Abstract: An air flow deflector panel for insertion into existing combines of the axial flow type without modification to the combines for changing the direction of air flow from the cleaning fan to the sieve section. The air flow deflector panel includes a plate having mounting brackets for attachment to the existing structure of the combine for holding the plate which extends across the separation chamber behind the outlet of the throat of the cleaning fan. The plate includes an angled portion for directing a required portion of the air beneath the sieves past the front portion thereof. The air flow deflector panel accomplishes more effectively separation of the straw and chaff from the grain being collected below the sieve section than is currently possible with certain models of combines of the axial flow type and further eliminates the use of a higher air flow which can in any event result in a portion of the grain being expelled with the debris.

Abstract: An expert system is used to perform surveillance, diagnosis and prognosis of a plant such as a nuclear reactor used in electrical power generation. The expert system uses one of current actual plant data, previously stored actual plant data or simulated plant data as plant condition data to perform an evaluation of operating conditions in the plant. When current actual plant data is used, a data acquisition system supplies the plant condition data. The expert system accesses the plant condition data, regardless of its source, periodically as a surveillance frame is triggered by the rules in the root frame controlling the expert system. Other frames in the expert system perform diagnosis and prognosis of the plant condition.