Abstract: In an axial flow rotary separator, a separator grate forming part of a generally cylindrical separator casing consists of a series of circumferentially spaced, axially extending, finger bar assemblies. In each finger bar assembly side by side fingers extend circumferentially in the direction of rotation, supported cantilever fashion by an axially extending finger support bar. The fingers and support bar inner surfaces all lie approximately in a cylindrical surface but the radial offset of the free ends of the fingers relative to the following finger support bar, may be chosen or varied according to the crop handled and the grate characteristics desired. In a second embodiment a threshing concave of the same general structure is used in conjunction with a conventional rasp bar threshing cylinder.

Abstract: A gull wing shaped diverted is positioned in an opening between two oppositely rotated endless belted conveyors having transverse paddles for propelling grain and chaff falling from the threshing and separating means downwardly. A blower means forms a substantially horizontal air stream that is directed against the substantially downwardly propelled gain and chaff to separate the lighter chaff from the heavier grain. The blower can comprise one fan assembly or two and provide an air stream to the cleaning shoe assembly.

Abstract: The header of a combine harvester is modified to include an elongated axial flow rotary separator unit having coaxial threshing and separating portions. The unit is interposed in the header between a generally conventional gatherer portion and a feederhouse. The separator axis is transverse of the combine and parallel to the cross auger of the gatherer unit which transfers gathered crop material directly to the receiving portion of the separator rotor. Separated grain and chaff is delivered by the feederhouse to a cleaning shoe carried in the body of the combine. Straw is discharged onto the ground from the downstream end of the separator unit. In one embodiment the combine body is generally conventional except that the removal of the separator unit permits a deeper grain tank for greater grain tank capacity. Alternative embodiments include an articulated configuration for the combine body in which a front bogie supports a forward mounted header and includes an engine and cleaning shoe.

Abstract: In a cleaning shoe arrangement for a combine, an elongated grain pan includes a screen portion and receives crop material directly from an open threshing concave and a return pan under the straw walkers. The screen portion is provided with an under air blast and the grain pan thus does double duty--as a conveyor and as a precleaner or "conditioning sieve". Clean grain passing through this screen portion goes directly to the clean grain auger of the cleaning shoe. Remaining material, conditioned and stratified by its passage across the conditioning sieve of the grain pan, is delivered to a chaffer. Beneath the chaffer, a sieve assembly includes a conventional sieve portion and, extending downstream beyond the chaffer, a chaffer extension coplanar with the sieve portion and spaced from it by a transverse tailings slot, disposed above the tailings auger of the cleaning shoe. The chaffer and sieve assembly are provided with a conventional air blast from the cleaning shoe blower.