IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR PLOUGHING OR CULTI- VATING LAND, PART OF WHICH MACHINERY OR APPARATUS MAY BE USED AS ▲ TRACTION ENGIER
Year: 1860

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to James Austin, of Millisle Mills, Donaghadee, in
the County of Down, Ireland, Book-keeper, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR PLOUGHING OR CULTI-
VATING LAND, PART OF WHICH MACHINERY OR APPARATUS MAY BE USED AS
▲ TRACTION ENGIER"
Sealed the 28th May 1861, and dated the 1st December 1860.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said James Austin at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 1st
December 1860.
I, JAMES AUSTIN, of Millisle Mills, Donaghadee, in the County of Down,
Ireland, Book-keeper, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention
for "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR PLOUGHING OR CULTIVATING
LAND, PART OF WHICH MACHINERY OR APPARATUS MAY BE USED AS A TRACTION
ENGINE," to be as follows, that is to say
This Invention relates to the arrangement and construction of steam
ploughing or cultivating machinery, and these improvements are based more
or less upon an Invention of a similar kind, for which I obtained British
Letters Patent bearing date the 16th day of January 1858, No. 72. In the
Specification of the said Letters Patent is described a ploughing machine, in
which the ploughs are arranged to traverse, by means of endless chains, over
frames which extend laterally from the backward end of the engine frame.
According to the present Invention, the ploughing is in like manner in a
direction at right angles to that in which the engine is progressing, but only

page_text: mayning and Curating machinery, gc.
one frame with its duplex traversing ploughs are used. This consists of an
open carrying frame, about 6 feet long, and about 3 feet wide; near the back-
ward end is a supporting axle, which runs in adjustable pedestal bearings.
These pedestal bearings have flanges cust on them, which fit guides pendant
from the framing. This axle has at each end a large broad travelling or
carrying wheel; these wheels are put on the axle loose, but during the plough-
ing are fastened to it, either by a clutch or other equivalent contrivance. On
the end of the frame which runs on the two large broad wheels is hung, at
the centre of it, the long plough frame, with its set of ploughs. By this
arrangement when the pedestal screws are turned the ploughs will be let down
into or taken up out of the ground. At the fore end of the frame which runs
on the large wheels are two pedestals or eyes placed in the middle, one on the
front part of the frame, and the other on or in a bridge about 18 inches
behind. Into these eyes or pedestals are let the stud of the outer ring of the
propelling engine. This now carries the fore part of the frame that runs on
the broad wheels, and steadies the propelling engine, at the same time it
admits of each pair of wheels going over obstacles without twisting or straining
any part. When ploughing, the hind or broad wheels of the traction engine
are made the propellers; this is done by a worm-wheel keyed on their axle;
the worm that drives it is vertical, and runs in two bridge pieces fastened to
the side of the frame. The worm is made very long so that it may be in gear
whether the axle of the broad wheels be up or down. On the upper end of
the vertical worm shaft is keyed a ratchet wheel; two levers with palls work
this ratchet, one to the right side and one to the left; the fulcrum of these
levers may be the worn shaft. There are rods carried from each end of these
levers, which work on a crank near the foot of an upright shaft. The lower
end of this shaft is carried by a footstep bearing, fastened to the hind part of
the carrying frame, and its upper end by a bridge raised above. On the
upper end of this upright shaft is keyed a pulley right in line with the fly
wheel of the engine. A strap from the fly wheel gives this pulley motion,
consequently the crank at its foot works the rods that join the end of the pall
levers. One throw of the crank moves the ratchet wheel partially round, the other
throw moves it still farther in the same direction, owing to the pall being on the
other side of the ratchet wheel. This nearly constant circular motion is com-
municated to the worm wheel on the main travelling axle, by the long worm
on the upright or ratchet shaft. The rods, where they unite with the pall
levers, are adjustable, so that they may be shifted nearer the fulcrum or farther
from it, for the purpose of making narrow or broad furrows. The long
plough frame which is hung on the end of the forward frame by two studs

page_text: going into eyes in the hind part of it and keyed (but not permanently), is not
set at a right angle to the forward framing, but nearly the breadth of the
furrow that is being ploughed away from it. This long plough frame consists
of a flat piece of timber, about two feet wide, having at its ends openings or
spaces cut out for wheels of about 3 feet diameter, and about 6 inch wide to
run in. A pedestal bearing is placed at each side of these openings for their
axles; one of the axles is made to project a few inches towards the engine, on
which is keyed the driving worm wheel. On the rim of the wheels that run
in the spaces are set, at equal distances round them, about a dozen forked
guides on each for an endless rope or chain to run on; a wire rope, covered
with hemp, is preferred. At equal distances from each other on this endless
rope are placed the ploughs or other cultivators, which travel towards the
end of the frame that is farthest from the engine. A few inches from each
side of the rope or chain, and all along its course, are guides of bar iron, sup-
ported from the main flat piece of timber above by upright standards, and
below by similar pendent supports. The guide that is nearest the engine is
the height of the rope above the flat wooden centre, and the same depth below
it; the other guide does not spring so high or descend so low, but is several
inches from the line of rope. Towards the centre the under guides carry
parallel therewith other bars of iron, or guides about 6 inches nearer the
ground; on these the plough rollers travel or run. The ploughs are of the
common shape as far as coulter, mould board, and sock are concerned. The
beam is about 3 feet long, and from the middle of it hangs the curved prong,
on which is fastened the mould board and sock. At each end of the beam are
studs projecting outwards, on which run the carrying or guiding-rollers; these
rollers are in pairs, that is, two rollers on each stud, the ones next the plough
are flanged; the roller at the mould board is flanged also. Another pair of
rollers run on a stud, which is held by an arm from the mould board side, and
opposite the rollers at the hind end of the beam, only higher, that is supposing
the plough in its ploughing position. The height of this arm is just the
difference in height that exists between the two guide rails that are set in line
with the rope. The under carrying rails that are hung on the pendent
cranked supports are set closer than the guides that are in line with the rope,
so close as to bear up and nearly against the flanged rollers. The ploughs are
drawn by the rope from the centre of the beam by a short cross-bar fastened
to the rope; this bar goes into an eye in the beam, and a piece of iron with
an eye opposite (which is fastened to the beam). These eyes are set a little
above the level of the beam, so that the ploughs may be facilitated in going
over the wheels on which the rope runs. At the end of the ploughing frame

page_text: nearest the engine, that is, the end at which the ploughs enter, are inclined
guide rods on the upper side of the frame, and outside of those that are set in
line with the rope. These guide rods catch the outer rollers of the plough at
its backward end, and lift it so that the roller at the point of the beam may be
kept close to the guides, in line with the rope, until it is entered between those
guides and the lowest rods, firstly, the rollers at the point of the beam and
shortly after, as it is drawn along, those at the other end, and so they run until
the plough reaches the extreme end, when it is lifted out of the ground. The
rollers at the backward end are kept close to the guides set in line with the
rope, and the point of the plough comes gradually down on the top side of the
guide, a spring bar or stopper being placed to keep the motion easy. The
ploughs are driven by the upright shaft at the end of the forward carrying
frame, or the one which has the pulley at the top of it, and that is driven by
the strap from the fly wheel; on this is keyed a bevel wheel, which gears into
a suitable bevel wheel, and thereby drives a horizontal shaft placed in line
with the long plough frame. At the end of this shaft is a worm which gears
into a worm wheel keyed on that part of the axle of the plough wheel or chain
which projects near the engine. The propelling or traction engine is con-
structed with an upright cylindrical boiler, which is by preference composed of
steel plates, or what is known as the patent homogenous metal boiler plates,
so as to combine lightness with strength. The interior of the boiler is
strengthened by means of vertical stays arranged three or four inches apart,
and connecting the crown of the boiler with the upper part of the furnace.
The diameter of the furnace is somewhat less than the boiler, so that it is
completely surrounded with water, with the exception of a circular aperture,
which is made through the boiler shell and the furnace casing. This opening
serves for the admission of the fuel, and also as an exit for the smoke and
products of combustion, which pass off into a circular flue formed outside the
boiler. On each side of the opening to the furnace is arranged a vertical tube,
which is bolted to the boiler shell and communicates with its interior.
Another and similar vertical tube is fitted to the shell of the boiler at a point
on the circumference between the two just referred to. These tubes are made
with branch tubes, which extend out from the vertical tubes and return again
thereto, the branches thus forming three sides of a rectangular figure. These
vertical main tubes are connected to each other by a series of horizontal
heating tubes of small diameter, those branching from the vertical tubes next
the boiler shell being arranged in a waved, curved, or zig-zag figure around
the shell, whilst those tubes which extend from the horizontal and vertical
portions of the rectangular branches, and simply curved round the boiler shell

page_text: parallel thereto. The flue is formed by enclosing this arrangement of heating
tubes with an external sheet of copper, which is soldered to the projecting
parts of the outside tubes. This circular flue is enclosed at the lower part by
moveable plates to admit of the flue being cleansed when required. The
products of combustion pass from the tabulated flue into a spiral flue, which is
carried twice round the boiler, and from thence into a chimney fitted over
the flue at one side of the furnace door. In this way a very large amount of
heating surface is obtained, and which is comprised in a small cubical space.
About half way up the exterior of the boiler is bolted a ring of angle iron,
which has eight radial arms supporting a ring of larger diameter. This outer
ring has two plates riveted to it, and arranged parallel to each other; from the
centre of these plates are hung two guides, between which the pedestal
bearings of the main axle slide, a helical spring being placed above each
bearing. On the extremities of the main axle are fitted the bearing wheels,
which run loosely on the axle; all the parts connected with these wheels are
so arranged within a second horizontal ring as to admit of their acting as
steering as well as bearing wheels. The engine for imparting the propelling
power is fitted on the upper part of the boiler, the cylinder being arranged
horizontally. The rectangular frame on which the engine is fitted has a
vertical stud in it, which carries the horizontal fly wheel; a pin is screwed into
the nave of this wheel, which forms the crank, and to which the connecting
rod is attached. The crank pin is made duplex, that is to say, it is bent at
the part above the connecting rod, in a horizontal direction, and again vertically,
to which part the spindle of the slide valve motion is attached. The rim of
the fly wheel is all on the lower side of the wheel, and it gives motion by
frictional contact to a pinion on the upper end of a vertical shaft, the bearings
of the shaft being adjustable, so that the pinion may be regulated as regards
its pressure on the rim of the fly wheel. A worm on the lower part of the
vertical shaft gives motion to a worm wheel on the main axle, and this motion
is communicated by means of arms, which are keyed thereto to pins in the
naves of the wheels. The peripheries of the driving wheels are fitted with
curved springs or prongs, which enter the ground as the machine is propelled
along, and so give it an increased hold on the ground. An agricultural
engine constructed to this system is not only well adapted for propelling
ploughing or cultivating machinery, but may also be employed generally as a
traction engine when detached from the plough frame.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said James Austin in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 31st
May 1861.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JAMES
AUSTIN, of Millisle Mills, Donaghadee, in the County of Down, Ireland, Book-
keeper, send greeting.
-
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the First day of December, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty, in the twenty-fourth year of Her reign,
did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said
James Austin, Her special license that I, the said James Austin, my
executors, administrators, or assigns, or such others as I, the said James
Austin, my executors, administrators, or assigns, should at any time agree
with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during
the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and
vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel
Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY
OR APPARATUS FOR PLOUGHING OR CULTIVATING LAND, PART OF WHICH MACHINERY OR
APPARATUS MAY BE USED AS A TRACTION ENGINE," upon the condition (amongst
others) that I, the said James Austin, my executors or administrators,
by an instrument in writing under my hand and seal, or under the hand and
seal of one of them, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of
the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed, and
cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar
months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said James Austin, do hereby declare
the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement, that is to say:
My said Invention relates in the first place to the arrangement and con-
struction of steam ploughing or cultivating machinery, and these improvements
are based more or less upon an Invention of a similar kind, for which British
Letters Patent were granted to me, bearing date the Eighteenth day of July
1857. In the Specification of the said Letters Patent is described a ploughing
machine in which the ploughs are arranged to traverse by means of endless
chains over frames which extend laterally from the backward end of the
engine frame. According to the present Invention the ploughing is in like

page_text: manner in a direction at right angles to that in which the engine is pro-
gressing, but only one frame with its duplex traversing ploughs are used.
This consists of an open carrying frame about six feet long, and about three
feet wide; near the backward end is a supporting axle, which runs in
adjustable pedestal bearings. These pedestal bearings have flanges cast on
them, which fit guides pendent from the framing. This axle has at each end
a large broad travelling or carrying wheel; these wheels are put on the axle
loose, but during the ploughing are fastened to it, either by a clutch or other
equivalent contrivance. At the fore end of this frame are two pedestals or
eyes placed in the middle, one on the front part of the frame, and the other on
or in a bridge about eighteen inches behind; into these eyes or pedestals are
let the stud of the outer ring of the traction engine. This now carries the
fore part of the frame that runs on the broad wheels and steadies the engine,
at the same time it admits of each pair of wheels going over obstacles without
twisting or straining any part. When ploughing, the hinder or broad wheels
are made the propellers; this is done by a worm wheel keyed on the axlo;
the worm that drives it is vertical, and runs in two bridge-pieces fastened to
the side of the frame. The worm is made very long, so that it may be in gear
whether the axle of the broad wheels be up or down. On the upper end of
the vertical worm shaft is keyed a ratchet wheel; two levers with pawls work
this ratchet, one to the right side and one to the left; the fulcrum of these
levers may be the worm shaft. There are rods carried from each end of these
levers which work on a crank near the foot of an upright shaft. The lower
end of this shaft is carried by a footstep bearing fastened to the hind part of
the carrying frame, and its upper end by a bridge raised above. On the upper
end of this upright shaft is keyed a pulley right in line with the fly wheel of
the engine. A strap from the fly wheel gives this pulley motion, consequently,
the crank at its foot works the rods that join the end of the pall levers. One
throw of the crank moves the ratchet wheel partially round, the other throw
moves it still further in the same direction, owing to the pall being on the
other side of the ratchet wheel. This nearly constant circular motion is com-
municated to the worm wheel on the main travelling axle by the long worm
on the upright or ratchet shaft. The rods where they unite with the pall
levers are adjustable, so that they may be shifted near the fulcrum, or farther
from it, for the purpose of making narrow or broad furrows. On the end of
the frame which runs on the two large broad wheels is hung at the centre of
it the long plough frame with its set of ploughs, and so arranged that when
the pedestal screws are turned the ploughs will be let down into or taken up
.

page_text: wwyning and Dachinery, gc.
--
out of the ground. This plough frame is hung by two studs going into eyes
in the hind part of the forward frame, and is keyed, but not permanently:
the frame is not set at a right angle to the forward framing, but nearly the
breadth of the furrow that is being ploughed off or away from it. This plough
frame may be about fourteen feet long; it consists of a flat piece of timber
about two feet wide, having at its ends openings or spaces cut out for wheels
of about three feet in diameter, and about six inches wide to run in. A
pedestal bearing is placed at each side of these openings for the axles; one
of the axles is made to project a few inches towards the engine, on which is
keyed the driving worm wheel. On the rim of the wheels that run in the
spaces are set at equal distances round them about a dozen forked guides on
each for an endless rope or chain: to run on. At equal distances from each
other on this endless rope are placed the ploughs or other cultivators, which
travel towards the end of the frame that is farthest from the engine. A few
inches from each side of the rope or chain, and all along its course are guides
of bar iron supported from the main flat piece of timber above by upright
standards, and below by similar pendent supports. The guide that is nearest
the engine is the height of the rope above the flat wooden centre, and the
same depth below it; the other guide does not spring so high or descend so
low, but is several inches from the line of rope; the upper guides are set so as
to fit easily against the flanges of the plough roller, the under guides are set
wider than those above, so that they may bear on the outside rollers of the
plough, and they carry on pendent cranked supports parallel therewith other
bars of iron or guides about six inches nearer the ground: these are set the
width of those above, and on these the plough rollers travel or run. The
ploughs are of the common shape, so far as coulter, mouldboard, and sock are
concerned. The beam is about three feet long, and from the middle of it
hangs the curved prong, on which is fastened the mouldboard and sock. At
each end of the beam are studs projecting outwards, on which run the carrying
or guiding rollers; these rollers are in pairs, that is, two rollers are on each
stud; the ones next the plough are flanged, the flange being next the plough,
the outside roller at the front end not being so broad as the one at the hinder
end. Another pair of rollers, the one next the plough being flanged, also run
on a stud which is held by an arm from the mouldboard side, and opposite the
rollers at the hinder end of the beam, only higher, that is, supposing the
plough in its ploughing position. The height of this arm is just the difference
in height that exists between the two guide rails that are set in a line with the
rope. The ploughs are drawn by the rope from the centre of the beam by a

page_text: short cross bar fastened to the rope; one extremity of this bar goes into, an
eye in the beam, and the other into an eye in a piece of iron which is fastened
to the beam opposite to the other; these eyes are set a little above the level
of the beam, so that the ploughs may be facilitated in going over the wheels
on which the rope runs. At the end of the ploughing frame nearest the
engine, that is, the end at which the ploughs enter, are raised inclined guide
rods on the upper side of the frame, and outside of those that are set in a .line
with the rope. These guide rods catch the outer rollers of the plough at its
backward end just as the front roller begins to descend, and lift it so that the
roller at the point of the beam may be kept close to the guides in a line with
the rope, until it is entered between the guides and the lowest rails, firstly; the
roller at the point of the beam, and shortly after, as it is drawn along, those
at the other end, and so they run until the plough reaches the extreme end,
when it is lifted out of the ground. The rollers at the backward end are kept
close to the guides which are set in a line with the rope, and the point of the
plough comes gradually down on the top side of the guide, a spring bar or
stopper being so arranged as to keep the motion casy. The ploughs are
driven by the upright shaft at the end of the forward carrying frame, or the
one which has the pulley at the top of it; this shaft is driven by a strap from
the fly wheel, and on it is keyed a bevel wheel, which gears into a suitable
bevel wheel that drives a horizontal shaft placed in line with the long plough
frame. The pedestal bearing of the shaft at the end where the bevel wheels
are fitted is carried on the backward end of the forward frame, and the bearing
at the other end by an arm projecting from the plough frame. At the end of
this shaft is a worm, which gears into a worm wheel keyed on that part of the
axle of the plough wheel or chain wheel which projects next the engine.
The second part of my Invention relates to the arrangement and con-
struction of a locomotive engine suitable for giving motion to the ploughing
apparatus, as well as for other purposes. The propelling or traction engine is
constructed with an upright cylindrical boiler, which is, by preference,
composed of steel plates, or what is known as the patent homogenous metal
The interior of the
boiler plates, so as to combine lightness with strength.
boiler is strengthened by means of vertical stays arranged three or four inches
apart, and connecting the crown of the boiler with the upper part of the
furnace. The diameter of the furnace is somewhat less than the boiler, so
that it is completely surrounded with water, with the exception of a circular
aperture, which is made through the boiler shell and the furnace casing. This
opening serves for the admission of the fuel, and also as an exit for the smoke

page_text: and products of combustion which pass off into a circular flue formed outside
the boiler by means of light sheet iron. On each side of the opening to the
furnace is arranged a vertical tube, which is bolted to the boiler shell, and
'communicates with its interior. Another and similar vertical tube is fitted to
the shell of the boiler at a point on the circumference between the two just
referred to. These vertical main tubes are connected to each other by a series
of horizontal heating tubes of small diameter. The flue is formed by enclosing
this arrangement of heating tubes with an external casing of light sheet iron,
which may, if necessary, be constructed double, so as to form an air space
around the flue. This circular flue is enclosed at the lower part by moveable
plates, to admit of the flue being cleansed when required. The products of
combustion pass from the tubulated flue into a spiral flue, which is carried
once or twice round the boiler, and from thence into a chimney fitted over the
flue at one side of the furnace door. In this way a very large amount of
heating surface is obtained, and which is comprised in a small cubical space.
The arrangement of the tubes in the under flue for obtaining heating surface
may be carried out in various ways. The one preferred consists of two
horizontal tubes joined by flanges to the outside shell of the boiler at each
side of the opening into the fire-box, and communicating with the interior of
the boiler. One of these tubes is placed at the top of the under flue, and the
other at the bottom of it; they both stand out in the middle of the flue. On
the top side of the under tube, and on the under side of the upper one, are
brazed pieces of brass arranged opposite to each other, for the purpose of
strengthening the tube, so that vertical helical tubes may be screwed into
them. These helical tubes have kneed brass ends brazed to their ends; the
knee parts are screwed right and left, so that the vertical helical tubes may be
screwed into the brazed parts of the horizontal ones; the helical tubes are
placed all round the flue, nearly touching each other. About half way up the
exterior of the boiler is bolted a ring of angle iron, which has eight radial
arms supporting a ring of larger diameter. At each side of the boiler,
supposing the chimney to be in the front, two plates are riveted to the radial
arms; these are arranged parallel to each other, and from the centres are hung
two guides, between which the pedestal bearings of the main axle slide. To
steady these guides stays are fitted near their lower ends, and extend outwards
to the ring above in a diagonal direction, a helical or common spring being
placed above each bearing. On the extremities of the main axle are fitted the
bearing wheels, which run loosely on the axle, and the parts connected with
these wheels are so arranged within a second horizontal flanged ring as to

page_text: admit of their acting as steering as well as bearing wheels; this is effected by.
means of an iron bar, which is secured to the inside of the outer ring above
the inside ring, and by another bar fastened in like manner under the inside
ring. The outer ring is made with a laterally projecting part or prolongation
to admit of its being attached to the front frame of the plough, or to a vehicle
for the purpose of drawing or propelling the same. The engine for imparting
the propelling power is fitted on the upper part of the boiler, the cylinder
being arranged horizontally inside the chimney. The rectangular frame on
which the engine is fitted has a vertical stud in it, which carries the horizontal
fly wheel; a pin is screwed into the nave of this wheel, which forms the crank,
and to which the connecting rod is attached. The crank pin is made duplex,
that is to say, it is bent at the part above the connecting rod in a horizontal
direction, and again vertically, to which part the eccentric or other actuating
detail of the slide valve motion is attached. The, rim of the fly wheel is all on
the lower side of the wheel, and it gives motion by frictional contact with the
inside of the rim to a pinion on the upper end of a vertical shaft, the bearings
of the shaft being adjustable, so that the pinion may be regulated as regards
its pressure on the rim of the fly wheel. A worm on the lower part of the
vertical shaft gives motion to a worm wheel on the main axle, and this motion
is communicated by means of arms which are keyed thereto to moveable pins
in the naves of the wheels. The driving worm is not fastened to the vertical
shaft, but is carried in a bearing, which is supported at the end of an arm
that is attached to the contiguous pedestal of the main axle; the worm is
made with a feather in the boss, and there is a corresponding groove in the
vertical shaft. In this way the worm is free to slide up and down the shaft in
accordance with the compression or distension of the supporting springs caused
by the inequalities of the road, and, consequently, the worm cannot get out of
gear with the wheel on the axle. The peripheries of the driving wheels are
fitted, if required, with curved springs or prongs, which enter the ground as
the machine is propelled along, and so give it an increased hold on the ground.
Opposite the stud or prolongation that goes into the eyes of the forward
carrying frame of the plough is a similar stud or prong fastened to the outer
ring; this stud carries a small shaft with a roller at its end next the ring, and
a hand- or steering wheel at its other end. On the roller is fastened a chain,
the ends of which take hold of the radial arms at a point above the main axle;
the same stud or prong has hanging from it, within a foot or so of the ground,
a piece of iron, to which is fastened a cross piece parallel with the main axle;
on this is fastened a footboard for the. stoker or steerer, by means of two or

page_text: three stays from this to the ring, projecting ends being left for small wheels to
run on, so that the engine may be removed from place to place of itself in a
lying back position. A circular water tank is placed on one side of the boiler
above the radial arms, and a similar box for fuel on the other side. An
agricultural engine constructed according to this system is not only well
adapted for propelling ploughing or cultivating machinery, but it may also be.
employed generally as a traction engine when detached from the plough frame.
When the machine acts as a plough, the engine is connected by the pro-
longation of the outer ring being let into the eyes of the forward frame of the
plough, and a pin or key driven in behind one of the eyes. The pins in the
naves of the engine wheels are withdrawn clear of the arms on the axle, and
the friction pinion is put clear of the rim of the fly wheel. The small wheels
at the sides of the stoker's footboard are taken off, and a strap put on the fly
wheel and on the pulley at the end of the frame on the broad wheels. When
the engine is used for traction purposes it is detached from the plough, and
the pins in the naves of the two wheels that it runs on are brought in contact
with the arms of the axle, the small wheels for the sides of the footboard are
put on, the friction pinion is screwed against the rim, and on steam being
admitted to the cylinder the engine is run up to the vehicle to which it is to
be attached, and when connected thereto the small wheels are taken off. In
attaching it to a vehicle, the prong that goes into the eyes at the front of the
plough-carrying frame may, by having a suitable socket in the front or locking
bar of the vehicle that it is to draw, be similarly yoked. But as the engine
is purposely built as light as possible, and might be too light to have a
sufficient hold of the ground to ascend steep gradients, the vehicle, as for
example, a lorry or waggon, is constructed without front or locking wheels,
but it has a strong bar of iron or piece of timber bolted to the bottom or floor
of the waggon on each side, and projecting far enough forward and wide
enough to rest on the outer ring on each side of it. The wheels of the engine
then become the fore wheels of the waggon or lorry; the load, therefore, aids
in giving adhesion to the road.
Another mode of arranging the engine and boiler according to this Inven-
tion is, to place the boiler constructed with the external circular flue, and the
engine arranged on the top, as herein-before described, between a rectangular
open frame resting on radial arms that spring from the boiler about half
way up. This rectangular frame extends about three feet beyond the boiler
frontways, the chimney around the cylinder being in the centre and facing the
front. A steering wheel or castor, or pair of wheels carried or held in a

page_text: socket at the extreme front is or are arranged for steering. The backward
end of the frame extends about the same distance from the boiler, and rests
on a strong axle and pair of driving wheels. These wheels are stronger than
is necessary to merely carry the engine alone, owing to part of the load being
made to lie or rest on them at a point as near to the boiler as possible,
allowance being made for the frame or front of the vehicle that is being drawn
to move from side to side when the engine turns to the right or left, the
object being to transfer a portion of the load to the engine, so as to increase
the adhesion of the engine wheels to the ground. The worm wheel and
vertical shaft according to this plan will be in the centre of the driving axle of
the framing. A pedestal bearing at the side of the worm wheel supports the
arm which carries the worm, and an upright arm which springs from the top
of the pedestal and passes up loosely through the cross framing above serves
to keep it steady. For ascending of gradients it is preferred to have a ready
means of decreasing the speed; this is done by means of a flanged pulley fitted
on the nave of the fly wheel; a strap is passed round this pulley, which gives
Imotion to a second pulley on the vertical worm shaft. The belt lies loosely.
on the pulleys, but may be instantly brought into action by means of a friction
roller, which tightens the driving belt, 'and is actuated by a hand lever within
reach of the engine driver. In this way the engine may be readily applied to
locomotive purposes for drawing vehicles of various kinds, as well as actuating
agricultural machinery.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried
into effect, I would observe in conclusion, that what I consider novel and
original, and therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the herein-
before in part recited Letters Patent is,―
First, the system or mode of arranging and constructing machinery or
apparatus for ploughing or cultivating land in which the several parts are
combined, as herein-before described, or any mere modification of the said
arrangement.
Second, the system or mode of arranging and constructing the steam engine
for actuating the ploughing or cultivating machine, as herein-before described,
or any mere equivalent for the said arrangement, or parts of the same.
Third, the application and use of the steam engine, herein-before described,
to and for the purposes of a traction engine, and for other work where its
assistance may be available.
Fourth, the system or mode of arranging and combining the several parts

page_text: connected with the boiler which form the tubular arrangement for rapidly
generating steam and superheating it, as herein-before described.
Fifth, the system or mode of communicating motion to the main axle of the
engine by means of a worm and worm wheel, which arrangement acts as a
brake when the engine is descending inclined surfaces.
In witness whereof, I, the said James Austin, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Thirtieth day of May, One thousand eight hundred
and sixty-one.
JAMES AUSTIN. (L.S.)