US2087402A - Beet harvesting and topping machine - Google Patents

Description

July 20, 1937. L. A. GEIBIG 2,087,402

. BERT HARVESTING AND TOPPING MACI- IINE I I Filed Dec. 7, 1935 a Sheets-Sheet 1' Jmaentor (Ittorneg July 20,1937. L, A, GEN-ale. 2,087,402

BEET HARVESTING AND TOPPING MACHINE Filed. Dec. 7, 1935 I5 Sheets-Sheet 2 'Jmneutor (Ittorneg July 20, 1937; A. GEIBIG Q BEET HARVESTING AND TOPPING MACHINE Filed Dec. 7, 1935 a Sheets-Shee t s I 3m entor [owls/4. Gab/g Patented July 20, 1937 I UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE BEET HARVESTING AND TOPPING MACHINE Louis A. Geibig, Los Angeles, Calif. Application December 7, 935, Serial No. 53,338

16 Claims. (01. 55-9) My invention relates to beet harvesting and the digger points in their extreme lower position; topping machines, and the objects of my inven- Fig. 4 is a fragmentary plan sectional view along tion are: the line 4-4 of Fig. 3; Fig. 5, is a fragmentary First, to provide a beet harvesting and topping transverse sectional View taken looking towards 5 machine with means for removing the beets fromthe rear end of the machine along line 5-5 of 5 the ground as the machine moves forward and {Fig 1 and withpartsand portions shown in elewith means for removing the beet tops from the 'vation to facilitate the illustration and particubeets; "larly showing the topping mechanism clutch in Second, to provide a machine of this class in its en a d l on; F g. 6 i a fragmentary c- 1 which the means for removing the beet tops renal V w Of t Conveyor Sprocket p mains stationary until beets are presented to it member on an enlarged scale and with parts and by the machine; I portions shown in elevation; Fig. 7 is a frag- Third, to provide a machine of this class in' mentary sectional plan view taken along 'I-'I of which soil carried from the ground with the beets F 1 0f the ea e d o t e machine Showing the 1:, may fall back to the ground at any time before topping mechanism clutch in its disengaged posireaching the means for removing the beet tops; e Fig/8 is a sectional View on an enlarged Fourth, to providea machine of this class in scale, along l ne 8- of F Showing the axle which the means for removing the beets from in elevation, and showing the topping mechanism the ground not only engage and lift but also pull clutch disengaged; Fig. 9 is an enlarged fragthe beets from the ground; ,mentary sectional view along line 9-9 of Fig. '7

Fifth, to provide a, machine of this class in -of the camifon disengaging the topping mecha which the means for removing the beets from the nism clutch; Fig. 10 is a ragmentary Sectional ground may be elevated or lowered at anytime View of the cam. taken at a right angle to Fig. 9

while the machine is in operation or is standing; and along the line Ill-I0 of Fig. 9; Fig. 11 is a Sixth, to provide a machine of this class which fragmentary sectional view along line Il-II of 25 will not operate while it is moving backwardly; Fig. 1 but showing the elevator topping pan in Seventh, to provide a machine of this class in its extreme upper position; Fig. 12 is a fragwhich the motivating force for all its parts is mentary sectional view along line I2-I2 of Fig. 7

derived from its traction in its forward motion with parts and portions shown in elevation to 7 over the surface of the ground; and, facilitate the illustration; and Fig. 13 is a frag- Eighth, to provide a. machine of this class which mentary sectional View on an enlarged scale along is very simple and economical of construction in the line I3-I3 of Fig. 12.

proportion to its functions, easy to operate, efl'i- Similar characters of reference refer to similar cient in its action, and will not readily deteriorate parts and portions throughout the several views or get out of order. of the drawings.

With these and other objects in view as will Frame members I, rear wheels 2 and 3, rear 1 appear hereinafter, my invention consists of ceraxle 4, combined clutch jaw and gear 5, clutch tain novel features of construction, combination jaw 6, clutch collar I, gear 8, gear 9, gear bracket and arrangement of parts and portions as will be I0, cam plate II, link member I2, link member hereinafter described in detail and particularly 1 I3, elevator topping pan l4, elevator guides I5 40 set forth in the appended claims, reference being and I6, elevator discharging mechanism II, dishad to the accompanying drawings and to the charge mechanism support I8, clutch link memcharacters of reference thereon which form 2., her I9, conveyor sprocket supports 20 and 21,

' part of this application, in which: transverse member22, conveyor sprockets 23 andv I Figure 1 is alongitudinalvertical sectional view 24, conveyor chain 25, conveyor guides 26, digtaken centrally through the machine with parts ger points 21, digger elevator 28, front wheels 29, and portions shown in elevation to facilitate the front axle 30, and journals 3| and. 32 constitute illustration; Fig. 2 is a fragmentary sectional the principal parts and portions of my beet har view along the line 2-2 of Fig. 1;;F1g. 3 is a fragvesting and topping machine,

mentary transverse sectional view taken along The frame member I consists principally of two 5 line 3-3 of Fig. 1 looking towards the front end longitudinal members. In and Ibheld in spaced of the machine showing parts and portions 1 in apart relation at the forward endby transverse elevation and other parts broken'away to facilimember Id and at the rear end by transverse tate the illustration, and showing the mechanism member Ic,- all secured together to form a rigid for raising and lowering'the digger points with -frame. This frame,member l is providedwith 2.

transversely disposed rear axle, 4, secured to longitudinal member la by journal 32 and to the longitudinal member lb by journal 3i as shown in Figs. 1, 5, and 12. It will be noted'in Fig. 12 that a reduction in axle diameter at 4a and a corresponding reduction in the journals internal diameters at 32a serves as a collar on the end of the axle, 4, soas to prevent any transverse movement of said axle. Positioned upon axle 4 and centrally spaced between the longitudinal frame members la and lb, as shown in Figures 5 and '7, is the combined clutch jaw and gear 5.

. Said combined clutch jaw and gear 'is free to rotate upon the axle 4; but so that it will have no motion along axle 4, member 5 is confined to its central position by means of collars 5a and 5b which are secured to axle 4-by means of set screws 5c and 511 respectively as best shown in Figure 8. The combined clutch jaw and gear member 5 is'composed of a spur gear portion 5c which is constantly in mesh with a spur gear 8, and a clutch jaw portion 5f, the lugs, 5g, of which may be engaged by the lugs lid of the clutch jaw 6. However, clutch jaw member 6, unlike member5, is not free to rotate upon axle 4, but because of pin 6b extending through the .axle 4 and into slots 60 and 6d, as shown in Fig.

8, must rotate with axle 4. It will be noted that the slots 60, and 6d are of sufiicient length to permit member 6 toshift along the axle 4 so that the lug 6a can engage the lug 5g of member 5 as shown in Fig. 5 or be disengaged as shown in Figures 7 and 8. It will be noted, as shown in Fig. 8 that clutch jaw 6 has an internal bore 6 of sufiicient length and diameter to receive collar 5b when it is in engagement-with clutch jaw 51, and further, that the collar 5b is of sufliciently smaller outside diameter than the diameter of the bore so that there is no contact between members 5b and 6f.

To keep clutch jaw member 6 in its disenga ed position a groove 4e around'shaft 4 is'provided wherein ball. member 6g runs as the shaft turns. Backing the ball ligis a spring 6h all of which is secured within bore 67 by threaded plug 61'. Similarly, to keep clutch jaw 6 in its engaged position, a groove 4f is provided, all as shown best in Fig. 8. Around the end of member 6 oppo- 5 and extending inward radially on the face of the site to the end having the lugs Ba is a clutch collar l seated in groove 8e as shown in Fig. 8. This groove 6e extends completely around the circumference of the clutch jaw member 6, and the portion of the clutch collar riding therein makes a running fit therewith. In conjunction with the clutch collar 1 is a sleeve portion 1a positioned .around axle 4 and integrally connected with the clutch collar 1 by member lb as shown by Figures 5, '7, and 8. This sleeve la is of large enough diameter that it can shift along axle 4. The sleeve portion la at 111 is pivotally connected with linkmember 10, which link member is also pivotally connected to the cross support member lc of the frame I at 'le-as shown in Fig. '7. Connected by its end to the center of member To by pivot If is the cam link member I la as shown in Figures 7, 9, and 10.

j The cam plate, ll, is substantially a disk sejjcurelyi'fastened at its center-to the end of shaft so so as to rotate therewith as shown in Figures "1,9, and 10.. Located at the edge of its periphery ca1i i '-plate H is the camv projection l lb as shown in "1"F1gsl-9 and 10. As the cam link member lla ridesover the-.cam projection as shown in Figs. 9 and 10, as the cam plate, ll, turns, the cam link -members 15 and I6.

best in Figs. 1 and 7; and the gear 9 is located between the arms of this/ bracket l0. Between the gears 9 and 5 and in constant mesh with the 3 the arms of gear bracket III, as is gear 9, and

secured thereto is the gear 8, all as shown in Figs.

1 and 7.

It will be noted, as a consequence of the-fore aforesaid gears-and similarly disposed, between 5 gears 8 and 9; and further, that thecam plate ll' cannot move until clutch members 5! and 6a become engaged since the motivating force is transmitted to 6a. from axle 4 through pin 6b. With this arrangement it will also be seen that the clutch jaws 5g and 6f cannot remain engaged for more than one: complete revolution of the cam plate ll since the cam projection llb will cause them to become disengaged through link members i la and- 10 and clutch collar 1. Pivotally connected to cam plate II by means of nut and bolt member lZa, as shown in Fig. 9, is the elevator link member l2. At the opposite end of shaft 9a and integrally connected therewith is a crank member 9b; pivotally connected to this crank member by means of nut and bolt member l3a, as shown in Fig. 7, is another elevator link member I3. The throw about shaft lid for pin l2a is equal to that for pin l3a. Referring to Figs. 1 and 11 it will be seen that the upper ends of elevator link members l2 and l 3 are pivotally' connected with the lower ends of elevator slides I60, and l5a,-respectively, and that said elevator slides ride within channels l6b and l5b respectively of elevator guides l5 and Hi. Said elevator guides are upright in position and between frame members le and If, guide member l5 being secured at its lower end to frame member le and guide member It at its lower end to frame member If. Members le and If, it'will be noted,'are positioned in a spaced apart relation to each other and parallel to the longitudinal frame members la and lb; and are secured at their rear ends to and upon frame cross member lo and at their forward ends to cross member l9. Respectively secured to elevator slide members I So and I Go and in conjunction with and secured to elevator topping pan l4,. are the members I50 and IE0. These members I50 and IE0 serve not only to hold the pan member l4 between them, but also to hold the slide members l5a. and lSa within the channels of their respective guide All this is best shown in Fig. 11. Therefore, as shaft 9a rotates, slide members I54: and [6a will reciprocate within their respective channels ll'ab and lGb thereby through members I50 and l6c elevating and lowering elevator pan l4. Respectively secured to the upper ends'of members l5 and I6 are the support rlriembers Illa and l8b as shown in Figs. 1, 5, and members l8a and l8b in such a way that it can rotate but will have no transverse motion is the Transversely positioned between the support 5, and 11.

shaft lla, as shown in Figs. 1, 5, and 11. Coaxially secured to said shaft and centrally positioned between support members l8a and l8b is the cylindrically shaped member 11a, and secured to its periphery and radially extending away therefrom is scoop We as shown in Figs. 1, Securely connected at its one end to shaft lla is the arm member l'ld. Pivotally connected with the other end of arm member l'ld is the connecting link llid, said link member llid also being pivotally connected by its other end with elevator slide l6a. Hence as elevator slide reciprocates scoop member l'lc is rotated about shaft lla by arm Nd and link lGd. It will be noted here that the above mentioned parts, especially the elevator pan l4 and scoop l'lc, are so coordinated that as the elevator pan l4 israised from the position shown by solid line to that indicated by broken line in Fig. 1, the scoop member l'Ic is rotated clockwise from the position shown by solid line to that shown-by broken line so that anything within pan l4 will be moved rearwardly with respect to the machine as a whole. Also, it will be noted thatthe elevator pan' I4 is V shaped in its cross section and that the end of the scoop coming within the pan is correspondingly shaped as seen best in Fig. 11'.

In conjunction with the elevator pan I4 is a conveyor mechanism which moves rearwardly and upwardly, and is composed principally of conveyor sprockets 23 and 24, conveyor chain 25, and conveyor guides 26 as seen in Fig. 1. The guides 26 are two in number and are positioned so as to form a V shaped trough with an opening at its apex and extending the entire length of the conveyor as best shown in Figs. 1 and 5. These guides 26 are pivotally supported at their rear and upper ends upon cross member lg by straps 26a as shown in Fig. 1. Cross member lg in cross section is circular and is positioned transversely within frame I, one end being rigidly secured to member la and the other rigidly secured to lb; at the lower and forward ends of conveyor guides 26 and pivotally connected thereto are the digger points 21 as shown best in Figs. 1 and 3. The digger points are also two in number, one for each guide member 26, and are so shaped that, when in position for use in the spaced apart relation shown in Fig. 3, their tips 21b are farther apart than their heels 21c, and, further, the tips 21b are slightly lower than heels 21c as seen best in Fig. 1. In Fig. 3, the

' digger points are shown rigidly secured to supports 2811. also, said supports being integral with diggerelevator 28. It will be noted that said digger member elevator is substantially an inverted U and'that its sides, which are straight, ride within channel members 28b and 280. In Figs. 1 and 3 the digger points 21 and elevator 28 are shown at their extreme lowered position, and in Fig. 1 these are shown by broken line in their extreme raised position, it being noted that when in this extreme raised position those said digger points will be above the surface of the ground.

In Fig. 3 the channel, member 281 is shown as being riveted near its upper end to a short longitudinally disposed frame member In and this member In in Fig. 4 is shown rigidly secured at its end to a transverse cross member li and a stub lgi. The transverse cross member li is rigidly secured at its ends between longitudinal frame members la and lb. Channel member 280 is rigidly secured, in a manner similar to the securing of channel member 28b, to a short longitudinal frame member lie; and member lk is rigidly secured by its ends between transverse member l2 and stub member lm in a manner similar to the way that member In is shown secured between member l 2' and stub member I in Fig. 4. Between the underside of frame member lb and the lower end of channel member 28b, brace member 28d is secured; and between the underside of frame member la and the lower end of channel member 280, brace member 28a is secured, all asshown in Fig. 3. Between the inner ends of stub members la and Im, and rigidly secured thereto by its own ends, is positioned cross member In, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, to serve as additional support for elevator guides 28b and 280' and also to strengthen frame l.

a To the lower ends of the sides of elevator 28 are secured brackets 28 and 28g, and rigidly secured therein are the ends of shaft 24a, it being noted that the ends of this shaft 24a are bent so as to be approximately perpendicular to the main portion, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4. Centrally positioned on shaft 24a bet-ween the sides of elevator 28 and above the lower ends of conveyor guides 26, is conveyor sprocket 24 which is held in its central position thereon by means of cotter pins 241) and 24c. Integrally connected to the hub 24d of sprocket 24 are two sets of conveyor elements, 24c and 24f, one set near each end of the sprocket hub, as seen best in Figs. 1 and 3. It will be noted in Fig. 1 that these conveyor elements, 24a and 24), are neither tangential with the periphery of sprocket hub 24d nor do they extend radially away therefrom, but that they are in a position in between these two. It will be noted further that since sprocket 24 turns clockwise as seen in Fig. 1, the tip of these conveyor elements 24c and 24 f in turning will lead the base, or portion, where said conveyor elements are secured tothe conveyor hub 24d. By being positioned in this manner, the conveyor elements will offer greater resistance to bending when engaging the beets.

As an integral part of the conveyor sprocket 24, are the sprocket teeth 24g, which engage the conveyor chain 25. This chain 25 is provided with conveyor elements 25a which also serve to link the chain together. The element 25a. before becoming an integral part of conveyor chain 25, is U shaped, but after the chain links 25b are positioned upon element 25a, the ends thereof are bent into the shape shown in Figs. 1, 3, and 5, it being noted that the tip of element 25a, as the conveyor chain moves, leads the part securing links 25b together. Also it should be noted that the elements 25a do not all extend from one side of chain 25, but alternately from eachside.

At the upper and rearward end of the conveyor is conveyor sprocket 23. It is centrally positioned 3 upon shaft 230, and is free to rotate thereon, but is secured in its central position so that it may not move transversely upon shaft 230.. Engaging its teeth 23c is the conveyor chain 25; and positioned about the periphery of the hub 23b near each end are the conveyor elements 23 and 239. This sprocket 23 is like sprocket 24 in all respects excepting fromtlie hub 23b is the hub extension 23c, and at the end of this extension 230 and integral therewith is a sprocket 2311 which is of smaller diameter than sprocket 23 as seen best in Fig. 5. Engaging the teeth of sprocket 23d is a link chain 40. This chain 49 is driven by a sprocket 4h which is rigidly secured to axle 4 and turns therewith as seen in Figs. 1 and 5. Hence it will be seen that as axle 4 turns, as the beet harvesting and topping machine rolls for ward, the sprocket 472. will turn and drive sprocket 23d through chain 4g, and that as sprocket 23d is turned conveyor chain 25 is turned and sprocket 24 is turned. Referring to Figs. 1 and 5 it will be seen that as ,the machine rolls forward, and

because of the arrangement of the sprockets and chains, the sprocket 23 will be turned in such a direction that conveyor chain 25 will move so that it will convey beets from the lower and forward end to the upper and rearward end of the conveyor, from which point the beets will be discharged onto the forward end of elevator pan I4, and it will be seen alsotllat simply by changing any one or all of sprockets 23, 23d, and 4h for sprockets of difierent'diameters that the rate at which sprocket 23 turns with respect to the rate at which rear wheels 2 and 3 turn may be altered to suit the circumstances; and that in this manner the rate at which the beets are conveyed to elevator topping pan l4 may be controlled, having due regard, however, to the distance between the beets as growing in the ground. Further, it is well to note at this point, that as the machine moves forward, the digger points 27 when in their lower position, on passing through the ground, engage the beets at their under receding sides and lift them from the ground. This is so because as the machine moves forward, or what is the same, as the beets move rearward with respect to the digger points 21, those beets coming between the said digger points 21 are elevated as they pass from the points 21b toward the heel 270, as will be seen by Fig. 1. At about the time a beet reaches the heel 210 its top, since the beet grows in an up right position, is engaged by the conveyor elements 24e, 24f, and 25a, and because of the direction of travel of elements 24e, 24f, and25a at this point, which is toward the rear of the machine, the beet is pulled out of the ground and over onto the conveyor guides 26, top first; and it isin this position that the beet is dragged upythe conveyor, between guides 26 by its engagement with conveyor chain elements 25a, and delivered onto elevator topping pan I4, itf being note d that the opening along the bottom side and between conveyor guides 26 as herein before described is not great enough to allow any of the beets to fall to the earth but that it is sufficiently large to allow any soil to fall through onto the ground.

The beets, as they are delivered onto the topping pan Hl, are pushed, tops first, against stop member |9a which is an integral part of clutch link member Is, as seen in Figs. 1 and 11. Member I9 is pivotally mounted between thearms of gear bracket ID as shown in Figs. 1 and 7. In Figs. 1 and 7 it will be seen that the lower end of link member I9 engages one end of link member He, that said link I I0 is pivotally secured to transverse frame member |c at its under side by pivot (1, that to the other end of link I I0 is pivotally secured link He by one end and that the other end of link' I la is pivotally secured to link Ia. Hence it will be seen that as stop member |9a is pushed backwardly by beets coming onto topping elevator pan l4, through the hereinbefore described linkage composed of members I I0, I Ie, I la, 10, and clutch collar 1, the clutch jaws 5g and Ba will become engaged thereby causing elevator pan M to raise as hereinbefore described.

As a means to sever the beet tops from the beets as the topping pan M is elevated there is provided a sharp edged blade |5d which is rigidly secured in a transverse position between elevator guides l4 and IS with the sharp edge down, all as best shown in Figs. 1 and 11. The

blade |5d is so positioned that as the rearward end of elevator pan l4 passes by there will be a shearing action provided for, the beet tops protruding beyond the end of said elevator pan. When the pan l4 reaches the topof its stroke the beet thusly topped is discharged from the pan by scoop member He which is coordinated with elevator pan l4, all as hereinbefore described. The beet on being discharged from elevator pan M will fall into a hamper, not shown, positioned at the rear of the heel; topping and harvesting machine. The beet tops will fall to the ground as they are cut from the beets.

In Figs. 1 and 5 it will be seen that sprocket 23 is rotatably mounted upon shaft 23a, that to the ends of shaft 23a are rigidly secured slide blocks 20a and 2|a, and that said blocks are positioned within the channelled portions of conveyor sprocket supports 20 and 2|, said supports 20 and- 2| being upright in position and rigidly secured at their lower ends respectively to longitudinal frame members la and lb. To block 200. is rigidly secured by one end shaft 20b, the shaft being positioned vertically within the channelled portion of member 20 and extending upwardly from the block 2011; shaft 2|b is rigidly secured by one end to block 2|a, is vertically positioned within channelled portion of member 2| and extends upwardly from block 2|a, all as seen in Figs. 1 and 5. To the tops of conveyor sprocket support members 20 and 2| is rigidly secured transverse member 22 which serves to hold members 20 and 2| in spaced apart relation. It will be noted that the ends of shafts 20b and 2|b extend through and above member 22 as seen best in Figs. 1, 5, and 6. Shaft 2| is provided with a pin 2|c upon which is positioned collar 2|d; between collar 2|d and member 22 is positioned helical spring 2|e. On the upper end of shaft 2| is threaded nut 2|h; immediately below this nut 2|h is collar 2|g; and between this collar2|g and member 22 is positioned helical spring 2|}. Shaft 20 is similarly provided with pin and collar (not shown), spring 20c, spring 20f, collar 20g and nut 20h; Because of this arrangement of the above described parts, shaft 23a can move vertically up or down carrying sprocket 23 with it; but its motion is within the limits of compression of the springs 20c and 2|e or 20f and 2|f. Blocks 20a and 2|a serve to guide the movement within the channels of members 20 and 2|. This arrangement is provided so that the sprocket 23 and the conveyor elements 23f and 25a will adjust themselves within conveyor guides 26 to the size of the beets.

The digger points-as hereinbefore described, are secured to elevator, 28. Also secured to this elevator, 28, by means of brackets 28 and 28g is the shaft 24a upon which is positioned the sprocket 24 as has been described. Because of this relation of sprocket 24 to elevator 28 and digger points 2'! to elevator 28, it will be seen that as one is elevated or lowered so is the other. As the digger points are shifted up or down, and because they are rigidly secured to conveyor guides 25, said guides will also be shifted at their front and lower ends in a like manner, the rear and upper ends of conveyor guides pivoting about cross member lg. To accomplish all this the elevator 28 is provided at its upper end with brackets 2871. and 281', said brackets being rigidly secured to elevator 28. Secured by one end in a position between said brackets 28h and 282 by means of a pin is the link member 287'. This link member 287' is bifurcated at its other end, and

' axle 4 are rollers 20.

pinned thereto between the bifurcated portions by one end is another link member 28k. By its other end link 2870 is rigidly secured to the end of shaft Ip, all as seen in Figs. 1 and 3. Referring to Figs. 1 and 3 it will be seen that shaft I p is positioned directly above frame cross member Ii and is secured thereto by one end by journal brackets lq and Ir, shown in Fig. 3, and that link member 2870 is positioned between these journal brackets. At its other end shaft lp is journaled within journal ls, said journal being rigidly secured upon longitudinal frame member la. Secured on this shaft I pis a gear 28m which meshes with another gear 280 which is secured on a shaft 281;, which shaft 21in is also journaled in the journal Is, and on the extended end of the shaft 281:. is a hand wheel 28p, thus providing means for operating the digger elevator 28. By turning the hand Wheel 28p the shaft 281: is turned which turns the gear 280 which in. turn revolves the gear 28m and therewith the shaft lp which operates the link members 289' and 28k thus raising or lowering the elevator 28. The front wheels 29 are connected with the front portion of the frame Iby a substantially conventional 5th wheel arrangement consisting of supports 29a which extend downwardly from the frame I and to which is secured, a wheel member 2% which rides upon another wheel member 290,

which wheel 290, is supported on a member 29d which is provided with an upwardly extending portion forming akin pin for the 5th wheel arrangement, all of whj h is shown best in Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings.

In Figs. 12 and 13 is shown the connection of the rear or traction wheels 2 and 3 with the axle 4 which provides operation of the axle with the forward movement of the traction wheels 2 and 3 but releases from the shaft 4 with any backward movement and {consists of cam portions 211 positioned in the hub 2b of the wheel 2 and interposed between these cam portions 2a and the Thus when the hub moves in one direction relative to the axle 4 these bearings bind upon the axle, while when moved in" the opposite direction they are released from the axle and permit the free movement of the axle relative to the hub.

Though I have shown and described a particular construction, combination and arrangement of parts and portions, I do not wish to be limited to this particular construction, combination and arrangement, but desire to include in the scope of my invention the construction, combination and arrangement substantially as set forth in the appended claims.

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

1. In a beet harvesting and topping machine, a frame member, traction wheels for supporting one end of said frame member, an axle in connection with said traction wheels, beet digger and puller members pivotally supported on said frame in elevating position, and means mounted on the front portion of said frame in connection with said digger members including link, gear, and hand wheel means for raising and lowering the same at their front ends.

2. In a beet harvesting and topping machine, a frame member, traction wheels for supporting one end of said frame member, an axle'in connection with said traction wheels, beet digger and puller members pivotally supported on said frame in elevating position, means mounted on the frame in elevating position, means mounted on the front portion of said frame in connection with said digger members including link, gear, and hand wheel means for raising and lowering the same at their front ends, a moveable conveyor positioned contiguous to said digger members provided with extended engaging portions adapted to move between said digger members for elevating beets with their tops rearwardly, and a reciprocable topper member operable by the shaft connected with the traction wheels in the rear portion of said conveyor adapted to engage and cut the tops from the beets.

4. In a beet harvesting and topping machine, a frame member, traction wheels for supporting one end of said frame member, an axle in connection with said traction wheels, beet digger and puller members pivotally supported on said frame in elevating position, means mounted on the 'front portion of said frame in connection with said digger members including link, gear, and hand wheel means for raising and lowering the same at their front ends, a moveable conveyor positioned contiguous to said digger members provided with extended engaging portions adapted to move between sa d digger members for elevating. beets with their tops rearwardly,

a reciprocable topper member operable by the.

shaft connected with the traction wheels in the rear portion of said conveyor adapted to engageand cut the tops from the beets, and means for automatically stopping and'starting said topper operated by the movement of the beets on the conveyor.

5. In a beet harvesting and topping machine, a frame member supported at its rear end on traction wheels and supported at its front end on fifth wheel connecting means wheels, an axle in connection with said rear traction wheels provided with means for releasing the axle from said wheels when said frame is moved backwardly but engaging said wheels when said frame is moved forwardly, 'a beet topper operatively connected with said rear axle positioned on said frame, cam and clutch means in connection with said rear axle and said beet topper for releasing said topper from said rear axle with each revolution of said shaft, and trigger means for reengaging said topper with said shaft operable by the movement of said beets, and a conveyor pivotally mounted on said frame with its rear end in close proximity to said topper and its front end inclined forwardly and downwardly.

6. In a beet harvesting and topping machine, a frame member supported at its rear end on traction wheels and supported at its front end on fifth wheel connecting means wheels, an axle in connection with said rear traction wheels provided with means for releasing the axle from said wheels when said frame is'moved backwardly but engaging said wheels when said frame is moved forwardly, a beet topper operatively conlution of said shaft, and trigger means for recngaging said topper with said shaft operable by the movement of said beets, a conveyor pivotally mounted on said frame with its rear end in close proximity to said topper and its front 10 end inclined forwardly and downwardly, and'digger and puller members secured on the front end of said conveyor.

7. In a beet harvesting and topping machine,

a frame member supported at its rear end on traction wheels and supported at its front end on fifth wheel connecting means wheels, an axle in connection with said rear traction wheels pro-v vided with means for releasing the axle from said wheels when said frame is moved backwardly 0 but engagingsaid wheels when said frame is moved forwardly, a beet topper operatively connected with said rear axle positioned on said frame, cam and clutch means in connection with said rear axle and said beet topper for releasing said topper from said rear axle with each ,revo

lution of said shaft, and trigger means for reengaging said topper with said shaft operable by the movement of said beets, a conveyor pivotally mounted on said frame with its rear end in close proximity to said topper and its front end inclined forwardly and downwardly, digger and puller members secured on the front end of said conveyor, and elevator means on the front portion of said frame engagement with said digger and puller members for raising and lowering said digger members together with the front portion of said conveyor.

8. In a beet harvesting and topping machine, a frame member supported at its rear end on 0 traction wheels and supported at its front end on fifth wheel connecting means wheels, an axle in connection with said rear traction wheels provided with means for releasing the axle from said wheels when said frame is moved backwardly but engaging said wheels when said frame is moved forwardly, a beet topper operatively connected with said rear axle positioned on said frame, cam and clutch means in connection with said rear axle and said beet topper for releasing said topper from said rear axle with each revolution of said shaft, and trigger means for reengaging said topper with said shaft operable by the movement of said beets, a conveyor pivotally mounted on said frame with its rear end in close proximity to said topper and its front end inclined forwardly and downwardly, digger and puller members secured on the front end of said conveyor, elevator means on the front portion of said frame engaged with said digger and puller members for raising and lowering said digger members together with the front portion of said conveyor, and another conveyor member moveable relatively to said first mentioned conveyor with extending portions interposed between the members of said first mentioned conveyor member for conveying beets upwardly and backwardly on said conveyor member.

9. In a beet harvesting and topping machine, a frame member, supported at its rear end on tract-ion wheels and supported at its front end on fifth wheel connecting means wheels, an axle in connection with said rear traction wheels provided with' means for releasing the axle from said wheels when said frame is moved back- 76 wardly but engaging said wheels when said frame is moved forwardly, a beet topper operatively connected with said rear axle positioned on said frame, cam and clutch means in connection with said rear axle and said beet topper for releasing said topper from said rear axle with each revolution of said shaft, and trigger means for reengaging said topper with said shaft operable by the movement of said beets, a conveyor pivotally mounted on said frame with its rear end in close proximity to said topper and its front end inclined forwardly and downwardly,.digger and puller members secured on the front end of said conveyor, elevator means on the front portion of said frame engagement with said digger and puller members for raising and lowering said digger members together with the front portion of said conveyor, another conveyor member moveable relatively to said first mentioned conveyor with extending portions interposed between the members of said first mentioned conveyor member for conveying beets upwardly and backwardly on said conveyor member, and said moveable conveyor consisting of chain and sprockets and said chain provided with extending beet engaging portions.

10. In a beet harvesting and topping machine, a frame member, traction and caster wheels supporting said frame member, an axle in connection with said traction wheels engageable therewith when said frame moves forwardly only, a moveable chain conveyor operatively connected with said axle, a beet topper operatively connected with said axle, cam and clutch means in connection with said axle and said topper adapted to be shifted with the movement of beets so that said topper automatically stops and operates dependent upon the movement of the beets.

11. In a beet harvesting and topping machine, a frame member, traction and caster wheels supporting said frame member, an axle in connection with said traction wheels engageable therewith when said frame moves forwardly only, a moveable chain conveyor operatively connected with said axle, a beet topper operatively connected with said axle, cam and clutch means in connection with said axle and said topper adapted to be shifted with the movement of beets so that said topper automatically stops and operates dependent upon the movement of the beets, and a combined digger member and conveyor members with their rear portions pivotally mounted on said frame and means for raising and lowering said digger members and the front portions of said conveyor members.

12. In a beet harvesting and topping machine, a frame member, traction and caster wheels supporting said frame member, an axle in connection with said traction wheels engageable'therewith.

13. In a beet harvesting and topping machine,

a frame, wheels for suporting said frame, digger and puller members supported on said frame indiverging termediate its sides consisting of forwardly digger members with their front ends inclined downwardly adapted to engage the beets in their lower receding portions and raise the same with the forward movement of said digger members, and a conveyor in connection with said digger members including spaced stationary members providing and sprocket means movable relatively thereto, both chain and sprockets provided with extending beet top engaging portions interposed between said stationary conveyor members.

14. In a beet harvesting and topping machine, a frame, wheels for supporting said frame, digger and puller members supported on said frame intermediate its sides consisting of forwardly diverging digger members with their front ends inclined downwardly adapted to engage the beets in their lower receding portions and raise the same with the forward movement of said digger members, a conveyor in connection with said digger members including spaced stationary members providing dirt releasing space, chain an sprocket means movable relatively thereto, both chain and sprockets provided with extending beet top engaging portions interposed between said stationary conveyor members, and a topper member on the rear portion of said frame elevated from said digger members adapted to engage and top the beets motivated by said conveyor.

15. In a beet harvesting and topping machine, a frame, wheels for supporting said frame, digger and puller members supported on said frame intermediate its sides consisting of forwardly diverging digger members with their front ends inclined downwardly adapted to engage the beets in their lower receding portions and raise the dirt releasing space, chain same with the forward movement of said digger members, a conveyor in connection with said digger members including spaced stationary members providing dirt releasing space, chain and sprocket means movable relatively thereto,

both chain and sprockets provided with extend-- ger and puller members supported on said frame' intermediate its sides consisting of forwardly diverging digger members with their front ends inclined downwardly adapted to engage the beets in their lower receding portions and raise the same with the forward movement of said digger members, a conveyor in connection with said digger members including spaced stationary members providing dirt releasing space, chain and sprocket means movable relatively thereto, both chain and sprockets provided with extending beet top engaging portions interposed between said stationary conveyor members, a topper .iember on the rear portion of said frame elevated from said digger members adapted to engage and top the beets motivated by said conveyor, means for receiving said beets and means for removing the tops, and said topping means, said top removing means, and said conveyor and all operating parts operated from the traction wheel axle.

LOUIS A. GEIBIG.

Images