Abstract: The present application refers to a device designed to thresh agricultural products. The agricultural products it is designed to process include grains in general, particularly peanuts and beans, but not limited thereto, and can be applied to other similar crops. The device includes a cylinder (1) that has a larger diameter zone (2) and smaller diameter zone (3), the larger or smaller diameter zones intermediated by a transition zone (4); in the smaller diameter zone (3) the helical path is contoured by rigid scale-like components (6) as far as part of the transition zone (4), where flexible elements are applied (7) following the entire length of the larger diameter zone (2), completing the (1) cylinder or rotor, and the flexible elements (7) can be arranged in consecutive way or interspersed, so that the interval between the flexible elements (7) is intermediated by substantially upside-down U-shaped elements (7B).

Abstract: A flow control system for an agricultural metering system includes a control system configured to be communicatively coupled to at least one clutch. The control system is configured to output a respective pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal to the at least one clutch, the PWM signal is configured to induce the at least one clutch to alternately engage to establish a rotatable connection between a respective drive input and a respective rotatable metering device and to disengage to interrupt the rotatable connection between the respective drive input and the respective rotatable metering device, and the control system is configured to adjust a duty cycle of the respective PWM signal to control a rotation rate of the respective rotatable metering device.

Abstract: A grain processing assembly having a feeder assembly with a discharge end that is adjacent and above an opening in a thresher assembly.

Abstract: A combine harvester with an axial flow crop processor with a rotor mounted for rotation inside a rotor housing arranged longitudinally with respect to the harvester. A feed beater is mounted for rotation on a substantially transverse axis and serves to tangentially impel crop material into the crop processor. A drive system drives the rotor and feed beater, wherein the drive system includes a rotor drive device for transmitting torque from a drive stage to the rotor, and a drive connection between the rotor drive device and the beater.

Abstract: A combine harvester including a frame, threshing apparatus, a grain cleaning system, and a feederhouse pivotally mounted to the frame on a transverse lift axis. The feederhouse includes a conveyor for conveying cut crop material from a fore opening to an aft opening. The feederhouse is configured to support a cutting header at its forward end. The grain cleaning system includes a transverse cross-flow fan having a debris screen protecting an air inlet channel. The debris screen is pivotally mounted along a first transverse edge to the frame and along a second transverse edge to the underside of the feederhouse. One of the first transverse edge and second transverse edge is slideably mounted to the frame or feederhouse respectively to permit the feederhouse to be raised and lowered around the lift axis.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester residue handling selection method having the steps of: selecting a chop/swath residue handling mode resulting in a mode selection; setting a chopper speed range for a chopper in a residue handling section dependent upon the mode selection; and positioning a windrow door dependent upon the mode selection.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a combine harvester comprising a chassis; and a double-walled, plastic grain storage bin coupled to the chassis, the bin configured to store crop material processed by the combine harvester.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a combine harvester comprising a chassis; and a grain storage bin coupled to the chassis, the bin comprising a single-walled, plastic storage container for the storage of crop material processed by the combine harvester.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of forming a grain storage bin for a combine harvester, the method comprising forming, in a plastic molding process, plural double-walled plastic panels of the grain storage bin; and coupling the plural double-walled plastic panels in an interlocking arrangement.

Abstract: A concave for a harvester combine and methods of use are provided, such as a concave for a combine harvester, the concave comprising a first longitudinal member comprising a plurality of first longitudinal member wire guide grooves substantially at the same height position relative to a bottom of the first longitudinal member; a second longitudinal member comprising a plurality of second longitudinal member wire guide grooves substantially at the same height position relative to a bottom of the second longitudinal member; a first transverse member and a second transverse member substantially parallel to one another affixed to the first longitudinal member and the second longitudinal member; and a plurality of module members affixed to the first and second transverse members.

Abstract: A system and method for conveying agricultural material in a harvester. One harvester includes a rotor which rotates to separate a plant into a first agricultural material and a second agricultural material. A grate is disposed vertically below the rotor and further separates the first and second agricultural materials from one another. A first conveyor receives the first and second agricultural material directly from a trailing end of the rotor and a trailing end of the grate.

Abstract: A processing system for a combine harvester has a tubular rotor housing that concentrically receives a rotor used for threshing and separating crop materials. Concave and separator grate assemblies are arranged side-by-side axially along the processing system. Each grate assembly has laterally spaced apart side rails and a plurality of axial bars spanning the side rails. Each axial bar has a plurality of fingers extending therefrom toward an adjacent axial bar, the fingers defining apertures through which grain may pass. Each axial bar additionally has a plurality of disrupter walls placed between adjacent fingers, wherein an upper edge of each disrupter wall projects above the fingers on the same axial bar such that it is closer to the rotor to disrupt the axial flow of the crop material through the rotor housing.

Abstract: A spreader assembly for a combine harvester is disclosed, the assembly including a pair of disks configured to be rotated such that chaff material dropped onto the disks is spread about the combine harvester, wherein each disk is operably connected to its own motor and a spreader frame assembly. The spreader frame assembly includes a first side support pivotably connected to a frame of the combine harvester, a second side support pivotably connected to the frame of the combine harvester, and at least one disk support configured to support at least one of the pair of disks. The spreader frame assembly further defines an opening configured such that when the combine harvester is windrowing material, no portion of the spreader frame assembly interferes with the flow of windrowing material.

Abstract: A depth adjustable crop transport vane, crop transport vane assembly, and agricultural combine threshing chambers employing such adjustable crop transport vanes are disclosed.

Abstract: A harvesting machine, a method for harvesting using the harvesting machine, a crop residue harvesting system for the harvesting machine, and an apparatus are provided. The arrangement described herein spreads crop residue over the ground. It uses sensors to monitor the amount of crop residue spread over the ground.

Abstract: A combine harvester includes a dust suppressor arrangement including an air duct arrangement which is coupled between an enclosed zone, extending rearwardly from the discharge end of the feederhouse and above a transverse crop conveying arrangement, and a cleaner fan arrangement so that the fan arrangement draws dust-laden air through the duct arrangement from the zone and discharges the dust-laden air into the chaffer and sieve arrangement of the crop cleaning arrangement.

Abstract: A chopper for an agricultural combine has blades with an overload release mechanism that permits them to pivot out of the way when the chopper is obstructed and experiences an overload condition.

Abstract: A reaper of grains is for reaping bean grains that is classified as a trailer. More specifically, a bean reaper for carrying out two different operations, the first one of which is gathering various plants, such as bean plants, peanuts and other grains, which have been previously plucked and aligned, whereas the second function of which is to perform a whole cleaning process by separating the grains (seeds) from the remaining unwanted parts.

Abstract: A self-propelled agricultural combine having a capability for baling crop residue produced by operation of the combine, including chaff from the cleaning system. The combine can also incorporate a dust suppression capability. The crop residue produced by threshing is in a compressed state, and is routed directly to a baler of the combine is essentially a continuous, compressed stream, while still in that state, and the chaff is mixed in before compaction into the bales. The dust suppression apparatus uses air flow of a cleaning system of the combine, to carry the dust and separates the air such that the dust will fall from the combine.

Abstract: The invention concerns a thresher basket arrangement for a combine with a thresher basket and with a harvested crop processing arrangement located ahead of the inlet to the thresher basket which includes a body with a first group of projections and a second group of projections arranged on the surface of the body, where the body can be pivoted about a pivot axis extending along the inlet side of the thresher basket between a first position in which the projections of the first group interact with the harvested crop and a second position in which a smooth guide surface interacts with the harvested crop. The body is provided with a consistent shape at least in the area of the smooth guide surface and of the projections of the first group and that it is spaced at the same distance from the pivot axis in the area of the smooth guide surface and of the projections of the first group.

Abstract: In a method for processing swathed crops, the entire cut crop is picked from the field and transported to a processing facility located away from the field. The processing facility has a threshing apparatus which separates grain from the cut crop, leaving a crop residue comprising plant stalks, chaff, and other constituents of the cut crop. The separated grain is conveyed from the threshing apparatus to a grain storage bin or directly to a transport truck for delivery to a grain terminal. The processing facility also includes crop residue handling means for conveying crop residue to a bulk storage pile, to a baling machine, or to some other selected location. The method makes field baling operations unnecessary, thus expediting the total removal of the crop from the field.

Abstract: A harvested crop processing unit with a rotor and a rotor housing enclosing the rotor, that includes a cover element under which a first group of helically shaped guide rails and a second group of helically shaped guide rails are attached, where the guide rails of the two groups follow each other alternately and are provided with a leading end and a trailing end in the direction of rotation of the rotor and the guide rails of the first group are arranged offset to the rear of the guide rails of the second group in the direction of rotation of the rotor. The trailing ends of the guide rail of the first group are directed at the leading end of the guide rails of the second group following in the axial direction of the rotor housing.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a combine harvester having a threshing mechanism for separating harvested crop into grain and crop residue and a guide mechanism for directing the flow of crop residue from the threshing mechanism along one of three paths, the guide mechanism comprising two deflection doors that can each take up one of two positions. Each of the doors of the guide mechanism is supported on a pivot shaft fitted with a crank arm and a resilient element connects the two crank arms to one another in such a manner that each door, independently of the position of the other door, is urged by the resilient element to remain in one of two stable end positions and passes through an unstable over-centre position when moved from one stable end position to the other.

Abstract: A crop residue harvesting system for a harvesting machine is provided. The crop residue harvesting system includes a blower and a transition member having a first position and a second position. In a first position the transition member directs at least a portion of the crop residue to the blower for harvesting of the crop residue. In a second position the transition member allows for spreading at least a portion of the crop residue. A lever or actuator may be operatively connected to the transition member for selecting between the first position and the second position or selecting an intermediate position to control the proportions of the crop residue harvested and the crop residue spread.

Abstract: A self-propelled combine harvester has a threshing mechanism composed of at least one aggregate selected from the group consisting of a threshing part, a working unit, and both, at least one stripping unit which is assigned to the at least one aggregate, and at least one rotary chamber configured on the at least one stripping unit on a circumference of the at least one aggregate.

Abstract: A method for changing throughgoing openings on separation area of a concave in an agricultural harvester in which the concave is composed of at least one frame, a plurality of beater strips and wires together forming the concave separating area, arranging at least one adjusting device under the concave separating area, and adjusting a width of the throughgoing openings by the at least one adjusting device; and a device for performing the method is provided.

Abstract: A device and method is disclosed for effecting movement and extending the clearance spacing between a rotor of a combine and a concave to allow for easy removal of lodged material. The apparatus and method additionally provide a reduction in rotor actuation motor torque and an increase in rotor mechanical advantage. Finally, the apparatus and method provide a travel limit to prevent a concave from being raised into, and having contact with, a rotor of a combine.

Abstract: In an agricultural combine, a latch mechanism for attaching a grate to the crop processing unit. The latch mechanism comprises a support bar on the crop processing unit, a support receptacle on the grate, a latch handle, and a latch retainer. The support receptacle envelopes the support bar the when the grate is attached to the crop processing unit, with the latch handle and latch retainer cooperating to hold the support receptacle against the support bar.

Abstract: A dual power path drive and method for controllably decelerating the rotor or rotors of an agricultural combine in reduced time, without causing undesirable wear, shock and energy transfer to other aspects of the power system of the combine. The drive and method use a planetary gear arrangement having an output connected to the rotor or rotors, an input connected to an output of a first power source or path which can be a fluid power source such as a fluid motor of a hydro-static drive or a variable speed electrical motor, the first power source or path being controllable within speed limits thereof for decelerating the rotor from several operating states.

Abstract: A hydro-mechanical control system for an agricultural combine threshing rotor is operable 1) to transfer torque to the rotor so as to maintain rotor velocity within an acceptable range of a commanded velocity despite small fluctuations in rotor load and engine speed, 2) to reduce wear on mechanical components of the rotor drive system during rotor acceleration, 3) to employ the most efficient combination of mechanical and hydrostatic rotor drive characteristics during steady state operation of the rotor and 4) to reduce the likelihood of engine stall. The system includes a mechanical motor such as an engine, a hydrostatic motor, and a gearset disposed between both motors and the rotor. A clutch is operable to selectively couple the mechanical motor to the gearset, and a brake is selective operable to selectively arrest a driven gear of the gearset from rotation.

Abstract: An agricultural combine for harvesting, threshing and separating an agricultural crop includes a processing assembly. A conveying mechanism moves harvested crop material to the crop processing assembly. A rotating member feeds crop material from the conveying mechanism to the processing assembly. An airflow diverter is transversely positioned adjacent the rotating member to divert a potion of the airflow from the conveying mechanism into the crop processing assembly independent of the crop flow path.

Abstract: An apparatus for threshing legumes has a frame, which is movable over a ground surface. A drum, which is rotatable about its at least substantially horizontally oriented axis of rotation, is mounted on the frame and has a drum surface provided with one or more openings. A main threshing element is disposed within the drum and is rotatable about its longitudinal axis, which extends at least substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the drum. At least one auxiliary threshing element is disposed within the drum and is rotatable about its longitudinal axis, which extends at least substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the drum. An additional conveying member is disposed within the drum for conveying the legumes to be threshed through the drum. The apparatus has a detection device that measures an angle of inclination of the apparatus with respect to the horizontal and a control device that control the additional conveying member on the basis of the measured angle of inclination.

Abstract: For controlling a threshing mechanism of a combine harvester parameters of the threshing mechanism are adjusted with respect to a nominal crop throughput determined for corresponding harvesting conditions to an optimal value, the changing automatically and the adjustment includes automatically determining a deviation of an actual crop throughput from the nominal crop throughput, and adjusting at least one threshing mechanism parameter for adaptation to the actual crop throughput; also a combine harvester with the control device for performing the method is proposed.

Abstract: A tool that is provided for the removal and the installation of a threshing concave is disclosed. The tool has a pair of spaced support arms for slideably receiving end sections of a threshing concave. The support arms are provided with mechanism for attachment of the arm to the housing. The housing has an inner arm section that extends to one side of the attachment mechanism for supporting the concave inside the housing when the support arm is attached to the housing. The outer arm section extends to the other side of the attachment mechanism for supporting a threshing concave outside the housing when the support arm is attached to the housing.

Abstract: A one piece blow molded cover panel removably positionable in an access opening in a structure adjacent to a threshing region of an agricultural combine. The cover panel includes an inner wall, an outer wall generally co-extending with the inner wall in spaced relation thereto defining at least one cavity therebetween, and elongate upper and lower peripheral edge, and elongate spaced, side peripheral edges.

Abstract: A dual power path drive for rotatably driving a threshing rotor of an agricultural combine. The drive includes a planetary gear arrangement having an output connected to the rotor for rotation therewith, a rotatable input connected in rotatably driven relation to a rotatable output of a rotatable power source such as a fluid motor of a hydro-static drive controllably operable for variably rotating the output of the fluid motor, and the gear arrangement including an input connectable by engagement of a device such as an engine-to-ring clutch in rotatably driven relation to a rotatable output of an engine of the combine, the clutch including faces connected in rotatably driven relation to the engine and to the ring gear for rotation therewith, respectively.

Abstract: A threshing machine and an improved thresher rotor (10) therefor, the rotor having a central rotor tube (12), a plurality of radially extending annular collars (14) spaced therealong, and peripheral reinforcing bars (16) extending along the collars (14). Apertures (26) positioned adjacent the periphery (22) and similarly adjacent the reinforcing bars (16) receive elongate rods (28) therethrough along the length of the rotor (10). The elongate rods (28) retain a desired number of blades (32) in a pivotal manner, within annular channels (34) formed between the annular collars (14). The reinforcing bars (16) are positioned forward in rotation with respect to the elongate rods (28) in a manner allowing the reinforcing bars (16) to function as a heel for the blades (32).

Abstract: A dual power path drive for rotatably driving a threshing rotor of an agricultural combine. The drive includes a planetary gear arrangement having an output connected to the rotor for rotation therewith, a rotatable input connected in rotatably driven relation to a rotatable output of a rotatable power source such as a fluid motor of a hydro-static drive controllably operable for variably rotating the output of the fluid motor, and the gear arrangement including an input connectable by engagement of a device such as an engine-to-ring clutch in rotatably driven relation to a rotatable output of an engine of the combine, the clutch including faces connected in rotatably driven relation to the engine and to the ring gear for rotation therewith, respectively.

Abstract: An axial separator of an agricultural combine comprises a rotor housed in a housing. The housing includes a lower separating grate and a top cover plate with spiral-shaped guide vanes, which are aligned to feed harvested crop on a helical path. A section of one of the guide vanes forms an acute angle with the housing as it extends outwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A locking arrangement for a concave of a rotary combine, the concave having first and second ends spaced circumferentially around a rotor of the combine. The first end includes a pivot member received in an opening of a hook member supported by a support structure so as to support the first end for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of rotation of the rotor. A locking member mounted on the hood member is pivotable between an engaged position for engaging the pivot member of the first end of the concave for retaining the pivot member in the opening of the hook member and a disengaged position wherein the locking member is disengaged from the pivot member while the pivot member is supported in the opening by the hook member.

Abstract: An improved threshing cylinder for a combine has an enclosed cylinder construction and rasp-type cylinder bars secured to mounting flanges on an outer periphery of the enclosed cylinder. The enclosed cylinder is substantially impervious to crop material so that debris cannot accumulate inside the cylinder during operation. The rasp-type cylinder bars are center-arched, deep-toothed, and have leading edges that slope rearwardly relative to a direction of rotation less than about 15 degrees from a radial line passing through the axis of rotation. The teeth on the rasp-type bars have a substantially constant height from a leading edge to a trailing edge of the bars. The mounting flanges each have a sloped front surface for guiding crop material outwardly to the rasp-type bars, and a mounting surface having a plurality of bores for attaching the rasp-type bars.

Abstract: There is provided an improved elevator control and slewing mechanism for a cane harvester including a bracket pivotally mounted to the harvester frame for rotation about a first vertical axis to which the elevator is mounted, a pair of slew control arms each of which includes two links which are pivotally joined to one another to form an elbow joint rotatable about a second vertical axis and means to pivotally couple one of the links of each pair to the harvester frame and the other one of each pair to the bracket and means for slewing the elevator about the first vertical axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for threshing seed crop, such as wheat, barley, rice, corn, beans and many others, by moving the seed crop circumferentially through a trough-shaped screen with openings through which the kernels can pass. A rotatable hub and a multiplicity of tines which project generally radially therefrom are coaxially rotatable relative to the screen. The hub and the tines are rotated so that the free tine ends, which are spaced from the screen, move past the screen at a speed approximately equal to the speed of the apparatus through the seed crop field. The hub and tines are vibrated to superimpose on their rotational movement a multiplicity of cyclical accelerations and decelerations as the seed crop moves from one side of the screen to the other to thereby separate the kernels from the plant growth.

Abstract: A harvesting machine for feeding seed plants such as grain into the machine includes a threshing unit and a sieve set for threshing the seed plant and for separating the seeds from the rest of the vegetable material. The seeds are removed from the machine and the residual vegetable material is removed. The threshing unit includes a drum and beaters or flails. The drum is conical and is fitted in the apparatus in a vertical position so that it widens from the bottom towards the top, and the flails are installed on the outer surface of the drum. The sieve set is formed of at least two sieves which are at least partly conical and are nested and a threshing space is located in between the drum and the sieve set. An outer shroud is conical, and the threshing unit and the sieve set are fitted inside the shroud and in between the sieve set and the shroud there is a collecting bin for the seeds and an opening is provided for removing them.