Abstract: The inlet end of an axial flow rotor feeds high volumes of crop materials at low crop pressures toward the threshing and separating areas to avoid bunching of crop materials or plugging of the rotor. A cylindrical core tube at the inlet end of the rotor is of substantially reduced diameter compared to the generally cylindrical threshing or separating portions of the rotor. A frusto-conical portion connects the core tube to the threshing portion for a ramp-like transition of crop materials near the threshing area. The flighting, which is helically disposed about the core tube, feeds the materials toward special threshing elements which rise from the frusto-conical portion and a connecting portion of the core tube to a height approximately equal to that of a plurality of rasp bars affixed to the threshing portion for uniformly dispersing the crop materials against the rotor casing.

Abstract: Apparatus for discharging threshed crop materials, in a relatively uniform manner across the body width of the combine, directly from the discharge end of a threshing and separating rotor in an axial flow combine without the need for additional apparatus at the discharge end of the rotor to discharge the threshed materials or to avoid plugging or bunching of crop materials between the rotor and rotor casing. The rotor extends longitudinally through the combine to a discharge area at the discharge end of the rotor. The rotor casing closely surrounds the rotor near the discharge end and guide vanes disposed in the rotor casing cooperate with separating elements circumferentially disposed about the rotor near the discharge end to positively move threshed materials toward the discharge end of the rotor.

Abstract: In an axial flow combine, an improved inlet transition area for changing the flow of crop materials from a linear ribbon-like flow through the feeder to an arcuate ribbon-like flow about the flighting of the inlet end of the rotor to a helical sleeve flow between the rotor and rotor casing while at the same time injecting crop materials in all portions of the flighting. A sloping ramp extends upwardly and rearwardly from the feeder to an elliptical intersection with the rotor casing. A pair of oppositely disposed sidewalls in generally perpendicular relation to the ramp extend from the feeder and converge about the inlet end of the rotor at an upper portion of the rotor casing. Another wall between the sidewalls, oppositely disposed from the ramp, encloses the inlet transition area.

Abstract: A cutterbar for a crop harvesting machine having narrow pitch guard prongs and knife points. The guard prongs are formed on guard sections, and the knife points are formed on knife sections, wherein the guard sections include a plurality of prongs and the knife sections include a plurality of points and symmetrically arranged mounting holes allow mounting the guard sections on a conventional bar back. The knife sections include form-beveled and serrated knife edges, together with fastener assemblies for connecting the knife sections to the knife back such as to permit easy replacement of damaged knife sections. A drive assembly for the knife bar applies reciprocating action to the knife bar. Feeder shields protect the drive assembly and enhance the feed of crop to the collecting auger.