IMPROVE- MENTS. IN MACHINERY FOR SOWING CORN AND SEEDS, AND DEPOSITING MANURE, IN THRASHING MACHINES, IN MACHINES FOR DRESSING OR WINNOWING CORN, AND IN STEAM ENGINES AND BOILERS, FOR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES
Year: 1850

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, RICHARD
HORNSBY, of Spittlegate, Grantham, in the County of Lincoln, Agricultural
Implement Manufacturer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, bearing date at Westminster, the Third day of July
(One thousand eight hundred and fifty), in the fourteenth year of Her reign,
did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said
Richard Hornsby, my exors, adñiors, and assigns, Her especial license, full
power, sole privilege and authority, that I, the said Richard Hornsby, my
exors, adiiors, and assigns, or such others as I, the said Richard Hornsby,
my exors, adiiors, or assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others,
from time to time and at all times during the term of years therein expressed,
should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within England,
Wales, and the Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, my Invention of "IMPROVE-
MENTS. IN MACHINERY FOR SOWING CORN AND SEEDS, AND DEPOSITING MANURE, IN
THRASHING MACHINES, IN MACHINES FOR DRESSING OR WINNOWING CORN, AND IN
STEAM ENGINES AND BOILERS, FOR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES;" in which said
Letters Patent is contained a proviso that I, the said Richard Hornsby,
shall cause a particular description of the nature of my said Invention,
and in what manner the same is to be performed, by an instrument in
writing under my hand and seal, to be inrolled in Her said Majesty's High

page_text: Court of Chancery within six calendar months next and immediately after
the date of the said in part recited Letters Patent, as in and by the same,
reference being thereunto had, will more fully and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
Richard Hornsby, do hereby declare that the nature of my said Invention, 5
and the manner in which the same is to be performed, are fully described
and ascertained in and by the following statement thereof, reference being
had to the Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the figures and letters marked
thereon, that is to say:-
My Invention consists,―
First, of improvements in machinery for sowing seeds and depositing
manure.
Secondly, my Invention consists of improvements in thrashing machinery.
Thirdly, my Invention consists of improvements in machinery for dressing
or winnowing corn.
And, fourthly, my Invention consists of improvements in portable steam
engines and boilers for agricultural purposes.
And in order that my Invention may be most fully understood and readily
carried into effect, I will proceed to describe the Drawings hereunto annexed,
and the various Figures of the same.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A.
Figure 1 shews a side view; Figure 2, a longitudinal section; Figure 3, a
plan; Figure 4, a back view; Figure 5, a transverse section; and the other
Figures show detached parts of machinery arranged for sowing seeds, according
to my Invention. a is the axle which is fixed to one of the wheels b, the
The axle a turns in
the other wheel 6 turning freely on the other end.
suitable bearings a¹. On the axle a are fixed the cog wheels c, c, which
respectively take into and drives the cog wheels d, e, according to the speed
desired to be derived from the axle a. The wheels d, e, are connected
together, and are made capable of sliding on, yet of giving motion to the
axis f, which axis f turns in bearings at f, as shown. The wheels d, e, are
slided to and fro, so as to cause either of these wheels to be in gear with its
wheel c, or so as to place them both out of gear by the axis g, which turns in
suitable bearings at 9', as shown, a sliding motion being communicated to the
wheels d, e, by means of the arm 92, on the axis y giving motion to the con
necting rod g, which at one end is connected by a pin joint to the arm g
and at the other end it embraces a groove part of the boss of the wheels d, c
and by means of the arm g the person attending to the machine may put th

page_text: wheel dor e into gear with its wheel c, or so that neither shall be in gear,
the arm g' being retained in either position by means of one of the three
notches g³, the arm g' being sufficiently elastic to spring into either of these
notches when moved opposite thereto; by this arrangement the quicker or
slower motion can be used at pleasure, as required, and as is well understood.
On the axis is the wheel h, which gives motion to the feed; and this wheel,
as heretofore, will be changed for others, according to the speed of feed desired
to be obtained. The wheel h takes into and gives motion to the wheel h',
moving on an axis carried by the frame i, such wheel in its turn giving motion
to the wheel h³, which turns on a fixed tubular axis, within which the axle a
turns. The wheel h gives motion to the intermediate wheel h³, which
gives motion to the wheel h fixed on the axis of the seed barrel in
the seed box. I would remark that the seed box in this machine is so
arranged as to move on an axis at or near the middle of its length, in order
that the seed box may be capable of being made to assume a horizontal
position notwithstanding the irregularities of the land. And it is the
arranging such boxes that they are capable of moving on an axis at or near
the middle of their length, which constitutes one peculiarity of my Invention;
and the arrangements above described are for getting motion to the axis of the
seed barrel in a convenient manner, allowing for the seed box being so placed
on an axis; but the means of getting motion to the axis of the seed barrel
may be varied so long as the same admits of the seed box being made to
assume a horizontal position by being on an axis and acted on as herein
described. The seed box is carried by the frame i at or near the middle of
the box, there being an axis k fixed to the box which admits the seed box to
be adjusted when going up or down hill, as is well understood; and it also
admits of the seed box and delivery barrel being caused to assume a horizontal
position, notwithstanding that the axle a is caused to assume an inclined
position by the irregularities of the land. And such operation of causing the
seed box and delivery barrel to assume a horizontal position is effected as
follows:-At one end there is a guide plate l, having a slot therein, within
which the neck or axis m fixed to the box can turn and rise and fall, by which
the box will be kept in a correct position when at work, and when being
inclined in one direction or the other. At the other end of the seed box it is
supported on a spherical axis n, to which is affixed the arm n', and that end of
the seed box is moved up or down as follows:-n² is a shaft having at one end
a crank handle, as shown, and at the other end there are a left and right-
handed screw formed, which respectively work in the screw nuts n³, n', and these
nuts will be caused to come to or recede from each other by turning the shaft n

page_text: in opposite directions. The shaft n* turns in a bearing at no, which adınits of
the shaft assuming an inclined position above or below its présent position.
The screw nuts n³, n', are by means of the links nº, 2º, connected to the
framing of the machine, as shown, and they are connected to the arm n' by
means of other links n², n', by which means the man attending the machine
may at all times cause the seed box to assume a horizontal position, though
the land may incline either to the left or the right. The means of causing the
seed box to move on its axes when going up and down bill is such as have
before been resorted to, and are clearly shown in the Drawings: 0, 0, are the
levers which carry the coulters; their arrangement and mode of working are
similar to what has before been practised, but I have found that there is great
advantage in making them of malleable cast iron; and one of my improve-
ments consists in making such coulter levers of malleable cast iron. The
processes of casting and annealing articles in malleable cast iron being well
understood, it will not be necessary to describe the same here, this part of my
Invention consisting of the making of coulter levers for seed-sowing machinery
of malleable cast iron.
Another of my improvements in this class of machinery consists of means
of stearing the coulters, and which I do as follows:-p is an axis moving in
bearings at p', on one end of which axis are fixed the arms or handles p"; and
at the other end of this axis is fixed the half cog wheel p', which takes into
the toothed rack p', fixed on a connecting bar to the frame supporting the two
coulter bars, by which they go to the right or left, as required, according as the
man turns the axis p in one or other direction.
Another of iny improvements has for its object better means of stearing the
fore carriage of seed-sowing machines, and this I do as follows:- is the fore
axle, and formerly a handle or handles were fixed to the framing of this fore
axle, projecting beyond the wheels, by means of which the man turned the
fore axle in the direction he wished it to take. Now, the object of the present
improvement is to give the man more power over the fore axle, and thus to
enable him with greater case and more steadiness to move the fore axle. I
would state that the fore axle may be arranged for the wheels thereon to be
as far apart as the hind wheels, or as shewn, according as desired, and as
heretofore. are toothed bars, attached by pin joints to the fore carriage.
' is a fixed bar, with holes ³ to receive the stem of the pinion, the stem
or axis of such pinion being placed in either of these holes, according as the
man is on one side or other of the machine. are guides or stops against
which the tooth bars rest when in use. The pinion is noved by means of the
crank handle, as shown, and thus will a man have great power over the fore

page_text: carriage or axle of such machinery. And I would state that, although I prefer
the simple combination of the racks and pinion, I do not confine myself thereto
for acting on the fore carriage or axle, as other mechanical means of moving
the fore carriage at either end to and from the bar q may be resorted to.
Another improvement in this class of machinery consists of the use of
flexible tubes in place of metal cups heretofore used. And I would state
that I am aware that some attempts have been heretofore made to employ
flexible covering to metal cups, so as to exclude the wind and dirt or other
matters from getting in at the joints of the metal cups, but the same failed.
Now, my improvements consist in the use of flexible pipes or tubes, which will
retain their figure when in use without containing metal cups. And the best
material, I believe, for carrying out these improvements is what is called
vulcanized india-rubber; but I do not confine myself thereto, as tubes of
gutta percha or other flexible material which will keep its tubular figure, either
by itself or aided by internal coiled wire, or otherwise, without the metal
cups, may be employed. 1, 7, are such tubes made of vulcanized india-rubber,
at the upper end of each of which is fixed a funnel 1, and at the other end a
short length of gas tubing, which enters into a tin which is in the coulter tin,
as shewn. By this mode of conducting seed down to the coulters, not only is
a considerable saving obtained, but at the same time a great convenience in
working results over the use of the tins or metal cups heretofore employed.
I will now proceed to describe the like improvements applied to machinery

page_text: from this axis the requisite motion is obtained to the seed barrel, as shewn,
to which means I make no claim. The manure and seed box is supported on
an axis at or near the middle of its length, as before explained, and motion
is obtained thereto in order to cause it to assume a horizontal position, as
before explained; and the several parts of these Drawings which go to perform 5
the like parts are marked with the same letters and figures of reference; the
description, therefore, above given, will apply to the present. The coulter levers
are made of malleable cast iron; the stearage for the fore carriage is to be the
same. Flexible tubes, such as above described, are used for the manure as well
as the seed, as shown (those for the seed being, however, longer), and their lower
ends enter into and slide up and down within the lower metal tubes, which
are made of tin; the guide plate 7, for one end of the manure and seed box, in
this arrangement, is fixed to the box in place of to the frame, as in the former
With these observations, aided by the present Drawings, and the
description above given of a seed drill, the same improvements as applied
to this class of machine will be readily understood without further descrip.
tion. 8, s, are the instruments which cover the manure with a quantity of
earth before the seed is sowed over the same; heretofore these forked instru-
ments & have been so applied that they have presented their concave surfaces
to the earth, now I have found it to be an improvement to so apply them that
they shall present their convex surfaces to the carth in their forward move-
ment. I would here state that although I have shown my improvements
applied only to the box or reservoir of a drill for depositing dry or moist
manure, it will be evident that the same are equally applicable to apparatus
used for depositing liquid manures.
case.
Another improvement in drills for sowing seed and manure is applicable to
ridge drills where rollers are used; and this part of my Invention is shewn
at Figures 4, 5, and 6, and consists of making each roller of two parts, with
filling pieces, so that the roller may be used as a narrow roller or as a wide
one, according as desired. a, a, are two half rollers, which may, when
desired, be simply used; b, b, are filling pieces going intermediate of the two
half rollers; and it is the arranging parts a, b, as herein described, which
constitutes this improvement.
Another improvement in ridge drills consists in combing with the use of
suitable rollers for acting upon the ridges, rollers suitable for working in the
furrows, in order that the soil in such furrows may be crushed or pulverised,
as well as that on the ridges. I have not thought it necessary to show a
Drawing of this part of the Invention, as the same will be readily understood,
and the form of the rollers will be that suited to the particular cases.
Another part of my improvements in ridge drills for depositing seed and

page_text: manure consists in combining therewith harrows, or such like instruments
(with tines or teeth), to run in the furrows formed between the ridges, for the
purpose of breaking up or pulverizing the clods lying in such furrows. I
have not thought it necessary to show a Drawing of this part of my Inven-
tion applied, as the same will readily be understood by persons engaged in
agricultural pursuits. The harrows would be narrow, so as to run in the
furrows, and be attached by chains or otherwise to the drill.
I will now describe the second part of my Invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS C.
Figure 1 shows a longitudinal section of a thrashing machine having my
improvements applied thereto; and Figure 2 shows a plan thereof.
My first improvement consists of a new form of drum and concave. a is the
of axis the drum in the ordinary manner, and the feeding of the corn to be
thrashed is in the ordinary manner, and the supporting and means of adjusting
the concave to the drum are. the same as heretofore resorted to, and are
clearly shown in the Drawing. The drum consists of a series of cones on
the axis a, having radial projections b, b, on their surfaces; and the concave
consists of spaces corresponding with the cones, and such spaces at their sides
have similar projections b, b, fixed thereto. By this arrangement the thrash-
ing is more satisfactorily performed than by those now in use. The straw
and grain will descend down the inclined plane c to the shakers or revolving
rakes d, d, and they are of an ordinary kind, as are also the screens or
gratings e, e, but they have additions f, f, which constitute another part
of my Invention. They are inclined fixed bars, which, by the motion of the
rakes, cause the straw to be raised off the wire bars, and cause it to be moved
in a different manner to what it does when there are no such additions as
those shewn at f, f.
Another improvement consists of the use of an inclined receiver of the
corn, which is placed under the straw shakers in such manner that the corn
dropping through on to the inclined receiver is caused to be delivered at the
lower end of the receiver. This inclined receiver consists of a flat boarded
surface (or it may be of metal), with raised sides, and whatever be the form
of straw shaker employed it is to extend the whole length, so as to receive
the corn dropping through the straw shaker, and to deliver the corn at its lower
end. The inclined receiver g is suspended by means of four rods or links h,
so as to move or swing freely to and fro, and it is caused so to swing by means
of the excentrics i and connecting rods i³, as shewn. By this arrangement a
great advantage is derived, for by it, whatever arrangement of straw shaker
be employed, the corn and matters dropping through the straw shaker will

page_text: descend at once on to
thereof; and it is this peculiar arrangement and mode of working an inclined
receiver to receive the corn and matters, and to deliver them, that constitutes
this part of my Invention as described.
I have not thought it necessary to describe the other parts shown by the
Drawings, they forming no parts of my Invention.
I will now describe the third part of my Invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING D.
Figure 1 is a side view, Figures 2 and 3 are end views of a dressing or
winnowing machine having my improvements applied thereto, which consist of
means of raising and lowering, or regulating, the space between the feed roller
and the shoe or hopper, so that the man attending upon the machine may
readily make the adjustment whilst the machine is in operation. Heretofore it
required that the machine should be stopped, in order safely to adjust the
opening. To the arms a', which carry the axis of the roller a, I apply
connecting rods b, b, their other ends being connected to arms c, c, on the
axis d, which axis has a spring arm or handle c, by which it can be turned
partly round, and thus act to raise or lower the roller u, the spring handlo
being retained in the desired position by notches in the arc f, as shown.
Invention.
I will now describe the fourth part of my
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS E.
Figure 1 shows a side view of a portable steam engine and boiler, partly in
section, having my improvements applied thereto. Figure 2 is a transverse
section taken through the red line A, B. Figure 8 is a transverse section
taken through the red line C, D, in Figure 1. Figure 4 is an end view,
showing the smoke box lid. Figure 5 is a vertical section through the steam
engine, which is within the steam boiler, and over the upper part of the fire-
box. Figure 6 shows a transverse section of the steam engine; and
Figure 7 shows a transverse section of the fire bars, and apparatus employed
to distribute air into the fire on the fire bars. The Drawing shows the
construction and means of combining of the various parts; and as the parts
are separately old and well known, it will not be necessary to enter into a
particular description thereof. It will be enough for me to call attention to
the novel arrangements or combinations which constitute my present improve-
ments. It will be seen that the steam cylinder is fixed within the steam boiler
and above the fire-box, or in other steam chest formed on the boiler; and it is
this construction or combination of the boiler and engine that constitutes onc
nart of my improvements.

page_text: Another improvement consists of placing the pump at the bottom of the
chimney or at the upper part of the smoke box. The object of this arrangement
is not only to have the pump conveniently out of the way, but it ensures that
any water frozen therein shall, when the fire is lighted, be thawed before the
engine gets to work.
Another improvement is in the use of an apparatus in the fire of the boiler,
such as is shown at a, a, which is a casing from end to end of the fire-box,
with numerous holes, by means of which air from the ash pit will be supplied
to the fire on the fire bars, by which I am enabled to obtain a better
combustion of the fuel.
Having thus described the nature of my Invention, and the manner of
performing the same, I would remark that I do not confine myself to the
details herein shewn and described, as the same may be varied so long as the
peculiar character of any part of my Invention be retained.
But what I claim is,―
First, the improvements herein described in machinery for sowing seed and
depositing manure.
Secondly, I claim the improvements in thrashing machines, herein
described.
Thirdly, I claim the improvements in machinery for dressing and winnow-
ing corn, herein described.
And, fourthly, I claim the improvements in portable steam engines and
boilers, for agricultural purposes, herein described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Richard Hornsby, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Third day of January, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and fifty-one.
Enrolled the Third day of January, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and fifty-one.