Abstract: A cleaning device includes a first frame plate, a shaking plate, a second frame plate, a sieve body, a driving mechanism, a throwing rod, and a crank and connecting rod mechanism. The shaking plate is mounted in the first frame plate, forms an angle of inclination with a horizontal plane, and is connected to a shaking device. The second frame plate is mounted below the first frame plate, and is connected to the first frame plate through a crank mechanism. The sieve body is mounted in the second frame plate. The driving mechanism is connected to the shaking device and the second frame plate, and configured for driving the shaking device to cause the shaking plate to shake and driving the second frame plate to cause the sieve body to perform a sieving motion. A harvester including the cleaning device is further provided.

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 combine harvester comprises a separating apparatus arranged to receive a threshed crop stream and convey rearwardly. The separating apparatus comprises a grate for allowing grain and chaff to fall onto an underlying separator pan, the separator pan being driven in an oscillating manner to convey a grain/chaff stream forwardly for delivery to a cleaning unit. The separator pan comprises a first portion and a second portion disposed forwardly of the first portion. A rear edge of the second portion is releasably attached to a front edge of the first portion, the second portion being pivotable around a forward mounting around a transverse axis between an operating position in which the second portion is attached to the first portion forming a continuous pan surface, and a lowered position in which the second portion is detached from the first portion giving maintenance access to the underside of the separating apparatus.

Abstract: A combine harvester (10) comprises separating apparatus (32,36) arranged to receive a threshed crop stream and convey in a rearward direction. The separating apparatus comprises a grate (42) for allowing grain and chaff to fall under gravity onto an underlying separator pan (44), the separator pan being driven in an oscillating manner to convey a grain/chaff stream forwardly for delivery to a cleaning unit. The separator pan comprises a first portion (44R) suspended from a combine frame by front and rear suspension means (72,70), and a second portion (44F) disposed forwardly of the first portion and pivotally mounted at the forward end.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A grape processing apparatus and method is described and which includes a screen, a cleated conveyor belt with a bottom flight and which is spaced from the screen, and a source of bunches of grapes which have associated stems, and which are fed into a predetermined space between the bottom flight of the cleated conveyor belt and the screen, and wherein the bunches of grapes move along the screen in a rolling and tumbling motion to separate the individual grapes from the associated stems, and wherein the individual grapes are collected thereafter.

Abstract: A combine harvester comprises an oscillating thresher pan (128;228;328) for conveying a chaff/grain stream rearwardly to a rear edge from where the grain/chaff stream falls under gravity into a cleaning unit (148;248;348). The cleaning unit, or shoe, includes at least one vibrating pan (150;250;350,151;251;351) onto which the grain/chaff stream falls. The cleaning unit comprising a fan (52) for generating a cleaning airstream which is directed through the failing grain/chaff stream. The cleaning pan, when in use, is provided with a damping surface to damp bounce of kernels falling thereupon. In one example, the damping surface is provided by a sheet of rubber (284,288).