US764365A - Cotton-chopper. - Google Patents

Description

No. 764,365, PATENTED JULY 5, 1904.

. c. G. MERGER.

COTTON CHOPPER.

APPLIGATION FILED ran. 2.1904.

110 MODEL. 2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

No. 764,365. PATBNTED JULY 5, 1904. G. G. MERGER.

COTTON CHOPPER.

APPLIOATION rum) FEB. 22. 1904.

N0 MODEL. 2 BHEETS-Q-SHEET 2.

UNITED STATES Patented July 5, 1904.

CHARLES G. MERCER, OF EUFAULA, ALABAMA COTTON-CHOPPER.

SPECIFIGATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 764,365, dated July 5, 1904.

Appli ti n ed February 2, 1904- Serial No. 191,717. (No model.)

To 00M whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, CHARLns Gr. Mnuonn, a citizen of the United States, residing at Eufaula, in the county of Barbour and State of Alabama, have invented new and useful Irn provements in Cotton-Choppers, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to cotton-choppers.

The invention aims to provide a cottonchopper with new and novel. means hereinafter more specifically referred to which will admit of the chopping mechanism being raised and lowered at the will of the driver without requiring dismounting or the stopping of the machine, with means for throwing the chopping mechanism into and out of operation, with means to prevent the breaking off and .to permit of the passage of the choppers or knives when meeting an obstruction, with means for elevating the chopping mechanism by the foot of the driver, said means operable independently of the elevating and lowering means hereinbefore referred to, and with means to permit of turning the machine in any direction.

A further object of the invention is to devise a novel formation of framework, mount- 1 ing, and connections'for the operating parts,

whereby the machine in its general construction occupies a'minimum amount of space and enables the least amount of material to enter into its formation consistent with strength and durability essential to the effectiveness and long life of the machine.

The invention further aims to construct a cotton-chopper which shall be simple in its construction, strong, durable, eflicient in its use, and comparatively inexpensive to set up.

\Vith the foregoing and other objects in View the invention consists of the novel combination and arrangement of parts hereinafter more specifically described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and particularly pointed out in the claims hereunto appended.

.In describing the invention in detail reference is had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, wherein like characters of reference denote corresponding parts throughout the several views, and in which Figure 1 is a sectional side elevation of the machine. Fig. 2 is a bottom plan. Fig. 3 is a detail view of the choppers, showing in dotted lines the action of the connecting means therefor; and Fig. 4; is a detail showing the ratchet connection between the wheels and the axle.

Referring to the drawings by reference characters, the main frame of the machine is constructed of an angle-iron 1, bent substantially yoke shape and having a transverselyextending flat brace-bar 2 connected to the top thereof by the fastening means 3. The shafts of the machine, (indicated by the reference character 4,) are secured upon the top of the main frame by the fastening means 5. A clevis 6 is secured to the front of the main frame,and said clevis carries the swi nglctree 7. The machine is provided with a rotatable axle 8, carrying a pair of wheels 9, the peripheries of which are provided with uotuberances 10, which extend partly across the periphery of the wheels in opposite directions. The main frame of the machine is connected at its ends to the axle 8 through the medium of the bearingsockets 11, said sockets being secured to the underneath face of the main frame through the medium of the hold-fast devices 12.

The machine is provided with an auxiliary frame which carries the chopper mechanism, said frame being constructed of a continuous bar of suitable material and is formed with the sides 13 14 and the ends 15 16. Each of the sides 13 14. is provided with an opening to permit of mounting the auxiliary frame upon the axle 8, so that said frame can rock upon the axle. The auxiliary frame is also provided with a transverse]y-extend ing bracebar 17.

The chopper mechanism consists of a pair of choppers or cutters 18 19, which at their forward ends extend toward each other at an inclination, and each of said cutters consists of a flat strip of suitable material having the npper'face slightly inclined from one side to the other side thereof and cutting edges formed at the ends and one side. mounted so that the inner portion of one cutter will be in alinement with the inner portion of the other cutter. The cutters are ar- The cutters are IOO ranged a suitable distance from each other and so that they will extend in an opposite direction with respect to each other, thereby causing the cutting edges to travel in the same path when the cutters are operated. For convenience of description the short cutting edge of each of the cutters is termed the end and the elongated cutting edge the side thereof. Each of the cutters 18 19 has secured to the inner face, near the top thereof, a shank 20. The inner ends of the shanks 20 are pivotally connected in the keepers 21, which are fixed to a hub 21, secured on the forward end of the operating-shaft 22. The shank 20 of the cutter 18 is pivoted in its keeper 21 in such a manner that it can be swung or moved in an opposite direction to that of the shank 20 of the cutter 19, and the keepers 21 are so constructed that they will only permit the shifting of the shanks 20 upon their pivots in one direction from their normal position.

The reference character 23 denotes. a pair of coiledsprings which are connected at one end to the shanks 20 and at their other end with the hub 21. The function of the springs 23 is to return the cutters to their normal position after said cutters have been moved on their pivots from operative position, such movement being caused by the cutters meeting an obstruction, said obstruction moving the cutters on their pivots, and when the cutters have passed the obstruction the springs cause the cutters to assume their normal position.

The cutters 18 19 are arranged upon the forward end of the operating-shaft 22 and at the front of the auxiliary frame. The shaft 22 is supported at its forward end in the front end 15 of the auxiliary frame and at its rear end in the transversely-extending brace-bar 17. Bearing and retaining collars are provided for the shaft 22, as at 24 25.

The operating mechanism for the cutters operating-shaft 22 consists of a bevel-pinion 26, carried on the rear end of the shaft 22, and which meshes with a bevel-gear 27, mounted upon the axle 8 and which is provided with a clutch-sleeve 28, adapted to be engaged by the clutch-collar 29, so-said gear will be connected with the axle 8 and rotated thereby. The collar 29 slides upon the axle 8, but rotates therewith and is operated through the medium of a shifting lever 30, pivoted at its forward end to the auxiliary frame and adapted to be seated at its rear end in the notches 31 32 in the end 16 of the auxiliary frame. hen the lever 30 is seated in either the notch 31 or 32, the collar 29 is prevented from movement. The

notch 31 is provided for the lever 30 when the collar 29 is out of engagement with the sleeve 28, and the notch 32 is provided for the lever 30 when the collar 29 is in engagement with The bevel-gear 27 is prevented the sleeve 28.

from meshing too deep with the pinion 26 through the medium of the sleeve 33.

The mechanism for elevating and lowering the auxiliary frame, causing thereby the elevating and lowering of the chopper mechanism, consists of an operating-lever 34'; pivotally supported at its lower end, as at 35, upon the brace-bar 2. The lever 34 at its lower end is provided with an extension 36, projecting at right angles to said lever and which has pivotally connected to its outer end a clownwardly-extendinglink 37, having an elongated slot 39 in its lower end. The link 37 is connected to the auxiliary frame through the medium of a headed stud 38, secured to the side 13 of said frame. The operating-lever 34 is provided with a pawl-and-ratehet mechanism 40, whereby the said operating-lever is held at the desired adjustment, as well as the chopper mechanism; The elongated slot 39 and the link 37 are provided to permit of the elevation when occasion requires of the chopper mechanism independent of the operating-lever 34, and the means for obtaining this function consists of a foot-lever 41, which is carried by an arm 41, pivoted in a pair of studs 41 secured to the underneath face of the brace-bar 2. The lever 41 extends forwardly and rearwardly of the bar 2, so that the rear end of said lever '41 can be engaged and depressed by the foot of the driver, causing thereby the forward end of said lever to engage the stud 38 and elevate the chopper mechanism independently of the lever 34. This operation is evident owing to the employment of the elongated slot 39 in the link 37 A standard 42 is secured to-the brace-bar 2, and upon the upper end of said standard is secured the seat 43, and retaining-collars 44 are mounted upon the axle 8 for preventing movement in either direction of the auxiliary frame. The collars 44 are interposed between the auxiliary frame and the bearing-sockets 11. At one side of each of the bearing-sockets 11 a disk 45 is mounted upon the axle and which carries a pawl 46, adapted to engage with the teeth 47 formed on the inner face'of a circular band 48 integral with the hub of its respective wheel 9. By such an arrangement it will permit of back movement in relation to the axle, so that the machine can turn in any direction.

From the foregoing construction of cottonchopper it is evident that a machine is devised by which the chopper mechanism can be raised by either the foot or hand operated lever when occasion requires, and consequently the depth of the out can be regulated, and that the chopper mechanism can be lifted above any ordinary obstruction, as well as in the event of a thin stand of cotton, so that the same will not be cut, but immediately upon passing the same the chopper mechanism can be dropped. It will also be evident that a chopper mechanism is set forth having its cutters set at such an angle so as to cut the surface of the ground evenlyafter allowing for the depression of the wheels and the elevation of the cotton when barred off. It will also be evident that by means of the clutch the chopper mechanism can be thrown into and out of operation, and it will furthermore be evident that by Q means of the hand-operated lever the chopper mechanism can be lifted to a level with the main frame, so as to permit of easy or safe travel on rough roads. It will furthermore be evident that the cutters are so connected to their operating-shaft that in the event of meeting any unusual obstruction the danger of breaking off of the cutters or other parts of the machine is obviated. It will furthermore be evident that by changing the gear and the adjustment of the cutters any desired speed can be obtained and any desired space can be cut and any desired space of cotton can be left in the row.

It is thought that the many advantages of a cotton-chopper constructed-in accordance with the foregoing description, taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, can be readily understood, and it will furthermore be evident that changes, variations, and modifications can be resorted to without departing from the spirit of my invention or sacrificing any of its advantages, and I therefore do not wish to restrict myself to the details of construction hereinbefore described, and set forth in the accompanying drawings, but reserve the right to make such changes, variations, and modifications as come properly within the scope of the protection prayed.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. In a cotton-chopper, cutters, operating means therefor, a spring and a pivotal connection between said cutters and said operating means, a primary elevating and lowering means for said cutters, and means for elevating said cutters independently of said primary elevating and lowering means.

2. In a cotton-chopper, cutters extending toward each other at an inclination, operating means for said cutters, a spring and pivotal connection between said cutters and said operating means, a primary elevating and lowering means for said cutters, and means for elevating said cutters independently of said primary elevating and lowering means.

3. A eotton-chopper comprising cutters, op erating means therefor, a rocking frame for supporting said means and cutters, an operating-lever for elevating and lowering said frame, a slotted link connecting between said frame and said lever, and means independent of said lever and adapted to detachably engage said frame for elevating it independently of said lever.

i. A cotton-chopper comprising cutters,

operating means therefor, a rocking frame for supporting said means and cutters, an operatingle\ 'er for elevating and lowering said frame, a slottedlink connection between said frame and said lever, and means independent of said lever, and adapted to detaehably engage said frame for elevating it independently of said lever.

5. A cotton-chop iiei' comprising a yokeshaped main frame, an axle, wheels mounted thereon, pruvl-and-ratchet connections between the wheels and the axle, an auxiliary rocking frame mounted upon the axle, eutters, means supported by the auxiliary frame and adapted to be operated by the axle and when operated imparting movement to said cutters, said operating means for the cutters supporting them, means mounted upon the main frame for elevating and lowering said rocking frame imparting a like movement to said cutters and their operating means, and means suspended from said main frame and adapted to detachably engage with and elevate said auxiliary frame independently of the first-mentioned means for elevating and lowering said auxiliary frame.

6. A cotton-chopper comprising an auxiliary rocking frame provided with a stud, means for supporting said frame, chopper mechanism supported by said frame, a slotted link connected with said stud, means con nected with said link for elevating and lowering said frame, and means detachably engaging with the said stud for elevating the frame independently of the means connected with the link.

7. A cotton-chopper comprising a main frame, an axle, wheels mounted thereon, con- I nections between the mam frame and said axle, an auxiliary rocking frame mounted on the axle, rotatable cutters, means supported by the auxiliary frame and adapted to be operated by the axle and when operated imparting movement to said cutters, said operating means for the cutters supporting them, means mounted upon the main frame for elevating and lowering said rocking frame imparting a like movement to said cutters and their operating means, and means suspended from said main frame and adapted. to elevate said auxiliary- :frame independently of the first-mentioned means for elevating and lowering said auxiliary frame.

8. A cotton-chopper comprising a main frame, an axle, wheels mounted thereon, connections between the main frame and said axle, an auxiliary rocking frame mounted on the axle, rotatable cutters extending toward each other at an inclination, means supported by the auxiliary frame and adapted to be operated by'the axle and when operated imparting movement to said cutters, said oper ating means for the cutters supporting them, means mounted upon the main frame for elevating and lowering saidrocking frame imparting a like movement to said cutters and their operating means, and means suspended from said main frame and adapted to elevate said auxiliary frame independently of the first-mentioned means for elevating and lowering said auxiliary frame.

9. In a cotton-chopper, the combination with a chopper mechanism, and means for supporting it, of an elevating and lowering means for said support, means and chopper mechanism, said elevating and lowering means consisting of a lever mechanism comprising a link provided with an elongated slot, said link connected with said supporting means, and means engaging with the supporting means for elevating it independently of the elevating and lowering means.

10. A cotton-chopper comprising an axle, a main frame suitably connected therewith, wheels mounted upon the axle, an auxiliary rocking frame mounted upon the axle, rotatable cutters, means supported by the auxiliary frame and adapted to be operated by the axle and when operated imparting movement to said cutters, said operating means for the cutters supporting them, a hand-operated lever mechanism mounted upon the main frame for elevating and lowering said rocking frame imparting a like movement to said cutters and their operating means, and a foot-lever suspended from said main frame and adapted when operated to elevate said auxiliary frame independently of the hand-operated lever.

11. A'cotton-chopper comprising an axle, a main frame suitably connected therewith, wheels mounted upon the axle, an auxiliary rocking frame mounted upon the axle, rotatablecutters, means supported by the auxiliary frame and adapted to be operated by the axle and when operated, imparting movement to said cutters, said operating means for the cutters supporting them, a hand-operated lever mechanism mounted upon the main frame for elevating and lowering said rocking frame, imparting a like movement to said cutters and their operating means, a foot-lever suspended from said main frame and adapted when operated to elevate said auxiliary frame independently of the hand-operated lever, and a clutch mechanism for connecting and disconnecting the operating means for the cutters to and from the axle.

12. A cotton-chopper comprising an axle, a main frame suitably connected therewith, wheels mounted upon the axle, an auxiliary rocking frame mounted upon the axle, rotatable cutters extending toward each other at an inclination, means supported by the auxiliary frame and adapted to be operated by the axle and when operated, imparting movement to said cutters, said operating means for the cutters supporting them, a hand-operated lever mechanism mounted upon the main frame for elevating and lowering said rocking frame, imparting a like movement to said cutters and their operating means, and a foot-lever suspended from said main frame and adapted when operated to elevate said auxiliary frame independently of the hand-operated lever.

13. A cotton-chopper comprising an axle, a main frame suitably connected therewith, wheels mounted upon the axle, an auxiliary rocking frame mounted upon the axle, rotatable cutters extending toward each other at an inclination, means supported by the auxiliary frame and adapted to be operated by the axle and when operated, imparting movement to said cutters, said operating means for the cutters supporting them, a hand-operated lever mechanism mounted upon the main frame for elevating and lowering said rocking frame, imparting a like movement to said cutters and their operating means, a foot-lever suspended from said main frame and adapted when operated to elevate said auxiliary frame independently of the hand-operated lever, and a clutch mechanism for connecting and disconnecting the operating means for the cutters to and from the axle.

14. A cotton-chopper comprising a main frame, an axle, wheels mounted thereon. connections between the main frame and said axle, an auxiliary rocking frame mounted on the axle, rotatable cutters, means supported by the auxiliary frame and adapted to be operated by the axle and when operated imparting movement to said cutters, said operating means for the cutters supporting them, means mounted upon the main frame for elevating and lowering said rocking frame impartinga like movement to said cutters and their operating means, means suspended from said main frame and adapted to elevate said auxiliary frame independently of the first-mentioned means for elevating and lowering said auxiliary frame, and a clutch mechanism for throwing said operating means for the cutters into and out of operation.

15. A cotton-chopper comprising a main frame, an axle, wheels mounted thereon, connections between the main frame and said axle, an auxiliary rocking frame mounted on the axle, rotatable cutters extending toward each other at an inclination, means supported by the auxiliary frame and adapted to be operated by the axle and when operated imparting movement to said cutters, said operating means for the cutters supporting them, means mounted upon the main frame for elevating and lowering said rocking frame, imparting a like movement to said cutters and their operating means, means suspended from said frame and adapted to elevate said auxiliary frame independently of the first-mentioned means for elevating and lowering said auxiliary frame, and a clutch mechanism for throwing said operating means for the cutters into and out of operation.

16. In a cotton-chopper, shiftable cutters, operating means therefor, a pivotal connection between said cutters and said operating means, said connection adapted to prevent the shifting of said cutters in one direetionfrom their normal position, and a spring connection between said cutters and said operating means for returning the cutters to their normal position when shifted.

cutters, each provided with a shank, an operating-shaft, a hub carried on the forward end of said shaft and provided with a plurality of keepers adapted to receive said shanks, means for pivotally connecting said shanks in the keepers, a spring connected to said shank and said hub for returning said cuttersto their normal position when shifted upon said pivot, and means for operating said shaft.

19. A cotton-chopper comprising shiftable cutters. each provided with a shank, an operating-shaft, a hub carried on the forward end of said shaft and provided with a plurality of keepers adapted to receive said shanks and limit the shifting movement thereof in one direction, means for pivotally connecting said shanks to the keepers, a spring connected to each of the shanks and to the hub for returning said cutters to their normal position when shifted upon their pivots, and means for operating said shaft.

20. In a cotton-chopper, shiftable cutters, means for suitably operating said cutters, supporting means for the cutters and said operating means, means connected directly with said supporting means for elevating and lowering it, carrying therewith said cutters and operating means, and means independent of said supporting and elevating means and adapted when operated to detachably connect with and elevate said supporting means independently lowering device connected with and adapted when operated to elevate and lower said operating means and cutters, and means independent of said operating means, cutters and said device and adapted when operated to elevate the said operating means and cutters independent of said device.

22. In a cotton-chopper, shiftable cutters arranged at the forward end thereof andextending at their forward ends toward each other at an inclination, operating means for said cutters, a pivotal connection between said cutters and said operating means, said connection adapted to prevent the shifting of said cutters in one direction from their normal position, and a spring connection between said cutters and said operating means for returning the cutters to their normal position when shifted.

23. In a cotton-chopper, shiftable cutters provided with shanks, operating means for the cutters, a pivot for each of said shanks, and supporting means for each of the pivots, said supporting means adapted to engage with the ends of the shanks to arrest the movement of the cutters.

24. In a cotton-chopper, shiftable cutters, operating means therefor, a hand-operated elevating and lowering device connected with and adapted when operated to elevate and lower said operating means and cutters, and a foot-operated means independent of said hand-operated device, cutters and operating means and adapted when operated to elevate said operating means and cutters independently of said hand-operated device.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in presence of two subscribing witnesses.

CHARLES Gr. MERGER. Witnesses:

A. M. BROWN, J. H. MULLER.

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