IMPROVEMENTS IN REAPING MACHINES
Year: 1879

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to James Howard, Edward Tenney Bousfield, and George
Gibbs, all of the Britannia Works, Bedford, in the County of Bedford, for the
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN REAPING MACHINES."
Sealed the 29th August 1879, and dated the 9th May 1879.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said James Howard, Edward
Tenney Bousfield, and George Gibbs at the Office of the Commissioners of
Patents on the 9th May 1879.
"
JAMES HOWARD, EDWARD TENNEY BOUSFIELD, and GEORGE GIBBS, all of the
Britannia Works, Bedford, in the County of Bedford. IMPROVEMENTS IN
REAPING MACHINES."
Our Invention relates to improvements in reaping machines, and its objects are
to increase the efficiency and to simplify the construction of the sheafing and
gathering appliances of reaping machines provided with the apparatus or mechanism
commonly called controllable rakes, the manner of their action being more or less
dependent upon the will of the attendant who governs or controls them while
seated upon the machine. One of the most simple forms of controllable rake
mechanism is that described in the Specification of Letters Patent granted to one
of us, and dated October 12, A.D. 1875, No. 3545. In this mechanism the
normal action of a switch piece and a roller fixed to the rake-arm in combination
with a fixed cam way is such that as the roller passes inside or outside of the
switch a rake which sweeps the platform to make a sheaf, and a gathering arm,
which brings the grain to the cutters and then passes over the platforin without
sweeping it succeed each other alternately; a spring attached to the said switch
tends at all times to keep it open, but the roller passing inside of the switch over-
comes the action of the spring, closes the switch, and keeps it closed until the
following roller with its rake bas taken the path outside of the switch; the latter
then causes the rake to be carried clear above the cut grain on the platform.
When it is desirable, as when turning at the ends or corners of the plot being cut,
the driver by a foot lever can close the switch, and thus cause two or any number
of the said rakes to rise clear of the grain on the platform.

page_text: In another class or kind of controllable rake mechanism devices more or less
complicated are provided, whereby the rakes are alternately worked and thrown
out of action at the will of the driver, and by changing wheels or other parts the
action of the rakes may be considerably varied; thus one rake of the set may be
caused to make a sheaf, and the others to gather, or every second or third rake
may be made to operate for either purpose.
By our present Invention a more perfect control of the rakes is obtained, the
driver in his seat can at pleasure while the machine is in motion cause one, two,
or three of the rakes to operate as either gatherers or rakes at each revolution; he
can also cause the whole of the rakes to pass clear above the cut grain upon the
platform, or cause the whole of the rakes to sweep the platform so that the cut
grain will be laid in a swathe.
We effect these several movements or adjustments in the following manner by
the aid of a contrivance, the action of which may be more readily understood by
comparing it with the arrangement of the pegs or notches in a barrel organ, that
is to say-Upon the crown' or bevil gear-wheel fixed on the vertical shaft for
driving the rakes we cast or otherwise fix a cylindrical ring, on the surface of
which are arranged series of vertical steps, or projections, or notches; but instead
of shifting a cylinder or barrel, as in the barrel organ, to obtain the desired adjust-
ments or changes we produce the different movements or changes in the following
manner:- We employ a sliding lever with a tail-piece which the driver at pleasure
can bring into contact with the projections or notches on the said cylindrical ring;
the effect of this action is to open the switch. The said lever is connected by any
suitable means with a lever arranged in combination with a quadrant close to the
driver's seat and provided with a series of holes, the said lever being provided with
a pin to enter these holes; now, supposing the upright rake shaft to carry six
arins or rakes and the normal position of the switch is to be closed instead of open,
as is commonly the case, the rakes will operate as follows, that is to say, the
switch lever tail-piece being opposite to that line or part of the ring's circumference
wherein there is only one notch, then at each revolution of the rake spindle or
shaft one rake will act to form a sheaf and the remaining rakes will pass clear
above the cut grain on the platform; if however the driver shifts the pin from one
hole to another in the quadrant so that the switch lever tail-piece will be opposite
the line of the ring's surface, where two equidistant pegs or notches will come into
contact with it, then every third rake will sweep the platform and make a sheaf,
the other rakes of the set acting as gatherers. If the attendant shifts the pin into
another hole in the quadrant, so that the switch lever tail-piece comes opposite
the line on the ring's surface where three equidistant pegs or notches will engage
with it, then every alternate rake will make a sheaf. Furthermore, a foot lever is
arrauged near the seat occupied by the driver, and is connected with the lever tail-
piece, and by depressing this foot lever the driver can raise the said tail-piece clear
of the said cylindrical ring" and thus cause all the rakes to rise above and pass
over the platform without sweeping it.
In carrying this part of our Invention into effect it is a convenient arrangement
to form or place the projections or notches on the interior surface of the cylindrical
ring, and to form the said ring as a flanged extension of the crown wheel which
drives the rake shaft. And we prefer to make the switch-lever tail-piece slide on
an extension of the pivot of the switch. The details of the mechanisın admit of
various modifications; for example, instead of rising the cylindrical ring with
projections or notches we may employ a revolving or travelling web or chain,
provided with such projections, teeth, or notches, suitably arranged to act on the
tail piece or similar device for the purpose above specified.
The above described apparatus or arrangement for controlling the rakes of
reaping machines is more particularly adapted for sets comprising an even number
of rakes, say, four or six, so that they are divisible by two.
When we apply our Invention to the working of an odd number of rakes we
modify the said Invention as follows, that is to say:-Upon the vertical rake,

page_text: spindle, or shaft is keyed a disc or wheel, provided on its periphery with ratchet
teeth corresponding in number with the rakes with which the machine is fitted.
This ratchet wheel engages with and operates a sliding rack-bar; a notched rib
extending part of its length is formed on the top of this sliding bar.
The said bar is fitted to move or slide in suitable mortices or grooves in a
bracket connected to the underside of the rake cam. This bracket also serves as a
support and quadrant for a controlling lever; also for a bell crank lever connected
with the foot lever.
The moveable piece or switch is pivoted on the cam plate, the front end of this
switch when in contact with the cam causes the friction rollers on the rake arms to
leave the lower or raking track and to run on the outside of the switch, so that
the rake which now passes over the platform is raised clear of the cut grain on the
same; but when the switch open the friction roller passes between the inner side
of the gaid switch and the cam, and travelling on the said cam or lower track
causes the rake as it passes over the platform to sweep off the cut grain.
The friction roller in its passage between the cam and the switch comes in
contact with a projection on the inside of the latter, and thereby causes a partial
revolution of the pivot of the switch by which its front end is again closed or
brought into contact with the said cam.
The pivot or stem of the said switch has secured to it an arm or crank, which
carries a latch so jointed to the said arm that it is free to move vertically and to
swivel horizontally in the same.
This latch is arranged to secure the said sliding bar in either of the various
positions it has to assume, and thereby keep the switch closed. The said latch
near its outer end is formed to come in contact with the top and front sides of the
notched rib on the sliding bar. A spring for holding the switch in its normal or
open position is connected to the end of the said latch, the other end of the spring
being attached to the frame of the reaper; and a spring for moving back the
sliding bar after the movement of the same by the ratchet wheel is attached to the
said bar and to the bracket in which it slides.
An important feature of this Invention is that the action or path of the rakes
is controlled by the distance traversed by the said sliding bar before it releases the
switch after the passage of a rake to allow the rake next in succession to pass on
the inside track; the distance to be traversed by the sliding bar is controlled by a
lever which the driver sets at any desired point or position. Provision is made for
setting the said controlling lever in as many positions as there are raking arms on
the machine, and the said controlling lever can be readily shifted from any one of
its positions to any other position at the will of the driver. And when the machine
is in operation no parts of the mechanism have to be thrown out of gear when any
change in the action of the rakes is made by the driver.
The controlling lever when set in its first position holds the said sliding bar with
its notched rib beyond or clear of the action of the latch; the switch is then open,
and all of the rakes will sweep the platform as the said switch immediately after
one roller in passing has closed it will reopen to permit the passage of the next
roller. In the second position of the said controlling lever the sliding bar moves
only a short distance; the latch then is alternately held and released from the
sliding bar, and every alternate rake acts as a gatherer while the others sweep the
platform. In the third position of the said lever the sliding bar moves one step
farther than in the second position before the latch is released, and two rakes acting
as gatherers are followed by one rake sweeping the platform. In the fourth
position of the said lever_three rakes acting as gatherers are followed by one rake
sweeping the platform. In the fifth position of the said lever four rakes acting as
gatherers are followed by one rake sweeping the platform. In order to cause all of
the rakes to pass without sweeping the platform the switch is kept closed by the
driver or attendant bringing the aforesaid bell crank lever into contact with the
arm or crank on the axle of the switch, and thereby preventing the action of the
latch upon the said sliding bar.

page_text: Instead of the sliding bar and its adjuncts above described we may substitute
for the same a toothed or perforated quadrant pivoted to the cam support, to which
quadrant the necessary motion may be imparted by any suitable appliance secured
to the rake spindle or shaft, and the said quadrant may be brought back to the
starting point by a suitable spring or counterbalance arrangement.
This part of our Invention is equally applicable to reaping machines with three,
four, five, six, or any other number of raking arms.
And the automatic mechanism herein described is applicable not only to reaping
machines in which the normal position of the cam switch is open, as in the machine
last described, but to machines in which the normal position of the cam switch is
closed; furthermore, this automatic mechanism is equally. advantageous whether
the switch is closed by the friction roller of the passing rake or by any other device
or arrangement.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said James Howard, Edward Tenney Bousfield, and George Gibbs in the
Great Seal Patent Office on the 8th November 1879.
$5
JAMES HOWARD, EDWARD TENNEY BOUSFIELD, and GEORGE GIBBS, all of the
Britannia Works, Bedford, in the County of Bedford. IMPROVEMENTS IN
REAPING MACHINES."
Our Invention relates to improvements in reaping machines, and its objects are
to increase the efficiency and to simplify the construction of the sheafing and
gathering appliances of reaping machines provided with the apparatus or mechanism
commonly called controllable rakes, for the reason that the action thereof is more
or less dependent upon the will of the driver or attendant who governs or controls
the same while seated upon the machine. One of the most simple forms of
controllable rake-mechanism is that described in the Specification of Letters Patent
granted to the said James Howard, and dated October 12, A.D. 1875 (No. 3545).
In this mechanism the normal action of a switch-piece and of rollers fixed on the
rake-arms in combination with a fixed cam-way is such that a rake which sweeps
the platform to make a sheaf, and a gathering arm which brings the grain or corn
to the cutters, and then passes over the platform without sweeping it, succeed each
other alternately; a spring attached to the said switch tends at all times to keep
it open, but when a rake sweeps the platforin its roller passing inside of the switch
overcomes the action of the spring, closes the switch, and keeps it closed until the
roller of the succeeding rake has taken the path outside of the switch, the latter
then causes this rake to be carried clear above the cut grain or corn on the
platform.
When it is desirable, as when turning at the ends or corners of the plot being cut,
the driver by a foot-lever can close the switch and thus cause two or any number
of the said rakes to rise clear of the grain on the platform.
In another class or kind of controllable rake-mechanism devices more or less
complicated are provided whereby the rakes are alternately worked and thrown out
of action at the will of the driver, and by changing wheels or other parts the
action of the rakes may be considerably varied, thus one rake of the set may be
caused to make a sheaf and the others to gather, or every second or third rake may
be made to operate for either purpose.
By our present Invention we obtain a more perfect control of the rakes than has
heretofore been practicable. The driver in his scat can at pleasure while the
machine is in motion cause one, two, or three of the rakes to operate as either
gatherers or rakes at each revolution, he can also cause the whole of the rakes to
pass clear above the cut grain or corn upon the platform, or cause the whole of
the rakes to sweep the platform so that the cut grain or corn will be laid in a
swathe.
According to one part of our Invention we effect these several movements or
adjustments by the aid of a contrivance, the action of which may be more readily
understood by comparing it with the arrangement of the pegs or notches in a barrel
organ, that is to say, upon the crown or bevel gear-wheel fixed on the vertical
shaft for driving the rakes we cast or otherwise fix a cylindrical ring on the surface
of which are arranged series of vertical steps, projections, or notches, but instead of
shifting a cylinder or barrel, as in the barrel-organ, to obtain the desired adjust-
ments or changes, we produce the different movements or changes by the adjust-
ment of the switch or a part of the same as hereinafter described.
The apparatus employed for carrying this part of our Invention into practice is
illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, of the accompanying Drawings.
Figure 1 is a plan or top view of the cam and adjacent parts of a reaping
machine.
Figure 2 is a rear elevation of the same.

page_text: Figures 3, 4, 5, show details of the said apparatus; Figure 3 being a plan and
Figures 4 and 5 sectional side views of the same.
a is a portion of the machine frame; bis the cam; c is the vertical rake-shaft ;
d is the head provided with recesses for the reception of the rakes e, only, one of
which is shewn in place in these Figures; f is the switch which is constructed in
the form of a lever at the upper end of a rod or spindle f¹ provided at its lower end
with an adjustable arm or lever which we term a tail-piece f2. This tail-piece
is so arranged in connection with the cylindrical ring that the driver can at
pleasure bring the said tail-piece into the path of either of the series of projections,
teeth, or notches g' on the said cylindrical ring, and can keep it in this position
for any required length of time or can readily change its position when necessary.
Each projection or notch as it acts on the said tail-piece will move the latter on its
axis in the proper direction to open the switch f
The tail piece f2 is connected by the means shown, or by other suitable means,
with a lever l arranged in combination with a quadrant h¹ close to the driver's seat
and provided with a series of holes, the said quadrant being furnished with a
pin h³ to enter these holes.
Now supposing the upright rake shaft c to carry six arms or rakes and the
normal position of the switch to be closed instead of open, as is commonly the case,
and the pin h³ to be in the first hole in the said quadrant, as shewn in Figure 1,
the rakes e will operate as follows, that is to say-The switch-lever tail-piece f"
being opposite to or in the path of that line or part of the ring's circumference
wherein there is only one projection or notch then the switch f will be so operated
that at each revolution of the rake-shaft c one rake will sweep and the others will
clear the platform, or in other words, one rake will act to form a sheaf and the
remaining rakes will pass clear above the cut grain on the platform. If however
the driver shifts the pin ³ from the first hole to the second hole in the quadrant so
that the tail-piece f₁ will be opposite the line of the ring's surface where two equi-
distant projections or notches will come into contact with it, then every third rake
will sweep the platform and make a sheaf, the other rakes of the set acting as
gatherers and clearing the platform. If the attendant shifts the pin ³ into the
third hole in the quadrant the switch-lever tail-picce f will come opposite the line
on the ring's surface, where three equidistant projections or notches will engage
with it and then every alternate rake will sweep the platform or make a sheaf.
Furthermore a foot-lever i is arranged near the seat occupied by the driver, and is
connected with the lever and thereby with the switch-lever tail-picce f, by
depressing this foot-lever the driver can raise the said tail-piece quite clear of or
above the said cylindrical ring. The switch will then remain closed and inoperative
and all of the rakes will rise above and pass over the platform without sweeping
the latter. We place on the spindle f' a small arm f³ connected with the spring f
which tends always to keep the switch closed.
In carrying this part of our Invention into effect we find it practically very
convenient to form or place the projections or notches on the interior surface of the
cylindrical ring g, and to form the said ring as a flanged extension of the crown-
wheel-g*, fixed on the rake-shaft, as shewn in Figures 2, 3, and 4, and we prefer to
make the switch-lever tail-piece f slide on a square part on the lower end of the
pivot or spindle f¹ of the switch.
By placing the cylindrical ring g upon the vertical rake-shaft c it is practically,
as far as its operation is concerned, a part of the said shaft, and we thereby effect
the automatic adjustment of the switch to vary the working of the rakes directly
from or by the said vertical rake-shaft, that is to say, without any intermediate
gear or other gearing between the same and the tail-piece which forms part of the
switch f. But the details of this mechanisin admit of various modifications. For
example, instead of having the cylindrical ring fixed on the vertical rake-shaft we
may mount the said ring upon a separate shaft, arranged in the proper position
with regard to the switch, and geared with the said rake-shaft, and driven thereby

page_text: at the proper speed to effect the automatic adjustment of the switch, as and for the
purposes above specified.
Or we may substitute for the apparatus above described the arrangement shewn
in Figures 6, 7, and 7ª, of which Figure 6 is a plan; Figure 7, a side elevation; and
Figure 7a, an end elevation. In this arrangement, the cylindrical ring is replaced
by an endless chain %, which works around the toggle-wheel ¹ fixed on the vertical
rake-shaft c, and the other toggle-wheel c² fixed on another vertical shaft, mounted
in suitable bearings provided on any convenient part of the machine.
The said chain is provided with three series of projections or teeth arranged in
such a position with regard to the tail-piece f2 that by the adjustment of the latter
it can be brought into the path of either series of projections, as and for the
purpose above specified,
The above described apparatus or arrangement for controlling the rakes of
reaping machines is more particularly adapted for machines with sets comprising an
even number of rakes, say four or six, so that their number is divisible by two,
although the modification wherein the cylindrical ring is placed on a separate shaft
and that in which an endless chain is used may also be adapted for using an odd
number of rakes.
.
But when we apply our Invention to the working of an odd number of rakes we
prefer to adopt the arrangement illustrated in Figures 8 to 15, in which
Figure 8 is a plan.
Figure 9 is a rear elevation.
Figure 10 is a side elevation as seen from the platform of the machine.
Figure 11 is a plan of the cam which controls the action of the rakes.
Figure 12 is a side elevation, and Figures 13 and 14 are plans drawn to an
enlarged scale of the switch-operating mechanism, which we will now describe.
Figure 15 is a plan of a modification of part of the same.
Upon the vertical rake-spindle or shaft c is keyed a disc or wheel 1, provided
with ratchet-teeth corresponding in number with the rakes with which the
machine is provided.
This ratchet-wheel engages with and operates a sliding rack-bar m, arranged
in combination with a latch n connected with an arm or lever fo on the pivot or
spindle of the switch f. The said latch is connected with a spring n¹ which tends
always to pull the said latch inward or across the rack-bar m, and thereby open the
switch, as shewn in Figure 14. But the sliding bar m is, by the means herein-
after described, caused by the said toothed wheel or disc to assume positions in
which it acts as a stop to the said latch and prevents its being pulled inward. by
the said spring, thereby keeping the switch closed, as shewn in Figure 13.
The portion of the sliding bar m extending from m' to m² forms a flange or rib,
which acts as a stop to the latch n when moved in front of the same, and it is
only when the said bar is removed so far forward as to have this flange clear of
the said latch that the latter can yield to the tension of the spring, and pass across
the said rack-bar, thereby opening the switch.
The roller of the rack then approaching the switch will pass inside of the same,
and coming in contact with the projection f7 of the said switch will again close it.
And while the rack-bar remains in this position the switch will be alternately
opened and closed at the passage of all of the rakes by the action of their rollers
and of the latch-spring; but if the rack-bar moves inward and thereby brings its
flange m, m2, in front of the said latch, the action of the said spring on the latter
is prevented, and the switch after being closed by the passage of one roller remains
closed, so that the next roller passes outside of it, and the switch will remain in
this position, so that the rollers will continue to pass outside of it until the rack-bar
again moves outward far enough to free the latch n from the obstruction of the
flange m', the said latch then acting to move the switch, as above described.
The moveable piece or switch f, which with a portion of the cam is shewn in
dotted lines in Figures 13 and 14, is pivoted on the cam-plate; the free end or
extremity f* of this switch when in contact with the cam, that is to say, when the

page_text: switch is closed as shown in Figure 13, causes the friction-rollers on the rake-arms
to leave the lower or raking track of the said cam, and to run on the outside of the
switch, so that any rake then passing over the platform is raised clear of the cut
grain on the same; but when the switch f is open, as in Figure 14, the friction
roller of the rake passes between the inner side of the said switch and the cam, and
travelling on the said lower track of the latter causes the said rake to pass over the
platform in such a manner as to sweep off the cut grain lying on the same. Then
the said friction roller in its passage between the cam and the switch comes in
contact with the projection fi on the inside of the latter, and thereby causes a
partial revolution of the pivot of the switch, by which the said switch is again
closed by having its free end f* brought into contact with the said cam, as shewn
in Figure 13.
The forward movement of the said sliding bar is an intermittent or step-by-step
motion produced by the action of the teeth of the said wheel L. The return of the
said bar after the action of each tooth is prevented by the pawl or stop r (whose
action is due to the spring *) until a roller coming in contact with the lever 21
disengages the said pawl. This action takes place simultaneously, or nearly so, with
the closing of the switch.
The sliding bar m is fitted to move or slide in suitable mortices or grooves in a
bracket o connected to the underside of the rake cam. This bracket also serves as
a support and quadrant for a controlling lever p, also for a bell-crank lever q
connected with the foot-lever.
The latch n is formed to rest on the sliding bar as shewn. The spring for holding
the switch in its normal or open position, and which is connected by one end to the
end of the said latch, as above described, has its other end attached to the frame of
the reaper;
and a spring m* for moving back the sliding bar m after the movement
of the same by the ratchet, wheel is attached to the said bar and to the bracket o in
which it slides.
The said bar has formed on it at m³ teeth or notches, in combination with which
is arranged the pawl or stop lever r, on whose spindle or pivot is fixed another
lever whose free end projects into the path of the rake rollers as above
described.
An important feature of this part of our Invention is that the action of the rakes
is controlled by the said sliding bar m in such a manner that the number of the
said rakes which sweep the platform in one revolution of the rake shaft is according
to or dependent upon the distance traversed by the said bar during and after its
movement by the toothed wheel or disc l, in which movement it releases the latch
and thereby permits the automatic adjustment of the switch after the passage of a
rake to allow the roller of the rake next in succession to pass on the inside track of
the cam.
The distance to be traversed by the sliding bar m during the time in
which the switch is kept closed is determined by the lever p, which the driver sets
at any desired point or position. Provision is made, by means of a series of holes
in the quadrant or otherwise, for setting the said controlling lever p in as many
positions as there are rakes or raking arms on the machine, and the said controlling
lever can, by the adjustment of a pin or by other simple means, be readily shifted
- from any one of its positions to any other position at the will of the driver; and
when the machine is in operation no wheels or other parts of the mechanism have
to be removed or thrown out of gear when any change in the action of the rakes is
made by the driver. In Figure 12 we have shewn a series of holes numbered
according to the positions into which the controlling lever p is adjustable.
The said controlling lever when set in its first position holds the sliding bar m
with its rib or part m³, m², beyond or clear of the said latch; the switch f can then
be opened, and all of the rakes will sweep the platform, because the said switch,
immediately after the roller of one rake in passing has closed it, will be reopened
by the action of the latch-spring to permit the passage of the roller of the succeeding
rake. In the second position of the said controlling lever p the sliding bar m moves
only a short distance; the latch then is alternately held and released from the

page_text: sliding bar, and every alternate rake acts as a gatherer, while the others sweep the
platform. In the third position of the said lever the sliding bar m moves one step
further than in the second position before the latch is released, and two rakes, acting
as gatherers, and clearing the platform, are followed by one rake sweeping the
platform. In the fourth position of the said lever three rakes acting as gatherers
are followed by one rake sweeping the platform. In the fifth position of the said
lever four rakes acting as gatherers are followed by one rake sweeping the
platform.
In order to cause all of the rakes to pass without sweeping the platform the
switch is kept closed by the driver or attendant bringing the aforesaid bell crank
lever q into contact with the arm or lever f" on the axle of the switch, and thereby
holding the latch so that it is temporarily held free from the control of the said
sliding bar m. The result of this contrivance is that immediately upon the release
of the foot-lever the rakes will commence to sweep the platform without the
necessity of any delay in waiting for the passage of a roller or other device to adjust
the switch.
In the modification shewn in Figure 15, the pawlr and lever ¹ are constructed in
one piece, and the said pawl and lever are pivotted horizontally to the bracket o; the
upper end of the lever then extends into the inner track of the cam, and is acted
upon by the head of the roller-stud; the ratchet-teeth are formed on the upper edge
of the sliding bar m, and the pawl is caused to engage with the said teeth by a
suitable spring ***.
Instead of the sliding bar and its adjuncts above described, we may employ a
toothed or perforated quadrant pivotted to the cam-support, to which quadrant the
necessary forward motion may be imparted by any suitable appliance secured to
the rake-spindle or shaft, and the said quadrant may be brought back to the
starting point by a suitable spring or counterbalance arrangement.
The part of our Invention illustrated in Figures 8 to 15 is equally applicable to
reaping machines with three, four, five, six, or any other number of raking arms.
And the automatic mechanism herein described is applicable not only to reaping
machines in which the normal position of the cam switch is open, as in the machine
last described, but to machines in which, in its normal position, the cam-switch is
closed; furthermore, this automatic mechanism is equally advantageous, whether
the switch is closed by the friction roller of the passing rake, or by any other
device or arrangement.
Having thus fully described our said Invention, and shewn how the same may bo
conveniently and advantageously carried into practice, we wish it understood that
we claim,
First. Providing the cam which controls the rakes of a reaping machine with a
switch arranged to be vibrated or partially turned on its pivot by the movement of
the rake-shaft without intermediate gearing, and with a capability of vertical
adjustment, for the purpose specified.
Second. The switch constructed in the form of a two-armed lever, one of which
arins is at the upper, and the other at the lower end of a bar or spindle forming the
pivot of the switch, and which lower arm is arranged to be acted upon by series of
projections appertaining to the rake-shaft in such a manner that by the vertical
adjustment of the said lower arm of the switch by the driver or attendant, the
action of the rakes will be varied or controlled, as and for the purpose specified.
Third. The modification of the mechanism forming the subject of the above
claiming clauses, wherein we arrange the cylindrical toothed ring on a shaft at the
side of the rake shaft, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
Fourth. The modification of our Invention wherein we employ an endless web or
chain with teeth or projections thereon, in combination with the said switch,
substantially as and for the purpose specified.
Fifth. In combination with the cam for controlling the rakes of a reaping
machine, the switch or movable part having by the action of a spring or otherwise
a tendency to move into one position, and held or restrained from so moving at the

page_text: required times by the interposition of a moving stop or bar, whose direction of
movement intersects that of the movement of a latch or other piece connected with
the said switch, and which alternately permits and prevents the movement of the
said latch or piece, for the purpose set forth.
Sixth. In combination with the cam which controls the rakes of a reaping
machine, a sliding rack-bar, or a quadrant or similar device actuated by a toothed
wheel or disc, or series of projections fixed on the vertical rake shaft, and operating
to effect the movements of the said rack bar, as and for the purpose above set
forth.
Seventh. In combination with the aforesaid cam and sliding bar the pawl or stop
which engages with the ratchet teeth on the said sliding bar, and which is provided
with a lever that projects into the path of the rake rollers, or of the studs which
carry the same, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
Eighth. The combinaton with the said sliding bar of the controlling lever and
series of holes or other suitable means whereby the said lever can be adjusted and
held in any required position for regulating the movement of the said sliding bar,
and thereby controlling the action of the rakes, as and for the purpose specified.
Ninth. The combination of parts whereby the switch, after being closed, may be.
held in this position by means of the foot-lever, and whereby the rake, which after
the release of the said foot-lever, next passes over the platform, will be caused to
sweep the grain from the same, as above set forth.
Tenth. The apparatus consisting of the parts forming the subject of our improve-
ments as illustrated in Figures 8 to 15 of the Drawings, constructed, combined, and
operating as above set forth, and whereby in reaping machines provided with any
required even or odd number of rakes, the action of the latter can, without any
change of gear wheels, or the removal or addition of any parts, or the substitution
of any part for another part or parts, be so adjusted or controlled, that one or any
desired number of the said rakes will sweep the grain from the platform, while the
others pass clear above the same, or all of the rakes will pass clear of the said
platform, as and for the purposes specified.
In witness whereof, we, the said James Howard, Edward Tenney Bousfield, and
George Gibbs, have hereunto set our hands and seals, this Sixth day of
November, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-
nine.
JAMES HOWARD.
(L.S.)
EDW. TENNEY BOUSFIELD. (L.S.)
GEORGE GIBBS.
(L.S.)