Abstract: A combined motor and transmission assembly in which a singular, tubular housing contains the motor and a planetary transmission. This tubular housing has the ring gear for the planetary transmission gear set formed integrally within its internal walls and also directly supports on its external wall a member driven by the planetary transmission.

Abstract: The header of a combine harvester is modified to include an elongated axial flow rotary separator unit having coaxial threshing and separating portions. The unit is interposed in the header between a generally conventional gatherer portion and a feederhouse. The separator axis is transverse of the combine and parallel to the cross auger of the gatherer unit which transfers gathered crop material directly to the receiving portion of the separator rotor. Separated grain and chaff is delivered by the feederhouse to a cleaning shoe carried in the body of the combine. Straw is discharged onto the ground from the downstream end of the separator unit. In one embodiment the combine body is generally conventional except that the removal of the separator unit permits a deeper grain tank for greater grain tank capacity. Alternative embodiments include an articulated configuration for the combine body in which a front bogie supports a forward mounted header and includes an engine and cleaning shoe.

Abstract: In the axial flow rotary separator of a combine harvester spiral propulsion of the crop material mat is achieved through the cooperation of helical guide vanes in the separator casing and rotor fingers free to swing axially. The rotor is eccentrically mounted so that each finger fully engages the mat for only part of each revolution. While in engagement, the fingers maintain the circumferential propulsion of the mat but each finger is free to be carried downstream by the mat under the influence of the guide vanes, deflected from its normal free fully radially extending position. On disengagement from the mat, centrifugal force restores the finger to its fully extended position ready for reengagement of the mat.

Abstract: In an articulated combine, the hinge arrangement connecting the front and rear bogies consists of spaced-apart upper and lower links. The lower link construction provides for oscillation between the bogies as well as establishing a steering pivot center. The upper link normally lies in a fore-and-aft plane and is pivotally connected between rearward upper portions of the respective bogies, thus spanning the length of the rear bogie. The hinge arrangement also provides part of the structure for a conveyor for conveying clean grain between the front and rear bogies. In one embodiment, the upper link comprises an auger tube into which clean grain is introduced by a clean grain elevator and cross auger. In another embodiment, the lower link assembly does double duty as an auger conveyor housing.