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Francis Smith's Corn Sheller

From the American Agriculturist, 1844

This machine, Smith's Power Corn Sheller and Separator, consists of a horizontal toothed cylinder, six feet long and 1 foot, two inches in diameter. The ears of corn, in the operation, are confined to a part of the upper and rising side of this cylinder, by means of a cast iron concave extending the whole length of the machine, and, being shoveled or let in the machine at one end, they are driven through, and the cobs discharged at the opposite end, while the grain falls below. The operation is governed by elevating or depressing the discharge end, which causes the machine to discharge the cobs fast or slow. This machine is capable of shelling 300 bushels of ears per hour.
F.N. Smith, New York, 1844

There being a considerable demand for my sheller this fall, I have thought it advisable to write you a few words in regard to their use. The teeth are the only part that need renewing, and these should not be suffered to wear down so as to expose the covering of the cylinder. New teeth can be added by setting new rows of them between the old ones to occupy their places, as these would continue to protect the covering of the cylinder and could do no harm. I think it would be advisable for you to keep a quantity of teeth to meet demands, as they are certain to wear down, and the covering of the cylinder as certain to fail unless the teeth are renewed and kept at about their present height. Purchasers should keep the cylinder coated with durable paint, as it would not only protect it against rust and decay, but against friction also. This could be accomplished by having two machines, so while one was at work, the other could be repaired and painted.
F.N. Smith, Valatia, Sept 22d, 1845.

U.S. Patent No. 3114, Francis N. Smith, Kinderhook, New York, June 1, 1843