IMPROVEMENTS IN HARVESTING MACHINES.
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Hazeltine, Lake, &
Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN HARVESTING MACHINES.' A communication from abroad
by Cyrus H. McCormick, of Chicago, Illinois, United States of America.
Sealed the 20th April 1877, and dated the 23rd October 1876.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 23rd October 1876.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN HARVESTING MACHINES."
A communication.
My Invention relates to a novel arrangement of binders' stands and table re-
latively to the main frame elevator and grain receptacle, whereby the machine is
brought into a more compact form transversely, and the weight of the binders is
brought nearer to the vertical plane of the driving wheel, rendering it less liable
than heretofore to tilt the machine on uneven ground.
The main frame surrounding the driving wheel, the platform frame, and the
elevator frame may be of any suitable construction. To the outer or stubble side of
the main frame is hinged a rectangular frame projecting from the main frame, its
projecting ends being provided with a flooring forming a binders' stand; between
these stands, at the outer side of the main frame, the frame has a canvas flooring
attached, which, in connection with the side and end bars of said fraine, forms a
receptacle for short heads and shattered grain.
Above the main frame and binders' stands, the elevator frame has connected with
it horizontal transverse bars, the inner ends of which support the driver's seat plank
and pivoted bars. Rods or links suspend the outer side of the frame, and both the
pivoted bars and the frame being hinged or pivoted, can be folded up together at
the side of the machine. To the pivoted bars, in front and rear, are rigidly secured
angular guards or rails forming a lateral support to the binders. To the said bars
is secured the binder's table between the binders, and outside of the table is the
dumping tray or bundle carrier pivoted in the outer ends of the said bars. To a
shield covering the outer face of the drive wheel, and forming the chute over which
the grain descends, is pivoted a horizontal bar or rock shaft provided with a series
[Price 1

page_text: of transverse fingers forming the binder's grain receptacle. The binder's stands or
supports are brought in front and rear of the grain receptacle and binder's table.
The said Invention also relates to a novel arrangement of means for effecting the
desired adjustment of the reel; to a novel arrangement of delivery chute in con-
nection with the grain receiver and dumping tray, and to bundling devices.
According to this part of my Invention, the gear plank or main longitudinal bar
of the main frame, upon which the driving gearing of the machine is mounted, as
above described, is located upon the grain side of the drive wheel; it has its forward
end slotted or bifurcated, and within the slot one of the tongue or pole straps is
placed, the other strap being placed at the side of the pole plank, the two straps
thus clasping one of the arms of the gear plank snugly between them. The seat
plank is supported above the inclined elevator or inner end of the platform carrier
by transverse bars, and about midway of the length of this seat bar is secured an
upright to which the inner real bearer is pivoted. The outer real bearer is pivoted
in a similar manner, and in the same transverse line in a frame or support secured
to the rear outer corner of the platform frame. The rear ends of these reel bearers
are connected by links with crank arms on a transverse rock shaft mounted in
suitable bearings at the rear of the platform frame, when any vibration is imparted
to one of the reel bearers, a corresponding movement is imparted through the rock
shaft and links to the other bearer, thus simultaneously adjusting both ends of the
reel shaft supported upon the forward ends of said bearers.
The real shaft has its bearings in sliding boxes placed on the forward ends of the
bearers, and these boxes are connected by links with crank arms on a rock shaft,
which in this instance also serves as the pivotal centre of the reel bearers. This
rock shaft is provided with a lever by which the reel shaft can be moved at the will
of the driver.
The reel is connected by a tumbling joint with an extensible shaft, which is con-
nected by a similar joint with a driving shaft mounted in bearings attached to the
front of the elevator frame in such relation thereto as to be about in line with the
reel shaft, and around an extension of which line the reel is adjusted. I prefer to
connect the aprons and the slats thereon with an endless driving chain placed
inside of the endless apron. To the end boards of the elevator frame or to blocks
connected therewith are hinged two gaveling boards.
The delivery board is provided with a series of perforations arranged in the arcs
of circles, of which the hinges to the board are the centres, and the lower edges of
the boards have a pin which may be placed in any one of its respective series of
holes for adjusting the angle of the boards.
The main frame at the stubble side has an upright frame and bar, and the
binder's stand or platform on its adjacent side has a similar upright frame and bar,
and these bars are connected by a horizontal pivot upon which the binder's platform
frame is suspended.
The forward end of the binder's platform frame is connected by a link with the
rock shaft through which, by means of a lever, the driver adjusts the height of the
cutting apparatus.
The grain receiver consists of a pivoted longitudinal rod provided with horizontal
fingers. Under this receiver is located the inner side of the binder's table frame
composed of longitudinal bars connected by transverse bars. This table is hinged
at its inner edge to the upright platform frame, and may be folded up out of the
way when not in use.
The platform has a vertical rim around it, and the table frame is provided with
end boards to which inclined boards are hinged.
The platform has arms projecting from its outer side, in the outer ends of which
the longitudinal pivot of the bundle carrier and dumper has its bearings, said carrier
being arranged about in the same horizontal plane with the upper edge of the rim
of the platform. An inclined chute extends between the elevated binder's receptacle
and the inner edge of the bundle carrier. A cord extends from the inner edge of
the carrier to the driver's seat for enabling the driver to dump said carrier.

page_text: Upon the slatted table is placed a removable bundling attachment constructed as
follows, namely:-At or near each end of said binder's table is an upright triangular
The outer
frame, the lower or horizontal bar of which rests on the slats of the table.
inclined bars of this frame are united at their upper ends by a horizontal bar and by a
horizontal shaft, to which motion is imparted by a cone pulley or wheel mounted loosely
on its forward end. The forward end of the shaft has a cross head rigidly connected
with it, and the shaft has an eccentric which forms the journal for the cone wheel.
The forward face of the cone wheel has a pin or spur near its periphery, and as
the wheel.is rotated, this pin strikes one of the arms of the cross head and imparts
a rotary movement to the shaft until the said pin moves outward, leaving the
opposite arm in position to be acted upon by the said pin. By this arrangement an
intermitting movement is imparted to the bundling shaft.
The speed of the bundling shaft is regulated by cone pulleys connected through
bevel wheels with a transverse shaft, which in turn is connected by a tumbling
extensible shaft with the shaft which drives the reel. Upon the said shaft is
secured a cross arm or arms preferably of a curved or S form, connected centrally to
the shaft, and provided at its ends with horizontal pins, on which are mounted
small grooved rollers. The upper bar of the bundling frame is provided with
suitable bearing brackets, in which is mounted a rock shaft provided with a curved
angular arm, the outer swinging end of which extends downward in close proximity
with the outer edge of the binder's grain receptacle. A cord is connected with the
swinging end of this arm and with a spring connected to the frame or frame bar,
said spring serving at all times to hold the cord taut. The forward end of the
rock shaft has an arm which engages with one of two arms or stops on the shaft,
and which serves, when a bundle is in position, and compressed as herein-after
explained, to hold the arm with its cord in proper position for holding the bundle.
The bundling shaft is provided with a cam or ratchet disc, and a pawl pivoted to
the frame engages with said ratchet disc and prevents the backward rotation of the
shaft when the cross head is released from the pin on its driving wheel.
Where the bundling attachment above described is used, a concave piece composed
of two or more paralled bars is arranged above and rests upon the ordinary grain
receiver.
Band trays are use for carrying either prepared bands or straw suitable for bands.
They are provided with suitable lugs or ears adapting them to be readily attached
to or disconnected from the table or frames. Additional bands or straw therefor
may be carried underneath the chute and at the ends of the binder's platform and
shattered grain receptacle.
When the bundling attachment described is removed, the dumping table may be
raised to the plane of the tables, its usual position, and under its usual arrangement
if preferred..
The slats of the elevator apron to prevent their lagging or being deflected back-
ward in passing over the rollers, have angular brace straps, the feet of which rest
upon the apron, and so hold them up to their work, or if preferred leather or other
yielding straps may be made to hold the slats.
Another part of this Invention relates to making the broad continuous elevator
apron of greater width than the platform apron or carrier, and extending its forward
edge in front of said platform apron for clearing the overhanging butts of the grain
and elevating the same.
Also, to the combination of a friction roller with the lower end of the yielding
spring board which holds the grain down to the action of the elevating rack or
apron for facilitating the entrance of the grain between said board and rake or
apron,
Also, to the combination of a lifting roller with the yielding compressing board,
whereby either or both ends of said board may be raised.
Also, to combining a ribbed or corrugated discharging roller with the notched
slats of the elevator apron.
Also, to the combination with a machine provided with a receptacle for the

page_text: shattered grain and short heads of a second elevating apron for taking the grain
after it has been discharged from the first elevating apron or rake and delivering it
into a cart or wagon by the side of the machine, whereby the grain when too ripe or
otherwise not in fit condition to be bound, may be discharged into such cart or
wagon, while at the same time the shattered grain is caught and saved; and also to
certain details of construction and arrangement.
For carrying this part of my Invention into practice, I employ a broad continuous
elevator apron having its forward edge extended forward or in advance of the
platform apron or carrier, and operating in combination therewith. And a roller in
combination with the yielding spring board. I also employ a compressor for
holding the grain down upon the elevator apron suspended in positions by springs
in combination with a lifting rod or equivalent device, whereby the driver is enabled
while the machine is in operation to relieve the pressure of said cover for permitting
the passage of accumulations of grain. A lifting roller is arranged in combination
with the spring board. This lifting roller is mounted in pivotal bearings on the seat
support. A corrugated stripping roller is arranged in combination with the
elevator, and a secondary elevating and discharging apron is combined with the
shield or delivery board.
Another part of my Invention relates to a novel method of adjusting the main
frame upon the drive wheel for changing the height of cut, and comprises the
employment of a removeable lever adapted to be used in connection with the main
frame and drive wheel, using the latter as a fulcrum for the lever in effecting the
required adjustment of the frame.
For these purposes this main frame of the machine is provided with a rack
standard or equivalent devices in combination with the removable lever applied to
and using the main drive wheel as a fulcrum for effecting the adjustment of the
frame. This rack standard is made adjustable upon the main frame.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said William Robert Lake in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 23rd April
1877.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, and Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN HARVESTING MACHINES."
A communication from abroad by Cyrus H. McCormick, of Chicago, Illinois,
United States of America.
My Invention relates, first, to a novel arrangement of binders' stands and table
relatively to the main-frame elevator and grain receptacle, whereby the machine is
made more compact transversely and the weight of the binders is brought nearer to
the vertical plane of the driving wheel than heretofore, thereby rendering it less
liable to tilt the machine on uneven ground.
In the accompanying Drawing Figure 1 is a perspective view of a harvesting
machine with my improvements applied to the same, and Figure 2 is a plan or top
view of the same.
A is the main frame surrounding the driving wheel; B, the platform frame; and C,
the elevator frame; all of any usual or preferred construction. To the outer or
stubble side of the main frame is hinged a rectangular frame D projecting in front
and rear of the main frame, and with its projecting ends provided each with a
flooring D¹ forming a binder's stand, and between these stands at the outer side of
the main frame the frame D.has a canvas flooring D² attached which, in connection
with the side and end bars of said frame, forms a receptacle for short heads and
shattered grain. At a suitable height above the main frame and binders' stands D₁
the elevator frame has horizontal transverse bars a rigidly connected with its front
and rear portions, the inner ends of which bars support the driver's seat plank

page_text: overhanging the elevator; to the outer ends of these bars a are pivoted bars a¹, the
inner ends of which rest underneath brackets b; the latter prevent the dropping of
the bars a¹ below a position parallel with the bars a, while leaving their outer ends
free to be raised for bringing the bars a¹ into a vertical position when desired.
Rods or links & suspend the outer side of the frame D from these bars a¹, and both
the bars a¹ and the frame D being hinged or pivoted, as described, they can be
folded up together at the side of the machine. To the bars a¹ at the front and rear
of the same are rigidly secured angular guards or rails E conforming in outline to
the projecting ends of the frame D carrying the binders' stands D¹ and forming a
lateral support to the binders. To the bars a' in the same longitudinal plane with the
guards E is secured the binder's table F located between the binders, and in the
same longitudinal plane and outside of the table F is the dumping tray or bundle
carrier G pivoted in the outer ends of the bars a¹. A shield H covers the outer face
of the drive wheel and forms the chute over which the grain descends; to this
shield is pivoted a horizontal bar or rock shaft I arranged about in the same
horizontal plane with the table F, and provided with a series of transverse fingers i
forming the binder's grain receptacle, the outer end of said fingers when the
machine is at work overhanging and resting upon the inner side of the table F.
By this arrangement the shattered grain is permitted to escape between the shield H
and table F into the receptacle D2, while the pivoting of the rod I permits the
fingers to be folded up when the frame D and the bars a¹ with the table F and the
tray G are folded up for any purpose, as described. The binders' stands or supports
are at the front and rear of the grain receptacle and binder's table, and great
freedom of lateral movement is given to the binders, so that they can move in or
out upon the stands D¹ for preventing the tilting of the machine on the driving
wheel on side hill or uneven ground, or for facilitating the labor of binding.
The gearing of the machine may be arranged in any suitable manner, but the
pinion on the secondary or bevel wheel shaft should be connected with the said
shaft by a backing ratchet, and should be adapted when the machine is not at work
to be thrown out of gear with the driving wheel, and upon this secondary shaft
thus adapted to be thrown out of gear for stopping the action of the cutters I place
a band pulley J, from which by a crossed belt J¹ motion is communicated either
directly to the reel shaft K or indirectly through a double pulley k, as the relation
of the secondary shaft to the reel may require; by this arrangement the reel will
be thrown out of action wherever the cutters are. The reel itself with its supports,
together with other parts of the machine not particularly described, may be of any
usual construction.
The said Invention relates, secondly, to a novel arrangement of means for effecting
the desired adjustinents of the reel to a novel arrangement of the delivery chute in
connection with the grain receiver and dumping tray, and to the construction of the
bundling devices. This part of my Invention is illustrated in Figures 3 to 6.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a harvesting machine; Figure 4 is a transverse
vertical section; Figures 5 and 6 shew detached portions of the said machine.
A represents the gear plank or main longitudinal bar of the main frame upon
which the driving gearing of the machine is mounted. This gear plank is located
upon the grain side of the driving wheel, and has its forward end slotted or
bifurcated, as shown in Figure 3, and within the slot one of the tongue or pole
straps a, a, is placed, the other strap being placed at the side of the pole plank;
the two straps thus clasp one of the arms of the gear plank between them, and are
pivoted thereto at their rear ends by a through bolt; lateral relative play of the
main frame and tongue is thereby effectually prevented, thus giving great steadiness
to the movement of the machine without interfering with its vertical adjustment.
B is the seat plank supported above the inclined elevator or inner end of the
platform carrier by transverse bars arranged in front and in rear of the elevator,
and about midway of the length of this seat bar is secured an upright to which the
inner reel bearer bis pivoted at or near its centre. 61 is the outer reel bearer
pivoted in a similar manner, and in the same transverse line in a frame or support bº

page_text: secured to the rear outer corner of the platform frame, as shown in Figure 4. The
rear ends of these reel bearers are connected by links c with crank arms c¹ on a
transverse rock shaft c² mounted in suitable hearings at the rear of the platform frame
When any vibration is imparted to one of the reel bearers a corresponding move-
ment is imparted through the rock shaft and links to the other bearer, both ends
of the reel shaft supported upon the forward end of said bearers being thus
simultaneously adjusted.
Upon the forward end of the seat plank B is mounted a bell-crank lever d
connected by a link d with the forward arm of the reel bearer b, by means of
which the reel bearers can be adjusted by the driver at will. The rack d* in
connection with a thumb latch serves to hold the lever in any position in which it
is adjusted.
The reel shaft has its bearings in sliding boxes e, e, placed on the forward ends of
the bearers b, b', and these boxes are connected by links e¹, e¹, with crank arms on a
rock shaft e, which in this instance also serves as the pivotal centre of the reel
bearers. The inner end of this rock shaft is provided with a lever e³, by which the
reel shaft can be moved forward or backward at the will of the driver, a rack e¹
serving to hold the lever at any desired adjustment.
To accomodate the adjustments of the reel, as described, the said reel is connected
at its inner end by a tumbling joint with an extensible shaft f, f', which at its
opposite end is connected by a similar joint with a driving shaft f mounted in
fixed bearings g, g, attached to the front of the elevator frame, in such relation
thereto as to be about in line with the reel shaft in its usual or more frequent
position, and around an extension of which line the reel is adjusted. By this arrange-
ment the reel can be driven with equal facility under any adjustment, while the
shaft being unaffected by these adjustments may be driven by any usual or
preferred arrangement of gearing or driving belts or chains connecting it with the
driving wheel.
The platform apron or carrier and the elevator apron are made of any suitable
form, but I prefer to connect the aprons and the slats thereon with an endless
driving chain placed inside of the endless apron and about midway of its width
from front to rear, and travelling upon sprocket wheels or grooves on the apron
rollers midway of their length. By this arrangement the strain or tension and
wear upon the apron is in a great measure avoided, while at the same time the
tendency of the apron to sag at its centre is obviated.
The inclined delivery board E down which the grain passes from the elevator to
the binder's grain receiver, and said receiver itself, except in particulars herein-after
recited, may be of any usual or preferred construction. To the end boards of the
clevator frame, or to blocks F connected therewith, are hinged by their upper ends
two gaveling boards F¹, one at the front and the other at the rear of the delivery
board E.
The board E is provided at each end near its lower edge with a series of perfora-
tions at i, arranged in the arcs of circles, of which the hinges to the boards F¹ are
the centres, and the lower edges of the boards F¹ have each a pin which may be
placed in any one of its respective series of holes for adjusting the angle of the
boards, and thus giving direction to the movement of the descending grain for
placing the gavel farther forward or backward, as described.
The main frame at its stubble side has an upright frame at a², Figure 4, a³
representing a longitudinal bar; the binder's stand or platform H on its adjacent
side has a similar upright framing and longitudinal bar a¹, and these bars a³, a,
about midway of their length are connected by a horizontal pivot g¹, upon which
the binder's platform frame is suspended, and upon which also it is adapted to be
swung or vibrated for the purpose of maintaining its horizontal position under the
different adjustments of the main frame.
The forward end of the binder's platform frame is connected by a link h with the
rock shaft h¹, through which by means of a lever 2 the driver adjusts the height of
the cutting apparatus. As the main frame is vibrated for changing the height

page_text: of the cutters the binder's platform is correspondingly vibrated to preserve its
horizontality.
G is the grain receiver, consisting of a pivoted longitudinal rod provided with a
series of horizontal fingers adapted to receive and hold the grain to be bound. Just
under this receiver is located the inner side of the binder's table frame H', composed
of a series of longitudinal bars connected by transverse bars, and forming a slotted
rectangular table open centrally at H2 to accomodate the binders standing on the
binder's platform H. This table is hinged at its inner edge to the upright platform
frame, and has its outer edge supported by hinged feet h* resting in sockets on the
platform H, adapting it to be folded up out of the way when not in use.
The platform H has a vertical rim extending around it, giving it the form of a
shallow box or receptacle for heads and loose grain that may become separated in
the process of binding or otherwise; the table frame is provided at its ends which
project beyond the platform with boards, to which other boards are hinged by
their upper edges, the said boards inclining inward, as shown, have their lower ends
located within this shattered grain receptacle for ensuring the deposit of the loose or
shattered grain therein.
The platform H las arms 1, 1, projecting from its outer side, in the outer ends of
which the longitudinal pivot of the bundle carrier and dumper L has its bearings,
the dumping carrier being arranged about in the same horizontal plane as the upper
edge of the rim of the platform H, as shown. K is an inclined or concave chuto
extending between the elevated binder's receptacle and the inner edge of the bundle
carrier, as shown, the arrangement being such that when the bound bundles are
released at the outer edge of the receptacle G, it is automatically conveyed to and
deposited upon the bundle carrier. The chute K is by preference made of the inclined
curved bars or slats arranged between the binders, but it may be in a single wide
piece if desired. A cord ¹ extends from the inner edge of the dumping carrier L
through suitable guides to the driver's seat for enabling the driver to dump the said
carrier.
Upon the slatted table H¹ is placed a removable bundling attachment constructed
as follows, that is to say-At or near each end of said binder's table is an upright
triangular frame N, the lower or horizontal bar of which rests on the slats of the
table, and has a button which, when turned longitudinally, passes between and
below the slats; when being turned transversely engages with the slats and
fastens the end frames N thereto. The outer inclined bars N₁ of the frames N
extend beyond the apex of the frames, and are united at their upper ends by a
horizontal bar N2, and at or near said apex said frames are further united by a
horizontal shaft O, to which motion is imparted by a cone pulley or sprocket wheel P
mounted loosely on its forward end, and connected therewith as follows, that is to
sayThe forward end of the shaft O has a cross head o¹ rigidly connected with it,
as seen in Figure 5, and the shaft has an excentric o² formed upon it, which forms
the journal for the cone wheel P. The forward face of the cone wheel has a pin or
spur p formed upon it near its periphery, and as the wheel is rotated the pin strikes
one of the arms of the cross head o', and through the said arm imparts a rotary
movement to the shaft until the pin p moves outward, leaving the opposite arm in
position to be acted upon by the pin in its turn. By this arrangement an inter-
mittent movement is imparted to the shaft O, and it is allowed to remain stationary
during just one-half the revolution of the wheel P for a purpose herein-after
explained.
The speed of the shaft O is regulated by its cone pulleys driven from corre-
sponding cone pulleys indicated by dotted lines at P¹, Figure 3, the shaft of the
latter series of cone pulleys being connected through bevel wheels with a transverse
shaft 3, which in turn is connected by a tumbling extensible shaft f* with the
shaft which drives the reel. By this arrangement I provide for the driving of
the shaft O under all the varying relations of the swinging binder's platform and
tables to the main frame. Upon the shaft O is secured a cross arm or arms Q made
preferably in the curved or S form, as shown, and connected centrally to the shaft

page_text: and provided at its ends with horizontal pins or studs, on which are mounted small
grooved rollers q. The upper bar N of the bundling frame is provided with
suitable bearing brackets, in which is mounted a rock shaft r, the rear end of
which is provided with a curved angular arm 1, whose outer swinging end
overhangs and extends downward in close proximity with the outer edge of the
binder's grain receptacle G, as shown. A cord s is connected at one end with the
swinging end of arm 7, and extending up through the plane of the circle in which
the grooved rollers are carried by the arm Q, and through a guiding eye in the
bar N has its upper end connected with a spring t connected to the frame N or
frame bar N, as shewn, said spring serving at all times to hold the cord s taut.
The forward end of the rock shaft r has an arm attached, which extends down
sufficiently far to engage with one of two arms or stops 01, 0%, on the shaft O, and
which serves when a bundle is in position and compressed, as herein-after explained,
to hold the arm with its cord in proper position for holding the bundle. The
shaft is provided with a cam or ratchet disc u, and a pawl u pivoted to the
franre N engages with the said ratchet disc, and prevents the backward rotation of
the shaft O when the cross head o' is released from the pin p on its driving wheel P.
Where the bundling attachment above described is used a concave piece composed
of two or more parallel bars V is arranged above, and rests upon the ordinary grain
receiver, as shown, or it may be in the form of a slotted concave piece, in which the
grain discharged by the elevator is deposited, V¹ representing the slot in which the
bundling arms Q move for gathering and compressing the grain.
The operation of these devices is as follows:- -Let it be supposed that a sufficient
quantity of grain is in the concave piece V to form a bundle a half revolution is
imparted to the shaft O by the wheel P through the connections described, imparting
a corresponding movement to the cross head or bundling arms Q. The grooved
pulley on the upper arm strikes against the cord s, and pressing it before it carries
it over and behind the grain in the concave piece down through the slot V¹, and
underneath the grain until the arm Q¹ comes close to the arm 1, to which one end
of said cord is attached, thereby forming a loop, as shewn in dotted lines at s¹ in the
cords, encircling or nearly encircling the bundle. When the arm Q or Q¹ has
reached this position the stops o' and u, u¹, come into play, as described, and hold
the arm and 7, while another gavel accumulates behind the arm Q¹, giving the
operator ample time to apply the band. During this operation it will be seen the
bundle is tightly compressed by the cord s, which is held under tension by the
spring t, the bundle being thus completed by the time the wheel P has completed
its half revolution to again connect it with the shaft O, when by the farther move-
ment of the said shaft the arm is released, and the cords is retracted into its
former right line, releasing the bundle, which is forced outward by the following
arm Q¹, and descends over the chute K upon the dumping carrier, when the operation
is repeated as before.
W, W', represent band trays for carrying either prepared bands or straw suitable
for bands; these are provided with suitable lugs or ears w, adapting them to be
readily attached to or disconnected from the table H or frames N, either or both, as
preferred. Additional bands or straw therefor may be carried underneath the
chute K and at the ends of the binder's platform and shattered grain receptacle.
When the bundling attachment above described is removed the dumping table
may be raised to the plane of the tables H³, its usual position, and under its usual
arrangement if preferred.
The slats of the elevator apron, to prevent their lagging or being deflected back-
ward in passing over the rollers, have small angular brace straps x connected to
them at their ends, the feet of which rest upon the apron at the rear of the slats,
and so hold them up to their work, or if preferred leather or other yielding straps
may be made to hold the slats therewith, and with the apron in advance of the
slats.
My Invention relates, thirdly, to a broad continuous elevator apron inade of
greater width than the platform apron or carrier, and extending its forward edge in

page_text: front of said platform apron for clearing the overnanging outs
clevating the same.
от
Also to the combination of a friction roller with the lower end of the yielding
spring board, which holds the grain down to the action of the elevating rake or
apron for facilitating the entrance of the grain between said board and rake or
apron.
Also in the combination of a lifting roller with the yielding compressing board,
whereby either or both ends of said board may be raised.
Also to the construction of a ribbed or corrugated discharging roller with the
notched slats of the elevator apron.
Also to the combination with a machine provided with a receptacle for the shat-
tered grain and short heads of a second elevating apron for taking the grain after
it has been discharged from the first elevating apron or rake, and delivering it
into a cart or waggon by the side of the machine, whereby the grain when too
ripe or otherwise not in fit condition to be bound may be discharged into such cart
or waggon, while at the same time the shattered grain is caught and saved, and to
certain details of construction and arrangement herein-after set forth. This part of
my Invention is illustrated in Figures 7 to 10 of the Drawing.
Figure 7 is a perspective view taken from the front grain side of a harvesting
machine embodying my improvements; Figure 8 is a vertical tranverse section of
the same; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the elevating apron and
delivery shield with intermediate discharging rollers; and Figure 10 is a plan of or
top view of the machine partly broken away, and with the aprons removed to
shew the construction of the elevator frame, and its relation to the platform
frame.
A indicates the driving wheel; B, B', the frame; B2, the forward platform bar;
C, the horizontal receiving apron; C', the elevating apron; D, the discharging roller
for cleaning the rake teeth at the point of delivery; E, E', the inclined delivery shield
for receiving the grain and straw from the elevator apron or rake, and depositing
it upon the receiving fingers or into the binder's platform and receptacle; F, F¹, aro
the receiving fingers shewn turned down out of the way to accommodate a secondary
elevating and discharging apron.; G, G, are the overhanging pivoted arms, which
when the grain is bound upon the machine support the longitudinal bars repre-
sented in dotted lines in the Drawing.
The finger bar B2 or forward transverse bar of the platform frame is located at
some distance at the rear of and below the line of the forward main frame bar B;
it is connected therewith by a strong angular strap or shoe plate B3 secured to the
lower face of the inner end of the frame bar B, and to the upper face of the adjacent
end of the platform or finger bar B², thus contracting the width of the platform
frame relatively to the main and elevator frames, and at the same time setting the
finger bar sufficiently below the frame bar B to adapt it to be depressed to the
surface of the ground for picking up lodged grain.
The main frame bar B at its inner end is notched or recessed to receive the
lower end of the elevator frame C2, in which the forward end of the elevator C¹ or
of its actuating roller has its support or bearing, thus extending said elevator frame
and roller together with the broad continuous elevator apron mounted thereon in
front of the forward edge of the platform apron or carrier. With this construction
the barbed heads of the grain adhere more closely to the platform apron, and are
carried forward more rapidly. Reaching the elevator apron in advance of the butts,
and being there retarded until the butts overtake them, the latter are swung for-
ward and caused to overhang the forward edge of the platform apron.
By extending the elevator apron in front of the forward edge of the platform
apron, as described, all obstructing stationary surfaces are moved out of the way of
the advancing butts of the grain, and by making the elevator in the form of the
broad continuous apron, as described, equality of movement in the elevation of the
heads and butts is secured.
H, H, are seat-supporting bars, which overhang the inner or upper face of the

page_text: elevator apron C' and are connected by the longitudinal seat plank H' arranged over
the apron, as shewn. I, I, are flat springs connected at their upper ends with the
seat plank, and at their lower ends with a spring bar or board J, to which they
afford a yielding support. This rod or bar J has connected to it a number of
curved elastic or spring rods or wires extending from its upper or rear edge upward
and over the upper end of the elevating apron C', as clearly shown in Figure 8,
these rods, together with the spring bar J serving to hold the grain properly to
the action of the elevating apron C. To the opposite or lower edge of the spring
board J I attach by straps j a roller J, which extends across the elevating apron at
or near its lower end, and which is pivoted in the said straps j in such a manner as
to roll freely, and thus serves to facilitate the entrance of the grain under the
spring board J, and yielding rods connected therewith. To the upper face of the
spring board J I attach the lower ends of straps, chains, or cords j', whose upper
ends are connected with a lifting roller K, the pivot or shaft of which has its
bearings in slotted brackets L attached either directly to the seat plank H', as
shewn, or to a longitudinal bar lying parallel with said seat plank, and connected
therewith by a central transverse pivot mounted in the seat plank at or about mid-
way of its length. Where this latter construction is adopted the supporting brackets
L need not be slotted, as the vibration of the supporting bar or lifting roller K is
thus provided for. The lifting roller K has a rigidly connected lever K¹, so arranged
that the attendant by simply vibrating the said lever inward toward the elevator
apron C can rock or roll the lifting roller K in its bearings, and thus through its
connection with the spring board J and roller J¹ raise the said board and roller
bodily for relieving the elevating apron from any undue accumulation of grain
which would interfere with its perfect action, or by vibrating the said lever forward
or backward either on its transverse pivotal connection with the seat plank or by
raising one end in its slotted pivotal support, the attendant can raise either end
of the spring board independently of the other for freeing either end of said
board or of the elevator apron or rake from undue accumulation by permitting it to
pass through the enlarged space thus provided for its escape.
Upon the seat plank H¹ arranged as described over the elevator apron in convenient
position to enable the operation of said apron to be observed and controlled by the
attendant, I also pivot the lifting lever M in an upright N on the seat plank, the
rear end or arm of said lever extending into convenient position to be operated by
the driver in his seat and held at any desired point by a notched or spurred segment
rack N' with which the lever is held engaged by a spring. The forward end of the
said lever is connected by means of links n, n', and lever n² with the pivoted tongue,
and through said connection the driver can readily raise the cutters for passing
obstructions, or depress them for picking up fallen grain.
Ordinarily, when the grain is in suitable condition for binding, the long straw is
delivered to the receiving fingers F¹, and the shattered grain and short heads into
the receptacle F which also constitutes the binder's platform as already explained;
but when the grain has been allowed to become rotted, or too ripe to be safely bound
on the machine, or if from any other cause it is preferred not to bind it on the
machine, I provide for its delivery into a cart or waggon body arranged or driven
by the side of the machine. For this purpose I employ a second elevator and
discharging apron C which receives it from the first elevator, rake, or apron' C',
after first permitting the short heads and shattered grain to escape between them
over the inclined shield E, E¹, into the receptacle F. The elevator apron C¹ is provided
with slats having V shaped notches, and the upper end of the delivery board E is
provided with similar notches, both matching hubs, rings, or ferrules d on the
intermediate roller D, which being rotated in the same direction with the elevator
apron by any suitable arrangement of band and pulleys or gearing causes the rings
or hubs & which enter the notches in the slats to pick up the grain off the slats and
apron, and to discharge it upon the delivery board E. The latter operation is facili-
tated by the notched upper edge of the delivery board whose fingers or projecting
spurs e enter the depressions and effectually remove the grain.

page_text: The secondary apron frame is connected by links or rods and straps O, o, with the
main or first elevator frame, so that it may be readily applied or removed, and is
provided with a spring board P and rods p.
The lower end of the secondary apron C³ is arranged sufficiently near the shield E
to take the long straw, and is yet sufficiently removed therefrom to permit the
escape into the receptacle F of the shattered grain and heads; or the space between
the shield and the secondary apron may be increased and bridged by fingers which
carry straw to the apron but permit the shattered grain and heads to pass between
them into the receptacle F.
My Invention relates fourthly to a novel method of adjusting the main frame
upon the driving wheel for changing the height of cut, and comprises the employ-
ment of a removable lever adapted to be used in connection with the main frame
and driving wheel, the latter serving as a fulcrum for the lever in effecting the
required adjustment of the frame, as herein-after described.
This part of my Invention is shewn in Figures 11 to 16 of the Drawing.
Figure 11 is a vertical transverse section through a harvesting machine provided
with my improvements.
Figure 12 is a vertical longitudinal section taken on the grain side of the elevator
and showing the means for raising the yielding pressure board.
Figures 13, 14, 15, and 16 represent the driving wheel and portions of the main
frame with modification in the form of the devices for adjusting the height of the
main frame and cutting apparatus.
A is the driving wheel; B, the axle; and, C, the main frame; the parts together
with the platform apron, elevator, binder's platform, and their several attachments,
except in details herein-after specified, may be constructed and arranged in any
suitable manner. The axle B has its ends flattened and secured between parallel
standards or ribs a, a, attached to the inner sides of the adjacent frame timbers, and
pins b passing through said standards and through the ends of the axle serve to
unite the axle and frame. A series of such perforations in the ribs or standards
through any of which the retaining pins may pass permit the frame to be held at
any desired height. Other means for fastening the axle may be employed, but the
above, as it serves not only to prevent the rotation of the axle, but to make of it a
transverse bar for stiffening the main frame is preferred.
Upon the main frame at the front or rear of the axle is secured an adjustable
standard d, see Figures 11, 13, and 14, connected with the frame through perfora-
tions d, and provided on its inner side adjacent to the driving wheel with a rack or
series of notches or teeth at e, or if preferred with perforations as at e¹, in any one
of which a lever f may be inserted, the said lever resting upon the wheel or its hub
or axle as a fulcrum, as shown in Figures 13 and 14. By inserting the lever f, as
shown in Figure 13, the attendant by lifting on the long arm of the lever takes the
weight of the standard and of the frame to which the standard is attached until the
pins b or other fastening securing the axle are withdrawn, when the frame can be
raised or lowered by means of the lever to the desired point, when the fastonings
are replaced securing the wheel and frame at the desired relative adjustment.
The standard is made adjustable to adapt it to suit the convenience of the
attendant and to vary the leverage according to the weight to be lifted. In
Figure 14 the lever is represented as of the third order, and its movement is
reversed, that is to say, the long arm is depressed for lifting the frame, the wheel, or
its hub, or axle serving in both cases as the fulcrum as shown.
In Figure 15 a modification is shown in the manner of connecting the weight to
be adjusted, that is to say, the frame with the lever. A hook is attached to the
lever, and a chain is attached to the frame, with any one of the links of which chain
the hook of the lever may be connected, the lever acting as a lever of the first order,
and using the wheel as a fulcrum; or the standards or ribs a, a, between which'
the axle is adjusted may be extended upward beyond the limit of adjustment of the
axle to form the standard d, and provided with a number of rounds or connecting
bars d', as in Figure 16. In this case the lever may be applied from either side,

page_text: and, using the wheel as a fulcrum, may be used as a lever either of the first or third
order. Thus the form of the standards and the manner of applying the lever for
adjusting the frame may be varied according to the form or construction of the
machine. The said lever when not in use is removed and is placed in any convenient
pocket or receptacle on the machine adapted to receive and carry it.
In Figure 12 I have shown the yielding compressing board h, which with its
rods or wires h¹ holds the grain down upon the elevator apron with a cord g
attached to it and extending up to the driver's seat for enabling the driver whenever
there is any undue accumulation of grain at the foot of the elevator to lift the
pressure board h, and thus permit the passage of the accumulated grain underneath
it. This contrivance is important where the grain is heavier than an average crop
to which the pressure board is adapted in the construction of the machine.
Having thus fully described the said Invention, as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondent, and the manner of performing the same, I wish it under-
stood that I claim,-
In and forming part of a harvesting machine, the combination of parts illustrated
in Figures 1 and 2 of the Drawing, and comprising the binder's grain receptacle and
table, the driving wheel and elevator, the binders' stands in front and rear of said
receptacle and table, and the receptacle for the shattered grain between said stands,
constructed and arranged relatively to each other, as above set forth for the purposes
specified.
I also claim in connection with the improvements illustrated in Figures 3, 4, 5, 6,
of the Drawing, the combination of parts comprising the reel mounted in sliding
boxes on the pivoted reel bearers, the rock shaft, the connecting links, and the
adjusting levers, all arranged and operating as above described and for the purposes
specified.
Also providing the said machine with the gear plank slotted or forked at its
forward end in combination with the tongue straps arranged across one of the arms
of said gear planks, as above specified.
Also constructing the said machine with the binder's carriage frame suspended
from the main frame on a transverse pivot, arranged at or near its upper edge,
and adapted to be vibrated thereon by means of the rock shaft and connecting link,
arranged and operating as above described.
Also the apparatus constituting the bundling mechanism or attachment, and
comprising the frame with its bundling shaft, the arm or arms, the compressing
devices in combination with the dumping bundle carrier and the inclined delivery
chute, all constructed, arranged, and operating as above set forth, and for the
purposes specified.
Also the machine or mechanism consisting essentially or chiefly of the parts shewn
in the above Figures of the Drawing, and constructed, combined, and operating as
above set forth and for the purposes specified.
I also claim the improvements illustrated in Figures 7, 8, 9, 10, of the accompany-
ing Drawing, that is to say,-
Providing the machine illustrated in the above Figures of the Drawing with the
broad continuous elevator apron, having its front edge extended forward or in
advance of the platform apron or carrier, and operating in combination therewith,
and combining therewith the roller and spring board, as above set forth and for the
purposes specified.
Also providing the said machine with the compressor for holding the grain down
upon the said elevator apron suspended in position by springs in combination with
a lifting cord or equivalent means whereby the driver is enabled while the machine
is in operation to relieve the pressure of the cover for permitting the passage of
accumulations of grain, as above set forth.
Also the combination of parts comprising the lifting roller and the spring board
mounted in pivot bearings on the seat support, and strap roller, as above set forth
and for the purposes specified.
Also the combination of parts comprising the corrugated stripping roller, the

page_text: elevator, the secondary elevating and discharging apron, and the shield or delivery
board, as above described, and for the purpose set forth.
Also the machine consisting of the parts or devices shown in the above Figures
of the Drawing, and constructed, combined, and operating as above set forth, and
for the purposes specified.
And, I claim the improvements illustrated in Figures 11 to 16 of the Drawing,
that is to say,-
---
The construction and combination of parts whereby I provide the machine with
means for effecting the adjustment of the main frame upon the driving wheel, and
the rack standard upon the main frame, as above set forth and for the purposes
specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-third day of April, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven.
4
W*. KOBT. LAKE.
(L.S.)