Year: 1894

page_text: connected with the driving wheel and by the other of which a the scoop-disc S
is secured to the hollow shaft W substantially as described and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
4. The modification of the arrangement claimed in the last preceding claiming
clause shown on Sheet II of the accompanying drawings characterised by two
scoop discs such as S' S³ fitting and sliding one within the other wherein the
scoops fixed to one of the discs S³ or S2 pass and project through corresponding
suitable orifices n' in the other disc S' or S³ in such manner that by causing these
discs to approach to or recede from each other the effective size of the scoops or
cups may all alike increase or decrease substantially as described and illustrated
in the accompanying drawings.
11
5. In a seed drill in connection with the displacement of the cup or scoop-discs
claimed under Claim 4 the arrangement of a double shaft W2 W3 comprising a
hollow shaft W and terminating in a screw as at 7 having a solid shaft W' inside
of it which terminates in a screw 9 the said screws 7 and 9 having opposite threads
and having the part 4 as a nut common to both so that by the rotation of the said
nut 4 the shafts W2 W3 are displaced axially in opposite directions and thus effect
the desired adjustment of the cup or scoop-discs substantially as described and
illustrated on Sheet II of the accompanying drawings.
1
6. In a seed drill for the purpose of the instantaneous emptying of the seed-
box B (Sheet III) the arrangement of discharge-openings in communication
therewith in a sloping bottom such as f¹, (Figures 22 to 27) which said openings
during sowing are kept closed and are only first thrown open by the slide e¹
uncovering the discharge openings in the said sloping bottom when the seed-chest B
is emptied the said displacement of the slide being effected by means of a toothed
sector g' with handle 9', and rack gl substantially as described and illustrated in
the accompanying drawings.
7. In a seed-drill for the purpose of preventing wabbling of the coulters the
connection of the coulter side-bars to a carrier such as in such manner as to be
capable of pivotting round the pin j so that a projecting stud or guide pin secured
directly (as in Figures 29 35 37) or indirectly (as in Figures 31-34) to each side-
bar i may be arranged to travel to and fro within a guide groove or slideway j³ cut
in the form of a circular arc in one of the cheeks of the yoke or carrier 2 in order
that if it should work loose it may be tightened up in the groove by screwing up a
bolt substantially as described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
8. For the purpose of guiding the machine the arrangement of a fore-carriage
which is coupled with the machine frame by means of through-going bolts or pins n³
iron bars and braces n³ (Figures 38 and 40) in such manner as to be rotatable by a
steering bar k capable of being turned in any direction the latter for the sake of
fixity and maintenance in any position engaging with bearings 1ª³l and pro-
vided with a ring m³ (Figure 42) which being turned round by the handle m³ and
after the hook m³ thereof has engaged the pin m³ of the guide-bearing or the
fore-carriage can conveniently be lifted by simply lifting the pole or draw-bar k
substantially as described and illustrated on Sheet V of the accompanying
drawings.
9. The combination with a machine such as described of a brake-device so
arranged that by turning a winch handle o' a screw-nut such as o' is caused to
reciprocate to and fro upon the screwed spindle o which movement by transmission
by the aid of a tension-rod such as o' and crank rod such as of draws the brake
block o' against the wheel-rim substantially as described and illustrated in
Figures 44 and 45 of the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 28th day of May 1801
W. P. THOMPSON & BOULT,
Agents for the Applicant.

page_text: The steering bar or lever k is ordinarily directed towards the rear as in.
Figure 38 and operated by the attendant.
As shown in the drawings it is mounted so as to pivot vertically on a pin a
carried in bearings kk Figure 43 which rotate in the horizontal plane round the
bolt or stud k³. Consequently the said steering bar may be turned in
any
desired
direction. For the security and maintenance of this bar in any desired position.
the bearers
are arranged for the suitable reception of the pole in any such.
direction. If the machine is to be steered from behind, the bar k assumes the
position shown in Figure 38, and rests in one or the other of the notches of the
carrier secured to the cross-beam m. If the machine is to be steered from one
side the bar k takes up a corresponding position in one or other of the bearers 13 13.
It is frequently desirable or necessary to raise the fore-carriage. To enable this.
to be done, the bark is provided with a ring m' turning round between two
stops m² and fitted with a handle m³ and a hook m (Figures 39-42). After laying
the bar in the bearer 18 or 12 and turning the ring m' until the hook m* lies
underneath the pin m³ it is clear that if now the bark be lifted, the entire fore-
carriage will be raised with it.
At the same time the fore-carriage by means of a bar which is pivotted by a
bolt n² to the block or bracket n' of the beam m is itself pivotally secured to the
machine, the said fore-carriage being thereby capable of pivotting round the bolt n².
Furthermore angle-iron braces n³ are rivetted to these bars n which are all secured
to the cross-beam n* (Figure 38) of the machine frame.
The brake device which I employ is shown in Figure 44 in side elevation, in
Figure 45 as seen in the direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 44; and in.
Figure 38.
It consists of a screwed spindle o on which by the turning of a winch-handle o' a
screw-nut o² is made to travel to and fro. This screwed spindle is carried in.
bearings o³ ³ rivetted or otherwise secured to the angle iron o which forms part of
the machine-frame. Pivotted to the nut o2 is one end of a draw-bar or tension
rod o connected at its other end to a bent or crank bar of which holds and carries
the brake-block o' and draws it tightly against the wheel-tyre or takes the pressure
off. The crank-bar of is carried in bearings secured to the cross-beam n*.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is ;-
1. In a seed drill the combination of a scoop and a plate or shield movable in
relation to each other whereby the effective capacity of the scoop. is varied
substantially as described.
2. In a seed drill the arrangement of discs such as S S¹ Sheet I one sliding
within the other whereof one S is firmly mounted on a hollow shaft and provided
with suitable openings for the passage of cups or scoops such as while the other
disc S' secured to the solid shaft W carries cups or scoops such as land slides
within the disc S in such manner that in accordance with the direction and extent
of the displacement the scoops / project more or less through the openings n² of the
disc S and thus offer a greater or less area of scooping surface so that different
kinds and quantities of seed can be delivered by the same scoops substantially as
described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
3. In a seed drill in connection with the displacement of the scoop-discs
characterised under Claim 1 the arrangement of a double sowing shaft such
as W W comprising a hollow shaft W and a solid shaft W' one within the other
whereof the shaft W terminates in a screw e which by the rotation of a nut such
as c can be moved backwards or forwards and thereby causes also to reciprocate
the scoop disc S' secured by pins such as a¹ to the solid shaft. W₁ for which purpose
slots are left in the hollow shaft W to allow of the free passage to and fro of the
pins a while slots are cut in the solid shaft W₁ in order to permit the free
travel of the pins a a² by one of which namely a the two shafts W W₁ are

page_text: intersecting each other at an angle. The displacement of the slide e' is effected by
means of a rack g' and a toothed sector g', with a lever-handle g', attached to the
shaft g', of the latter (g',) mounted on the respective parts.
3
Figure 26 shows the arrangement of the toothed sector and rack. In
Figures 24-27 d' indicates the discharge openings for emptying the seed-chest d'
the delivery passages from the seed-chambers C on the removal of the spouts and
'slides e¹.
The improvement in the share is devised to obviate the defect which has been
found to occur, viz. that after prolonged use, the share or coulter becomes defective
at the point. of suspension, so that the seed-furrow traced by it is no longer
straight.
Sheet IV of the drawings exhibits two modifications of this improved device,
which however are both based upon the same principle.
Figure 29 is a side elevation of a complete coulter or share and the method of
its suspension from the horizontal coulter-bar which is carried by the framework
of the machine in known manner;
Figure 30 is a plan view of the same;
Figure 31 is a plan view of the coulter suspension device on a larger scale.
Figure 32 is a side elevation thereof;
Figure 33 is a section on line 1-1 of Figure 31;
Figure 34 is a section on line 2-2 of Figure 32;
Figures 35 and 36 show respectively, a plan view and side elevation and
Figure 37 a section on line 3-3 (of Figure 36) of a simplified modification of
this device.
This improvement consists in an adjustable suspension of the coulter, so that
when it becomes loose and the coulter arms i show signs of lateral displacement, the
joint can easily. be tightened.
As is well known the shares i properly so-called are rivetted to the side bars i
which in their turn are pivotally attached to the carriers secured to the coulter-
bar by means of a screw 3 and nut (Figures 29, 30, 31, 34). In order that the
shares may rise and fall owing to inequalities in the surface of the ground, the
side-bars i are mounted so as to swing or pivot upon the bolt j which runs right
through them and the two arins of the carrier or yoke 2. Moreover the bars are
further provided with shaped arms j rivetted to them on their inner side and
each carrying a projection which engages in a groove j³ cut in the form of a
circular arc in the inner face of each of the side cheeks of the carrier. When
the shares and the coulter-side-bars i swing upon the bolt j the projections or.
guide-pins move simultaneously in the grooves j³. It will readily be seen that no
lateral displacement can occur. Should however with wear and tear the groove
and pin work loose all that would be necessary would be to tighten up the
screws to take up the wear and draw the parts closer together; in this manner
provision is made for keeping the guide-pin in constant contact with the surface
of the groove or slideway ³ and so prevent the possibility of wabbling.
The modification illustrated in Figs. 35-37 differs from the foregoing only in
the guide-groove or slideway j being cut in the outer surface of the arms of the
yoke or carrier while the guide-pins are secured to the inner side of the coulter
side-bars by the pin 7. In this case a slight turn of the before mentioned screw js
suffices to press the guide-pins home-in-the groove ³, and secure. the joint against
lateral displacement.
The arrangement of the fore-carriage of the sowing machine which constitutes
the third improvement, is such that the steering of the machine may be effected as
well from behind as from either side.
Sheet V of the accompanying drawings illustrates the fore-carriage; Figure 38
is a diagram showing the machine with fore-carriage; Figure 39 is a front view of
the said fore-carriage; Figure 40 is a plan; Figure 41 a section on line 4–4 of
Figure 39; Figure 42 a section on line 5-5 of Figure 39; and Figure 43 a
.section on line 6-6 of Figure 40.

page_text: other, and vice versa, both discs fitting together like the body and cover of a pill-box
or the like.
The mechanism for the displacement and adjustment of the scoop or cup-discs as
in the former example consists of two shafts W2 W³, whereof the one W2 is solid
and lodged within the other W3 which is hollow. The disc S2 is secured to the
hollow shaft W³ by means of pins or bolts a³ and the other disc S³ is made fast to
the solid shaft W2 by means of pins or bolts a (Figs. 12 and 13). The slots 62 62 in
the hollow shaft W³ serve to give a passage and act as slideway for the pins a³ and a*
(Fig. 14) while the slots 6 in the solid shaft W2 act similarly for a³ and a. For
displacing the two shafts whereof the simultaneous movements are in opposite
directions, a screw-cap or nut 4 (Figs. 12, 13, 19 20) is employed and so fixed
between the two fixed collars 1 and 2 that, while capable of rotating on its axis, it
is held fast from longitudinal axial movement by its flange or collar 3 lodged in a
corresponding recess between the plates 1 and 2 provided for that purpose.
said screw cap or nut is bored out to two diameters 5 and 6 (Figure 20) which are
screw-threaded in opposite directions. The hollow shaft W3 is screw-threaded, at
its end with say a left-handed thread as at 7 (Fig. 14) to correspond with the
larger or left hand thread at 5 Figure 20, and the end 9 of the solid shaft
(Figure 15) is similarly provided with say a right-handed screw-thread to
correspond with the smaller or right-hand thread at 6.
The
It is clear that when the screw-nut or cap is rotated by a suitable key the two
shafts are axially displaced in opposite directions, and that consequently, they
either move the scoops apart (ie. allow them to project more) whereby their
effective length and size are increased (Fig. 12) or draw them together, whereby
the effective size and length of the scoops is diminished (Fig. 13).
In this manner the result is obtained that a single pair of discs S2 S3 has double
the number of scoops i.e. scoops projecting on both sides, so that such pair of
scoop-discs may always have two funnels (one for each disc) arranged for its use.
For this reason as compared with the former modification the number of scoop-discs
is decreased by one-half which is a point of great importance for machines with
narrow seed-rows.
On Sheet IV of the accompanying drawings a machine provided with such a
modification is shown in rear elevation at Figure 28.
My third improvement relates to a device for the instantaneous emptying of the
seed-box as shown in Sheet III.
Figure 21 is a view of the sowing apparatus of the machine as seen from behind,
the door 9 whereby the discharge openings are closed, being supposed removed.
Figure 22 shows a section on line a-a of Figure 21.
Figufe 23 is a section on a reduced scale, on line a'-a' of Figure 21.
Figure 24 is a section on line a2-a² of Figures 21 or 22.
Figure 25 is a section on line a³-a³ of Figure 21.
Figure 26 shows a working detail.
Figure 27 is on a reduced scale the same as Figure 21 but with the sliding or
displacement mechanism removed.
As known, the seed is scooped up from the seed-box B by the cup-discs S² S³
and thence fed into the funnels t and chambers C whence it reaches the seed-
conduits (Fig. 28, Sheet IV) and ultimately the ground, either by way of the
rearward delivery outlets 6', (Fig. 22) or by the forward outlets 6'2.
When the sowing is done it is necessary as quickly as possible to remove all
remaining seed from the seed-box B. For this purpose the
between every
spaces
pair of seed-chambers Care provided each with an opening d all of which during
the sowing, are closed by the slide e' (Figs. 21, 22, 24). It is clear that by
displacing the slide in such manner that its corresponding openings f¹ coincide
with the openings d' as shown in Figure 28, the seed remaining in the seed-box B
will at once fall through the said openings and the box be instantaneously and
entirely voided. To this end the bottom of the seed-box B is made slanting and
consists perferably of a sloping wooden side f¹2 and a sloping sheet metal side f¹1,
1"

page_text: seen from the rear, is shown in Figure 28 on Sheet IV of the accompanying
drawings.
The sowing-shaft consisting of a hollow outer shaft W and an inner solid shaft Wi
receives its motion from the toothed wheel R (Sheet I Figures 1 and 2) which in
the ordinary and well-known manner is driven by the left-hand travelling wheel
of the sower.
The inner solid shaft W₁ is connected with the driving shaft W so that the
rotation of the wheel R which is united to both W and W' by the pin a is
communicated to them both together. Upon this double shaft the two discs S S¹
(having been slipped one within the other) are now fixed by means of the two
pins a¹ a². These two discs are constructed and arranged in such manner that
the inner one S¹ can reciprocate to and fro within the outer one in the longi-
tudinal direction of the common axis, while the outer disc S is held fast upon
the shaft. The inner disc S' rigidly carries the trough-shaped spoons or scoops
specially designed for the purpose, and the outer disc S is provided with the
corresponding crescent-shaped slots n² through which the scoops' project and slide
when in working position.
It is clear that by a displacement of the inner disc S¹ towards the left of Figure 2,
and in fact exactly in proportion to that displacement, the scoops will also be
retired, and in this manner be caused to project less or more outside of the outer
disc.
Moreover it will be practicable to sow or plant all kinds of seeds, small or large,
such e.g. as poppy-seed, maize, beans etc. which has not hitherto been practicable
with a general sowing machine without some very troublesome exchanges of sowing
shafts and cup-discs.
The apparatus, whereof it is the object to effect all needful suitable adjustments
to this end, is constructed in the following manner;-The extremity of the inner
solid shaft W¹ is screw-threaded as at e Figure 2 and engages with a screw cap or
nute which by means of collar d secured by a screws to the toothed wheel R is
retained in position in such manner between d and R that it can rotate without
being capable of movement in the direction of its longitudinal axis. Consequently
when the screw-cap or nut c is rotated by means of a suitable key it communicates
to the inner solid shaft W₁a to or fro axial movement in which by means of the
pin a¹ the disc S¹ partakes.
For this purpose longitudinal slots are provided in the outer hollow shaft W
through which the pin a¹ may pass freely the said pin serving also at the same
time to impart the to and fro motion to the scoop-disc S' and to connect it firmly
with the inner solid shaft W₁; longitudinal slots 66 are provided in the solid
shaft W¹ to secure the free movement of the pins a and a².
It will be seen that only the pin a' and the inner shaft W¹ can slide axially
and be movable so as to serve to adjust or regulate the relative positions of the
discs and therefore the length of the scoops l.
In the before described apparatus every cup or scoop-dise requires its own
funnel with seed to be sown, so that e.g. with eleven coulters or shares II
double discs are necessary. For the purpose of reducing the number of the
cup-discs and so simplifying the machine, I make use of the modification shown in
Sheet II.
This differs from the preceding form in that there is no longer merely one cup-
carrying disc, the other disc being provided with the crescent-shaped apertures
through which the cups or scoops are allowed to pass; but each of the cup-discs is
provided in due alternation with scoops and apertures, a slot between two scoops or
a scoop between two slots so that there are double the number of cups or scoops,
and a corresponding number of crescent shaped slots through which they are
allowed to pass. Thus the disc S2 (Sheet II) has 8 scoops and the other S³
eight scoops in positions 224° (one quarter of a right angle) away therefrom; and
both have also eight intermediate slots n² between the scoops (Figs. 16-18)
consequently there is always on the one a scoop projecting through a slot on the

page_text: Date of Application, 29th May, 1894-Accepted, 8th Sept., 1894
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Seed Drills.
I, FRANTIŠEK MELICHAR, Manufacturer of Agricultural Machines, of
Brandeis a/d Elbe, Bohemia, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and
n what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
scertained in and by the following statement :-
This invention relates to improvements in seed sowing machines and the like.
1st. In the arrangement of peculiar scoop wheel or discs whereof the scoops or
poons are made trough-shaped in the direction of their length, and which are
djustable, that is to say that the effective size of the scoops may be made larger
2nd. In a device for
or smaller, according to the size of the material to be sown.
the instantaneous emptying of the seed-box. 3rd. In an adjustable share. 4th. In
a locking fore-carriage, and 5th. In a new brake-action.
The accompanying drawings illustrate these improvements
Sheet 1, Figure 1 is an elevation of the scoop-wheel or disc, and adjacent parts.
Figure 2 a vertical section of the same.
.
Figure 3 elevation of the inner shaft and cross-section of the same on the
line x¹ x¹.
Figure 4 elevation of the outer or hollow shaft and cross section on line a²x².
Figure 5 a cross section on the line
Figure 6 a face view of the scoop-disc ;
Figure 7 a vertical section on the line
the disc S¹;
of Figure 1 ;
of Figure 6 showing also a section of
Figure 8 a view of the disc when separated or divided into two parts,
Figure 9 a vertical section of the same.
Figure 10 is a section on the line xx of Figure 6, when the two parts of the
disc are moved apart and the scoops thereby drawn in or contracted.
Sheet II of the accompanying drawings shows the details of a modification of
the improvements illustrated in Sheet I;
Figure 11 being an elevation of the modified scoop-disc and its directly connected
parts.
Figure 12 is a vertical section of the scoop-wheel and hopper as well as of the
mechanism whereby the scoops are adjusted the latter being shown in this case as.
drawn out to their full extent;
Figure 13 is a corresponding section in which however the scoops are shown as
drawn in to their fullest extent, or in other words the two parts of the disc are
separated, i.e. arranged for sowing the minimum quantity of seed.
Figures 14 and 15 are elevations respectively of the outer hollow and of the
inner solid shaft.
Figure 16 is view of the scoop-disé as seen from outwards.
Figure 17 is a view of the same as seen from inwards.
Figure 18 is a section through Figure 16.
Figures 19 and 20 are respectively an elevation and a section of the screw-cap or
nut whereby the necessary displacement of the outer hollow and inner solid shafts
and the consequent adjustment of the effective length of the scoops is effected.
The working of the machine i.e. the driving of the sowing shaft W W' from one
of the travelling wheels of the machine, is perfectly well known in connection with
machines of this class, and therefore needs no special description. The manner in
which the grain or seed to be sown is scooped up from the bottom of the seed-box,
by the cup or scoop-discs and delivered through funnels thence into the seed-
chambers, whence it is conveyed by the seed-conducting pipes into the ground, is
also equally well-known. A general view of this improved sowing machine as