Sieve Or Grate Patents (Class 460/101)
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Patent number: 11064656Abstract: A cleaning system for an agricultural combine includes a cleaning shoe including a chaffer having an upstream extremity and a downstream extremity, a cleaning fan for establishing a flow of air upwardly through the chaffer, and a transverse chaffer dam mounted proximate to the downstream extremity transversely obstructing a crop layer flow path extending over the chaffer from the upstream extremity to the downstream extremity while permitting air and threshed crop material to flow thereover and thereunder through a transverse opening between the chaffer dam and the downstream extremity.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2020Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Inventor: Ronald J. Kile
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Patent number: 10905045Abstract: A combine (10) having a feeder housing (20) for receiving harvesting crop, a separating system (24) for threshing the harvested crop to produce grain and residue, at least one of a yield monitor or a loss monitor, a crop cleaning system (26) for separating the grain from the residue, a residue chopper (114) for chopping the separated residue, an automated chopper pan (116) positioned h below the residue chopper (114), the automated chopper pan (114) having adjustable perforations, and a controller coupled to the at least one of the yield monitor or the loss monitor. The controller is configured to determine at least one of throughput from the yield monitor or loss from the loss monitor, compare the at least one of throughput or loss to respective throughput thresholds or loss thresholds, and control the automated chopper pan (116) to adjust the perforations based on the threshold comparison.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2018Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventor: Robert J. Garrett
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Patent number: 10820520Abstract: A cleaning system for a combine harvester includes a sieve for capturing grain, and a magnetic propulsion system configured to move the sieve in a reciprocating motion with respect to a stationary housing of the combine harvester. The magnetic propulsion system includes a magnet that moves as the sieve moves and a plurality of electromagnets arranged along a path of movement of the magnet during a throw stroke and a return stroke of the sieve. During the throw stroke, the plurality of electromagnets may be one of attracted to and repulsed by the magnet. During the return stroke, the plurality of electromagnets may be another of attracted to and repulsed by the magnet. The magnet may move along an arc, and the plurality of magnet may be arranged along an arc adjacent to the magnet.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2018Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Curtis Frederick Hillen, Daniel Thomas Turner
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Patent number: 10757863Abstract: A cleaning system for a combine harvester having an adjustable throwing angle is provided. The cleaning system includes a shoe for holding a sieve of the cleaning system, a mounting surface disposed on the shoe, and a rocker arm either movably or removably connected to the mounting surface. The rocker arm is configured to be mounted to the mounting surface at at least two different locations on the mounting surface. Each location resulting in a different throwing angle of the shoe of the cleaning system.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2018Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Jeffrey Thomas, Curtis Frederick Hillen, Kevin Scotese, Todd Cannegieter, Karl Linde, Daniel Thomas Turner
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Patent number: 10721865Abstract: A combine harvester includes one or more threshing rotors (5) mounted in the harvester, a grain pan (7) and a set of sieves (8), and a drive mechanism configured to drive a longitudinal reciprocating motion of the grain pan (7) and superimpose a lateral reciprocating motion component on the longitudinal reciprocating motion.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2016Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Frank R. G. Duquesne, Curtis Hillen, Paul E. M. Snauwaert
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Patent number: 10542678Abstract: An agricultural harvester includes a chassis, a threshing and separating system for separating grain from MOG, and a grain cleaning system for further separating grain from residual MOG. The grain cleaning system has a main grain pan beneath the threshing and separating system with the grain pan having openings in its forward and to selectively receive grain from the forward portion of the threshing and separating system. A component beneath the main grain pan directs flow in parallel to the cleaning system either to a pre-sieve within the cleaning system or to an upper sieve.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2016Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventor: Clay Reinecke
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Patent number: 10179511Abstract: A harvester may include a reciprocating member to engage a crop, an electrical generator to convert reciprocating motion of the reciprocating member into electrical energy and an electrical storage unit storing the electrical energy. The harvester may include a first movable member to engage a crop, an electrical generator at least partially carried by the first movable member to generate electrical energy from movement of the first movable member, a second movable member carried by the first movable member and an actuator to drive movement of the second movable member using the electrical energy.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2017Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Jacob G. Schoeny
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Patent number: 9883631Abstract: A combine harvester comprises a threshing unit arranged to receive and thresh a crop stream. Separating apparatus are located downstream and rearward of the threshing unit and are arranged to receive the threshed crop stream and convey such a rearward direction. The front of a return pan, disposed below the separating apparatus, overlaps the rear of a stratification pan, disposed below the threshing unit. The stratification pan is driven in an oscillating manner to convey a primary grain/chaff stream rearwardly to a rear edge from where the primary grain/chaff stream falls under gravity into a cleaning unit. The return pan is driven in an oscillating manner to convey a secondary grain/chaff stream forwardly to a front edge from where the secondary grain/chaff stream falls under gravity to combine with the primary grain/chaff stream on the stratification pan.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2013Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: AGCO A/SInventor: Morten Leth Bilde
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Patent number: 9802473Abstract: A grill assembly is disclosed. The grill assembly includes an air inlet screen. The air inlet screen is configured to allow passage of air therethrough. The grill assembly also includes a base frame. The base frame is attached to the air inlet screen. The grill assembly further includes a plurality of trusses. The plurality of trusses is connected to the base frame. The grill assembly includes a motor affixed to the trusses. The motor is configured to mechanically vibrate the trusses. Further, the trusses are arranged in a manner such that the air inlet screen is configured to vibrate during an operation of the motor.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2015Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Andras-Ede Vincze, Sven Voss
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Patent number: 9504205Abstract: A cleaning section of an agricultural harvester including a sieve and at least one variable stroke sieve drive wherein the sieve is positioned in the harvester to receive crop material from a threshing section and the at least one variable stroke sieve drive is coupled to the sieve wherein the variable stroke sieve drive has a first shaft and a second shaft concentric with the first shaft and the relative angular position between the first shaft and the second shaft establishes an amount of eccentricity of the variable stroke sieve drive.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2015Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventor: Bart Moutton
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Patent number: 8951105Abstract: A combine side-shaking control system that includes a sieve for separating crop material from other material, located in a plane having an X dimension and a Y dimension and configured to move in a fore-aft direction in the X dimension, in a side-to-side direction in the Y dimension and in an up-down direction in a Z dimension. The system also includes a side-shaking assembly configured to move the sieve in the side-to-side direction in the Y dimension. The fixed arm is attached to the sieve and configured to move with the sieve in (i) the fore-aft direction in the X dimension, (ii) the side-to-side direction in the Y dimension and (iii) the up-down direction in the Z dimension. The side-shaking coupling portion comprises a moving portion configured to move in a diagonal direction having a fore-aft component in the X dimension and an up-down component in the Z dimension.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Craig E. Murray, Tyler L. Nelson, Venugopal Chiratanagandla
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Patent number: 8939829Abstract: A combine side-shaking control system includes a sieve for separating crop material from other materials and configured to move in a fore-aft direction. At least one side-shaking assembly includes a mounting device attached to a combine chassis, a lower plate configured to rotate about a lower plate axis and an upper plate configured to (i) have an upper plate rotational motion and rotate responsive to the rotation of the lower plate and (ii) have an upper plate substantially linear motion in a substantially linear direction. A fixed arm is rotatably coupled to the upper plate and attached to the sieve. An actuation device is configured to rotate the lower plate about the lower plate axis. Responsive to the rotation of the upper plate, the sieve is controlled to move diagonal to the fore-aft direction in the substantially linear direction of the upper plate substantially linear motion.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2012Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Craig E. Murray, Tyler L. Nelson
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Patent number: 8880299Abstract: A combine side-shaking control system and a method for controlling operation of a side-shaking mechanism in a combine. The control system includes at least one sieve for separating crop material from other materials and a movable side-shaking mechanism coupled to the at least one sieve and configured to move the at least one sieve in a side-to-side motion. The control system also includes at least one sensor for sensing at least one operating condition of a combine system. The control system further includes a controller for receiving the at least one operating condition and causing the side-shaking mechanism to stop moving the at least one sieve in the side-to-side motion or start moving the at least one sieve in the side-to-side motion based on the at least one operating condition.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2011Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Craig E. Murray, Orlin W. Johnson, Dale W. Panoushek, Tyler L. Nelson, Kevin S. Schwinn, Bin Lou
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Publication number: 20140200057Abstract: A clean grain evacuation device for a grain harvester having a threshing system configured to separate grain harvested by the harvester from crop residue and direct a flow of the grain to a cleaning system disposed within the harvester including at least two sieves disposed and configured to sequentially clean the grain. The evacuation device is disposed for receiving a portion of the flow of the clean grain from a first of the sieves, and is configured to evacuate the received clean grain away from the cleaning system. The evacuation device can include a conveyor disposed for directing the evacuated grain directly to a desired location such as a clean grain receiving system on the harvester. The evacuation device can also be located in an air flow path to the sieves for improving operation and MOG removal.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2012Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: CNH America LLCInventors: Herbert M. Farley, Curtis F. Hillen, Frank R.G. Duquesne, Thierry Devriese
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Patent number: 8777706Abstract: A cleaning system for use in a combine harvester including an auger bed mounted within a frame such that when the combine harvester is laterally inclined from the horizontal, the cleaning system, including the auger bed and a sieve, may be leveled or substantially leveled to a generally horizontal position. The auger bed can include a plurality of augers located side by side with their axes positioned generally longitudinally in the combine harvester.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2011Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Herb M. Farley, Curtis F. Hillen
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Publication number: 20140179382Abstract: A method comprising rotating a rotor to expel, radially, a mixture of grain and material other than grain (MOG) from the rotor and past a rotor cage encircling the rotor; causing an air flow in a substantially arcuate channel defined by the rotor cage, a first cover assembly covering a substantial portion of the rotor cage, and a passive sieve, to entrain a first portion of the MOG; capturing a first portion of the grain with the first cover assembly and plural vanes located along the length and on the interior surface of the first cover assembly, the captured grain sliding by gravity along the vanes to the passive sieve, the captured grain comprising threshed and unthreshed portions; enabling the passage of the captured grain through the passive sieve and into a second channel within which a grain conveying assembly is disposed; conveying with the grain conveying assembly the passed, unthreshed portion rearwardly; and conveying with the grain conveying assembly the passed, threshed portion forwardly.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: AGCO CorporationInventor: Bernard D. Regier
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Publication number: 20140179381Abstract: A combine side-shaking control system that includes a sieve for separating crop material from other material, located in a plane having an X dimension and a Y dimension and configured to move in a fore-aft direction in the X dimension, in a side-to-side direction in the Y dimension and in an up-down direction in a Z dimension. The system also includes a side-shaking assembly configured to move the sieve in the side-to-side direction in the Y dimension. The fixed arm is attached to the sieve and configured to move with the sieve in (i) the fore-aft direction in the X dimension, (ii) the side-to-side direction in the Y dimension and (iii) the up-down direction in the Z dimension. The side-shaking coupling portion comprises a moving portion configured to move in a diagonal direction having a fore-aft component in the X dimension and an up-down component in the Z dimension.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2012Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: CNH AMERICA LLCInventors: Craig E. Murray, Tyler L. Nelson, Venugopal Chiratanagandla
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Publication number: 20140171163Abstract: A combine side-shaking control system includes a sieve for separating crop material from other materials and configured to move in a fore-aft direction. At least one side-shaking assembly includes a mounting device attached to a combine chassis, a lower plate configured to rotate about a lower plate axis and an upper plate configured to (i) have an upper plate rotational motion and rotate responsive to the rotation of the lower plate and (ii) have an upper plate substantially linear motion in a substantially linear direction. A fixed arm is rotatably coupled to the upper plate and attached to the sieve. An actuation device is configured to rotate the lower plate about the lower plate axis. Responsive to the rotation of the upper plate, the sieve is controlled to move diagonal to the fore-aft direction in the substantially linear direction of the upper plate substantially linear motion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2012Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: CNH AMERICA LLCInventors: Craig E. MURRAY, Tyler L. Nelson
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Publication number: 20140128133Abstract: An adjustable chaffer assembly is operable to be mounted in a chaffer housing of a harvester. The adjustable chaffer assembly includes forward and aft chaffer sections. The forward chaffer section includes a forward frame assembly and adjustable forward louvers shiftably mounted on the forward frame assembly. The aft chaffer section includes an aft frame assembly and adjustable aft louvers shiftably mounted on the aft frame assembly. The aft chaffer section is shiftably mounted relative to the forward chaffer section and is shiftable between a parallel condition where the frame assemblies are substantially parallel with each other and an oblique condition where the frame assemblies define an oblique angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2013Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: AGCO CorporationInventor: Bryan S. Claerhout
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Patent number: 8676453Abstract: A method for controlling a crop separating process of a combine harvester with a separation device that transfers crop a cleaning device having at least one sieve with adjustable opening widths driven in an oscillating manner and a fan providing air flow upon the sieves to loosen the crop located thereon, assures that substantially three different loosening phases (F, S, W) occur during the loosening of the crop. The method determines current separation curves of the crop across a width of the cleaning device at points separated from each other in a conveyance direction (FR), evaluates the separation curves, detects the loosening phase (F, S, W) present in a conveyance direction (FR) by comparing the separation curves and initiates action depending on a detected loosening phase (F, S, W) that results in optimization of the loosening on at least one section of the cleaning device.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2012Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Claas Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbHInventors: Willi Behnke, Markus Brune
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Publication number: 20140073380Abstract: A combine harvester that employs a sieve assembly having a frame structure with movement that facilitates pressurizing an air supply connected thereto. Various aspects of the subject disclosure provide for sieve elements having internal air passages that are supported in the frame structure. A plurality of pressurized air ports are disposed along the frame structure or sieve elements and are oriented at an angle so as to direct pressurized air upwardly through the sieve elements. The pressurized air supply is in communication with the air ports.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2012Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: CNH AMERICA LLCInventors: Jonathan Eugene Ricketts, Herbert M. Farley, Martin J. Roberge
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Patent number: 8651927Abstract: A combine harvester that employs a sieve assembly having a frame structure with movement that facilitates pressurizing an air supply connected thereto. Various aspects of the subject disclosure provide for sieve elements having internal air passages that are supported in the frame structure. A plurality of pressurized air ports are disposed along the frame structure or sieve elements and are oriented at an angle so as to direct pressurized air upwardly through the sieve elements. The pressurized air supply is in communication with the air ports.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2012Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Martin J. Roberge, Jonathan Eugene Ricketts, Herbert M. Farley
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Patent number: 8622791Abstract: A cleaning shoe (102) for an agricultural combine comprises a cleaning shoe frame (200); a first plurality of hangers (104) supporting the cleaning shoe frame (200) on the body; a sieve (212) disposed within the cleaning shoe frame (200); two rods (216, 218) supported on the cleaning shoe frame (200), wherein each rod is constrained to pivot about a fore-and-aft axis with respect to the cleaning shoe frame (200); and a second plurality of hangers (214) supported on the rods and coupled to the sieve (212) to support the sieve (212) and constrain the sieve (212) to reciprocate in a lateral direction with respect to the cleaning shoe frame (200).Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2011Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Jared A Puvak, Wesley Brands
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Patent number: 8622792Abstract: A sieve adjustment mechanism including a rack gear, a pivot handle, and an actuator, to mitigate lost motion/play in pivot link sieve assembly. The rack gear is movable between a first and a second position and connectable to a first sieve segment for moving the first sieve segment between a first sieve position and a second sieve position. The pivot handle includes a pinion gear at a first end of the pivot handle for operatively engaging the rack gear for moving the rack gear between the first and second positions and a second end opposite the first end. The pinion gear is rotatable about a first axis. The actuator is connected to the second end of the pivot handle for pivoting the pivot handle about the first axis to move the rack gear between the first and second positions.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2012Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: CNH America LLCInventor: Craig Elwyn Murray
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Patent number: 8572863Abstract: A drying method is provided through a particular arrangement of air intake- and air exhaust roofs, wherein the particular material flows are not only impacted by intake air in an alternating manner from the left and from the right, but also an accumulation of air intake roofs and air exhaust roofs is avoided, which otherwise typically occurs at the separation plane between two chute modules, rotated relative to one another by 180°, which is performed for changing the side of the air impact. This method is advantageous in particular for drying parboiled rice.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2008Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Schmidt-Seeger GmbHInventors: Franz Wiesmeier, Andreas Ehrhardt
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Publication number: 20130210505Abstract: A sieve (166) for a combine harvester (100) cleaning device (146) comprises a frame (10), in which a plurality of similar transversely extending plates (12) are mounted for angular adjustment about respective transverse axes defined by axles (20) that are equally spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction. The plates (12) are angled upwards and rearwards, with adjacent ones of the plates having forward sections of one overlapping rearward sections of the other. The axles (20) include cranks 14 that define adjusting elements, which are received for interacting with slots (16) provided in a longitudinally extending adjusting rod (18) that can be adjusted in its position in the longitudinal direction of the sieve (166), relative to the frame (10), so as to be able to adjust the angles of the plates (12) around their axles (20). The slots (16) are shaped and arranged on the adjusting rod (16) in such a way that at least one plate (12) has an angle different from another plate (12).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2012Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: Lutz BischoffInventor: LUTZ BISCHOFF
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Patent number: 8434624Abstract: A cart is towed behind a combine harvester for collecting corn cobs and includes a conveyer belt feeding into a system for separating cobs from residue to be discharged and a tank for receiving and transporting the cobs. An unload auger is provided from the tank to one side of the cart while the cart moves forward. Power for driving the cart is obtained from a chopper drive of the combine harvester. The separating arrangement includes a series of sequential blower fans for blowing air through the discharged material as it is discharged from a conveyor and into a spreading guide disperses the residue. The cobs are conveyed using a series of augers where the auger to flight distance is at least 2 inches and particularly a pair of augers feed the cobs through a front wall of the tank so as to push cobs upwardly into the tank.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2010Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Redekop Enterprises IncInventors: Leo Redekop, Dean Mayerle
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Publication number: 20130109450Abstract: A cleaning shoe (102) for an agricultural combine comprises a cleaning shoe frame (200); a first plurality of hangers (104) supporting the cleaning shoe frame (200) on the body; a sieve (212) disposed within the cleaning shoe frame (200); two rods (216, 218) supported on the cleaning shoe frame (200), wherein each rod is constrained to pivot about a fore-and-aft axis with respect to the cleaning shoe frame (200); and a second plurality of hangers (214) supported on the rods and coupled to the sieve (212) to support the sieve (212) and constrain the sieve (212) to reciprocate in a lateral direction with respect to the cleaning shoe frame (200).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Inventors: Jared A. Puvak, Wesley Brands
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Publication number: 20130029734Abstract: A method for controlling a crop separating process of a combine harvester with a separation device that transfers crop a cleaning device having at least one sieve with adjustable opening widths driven in an oscillating manner and a fan providing air flow upon the sieves to loosen the crop located thereon, assures that substantially three different loosening phases (F, S, W) occur during the loosening of the crop. The method determines current separation curves of the crop across a width of the cleaning device at points separated from each other in a conveyance direction (FR), evaluates the separation curves, detects the loosening phase (F, S, W) present in a conveyance direction (FR) by comparing the separation curves and initiates action depending on a detected loosening phase (F, S, W) that results in optimization of the loosening on at least one section of the cleaning device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Inventors: Willi Behnke, Markus Brune
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Patent number: 8051988Abstract: A grain conveying apparatus and system for conveying and separating elements of a grain mixture of a first minimum size, such as cob pieces, and a second maximum size smaller than the first minimum size, such as grain or corn, including an upper passage having at least one aperture generally smaller than the cob pieces and larger than the grain or corn. As the grain mixture is conveyed through the upper passage, the cob pieces will pass across the apertures, and the grain or corn will pass through the apertures to the lower passage thereby separating the elements of the grain mixture as it is conveyed from a source bin to separate receiving bins.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2009Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: CNH America LLCInventor: Herbert M. Farley
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Patent number: 7997967Abstract: A sieve for a grain cleaning system of an agricultural combine, including a system providing enhanced adjustability of spacing, including capacities for quickly and easily varying a number of rows of sieve fingers, spacing between the rows, and angular orientation of the fingers, such that better sieve performance, and cleaning action above the sieve, can be achieved for a particular grain or seed size and other conditions, particularly very large sizes and very small sizes.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2009Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Jonathan E. Ricketts, Curtis F. Hillen, Denver R. Yoder
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Publication number: 20110130180Abstract: A sieve tray underlies an exit path of chaff from a harvesting combine, wherein grain is retained in the sieve tray by air pressure provided by a blower. A sieve tray support frame is provided for supporting the sieve tray. The sieve tray support frame has one pivotally mounted frame member movable between a tray supporting and a tray releasing position. A solenoid is provided for remotely moving the pivotally mounted frame member from the tray supporting to the tray releasing position wherein the sieve tray drops onto the field for inspection.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2010Publication date: June 2, 2011Inventors: Norman VAN BRABANT, Gary VAN BRABANT
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Patent number: 7946908Abstract: A cleaning element for a combine harvester having a plurality of cleaning element frames pivotable about parallel longitudinal axes. Each of the cleaning elements has a plurality of pivotal louvers connected to a longitudinal actuating element extending coaxially through the longitudinal pivoting axis of the cleaning frame. A ball joint connects the actuating element with an actuator so that pivoting of the louvers is accomplished independent of the pivoting of the cleaning element frame.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2008Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Brian M. Lobdell, Jeffrey A. Nelson
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Patent number: 7927199Abstract: A harvesting machine including a chassis and a cleaning shoe. The cleaning shoe is supported by the chassis. The cleaning shoe includes a frame and at least one grain cleaning element. The frame is moveable in a first plane relative to the chassis. The at least one grain cleaning element is supported by the frame. The at least one grain cleaning element is movable in a second plane different from the first plane.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2008Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: James K. Adamson, Wesley Brands, Francisco Mezzomo
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Patent number: 7909171Abstract: A single vane slat design for use in a sieve or chaffer of a harvester combine. The single vane slat has a weld pocket, preferably on its bottom surface, for receiving a wire on a frame. The single vane slat may be formed of a 26 gage material, and may be attached to the wire using two small welds. The weld material is configured to flow into the weld pocket upon being welded, and achieve direct and incidental contact between the wire and the slat. The weld pocket of the slat is configured such that the slat is self-fixturing to the wire, which lends to the ability to weld the slats to the wires while fixed in the frame. This facilitates accommodating a large number of frame types and sizes.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2007Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: HCC, Inc.Inventors: David W. Mammen, Brandon J. Marquardt
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Patent number: 7896731Abstract: A cleaning system for an agriculture work vehicle including a combination of a grain cleaning sieve having a limited region containing larger apertures providing increased grain throughput and also increased air throughput relative to the other regions of the sieve, utilized with a fan system that provides a substantially higher air flow rate through the region relative to the other regions of the sieve, such that a downward airborne flow of crop material above and flowing toward the limited region is subject to an air flow having a substantially higher flow rate compared to the other regions above the sieve, which operates to aggressively separate material other than grain from the grain above the limited region, and such that substantially only grain will fall onto and pass through the limited region of the grain cleaning sieve.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2008Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: CNH America LLCInventor: Kevin S. Schwinn
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Patent number: 7841931Abstract: A combine harvester having a frame and a crop harvesting header supported by the frame to gather crop material. A threshing and separating mechanism connected to the frame that receives the crop material from the header to thresh and separate the grain. A shoe assembly positioned beneath the threshing and separating mechanism to receive the threshed grain connected to a drive that affects fore-and-aft reciprocating movement of the shoe assembly which conveys grain rearward. A flexible seal attached to the underside of the shoe assembly across the width of the shoe to obstruct air from flowing under the shoe assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2009Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Inventor: James E. Straeter
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Publication number: 20100291981Abstract: A cleaning system for corn cobs incorporating a conveyor system providing a capability for positively removing or cleaning other crop residue from the cobs, which is adapted to be towed by a harvester; to be incorporated with a cob collecting device; and which can be adjustable for varying corn varieties, conditions and the like. The conveyor system includes at least one enclosed inclined conveyor for carrying a flow of the crop residue upwardly and propelling the flow into a space, while a flow of air is directed downwardly along the conveyor to remove other residue material from the cobs. Another flow of air is optionally directed downwardly through the space for removing additional material other than cobs, and at least one aspect of the system can be adjusted for relatively varying the air flows to adapt the system for a variety of conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2009Publication date: November 18, 2010Inventors: Jonathan E. Ricketts, John J. Borsdorf
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Patent number: 7717778Abstract: A combine harvester for corn is adjusted so that the threshing system maintains the grain and cobs together and there is provided a first sieve to separate the grain and cobs from residue material which is discharged from a rear of the first sieve and a second sieve to separate the grain which passes through the second sieve from the cobs which are discharged from a rear end of the second sieve. The grain is transferred to a clean grain tank and the cobs are conveyed to a tank on a towed cart.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2008Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Redekop Enterprises Inc.Inventors: Leo Redekop, Dean Mayerle
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Publication number: 20100113113Abstract: A sieve for a grain cleaning system of an agricultural combine, including a system providing enhanced adjustability of spacing, including capacities for quickly and easily varying a number of rows of sieve fingers, spacing between the rows, and angular orientation of the fingers, such that better sieve performance, and cleaning action above the sieve, can be achieved for a particular grain or seed size and other conditions, particularly very large sizes and very small sizes.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2009Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventors: Jonathan E. RICKETTS, Curtis F. HILLEN, Denver R. YODER
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Publication number: 20100016044Abstract: A harvesting machine including a chassis and a cleaning shoe. The cleaning shoe is supported by the chassis. The cleaning shoe includes a frame and at least one grain cleaning element. The frame is moveable in a first plane relative to the chassis. The at least one grain cleaning element is supported by the frame. The at least one grain cleaning element is movable in a second plane different from the first plane.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2008Publication date: January 21, 2010Inventors: James K. Adamson, Wesley Brands, Francisco Mezzomo
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Publication number: 20100009732Abstract: A cleaning element for a combine harvester having a plurality of cleaning element frames pivotable about parallel longitudinal axes. Each of the cleaning elements has a plurality of pivotal louvers connected to a longitudinal actuating element extending coaxially through the longitudinal pivoting axis of the cleaning frame. A ball joint connects the actuating element with an actuator so that pivoting of the louvers is accomplished independent of the pivoting of the cleaning element frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2008Publication date: January 14, 2010Inventors: Brian M. Lobdell, Jeffrey A. Nelson
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Publication number: 20090280877Abstract: A combine harvester has at least one cleaning device which includes at least one sieve and one cleaning fan, at least one conveyor device for conveying at least a portion of the crop material that exits the cleaning device into a higher region of the combine harvester and including at least one elevator having a lower intake region and an upper transfer region, the crop material being conveyed in the elevator via conveyor plates which are situated on a circulating chain, and the elevator includes, in its lower region, at least two interspaced deflection axles for the circulating chain, which are oriented transversely to the longitudinal extension of the combine harvester.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2009Publication date: November 12, 2009Inventors: Bernd Holtmann, Stefan Teroerde, Winfried Wesselmann, Ingo Boenig, Christopher Vieregge, Daniel Brueggemann, Hubert Korte, Ulrich Claes, Waldemar Schulz
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Publication number: 20090264169Abstract: A dual action corn cob separation and attendant corn cob separator, having a plurality of generally vertical or generally longitudinally elongated slots, and having disposed therebetween at least two of said slots, at least one generally vertical or longitudinal in-line row of smaller slots or openings, whereby whole corn cobs can be more effectively harvested.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2008Publication date: October 22, 2009Inventor: Jonathan E. Ricketts
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Patent number: 7572180Abstract: A method and system for controlling distribution of crop material to a cleaning sieve of an agricultural combine, for reducing grain loss, including while the combine is tilted sidewardly relative to horizontal, involving controlling the angular orientation of a distributor disposed between a threshing system of the combine and the sieve, for distributing a mat of the crop material onto the sieve evenly across an extent thereof. The angular orientation of the distributor can be set in advance of tilting of the combine, to adjust for a variety of conditions, including uneven outputting of the crop material from the threshing system, and the set orientation can be automatically maintained or actively adjusted to control a desired operating parameter such as grain loss, even as the combine is variously tilted and the angular orientation of the sieve relative to the combine is independently adjusted to maintain the sieve horizontal.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2008Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Jonathan E. Ricketts, Bradley J. Wagner, Todd Cannegieter
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Patent number: 7566266Abstract: A dual action corn cob cleaning separation system having a whole corn cob sieve with elongated and rounded finger extensions for reorienting corn cobs traveling widthwise to instead travel lengthwise.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2008Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Jonathan E. Ricketts, Denver R. Yoder
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Patent number: 7553226Abstract: A grain cleaning system for a combine harvester, comprises a frame supporting a grain pan and a sieve. The grain pan receives grain and chaff separated from the crop by a threshing mechanism and is reciprocable relative to the frame in order to separate the grain from the chaff and to propel the grain and chaff towards the sieve. The sieve is reciprocable relative to the frame and is connected to the frame by front and rear support arms and that are pivotably secured to the frame and to the sieve. In the invention, the front support arms have different geometries from the rear support arms such that when the sieve is reciprocated relative to the frame, the vertical component of oscillation is greater at the front end than at the rear end of the sieve.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2008Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: André G. J. Dhont, Johnny Bossuyt, Frank R. G. Duquesne, Tom N. N. Somers
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Publication number: 20090111545Abstract: A rethreshing system and method for a combine having a cleaning system that includes at least one sieve or like material separating mechanism. The rethreshing system includes a tailings collection pan for collecting tailings that do not pass through the sieve and a tailings rethreshing mechanism receiving the tailings from the collection pan and rethreshing the tailings. A distribution auger is arranged across a return pan of the cleaning system and is operable to substantially evenly distribute rethreshed tailings on the return pan of the cleaning system. The distribution auger includes a tubular auger housing having an entrance for receiving material to be conveyed, a closed end opposite the entrance, and a longitudinally elongated and tapered slot formation through a sidewall of the tubular auger housing, the slot formation having a small width near the entrance to the tubular housing and a wide width near the closed end of the tubular housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: April 30, 2009Inventors: Glenn Pope, Aaron Bruns
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Publication number: 20090061968Abstract: A sieve retainer for an agricultural combine which is more accessible, particularly from the rear of the combine, which provides improved access to, and removal and replacement of the sieve and prevents loss of sieve retaining hardware.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2007Publication date: March 5, 2009Inventors: Bryan S. Claerhout, Robert A. Matousek
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Patent number: 7497775Abstract: A sieve retainer for an agricultural combine which is more accessible, particularly from the rear of the combine, which provides improved access to, and removal and replacement of the sieve and prevents loss of sieve retaining hardware.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2007Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Bryan S. Claerhout, Robert A. Matousek