An improved Potato Digging macnine.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 22nd May, 1894-Accepted, 23rd June, 1894
An improved Potato Digging macnine.
I, ADOLF KESSLER, of Reinsdorf, Brandenburgh, in the Empire of Germany,
Landed Proprietor, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement:-
The object of this invention is to construct a potato digging machine which will
raise the potatoes from the ground separate them from dirt stalks and roots and
lay them in a row behind the machine.
And in order that my said invention may be fully understood I will proceed to
explain the same with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :-
Figure 1 is a side elevation of a potato digger constructed according to this
invention.
Figure 2 is a plan of same.
Figure 3 is section on line O. O.
Figure 4 is elevation of scoop wheel.
The machine which is preferably constructed of iron or steel consists of two
longitudinal beams a a connected by suitable transverse bars the whole forming a
frame by which the shafts b b are supported in suitable bearings.
On the shaft and keyed thereto outside the frame are the travelling wheels c.
To the shaft b is also keyed a spur wheel d which drives the pinion d attached to
the shaft bl.
The shaft b' has secured thereto a disc e to which are attached a series of spiral
scoops ff made of angle iron the disc is also attached to the drum or cage g the
periphery of which is composed of a number of bars.
At the end of the frame opposite the wheels c c is a wheel h revolving in a fork
attached to a vertical rod h' by means of which the depth of cut of the plough i is
regulated or the share raised clear of the ground to enable the machine to travel
over common roads.
The plough is fixed at to the rail a and is capable of adjustment in the usual
way.
The operation of the machine is as follows::-
The apparatus is drawn by any suitable power along the rows of potatoes which
latter are raised out of the ground by the ploughi and directed by means of a
guide plate or board to the scoops ff on the disc e.
The scoops by means of the rotation of the disc strips the potatoes of the stalks
and earth adhering to them and conveys them into the drum or cage g which
cleans them still further and deposits them in a row on the ground behind the
machine.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is:
1. In a potato digging machine the combination with a frame of a plough i and
a rotating drum or cage g having secured thereto a disc e to which is attached a
series of scoops ff substantially as described.
2. In a potato digging machine the combination with a ploughi of a drum or
cage g having a disc e secured thereto to which is attached a series of scoops / the
drum and disc being connected to a shaft 6' and adapted to be rotated from the
Prine 1

page_text: wheels cc by means of a pinion d keyed to the shaft 6' and a spur wheelid keyed
to the main shaft or axle b all substantially as specified.
3. The improved potato digger substantially as described and shewn.
FM 1901
T. E HALFORD,
11, Furnival Street, Holborn, London, E.C.,
Agent for the Applicant.
T. E HALFORD,
11, Furnival Street, Holborn, London, E.C.,
Agent for the Applicant.