IMPROVEMENTS IN REAPING MACHINES, PART OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS IS APPLICABLE TO OTHER AGRI- CULTURAL IMPLEMENTS
Year: 1859

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Adam Carlisle Bamlett, of Middleton Tyas, in the
County of York, Farmer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN REAPING
MACHINES, PART OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS IS APPLICABLE TO OTHER AGRI-
CULTURAL IMPLEMENTS."
Sealed the 27th October 1859, and dated the 7th May 1859.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Adam Carlisle Bamlett
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
7th May 1859.
I, ADAM CARLISLE BAMLETT, of Middleton Tyas, in the County of York,
Farmer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN REAPING MACHINES, PART OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS IS APPLICABLE TO
OTHER AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS," to be as follows:-.
My improvements consist, first, I actuate the cutters or sickles of reaping
machines by means of two sets of rollers mounted near the circumference of
two wheels on the main shaft, and between them one end of a lever is disposed,
so that the rollers of the different sets alternately come in contact therewith,
and drive it backwards and forwards; the other end of this lever is connected
with a crank shaft carrying a small fly wheel, which assists the motion; the
cutters may be driven from the same crank, or directly, by a connecting rod
from the oscillating lever. Instead of placing the rollers on the driving wheels
to act like cams, I use two cam surfaces, and cause them to act on the lever;
in like manner, mounting two rollers or trucks on the lever, so that one cam

page_text: surface effects contact with the one roller, and the other cam surface with the
other; each roller, therefore, receives a separate and independent motion in
contrary directions to each other, which each has a tendency to maintain the
whole time of action.
The next improvement relates to collecting the cut corn into sheaves. For
this purpose the corn is received on straps or belts, traversing horizontally,
and all placed nearly on a level by which the corn is carried towards the side
of the machine, where it is elevated by a series of inclined straps having pro-
jecting pins, and by them thrown into a receptacle which revolves on a centre
and discharges the sheaf when sufficient has been accumulated, at same time
presenting another receptacle in succession. In ascending on the inclined
belts it enters under a roller and passes up under light rods or guides to keep
it on the belts. It is raising the corn up from the horizontal position by the
belts under guides, and the self-acting arrangement of the apparatus forming
the sheaves, that constitutes the improvements in this part. Instead of
forming bundles or sheaves, I sometimes allow the corn to fall between two rolls
so as to lay it in a regular swath, the length of the corn lying at right angles
to the direction of the machine's motion.
Another improvement consists in mounting teeth on the gathering reel
which raises the corn when it is laid, but after having raised it a certain
height, recede and release their hold, which prevents the teeth pulling the
heads off the corn. This may either be effected by rows of teeth advancing
and receeding to and from the centre at the proper time, or by teeth projecting
from a rod which turns round on its own axis at the proper time, and thus
withdraws the teeth from action. The teeth may be thrown in and out of
action by stationary tappets, or contact parts acting on suitable gear for that
purpose, or by such gear as is used for feathering the floats of paddle wheels.
The next improvement consists in the application of an inclined endless belt
with projecting pins on the side next the standing crop, forming as it were a
continuation of the fixed divider that separates and markes out the crop to be
cut, which belt has the effect of raising laid crops. I sometimes also use a
similar belt for the same purpose on the other side of the machine.
Another improvement consists in sharpening the sickles or cutting instru-
ments by files mounted on a bar just over the sickles, which by a lever or
other suitable movement brings the files down, and causes them to bear on the
sickles while they are in motion. I make all the cutting edges a little turned
up, or inclined upwards, so that the files effect contact with the edges, which
thereby reduces and sharpens the cutting edge of the sickles simply by the
motion of the machine. I make slots through the upper part of the fingers

page_text: for the insertion of the files, and carry the forked or slotted part back to the
framing for greater strength, & to prevent clogging.
Another part of my Invention consists in the application of endless belts.
which have a different speed, by reason of being on larger pullies, or otherwise,
to carry off the corn sideways, and lay it in a swath. I also use for the same:
purpose belts across the machine, having the same rate of speed and auxilary
belts having different speeds, & continued at angles to the first-named belts,
whereby the heads are carried round much more rapidly than the buts, and
discharged, so as to form a swath. These belts I drive by cone pullies, or by
pullies of different diameters, and the belts are furnished with projecting parts
to hold the straw; they may be further controlled by turning pulleys, if neces-
sary, to alter the inclination or angle of the straps.
Another part refers to the travelling wheel, supporting the machine on the
side next the standing crop, which consists in so fitting it that it will swing
round in either direction like a castor, to prevent that wheel cutting into the
ground when the machine is turned round in either direction. This swinging
motion is limited to what may be required for turning the machine.
The last part of my Invention relates to means of raising the reaper from the
ground when it is to be turned round, which consists in fixing a snail piece or
circular incline around the upright stem or axis of a fore wheel or wheels.
The upright axis has a radial arm and roller which bears against the incline on
which the fore part of the machine rests. Motion is communicated to this
upright axis by toothed gearing and shafts, or otherwise actuated by band
when required to cause the roller to pass over the incline by which the frame-
work is raised on this vertical axis. I further apply a snail or curved incline
to cultivators, or other implements of cultivation drawn by horses; the traction
link or chain being attached to the radial arm carrying the roller, which, when
the horses drag round, the implement is at same time dragged round, and by
traversing round the incline, raises the instruments out of the ground, and
thereby facilitates the turning round.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Adam Carlisle Bamlett in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 7th November 1859.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, ADAM
35 CARLISLE BAMLETT, of Middleton Tyas, in the County of York, Farmer, sendi
greeting.

page_text: '
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Seventh day of May, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine, in the twenty-second year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the
said Adam Carlisle Bamlett, Her special licence that I, the said Adam Carlisle
Bamlett, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I,
the said Adam Carlisle Bamlett, my executors, administrators, and 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 REAPING MACHINES, PART OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS IS APPLICABLE TO OTHER
AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the
said Adam Carlisle Bamlett, my executors or administrators, by an instrument
in writing under my, or their, or one of their hands and seals, 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 Adam Carlisle Bamlett, 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, reference being had to the two Sheets of Drawings hereunto annexed,
and to the letters and figures marked thereon (that is to say):-
My Invention relates, first, to improvements in actuating the cutters or.
sickles of reaping machines, by means of two sets of rollers mounted near the
circumference of two wheels on the main shaft, and between them one end
of a lever is disposed so that the rollers of the different sets alternately come
in contact therewith, and drive it backwards and forwards; the other end of
this lever is connected with a crank shaft carrying a small fly wheel, which
assists the motion; the cutters may be driven from the same crank, or directly
by a connecting rod from the oscillating lever. Instead of placing the rollers on
the driving wheels to act like cams, I use two cam surfaces, and cause them
to act on the lever, in like manner, mounting two rollers or trucks on the
lever, so that one cam surface effects contact with the one roller, and the
other cam surface with the other; each roller therefore receives a separate and
independent motion in contrary directions to each other, which each has a
tendency to maintain the whole time of action.
The next improvement relates to collecting cut corn into sheaves; for this

page_text: purpose the corn is received on straps or belts traversing horizontally, and all
placed nearly on a level, by which straps the corn is carried towards the side
of the machine, where it is elevated by a series of inclined straps having
projecting pins. By these elevating straps the corn is thrown into a receptacle,
which revolves on a centre, and discharges the sheaf when a sufficient
quantity has been accumulated, at same time presenting another receptacle
in succession. In ascending on the inclined belts it enters under a roller, and
passes up under light rods or guides to keep it on the belts. It is raising the
corn up from the horizontal position by the belts under guides, and the self-
acting arrangement of the apparatus forming the sheaves, that constitutes the
improvements in this part. Instead of forming bundles or sheaves, I some-
times allow the corn to fall between two rods, so as to lay it in a regular
swath, the length of the corn lying at right angles to the direction of the
machine's motion.
Another improvement consists in mounting teeth on a gathering reel, which
raises the corn when it is laid, but which, after having raised it to a certain
height, recede, and release their hold, thereby preventing the teeth pulling the
heads off the corn. This may either be effected by rows of teeth advancing
and receding to and from the centre at the proper time, or by teeth projecting
from a rod which turns round on its own axis at the proper time, so as to
introduce and withdraw the teeth from action. The teeth may be thrown in
and out of action by stationary tappets or contact parts acting on suitable
gear for that purpose, or by such gear as is used for feathering the floats of
paddle wheels.
The next improvement consists in the application of an inclined endless
belt, but with projecting pins on the side next the standing crop, forming as
it were a continuation of the fixed divider that separates and marks out the
crop to be cut, which belt has the effect of raising laid crops. I sometimes
also use a similar belt for the same purpose on the other side of the machine.
Another improvement consists in sharpening the sickles or cutting, instru-
ments by files mounted on a bar just over the sickles, which, by a lever or
other suitable movement, brings the files down, and causes them to bear on
the sickles while they are in motion. I make all the cutting edges a little up
turned (inclined upwards), so that the files effect contact with the edges, which
thereby reduce and sharpen the cutting edges of the sickles simply by the
motion of the machine. I make slots through the upper parts of the fingers
for the insertion of the files, and carry the forked or slotted part back to the
framing for greater strength, and to prevent clogging.
Another part of my Invention consists in the application of endless belts,

page_text: which have a different speed, by reason of being on larger pullies, or other-
wise, to carry the corn off sideways and lay it in a swath. I also use for the
same purpose belts across the machine, having different speeds, and continued
at an angle to the first-named belts, whereby the heads are carried round
much more rapidly than the buts, and discharged so as to form a swath.
These belts I drive by cone pullies, or by pullies of different diameter, and the
belts are furnished with projecting parts to catch hold of the straw; they may
be further controlled by turning pullies, if necessary, to alter the inclination or
angle of the straps.
Another part refers to the travelling wheel supporting the machine on the
side next the standing crop, which consists in so fitting it, that it will swing
round in either direction like a castor, to prevent the wheel cutting into the
ground when the machine is turned round in either direction; this swinging
motion is limited to that which may be required for turning the machine
round.
The last part of my Invention relates to means of raising the reaper from
the ground when it is to be turned round for travelling on the roads, as also
for regulating the cut of the sickles, which consists in fixing a snail piece or
circular incline around the upright stem or axis of a fore wheel or wheels.
This upright axis has radial arms and rollers, which bear against the inclines
on which the fore part of the machine rests. Motion is communicated to this
upright axis by toothed gearing and shafts, or otherwise actuated by hand
when required to cause the roller to pass over the incline by which the frame-
work is raised on this vertical axis.
I further apply this snail or curved incline to cultivators and other im-
plements drawn by horses, the traction link or chain being attached to a radial
arm carrying a roller, which, when the horses drag round the implement, the
radial roller arm is at same time dragged round, and by traversing round the
incline raises the tines of the implement out of the ground, thereby facilitating
the turning round of the machine.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS.
Figs 1 & 2 Shoot A represent plans of reaping machines having some of
my improvements applied thereto; Fig. 3 represents a view of that side of a
reaping machine next the standing corn, and Fig. 4 a back view of a reaping
machine. These several views are drawn irrespective of each other, the same
improvements not necessarily appearing in all or in any two of the views,
although in some respects such may be the case, the representation of one
3.
my improvements applied thereto; Fig. 3 represents a view of that side of a
reaping machine next the standing corn, and Fig. 4 a back view of a reaping
machine. These several views are drawn irrespective of each other, the same
improvements not necessarily appearing in all or in any two of the views,
although in some respects such may be the case, the representation of one
view being in general sufficient iustration of each part of the Invention.

page_text: Reaping machines being well understood, it will be unnecessary for me to
give any general description of them, and I will therefore confine this detail
description to those parts constituting my improvements. Fig. 1 represents
one of my improved methods of communicating motion to the sickles or
cutting knives.
a is the main running and driving wheel of the reaper fixed
on the driving shaft b, which receives its motion from a, by reason of its
travelling over the ground on the side of a. I fix a series of rollers c, and
opposed to this series of rollers c, I mount another series of rollers c¹ on a
disc or wheel d, also fixed to the shaft b. It will be observed that rollers c are
so disposed that each is situated midway between two rollers c¹³, c¹, and vice
versa. Instead of roller c being mounted on the rim of a, a separate wheel
or rim of smaller diameter may be fixed to shaft 6 for the purpose; e is a lever
mounted on a fixed fulcrum fon the framework (separately represented at Fig. 3,
Sheet A. This lever has two inclined surfaces, one on either side, on which
the truck rollers c, c', take alternately, and drive it to and fro on its fulcrum f,
as the wheels a & d rotate. The opposite end of lever e is connected by a
rod g to the bar carrying the sickles, to which it imparts the necessary to-
and-fro motion for the cutting action, as well understood; another rod h from
the lever is connected with a crank on the axis of a small fly wheel i, mounted
on a stud for the purpose of rendering the motion of the lever uniform, and
less liable to jerk than it otherwise would be if acted on by the rollers c, c²,
alone. Fig. 2 represents a modification of this mode of actuating the sickles,
which consists in the use of cams in lieu of the rollers, and placing two
trucks k, k, see (Figs. 6 & 7) on the lever e, to effect contact with the cam
surfaces. This arrangement is further represented in Fig. 8, Sheet A, this
being an elevation of the cams with the lever e in position between them.
The rotation of the cam wheels 1, 2, one or both of which may be the travelling
wheel of the implement, is produced by its passing over the ground, or those
cams may be distinct from the travelling wheel, and merely fixed to the shaft b.
The cam surfaces are like two series of angular teeth, the one series opposed
to the other, having between them the rollers k, k³, the one roller k being
acted on by the one series of inclined faces, and the other ¹ by the other; by
this means each of the rollers have always a tendency to rotate on their own
axis in the same direction. The lever e, Fig. 8, is mounted on a fixed fulcrum,
and connected by rods 9 & h to the sickles and fly wheel, as before explained.
I will now describe the manner of collecting and depositing the corn in sheaves.
The back view, Fig. 4, Sheet A, and side view, Fig. 9, Sheet B, represents the
apparatus applied for this purpose; the plans Figs. 1 & 2 will also in part illus-
trate this. m, m, are three straps mounted on rollers n, n, which receive motion

page_text: from the machine. These straps form a sort of movable platform to recieve
the corn as it is cut and thrown backwards by the gathering reel, their motion
being such that the corn is carried from left to right, as seen in Fig. 4.
0, 0, 0, are other straps in continuation of the travelling surface, carrying the
corn. These straps are inclined for the purpose of raising the corn to the
desired elevation. Both sets of straps are furnished with projecting points or
fingers, which enter the straw, and ensure sufficient hold being taken for the
purpose. p, p, are guide rods, disposed above the inclined straps o, to keep
the corn thereon, and insure its regular ascent; q is an entering roller dis-
posed at lower part of p, to facilitate the entrance of the straw up the inclined
passage. The cut corn as it passes over the upper roller n' falls into a kind
of hopper to measure and deliver the quantity to form a sheaf. This hopper
consists of a number of radial rods or prongs, forming four planes r, 1, r, set
at right angles to each other (see Figs. 4 & 9) on a central shaft fitted to
rotate in bearings s, s, one at either end. The space between each two of
such planes constitutes the hopper to receive the corn with the straw lying
longitudinally therein as it is delivered over roller n'. So soon as one hopper
space is filled, the weight of the corn releases it from a slight spring or
weighted stop, when it topples over, and delivers the corn in a bunch or
sheaf. The next space in the hopper is then presented, which in turn is filled
and topples over, and so on. Instead of the weight of the corn acting on
the hopper to deliver the sheaf, it may be operated on by a tappet or cam
movement actuated by the motion of the machine, which operates at such
intervals of time as may be required to collect a sheaf. Instead of throwing
off the corn in heaps, I am enabled to throw it off in a swath by means of
this elevating apparatus. For this purpose I dispense with the hopper reel,
and in lieu thereof continue one of the guide rods p over the roller n', and
down in the direction represented dotted in Fig. 4 and in Fig. 10, Sheet B.
I fix another guide rod t to the framework, which rod is also represented
dotted in Fig. 4 & in Fig. 10, the latter rod t, as viewed at Fig. 4 on the
left of the corn, while p is on the right. The effect of the corn falling on
the extension of rod p and on rod t, inclined as represented, is to drop the
corn on the ground in a regular swath as cut and brought up by the travelling
belts with the length of the straw in a position at right angles to that in
which it occupies on the belts m, m, that is, at right angles to the progress
of the machine.
The next part of my Invention relates to the application of teeth to the
gathering reel, to raise laid corn, and pass or hold it up to the sickles to be
cut. Fig. 4, Sheet A, represents one modification. In this case the rails u

page_text: of the gathering reel u¹¹, extended across the breadth of the reel, are rollers
mounted in bearings at each end. They are each furnished with suitable
prongs v, the weight of which gives them a constant, tendency to hang per-
pendicular, and so to readily enter amongst laid corn. On each of the radial
arms of the reel, on one or both sides, are mounted lewers w, the ends of
which, towards the periphery of the reel, carries horns or catch pieces x, which
take on to a lever or levers y fixed to the finger bar u. It is constantly forced
into this contact position by a spring acting on the lever, and in this manner
it holds the bar u, and prevents its rotation. During a certain position of the
revolution of the reel, that is, when the fingers have entered amongst the
corn, and until it has been carried round by the reel, and raised a sufficient
distance. To effect this, and prevent damage to the corn by pulling the heads
off, a contact roller z is mounted on the framework which the tail end of the
lever w comes in contact, and acting on it so as to release y, and thus permit
the fingers to drop into their vertical position, and so release their hold on the
corn. The same action is repeated at each revolution, and all the bars u
are similarly furnished and acted on.
Another method of effecting the same object is represented at Fig. 11, in
which the finger bar u is drawn towards the centre of the reel, and so that
the points of the fingers are drawn within the diameter of stationary bar u²,
to release their hold on the corn at the required time. For this purpose the
bar u is mounted in slot guides 1, 1, on the arms of the reel, and connected by
ties 3 to another bar 2, 2, also working in slot guiges 4, 4, similarly disposed.
The bar 2 is extended some distance beyond the reel arms, and by its revo-
lution comes in contact with fixed cams at a suitable point of the revolution,
so as to withdraw the fingers from the corn (and within the limit of bar u¹):
After it has been raised or carried on a sufficient distance during the suc-
ceeding revolution, the teeth and fingers resume their extreme position by
means of their own gravity and in readiness to act on the corn again, to be again
withdrawn as before. This Figure represents a pair of arms of the reel only;
each section of the reel is, however, similarly fitted and acted on by the same
cams, as will be readily understood.
The next part of my Invention relates to the application of an endless belt
immediately behind the divider G, which separates the corn cut from the
standing corn. This is represented in Sheet A, Fig. 3, C being the ordinary
divider, and D the endless belt passing over a pulley 5, placed near the fore part
of the divider, and its driving pulley 6 mounted on the framework of the machine,
and driven by a strap from one of the sheet rollers n. This strap D is furnished
with projections, which, by the motion of the strap, take hold of the. separated

page_text: corn, and tend to raise it and draw it up to the sickles, thus facilitating the
division of that part of the crop to be cut..
.
The next part of my Invention relates to sharpening the sickles or cutting
knives, which, as well understood, are a great number of small blades fixed to
a reciprocating bar; one of the blades are represented in plan at Fig. 12, and
in section at Fig. 13, Sheet It will be observed that the cutting edge 7
is bent upwards. The plan, Fig. 2, represents at 7, 7, 7, these several blades
fixed to the reciprocating sickle bar; E is a bar fitted in small bearings, and
extending across the machine; to this bar I attach a number of suitably
shaped files 8, 8, 8, and also a hand lever F. The files project from bar E
in the form of arms, and are received in slots made in the upper part of the
ordinary dividing fingers 9, 9. By acting on the lever F so as to depress the
files 8 while the sickles or cutting blades are in motion, the files being held
stationary will act on the upturned edges of those blades, and so cause the
edges thereof to be sharpened. Having operated on them sufficiently, the
hand lever F is again raised and fixed to hold the files 8 from further
contact.
The next part refers to the side delivery of the cut corn, and consists in
giving to the sheet straps m, m, as seen in Figs. 1 & 2, Sheet A, different
rates of speed. The strap m, immediately behind the sickles, I drive at the
slowest rate of speed; the one behind that I drive a little quicker, and the
strap in the rear of that I drive quicker still. To effect this I place them on
different axes and different sized pullies, or increase the rate of speed of the
axis in the proper proportion with the same size of pullies; the hinder straps I
extend further sideways than that one immediately behind the sickles, the
distance of each being graduated; by thus arranging and giving motion to
the straps, the heads are carried off sideways at a greater rate of speed than the
buts, and thus delivering the cut crop in a swath with the length of straw
approaching to a position more or less towards a right angle with the line of
the machine's motion. For further facilitating this delivery, I mount
straps on pullies or rollers so as to run at angles, as seen in Figs. 1 & 2,
Sheet A. In this arrangement the sheet straps m, m, may have the same
rate of speed, although it is better if the speed is graduated as last herein
described. These angular running straps H pass over and are driven by one
of the sheet rollers n, & over turning pullies K to guide their direction, and
again over a cone pulley I, as at Fig. 1, or on the plain roller G, as at Fig. 2;
these rollers are furnished with flanges 10, 10, rising above the straps H and
their projections, in order to detach the corn from the straps. The effect of
these straps H is to carry the heads of the corn round, and deliver it in a

page_text: swath at right angles to the line of the machine's motion (or nearly so). The
turning pullies K and roller G are mounted on a light projecting framing L,
as seen, as also the cone pulley I. Instead of disposing the angular running
straps to carry the heads round and deliver the corn as described, they with
their gear may be disposed so as to carry the butts round instead of the heads
of the corn, and so deliver it in a swath with the straw at or near a right
angle to the line of the machine's motion (or nearly so) but with the heads and
butts in an inverse position to the former.
The next part of my Invention relates to the mounting the travelling wheel
next the standing crop in such manner that great facilities are presented for
the machine turning round. This is represented at Figs. 16, 17, and 18,
Sheet B; Fig. 16 is an elevation of this wheel, showing also the divider. This
wheel W is mounted in a forked lever X, the fulcrum of which is pivotted to
the arm Y near the joint of the vertical axis on which such arm Y moves.
The arm is supported by its joints from a link piece Z, shown separate in
plan at Fig. 19. This link piece moves on a joint pin at the angle of a
quadrant Z', under which the link piece Z moves, the quadrant Z' resting on
friction rollers in Z, supports with the link joints the machine from the wheel.
By this arrangement the wheel is enabled to assume any of the positions repre-
sented dotted in the plans, Figs. 17 and 18, in turning round, thereby easing
that operation and preventing the wheel cutting into the ground, no matter in
whichever way the machine may be turned. In order to raise or lower the
machine to regulate the cut, the lever X has an arc piece X', which passes
through arm Y, and so fixed by a pin, and thus sustaining the frame at a
higher or lower level. A short chain j, connecting the arm Y to the framing of
the machine, is advantageous in turning the machine in one direction when
the wheel assumes the backward position shown dotted in Fig. 17. This
chain must be unfastened when turning in one direction.
The next part of my Invention relates to the method of mounting the fore
wheel of reaping machines for the purpose of raising the fore part of the
machine from the ground, in order to regulate the height of the cut from the
ground.
Fig. 14 represents in side view a portion of a reaper. a is the main wheel,
as before, and M the fore wheel; this wheel is mounted in an arm N, whose
socket turns loose on a vertical axis P, but is held thereon between two
collars. This axis P is free to rotate in its bearings, and has a cross bar Q,
carrying two rollers r. These rollers r, r, bear on a double circular incline R,
described round the axis P, and fixed to the framework of the machine. S is
a lever fixed to the axis P, connected by rod T to another lever on the axis of

page_text: hand lever U, moving over a graduated quadrant, and fixed thereby in regu-
lated positions, according to the height at which the fore part of the machine
is required to be adjusted. Instead of a separate axis for this, the hand lever
may be fixed on the top of axis P, which may be fixed and adjusted thereby.
When it is desired to rise or lower the fore part of the machine, it is simply
necessary to turn the axis P round, so as to traverse the rollers 7, 1, on the
inclines R, which will be thereby raised to a greater or lesser height, according
to the position of the rollers ; the frame rising with the inclines R, regulates
the cut of the sickles as required. By this means, also, the fore part of the
machine can be raised from the ground, either in turning round, or when the
machine is travelling from place to place.
The next part of my Invention relates to the application of the latter part
of my Invention to other agricultural implements, an illustration of which is
shown at Fig. 15, which is a side elevation of a cultivator or scarifier. M is
the fore wheel, the parts P, N, R, r, r, T & Q, connected with which are all
as before described, and act precisely in the same manner. In this case the
drag chain V is attached to the cross rod S carrying rollers r, r, so that when
the implement is to be turned round at the headlands or otherwise, the drag
on V pulls round the arms S, and causes the rollers to traverse on the
inclines R, and so raises the implement from the ground, thus raising the
tines wholly or partially out of the ground. This part of my Invention is
also applicable to subsoil and other implements in like manner and for like
purposes.
Having described the nature of my Invention & the manner of performing
the same, I declare that what I claim as my Invention to be protected by the
herein-before in part recited Letters Patent, is,―
First, actuating the sickles or cutting knives of reaping machines by means
of rollers or cam surfaces operating as herein-before described.
Secondly, the application of the inclined straps and hopper apparatus for
elevating, collecting, & delivering the corn in sheaves, as described, together
with the auxiliary parts connected therewith; I also claim the combination of
parts described for elevating & delivering the cut crop in a swath with the
straw at right angles to the line of the machine's motion.
Thirdly, the teeth or fingers furnished, mounted, and acting on the rim of
the gathering wheel, as herein-before described, whereby the corn is gripped
& released in order the better to raise and advance the crop to the sickles, as
described.
Fourthly, I claim the inclined endless belt with projections applied next the
standing crop in combination with the divider, for the purposes & as herein-

page_text: before described; I also claim the application of a similar belt in the same
manner and for like purposes at the opposite side of the machine.
Fifthly, I claim the application of files for sharpening the sickles or cutting
knives, as herein-before described; I also claim forming those knives or sickles
with the cutting edges inclined, as shown in Figs. 12 & 13.
Sixthly, I claim the application of the sheet belts for delivering the corn
sideways, having different rates of speed, whereby the straw as delivered lies
at right angles to the line of the machine's motion, or nearly so, as herein-
before described; I also claim the application of the auxiliary or angular
running straps for a like purpose, as herein-before described.
Seventhly, I claim mounting and fitting the travelling wheel next the
standing corn as and for the purposes herein-before described.
Eighthly, I claim mounting and fitting the fore wheel of reaping machines,
as herein-before described, for the purpose of raising or lowering that part of
the machine as may be required; I also claim the application of fore wheels
so mounted and fitted to agricultural implements, as and for the purposes
herein-before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Adam Carlisle Bamlett, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Third day of November, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine.
Witness,
ADAM CARLISLE BAMLETT. (L.S.)
W. CLARK, Patent Agent,
53, Chancery Lane, London.