US2186059A - Fine-grading machine - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 9, 1940. R. D. BAKER FINE-GRADING MACHINE Filed July 5, 1938 8 Sheets-Sheet l A ORA '5 Y Jan. 9, 1940. R BAKER 2,186,059

FINE-GRADING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 5, 1938 lNVENTOR y 770 .Zerz Z 3 1 2 5; 4f 1 A ORNEY R. D. BAKER FINE- IIIIIIIIIII NE Filed Jui 5, 193a 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 Jan. 9, 1940.

R. D; BAKER FINE-GRADING MACHINE Filed July 5, 1938 8 Sheets- Sheet .4

I TTORNE Y M m m N QJJAWIA I I I I I I I l I I 1 Jan. 9, 1940. R. D. BAKER FINE-GRADING MACHINE Filed July 5, 1938 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 I I I I I I i I I I I m Yw N NN i MW We M 4 .1 /B\A n a q. vQQm f V km 5 SQ NW \N 9, 1940- R. D. BAKER 2,186,059

' FINErGRADING MACHINE Filed July 5, 1938 s Sheets-Sheet s Jan.9, 1940. I I R. b. BAKER 2,186,059

FINE-GRADING MACHINE Filed July 5, 1938 V 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 1 -/44 ,3? /43 11 E "/4, IN VENTUR E- Fa); J 34 r f grokzwsy Jan. 9, 1940. R. D, BAKER 2,186,059

FINE GRADING MACHINE Filed July 5, 1938 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 INVENTOR BY W . 1 TTORNE V Patented Jan. 9, 1940 UNITE STATES rarest c erics 2,186,059 q H FINE-GRADING MACHINE Robert D. Baker, Binningham, Mich. Application July 5, issaserialno. 217,418 20 Claims. (C1; 37 108) travel on road forms erected alongside a strip to be graded and paved after all necessary roughgrading is done by-means-of plows, harrows, bull- "dozers, scrapers. or other/earth moving equipment. Some fine-grading machines have been mounted on caterpillar endless chain type tractors with the earth cutting mechanism thereof cantilevered thereahead. v

The use of road forms as means upon which a fine-grader travels is extremely expensive inas- 7 much as .the said forms must be placed prior to the fine-grading of a road which requires a great amount of hand ditching and grading to place the said road forms accurately before the finegrading operation; The use of fine-grader adjustmentduring operation to assure accurate results and to admit of accurate changes of the gradients of the subgrad being p p therer by. i

It is one of the objects of this invention to ticnalview taken on the line 1-! of Fig. 3 showprovide a fne grading machine which operates Without the use of road forms or other trackage particularly adapted to cut and remove earth to an accurate grade.

Another. object of the invention is to provide a fine-grading machine in which the earth cutting and removing mechanism may be raised, lowered and tilted during the operation of the said machine at a multiplicity of positions with respect to the main frame of the-said machine.

Another objector the invention is to provide panying drawings, in which:

mounted on caterpillar endless chain type trac tors having the earth cutting mechanism canti levered thereahead is not susceptible to accurate stant inventionto provide a complete and improved fine-grader including means for disposing of earth removed by the earth cutting mecha-' ,nismcff the improved fine-grader either to the rear or to the side of the said machine andineluding novel means for positively feeding earth removed by the earth cutting mechanism of the said improved fine-grading machine to the said earth disposed means carriedthereb y.

. Other objects of the invention and improvemerits uponfine-grading machines will become apparent by reference to the following detailed descriptiontaken in connection with the accom- Fig. 1 is a fragmentary plan view of a finegrading machine embodying the invention.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary plan view of a portion of -the fine-grading machine shown in Fig. 1 disclosing an alternate means for positively feeding earth to the earth disposal means carried by the {1 i said fine-grader.

Figsfi and 4 combined show a complete-side elevat-ional view of the novel fine-grader shown 'in-Fig. 1.

' Fig. 5 is a skeletonized view in perspectiveshowing the framework of the novel fine-grader.

Fig. 6 is enlarged fragmentary side elevation-a1 view showing the earth digging mechanism employed in the illustrative embodiment of the fine-graderdisclosed and a portion. of the earth;.30

disposal means.

Fig.--'l is an enlarged fragmentary cross secing -the earth digging mechanism employed.

Fig 8 is an enlarged fragmentary cross sec-,Bll tional view taken. on the line 88 of Fig. 1 showing-aportion of the earth disposal means eming first and second sub-frame thereof raised With respect to the main frame thereof to a transport position, and. the scarifiers thereof carried by the first sub-frame also raised to a trans- I port position.

Fig. 10 is askeletonized side elevational View similar to 9 showing the first sub-frame and the scarifiers carried thereby lowered from. a transport to a working position and the second 59' sub frame carrying the earth cutting mechanism lowered to a working position.

Fig. ll. is a skeletonized side elevational view similar to Fig. 10 showing the second sub-frame ,carrying the. earth cutting mechanism lowered to a deeper cutting position with respect to the first sub-frame and scarifiers carried thereby.

Fig. 12 is a skeletonized side elevational view similar to Fig. 11 showing the first sub-frame and the scarifiers carried thereby lowered to a deeper working position and the second subframe carrying the earth cutting mechanism lowered to a still deeper cutting position with respect to the said first sub-frame and the scarifiers' carried thereby.

Fig. 13 is a more or less skeletonized diagrammatic cross sectional View of the fine-grading machine disclosed in Figs. 1 to 8 inclusive showing the first sub-frame thereof and the scarifiers carried thereby in the working position illustrated in Fig. 10 and the second sub-frame" carrying the earth cutting mechanism lowered to the working position illustrated in Fig, 10.

Fig. 14 is a skeletonized diagrammatic cross sectional view similar to Fig. 13 showing one side of the second sub-frame carrying the earth cutting mechanism lowered on one side only to a deeper cutting position with respect to the first sub-frame and the scarifiers carried thereby than shown in Fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is a skeletonized diagrammatic cross sectional view similar to Fig. 13 showing the entire second sub-frame carrying the earth cutting mechanism lowered to a deeper cutting position with respect to the first sub-frame and the scarifiers carried thereby than shown 'in Fig. 13.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like and corresponding parts throughout the several views, the illustrative embodiment of the invention disclosed therein comprises, in general, a fine-grading machine having a main frame mounted for mobility on front wheels 2| and rear caterpillar type endless treads 22, a first sub-frame 23 pivotally supported at its rearward end from caterpillar tread axles 24 which also pivotally sup-ports the rear end of the said main frame 25, means such as screw or hydraulic jacks 25 supported on the main frame 22 adapted to support the said first sub-frame 23 at the forward end thereof and pivotally raise and lower the said first sub-frame 23 around its rear pivotal axis 24, scarifiers 26 secured from said first sub-frame, a second subframe 2? suspended from the said first sub-frame 23 in a laterally and longitudinally tiltable and vertically adjustable relationship therefrom,

earth cutting and removal mechanism as hereinafter described in detail carried by said second sub-frame, and means for driving the various movable elements of the said fine-grading machine. v

The said main frame 2!! is composed of a pair of main longitudinally disposed channel members 2% reinforced into a box shaped section by suitable plates 25! welded to the outwardly disposed flanges of the said channels 250 and spaced transverse rear members 2632, all braced together bysuitable bracing members 203, 204, 205 and gussets 225, 287 and 258. A transverse strut 209 disposed between the main longitudinally disposed channel members of the said main frame 28 located in vertical alignment with the forward end of the first sub-frame 23 serves as a means for supporting the said jacks 25 upon which the forward end of the said first sub-frame 23 is adjustably supported.

The said main frame 20 is suitably pivotally mounted at its rear end to the caterpillar tread axles 24 which in turn are mounted on the apex of the A-struts 28 extending upwardly from the side rails 29 of the endless caterpillar treads 22 vthrough which front and rear caterpillar tread sprocket shafts 30 and 380 respectively carrying caterpillar tread sprockets 3! are journaled on the usual take-up type bearings "32. The said side rails 29 are provided with a plurality of caterpillar tread idlers 220 against which the said treads 22 travel between the said caterpillar tread sprockets 3i.

The said main frame 25 is supported at its front end on suitably tired front wheels 2! journaled on a front axle 33 in the usual manner on suitable spindles 3 1 to admit of steering the finegrading machine by turning the said front wheels 2| by such means as a conveniently located steering wheel 35 mounted on a steering column 36, a universal joint 3?, and aworm and sector mechanism 38 adapted to impart reciprocating motion to a steering rod 39 connected to a steering arm 45. A parallelogram composed of a pair of arms H, the front axle 33 and a laterally disposed strutrod 42 causes both front wheels to turn together under control of the steering wheel 35 and the aforementioned steering mechanism. The front end of. the said main frame 20 is suitably mounted on and supported above the front axle 33 on a. suitable vertically disposed.

V-strut 43. A like vertically disposed V-strut M spaced rearwardly from the said V-strut 43 serves as an anchorage for the horizontally disposed wishbone strut 45 which maintains the front axle 33 in proper alignment.

The caterpillar traction treads 22 are each driven by means of endless chains 46 and 460 running between slow speed drive sprockets 41, intermediate reducing sprockets 410 and 4' on the countershaft 412 and the rear driven sprockets 48 keyed on the inwardly extended end of each rear caterpillar tread rear sprocket shaft 306. A chain drive 49 driven, from the main motor 58 through the main transmission 505 and main power sprocket shaft 50! under the control of a main clutch 502 engaged and disengaged by a main clutch hand lever 503 0011- veniently located near the steering wheel 35.is connected to a speed-reducer 5i coupled to the traction transmission 52 which is adapted to rotate the slow speed drive sprockets 41 and apply power to the traction treads 22 under control of a traction clutch 53 engaged and disengaged by means of a traction clutch hand lever 54 also conveniently locatednear the steering wheel 35. Transmission shift levers 5050 and 52581 are provided to select the desired speed gearing in the main transmission 500 and the traction transmission 52 respectively. An auxiliary main clutch hand lever 5030 and an auxiliary traction clutch hand lever 540 is provided toward the rear of the fine-grader for convenience.

The said first sub-frame 23 is composed of a pair of laterally spaced longitudinally disposed channel members 238 pivotally journaled and supported at their rearwardly disposed ends on the transverse caterpillar tread axles '24 which also have the rear end of the said main frame 20 'journaled thereto and supported therefrom. A braced tower 55 composed of spaced vertical channels 550 and 55! and suitable cross bracing 552 is secured to the back of each of the said of each of the main frame members Nil-whereby to serve as a lateral guide for the said sub-frame 23. The said braced towers having the forward end of the longitudinal channels 23d of the said first sub-frame 23 secured thereto are hung in depending relationship from a bridge 56 com posed of a pair of transversely disposed channels 559 positioned above the said jacks 25 supported on the said transversestrut 28!! of the saidzmain frame 20. The said first sub-frame 23 is thusly adapted to be pivotally raised and lowered at its forward end with the said transversely disposed caterpillar tread axles 2 as its pivot point. An

operating platform 23I preferably supported from the said first sub-frame 23 ;provides access to the various controls of the fine-grader. 1

I The said second sub-frame 2T is composed of three-laterally disposed channel members Elli, 2?! and 212 secured in spaced relationship to each other by upper longitudinally'disposed spacer channels M3 and lower longitudinally disposed spacer angles Z'M'secru'ed to the top and bottom of the said laterally disposed channel member 2193, 2'?! and 212 substantially at the ends thereof. The said second sub-frame 2'5 is slightly wider than the first sub-frame 23 and is suspended therefrom by suitable hangers El piv- 'otally connected to front and rear eccentric hoist arms 58 and 59 respectively projecting from and turnable with a hoist shaft 6t; mounted on and parallel to each of the said longitudinal channel members can of the said first-sub-frame 23, the said hangers-5i being pivotally connected to the corners'of the said second sub-frame 2'l near the ends of the laterally disposed channel members 2 1i and H2 thereof. Worm and pinion gearing 6i and a hand wheel {:2 mounted on the forward end of each channel 238 of the-first sub-frame 23 rotates each of the said hoist shafts 6! thereby raising or lowering the second subframe 2'! with respect to the first sub-frame 23.

It will be particularly noted that the front eccentric hoist arms 58 are longer than the rear eccentric hoist arms 59 which causes the said second sub-frame 21 to be lowered with respect to the said first sub-frame 23 agreater distance at the front thereof than at the rear thereof wherebythe angle at which the earthcutting mechanism carried by the said second sub-frame 21 is caused to work maybe varied with respect to the terrain. Also, the earth 'cutti'ng mecha nism carried by the said second sub-frame 2'1: may be adjusted and tilted to various: digging" angles by manipulation of the said second subframe 2'! with respect to the first sub-frame 23 both with'and without the pivoting of the said first sub-frame 23 around its. pivotal axis" 2 8 to various vertical angles with respect to the said main frame 29 whereby to admit of complete control of the earth cuttingr mechanism and the finished grade at which the fine-grader works regardless of the elevation at which its front wheels 2! may be positioned on rough terrain with respect to the position of the caterpillar treads 22 on the finished graded surface prepared by the said fine-grader.

Inasmuch as thehoist shafts fill carrying the eccentric hoist arms 58 and 59 may be operated independently of each other, the said second sub- 'f1&lTiB Tl may be tilted laterally and longitudi nally simultaneously wherebyto permit the-finegrader to grade a strip to substantially one-half of a crowned roadway or to grade a strip substantially to the bank of a curve. I

The said first sub-frame 23 is provided with a plurality of depending arms 63 preferably piv-. oted from the vertical channels 550 and 55l of the braced towers 55 thereof around suitable pivot pins t l, the said depending arms 63 carrying a transversely disposed scarifier beam 65.

onto whicha plurality of scarifierblades 66 are wedged by wedges 6'5 driven into suitable aperi register with the flanges of the saidscarifie'r beamfih when the rear of the Ed are wedged thereagainst, The said notching said scarifier blades ttiof'the rear of the scarifier blades 66 provides means for accurately and adjustably mounting the said scarifier blades 66 in any desired'posiv tion on the said scarifier beam 55. The said scarificr beam 55 is pivotally raised and lowered by means of cables id connected to a scarifier hoist ii inounted' on'the top ofthe forward portion cf the longitudinal main frame members 200 of the main frame Ell. Chains 52 anchored to brackets 73 on the bottom of the forward portion of each ofthe said main frame members 200 of the main frame llfi suitably secured to'the swingablc scarifier beam that chain anchor plates {its thereon causes thescarifier blades 86 to be towed by the main frame 20 of thefine-grader rectly transferred to the main frame of the fine-grader whereby to avoid over-stressing the comparatively light first sub-frame 23 thereof.

- whereupon stresses fromthe scarifiers are di' The earth cutting or digging mechanism and the loading mechanism for loading earth cut or' dug by the said earth cutting mechanism onto earth disposal meanssupported on the main frame 2!! are carried by the second sub-frame 21 and'are driven by the main motor 50 bymeans of a suitable preferably double chain drive 14 from[' the main power sprocket shaft 50f through a universal splined shaft '15, one end of which is connected to a sprocket shaft it journaled on the main frame 2;} and the other end of which is cbnnected to a sprocket shaft i'i-journale'd on" the supports "18 on the said second sub-frame 21.

As best shown in Figs. 6 and '7, the said digging mechanism comprises a plurality of cutting blades 19, each mounted on a pair of reciprocating arms fill connected to eccentrics 8! by suitable eccentric straps 82 rigidly fixed to the said reciprocating arms BiL'the said eccentrics 8! being mounted on an eccentric shaft-d3 vsuitably journaled on the central laterally disposed second sub-frame member 21 5 by suitable bearings 8d.- Thesaid'e ccen- "trio shaft 33 is driven from the said sprocket shaft ill journaled on" the supports 18 on the second sub-frame Why a suitable double chain;

drive 85. The forward portion of each of the reciprocating arms 80 are pivoted from suitable 1 brackets 86 mounted on the rear of the forward laterally disposed second sub-frame member 210 by means of pivot arrnsdl pivotallyfdepending' from the said brackets 36 on pivot pins 83, the saidpivot arms- 81 being pivotally connected to the said reciprocating arms 38 by pivot pins 89 extending through the lower end of each pivot arm 8! and a bracket dll preferably secured by such neans as a nut Si to the said forward portion of each of the said reciprocating arms 80.

The arrows on the dotted lines as in Fig. 6 indicate the path taken by the said cutting blades 19 when eccentric shaft 83 rotates in a clockwise direction when looking at the end of the eccentric shaft in Fig. 6. The eccentrics 8i are prefer ablymounted on the eccentric shaft 83 in pairs in circumferential staggered relationship to other pairs of eccentrics 81 to admit of only a fraction of the cutting blades I9 to be on their cutting stroke at any time during any single revolution of the eccentric shaft 83.

A pair of laterally spaced oppositely running flight conveyors 93 as best shown in Figs. 1-, 3, 6 and 8 are disposed between the central and rear laterally disposed sub-framemembers 2' and 272 respectively of the second sub-frame 21 each flight conveyor comprising a plurality of saw tooth flights 94 secured to and cantilevered from a pair of endless conveyor chains 95 disposed over conveyor sprockets 96 keyed to conveyor sprocket shafts 9i and 970 which are suitably jou rnaled between the said laterally disposed second sub-frame members 2' and 212. The said flight conveyors 93 are driven by flight conveyor chain drives 90 and 930 which rotate conveyor sprocket shafts 910 in opposite directions from a pair of oppositely rotating idler shafts 99 and I driven from the eccentric shaft 83'by means of a reduction chain drive take-off IOI, right angle bevel gearing I02 and pinion gearing I020. The said idler shafts 99 and I00, the slow speed end of the reduction chain drive take-off IN, the said bevel gearing I02 and the pinion gearing, I020 are all mounted on a platform 215 supported on channels 276 disposed on top of the laterally disposed'channel members 210 and 2II of the said second sub-frame 21.

Final smoother blades I03 located to the rear of each flight conveyor 93 and the scoop I04 disposed therebetween carried by the rear transverse member 212 of the second sub-frame 21 on vertically disposed depending hangers 211 and horizontally disposed angles 218 and 219 urge all loose earth or other material cut or dug by the earth cutting blades I9 thereahead as the finegrader travels forward, the said smoother blades I03 scrape the said loose earth or other material in the path of the laterally spaced flight conveyors 93 which drag or scrape the said loose earth or other material cut or dug by the said earth cutting blades 19 to the longitudinal center of the fine-grader infront of the said scoop I04.

A pair of suitably braced push arms 232 fixed to and depending from the said longitudinally disposed channels 230 of the first sub-frame 23 receive and resist the reaction of the cutting blades '19 and the final smoother blades I03 carried by the second sub-frame 27.

Means for positively feeding earth or other material conveyed by the flight conveyors 93 to the scoop I04 up the said scoop onto a disposal conveyor I05 is positively accomplished by a screw I06 as shown in Figs. 1 and 8 or by propeller blades I060 as shown in Fig. 2 keyed on a shaft I01 suitably journaled between the sub-frame members 2' and 212 at the longitudinal center of the fine-grader a proper distance above the said scoop I 04, the said shaft I01 and screw I06 or propeller blades I000 keyed thereto is preferably rotated by means of a chain drive I00 connected to the idler shaft 99.

Deflector plates I09 supported in depending relationship from the central laterally disposed sub-frame member 2' at the sides of the second sub-frame 2! on brackets H0 and the depending hanger H00 serve to guide loose earth and other material cut by the outer cutting blades I9 into the path of the flight conveyors 93.

The said disposal conveyor I05 is preferably of the usual trcughing belt type and is supported on and from the main frame 20. The said disposal conveyor slopes upwardly from below the top of the scoop I04 to a position suificiently high to transfer earth or other material carried thereby to a boom conveyor I I i. However, although not shown, it is obvious that the said disposal conveyor I05 .may be of any suitable length and its discharge end may be made suificiently high to discharge earth or other material carried thereby directly to trucks or the like brought up to the rear of the fine-grader.

The said disposal conveyor I05 is preferably driven by a suitable chain drive III from the main power sprocket shaft 50I under control of a clutch H2 and through a speed reducer II3, pinion gearing H4, a countershaft II5 and a chain drive H6 connected to a suitable sprocket keyed to the laterally extending shaft of the top conveyor power roller I050.

The boom conveyor II! is also of the usual troughing belt type and is preferably provided with a plurality of spaced cleats 10 disposed at the base of the trough of the belt thereof to overcome any tendency for earth or other material carried thereby to pile up at the lower end thereof when the said boom conveyor Ill is elevated to an extremely high angle. The said boom conveyor 5 I? is preferably mounted on a suitable spaced channel boom NH and may be driven by an independent engine II8 connected to a speed reducer II9, a chain drive I and a boom chain drive and take-up I2I which is connected to a suitable sprocket keyed to the laterally extending shaft of the top conveyor power roll I I12.

The said boom I "I is preferably pivotally connected by the horizontally disposed pivot pin I22 to a U-shaped bracket I 23 pivotally connected by a vertical king pin I24 to a frame I25 supported by suitablemeans from the main frame 20. Rollers I26 journaled to the sides of the said U-shaped bracket I23 travel on an arcuate Suitable means, not shown but preferably located on the U-shaped bracket I23, may be provided to fix the boom II'H in any position to which it may be swung. A chute I33 at the foot of the said boom I I1! directs loose earth or other material from the disposal conveyor I05 onto the boom conveyor 70.

The complete flexibility of operation of the novel fine-grader disclosed herein is best shown in Figs. 9 to 15 inclusive, which figures are more or less skeletonized diagrammatic views showing the novel fine-grader with the earth scarifying and digging mechanism thereof in a transport and various dig positions.

Fig. 9 shows the fine-grader inits transport 7 position with the first sub-frame 23 and the second sub-frame 2Ithereof raised materially above the general grade line I40, and with the scarifiers 66 thereof hoisted well up out of their operating position.

Figs. wand 13 show the fine-grader in a working position taking a light out with its front wheels 2I running on the general grade I40, and with the scarifiers 26, earth cutting blades 19,

final smoothing blades I03 and scoop I04 all' lowered to a shallow, cut position on the finished grade line I41; the tractor treads 22 running on the finished grade, Ml. v

Fig. 11 shows the fine-grader in another working position taking a medium heavy cut withits front 1 wheels 2| running on the general grade Mil, with the scarifiers 26 taldng a light cut, and with the earth cutting blades 19, final smoothing blades 103, scoop Hid all lowered toa medium cut posi- 'tion on the finished gradeline Ml; the tractor treads 22 running on the finished grade 14!.

Figs, 12 and 15 shows the fine-grader in an 7 other working position taking a heavy cut with the front wheels 2| running on the general grade I40, with the scarifiers 26 taking a medium heavy cut, and with the earth cutting blades 19, final smoothing blades Hi3, and scoop I04 all lowered to a heavy cut position on the finished grade line MI; the tractor treads 22 running on the finished grade Ml.

Fig. 14 shows the fine-grader with the second sub-frame 2'! carrying the earth cutting blades I9 tilted by mechanism hereinbefore described in detail to accomplish .a laterally slopingicutflsuch as the bank of a curve, the scarifiers 26 being illustrated in the position shown in Fig. 10 while the earth cutting blades 19 have been tilted to accomplish a medium'cut on one side of the finegrader and a deep cuton the other as best indicated by the finished grade line Mil).

It is obvious that any desired relationship be tween the work to be done by the scarifiers 26 and the work to'be done by the earth cutting blades 19 may be easily and readily variedby manipulating the elevation of the first sub-frame 23' and the second sub-frame 21 as hereinbefore described. Also, by hoisting the scarifiers 26 out of a working position, the scarifying operation may be dispensed with.- Obviously, in addition to accomplishing a sloping-cut as shown in Fig. 14, a

, level out may be accomplished. when the main frame 20 of the fine-grader is tilted as one of the front wheels 2| becomes elevated on high spots in the terrain being graded by'tilting'the second sub-frame 21 carrying the earth cutting blades 19 in an opposite direction to the tilt, of the said mainframe 2U.

As hereinbefore pointed out, thecutting blades 19 carried by the second sub-frame 21 are tilted longitudinally forward as the said second subframe 27 is'lowered by virtue of use of longer hoist arms at the front of the mechanism used to raise and lower the sub-frame 21 than atthe rear of the mechanism used to raise and lower the said sub-frame 21. This makes" it possible for the operator of the fine-grader to dig in faster at the start of a cut or when changing the gradient of a finished surface being p-repared by the novel fine-grader.

The various drive means disclosed and described herein are not a part of this invention, it being understood that'the means for applying power to and driving the various movable elements of the novel fine-grader disclosed herein may be altered and arranged in any manner desired with- 1 out departing from the scope of the invention.

Although but one embodiment of the invention and one modification thereof has been shownand I claim:

1. In a fine-grading machine, a main frame, mobile means supporting said main frame at the front and rear thereof, a first sub-frame pivoted at the rear of said main frame adapted to be pivotally raised and lowered longitudinal- 13; with respect to the said main frame, a second sub-frame supported in depending relationship 7 from the said first sub-frame, earth cutting mechanism carried by said secondv sub-frame, and means for raisingand lowering the said second sub-frame and earth cutting mechanism carried thereby both longitudinally and transversely independently of and with respect to the said main frame and firstxsub-frame, the said raising and lowering'means being adapted to tilt the said second sub-framesimultaneously with the rais ingand lowering of the same.

2. In a fine-grading machine, in combination,

'amain frame, mobile means supporting said main frame at the front and rear thereof, a first sub,-

frame shorter than the said main framefpivoted at the rear of said main frame adapted to be pivotally raised and lowered longitudinally with respect'to the said main frame, scarifier means pivotally depending from the said first sub-framealong the front thereof, means connected to said scarifier means'below the pivots thereoffor towing said scarifiers from said main frame, a second sub-frame supported in depending relationship from the said first sub-frame rearwardly of said scarifier means, earth cutting mechanism carried by said second sub-frame, and ,means for raising and lowering the said second sub-frame and earth cutting mechanism carried thereby both longitudinally and transversely independently of and with respect to the said main frame, firstsub-frame and the scarifiers carried thereby, the said raising and lowering means being adapted to tilt the said second sub-frame simultaneously with the raisingand lowering of:

the same. a

3; In a machine of the class described, a main frame, 'mobile means supporting the said main frame at the frontand rear thereof, the said front mobile means traveling on terrain to be graded, a first sub-frame pivotally mounted at said rear mobile supporting means, means on the said main frame for pivotally raising and 'loweringsaid first sub-frame longitudinally with respect to the said main frame, a second subframe supported in depending relationship from Y the forward end of said first sub-frame, earth cutting means operably mounted on said second sub-frame, and means for raising'and lowering said second sub-frame at longitudinal and trans- 'verse' angles with respect to said first sub-frame whereby to admit'of directing the said cutting mechanism to accurate finished grade regardless of the position which the said main and first sub-frame may assume with respect tothe terrain being graded during the forward movement of Y the machine, the said raising and lowering means being adapted to tilt the said second subframe simultaneously with the raising and lowering of the same.

=1; In a machine of the class described,in combination, a main frame, mobile means'supporting the said main frame at the front and rear thereof, the said front mobile means traveling on terrain to be graded, afirst sub-frame pivotally mounted at said rear mobile supporting meanameans on the said main frame for pivotally raising and lowering said first sub-frame longitudinally with respect to the said main frame, scarifier means carried by said first subframe, a second sub-frame supported independing relationship from the said first sub frame rearward of said scarifier means, earth cutting means mounted on said second sub-frame, and means for raising and lowering said second subframe at longitudinal and transverse angles with respect to said first sub-frame whereby to admit of directing the said cutting mechanism to accurate finished grade regardless of the position which the said main frame and scarifiers may assume with respect to the terrain being graded during the forward movement of the machine, the said raising and lowering means being adapted to tilt the said second sub-frame simultanefor suspending said second sub-frame from said first sub-frame adapted to raise and lower the said second sub-frame and digging mechanism carried thereby simultaneously with forwardly tilting the same upward and downward with respect to the said first sub-frame.

6. In a fine-grading machine, a main frame, mobile means supporting the said main frame at the front and rear thereof, a first sub-frame pivotally supported at the rear of the said main frame adapted to be pivotally raised and lowered longitudinally with respect to the said main frame, a second sub-frame, digging mechanism carried by the said second sub-frame, means for suspending said second sub-frame from said first sub-frame adapted to raise and lower the said second sub-frame and digging mechanism car.- ried thereby simultaneously with forwardly tilt ing the same upward and downward with respect to the said first sub-frame, and means depending from the said first sub-frame adapted to receive and transfer the rearward reaction from the said digging mechanism carried by the said second sub-frame during the operation thereof from the said second sub-frame to the said rear mobile means.

7. In a fine-grading machine, a main frame, mobile means supporting the said main frame at the front and rear thereof, a first sub-frame pivotally supported at the rear of the said main frame adapted to be pivotally raised and lowered longitudinally with respect to the said main frame, a hoistshaft mounted on and parallel to each side of the said first sub-frame, a pair of eccentric arms keyed to each hoist shaft in spaced relationship to each other, the forward eccentric arm on each hoist shaft being longer than the rear eccentric arm thereon, hangers pivoted on each eccentric arm, a second subframe suspended from the said first sub-frame on said hangers, earth digging mechanism carried by said second sub-frame, and meansfor rotating said hoist shafts whereby the said second sub-frame and digging mechanism carried thereby may be tilted longitudinally of the said main and first sub-frames simultaneously with raising and lowering the said second sub-frame and digging mechanism with respect thereto.

8. In a fine-grading machine, a main frame, mobilemeanssupportingthesaidmainframeat'the front and rear thereof, a first sub-frame pivotally thereof,

same

.front and rear thereof,

arms keyed to each hoist shaft in spaced relationship to each other, the forward eccentric arm on each hoist shaft being longer than the rear eccentric arm thereon," hangers pivoted on each eccentric arm, a second sub-frame suspended from the said first sub-framc on said hangers, earth digging mechanism carried by said second sub-frame, and means for rotating said hoist shafts independently of each other whereby the said second sub-frame and digging mechanism carried thereby may be tilted longitudinally and transversely of the said main and first subframes simultaneously with raising and lowering the saidsecond sub-frame and digging mechanism with respect thereto.

9. In a fine-grading machine, main framework carried by mobile means at the front and rear digging mechanism, sub-framework carrying said digging mechanism suspended from said main framework, and means for tilting said sub framework both longitudinally and transversely with respect to said main framework simultaneously with raising and lowering the with respect to said main framework whereby to apply said digging mechanism to the desired finished grade while the front mobile means travels on terrain to be graded.

10. In a fine-grading machine, in combination, main framework carried by mobile means at the suspended from and towed by said framework adapted to be raised and lowered with respect to.

said framework, digging mechanism, sub-frame work carrying said digging mechanism suspended from said mainframework, and means for tilting said sub-framework both longitudinally and transversely with respect to said main framework simultaneously with raising and lowering the same independently of'and with respect to said scarifiers and said main framework whereby to apply said digging mechanism to the desired finished grade while the front mobile means travels on terrain to be graded.

11. In a fine-grading machine, main' framework carried by mobile means at the front and rear thereof, digging mechanism, sub-framework carrying said digging mechanism suspended from said main framework, means for tilting said subframework and digging mechanism carried thereby both longitudinally and transversely with respect to said main framework simultaneously with raising and lowering the same with respect to a finished grade line, final smoothing means carried by said sub-framework movable with said digging mechanism to the said finished grade terial removed by said digging mechanism.

12. In a fine-grading machine, main framework carried by mobile means at the front and rear thereof, scarifiers pivotally suspended from and towed by said framework adapted to be raised and lowered with respect to said framework to or above a finished grade line, digging mechanism, sub-framework carrying said digging mechanism suspended from said main framework, means for tilting said sub-framework longitudinally andtransversely with respect to line, and means for disposing of surplus maand digging mechanism carried thereby both said framework simultaneously with raising and lowering the same independently of and with resub-frame supported in depending relationship I from the said first sub-frame, earth cutting mechanism carried bysaid second sub-frame,means for raising, lowering and tilting the said second subframe and earth cutting mechanism carried thereby'both longitudinally and transversely in-- dependently of and with respect to the said main frame and first sub-frame, a central earth scoop and laterally adjacent final smoother blades carried bythe rear of the said second sub-frame, flight conveyors mounted on said second subframe adapted to scrape surplus material from in frontof said smoother blades to. said scoop,

and a disposal conveyor positioned to receive material from said scoop.

14. In a fine-grading machine, in combination,

a main frame, mobile means supporting said main frame at thefront'thereof, a first sub-frame shorter than the said mainframe pivoted at the rear of said main frame adapted to bepivotally raised and lowered longitudinally with respect to the said'main frame, a second sub-frame supported in depending relationship from the said first sub-frame, earth cutting mechanism carried by said second sub-frame, means for raising, lowering and tilting the said second sub-frame and ear'th cutting mechanism carried thereby both longitudinally and transversely independently of and with respectto the said main frame and first sub-frame, 'a central earth scoop and laterally adjacent final smoother blades carried by the rear of the said second sub-frame, flight conveyors mounted on said second sub-frame between said earth cutting mechanism and said smoother blades adapted to scrape surplusmaterial from in front of said smoother blades, to said scoop, a disposal conveyor positioned to receive material from said scoop, and means disposed in spaced relationship above said scoop adapted to feed material deposited on said scoop by the said flight conveyors up said scoop and onto said disposal conveyor.

15 In a fine-grading machine, in combination, a main frame, mobile means supporting said mainframe at the front and rear thereof, a first sub-frame shorter than the said main frame pivoted at the rear of said main frame adapted to be pivotally raised and lowered longitudinally with respect to the said main frame, a

second sub-frame supported in depending relationship from the saidfirst sub-frame, earth cutting mechanism carried by said second; sub-- frame, means for raising, lowering and tilting the said second sub-frame and earth cutting mechanism carried thereby both longitudinally and transversely independently of and with respect to the said main frame and first sub-frame,

a central earth scoop and laterally adjacent final smoother blades carried by the rear of 'the said second mounted on said second sub-frame between saidearth cutting mechanism and said smoother sub-frame, flight conveyors blades adapted to scrape surplus material from in front of said smoother blades to said scoop, a disposal conveyor positioned to receive material from said scoop, and a screw disposed in spaced 1 relationship above-said scoop adapted to throw material deposited 'on'said scoop by the said flight conveyors up said scoop andonto said disposal conveyor. A

16. In a fine-grading machine, in combination,

a main frame, mobile means supporting said main frame at the front and rear thereof, a first sub-frame shorter than the said main frame pivoted at the rear of said main frame adapted to be pivotally raised and 'loweed longitudinally with respect to the said" main frame, a second subframe supportedin depending relationship from the said first sub-frame, earth cutting mechanism carried by said second sub-frame, means for raising, lowering and tilting thesaid second subframe and earth cutting mechanism carried thereby both longitudinally and transversely independently of andwith respect to the said main frame and first sub-frame, a central earth scoop and laterally adjacent final smoother blades carried by the rear of the said second sub-frame, flight conveyors mounted on said second subframe between said earth cutting mechanism and v said smoother blades adapted to scrape surplus material from in front of said smoother blades to said scoop, a disposal conveyor positioned to receivematerial from said scoop, and propeller blades disposed in spaced relationship above'said scoop adapted to throw material depositedon said scoop by the said flight conveyors up said scoop and onto said disposal conveyor.

'17. In a fine-grading machine, in combination, a main frame, mobile means supporting said mainframe at the front and rear thereof, a first sub-frame shorter than the said main frame pivoted at therear of said main frame adapted to be pivotally raised, and lowered longitudinally with respect to the said main frame, a second subframe supported in depending relationship from ing, lowering and tilting the said second subframe and earth cutting mechanism, carried thereby'both longitudinally and transversely independently of and with respect to the said frame and first sub-frame, a central earth scoop and laterally adjacent final smoother blades carried by the rear of the said second sub-frame, fiight conveyors mountedv on said second, sub-frame between said earth cutting mechanism and said smoother blades adapted to scrapesurplus material from in front of said smoother bladesto said scoop, a disposal conveyor positioned to receive material from said scoop, and a boom conveyor adapted to receive material from said disposal conveyor and discharge the same to the rear or sides of the said grading machine.

18. In a fine-grading machine, in combination, a main frame, mobile means supporting said main frame at the front thereof, a first subframe shorter than the said main frame pivoted at the rear of said main frame adapted to be pivotally raised and "lowered longitudinally with respect to the said main frame, a second subframe supported in depending relationship from the said first sub-frame, earth cutting mechanism carried by said second sub-frame, means for raising, lowerin'g'and tilting the said second sub- ,frame and earth cutting mechanism carried the said first sub-frame, earth cutting mechanism carried by said second sub-frame, means for raisthereby bothlongitudinallyand transversely independently ofand with respect to the said main frame and first sub-frame, a central earth scoop and laterally adjacent final smoother blades carried by the rear of the said second sub-frame, flight conveyors mounted on said second subframe between said earth cutting mechanism and said smoother blades adapted to-scrape surplus material from in front of said smoother blades to said scoop, a disposal conveyor positioned to receive material from said scoop, means disposed in spaced relationship above said scoop adapted to feed material deposited on said scoop by the said flight conveyors up said scoop and onto said disposal conveyor, and a boom conveyor adapted to receive material from said disposal conveyor and discharge the same to the rear or sides of the said grading machine.

19. In a fine-grading machine, in combination, a main frame, mobile means supporting said main frame at the front and rear thereof, a first sub-frame pivoted at the rear of said main frame adapted to be pivotally raised and lowered longitudinally with respect to the said main frame, a second sub-frame supported in depending relationship from the said first sub-frame, earth cutting mechanism carried by said second subframe, means for raising and lowering the said second sub-frame and earth cutting mechanism carried thereby both longitudinally and transversely independently of and with respect to the said main frame and first sub-frame to a finished grade line, the said raising and lowering means being adapted to tilt the said second sub-frame simultaneously with the raising and the lowering of the same, final smoothing means carried by said second sub-frame movable therewith to the said finished grade line, and means for disposing of siu'plus material accumulating ahead of said final smoothing means.

20. In a fine-grading machine, in combination, a main frame, mobile means supporting said main frame at the front and rear thereof, a first sub-frame shorter than the said main frame pivoted at the rear of said main frame adapted to be pivotally raised and lowered longitudinally with respect to the said main frame, scarifier means pivotally depending from the said first subframe along the front thereof, means connected to said scarifier means below the pivots thereof for towing said scarifiers from said main frame, a second sub-frame supported in depending relationship from the said first sub-frame rearwardly of said scarifier means, earth cutting mechanism carried by said second sub-frame, means for raising and lowering the said second sub-frameand earth cutting mechanism carried thereby both longitudinally and transversely independently of and with respect to the said main frame, first sub-frame and the scarifiers carried thereby, to a finished grade line, the said raising and lowering means being adapted to tilt the said second sub-frame simultaneously with the raising and the lowering of the same, final smoother means carried by said second sub-frame movable therewith to the said finished grade line, and means for disposing of surplus material accumulating ahead of said final smoother means.

ROBERT D. BAKER.

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