IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR EFFECTING AGRICULTURAL'OPERATIONS
Year: 1855

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Henry William Ford, of the City of Gloucester, Civil
Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS
FOR EFFECTING AGRICULTURAL'OPERATIONS."

page_text: pulley or pulleys attached to the driving wheels of the engine, which run loose
on their axis. This mode of driving is intended- to be used for transporting
the apparatus from one locality to another, and the requisite bite or tension
of the driving bands or chains is obtained by suitable tension pulleys worked
by a hand wheel.
When the machine is employed for digging or otherwise disentegrating
the soil, it is proposed in some cases to inpart an intermittent traverse to
it, so that the digging. or .disentegrating apparatus. which I shall herein-
after describe may be kept up to its work as the operation proceeds. This
intermittent traverse motion is obtained from eccentrics or cranks on the
main driving shaft, to which are connected rods, which impart a vibratory or
reciprocating motion to palls or levers in connection with the driving wheels.
The amount of traverse at each stroke of the lever is adjusted to suit the
nature of the soil, and the particular operation to be effected. The leading
wheels are mounted loose on their axle, which is formed or expanded into a
ring embracing the lower portion of the fire box round which it turns when
steering the machine, which may be effected by a segmental rock and pinion or
other suitable arrangements; a brake or brakes is attached to the machine,
brought into action, when requisite by hand wheels & screw spindles. The
digging frame when fitted into the machine is supported in a suitable fixed
frame at the hind part of the machine, and is rotated intermittently by means
of a ratchet wheel or wheels on the shaft of the digging frame, actuated by a
pall or palls, which are driven from the crank shaft by means of a crank or
eccentric.
The operation of the diggers and its result closely resembles the operation
of hand digging, the-spades or forks being pushed-into the earth by a
rod, which I term the treadder, actuated direct from the crank shaft, and
having raised the sod they turn it over and deposit it again face downwards.
The machine then makes another move forward, bringing a fresh set of spades
into operation, whilst the spades or forks which have last been in the earth
are cleaned by passing edgewise between fixed cleaning. prongs. As the
digging frame rotates, the turning of the spades or forks is effected by two
transverse bars, which run along each set or row of diggers, one above and the
other below, and take into a toothed wheel or notched disc fast on the shanks"
of the diggers. These bars are made to slide laterally by pins working in
inclined fixed grooves or slots, so that the direction in which the diggers turn
over to deposit the sod will depend upon whether the upper or under bar is
in gear with the notched disc or wheel 'on the shanks of the individual

page_text: diggers. The several diggers may thus be made to turn over either towards.
each other in pairs or in any other direction, and thereby deposit the sods
or spits so as to form furrows or ridges, or leave the ground flat or bare.
The several sets of diggers are only pushed out of the digging frame when
required to enter the ground, one. half being always inside the frame, which
frame is not in contact with the ground, but rotates a short distance above it.
These diggers may be used for cutting drains, making excavations, and loading
carts or waggons..
If desirable, a revolving harrow. may be also fitted into
this machine, composed of an endless chain of bars carrying prongs or spikes,
which enter the ground and remove therefrom weeds or other extraneous
matter, which is drawn up an inclined plane and deposited in any suitable
receptacle, or a spiked roller alone may be used.
These harrows being driven by an endless chain or band from the engine, I
also propose to use a clod' divider, composed of a number of revolving spikes,
which bring the clods against a series of fixed spikes, prongs, or cutters, through
or between which the revolving spikes rotate, thereby breaking or dividing the
clods in place of squeezing them; or two spiked rollers may be used, revolving
in opposite directions, and breaking the clods between them.
Another implement which I propose to connect to the machine is a furrower,
which is composed of a number of double turn furrows or wedge-shaped
implements, which furrow the ground, or turn it over on one or both sides.
These furrowers are made to work either in a rotatory or rectilinear direction.
Revolving hoes working either vertically or horizontally may also be employed
in this machine for hoeing drilled crops and effecting hoeing generally, the
hoes being made to rotate at a greater speed than the traverse of the machine
over the ground. They may also be used as a separate machine if desired;
and may then be worked by horse power.
:
A hay turner of the ordinary construction may be worked by and fitted
into this machine, being driven, direct from the engine by means of driving
bands or other suitable arrangement. A hay collector for collecting the
hay into ridges may also be fitted into and worked by my machine. This
implement is composed of a series of rakes, fitted on to vibrating vertical levers.
or spindles, and made to approach to and recede from each other, thereby
drawing the loose hay into lines or ridges.
F
Another implement consists of a hay rake, which is fitted into the machine
and serves to rake the hay together. In some cases more than one of the
implements herein-before referred to, may be fitted into the machine, and
worked thereby simultaneously and conjointly. The form and construction of
L
1
"0"

page_text: "these several implements will of course be modified, to suit the nature of the
land and crops to be operated upon.
In all cases provision is made for cleaning the tools after each time they
have entered the ground or revolved in it. An effectual and simple mode of
adjustment is also employed for regulating the height from the ground of the
several implements, such adjustment being accomplished by means of a regu-
lating screw or screws.
All existing kinds of implements may be worked by my machine if adapted
to it, and the engine is designed to serve nearly all purposes for which horse
power is at present employed.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Henry William Ford in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
12th December 1855.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, HENRY
WILLIAM FORD, of the City of Gloucester, Civil Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twelfth day of June, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and fifty-five, in the eighteenth year of Her reign,
did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me,
the said
Henry William Ford, Her special license that I, the said Henry William
Ford, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the
said Henry William Ford, my executors, administrators, or assigns, should at
any time agree with, and no others, from time to time-and at all times:
thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make,
use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR EFFECTING AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS,"
upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said Henry William Ford,
by an instrument in writing under my hand and seal, 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 Henry John Ford, do hereby declare
the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be per-

page_text: formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement, reference being had to the accompanying Drawings, and to the
letters and figures marked thereon, that is to say:-
My said Invention of Improvements in Machinery or Apparatus for effecting
Agricultural Operations consists in the employment of a peculiar construction
of locomotive engine, and various apparatus or implements to be adapted
thereto and worked thereby by steam or other similar power, as herein-after
described, by the means or agency of which apparatus agricultural operations
may be performed more efficiently and economically than has hitherto been
accomplished. These results are obtained by means of a locomotive engine,
Figures 1 and 2, for the purpose of working the said apparatus or implements;
which consist,
First, of. a digger (shewn in connection with the locomotive, at Figures 1
and 2) for lifting and turning the earth in sods or spits, after the manner of
common hand digging.
'
Second, a cleaning harrow, Figures 3 and 4, for dragging weeds from the
ground and leaving them on its surface, or drawing them into a receptacle for
removal.
Third, a clod divider, Figures 5, 6, and 7, for tearing or cutting clods.
Fourth, a furrower, Figures 8, 9, and 10, for making furrows or trenches
in the ground.
Fifth, revolving hoes, for cutting and hacking the ground and weeds, as
shewn at Figures 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16.
Sixth, a hay collector, Figures 17 and 18, for. drawing spread hay into ridges.
Seventh, a hay rake, Figures 19 and 20, serving to rake or push the hay
together..
&, Eighth, a deep drain digger, Figures 21 and 22.
And in order that the said Invention may be fully understood, I shall now
proceed particularly to describe the same, and for that purpose I shall refer to
the several Figures on the Sheets of Drawings hereunto annexed, the same
letters of reference indicating corresponding parts throughout all the corre-
sponding Figures.
Figure 1 on Sheet 1 of my Drawings represents a side elevation of a con-
venient form of locomotive engine with digger attached in working order;
and Figure 2 on Sheet 2 is an end view of a portion of the same, looking on
the digger. The boiler A of the locomotive may rest upon common springs,
carried by the broad running wheels L, L, and M, M, which are loose on
their loc

page_text: The leading pair of wheels M, M, have their axle expanded into a ring N,
so as to enable it to encircle the lower end of the fire box, round which the
axle turns when the steering segment and pinion O are worked by the hand
wheel P: Near the top and back endi of the boiler is fixed the main or crank
shaft B, which is driven by the piston rod 2.
On to this shaft are keyed the wheels C, C, which act both as fly wheels and
driving pulleys; the pulleys n, n, for working the driving belts G, G, and the
eccentrics F, F, of the rods F, F, the cranks D, D, and E, E, for which eccen-
trics may be substituted, are also formed on this shaft, which is supported by
two bearings on tlie smoke box of the engine, and by the two standards m, m,
at each end of the shaft, fixed to the frame W, W. A slow travelling motion
is imparted to the locomotive by the endless belt G, G, working on the small
pulleys n of the shaft B, and driving the large pulleys I fast on the. driving
wheels L, L. This motion may be transmitted to the leading wheels M. by
the endless belts h, passing over the pulleys fon the wheels L to. a pulley or
pulleys r under the centre of the leading axle, whence. other endless belts i, i,
pass to the pulleys g, g, fast on the wheels M, these. belts being. guided by
sheave wheels to keep them clear of the leading wheels when they are turned
for steering, and to keep them in their proper direction. It is necessary that
the pulleys should bear the same proportion to the pulleys gras the wheels L
do to the wheels M, and the pulley or pulleys r should be exactly under the
centre of the axle of the leading wheels M. By this arrangement the leading.
wheels M may be turned about for steering without altering the strain upon
the several belts, and thus the leading wheels will be constantly acted upon by
the driving power from the wheels Lin whatever position they may be placed
when steering, but this driving arrangement may be dispensed with when
desired. Also the several belts should possess sufficient elasticity to allow for
the play
or action of the carrying springs (when used) upon which the boiler
rests. By working the hand wheels K at the front of the boiler, the tension
pulloys-Kare-made to bear-more-or-less on-the-belts-Gato-tighten or slacken
them, as required. These belts should also have sufficient elasticity to meet
the play of the carrying springs of the boiler A.
When the locomotive is working the digger or other apparatus whilst it has
an intermittent traverse motion, the belts G must be slackened, as above
described, in order that they may not act upon the pulleys I. The intermittent
motion is produced by the eccentrics Fon the main shaft B working the
rods F, the lower ends of which rods are jointed to the short levers v, turning
on studs fixed to the boiler. I are levers turning on the axle of the wheels

page_text: L, L, their free ends taking into the ratchet edges of the pulleys I. These
levers are acted upon by the shorter levers v, with which they are connected
by shifting pins, the position of these pins in any of the holes giving the
desired amount of traverse at each stroke of the rods F, and on their removal
the eccentrics imparting the intermittent motion will cease to act.
The breaks T, one to each wheel L, are connected by the rocking shaft R
of the arm R', which arm is worked by the screw spindle and hand wheel S
in the front of the engine.. These breaks are connected to the levers P, P, on
each side of the engine, which turn on the axle of the wheels L as fulcra ;
one end P¹ of thèse levers is connected to a short arm Q on the shaft R by
links, whilst their other, ends P" are attached to the metal straps T, lined
with wood, if desired, forming the breaks, which straps are fixed at their
other ends to the brackets U on the side of the boiler A. These breaks are
actuated by turning the hand, wheel and screw spindle S, which brings forward
the arm R'; this.raises the ends P' of the levers, and depresses their opposite
ends P, thereby straining the straps T on to the upper surfaces of the large
pulleys I. By this arrangement the position of the strap T and pulley I is not
effected by the play of the carrying springs. A fuel box A¹ is placed over the
fire box, and a water tank B' is situated under the boiler, the bottom of the
smoke box being brought down to support the frame W, forming part of it.
The brackets k, carrying the guide sheaves for the belts i, are fixed to the axle
of the wheels M; the scrapers N¹ of the wheels M are fixed to the ring N,
and if the scrapers of the wheels L be attached to the tank B', they must
be so arranged as to work with the carrying springs, as shewn in the Drawing,
a blade spring L" serving to keep them always up to the peripheries of the
wheels, and still allow them perfect freedom of motion in the slides O¹. The
carrying springs of the wheels M are seated to and receive the weight of
the boiler from a bracket, placed one in the front of the fire box and the other
on the under part of the boiler close behind the fire box, the bearers 1, l, which
receive the ends of the springs, resting upon the ring N, which slides round
them in steering. The ring N is in contact either with the fire box itself,
or with suitable packing pieces fitted on to it.
A frame W is fixed to the back end of the engine to carry the working
-implements-or-apparatus. This frame-must-have-curved-traversing-ways-or-
5 slots W for the shaft X and screws c, the curve of such traversing ways
or slots being struck from the main crank shaft B. by which arrangement the
implements or apparatus may be raised or lowered, as desired, without inter-
rupting or interfering with the working of the same. The side pieces w of the

page_text: slots W can be taken off, for the purpose of facilitating the placing and
removing of the different implements or apparatus.
The shaft X, with its accompanying screws c and collars d at each end, is
shewn in Figure 1, Sheet 1, and in detail Figures 1 and 2, Sheet 2. This
shaft X, Figure 1; passes through the frame W, and on each of its extremities
is fixed a hand wheel e, the inner parts of the bosses of such hand wheels
being made with bevil teeth, to gear into corresponding teeth formed on the
top of the endless screws c and the fixed collars d, through which collars.
the shaft X works freely, each collar carrying a stud bolt or pin, shewn in
dotted lines in Figure 1°, on which the screws c revolve when worked by the
hand wheel, herein-before described. The sides of the traversing ways or
curved slots of the frame W have recesses or chambers made in them, or have
racks fixed on them, in which the screws c work as they traverse up or down,.
as is clearly shewn at Figures 1 & 2, Sheet 2. By this arrangement both
ends of the shaft X will be raised or lowered simultaneously, when it is turned i
at either end, carrying with it any implements or apparatus which may be
fitted on to it.
In removing an implement from the frame W, it should be lowered by the
hand wheels e and screws c until it touches the ground, and then the working
gear of the main shaft should be detached, and the sides w of the curved slot
W removed by unbolting, the process being reversed when an implement is
to be put into the frame W. In beginning to work any implement that
requires to enter the ground, such implement should be lowered from the
surface gradually until it reaches the desired depth by the screws c.
The digging frame, Figures 1 and 2, is composed of a pair of wheels V, con-.
rected by a hollow axle a, which works or turns freely on the axle X, as
shown in Figure 1ª, Sheet 2. The arms of these wheels form slide ways
for the spade bars p, such arms being slotted for that purpose.
The segments are fixed to the collars d'on the axle X, and are placed
close outside the slotted arms of the wheels V. These segments b form guide 3
rests for the traverse of the spade bars p after the treadder Y has pushed the
spades or forks into the ground, and they are carried forward by the rotation
of the wheels V, which are worked by the ratchet levers e', actuated by the
cranks or eccentrics E of the main shaft. The segments extend from the side
of the slide or slotted arm, which is brought into position for the treadder Y S
to act as far as the side of the opposite slide or slotted arm, as shewn clearly.
at Figure 1.
The treadders Y work in guides s, fixed to the collars d at Figure 2, Sheet 2,.

page_text: and along suitable guide rods a, a, which have their upper ends resting loosely
on the main shaft, whilst their lower ends are fixed in or rest loosely on
the collars d of the shaft X. The treadders are actuated or worked by the
cranks D of the main shaft.
teeth, which gear with the levers or palls e¹, worked by the cranks E. The
The peripheries of the wheels V have ratchet
palls e', whilst their other ends
The upper ends of these keep
keep rods d' are attached at one end to the
work freely on the collars d of the shaft X.
rods are cranked, in order to make them clear the ends of the spade bars.
These keep rods are not essential, as the ends of the palls e¹ may be kept
by shoes running on the edges of the wheels.
The length or throw of the cranks or eccentrics E, which work the ratchet
levers e', must be equal to the distance between the centres of the spade bar
slides or slotted arms, measured at the rim V, so that each up-stroke of the
palls e' will at the same time lift the spades or forks from the ground, and
bring forward the next set or bar of spades or forks in readiness for the next
descent of the treadder.
One or more detents 6' are fastened to the slotted arms of the wheels V,.
which detents catch in the small ratchet wheels a', fixed on the collars d,
Figure 1, Sheet 2. Stops are also fixed to the collars d to prevent the ends of
the spade bars passing the line of the treadders, and by these means the wheels
Vare held steady during the down-stroke of the ratchet levers e¹ and treadders Y.
During the up-stroke of the ratchet levers e', the eccentrics F¹ of the rods F
also make an up-stroke, which, acting on the ratchet wheels I, cause a forward
motion to be imparted to the whole machine, in readiness for the next thrust
of the spades or forks. The arrangement of the spades or forks is shown at
Figure 2, Sheet 2, and also at Figures 3 and 4" on the same Sheet. The shank
of each spade or fork is passed through a turning socket, and is fixed by a nut
at either end of such socket, which nuts also serve to adjust the spades for an
unequal surface of ground. This turning socket is fastened loosely on the
spade bar p, and has on its upper end a small cogged wheel or notched disc b¹¹¹
which, being moved by the sliding bars a", in Figures 5 and 6º, turns the socket
and the spade or fork within it, whereby the spade is made to turn completely
over and cast off its sod or spit. Motion_is_given_to_the_sliding-bars-a-for-
turning the spades or forks by their ends working in a partly inclined groove
or slot a formed in or attached to the segments b, shewn in Figure 2, Sheet 2.
This groove or slot a", being stationary with respect to the revolutions of the
digging frame, will impart a lateral motion to the sliding bars a", when their
ends pass above the inclined portion of the grooves a, but they will be held

page_text: stationary when passing along or over that part of the groove which is straight
pr. parallel to the plane of the revolution. This groove or slot a¹ is also carried
beyond the segments 6 by fixing it to the collar,d, so as to work the sliding.
bars through the entire revolutions of the digging 'frame; or incline bars h,
Figure 1, are fixed inside the arms of V, by which the bars a¹¹ are forced back
to give the remaining turn to the spades to bring them to their first position
during and by the downward movement of the treadders, suitable lugs being
fitted or formed on the sliding bars for turning the spades to slide on the
inclined bars h. This groove is so inclined as to turn the spades or forks
completely over or half round as, they are lifted up with their spits, and then
to turn them a quarter of a revolution back again, and keep them in this
position whilst they pass edgewise between the cleaners 2, Figure 2, which are
fixed to and carried by the ratchet lever e!.
The spades are kept in this position until they have been carried into the
frame V down the slides or slotted arms, when; by another incline in the
groove all, or by the incline bars h, Figure 1ª, Sheet 2, the remaining turn is
given to the spades to bring them to their first position-ready for entering the
ground.
:
2.
The direction in which the spades will turn will depend upon which side
of the centre of its shank its cogged wheel or notched disc is acted upon
by the sliding bars a". Figures 3 and 4 show a convenient arrangement by
which any section of the sliding, bar al may be made, to work-on either one
side or the other of the spade shanks 6". The joint pins c¹, which must not
be round, being taken out of the section, it can be placed as desired. Under
one or more of the joints of the different sections of, the sliding bar a a
holding slide works in a slot c¹, cut in the spade bar p; to hold the bars.a¹¹
in their place.
The spade bars p, Figure 2, Sheet 2, are placed opposite each other, and the
opposite pairs are connected by rods t, which are made open to work past the
hollow shaft X. The treadders Y act-simultaneously-on-these-connected-bars:
when the spades or forks are being pushed into the earth.
The cleaning or revolving harrow, represented respectively in side and front
elevation at Figures 3 and 4, Sheet 3, is composed of a number of bars O,
fitted with spikes or prongs, and carried by the endless chains m, supported by
and running on the wheels or pullies i, k, which are connected by the bars 1;
or in place of this arrangement a spiked roller may be employed. The bars
carry also the lifting wheels ', over which the endless chains m pass in their
upward rim or movement. The diameter of these wheels is nearly equal

page_text: to the length of the spikes or prongs used, and one side of their periphery is
in a straight line or nearly so with the peripheries of those of the wheels i, k,
as shewn in Figure 3. Small endless chains or wires n for cleaning the spikes
are placed on the outside of the bars of spikes, one on each side of every row,
as shewn in Figure 4, by blue lines, and are of such a length that whilst the
chains of spikes. bend over. the lifting wheels 1', these cleaning wires stretch
direct from to i...
By this arrangement the cleaning chains n remain at the base of the spikes
or prongs until they have left the ground, when the lifting wheels ' raise the
chains of spikes, drawing them between the cleaning chains to their points,
when having passed the lifting wheels they regain their former position, as
shewn at Figure 3.. The wheels i, k, have spindles.or axles, upon which corre-
sponding wheels are fixed at the other side of the. harrow, but the lifting
wheels are not. connected, each working on a stud pin in the bar 7. The
upper wheels k run in bearings fixed in the frame W of the engine, herein-
before described, and have pulleys formed on them for the endless belts'?',
driven from the pulleys.g, which are fixed on the hollow shaft . . This shaft
rotates on the shaft X by means of the belt a, which is passed round the
pulley g and the large driving wheel C. Overhanging supports w¹ are fixed to
the frame W to carry a windlass w¹, for raising or lowering the working end
of the harrow, as shewn in Figure 3, a suitable catch g being used to hold
the windlass w¹ in any desired position. When the harrow from strength of
construction is heavier than a man can easily lift by means of the windlass, a
wheel worked by a pinion or screw or other suitable means may be employed
for that purpose. A weed receptacle G; Figure 3, is carried by the frame W,
either fixed or suspended, to be tilted, for emptying the side towards the
harrow, forming an inclined plane parallel or nearly so to the cleaning chains
1. The spikes being driven in the direction shewn by the arrow, the weeds
will be carried up this incline, until they fall into the receptacle G, which;
being fitted with slides, flaps, or moveable ends, may be quickly unloaded when
desired; or the harrows may be driven round in the opposite direction and
without the receptacle G,. if desired. The foot or lower edge. of the above-
mentioned incline plane is fitted with a slide G', made moveable to, be adjusted
as required.
The shaft X has a collar h fixed on it, upon which the pulley grotates
when driven by the belt a, which is passed over the guide sheave.y and round
the driving wheel C-on-the-crank-shaft-B of the engine. This + arrangement
serves for-other-implements, as I shall herein-after describe.

page_text: The clod divider, represented in side and front elevation and plan at Figures
5, 6, and 7, Sheet 3, consists of a shaft O, fitted with prongs or cutters 7, mado
to revolve rapidly by the driving belts a, b; or two spiked rollers may be used,
revolving in opposite directions at, different speeds and breaking the clods
between them. These revolving cutters work between the fixed cutters m,
held by the bar p, and resting against the bar O, by which means the clods
which are brought against them will be divided, and the revolving cutters
thoroughly cleaned. Instead of the fixed cutters m being in the same plane,
one side may be above the other of cach, so that the cutters r shall pass one
side at a time.
The thin bars n serve to prevent the divided clods from flying too much on
being scattered by the rapid rotation of the cutters, and also to connect the
shaft o to the bar p. The whole apparatus is carried by arms k at each end,
fixed to the collars d on the shaft X, working in the frame W, by which the
implement may be raised and lowered as desired. The clods will be divided
by the revolving cutters both as they enter and pass through the ground, and
when they leave it as above described. This implement also may be. worked
reversely to the direction shewn in the Drawings, according as the condition
of the soil to be operated upon may require.
The furrower represented at. Figures 8, 9, and 10,. Sheet 4, is fitted with
a series of double-turn furrows f, which are supported at each end by the
rods 7, s, and may be worked as shewn in my Drawing; the front ends of
these, turn furrows being loose on the rods s to turn in a vertical ‹lirection,
whilst their other ends are held by adjusting pins 1, passed through the rod r
& into corresponding holes in the back end of the turn furrows, shewn at s
Figure 9..
From the peculiar shape of these implements, furrows of different sizes and
depths may be formed by simply regulating them by means of the adjusting
pins in the rod r, and by raising or lowering them by means of the lifting
rodze, which is attached to the shaft X. The whole is supported by arms a, b,
suspended freely from the rods t and u, and connected by the bar o at each
side of the machine, all the joints being free to work so that the furrowers f
are raised in a parallel manner when lifted by the shaft X.
One kind of hoe, which I call the horizontal revolving hoe, represented at
Figures 11, 12, & 13, on Sheet 4 of the Drawings, consists of a series of vertical s
spindles s, s, resting on the transverse bar 1. and having their upper ends
supported in the bar n. Suitable sockets are screwed in or otherwise fixed on
the bar r, in which sockets these spindles revolve. An endless belt v is passed

page_text: round and between small pulleys or sheaves w. fixed on the spindles s close
above the sockets, such pulleys serving as collars to hold them up and impart
a rotatory motion to them. Round one of these pulleys is passed the belt b,
driven by the pulley g on the shaft X, which belt b is guided by sheaves a,
running on brackets fixed to the bar . The pulley g is driven from the
wheel C by the belt a, in the manner herein-before described. On the lower
ends of the spindles s are fixed the hoe-cutters v¹, of a circular, curved, or
straight form, such cutters being also supported and their spindles steadied by
the guard brackets t, fixed by screw bolts to the bar ; a shifting piece y in
the loop of the guard t¹ is so adjusted that the cutters just touch it in
revolving, as they do also the bottom part of the guard t', whereby the cutters
are constantly kept clean.
The whole is supported by the parallel links k, i, which are jointed to the
bars 1, fixed to the frame W on each side of the machine, whilst their lower
ends are jointed to the links p, attached to each end of the bar r, which by the
lifting bar e is connected to the axle X. The lower ends of the arms k, i, are
also jointed to the bars n, r, so that the spindles s are always kept in 'a vertical
position whether in or out of the ground, and their cut or depth of working is
regulated by the axle X, in the manner herein-before described.
Another kind of hoe, which I call the vertical hoe, represented at Figures 14,
15, and 16, Sheet 5, consists of a series of vertical revolving hoes, carried by
or fixed on the horizontal transverse shaft p, which is driven by the belt b from
the pulley g, as herein-before described. A bar s, placed parallel to the shaft p,
supports one end of the connecting bars O, whilst their other ends rest loosely
upon the shaft p. These bars have each a short arm projecting cn the under
side, and carrying the shields n, which serve to hold down the earth whilst the
hoes work through it. The back ends of these shields, which are adjustable,
serve also to clean the inner sides of the hoes as they leave the earth, their
outer sides being cleaned by the adjustable bar t, which is placed paralle!
to the shaft p, and rests on the bars O. In some cases side plates or shields v,
shewn in Figs. 15 and 16, are attached to the bars O, to prevent crops, such as
drilled wheat, from being injured by the action of the hoes and the earth
flying-upon them.
""
the cuma al 71 and he the lifting rods attached

page_text: the locomotive, being driven direct from the engine by means of driving bands
or other suitable arrangement.
The hay collector, Figs. 17 and 18, Sheet 5, consists of a number of short
rakes,on the vibrating spindles 7, which are held by the bars v.and w, and have
their vibrating motion imparted to them by the eccentric a working the
rods m. These, rods are connected by the rocking lever n, which works on a
stud pin in the standards fixed to the bar w. By means of the rocking
levers n, the rods m will, move in opposite directions at the same time, and as
alternate spindles are fastened to these rods, they will approach to and recede
from each other when put, in motion. A finger n' is formed on each rocking
lever n, which finger catches in a notch in the pendant, arms s of the lifting
levers t as they move down, thereby raising the bar v carrying the. spindles r
When the fingers are at the ends of their down stroke, they escape from the
catches to allow the raised bar v to. return suddenly to its former position.
This lifting of the bar vis made whilst the machine-moves forward, and by it
the rakes are brought down on to their work again. The whole is supported
by the, parallel links i, k, jointed to the rod l, which is fixed to the frame W
the other ends of the links i, k, being jointed to the vertical rod p, which is
connected to the bars v, w, to the lower one of which is attached the lifting
rode, which connects it to the shaft. The belt drives the pulley b² on the
vertical shaft, on which the eccentric x, herein-before referred to, is fitted.
The hay rake, Figures 19 and 20, Sheet 6, is composed of a number of
curved bars s, which are connected by bolts passing through them, with collars s¹
between them, and
are
attached to and supported by the hanging levers r, fixed
to the hollow axle x on the shaft X, carried by the frame W. Counterbalance
weights on the upper ends of the hanging levers enable-the-rake s-to-be-
easily moved for work by the hand lever t, which may be adjusted as desired.
This rake will work in a forward or backward direction, and is emptied by
being lifted or tilted up slightly.
In-cutting-drains-with-the digger, shewn in Figs. 1 & 2, and herein-before-
described, all the spades should be removed except one circular row, which
will then work as in common digging; or, in lieu of common spades, draining
spades may be used, having their shanks cranked or placed on one side of
them, as shewn ati, in Figure 22, Sheet 6. The object of cranking the
shanks is to cast the spits or sods at a distance from the drain on one side
thereof.
When drains are required of a greater depth than can be accomplished by
the digger herein-before described, another implement or apparatus, which I

page_text: call the deep-drain digger, should be employed. For this purpose the frame
W and the ends of the main shaft outside the wheels C are removed by
unbolting them.
. "
Figs. 21 and 22, Sheet 6, represent this deep-drain digger. The guide rod a
is supported at the top and bottom by the brackets b, c, fixed to the end of the
locomotive. l, m, are slides which work in the guide a, and carry the treadder d;
which is worked by or from a crank pin in the fly wheel C on the main shaft B
herein-before referred to. On the top of the treader d is fitted a stud pind,
round which the segmental lever e works, and another stud pin e¹ is fixed to the
crank rod k, working in a slot in the end of the lever e, which is actuated by
the lateral or vibrating motion of the crank rod during the revolution of the
crank pink. The lower end of the treadder d carries a bent lever f, working
on a stud pin fi in the treadder, as shewn by the dotted lines in Fig. 21. 'In
the end of this lèver the shank of the spade i is fixed, but in such a manner
that it may be turned freely for depositing the spits or raised earth. The
lever. f carrying the spade turns on its stud pin f¹ in the end of the treadder
when acted upon by the segmental lever e, herein-before referred to.
The descent of the levere in the direction of the arrow begins as the crank
commences its ascent, and by means of the whole arrangement the lever f will
be carried into an almost horizontal position, as shewn by the dotted lines:
The segmental levere turning on its centre d' will slide forward on the end of
the lever f, and depress the same until the crank has made. half its ascent;
when it will commence returning to the position it is shewn in on the Drawings;
the lever f following it..
This movement is obtained from the pin in the crank rod; as the
crank descends again, the lever e will be worked in the opposite direction to
that above described and shewn by the arrow. Suitable brackets g fixed: on
the lever f carry a shaft g for turning over the spade. This is effected by the
bent end of the shaft.g' being lifted in, and by the groove bars h fixed on the
segment lever e, whilst it is sliding forward on the end of the lever f, as herein-
before described. The other end of the shaft g¹ is connected to the spade in
the manner shewn in Figure 22. The groove bars accomplish their lift in half
their length; in the other half the spade is held fixed, so as to pass between
fixed cleaners, after the manner shewn and described in the digger, Figs. 1
and 2. A spring catch n is fixed to the treadder to hold the lever f firmi
whilst the spade is being thrust into the earth. This catch is moved by the
segment lever e, so as to release the lever f when its turning is to begin. The
top of the spade shank is grooved, to pass on a ridge formed on the bracket

page_text: near the end of the treadder, to prevent its turning whilst the spade is in a
position for entering the ground. This apparatus, placed at each end of a long
bar of spades or forks, will also. serve for common digging. If suitable cutters
and turn furrows be made to precede the spade, the turf may be turned over
apart from the spits raised by the spades. When the engine is employed for
other purposes than those herein-before described, the fixed frames W and
the overhanging ends of the main shaft may be removed if found desirable.
To enable the engine to ascend: very steep gradients or to pass over bad
ground, a small grapnell or anchor, may be used, which, being fixed in the
ground, either in front of or behind the engine, and a rope fastened to it, and
having its other end coiled round a drum on the main shaft B, will as it is
wound up draw the machine along in the direction required.
In using the digger for excavating, the machine should work over any con-
venient portion or the whole of the ground to be removed, lifting one spade
depth or spit of the surface first, and so on, until the whole desired depth
of excavation be removed. The carts, waggons, or trucks to remove such
excavations should be attached to the machine to be moved forward with
it, and placed a short distance behind the digging frame, so that the spades
being lifted quicker than for common digging would throw their spits into
them, which when filled would be taken away and replaced by empty ones.
Any of the implements or apparatus herein-before described may be used
or worked separately by horse power if desired, or with or without the aid of
the locomotive.
In some cases more than one of the implements herein-before referred to
may be fitted on to the machine or locomotive, and worked thereby simul-
taneously-and-conjointly. The form and "construction-of-the-implements will
of course be modified to suit the nature of the land and crops to be operated
upon. In all cases provision should be made for cleaning the tools after each
time they have entered or revolved in the ground. All existing kinds of
implements may be worked by my machine if adapted to it, and the engine
is designed to serve nearly all the purposes for which horse power is at present
employed.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried
into effect, I would observe, in conclusion, that I do not confine or restrict
myself to the precise details or arrangements which I have had occasion to
describe or refer to, as many variations may be made therefrom without
deviating from the principles or main features of my said Invention; but what

page_text: I consider to be novel and original, and therefore claim as the Invention
secured to me by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent, is,-
First, the peculiar construction and arrangement of locomotive farmers'
engines, as herein-before described.
Second, the peculiar construction, arrangement, and mode of working the
digging instruments, whether for ordinary digging, or deep-drain digging, or-
excavating, as herein-before described.
Third, the peculiar constructions, arrangements, and mode of working the
cleaning harrows, as herein-before described.
Fourth, the peculiar constructions, arrangements, and mode of working the
clod dividers, as herein-before described.
Fifth, the peculiar construction, arrangement, and modes of working the
furrowers, as herein-before described.
Sixth, the peculiar constructions, arrangements, and modes of working the
revolving hoes, as herein-before described.
Seventh, the peculiar construction, arrangement, and mode of working
the hay collector, as herein-before described.
Eighth, the peculiar construction, arrangement, and mode of working the
hay rake, as herein-before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Henry William Ford, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, the Eleventh day of December, One thousand eight
hundred and fifty-five.
HENRY WILLIAM FORD. (L.S.)
HENRY
ILLIAM FORD.
(L.S.)