A New or Improved Machine for Cutting Thistles and other like Weeds.
Year: 1899

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
A New or Improved Machine for Cutting Thistles and other like
Weeds.
I, WILLIAM SUTHERLAND, of Peel, near Perth, Scotland, Farmer, do hereby
declare the nature of my invention to be as follows:-
My invention consists essentially of three parts which for the purposes of this
specification may describe as follows:-
Firstly a vehicle mounted upon wheels, the said vehicle consisting of an open
framework which is capable of being moved along by means of horses or other
suitable motive power.
The
Secondly a revolving framework embracing a central axis which passes from
one side of the vehicle to the other. At either end of the axis are a series of
arms projecting at right angles to the line of the central axis. To the extremi-
ties of these arms and stretching across the machine are the cutting knives
which it will thus be seen run parallel with the central revolving axis:
length of the projecting arms is adjustable so that the cutting knives can be
brought as near the surface of the ground as required. The framework with its
cutting knives is carried upon standards raised above the body of the vehicle
and it is caused to revolve in suitable bearings carried by the standards bý
means of suitable gearing connected with the wheels upon which the vehicle
travels.
"
Thirdly, a hanging bar which is suspended from the central axis by means of
vertical rods or suspenders. This bar extends from side to side of the vehicle
and is at such a distance from the central axis as just to allow the cutting
knives to pass freely underneath it. The upper extremities of the said vertical
rod or suspenders are furnished with collars or bearings through which the
central axis passes and is free to revolve therein so that upon the revolution of
the framework with its cutting knives this suspended bar by virtue of its weight
remains practically stationary below. the vehicle.
The vertical rods are so formed as to be capable of extension or contraction
as to length so that the proximity of the hanging bar to the cutting knives can
be adjusted to the requirements of the case.
The action of my invention is as follows:-
When the thistles or other upstanding weeds are to be removed the vehicle
is drawn over the field with the result that the revolving framework with its
cutting knives is caused to rotate at a rapid rate of speed through the gearing
mechanism The knives passing close to the hanging bar mow down all up-
standing weeds which present any appreciable resistance but in no way injure
or cut the grass which owing to its pliability yields readily.
It is clear that the particular form of the vehicle is immaterial as is also the
method of actuating the revolving framework carrying the cutting knives.
With respect to the knives these can be many or few in number depending upon
the work to be done and the rate at which they are driven.

page_text: as to length so that the proximity of the hanging bar to the cutting knives can
be adjusted to the requirements of the case.
The action of my invention is as follows:-
When the thistles or other upstanding weeds are to be removed the vehicle
is drawn over the field with the result that the revolving framework with its
cutting knives is caused to rotate at a rapid rate of speed through the gearing
mechanism. The knives passing under the hanging bar mow down all up-
standing weeds which present any appreciable resistance but in no way injure
or cut the grass which owing to its pliability yields readily.
It is clear that the particular form of the vehicle is immaterial as is also the
method of actuating the revolving framework carrying the cutting knives.
With respect to the knives these can be many or few in number depending upon
the work to be done and the rate at which they are driven.
Where heavy work is to be done it is desirable to drive the revolving frame-
work by gearing actuated by the wheels at both sides.
The revolving knives can be thrown in and out of gear as desired.
Having now particularly described and ascertained in the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is:―
(1) In a thistle or other weed cutting machine the employment of a series
of revolving cutting knives carried by arms or projections which are adjustable
as to length substantially as described.
(2) In a thistle or other weed cutting machine the employment of a hanging
or suspended bar under which the cutting knives pass where the distance from
the central axis of the machine is adjustable substantially as described.
(3) In a thistle or other weed cutting machine the arrangement or combina-
tion of adjustable cutting knives with an adjustable hanging bar the supports
of the said bar to work free in collars or bearings from the central axis substan-
tially as and for the purposes described.
1000