US9930A - Improvement in grain harvesters and binders - Google Patents

Description

l4.Sheets-Sheet 1. P. H. WATSON & E. S. RENWICK.

Harvester and Binder No. 9,930. Patented Dec. 6,1853.

m: Noam FETERS co. woYuumo. wAsHmnTon. n c

14 SheetsSheet 2.

P. H. WATSON E. S. RENWICK,

Harvester and Binder.

No. 9,930. Patented Dec. '6, 1853.

14 SheetsSheet 3.

P. H. WATSON & E. S. RENWICK.

Harvester and Binder.

No. 9,930. Patented Dec. 6, 1853.

14 Sheets-Sheet 4.

P.- H WATSON & E. S; RENWICK.

Harvester and Binder.

Patented Dec. 6, 1853.

14 Sheets-Sheet 5.

P H. WATSON & E. S. RENWICK.

HarQester and Binder.

Patented Dec 6, 1853.

14 Sheets Sheet "6.

P. H. WATSON & E.S. RENWICK.

Harvester and Binder.

Patented Dec. 6; 1853.

' IlIlll mule Tm: mums PETERS co. PHOTO-L'ITHQ wasumoro. n c.

. I4 Sheets-Sheet 7. P. H. WATSON & E. S. RENWICK.

Harvester and Binder.

No. 9,930. Patented Dec. 6, 1853.

14 Sheets-Sheet 8.

P. H. WATSON & E. S. RENWICK.

Harvester and Binder.

Patented Dec. 6, 1853.

14 SheetsSheet 9.

P. H. WATSON & E. S. RENWICK.

Harvest-er and Binder.

Patented Deci 6, 1853.

1,4 Sheet s-Sheet 10. D

- P. H. wATsou aL' E.- s; RENWICK.

Harvester and Binder;

"Patented Dec. 6, 1853.

14 Sheets-Sheet 11. P. H. WATSON & E. S. R'ENWIOK.

HARVESTER AND BINDER.

Patented Dec. 6

i lklEHh M '1 mmqguqw wernnuw i m: Noam PETERS cov PHOTU-LITHQ, wAsumuwn, 0v :2.

14 Sheets-Sheet 12.

'P. H. WATSON & E. S. RENWICK.

Harvester and Binder.

Patented Dec. 6, 1853.

14 Sheets-Sheet 13.

P. H. WATSON & E. s; RENWKJK. Harvester and Binder.

Patented Dec. 6, 1853.

14 Sheets Sheet 14.

P. H. WATSON & E. S. RENWICK.

Harvester and Binder.

Patented Dec. 6, 1853;

cums ravens co, wow-um UNITED STATES 1' PATENT OFFICE.

PETER H.-WATSON AND EDWARD S. RENWIOK, OF WASHINGTON, D. C

IMPROVEMENT IN GRAIN HARVESTERS AND BINDERS.

Specificationforming part of Letters Patent No. 9,930, dated December 6, 1853; antedated June 6, 1853.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that. we, PETER H..WATSON and EDWARD S. RnnwicK, of Washington, in the District of Columbia, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Harvesting Machines, of which the following is a full, clear,.and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which make part of this specification, and in Which- Figure 1 represents a view in perspective t one modification of our machine as arranged for cutting g am and binding the same into sheaves. Fig. 2 is a plan. of the same. Fig. 3 is a vertical longitudinal section of the machine at the line 00 w of Fig. 2, look- ;ing toward the front otfthe machine. Fig. 4 is an elevation of the left end of the machine, or-that farthest from the standing grain when the machine is in operation. Fi 5 is a vertical transverse section at the line it of Fig. 2, looking toward the right end of the machine, or that next the standing grain. Fi (his a transverse section of the sickle on an enlarged scale. Fig. 7 is a top view of the forceps and other instruments which act upon the cord and of the cams upon their shaft, all mounted in the frame of the binding mechanism. Fig. Sis an elevation of the tying-forceps and of the cam, &c., by which they are operated. Fig. 9 is a cross-section, and Fig. 10 is a side elevation, of a portion of the binding mechanism, showing the knife for severing the binding-cord and the mechanism for actuating the same. Fig. ll is a cross-section ot'a portion of the binding mechanism, showing the cord-nippers and. the mechanism for opening the same. Fig. 12 is a longitudinal section of a portion of the binding mechanism and ot' the compressor, showing a View of the cord-i'iippers, and the mechanism for 'actuatin g them, at right angles to the view shown in Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is a face view of the nippers, showing the manner in which the springs act upon the shanks to close thejaws. Fig. let is a horizontal section at the line 00 a; of Fig. 12, showing the relative position of the wedge for entering between the "shanks of the nippers to open the jaws thereof, the shanks of the nippers, and the nipper-stock. Fig. 15 is a cross-si-ction of a portion of the binding mechanism, showing the finger for pushing the ends of the cord through the loop in tying the knot and the mechanism for operating the same. Fig. 16 is a side view of the same at right angles to that shown in Fig. 15. Fig. 17 is a cross-section of a portion of the binding mechanism, showing the lever for closing the tying-forceps and the mechanism by which the same is operated. Fig. 18 is a side view of the same at right angles to that shown in Fig. 17. Fig. 19 is a cross-section of a. portion of the binding mechanism, showing the cordfeeder and the mechanism by which it is operated. 20 is a side View of the same at right angles to that shown in Fig. 17, showing also the cord-nippers in their proper relative position. Fig. 21 is a longitudinal section of a portion of the binding mechanism, showing the device for turning the tyingforceps. Fig. 22 is a cross-sectionof thesame at the line at m of Fig. 21. Fig. 23 is a cross-section of a portionof the binding mechanism, showing a portion of the mechanism for actuating the discharging-gate. Fi 24 is a side elevation of the same, showing a view of the parts at right angles to that represented in Fig. 23. Fig. 25 is an elevation of the rock-shaft and its arms, which form parts of the mechanism for transmitting motion from the cam to the discharging-gate. Fi '26 is a cross-section of a portion of the binding mechanism, showing the clamp of the cord-feeder and the mechanism by which it is actuated. Fi 27 is a side elevation of the same, showing a view of the parts at right angles to that represented in Fig 26. Fig. 28 is a cross-section of a portion of the binding mechanism, of thspool for the binding-cord, and of the mechanism by which it is actuated. Fig. 29 is a vertical longitudinal section of the same, showing a view of the parts at right angles to that represented in Fig. 28. Fig. 30 is a cross-section of a portion of the binding mechanism, showing the gearing of the cam-shaft. Fig. 31 is a longitudinal section of the same,-showing a view at right angles to that represented in Fig. 30. Fig. 32 is a side view of a port-ion of the frame of the binding mechanism and of a part of the device for actuating the compressor. Fig. 33 is. a cross-section of the same at the line a: m of Fig. 32. v

The drawings from Figs. 8 to 33 included are on an enlarged scale, say about one-half the linear dimensions of a working-machine.

Figs. 8H0 5'1 represent various modifications platform, supported at a few inches abovethe ground by a pair of Wheels. On the front edge of the platform a knife or sickle for outting ,the grain is placed, and on one end of it is mounted an apparatus for binding the grain into sheaves, while the rest of its nppersnrface is traversed by rakes for gathering the cut grain preparatory to binding. Abovcand a little in advance of the front edge ofthe platform is 'a revolving reel, which has four vanes, that in succession press the grain against the sickle, and turn it ontothe plat form after being out. The machine is drawn;

forward by horses, whichare har'neissedto a tongue which projects from thcfront of thatportion of the platform occupied by the binding apparatus. One of the carryingwheels uctnates the gearing, which gives motion to the cutting, gathering, and binding mechanism. As the machine is drawn forward the vibrating cutter on the front edge of the platform is pressed an ainst the stalks of thegrain, and cuts them on. when they are turned back by the reel upon the rake. The latter conveys them to the binding-apparatus, where, as soon as a sufficient quantity has accumulated to form a sheaf, it is compressed into a compact bundle by mechanical arms. and encircled with a band. after which the ends of the band are hnot ti'd together by mechanical fingers. This o eration eomplctcs'the binding of the sheaf, n liicli is then dropped at the side of the machine, when the latter immediately proceeds to form another sheaf. I

Our improvements may be conveniently arranged under several heads, which relate to different parts of the machine. Some of these improvements are applicable-to'the mowing of grass, as well as to the harvesting of grain, and many of them may be applied .with advantage to mowing and harvesting machines already in use. p

The first part of our invention consists of a sickle furrowed transversely on one side from edge to edge, so that by beveling off the front edge of the opposite or smooth side by grinding, or otherwise, a serrated cutting-edge is produccd,which,when worn smooth, can be continually reproduced by grinding until the blade is worn out.

The second part of our invention consists in making the knife or sickle of two parallel blades in such manner that their edges shall meet and form a single doubly-serrated cutting-edge, so that if one part of the double blade-is moved faster than the other, or ina different, direction, or if one is stationary and the other is moved, a divided edge will be produced, which in its operation will combine the action of both the knife and shears.

The third part of our invention relates to the movement of the knife, and consists in imparting to it a compound reciprocating motion, so that its motion in either direction is effected by a series of short jumps, by which 1 motion its cutting action is improved audits liability to clog diminished.

The fourth part of our invention has for its I object the lessening of the vibrations which arealways produced in thin sioklebladcsby a rapid reciprocating movement, and which tend to increase the friction of the sickle and to 'cause its teeth to strip off when brought in contact with any hard substance that may by accident he found among the standing ram. "This-branch of our invention consists in'iconnccting the sickle-blade with the mechanism by which it is operated by neans of an elastic connecting-rod, which expands and contracts under the strain produced by sudden changes in the direction of the movement of the knife.

The fifth part of our invention consists of a shield-plate, which overlies the blade. and ex tends nearly to its cutting-edge, to prevent the stalks. of the severed grain from resting upon the blade after being cut and while fall ing over upon the platform. 7

The'sixth part of our invention has for its object the protection of the blade from injury bythe pulling action ofthe stubble, and also to steady the stalks-whilebeing cut off; and this-apart of our invention consists in placing a bar, smooth .or serrated, which we call the stubble-guard, beneath the front edge of tie knife.

c The seventh part of our invention consists in arranging the knifein such manner that its cutting edge can be kept at the proper distance in advance of the stubble-guard or the shield, whether it be new and broad or worn and Hart ow.-

The eighthpart of our invention consists in a method of moistening the knife while the machine is in motion, to prevent its clogging or gumming, and thus. facilitate the cutting ofthe grain.

The ninth part of onrinvention has rt-fer-. ence to the raking of the cut grain and to its delivery to the binding apparatus; and icon sists in raking the grain continuously by the operation of endless bands or otherwise while the binding is performed at intervals, the two operations being thus independent of each other, whereby the mechanisinof a compound reaper and binder is simplified, while at the same time the rate at which the binder works can be varied according to the state of the crop without afl'ccting the operation of the binding apparatus.

The tenth part of our invention consists in the method of obtaining the requisite space for compressing the grain into a sheaf, and binding the same, without incrcasing'the horizontal area of themachine, byconveying the grain upward from the raker to an'elevated platform, where it is transferred to the binder.

The eleventh part of our invention has reference-to the binding of grain of different lengths into sheaves, without changing the relative positions of the cutting and binding apparatus; and it consists in conveying the out grain from the cutting to the binding apparatus by means of a series of shiftingendless bands or their equivalents, arranged in such manner that without stopping the machine they can be adjusted to present the-grain to the binder in such a position that theband will he passed round the middle of the sheaf, whether the latter be longer short, whereby the machine is rendered more-rigid, as the cutting and binding mechanism can both be permanently secured to the frame.

- The twelfth part of our invention consists of a device for conveying the grain from the rake to the binder, Which is composed of two parallel series of endless bands, the hands of one series being arranged with teeth which receive the grain between them, whereit vis securely held by the hands of the other series while being conveyed, without being subjected to such a degree of pressure as to endanger its thrashing.

The object of the thirteenth part of our invention is to provide a method of compensating for the alternate stretch andcontraciion of the conveyors, which results from alternate moistening and drying, by working grain wet with dew in the morning, and dry grain in the middle of the day; and it consists in pressing apart the belt-rollers by springs, which will yield to the contraction of'the belts, and-expand again to tighten the belts when they slrctch.

The fourteenth part of our invention relates to the discharge of the grain from the conveyer; and it consists ofa stripper or comb, which works in connection with the endless bands so as to insure the delivery of the grain there from,

The fifteenth part of our invention relates to the reception of the grain from the conveyor while a suificient quantity to form a sheaf is accumulating, and to the discharge of the acenmnlated grain into the binder to be bound when a proper quantity has been gathered to form a sheaf of the required size; and it consists oi'a gate working in connection with the platform, and opened and closed at proper intervals to discharge the gathered grain into the binder, andto stop the dischargeuntil another like quantity has accnnnilated to form another sheaf.

The sixteenth part of our invention has reference to the apparatus by which the cord is caused to encircle the sheaf, and is brought into the proper position to lie-tied This part of our invention consists in causing the nip.- pers to travense with the apparatus forsqueezing or compressing the sheaf, while the cordieeder has merely enough movement imparted to it to'enable it to deliver the extremity of the cord to the traveling nippers, and to move out of the way of the tying mechanism.

The seventeenth part of our invention relates to the" delivery of the cord from the spool to the tying mechanism and it consists of a clamp whose action is regulated by a cam aeting in combination with the cord-feeder for the purpose of preventing the movement of the cord therein during certain parts of the opera, ation of forming the sheaf.

The eighteenth part of our invention relates to the adjustment of the tension of the binding-cord according to the degree of its rigidity, or the tightness with which it is de'-. sirable or necessary to draw it round the sheaf and this part of our invention consists in thecombination of an adjustable stop with the barrel of the tension-spring, which admits of the latter being set to act with more or less force, as may he required.

The nineteenth part of our invention relates to the operation of tying the knot and it consists in giving to the tying-forceps a iongitu. dina-l traversing movement, first backward to allow the two ends of the band to be laid to gether preparatory to tying, and then forward to seize the two ends thus laid together to tie them. i

The twentieth part of our invention also re iates to tying the knot; and it consists of a pronged or forked standard placed within the range of the tying-forceps, and acting in connection with them, the pushing-rod, the cordfeeder, and the traveling cord-nippers, to assist in steadying and tying the cord.

jhe twentyfirst part of our invention re lates also to the tying of the knot, and to the compr ssion of the sheaf; and it consists in giving to the compressor a double movemen t, ora descent in two steps, the first step to reduce the sheaf very nearly to the required dimensions and to encircie'it with the cord, and the second step of the descent to com plete the compression of the sheaf or to reduce its size suliiciently to leave the cord slack enough tobe twisted and drawn into a loop by the tying-forceps inthe process of making the knot.

- 'lhc twentysecond part otour invention also relates to the operation of tying the knot; and it consists in mounting the cordnippers upon a sliding spring-"stock, or the equivalent thereol, in such manner that the nippers will (le scend with the loose end of the cord to encircle the sheaf before the compressor reaches its lowermost limit, the spring afterward yielding to allow the compressor to complete its descent.

The twenty-third part of our invention also relates to the operation of tying the knot; and it consists of a brake applied to the cord at some point between the place at which the knot is tied and the extremities of the band, to insure the stretching of the ends of the cord across the loop preparatory to their projection through it.

The twenty-fourth part of ourinvention consists of an apparatus for discharging the sheaf by depressing sections of the ribs which form the crib in which the sheaf is compressed and bound, which depressed sections are raised alter the sheut has been delivered from the machine.

The last. part of our invention has referenceto the relative positions of the cutting and binding apparatus; and it consists in arrang ing the two upon the opposite sides of the driving-wheel in such manner that the weight of the cutting apparatus-is counterbalanced to a great extent by that of the binder, and the proportionoi' the weight on the driver is increased, whereby it is caused to adhere to the ground with greater force, which insures its turning, whereby also the motion of the mechanism is rendered more regular, and the center of draft of the machine is maintained more nearly in the middle of the path in which the horses walk, while at the same time increased space is obtained for the binding apparatus, which in this arrangement occupies the unappropriated space generally found in reapiugmachines behind the horses.

in the accompanying drawings, A is the. framed platform or carriage of the machine, which is supported above the ground upon two wheels, i) U. Each of these wheels is fitted with a separate axle, whose ournals rc-' volvc in separate boxes, which slide vertically in suitable standards, forming part of the carriage-frantic, so that the latter maybe set to run at a greater or less distance above the surface of the ground, as may be required.

The mechanism for binding the grain, and for imparting motion to the several acting members of the machine, is supported in a frame, B, at one extremity of the carriage, and is driven from one of the running-wheels, 6, whose axle is fitted with a cog-wheel, I), from which the motion istaken.

The front of the binding-frame has a tongue, E, projecting from it, to which the horses are attached in the usual manner. The cross-bar i of this tongue is hinged to the frame, and

the-tongue itself is connected, by an adjustable brace, E", with the upper front rail of the binding-frame B. The lower extremity of this brace is pivoted to the tongue. Its upper extremity has a screw out upon it, which passes into a nut, E, supported by a bracket upon the front railot' the. frame, and this not is of stationary fingers, G, which are secured to the front rnil, G, and ot a reciprocating sickle or hnit'e, H, which is caused to move to and lie in transverse slots formed in the bases of The knife is of peculiar conthe fingers.

structiou. It is, composed of two blades, the lower of which, in this instance, is stationary, while the upper is moved to and fro over the lower. Each blade is formed ot'a curved plate of steel, whose convex surface is furrowed, and whose concave surface is beveled at its front edge to form an'acute angle with the convex furrowed surface, thus forming a serrated cutting-edge. Curved knives of this construction may be conveniently formed by cutting a screw upon the surface of a steel tube, (the curvature of which corresponds with that of the kuivesto be formed,) and then by slitting the tube longitudinally into stavcs of the proper breadth to form a blade, Each knifeblade is secured to a stock, and that of the upper or movable knife is connected at the extremity nearenthe driving wheel with the lower arm of an elbow-lever, H by meansot' a connecting-rod, H. This elbow-lever is pivoted at the intersection of its arms to an arm, H, which depends from ashort rockshnft, Hflsupported in suit-able boxes upon the frmne of the machine. This rock-shaft is fitted with a second arm, H whose extremiy is connected, by a rod, H with a crank, l1", secured to a shaft, H", that has a continuous rotary movement imparted to it, so that, the rock-shaft H with its armsis caused. to vibrate or rock. The horizontal arm of the elbowlever H is also connected, by a rod, H, with a crank, H which is secured to a crank-shaft, Hf", parallel with that first mentioned. The second crankshaft, H is caused to revolve from the first, H but at a greater. speed, by means of a cog-Wheel and .piniou, H and H so that the elbow-lever Irl driven byit is caused to vibrate much more rapidly than the arm B to which it is pivoted. it results from this arrangement that the movable sickleblade is caused to move to and fro in a succession of short jumping strokes, which overlap each other, by which means afast cutting motion of short range is imparted to the blide, while at the same time the portions of the blade moving in this manner are brought in continually new positions with respect to the lower stationary blade and sickle-fingers, whereby an equality of wear is insured and the self-clearing ot' the knives is promoted.

A rapid vibratory movement is always at tended with theja-r produced in overcoming the momentum of the mass moved each time the direction oftlic movement is reversed. In order to diminish :this jar and the injurious effects resulting from it to the n'iachinery the connecting-rod H, by which the sickle-blade is connected with the elbow-lever, is made elastic. This is eifected by forming it of two sections, one of which, as shown in Fig. 5 A terminates in a dish, a, which is received between two springs of vulcanized indie-rubber, a contained in a tubular spring-box, a socured to the adjacent extremity of the other section. The head of this springbox is per forated. to permit the free movement of the section of the rod to which. the disk a is secured, so that the latter is maintained ina central position in the spring-box solely by the elasticity of the springs. From thislfuethod of construction it is obvious that the momentum of the moving blade at eachchange in the direction of its motion is deadened by the springs, which lessen the jar and render it practically inappreciablc.

. The beveled edges of the two knife-blades bear upon each other, as shown in the drawings at, Fig. 6 which rcpresents a section of a cutting apparatus; hence thewearing away of the beveled edges by mutual attrition will cause them to sharpen each other, and as the beveled faces of the blades are ground away the serration of the edges is continually renewed by bringing into use new portionsoi the exterior i'urrowed surfaces. The cutting action of the instrument thus formed is that of the shears and knife combined. Itresembles the former instrument in the shearing action produced by the movement of the serrated edge of one blade over that of the other, and it resembles a knife in the acute edge it presents to the standing grain. As the front edges of the blades are worn away .by use, the blades are set forward upon their stocks, and provision is made for this operation by passing the bolts which connect the blades with their stocks through transverse slots in the former.

,l'n order to prevent the gumming of the knife, and at the same time to facilitate its cutting action, it is kept continually moistened with water, so that the grain, even at midday, is cut with the same facility as when it is covered with the dew of the morning. This moistening is effected in the present machine by means of a reservoir, F, and a distributing-pipe, F, that extends the whole length of the cutting apparatus. The reservoir is situated on that part of the carriage behind the horses where it can be conveniently replenished. The distributing-pipe F extends laterally from the reservoir, and is fitted with a series of small branch pipes, F which deliver the water between the two knifestocks ofthe compound blade, whence it works tor-ward and escapes between their cuttingedges. The distributing-pipegis fitted at the reservoir F with a valve or stop-cock, F to regulate the supply of Water, and a flange on the back of the lower knife-stock is extended upward behind the upper one to prevent the escape ofwater in a backward direction. The water supplied not only facilitates the cutting artion of the knife, but also acts as a lubriea tor to reduce its friction in moving to and fro.

The fingers G, which support the knife and prevent the escape of the grain in a lateral direction while the knife is acting upon it, are conveniently formed of cast metal, and are attached by their bases to the front rail or cutter-bar, (l of the machine. These fingers, as shown at Fig. 6 have two shields, the one,

G, of which extends over the knife or sickle nearly to the cutting-edge thereof, and thus protects its upper surface from the butts of the falling grain, which would otherwise, by hearing on the sickle, not only engender a considerable amount of friction, but would themselves be moved laterally by the quick movement of the sickle, and thus fall in confusion upon the platform behind. The other shield, G projects down ward in nearly a vertical direction from the cutting-edge of the sickle, and protects its lower surface from the stubble left. in cutting the grain, and which would .otherwise bear against the. lower surface. of

the sickle, and tend to drag it downward as the machine is moved forward over the stubble. The lower guard may be grooved or serrated on its front side to help to hold the straw firmly under the act on of the sickle.

The standing grain is pressed upon theedge of the sickle by a revolving reel composed of a series of bars, I, which are secured to arms 1-, projecti'ngfroin a shaft, 1 This shaft is caused to revolve -as indicated by the arrows in Fig.2.

The platform upon which the cut grain is received is traversed by a raking apparatus, whose oflice is to gather the grain toward the binding apparatus. This r'aker consists of a series of endless bands, J ,which are supported upon rollers J J situated at the opposite extremities of the platform. The upper portions of these bands, upon which the cut grain falls, are moved by the turning of the roller 1J nearer the binding apparatus, toward the side of the machine on which the latter is mounted, while the lower portions of the bands return in ,the opposite direction to the opposite extremity of the platform. The bands thus collect the grain as it falls and rake or gather it toward the binding apparatus, and this process proceeds continually, for the bands are caused, by the continuous rotation of the roller J to move in a regular and continuous manner.

The raking-platform is situated at one side ofthe driving-wheel, and the binding apparatus is situated at the opposite side thereof. The two thus counterbalance each others weight to a considerable extent, and as the driving-wheelis situated between them, it is pressed upon the ground by a large preponderance of the whole weight of the machine. This arrangement is attended with two important advantages: In the'first place, themean line of draft is brought in line, or nearly so, with the tongue, and hence the carriage does not tend to move obliquely; in the second place, a great weight is thrown upon the drive ing-wheel, which is thus prevented from slipping, thereby insuring its rolling upon the ground.

In order to convey the raked grain from the platform to the binder and to elevate it sufficiently to permit of the vertical compression of the grain in forming a sheaf, a conveyer is provided, which not only effects these purposes, butalso regulates the position on the sheaf of the cord or band by which itis bound.

sitions with those of the first series.

This couveyerconsistsof two series of endless bands, which act in'connection. Those, J, of one series are passed round a roller, J, parallel with and adjacent to the. roller J of the raking-bands, while their upper extremities are supported'and put in motion by a second roller, J situated near the top of the binder frame. The bands J of the other series are passed around an upper roller, J", and slower roller, J, corresponding in their relative po- As each series is com posed of narrow hands, those of one series are arranged opposite the'space's between those of the other, and the bands of the lower series are arranged to work in the spaces between those which effect the raking,

so that no space is left for grain to drop in passing from the raking-bands to those of the conveyor.

In order that the grain maynot slide on the lower bands of the conveyer, they are studded with teeth,J", between which the grain is reeeived, and it is prevented from escapin g from between the teeth by the upper bands, which ride upon it and hold 'it in place. in order that the grain may not be rubbed, and thus partially thrashed, by the moving of one apron at faster speed than the other, the two are passed over rollers of the same diameter whose axles are. connected with equal cog-wheels J J", which gear into each other.

As the grain arrives at the upper extremities of the conveyor, it is stripped therefrom and delivered upon anelevated platform, whence it descends to the binding apparatus. This stripping is effected by a series'ot' fingers', J, whose outer extremities bear upon portions of the roller of the lower bands, which' areof less diameter than those portions thereof OllnWhiCh the hands are supported. The opposite or @inner extremities of these stripping-fingers are attached to vaha-r, ill, which is supported in notches formed in the adjacent ext-realities of the inclined ribs B, which constitute the 'elevatedplatform above mentioned.

In the machine we are describing the binding apparatus is fixed to the carriage, and the sickle or cutting apparatusis also flxed'thereto, hence, it no provision were made forthe purpose, the stalks of grain, whether longer short, would always be bound at the same distance from their butts. Grain, even in the some field, varies considerably in the length of its stalhs,and it is desirable that the sheaves should be bound near about the middle of their length. In order to client thisresult in a mach i1 9 like the present,'iu which the sickle and binder are not made adjustable with respect to each other, the conveyor is constructed in such manner that it delivers the grain upon thelowcr extremities maintain always the same relative positions with respect to thc'raker. This lateral shifting of the bands in the machine we are describing is efiected by making the upper rollers, J J", tubular and mounting,' them upon shafts J J, upon which they can slide endwise. In order to move them simultaneously upon their shafts, each roller is grooved to receive the shifting-fork,.J' which can be moved to shift the rollers by meansofascrew-rod, J", and ma The latter is fitted with a handwheelf, J which is withinreaeh of the driver, so that he can-turn the'nutto shift the positions of the. aprons, and. thus regulate the position of the binding-band upon the sheaf;

As the conveyor-bands are shifted in one di reetion or the other, it is essential to the per, feet action of the machine that the strippingfingers should shift with them. This shifting of the fingers is efi'ected by connecting the stool; or rod J, from which they project, with the shifting-fork J so that the fingers are forced to move simuliane'ously with the bands. As-the bands which form the conveyer, when forced to run obliquely, would naturally tend to work endwise upon their rollers,'each one has acord attached to its innerside, which is received in corresponding grooves formed in the peripheries of the upper and lower rollers. And in case it should be found necessary to cause the bands to run so obliquely that this method of guiding them should prove insufficient for the purpose, we propose to form each roller of a series of pulleys, each of which, as siown in Fig. 6, is secured to the rollenshait by a species of universal joint, which permits the pulleys to accommodate themselvesto the obliquity of the bands which run upon them.

The, lengths of the raking and conveyer bands, if made of canvas, will vary under different circumstances; Thus, for example, in the morning, when the grain is moist with dew, the bands,bein g dampened, will contract in length, while as the dew dries up. they will elongate again. In order. to provide for this change in the lengths of the bands, and at the same, time to keep them constantly under a sufficient strain to insure their efiicient action,

one of the rollers of each series of bands is.

made self-adjusting. This self-adjusting is effected in the machine we are describing by of the roller on which the springs act are sup- I ported 'in slotted boxes, which allow them -to move suiliciently,-and at the same time guide them in moving. In the present machine the upper roller, J, of the upper series ofcon rsahnnds, the lower-one, J, of the lower forked extremity oilit

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