IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINES FOR HARVESTING SUGAR CANE AND ANALOGOUS CROPS
Year: 1882

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thomas Drew Stetson, Patent Agent of 23 Murray Street,
City of New York, in the County of. New York and State of New York one
of the United States of America for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
MACHINES FOR HARVESTING SUGAR CANE AND ANALOGOUS CROPS." A com-
munication to him by Wood Cleaveland Dollens and Gustavus Hermann
Zschech both of Indianapolis in the County of Marion and State of Indiana
one of the United States of America.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Thomas Drew Stetson at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 19th September 1882.
THOMAS DREW STETSON, Patent Agent of 23 Murray Street, City of New York,
in the County of New York and State of New York, one of the United States of
America, "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINES FOR HARVESTING SUGAR CANE AND
ANALOGOUS CROPS," (a communication to me by Wood Cleaveland Dollens and
Gustavus Hermann Zschech, both of Indianapolis, in the County of Marion and
State of Indiana, one of the United States of America,)
This invention refers to Machines for Harvesting Sugar-Cane, Indian Corn, and
other crops which are usually planted in rows, and the stalks of which are to be
cut at a more or less great distance from the ground to be subsequently treated or
utilized in the ordinary or any desired manner.
The machine, in its construction, may be specially adapted for harvesting any
particular kind of such crops so as to make its operation as rapid and economical
as the nature of the crops for which it is intended, will allow.
The machine is supported on two running wheels which furnish at the same time
the power for driving the cutting mechanism and the parts connected therewith.
The cutting mechanism is arranged centrally, or nearly so between the running
wheels. Two draught animals are preferably used, each attached to a separate pole
extending forward on each side from near the centre of the machine. These poles
are, at their forward ends, curved outward, and the harvesting is effected by
running the machine along in the direction of the row of stalks to be cut, one of
the draught animals walking on each side of such row, so that all the stalks are
TD 1073

page_text: successively gathered in by the curved poles, and thereby directed to the cutting
mechanism.
The latter consists of a central knife, mounted adjustably on the fixed frame-
work, and one, or preferably two revolving disc cutters, acting shear-wise in con-
junction with the stationary knife. The revolving disc cutters are mounted on
inclined shafts which receive their motion by means of universal-joint connections
from the running wheels. The inclination of said shafts is adjustable toward and
from the central stationary knife, and the level of the latter is also adjustable, so
that the proper shearing contact between these members can always be accurately
secured even after considerable wear has taken place.
The revolving cutters are provided with reels or discs carrying projecting fingers
which seize the stalks as the latter are gathered by the poles, and as the machine
advances toward them; by this means, the stalks are forced through and carried
rearward out of the cutting mechanism in an upright or nearly upright position.
Additional reels are provided at a higher level to keep the stalks upright as they
pass through the machine. These additional reels are carried on upright shafts
which receive their motion through universal joints from the cutter-shafts. The
shafts carrying the upper reels are made adjustable so that their inclination forward
or backward may be readily changed to suit the circumstances under which the
machine is worked.
With some classes of crop, such for instance as sugar-cane, it is not desired to
save the upper portions of the stalks. In such cases one set of the upper reels is
also provided with disc cutters which, simultaneously with the lower cutters,
_ operate to cut off the tops as the stalks pass through the machine. The reels
carrying the upper cutters are made adjustable by means of a yoke connected to a
suitably arranged hand-lever, so that the height at which the tops are removed can
be varied as the attendant or driver may see fit.
.
The stalks cut are held in an upright or inclined position behind the cutters,
until a sufficient number has accumulated; then they are dropped in a bundle on
the ground, or into a cart which may be attached behind the machine. This is
effected by means of supporting arms, crossing each other at a suitable distance
backward of the upright reel shafts, and carried on shafts which are controlled by
springs so as to be held. in proper position. In addition to these springs, one or
both of the drop shafts are provided with a locking mechanism. When a sufficient
number of stalks is gathered, said locking mechanism is disengaged, and the drop
shafts are thus allowed to turn by reason of the weight of the bundle of stalks
resting against the supporting arms, the stalks fall to the ground, and the drop-
shafts immediately afterward turn in the opposite direction, and become locked
again, ready to receive more stalks on their supporting arms.
In cases where it is important that the height from the ground at which the
stalks are cut, be variable, the machine is constructed in such manner that the
main framing, carrying the operating parts, can be raised and lowered with reference
to the running wheels: the connection of the latter with the operating parts of the
machine is made so as to allow for such lowering and raising without disturbing
the efficiency of the machine.
The disc cutters are kept sharp by causing them to turn in contact with emery
blocks, which may be spring-seated, so as to always adjust themselves to the
diameter of the cutters, even after the latter are considerably worn.
Those parts of the machine which are subject to considerable wear or strain are
preferably made interchangeable, and constructed so that their removal and the
insertion of similar new parts can be effected with great facility and rapidity.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Thomas Drew Stetson in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
9th March 1883.
THOMAS DREW STETSON, Patent Agent, of 23 Murray Street, City of New York,
in the County of New York, and State of New York, one of the United States of
America, "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINES FOR HARVESTING SUGAR CANE AND
ANALOGOUS CROPS," (a communication to me by Wood Cleveland Dollens and
Gustavus Hermann Zschech, both of Indianapolis, in the County of Marion, and
State of Indiana, one of the United States of America,)
This invention refers to Machines for Harvesting Sugar Cane, Indian Corn, and
other crops which are usually planted in rows, and the stalks of which are to be
cut at a more or less great distance from the ground, to be subsequently treated, or
utilized in the ordinary or any desired manner.
The machine in its construction may be specially adapted for harvesting any
particular kind of such crops so as to make its operation as rapid and economical
as the nature of the crop for which it is intended, will allow.
The machine is supported on two running wheels. which furnish at the same
time the power for driving the cutting mechanism, and the parts connected
therewith. The cutting mechanism is arranged centrally, or nearly so, between
the running wheels. Two draught animals are preferably used, each attached to
a separate pole extending forward on each side from near the centre of the
machine. These poles are, at their forward ends, curved outward, and the
harvesting is effected by running the machine along in the direction of the row
of stalks to be cut, one of the draught animals walking on each side of such row;
so that all the stalks are successively gathered in by the curved poles, and thereby
directed to the cutting mechanism.
The latter consists of a central knife mounted adjustably on the fixed frame-
work, and one or preferably two revolving disc cutters acting shear-wise in
conjunction with the stationary knife. The revolving disc cutters are mounted
on inclined shafts which receive their motion by means of universal-joint con-
nections from the running wheels. The inclination of said shafts is adjustable
toward and from the central stationary knife, and the level of the latter is also
adjustable, so that the proper shearing contact between these members can always
be accurately secured even after considerable wear has taken place.
The revolving cutters are provided with reels or discs carrying projecting fingers
which seize the stalks as the latter are gathered by the poles, and as the machine
advances toward them by this means the stalks are forced through and carried
rearward out of the cutting mechanism in an upright, or nearly upright position.
Additional reels are provided at a higher level to keep the stalks upright as they
pass through the machine. These additional reels are carried on upright shafts
which receive their motion through universal joints from the cutter-shafts. The
shafts carrying the upper reels are made adjustable so that their inclination forward
or backward may be readily changed to suit the circumstances under which the
machine is worked.
With some classes of crop, such for instance; as sugar cane, it is not desired to
save the upper portions of the stalks. In such cases, one set of the upper reels
is also provided with disc cutters which simultaneously with the lower, cutters
operate to cut off the tops as the stalks pass through the machine. The reels
carrying the upper cutters are made adjustable by means of a yoke connected to
a suitably arranged hand-lever so that the height at which the tops are removed
can be varied as the attendant or driver may see fit.
The stalks cut are held in an upright or inclined position behind the cutters

page_text: until a sufficient number has accumulated, then they are dropped in a bundle on
the ground or into a cart which may be attached behind the machine. This is
effected by means of supporting arms, crossing each other at a suitable distance
backward of the upright reel shafts, and carried on shafts which are controlled
by springs so as to be held in proper position. In addition to these springs, one or
both of the drop shafts are provided with a locking mechanism.
When a sufficient number of stalks is gathered, said locking mechanism is
disengaged, and the drop shafts are thus allowed to turn by reason of the weight
of the bundle of stalks resting against the supporting arms, the stalks fall to the
ground, and the drop-shafts immediately afterwards turn in the opposite direction
and become locked again, ready to receive more stalks on their supporting arms.
In cases where it is important that the height from the ground at which the
stalks are cut be variable, the machine is constructed in such manner that the
main framing, carrying the operating parts, can be raised and lowered with
reference to the running wheels: the connection of the latter with the operating
parts of the machine is made so as to allow for such lowering and raising without
disturbing the efficiency of the machine.
The disc cutters are kept sharp by causing them to turn in contact with emery
blocks which may be spring-seated so as to always adjust themselves to the
diameter of the cutters even after the latter are considerably worn.
Those parts of the machine which are subject to considerable wear or strain are
preferably made interchangeable, and constructed so that their removal and the
insertion of similar new parts can be effected with great facility and rapidity.
The following is a description of what are considered the best means of
carrying out the invention. The accompanying drawings form a part of this
Specification.
Figures 1 to 21 show a machine more particularly adapted for harvesting sugar
cane, while Figs. 22 to 28 illustrate a machine constructed more especially for
harvesting Indian corn; but it is well understood that either of these constructions
may serve advantageously for harvesting any kind of crop similar to those
mentioned.
Fig. 1 is a general front elevation of the entire Sugar-cane harvester partly
in section.
Fig. 1a is a section through a detail on the line x, x, Fig. 1, on a larger scale.
. Fig. 2 is a plan of the entire machine.
Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the same.
Figs. 1, 2 and 3 are all on the same scale.
The remaining figures show details on larger scales.
Fig. 4 is a vertical section through a part of the machine.
Fig. 5 is a cross-section on the line y, y, Fig. 4.
Fig. 6 is a longitudinal section on the line z, z, Fig. 5.
Fig: 7 is a cross section on the line w, w, Fig. 4.
Figs. 8, 9 and 10 show the adjustment of the stationary knife.
Fig. 8 is a vertical section on the line v, v, Fig. 9.
Fig. 9 is a plan partly in section, and
Fig. 10 is a vertical transverse section on the line u, u Figs. 8 and 9..
Figs. 11 to 16 represent the dropping mechanism detached from the machine.
Fig. 11 is a central vertical section of the parts mounted on one side of the
machine.
Fig. 12 is a front elevation thereof.
Fig. 13 is a plan of part of the same..
Fig. 14 is a transverse section on the line 8, 8, Fig. 11.
Fig. 15 shows the front end of the corresponding parts mounted on the other
side of the machine.
Fig. 16 is a front elevation thereof.
Figs. 17 to 21 show certain parts of the mechanism for urging the stalks
although the outtere and ant of the machine.

page_text: Fig. 28 a plan view.
Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the figures.
Referring more particularly to Figs. to 21, A is the fixed frame-work, com-
posed mainly of a central part or bridge, and angular outwardly projecting
branches, which latter are supported either directly or indirectly on the running
wheels B.
A', A³ are slightly divergent and curved poles. Care is taken to so arrange the
means for attaching the animals that there shall be nothing on the inner edges of
the poles to interfere with the smooth guidance of the stalks along that surface.
A3, A3. are adjustable portions of the framing, guided by slots a, in the main
portion A, as indicated in Figs. 1 and 3. These parts A³ are adjusted up and
down by means of screws A tapped through the portion A and collared in the
adjustable parts A³.
B, B, are stout bearing wheels serving also as driving-wheels for the machinery.
They are formed with hollow tubular hubs or centers b supported in suitable
bearings in the adjustable portions A³, A³. The interiors of the hubs are formed
with teeth 6' extending longitudinally, or parallel to the axis.
C, C, are shafts, each terminating at the outer end in a spheroidal casting C³,
having teeth which engage with the teeth of the interior of the corresponding.
wheel-hub. The other and inner end of each shaft C is equipped with a cup-shaped
casting carrying a transverse pin c, which extends through a thicker transverse
pin mounted with suitable accompanying parts at the outer end of an inclined
shaft D.
The union of the shafts C and D, by the aid of the pin c and the accompanying
parts, constitutes a universal joint.
When the main framing A of the machine is raised and lowered by the turning
of the screws A', the shafts C change their angular positions within wide limits.
The shafts D, on the contrary, are supported in tubular bearings A³, which are
mounted in the framing A, and are not capable of changing their angular position
except for the purpose of adjustment. When the machine is working, their angular
position cannot vary, and consequently the distance between the universal joints c
does not change. The distance between the driving wheels B also is invariable;
consequently, when the main framing A of the machine is raised or lowered, the
ends C of the shafts C must protrude further or less into the hollow hubs b. For
this reason, the connection between the driving wheels B and shafts C must be
made self-adjusting, and this end is obtained by the use of the spherical toothed
casting C¹ and the elongated internally toothed hub b.
The lower and outer end of each sleeve A³ fits tightly in the recess between
stout supporting surfaces in the main framing A. The upper and inner end, on the
contrary, has liberty for a limited amount of motion. It is supported between two
stout tapering keys A which are fitted in corresponding seats, and being driven in*
one direction or the other, adjust the position of the sleeve, and consequently the
inclination of the shaft D, as will be seen further on.

page_text: On each shaft D is carried a wheel D¹, which supports and rotates a circular
knife d. On the upper and inner face of each knife d is a reel D³, having a rim d³,
which presses fairly against the knife d, near the periphery of the latter, and
peculiarly formed fingers d reaching outward in inclined positions, as indicated in
Figs. 1, 2 and 4.
The two inclined rotary knives d, d, run. with their lower portions in shearing
contact with a stationary knife m; a portion M of which projects backward, and is
attached to the fixed frame-work A. Its forward end is rounded, and adapted to
separate the several stalks as they are successively crowded against it, while the
machine is moved rapidly forward. All the stalks which are carried to one side of
this stationary knife are sheared off by the contact of the knife d on that side. All
the stalks which are carried to the other side are sheared off by. the contact of the
other knife d. The fingers d², by rotating with the knives d engage with the
several stalks, and insure their prompt movement across the cutting space.
E, E, are sharpening blocks of emery or analogous material, mounted in housings
provided in the fixed framing, adjacent to the upper edge of the knife. The outer
face of each block E bears against the beveled periphery of its knife, and is pressed
forward by the spring E¹. The sharpening block can be drawn back against the
force of the spring when desired, by means of a screw-bolt E2, and a nut or threaded
hand-wheel E³.
It is important that the
Referring to Figs. 8, 9 and
receive an axial bolt M' on
up and down.
center knife m be capable of adjustment with nicety.
10, the under side of the fixed framing A is recessed to
which the knife M is mounted with freedom to turn
M2 is a bolt tapped into the framing A, and capable of drawing the knife M
upwards very firmly. M³ is a wedge-bolt, extending through a lug cast in the
central part of the frame A. This bolt is adjusted by means of a nut m³ abutting
against said lug at the rear end. The forked wedge-part of the bolt M³ applies
between corresponding oblique surfaces on the under side of the framing A, and on
the upper side of the knife M.
By properly raising and lowering the knife, the relations of its edges to the
revolving knives d, may be changed to attain the best conditions. To raise M, the
nut m³ is slackened; then the wedge-bolt M³ is driven forward, and then the bolt M*
is tightened. To lower the knife, the bolt M2 is slackened, and the nut m³ turned
to draw the wedge-bolt M³ rear-ward. When this has lowered the knife a little,
the screw M2 is again tightened. It is well to set both the screw M³ and the
nut m³ very firmly when the right adjustment is secured.
The shafts D are each extended inward and upward beyond the knives d, d, and
their accompanying parts, and each is connected by another universal joint G¹ to the
upright, or nearly upright, shaft G, which is supported in adjustable bearings A7,
mounted at a suitable elevation, and controlled by guiding and retaining bolts a²,
and the endless screw or worm H turned by the hand-wheel H¹.
The adjusting
screws H can set the bearings A7 forward and backward within wide limits, thereby
correspondingly changing the inclination of the shafts G.
These shafts require to be set forward or backward considerably under some
conditions; eminently when the stalks are strongly inclined in one direction in
consequence of a high wind, or from any other cause. Care should be taken to set
both shafts G at the same inclination forward or backward. The bearings A7 are
held in smooth sliding contact with the faces of the adjacent parts of the fixed
framing by means of the bolts a' which slide in slots formed in the fixed parts as
shown.
The shafts G, above the bearings A7, are longitudinally grooved or splined, and
receive each a feather g, which secures a wheel or reel I, to which is firmly secured
a circular cutter i.
Both the wheels I are mounted in a movable yoke J, connected at the point.j, by
the link J¹ to a hand-lever K, turning on a fixed center k, and subject to the

page_text: control of the attendant. By turning the lever K on its center k; the yoke J, and
consequently both the knives i and reels I are equally raised and lowered.
It will thus be seen that the two knives i, mounted one on each shaft G; and
turned thereby in opposite directions, cut shear-wise, each across the edge of the
other;
also that the fingers on the edges of the reels or wheels I, seize the several
canes, as they are brought by the motion of the machine into their embrace, and
hold them firmly, and compel their continuous traverse across the cutting space.
The attendant raises or lowers the upper cutters i so as to as nearly as may be
remove the proper amount of waste from the tops of the canes, which remains on
the field. The lower and valuable portions of the several canes are retained on the
machine for a greater or less period, until a sufficient. number have accumulated to
make one convenient bunch or bundle. This is effected by means of arms P', P,
fixed on partially rotating shafts P, supported in stationary bearings in a portion A
of the fixed frame-work.
A coiled spring N surrounds the shaft P in the space provided between it and
the enclosing casing A³. One end of this spring N engages with a hub P2 fixed on
the shaft P. The other end of the spring engages with a ratchet-wheel Q which
is adjustable when required, and held in the desired position by the pawl Q¹.
By this means the force of the spring N may be adjusted with the required
degree of nicety. There is sufficient length to the coiled spring N to allow a liberal
turning motion to the shaft P. The tension of the spring should be so adjusted
that when a sufficient quantity of canes has by the action of the machine been cut
off, and caused to lie on or to strongly press against the arms P₁, the weight
thereof is sufficient to turn the respective shafts P in opposition to the force of the
spring N, and cause the discharge of the bundle in a mass upon the ground; yet
there should be sufficient tension to the springs to turn the shafts P, with their
respective arms promptly back again to the position for receiving more canes as
soon as the bundle is thus delivered.
The arms P¹ are set at such angles in their respective shafts P that they cross
each other. The coiled spring N around one shaft P is adjusted more stiffly than
that around the other. It follows that immediately on the delivery of the bundle
of cane, one of the arms P¹ rises promptly to its place, and the other follows more
tardily. Thus that arm with the weaker spring is certain to lie under the other.
The shaft P carrying that arm, shown in the drawings as that on the left side of
the machine, has an arm P³, formed with a beveled end, as indicated in Figs. 1, 3,
11 and 12. When the respective bars P¹ are in position for receiving cane, the
arm P³ is held rigidly by a sliding catch R, correspondingly beveled, mounted and
free to slide vertically in the frame-work. This catch R is urged downward by a
spring R' enclosed in the framing. T is a weighted lever turning on a fixed
center t, and engaging under a cross-pin r in the slide R. To the upper arm of
the lever T is attached a cord U, by pulling which at intervals the attendant can
turn the lever T and raise the slide R sufficiently to liberate the arm P³. 'Care
being taken to do this only when there is a sufficient load of canes lying on the
arms Pl, much greater than can be supported by the tension of the springs N, the
pulling of. the cord U results in the partial rotation of both shafts P, and the
discharge of the bundle of canes, with the prompt return, first of the arm P¹ on
the right hand side of the machine, and immediately after of the arm P' on the
left side, the beveled end of the arm P³ lifting the sliding catch R, and being
engaged by it so soon as it has passed.
It is obviously important to provide against the rise of the arms P¹ too high.
This is accomplished by a stop or dog P, on each shaft P, engaging with a stop A³
on the part As of the fixed framework. Each dog P is held on the shaft P by a
pinching-screw p', so that it can be adjusted to regulate the stopping of the arms P¹
at such height as may be desired.
!
The lower reels D as well as the upper reels I, I¹, are constructed with. their
fingers separate from the central part or main body, and said fingers are riveted,
bolted, or otherwise fastened to the central part, as shown in Figs. 4, 20 and 21,

page_text: This facilitates the repairing of such reels in case of breakage of one or more of
their fingers, by simply removing the broken fingers and supplying new ones, a
number of which may always be kept on hand.
Any number of reels or spider-armed devices may be employed on the shafts G,
above or below the upper revolving cutters I, i. The drawings show one pair. I'
of such.
"
Referring now more particularly to Figs. 22 to 28, those parts only will be
described in detail which vary from the corresponding parts of the preceding
figures.
The bearing wheels B, B, which serve also as driving wheels for the machinery,
carry each a short shaft B¹, B'. The union of each shaft B¹ and D, by the aid of
the pin c, is similar to the connection between the shafts C and D of the sugar-cane
harvester.
The shafts B¹ are supported at each side of the wheel-hub in removable bearings
or bushes 62, which are set in a forked part of the main frame which partly
embraces the wheels B. The construction of these bearings is peculiar, and offers
great facilities for rapidly replacing the parts which are subject to wear, without
the use of any especial tools. The bearings 62 are formed with flanges as shown,
and are inserted into the branches of the forked part of the framing from the
interior. Each piece or bush 62 is formed with a longitudinal ridge or swell b³,
which enters into a corresponding groove formed in the hole or seat of each branch
of the frame as shown, so as to prevent the turning of the bearings 62. Each of
these bush bearings has a smoothly bored hole for the reception of the shaft B¹.
The hole in the exterior piece 62 is formed with a spline or longitudinal groove b*,
as indicated in Figs. 22 and 23. The width of the hub of the wheel B, and of the
flanges of both the bushes 62, corresponds exactly to the width of the space between
the hubs of the fork of the frame A, so as to prevent lateral play, care being taken
to so proportion the parts that the bearings 62 can be inserted from the interior of
the fork. The interior of the wheel-hub is also splined so as to receive the key or
feather b engaging it with the shaft. B¹. After the pieces 62 are inserted with their
ridges 63 in the corresponding grooves in the holes in the fork, the wheel B is
brought into place with its hub between the flanges of the pieces b³, and then
turned until the spline in the wheel-hub comes in line with the spline in the
exterior piece b². Then the shaft B¹ is inserted from the outside, the key be having
previously been placed in its seat in said shaft. The spline b' in the exterior
bearing b², allows the passage of the shaft with its key, and the latter finally
matches into the spline in the wheel-hub. After the shaft B₁ is thrust in
sufficiently far so that the entire length of its key b³ is received in the spline of the
wheel-hub, the wheel B is turned, and it will now be seen that the parts are not
liable to become disengaged as the key. 65 bearing against square shoulders in the
shaft, as well as against the flanges of the pieces b holds said shaft positively in
position, allowing it to turn in the pieces 62 when the machine is in use, the motion
being transmitted to the shaft from the wheel through the key b³.
When it is desired to separate the parts for substituting fresh bushes b³, or for
any other reason, it is only necessary to slowly turn the wheel, feeling at the same
time on the shaft until the position is reached in which its key comes in line with
the spline 6 of the exterior bearing piece, when the shaft may be thrust out.
The construction and operation of the shafts D with their cutters d, and other
adjuncts, is similar to that of the Sugar-cane harvester, but the adjustment of the
central stationary knife M, m, is attained in a somewhat different manner; said
knife is mounted at its rear end on a suitable support or socket A¹, cast with and
forming part of the fixed frame-work A. The socket A¹ forms a bearing for the
knife which allows the latter to be rocked. The adjustment of the forward end m
of the knife is effected by the aid of an eye-bolt M*, pivoted to m forward of the
socket. A, and capable of being delicately adjusted by nuts M5, M6, which
engage respectively above and below a forwardly projecting portion of the fixed
framing A.

page_text: The shafts G in this machine carry simply one or more pairs of reels I', the
cutters i, shown in the sugar-cane harvester being omitted. The inclination of the
shafts G is effected on the same principle, but in a somewhat different manner from
that shown in the Sugar-cane harvester. The upper edge of each bearing A' is
formed with rack-teeth, as shown.
Y is a geared segment corresponding to the rack on A7, and engaged therewith.
It turns on a pivot y fixed on the horn A, and is provided with a handle Y¹ and
spring-dog y', the latter arranged to engage in suitable notches on A¹º.
Whenever it is desired to shift the inclination of either of the shafts G, the
attendant grasps the corresponding handle Y', and with it the spring-dog y¹, so as
to disengage the latter from its notch. Then a strong movement of the hand turns
the segment Y, and shifts the bearing A' forward or backward, as required On
releasing the parts, the spring-dog y engages in the proper notch, and holds the
bearing A7 in the new position, and consequently holds the shaft G at the new
inclination until occasion shall arise for again changing it.
Modifications may be made in many of the details.
Other forms of universal joint may be used than that shown. The dimensions
and proportions of many of the other parts may be varied.
Any number of toothed wheels or corresponding spider armed devices may be
employed on the shafts G. Only a few such are shown. It is important to
arrange them so that one can turn faster than the other, or independently of the
other. It will be observed that as the cutting devices on the respective sides are
driven independently by their respective driving-wheels, the motions do not always
correspond, and in some cases, especially in turning short corners, the motions of
the cutting devices on the two sides are very unequal, or even possibly in opposite
directions. This is provided for by mounting the reel or reels on one side sufficiently
higher than the reel or reels on the other side to allow each to revolve freely without
contact with the other, while they are sufficiently near to act as, a unit on the stalks
which are received and moved by them.
Referring to the sugar-cane harvester, provision may be made for automatically
insuring a correct adjustment of the upper cutters, relatively to each other, by
mounting one with liberty to move, or yield up and down on the shaft, being urged
into gentle but sufficiently forcible contact with the other by a spiral or other
spring; but this is not esteemed generally necessary.
Suitable provisions may be made for disengaging the revolving cutters and other
working parts from the running wheels, or from intermediate members, so as to
avoid unnecessary wear while running the machine over ordinary roads, and in
general when it is not required to operate.
What is claimed as new is :-
1st: In a machine for harvesting sugar-cane and analogous crops, the framing A,
composed mainly of the central part or bridge, and angular outwardly projecting
arms, supported either directly or indirectly on the running wheels B, substantially
as shown and described.
2nd: In a machine for harvesting sugar-cane and analogous crops, the combination
of the wheel B with the shaft D, and with suitable intermediate parts, all connected
by means of one or more universal joints, substantially as shown and described:
3rd: In a machine for harvesting sugar-cane and analogous crops, the combi-
nation of the wheel B, shaft D, suitable intermediate parts connected by one or
more universal joints, and the disc cutter d on the shaft D, substantially as shown
and described.
4th: In a machine for harvesting sugar-cane and analogous crops, the combination
of the wheel B, shaft D, suitable intermediate parts connected by one or more
universal joints, and the disc cutter d and reel D³ on the shaft D, substantially as.
shown and described.
5th: In a machine for harvesting sugar-cane and analogous crops; the combination
of the wheel B, shaft D, suitable intermediate parts, connected by one or more

page_text: universal joints, the disc cutter d and reel D on the shaft D, and the stationary
knife m, substantially as shown and described.
6th In a machine for harvesting sugar-cane and analogous crops, the com-
bination of the wheel A, the shaft D, suitable intermediate parts connected by one
or more universal joints, the shaft G with its universal joint G' and the reel or
reels I¹, substantially as shown and described.
:
7th In a harvester, having knives & arranged to cut the material presented at
the center, the divergent tongues A', A², curved at their ends, and adapted to
present smooth guiding surfaces for the cane or other material; while also performing
the usual functions of a tongue, as herein specified.
:
8th In a harvester, the adjustable framings A³, enclosing and resting on the
wheels B, in combination with said wheels, and with the main framing A, and
with the screws A¹ arranged to change the relation of the parts, substantially as
herein specified, and illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3.
:
9th In a harvester, having revolving knives d, mounted on shafts D, with con-
nections for rotating them, the adjustable sleeves A5 forming bearings for said
shafts, and adjusting keys A6, combined and arranged to serve as herein specified.
10th In a harvester, the wheels B, having hollow hubs b, with internal teeth or
ribs b¹, in combination with the shafts C, having the correspondingly ribbed
spheroidal heads C¹, adapted for joint operation, as herein specified, and illustrated
in Figs. 1 and 1".
:
11th In a harvester, having driving wheels B, and knives d, with provisions for
changing their relative levels as specified, the separate lengths of shafts C, D, con-
nected by universal joints to each other and to the wheels, as herein, set forth and
illustrated in Figs. 1, 1ª and 4.
12th In a harvester, the two inclined rotating knives d, with driving connections
therefor, and keys A, for changing the positions of the knives within certain limits
as shown, in combination with each other, and with a tilting center-knife M, m,
turning on an axis M¹, and with means M2, M3, for adjusting and holding said
knife, as herein specified, and illustrated in Figs. 1, 4, 7, 8, 9 and 10.
13th In a harvester, operating by the aid of revolving knives d, the sharpening
devices E, held against the knives by the yielding force of springs E', as herein
specified.
14th In a harvester, operating by revolving knives d, the reels mounted on the
front faces having each a rim d³, pressing on the knife, and arranged to serve as,
and for the purposes herein specified.
15th In a harvester having revolving knives d, and shafts G, extending upward
above the said knives, the combination, therewith of the universal joints G¹, for
driving such shafts, the reels I for seizing and moving strongly the cane, or other
material treated, and the upper revolving knives i, arranged to cut off the tops of
the material, all substantially as herein set forth, and illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3.
16th In a harvester having revolving knives d, and shafts G extending
vertically, or nearly so, and arranged to be driven by the shafts of said knives, the
adjusting worms H, and retaining bolts a', adapted to set the shafts G at varying
inclinations, as herein specified, and illustrated in Figs. 1, 17, 18 and 19.
17th In a harvester, the combination with means for cutting off the canes or
analogous material, of shafts P, extending rearward, arms P' on said shafts, and
springs for moving and locking, and a tripping device for holding and releasing the
shafts, all substantially as herein specified and illustrated.
18th In a harvester, the arrangements of the arms P¹, P', so as to cross each
other, and the adjustment of the forces of the springs N, N, so that one shall be
certain to bring its arm P¹ into position later than the other, after each discharge
of cane, in combination with each other, and with a locking and tripping device so
that one tripping device will control both arms, all substantially as herein specified,
and illustrated in Figs. 1, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 22.
19th The lower cutters d and their impelling means, the shafts G extending
upward therefrom, carrying reels I and the upper cutters i revolved by such

page_text: shafts, and adapted to be raised and lowered thereon, in combination with each
other, and with the connecting yoke J, and operating lever K, arranged to serve in
adjusting the level at which the tops of the canes are cut off, substantially as
herein specified, and illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3.
20th In a harvesting machine, reels for urging the stalks through the machine,
composed of a central part or disc, and projecting fingers removably fixed thereto
by means of bolts or rivets, in combination with means for imparting motion to
the reel-shafts, and with suitable cutters for cutting the stalks as the machine
advances, and the stalks pass through said reels, substantially as and for the
purposes herein specified and illustrated.
21: In a harvesting machine, the adjustable center knife mi, M, turning in a
socket A near the heel, in combination with the eye-bolt M*, and nuts M*, M*,
and with the framing A and revolving shears d, and suitable impelling means for
the latter, substantially as herein specified, and illustrated in Figs. 22, 27 and 28.
22 The movable bearing A7 and adjustable segment Y, with means. Y' for
operating and securing the latter, in combination with each other, and with the
shafts G carrying the reels I¹, and their impelling means, arranged to serve
substantially as herein specified, and as illustrated in Figs. 22, 24, 25 and 26.
23rd: The bearing composed of two fixed hubs carrying bearing-pieces or
bushes 6 applied from within, and having means to prevent their turning, in
combination with a splined wheel-hub and a shaft B', the latter carrying a key 6³,
the whole so arranged that the shaft with its key may be introduced from one end,
but is prevented from becoming disengaged by the abutting ends of the key, except
in one position of the wheel-hub, substantially as herein specified, and illustrated
in Figs. 22 and 23.
In Witness whereof, I, the said Thomas Drew Stetson, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-first day of September, in the year of our Lord
one thousand eight hundred and eighty-two.
Witnesses:
WILLIAM CLARK DEY,
CHARLES ROBINSON SEARLE.
THOMAS DREW STETSON (L.S.)