is pierced by small holes and this box has a vibratory

page_text: motion, which is communicated to it from the exterior by the rod connected with
the shaft and brace below the table. This box is not sustained simply from hangers,
but is also connected with a series of triangles in the three points of which have
been made holes or centres in one of which this box rests; in another a frame
which carries some boards and the other centre by means of a slight projection
or prolongation is connected with the main frame of the threshing machine so that
if we suppose that the box with the perforated bottom moves, its centre of the
vertex of the triangle moves too, but as the third vertex is fastened to the frame
we can suppose it to be fixed because the little variation due to the projection or
elongation is inappreciable and indispensable for the movement while the second
centre which carries the little frame of boards will have to descend. Supposing the
contrary movement and by similar reasoning the frame of boards will have to rise
so that the boards give the straw a constant up and down movement at the same
time that the box with the perforated bottom has a vibratory or back and forth
movement forming together a sort of wave motion and the kernels having a similar
movement, any ends which may remain, and the dust, hulls, etc., pass downward on
account of their weight and small size while the straw which has already been
freed from the kernels and impurities will pass to the upper parts of the boards
which on account of their special form carry it, little by little, to the outside.
Besides, two pieces are placed on the boards, without disturbing their movement,
which pieces revolve and are each composed of three boards and have the form of
a winnowing fork which helps to carry the straw to the outside, at the same time
preventing the kernels which the cylinder has fanned from being thrown out:
Below this box or separator is another box which also has a vibratory movement
but in the opposite direction, that is when the separator moves backward the upper
box moves forwards and this box is suspended only by its respective hangers. and
serves for carrying the grain, hulls, or impurities to the cleaner and fanning machine,
but first it passes from this box to an inclined plane from this it passes to the
screens where the cleaner, properly speaking, begins. This cleaner has a vibratory
movement, not longitudinally of the threshing machine but transversely or laterally.
This movement which causes the following movements of the cleaner and separator,
is obtained by the combination of two other triangles. Let us suppose that the
triangle nearer to the ventilator impels the cleaner and separator, the farther from
the ventilator will draw it back; now, if we follow this reasoning we will obtain
the movement communicated to the cleaner, in which it also carries the inclined
plane with it, to which I referred before. Now we see how the separation and
cleaning of the grain is accomplished; but first I should say that below the inclined
plane, and directing its current toward the screens, there is a ventilator which
produces a current of air sufficiently intense to carry off the dust and the hulls.
Now the grains, the ends, the hulls, impurities, etc., pass from the inclined plane to
the first screen in which there are large apertures which permit. the passage of
the ends, grains, etc., all except the pieces of straw. The current of air blows over
this box as the substances fall into the screen and carries off the greater part of
the light substances but as the current of air is felt between the first and second
screens also, the grain is again cleaned here, falling upon the second screen already
entirely freed from dust, hulls, etc. In this screen the apertures are sufficiently
large to allow free passage of the grain, but not of the ends which pass into a large
box that throws them to a common elevator which carries them to the table again
so that they will be threshed again. The grains and the little seeds, like mustard
and carrot seed, etc., pass from the second screen to the third being subjected all
the time to the current of air, in case they still contain any dust or impurities.
In this last screen the apertures are sufficiently small to prevent the passage
of the grains, permitting only the little seeds which are very small to pass and
the latter pass, already cleaned and separated, in a large box ad hoc, below this
screen. The grains move over it and fall in a box which carries them to the 5
outside, where they are received in a box or bag all cleaned and ready for delivery.
We left the straw of the separator to follow the course of the grains and now we

page_text: will follow the straw which after passing through the course during which the
grains and impurities are separated, is raked to an apparatus provided with four
knives which cut or break it in pieces which may vary in length from a quarter to
an inch. The cutter composed of two superposed cylinders which turn with the
same velocity in opposite directions so as to catch the straw and as the necessary
pressure is obtained by means of a spring, it is always certain that as much straw
as is carried by the rake near to the cylinders will be drawn to the knives which
will cut it into pieces, but as the velocity of the superposed cylinders is relative to
the velocity of the knives, so that by means of gearing this relation is obtained by
combining two or three simple gear wheels, the straw can be cut to the size indicated.
This method or system economizes, greatly, power and motive force because the
cutting is done by sharp knives instead of breaking the straw up between teeth
that have no edge, which requires more motive force.
With respect to the amount of grain that the apparatus can thresh, this will
vary according to the dimensions and velocity and quality of the grain, but it can
be affirmed that with one made according to the description and the threshing
cylinder making 1,200 revolutions per minute-which allows the separator a move-
ment of almost three hundred per minute and the cutter six or seven hundred-
fifty loads of straw can be threshed, separated, and cleaned, in ten hours using two
or three h.p. of steam. The thresher has, finally, an elevator or stacker. The
fodder obtained is, of course, perfectly clean and pure, as the dust, hulls, ends, etc.,
pass out through the open space of the cleaner.
Dated this 22nd der of Anail 1000
MANUEL RUL,
By A. M. & Wm. Clark,
53, Chancery Lane, London, Chartered Patent Agents.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Threshing Machines.
1, MANUEL RUL of 21 Calle de la Acequia, in the City of Mexico, in the
Republic of Mexico, Machinist, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described
and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
My invention relates to improvements in threshing machines and it has for its
object to provide a machine in which the grain will be threshed from the straw and
cleansed from all impurities or foreign matter and delivered in assorted sizes to the
proper receptacle, and whereby further the heads of the straw in which grain may
still remain after being passed through the threshing drum will be returned
automatically to the drum for further treatment. A further feature of the invention
is to provide a means whereby the straw after the grain is removed from it will be
conducted free from dust, etc., to a cutter which will chop the straw into predeter-
mined lengths and whereby, further, the chopped straw will be delivered from the
cutter to an elevator by means of which it may be conveyed to a stack.
The invention consists in the novel construction and combination of the several
parts as will be hereinafter fully set forth and pointed out in the claims.
Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this
Specification, in which similar figures and letters of reference indicate corresponding
parts in all the views.
Figure 1 is a plan view of the threshing machine constructed in accordance with
my invention.
'
Figure 2 is a longitudinal vertical section taken, practically, on the line 2—2 of
Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a side elevation of the machine.
Figure 4 is a transverse section taken through one of the main screens.

page_text: Figure 5 is a longitudinal vertical section taken, essentially, on the line 5-5 of
Figure 4.
Figure 6 is a partial plan view of the seed-cleaning apparatus.
Figures 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13, shew details hereinafter referred to.
The
The framework A of the threshing machine may be constructed as fancy may
dictate and the framework is supported upon suitable sills B the sills in their turn
being supported by axles C provided with the usual supporting wheels. The top
of the frame or body A of the thresher is closed by a top D which may be made
removable in sections and is preferably so constructed. At the upper rear portion
of the body an interior chamber E is located open at front and rear.
The cover
of the body constitutes the top of the chamber E, while the bottom is preferably
made of sheet metal and is designated in the drawings as 10 the rear portion of the
bottom being somewhat dished or semi-circular in cross-section while the forward
portion has an inclination downward. At the forward end or mouth of the
chamber E which may be properly termed a threshing chamber, a feed trough
or chute 11 is located. This feed trough or chute is adjustable, the adjustment
being effected in any suitable or approved manner and the trough is pivoted at
its rear end to the side walls of the threshing chamber and the bottom 12 of
the trough is inclined in direction of its outer end, the highest point in the
bottom being at the inner end of the trough and this end of the trough extends
somewhat within the threshing chamber as is best shown in Figure 2.
object of giving this decided inclination to the bottom of the feed trough is to
provide an inclined plane down which stones or other heavy foreign matter will
roll and find an outlet from the trough during the process of feeding the straw into
the threshing chamber to be threshed. Beneath the trough 11 a platform 13 is
located upon which the attendant or feeder may stand and this platform is
capable of being folded up against the frame or body when not in use. It will be
understood that the mouth of the threshing chamber E is located at the front of
the threshing machine. A threshing drum F is journaled transversely and about
centrally within the threshing chamber. This drum preferably consists of a metal
body 14 hollow and of cylindrical form and being provided with spiders at its ends
and a cover 15 of wood or other approved material, laid upon and completely con-
cealing the cylinders, as shown in Figures 1 and 2 and the drum is further provided
with a series of teeth 16 radiating therefrom, the teeth being arranged in longitudinal
rows. The teeth are readily removable from the cylinder as their lower ends are
squared to enter suitably shaped apertures in the drum and the squared ends are
provided with shanks adapted to extend within the drum and receive nuts or
equivalent fastening devices. Thus it is evident that the teeth of the drum may
be readily removed and replaced when occasion may demand, as for example when
any of the teeth are broken or require sharpening. A segmental plate G pre-
ferably constructed of metal is located over the drum and extends from side to side
of the threshing chamber. The concaved surface of the plate faces the peripheral
surface of the drum and the plate is provided with teeth 17 in its under surface,
the teeth being arranged in horizontal rows and the teeth of the plate are arranged
to register with those upon the threshing drum as the operation of threshing is
conducted combinedly by the toothed plate and the drum. The toothed plate G is
pivoted to the sides of the threshing chamber, the pivot points of the plate being
eccentric with the pivotal axis of the drum. In this manner the toothed plate may
be adjusted to or from the drum and the outer row of teeth will be further removed
from contact with the teeth upon the drum than the intermediate or end row of the
teeth of the plate as for example in the adjustment of the plate toward the drum
the first row of teeth will move about one-half of an inch toward the cylinder, the
second row moving at the same time about three-eighths of an inch toward the
cylinder and the last row one-fourth of an inch. The object of thus graduating
the approach of the teeth of the plate in direction of the teeth of the cylinder is
that the very large grains in the heads of wheat, barley, etc., may be effectually
removed by the first set of teeth and smaller grains by the second set while the

page_text: very small grains which would otherwise pass with the straw, will be effectually
removed by the third and last row of teeth. This arrangement of the toothed
plate with respect to the cylinder is also advantageous as the kernels released will
not be broken, ample room being provided between the plate and the drum for the
passage of the kernels, the kernels releasing themselves at the proper time.
Many ways may be devised for adjusting the toothed plate, the preferred means
of adjustment is illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 of the drawings, in which it will be
observed that the adjusting screws 19 are held to turn in trusses 20 located upon
the upper side portions of the body and these adjusting screws are provided with
hand wheels or bars at their upper ends and their lower ends are connected with
projections 21 the projections extending from the plate and through the sides of the
body and having guided movement therein. A screen H is located in the frame
back of the threshing chamber E. The screen comprises a box-like skeleton frame h
and a perforated bottom 22, the bottom being constructed in a series of longi-
tudinally arranged panels Hi, the outer panels being connected with the sides of
the frame and the intermediate panels are connected at suitable intervals by means
of cross bars, three of the cross bars being illustrated in Figure 2 and designated
as a, a, and a², the cross bars being located respectively at the top and bottom ends
of the screen and intermediate of these points.
Preferably in the construction of the screen two boards only are employed in
forming the frame and these boards are located in the sides. The screen is given
a downward inclination, its rear end being of greater height above the body of the
frame than the forward end and the forward end of the screen is adapted to
reciprocate beneath the downwardly-flaring section 10 of the bottom of the
threshing chamber. The screen is supported in the position above indicated and in
a manner enabling it to be rocked by means of pivot plates 23 which plates are of
triangular shape and ordinarily four such plates are used, two being located at the
upper end or head of the screen and two at a point near its lower end. The upper
points of the pivot plates are pivotally connected with the frame of the screen and
one lower point as shown in Figures 2 and 5 is pivotally connected with the side
faces of the body of the machine and the lower end portion of the screen is con-
nected by an arm 25 with one end of a double crank 26 the crank being formed upon
a drive shaft 27 located at the forward end of the body. The unattached or inner
point of each set of pivot plates is connected by a cross bar 28, as shown best in
Figures 4 and 5, and the said cross bars are adapted as supports for a series of
straw-carrying bars 29 which bars extend upward beyond the bottom of the sieve
or screen H, between the panels H' constituting the bottom of the sieve or screen.
The straw-carrying bars have inclined upper faces and the upper edge of each bar
is provided with a series of teeth. At intervals the teeth are enlarged as shown in
Figure 2. These straw-carrying bars extend from end to end of the sieve or screen
and while the sieve or screen is being laterally reciprocated vertical rocking and
slightly forward movement is imparted to the straw-carrying bars. Two winnowing
fans are located over the straw-carrying bars and are designated respectively as K
and K. The winnowing fans are located one near each edge of the straw-carrying
bars and preferably consist of head sections 30 which are journaled in the sides of
the body of the machine and plates 31 located between the heads, the said plates
being preferably triangularly arranged in cross-section one plate overlapping the
other, and the object of the winnowing fans is to assist the toothed bars 29 in con-
vering the straw from the forward to the rear portion of the screen. Between the
front and rear winnowing fans a transverse partition 32 is located, extending from
the cover of the body downward to a point above the straw carrying bars, the
lower portion of the partition having a rearward inclination. The object of the
partition is to prevent the chaff and other impurities mingled with the straw from
being blown to the rear portion of the threshing machine while the machine is in
operation, and the winnowing fans in addition to serving to force the straw rearward
also serve to prevent dust, chuff, etc., from being blown from the threshing
chamber E over the rear end of the sieve or screen. The straw after the heads

page_text: and grain have been threshed from it in the threshing chamber is delivered to the
sieve or screen H and the heads, grain, chaff, and short straw will fall down
through the openings in the bottom of the screen while the straw will be caught by
the carrying bars 29 and owing to the upward and rearward movement of the bars
simultaneously with the reciprocation of the screen, the straw is shaken and at the
same time gradually fed to the rear portions of the bars, the winnowing fans
materially assisting in the operation. The grain heads and other matter passed
through the openings in the screen, fall upon a table 33 located beneath the screen
and extending from a point beyond its rear end to a point forward of the centre of
the screen. The table 33 extends practically from side to side of the body of the
threshing machine and it is adapted to have a reciprocating movement similar to
that which is imparted to the screen H. The table is parallel with the screen, it
being supported by means of hangers 34 pivoted upon the outer side faces of the
body at suitable intervals apart, the hangers receiving at their lower ends pins 35
which are connected with the table, and extend outward through slots 36 produced
in the sides of the body frame. The table is reciprocated through the medium of a
link 37 connected with its forward end and also with the double crank 26 upon the
drive shaft 27. It is evident that as the driving link connected with the screen
and the corresponding link connected with the table are secured to opposite ends of
the driving crank, the table will be reciprocated rearwardly simultaneously with the
forward reciprocation of the screen. Beneath the table a chamber M is located
and in one end of this chamber, preferably its forward end, a fan 38 is located, the
fan being preferably of a rotary character and it may be constructed in any suitable
or approved manner. The upper rear portion of the chamber M is open while at the
top of the fan casing in the chamber a rearwardly projected partition 39 is placed
which forms a portion of the top of the compartment M, as is best shown in Figure 2.
The bottom of the compartment M is divided into two pockets or sub-compartments 40
and 40 and in the sub-compartment 40ª a receptacle 41 is usually placed, which
receptacle may be and preferably is removable while the sub-compartment 40 has
an exit at one side of the machine and at the opposite end of the sub-compartment 40
a chute 42 is located, as is best shown in Figure 1. At the rear of the compartment M
a trough 43 is placed which trough is preferably inclined and passes out through
the side of the machine opposite that at which the chute 42 is located. This trough
empties into the mouth of an elevator 44 located at one side of the machine, as
shewn in both Figures 1 and 3, which elevator extends upward and then downward
over the feed table 11. The compartment M is especially adapted to receive and
screen the seed after the seed has left the upper screen H and the compartment M
is further intended as a receptacle for seed which is sorted therein. The cleaning
of the seed is actually accomplished through the medium of three sieves 46, 47,
and 48, which sieves form a portion of a box M' and the box consists of two end
picces 49 to which the sieves 46, 47, and 48, are secured, the sieves 46 and 47 being
arranged one below the other while the lower sieve 48 is diagonally placed, that is
to say it is at all times in direction of the forward side of the box and touches the
bottom thereof. The bottom of the box is inclined to a point near the centre and
in the bottom at that point an opening 50 is located. The opening 50 is over the
sub-compartment 40%, and discharges into the receptacle 41 placed in that com-
partment while the lower sieve 48 will discharge into the forward sub-compartment 40.
The upper sieve 46 is of much coarser mesh than the intermediate sieve 47 while
the sieve 48 is of much finer mesh than any above it. The box is adapted to move
over the trough 43 as well as over the sub-compartments 40 and 40 in the cleaning
compartment M and the box is also preferably provided with a gate 51 which
extends downward into the trough 43, as shewn in Figure 2. The box M¹ is
adapted to have transverse reciprocating movement in the machine, and to that end
its end pieces 49 are suspended by means of links 52, said links being pivotally
attached to the sides of the machine. A reciprocating movement is imparted to the 5
cleaning box M by the mechanism constructed preferably as shewn in Figure 6
consisting of slide block 55 working in a guide slot 56 driven by a connecting-rod 53

page_text: and crank 54 from the shaft of the blower 38 and coupled at 59 by links with the
arms 57 and 58 of two bell crank levers whose other arms are coupled by links 60-
to cleaning box M¹.
Beneath the upper rear end of the table 33 located beneath the upper screen, an
endless carrier belt 61 is diagonally placed, the belt having an inclination downward
and rearward, and the belt passes over suitably constructed drums 62 journaled in
the frame or body of the machine. Over the belt or conductor 61 a transverse
partition 63 is placed, the partition terminating over the lower end of the conductor
or endless belt 61 and adjacent to feed rollers 64 and 65. The feed rollers are
located one above the other and both the upper and lower rollers may be adjustable.
The lower roller, however, has a uniform tension brought to bear upon it through
the medium of a spring 66 attached to the box in which the roller is journaled..
Two or more such springs may be used if in practice it is found desirable. The
two feed rollers 64 and 65 may be practically within a space produced in a
horizontal plate 67 and the rear side edge of this plate designated in the
drawings as 68 is sharpened so as to present a knife edge in fact this edge of the
plate is to act in the capacity of a knife. A lower partition 69 and an upper
partition 70 lead one from over and the other from under the feed rollers 64 and 65
and an elevator 71 located at the rear end of the machine, which elevator may be
of any approved construction and in the space between the partitions 69 and 70 and
at the rear of the feed rollers a cutting drum 72 is journaled, the knives whereof
radiate from the drum and as the drum revolves pass in such close proximity to the
knife edge 68 of the partition 67 that the straw fed rearward by the feed rollers
will be cut in suitable lengths and the fodder thus formed will be conducted to the
elevator and by means of the latter may be deposited in a stack formed upon the
ground or other place at the rear of the machine.
In the operation of the machine as the straw is fed in over the feed table 11 it.
enters the threshing compartment E and through the medium of the threshing
drum F and the threshing plate G the grain is to a great extent threshed from the
heads of the straw and the straw and grain threshed out pass over the inner pro-
jecting bottom of the threshing chamber upon the screen H and as this screen is
reciprocated and the cleaning boards 28 are given a constant vertical and
slightly rearward movement, their movement being somewhat wave-like, the grain
is shaken from the straw and it, together with the heads of the grain, small
particles of straw, chaff, etc., will pass down through the openings in the screen and
will fall upon the table 33 while the straw is carried gradually rearward by the-
carrying bars 29 and delivered uninjured to the conveyor belt 61 located at the
rear of the screen and from the conveyor belt as heretofore stated the straw is
delivered to the feed rollers 64 and 65 and in passing rearward between the rollers
is cut in lengths by the revolving cutters 72 and finally the chopped straw is
delivered to the rear elevator 71. The grain and other particles that may have
fallen upon the table 33 is delivered by that table upon the upper sieve 46 in the
cleaning box M and as this box is constantly transversely reciprocated, the seed
and smaller heads of straw will pass down through the openings in the upper sieve
and fall upon the intermediate one while the chaff and light foreign matter will be
blown away by the action of the fan 38 the frame or body of the machine having
an opening 75 in its sides for the discharge of dust. The large heads in which
some grain may remain and which cannot pass through the openings in the upper
sieve will fall into the trough 43 as will likewise any material that cannot pass
through the intermediate sieve 47 and this material thus delivered to the trough
will be conveyed to the side elevator 44 and conducted to the threshing com-
partment E to be again passed between the threshing devices while the seed drops
through the intermediate sieve and falls upon the lower inclined sieve. During
this entire operation the seed is subjected to a continuous air blast. When the
seed reaches the lower sieve the large and perfect seed will roll down the upper
face of the sieve and enter the sub-compartment 40 and will pass out of that

page_text: compartment through the chute 42 and fall into any receptacle placed to receive
the seed outside of the machine and the very small seed and any small foreign
matter that may mingle with the seed will drop through the lower sieve and enter
the sub-compartment 40% of the cleaning compartment being caught by the
receptacle 41 located in that sub-compartment, as shown best in Figure 2.
The driving belts of the machine and the pulleys may be located as in practice
may be found most desirable. In the drawings, the driving shaft 27 is provided
with a pulley 76 at one end which drives a pulley 77 located upon the fan shaft
revolving the fan and it also drives a second pulley connected by a belt 78 with a
pulley 79 located upon the shaft of the upper revolving winnowing fan and the
shaft upon which that pulley is mounted carries another pulley 80 which is
connected by a belt 81 with the driving pulley of the side elevator 44. Beneath
the endless carrier belt 61 a main drive shaft 82 is journaled and this drive shaft
carries at each of its ends two pulleys, the pulleys upon one end being designated
as 83 and 84 and the pulleys at the opposite end as 85 and 86. The shaft 87 of the
cutter 72 carries at each of its ends a balance wheel 88 and the cutter shaft 87 is
also provided with a sprocket wheel 89 or its equivalent_connected by a chain 90
with a corresponding pulley 91 located upon one of the feed roller shafts.
Upon the same side of the machine at which the side elevator 44 is located, the
cutter shaft 87 is provided with a small pulley 93 and this pulley is connected by a
belt 94 with the pulley 84 on the main drive shaft 82 and the pulley 83 on the main
drive shaft is connected by a belt 95 with a pulley 96 located upon one of the
drum shafts over which the endless belt 61 revolves and by this means the said
belt is given motion. The pulley 85 at the left hand side of the machine and
located upon the main drive shaft is connected by a belt with the pulley 96 upon
the lower driving drum of the rear elevator 71 while the pulley 86 upon the main
drive shaft 82 is connected by a belt with a pulley 97 located upon the forward
drive shaft 27 which forward drive shaft carries also a large pulley 98 connected
by a belt with a pulley 99 fast to the axle or shaft of the threshing drum. The
forward winnowing fan is provided upon the left hand end of its trunnion or shaft
with a pulley 100 and this pulley is in belt connection with a pulley 101 located
upon the corresponding end of the rear winnowing fan, as shown in Figure 1, but
I desire it to be distinctly understood that the belts may be otherwise run, and the
pulleys may be otherwise located, than shown in the drawings, and that various
details of construction may be changed, without departing from the spirit of the
invention.
The threshing cylinder shewn in Figures 7 and 8 may be used. This cylinder is
composed of eight segments of wood cased with sheet metal in which square holes
are forged for receiving the pins of the threshing teeth as shewn in Figure 8, two
more holes being made in each end of the segments for the purpose of fastening
them to the end frames R, R. With this arrangement it will be easy to insert new
teeth in case any of them are broken or are to be replaced. The concave is also
formed of a segment of wood cased with sheet steel and in it as has been stated
the teeth are inserted in the same manner, but to each end is fixed an iron frame t,
Figures 7 and 8 in which at u is the centre on which the concave turns for the
purpose of approaching the concave to the threshing cylinder or separating it
therefrom, but it should be placed eccentrically so that the movement will not be
parallel and a progressive separation be obtained.
Figure 9 shews the driving pulley of the threshing cylinder shaft, the connection
of the pulley with the shaft being such that it will drive in only one direction
while the pulley can be readily applied to either end of the shaft so that the
machine can be used with any motor. The connection is formed by a collar / fixed
to the shaft K by means of a key and set-screw carrying a disc having two
diametrically-opposite recesses in its periphery to receive dogs m pressed outwards
by springs behind them. The pulley, Figure 9, is loose on the shaft K, but has
internal peripheral lugs which engage with dogs m when the latter are sprung

page_text: within the rim of the pulley. Should the motor stop suddenly, the shaft and
threshing cylinder are free to continue turning, the dogs m then slipping over the
inclined backs of the lugs z.
Referring now to the grain cleaner and separator which is shewn in elevation
in Figure 12 and in transverse section (on line 1-1 Figure 12) in Figure 13, it
will be seen that the machine has three screens, two of these being constructed
for the different uses to which threshing machines for different materials are
designed, both of the same form which should be flat pyramidal or flat conical
form. They should have holes of progressive sizes and can be constructed either
of perforated plates or of wire cloth. It is understood that it is necessary to have
a different set of sieves for each kind of grain. When the grain is coarse, like,
for instance, beans, sieves with large holes are used and when the grain is fine,
like lucern, screens with small holes are used, etc., etc., preference always being
given to metal screens for heavy grain and wire screens for light materials,
therefore for wheat sheet metal is preferred while for barley, oats, etc., a better
result is obtained with wire cloth. A bar is provided for adjusting the sieves so
that they will not move from the grooves that hold them. The shaking movement
of this separator impels the grain towards the ends, so that the surface being
pyramidal or conical the gravity of the grain causes it to move towards the centre
and this back and forth movement aided by the current of air from the blower
renders the grain perfectly clean of all light impurities, dust, etc. The inclined
plane on which the seeds fall also has a lateral movement which is communicated
to it from the separator, which movement causes the dirty grain to fall on the
first screen and the teeth g aid in making the fall more perfect, avoiding the
formation of a mass that the current of air from the ventilator cannot separate.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is-
1. În a threshing machine, a screen having reciprocating movement and boards
adapted to receive straw having vertical movement within the screen, as and for
the purpose set forth.
2. In a threshing machine, a cleaning screen having its screening portion
constructed in sections, a reciprocating mechanism connected with the screen,
partitions, located between the sections of the screen and independent thereof,
having vertical movement, the movement of the partitions being given as the
screen moves as and for the purpose set forth.
3. In a threshing machine, a cleaning screen the same consisting of a frame,
a screen constructed in sections connected with the frame, partitions having
toothed or roughened upper edges located between the sections of the screen, a
reciprocating mechanism connected with the screen imparting thereto horizontal
movement, and a rocking mechanism connected with the partitions imparting to
them vertical movement, as and for the purpose set forth.
4. In a threshing machine the combination, with a cleaning screen consisting of
a frame and perforated panels located at distances apart within the frame, a drive
shaft and a reciprocating mechanism between the screen and the shaft, of partitions
adapted as carriers of straw and located between the sections of the screen and
a rocking mechanism actuated by the screen and connected with the straw-carrying
partitions, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
5. In a threshing machine, the combination, with a cleaning screen the same
consisting of a series of perforated panels located in a frame, a drive shaft and a
reciprocating mechanism connecting the drive shaft and the screen, of partitions
adapted to carry straw and located between the panels of the screen and a rocking
mechanism actuated by the movement of the screen and connected with the
partitions and rotary winnowing fans held to revolve above the straw carrying
partitions, as and for the purpose specified.

page_text: 6. In a threshing machine, a feed chute provided with an inclined bottom, the
inclination being from the inner side outward, as and for the purpose set forth.
7. In a threshing machine, the combination, with a threshing cylinder, of a
plate having a toothed surface opposed to the cylinder, the plate being adjustable
to and from the cylinder, as and for the purpose set forth.
8. In a threshing machine, the combination, with a threshing cylinder or drum
having a series of teeth located upon its peripheral surface, of a segmental plate
pivoted to a fixed support at one side of the cylinder or drum, the pivot of the
plate being eccentric to the axis of the drum and the concaved face of the plate
facing the peripheral surface of the drum and teeth located upon the concaved face
of the plate, as and for the purpose specified.
9. In a threshing machine the combination, with a threshing cylinder the same
consisting of a drum provided with a series of peripheral teeth, of a segmental
plate eccentrically pivoted with respect to the axis of the drum, teeth located
upon the segmental plate facing the teeth upon the cylinder and adjusting mechanism
connected with the plate, and means substantially as shewn and described for
driving the drum, as and for the purpose set forth.
10. In a threshing machine the combination, with a threshing mechanism and
a cleaning screen located adjacent to the threshing mechanism, the said screen
having reciprocating movement and being provided with a vertically-movable set
of partitions independent of the screening surface, of a conveyer located adjacent
to one end of the screen and partition, a feed mechanism located convenient to
the conveyor and a cutting mechanism located adjacent to the feed mechanism, as
and for the purpose set forth.
11. In a threshing machine the combination, with a threshing mechanism a
screening mechanism located adjacent to the threshing mechanism and winnowing
fans located above the screening mechanism, of a conveyor located adjacent to the
screening mechanism and receiving material therefrom, a feed mechanism located
adjacent to the conveyor, a cutting mechanism comprising fixed and rotary knives
located adjacent to the feed mechanism and an elevator receiving the material from
the cutting mechanism, as and for the purpose set forth.
12. In a threshing machine, the combination, with a threshing mechanism a
screening mechanism and a straw-carrying and shifting mechanism connected with
the screening mechanism, of a series of sieves located beneath the screening
mechanism, the sieves being of different mesh, independent receptacles into which
the sieves empty and a fan located opposite the sieves whereby a current of air is
passed both above and beneath the sieves as and for the purpose specified.
13. In a threshing machine, the combination, with the threshing mechanism and
a screen adapted to separate the seed from the straw, of a box having a recipro-
cating movement, sieves of different mesh located within the box one below the
other, the lower sieve being given a diagonal direction, the box being provided
with two outlets receptacles located at the different outlets of the box, a fan
located in front of the sieves and adapted to direct a blast of air over and below
them and an elevator connected with the sieve-carrying box and also with the
threshing mechanism, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
Dated this 29
1000
By A. M. & Wm. Clark,
M. RUL,
53, Chancery Lane, London, Chartered Patent Agentz.