GB440372A - Improvements in apparatus for thinning turnip, mangold, beet or other crops - Google Patents

Abstract

440,372. Machines for working land. KENT, H. C., Gurthalougha, Ballinderry, Borrisokane, Tipperary, Irish Free State. June 30, 1934, No. 19337. [Class 6 (i)] A machine for thinning rows of turnips &c. comprises a gapping appliance consisting of a transverse rotary disc cutter having two or more blades formed by segments of the disc separated by gaps or spaces at its periphery, the arrangement being such that the blades enter the row substantially edgewise in a plane transverse to the path of the machine. The frame 1 of the machine is provided with handles 1<a> and a draw-bar. It is mounted on two bevelled wheels 3 which may be ribbed to grip the sides of the drill or ridge in which the plants are growing. The disc 15 is concave with its concavity facing forwards. It is carried by a sleeve 17 rotatably mounted on a longitudinal shaft 10, and is driven from the wheel axle by bevel gearing 8, 9 and a dog clutch 18. The bevel pinion 9 may be changed to vary the speed of rotation. Diametrically opposed gaps 20 are formed in the disc leaving two blades 21. The shaft 10 is removably connected to a sleeve on the axle and may be tilted by means of a handle 24. Normally it is held in adjusted position by a spring 27a and a pin passing through holes 26 in a guide 22. The size of the gaps 20 may be varied by attaching blade extensions 29 to the disc. Scrapers or angularly set discs 30 may be provided to weed the sides of the drill. According to the Provisional Specification the knives may be toothed and may be of curved form and separated, and they may be inclined to their rotary path. L-shaped supporting feet may be adjustably mounted on a transverse member of the machine.