Abstract: A sieve assembly for use within an agricultural harvester may generally include a sieve, a crop material sheet, and at least one support element. The sieve extends along a length defined between a first sieve end and a second sieve end and processes a flow of harvested crop material. The sieve also defines a plurality of openings through which cleaned crop material of the flow of crop material is directed. The crop material sheet extends along a length defined between a first sheet end and a second sheet end and receives the cleaned crop material directed through the sieve's openings. The crop material sheet then directs the flow of cleaned crop material towards a separate component of the crop processing system. In addition, the support element(s) is directly coupled between the sieve and the crop material sheet and structurally connects the sieve to the crop material sheet.

Abstract: A method of controlling operation of a side-shaking mechanism in a combine is provided. The method includes enabling the side-shaking mechanism, and moving the side-shaking mechanism to a predetermined zero position. The method includes receiving incline data representing the inclination of the combine, and receiving sensed data representing at least one operating condition of a combine system. The method includes causing the side-shaking mechanism to increase the distance of movement of the at least one sieve in the side-to-side motion, or decrease the distance of movement of the at least one sieve in the side-to-side motion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for distributing crop material onto a cleaning sieve of an agricultural combine. The method includes providing at least one sensor configured and operable for sensing information representative of at least one of a quantity of grain associated with the crop material distributor and an inclination angle associated with the crop material distributor, and outputting signals representative thereof. The method includes providing a crop material distributor disposed between a threshing system of the combine and the sieve, for distributing crop material from the threshing system generally evenly onto the sieve. The method includes providing an apparatus operably associated with the distributor for controllably distributing crop material onto the sieve. The method includes controlling a position of the apparatus as a function of signals from the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A method 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.

Abstract: A sieve assembly for separating grain from chaff inside of a combine. The sieve assembly comprises a plurality of longitudinal sieve planks that pivot on their longitudinal axis. A hanging weighted member combined with the sieve planks regulates the angle of the sieve planks relative to the combine. As the combine becomes laterally inclined on a hillside, the weighted member changes its angular position relative to the combine. In doing so, the weighted member causes the sieve planks to pivot on their longitudinal axis so that the sieve planks remain level relative to the horizon. Dividers extend between each sieve plank.

Abstract: A sieve for a grain combine has a plurality of longitudinal sections. Each section is pivotally mounted in a sieve frame. A sensing means senses if the combine is leaning to one side. The sensing means controls a drive and linkage mechanism for pivoting each of the sections relative to the sieve frame to maintain each section generally horizontal. Elastomeric seals extend between each of the sections. A distributor at the forward end of the sieve has a pair of sprockets and a chain extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sieve. Fingers protrude longitudinally from the chain. The chain is driven when the combine leans.

Abstract: A sieve for a grain combine has a plurality of longitudinal sections. Each section is pivotally mounted in a sieve frame. A sensing means senses if the combine is leaning to one side. The sensing means controls a drive and linkage mechanism for pivoting each of the sections relative to the sieve frame to maintain each section generally horizontal. Elastomeric seals extend between each of the sections.

Abstract: An improved multiple tilt screen harvester has each screen capable of independent motion. The multiple screen assembly may be removed and installed as a unit on a harvester. Retrofit on an existing harvester requires no wall accommodating openings for an exterior pendulum plumb mass, there being no such mass required exterior of the harvester.