Abstract: A system for coupling, uncoupling and controlling the operating parameters of the header assembly on an agricultural combine. A fixed coupler block on the feeder assembly of the combine is coupled with a movable coupler block on the header assembly to join hydraulic and electrical conduits by rotating a coupler handle to lock the blocks together. As the handle rotates, it also causes push-pull cables to actuate latch pins which mechanically couple the header assembly to the feeder assembly. The system senses whether a header assembly is present or not and, if present, what type of header assembly is present. In the latter case, the system then controls the operating parameters of the header assembly.

Abstract: An offset auger feed assembly for use with a grain harvesting combine. A grain elevator is used to lift the grain into a storage tank on the combine. The grain elevator encloses a plurality of paddles connected to a continuous chain. Sprockets located at the top and bottom of the grain elevator support the continuous chain. An auger trough is connected to the bottom of the grain elevator. An auger positioned in the auger trough feeds grain into the bottom of the grain elevator. The shaft of the auger is offset from lower sprocket that supports the continuous chain at the bottom of the grain elevator in such a manner that the lower sprocket and the continuous chain do not interfere with the flow of grain into bottom of the grain elevator.

Abstract: A rock trap sump assembly includes a rock trap sump having an opening through which rocks may be ejected, a door pivotally supported adjacent to the opening, a latch arm pivotally coupled to the rock trap sump about a first axis and a link pivotally coupled to the door about a second axis and pivotally coupled to the latch arm about a third axis. The latch arm pivots about the first axis to move the door between a first closed position in which the door closes the opening and a second opened position in which the door pivots away from the opening.

Abstract: A combine and corn harvesting head of the type for removing ears of corn from their associated stalks are disclosed herein. The harvesting head includes a row unit for each row to be harvested by the combine while following a path through a field of corn to be harvested. The row units each include a stationary vertical surface and a continuous belt rotatably supported to provide a moving surface parallel to the vertical surface. The row unit removes ears of corn from their respective stalks when the ears are engaged by both the moveable and the stationary surfaces. More specifically, the movement of the moveable surface relative to the stationary surface rotates the ears relative to the stalks (i.e. rolls the ears along the stationary surface) to remove the ears and to convey them to the conveying auger of the harvesting head. The ears are then conveyed into the combine where they are threshed to remove the kernels of corn from the cobs of the ears.

Abstract: A rotary combine including a feeder mechanism and a rotor assembly having an impeller assembly arranged at a forward end of a rotor. The feeder mechanism includes a housing which is pivotally connected to the combine about a transverse axis. The feeder mechanism housing envelops a conveyor assembly used to impart linear movements to the crop materials as they are advanced toward the rotor assembly. Prior to their introduction to the rotor assembly, the linearly advancing crop materials are discharged from a rotary member. A salient feature of the present invention involves the communicative relationship established between the rearmost rotary member from which the crop materials are discharged and the foremost end of the impeller assembly.

Abstract: A stone trap assembly for inhibiting stones, rocks, and the like from passing into a combine threshing area from a feeder mechanism adapted to advance crop material through a housing. The stone trap assembly includes a stone receiving trough and a rotatable beater mechanism arranged in combination relative to each other. The stone trough and beater mechanism conjunctively extend laterally across the width of the feeder mechanism. The feeder mechanism includes a series of spiral flight sections, with each flight section having a helix configuration between opposite ends thereof to enhance performance of the feeder mechanism by lessening cyclic contact of the beater mechanism with the crop material passing therethrough and providing a generally uniform flow of crop material to the threshing area of the combine.