Abstract: An infeed assembly for an axial-flow combine arranged at a forward end of a rotor which is mounted within a casing defining a transition section at a forward end thereof. The transition section has a series of spiral transport vanes on an inner surface thereof. The infeed assembly is comprised of a series of equally spaced blades. Each blade has a leading edge, an outer edge, and a material engaging surface. The leading edge of the blade, which is peripherally rounded, is swept back relative to the given direction of rotor rotation. The outer blade edge extends from the leading edge and angles relative to the transport vanes in varying degrees as the blade extends rearwardly from the leading edge. The material engaging surface of the blade has a generally concave shaped section extending axially rearward from the leading edge of the blade and which extends into a relatively flat shape section.

Abstract: A door assembly for an axial-flow combine having a crop receiving and generally tubular rotor casting defining an elongated axis, a rotor coaxially disposed within the casing, and a vaned impeller arranged at a forward end of the rotor. The door assembly extends across and at least partially closes a forward open end of the casing. At least a portion of the door assembly has a surface configuration extending circumferentially about its outermost edge for positively moving crop material axially rearward through the rotor casing to reduce crop material repeat on the downward rotational direction side and improving endwind efficiency.

Abstract: An improved combine feeder assembly including a conveyor and a feeder housing which envelopes the conveyor. The conveyor is comprised of a plurality of endless driving chains and a plurality of feeder slats driven by the chains. Each feeder slat is secured at opposite ends to the chains by connectors allowing for endwise movement of the feeder slats in response to impact loading thereagainst. Moreover, each feeder slat has an outer profile providing an extended reach at the center of the slat as compared to the reach provided toward opposite ends. The feeder housing preferably includes a bottom wall configured to compliment the outer profile of the feeder slats and enhance combine operation.

Abstract: In a combine conveyor of the type with a conveyor surface, elongated carriers across the surface, and endless chains to move the carriers along the conveyor, resiliently deformable slats are used as carriers and such slats are adjustably secured at their ends to the chains by self-adjusting attachments. The slats are preferably flat, of spring steel, angled with respect to the surface, and in a trailing position. The attachments of the slats to the chains include an attachment link on the chain, and a slot-post arrangement for pivoting/sliding engagement. The slots are preferably in the slats. In one embodiment, an angled mounting surface forms part of the attachment link. In another, angling is achieved by twists in the slat near the slat ends.

Abstract: A crop delivery system for an axial flow combine having a crop harvesting apparatus and a threshing apparatus including a rotor having an impeller at its forward end. The crop delivery system is interposed between the crop harvesting apparatus and the threshing apparatus. The crop delivery system includes a crop feeder, a transition housing with one or more transport vanes, and a crop delivery vane assembly. The transition housing surrounds the impeller and has an inlet end which opens to the crop feeder and an outlet end which opens to the the threshing apparatus. The crop delivery vane assembly is arranged with the transition housing substantially normal to the rotor and in crop receiving relation with the crop feeder. The vane assembly includes a plurality of delivery vanes for positively moving crop material rearwardly and peripherally outward toward the transport vanes.

Abstract: An improved combine conveyor of the type having a conveyor surface, elongated carriers across the surface, and endless chains to move the carriers along the conveyor. The carriers are resiliently deformable slats adjustably secured to the chains by self-adjusting, preferably double-pivoting, attachment devices. The slats are preferably flat, of spring steel, angled with respect to the surface, and in a trailing position with respect to their attachment to the chains.

Abstract: A stone ejection door mechanism for harvesting equipment comprising a stone sensing mechanism which will sense the presence of stones being ingested into the combine. A trap door mechanism including front and rear doors which are opened when stones are detected in the entering crop. The front door is moved to the open position when the presence of stones is sensed, and this opening movement acts through a chain and sprocket to rapidly open the rear door. After the stones have been ejected, the front door is closed followed by the rear door.

Abstract: An anti-fatigue mounting mechanism, which is used to join a drag bar to an endless chain in a combine feeder mechanism, is disclosed. A combine feeder mechanism typically includes a feeder housing, a feeder drum rotatably carried within the housing, and endless chains rotatably carried in the housing and used to rotate the drum about an axis of rotation. A spaced pair of the chains is typically mounted on end portions of the drum, and a third chain is preferably mounted therebetween. One of the embodiments of the present invention pivotally joins a drag bar lateral end portion to one of the end-mounted chains. The other embodiment pivotally joins facing drag bar end portions to each other and to the chain disposed therebetween.