Abstract: An apparatus has a trailer with one or more wheels and a connector that connects the trailer to an automotive machine that mobilizes the trailer from a first position to a second position within a field of one or more plants. Further, the apparatus has a branch trimming device operably positioned on the trailer. Additionally, the apparatus has a conveyer belt operably positioned on the trailer. The conveyer belt receives a trimmed plant that has one or more branches trimmed off by the branch trimming device. The apparatus also has one more cutting devices. Finally, the apparatus has a tumbler that receives the trimmed plant from the conveyer belt and rotates with respect to the one or more cutting devices to cut the trimmed plant into the one or more buds. A bottom portion of the tumbler is positioned in proximity to the one or more cutting devices.

Abstract: A concave segment (6) for combine harvesters (1), which is provided for separating harvest (2), extends in a circumferential direction (65) in a curve about a concave axis (53), and includes numerous finger strips (62). The finger strips (62) each have a transverse strip (67), wherein the transverse strips (67) each extend in a direction of extension parallel to the concave axis (53), and wherein numerous fingers (63) are disposed on each of the transverse strips (67). The fingers (63) have a curved cross section thereby, and/or the transverse strips (67) have a wave shape (74) in the direction of extension (70).

Abstract: A harvester cleaning system may include a first cleaning zone extending in a first inclined plane and a second cleaning zone extending in a second inclined plane different than the first inclined plane. The first and second cleaning zones may include first and second sets of louvers. A single actuator is operably coupled to the first set of louvers and the second set of louvers to concurrently rotate both the first set of louvers and the second set of louvers.

Abstract: A harvester cleaning shoe louver includes a head portion about which the louver is to pivot, a tail blade extending from the head portion and fin blades. The fin blades extend from a rear face of the tail blade at spaced locations along the tail blade.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for grading sensitive products. The apparatus and method treat the objects to be graded gently and are accurate and may be constructed so as to handle extremely large quantities. The grading device has grading channels that are wider at the outlet than at the intake. The belt machine draws the objects forward between two inclined belts which form the channel. An adjusting device is implemented perpendicular underneath the belts of the apparatus having alternatively arranged support members and adjusting members arranged on an adjusting screwing shaft. Both components have screwing sections which regulate an increase or a decrease in the gap between the support members when the adjusting screwing shaft is rotated.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a synchronous statically indeterminate mesh-beam excitation large-scale vibrating screen, including a screen box, a support spring group, a spring base, a motor mount, a tire coupling, and a motor, wherein, a statically indeterminate mesh-beam excitation body is arranged on the screen box, and the statically indeterminate mesh-beam excitation body has at least one synchronous eccentric block vibration exciter group and two self-synchronous eccentric block vibration exciter groups in it; each self-synchronous eccentric block vibration exciter group includes a self-synchronous transmission shaft fixed to the side plates of the screen box via a bearing chock, and self-synchronous eccentric blocks fixed to the side plates of the screen box in symmetry are arranged on the self-synchronous transmission shaft; the self-synchronous transmission shaft of the self-synchronous eccentric block vibration exciter group at the side of the motor is connected with a reducer via the tire co

Abstract: A hanger mount (206, 208, 210, 212) is provided for a reciprocating sieve assembly (106, 108) having a left side longitudinal member (300, 308), a right side longitudinal member (302, 310), a forward transverse member (304, 312), and a rearward transverse member (306, 314), wherein the hanger mount is a unitary body that has and defines a hanger connection (1000, 1100, 1200, 1300) that is configured to be coupled to a reciprocating hanger (110, 112); a first mounting surface (1006, 1010, 1106, 1110, 1206, 1210, 1306, 1310) that is configured to be fixed to one of the longitudinal members (300, 308, 302, 310); and a second mounting surface (1025, 1125, 1225, 1325) that is configured to be fixed to one of the transverse members (304, 312, 306, 314).

Abstract: A frame for reciprocating sieve assembly comprises a first side member (300, 308) that is elongate and extends longitudinally; a second side member (302, 310) that is elongate and extends longitudinally; a third side member (304, 312) that is elongate and extends transversely; a fourth side member (306, 314) that is elongate and extends transversely; a first hanger mount (206L, 210L) coupled to and extending between the first side member and the third side member; a second hanger mount (208L, 212L) coupled to and extending between the first side member and the fourth side member; a third hanger mount (206R, 210R) coupled to and extending between the second side member and the third side member; and a fourth hanger mount (208R, 212R) coupled to and extending between the second side member and the fourth side member; wherein the first side member, the second side member, the third side member, and the fourth side member are comprised essentially of an aluminum alloy; and wherein the first hanger mount, the seco

Abstract: A processing system for a combine harvester has a tubular rotor housing that concentrically receives a rotor used for threshing and separating crop materials. Concave and separator grate assemblies are arranged side-by-side axially along the processing system. Each grate assembly has laterally spaced apart side rails and a plurality of axial bars spanning the side rails. Each axial bar has a plurality of fingers extending therefrom toward an adjacent axial bar, the fingers defining apertures through which grain may pass. Each axial bar additionally has a plurality of disrupter walls placed between adjacent fingers, wherein an upper edge of each disrupter wall projects above the fingers on the same axial bar such that it is closer to the rotor to disrupt the axial flow of the crop material through the rotor housing.

Abstract: A sieve frame (118, 122) for an agricultural harvester comprises two elongate members (300, 302, 308, 310) that are extruded and extend generally horizontally and in the direction of travel of the agricultural harvester. The sieve frame further comprises two additional extruded elongate members (304, 306, 312, 314) that are fixed transversely to the two elongate members. In one arrangement, the ends of the members are fixed together by hanger mounts.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for sorting arthropod larvae and pupae and in particular, although not necessarily, to sorting arthropod pupae on the basis of size, especially in mosquitoes. The apparatus can contain two parallel bars pivotally mounted in a frame such that the distance between the bars is adjustable. Insect larvae and pupae may be inserted into a chamber with one side formed by the grid of bars and inserted into water to separate the different forms.

Abstract: An adjustable spring grizzly bar material separator provided and includes a plurality of flexible tines, a cassette, wherein the plurality of flexible tines are each coupled on an end to the cassette, and a first set of spacers removably coupled within the cassette between the plurality of tines, wherein the first set of spacers separate the plurality of flexible tines a first predetermined distance to set the size of material that is to be separated from an amount of aggregate flowing over the tines. The material separator may also include a second set of spacers; the first set of spacers is replaceable with the second set of spacers, wherein the second set of spacers separates the plurality of flexible tines a second predetermined distance, the second predetermined distance being different from the first predetermined distance.

Abstract: A sieve for a grain cleaning system of an agricultural combine, including a system providing enhanced adjustability of spacing, including capacities for quickly and easily varying a number of rows of sieve fingers, spacing between the rows, and angular orientation of the fingers, such that better sieve performance, and cleaning action above the sieve, can be achieved for a particular grain or seed size and other conditions, particularly very large sizes and very small sizes.

Abstract: A cleaning element for a combine harvester having a plurality of cleaning element frames pivotable about parallel longitudinal axes. Each of the cleaning elements has a plurality of pivotal louvers connected to a longitudinal actuating element extending coaxially through the longitudinal pivoting axis of the cleaning frame. A ball joint connects the actuating element with an actuator so that pivoting of the louvers is accomplished independent of the pivoting of the cleaning element frame.

Abstract: A slot sieve comprises a large number of sieve profiles arranged next to one another, which form a respective sieve slot between their longitudinal sides, and at least two, preferably a plurality of carrier profiles, which extend transverse to the sieve profiles and on which the sieve profiles are fastened. The carrier profiles are arranged in receiving grooves, which respectively align with one another, in the sieve profiles in such a way that the outsides of the carrier profiles remote from the sieve profiles are located in a plane with the slot sides or lower sides remote therefrom of the sieve profiles.

Abstract: A single vane slat design for use in a sieve or chaffer of a harvester combine. The single vane slat has a weld pocket, preferably on its bottom surface, for receiving a wire on a frame. The single vane slat may be formed of a 26 gage material, and may be attached to the wire using two small welds. The weld material is configured to flow into the weld pocket upon being welded, and achieve direct and incidental contact between the wire and the slat. The weld pocket of the slat is configured such that the slat is self-fixturing to the wire, which lends to the ability to weld the slats to the wires while fixed in the frame. This facilitates accommodating a large number of frame types and sizes.

Abstract: A reconfigurable grizzly-type system providing improved field processing of ore, rock, and soil. The system provides reconfigurable screening of rocks, rubble, gravel, and debris from soil based on material size. The system also provides improvements related to efficient storage and transportation.

Abstract: A separator for use in separating larger rocks from smaller rocks and soil in which the upper rear support includes a connecting member allowing the sizing members to be adjusted to reject different minimum sizes, and in which the connecting member is recessed to protect it from damage during transport.

Abstract: An adjustable grading system 10 comprises a frame 12, a plurality of elongated bars 14 retained at opposite ends within the frame 12 and moveable along the frame, and a spreading device 16. The spreading device 16 is provided with a plurality of recesses 18 each for receiving a bar 14. Adjacent recesses 18 are spaced apart by a pre-determined spacing distance D and separated by a tooth 20. The spreading device 16 includes first and second combs 40 and 42 each of which are pivotally coupled to link bars 46 and 48. The pivot connection allows the spreading device 16 to be manipulated so that the distance between the combs 40 and 42 can be varied while maintaining them parallel to each other. A group of bars 14 can be spaced by the spacing distance D by orientating the device 16 so that the combs 40 and 42 extend diagonally across the group of bars 14 at an angle so that their respective teeth 20 are disposed between adjacent bars 14.

Abstract: A screening apparatus for separating particles is disclosed which consists of a plurality of rows of elongated members disposed in a staggered spacial relationship. The screening apparatus of the present invention is especially useful in preventing the spiking of particles during the screening process.

Abstract: A sieve for a thresher, especially a combine-harvester, for the separation of grain-like field fruits from stalk-like and chaff-like components has channels (2, 2a, 2b) extending parallel to a longitudinal axis (1). The channels (2, 2a, 2b) are open to a first side A, from which they are loaded. The channels (2, 2a, 2b) are delimited by a bottom 3 and laterally following flanks (4, 5) which include openings (9). Air guide following channels (10, 11) are open to a second side B, which face away from the first side A. The two air guide channels (10, 11) are arranged in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis (1) and are separated by a continuous separation wall (13). The separation wall (13) extends between two neighbouring channels (2, 2a) which extend parallel to the longitudinal axis (1). In these separated air guide channels (10, 11), respectively, the openings (9) of only one of the two channels (2, 2a) separated by the air guide channels (10, 11) are open.

Abstract: A separator for use in separating larger rocks from smaller rocks and soil in which the upper rear support includes a connecting member allowing the sizing members to be adjusted to reject different minimum sizes, and in which the connecting member is recessed to protect it from damage during transport.

Abstract: A trommel for classifying and sorting objects. The trommel is an open cylinder including a drive plate and a feed plate. A series of supporting rods extend between the drive plate and the feed plate. Disposed therebetween is a rod support ring dividing the trommel into a classifying zone and a discharge zone. A plurality of vibrating rods, floating in the vicinity of the rod support ring and anchored to the feed plate, oscillate and flex as the trommel rotates causing preselected sized objects to pass through the vibrating and support bars while the remaining objects are passed into the discharge zone with reduced clogging.

Abstract: A combine-harvester for harvesting grains has a zigzag arrangement and is formed from repeating portions (13, 13a, 13b, 13c) which each portion includes a profile (14, 14a, 14b, 14c). Each profile has a first leg (16), which is arranged at an angle to a second leg (18). The first leg (16) is provided with an extension (22). The extension is arranged parallel to the first leg (16) in a transverse direction to the conveying direction (6) and ends at an edge. The extension (22) projects in conveying direction (6) beyond the connection area (19) of the first leg (16) with the second leg (18). The extension is arranged ahead of the second leg (18) in the conveying direction (6). Stems (27), which possibly fall onto the sieve surface, are carried by the extensions (22). As a result of the movement of the sieve as it is moved in the conveying direction (6), the stems fall off the sieve surface (5).

Abstract: An adjustable grizzly has a series of parallel bars which form a grate. Each bar of the grizzly is adjustable along the width of a frame. Pins on the underside of the bars drop into slots in the frame. The bars are slid into position along the frame and then locked into place by tension wedge locks. Matching spot faces on the bars with buttons on the frame further secure the bars into position and prevent lateral movement of the bars when the grizzly is in use.

Abstract: A deck finger assembly for vibrating screening apparatus which includes a plurality of rod-shaped finger members that are secured in a resilient block that is compressed between a pair of clamping plates. The resilient block includes a plurality of through-holes through which the rod-shaped finger members are inserted. When the pair of clamping plates are drawn together and compress the resilient block, the through-holes in the resilient block contract radially inward and tighten about the rod-shaped finger members. By releasing the clamping plates and the compression force exerted thereby on the resilient block, the rod-like finger members can be removed and replaced as desired.

Abstract: A roller screen is provided with an assembly for adjusting the spacing between the rolls simultaneously. The assembly includes an elongated bar is provided adjacent one end of the rolls and has a plurality of wedges slidably mounted thereon. Bearing support plates slidably mounted in a frame have v-shape wedge portions slidably engaging adjacent side surfaces of the wedges on said bar. In a preferred embodiment a plurality of computer assisted hydraulic cams selectively move the bar upwardly and downwardly to adjust engagement of the wedges and the spacing between the rolls. Preferably a spacing adjustment assembly is provided at both of the opposite ends of the rolls in the roller screen.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus includes a first grating of spaced parallel bars and a second grating of spaced parallel bars positioned parallel to the first grating. Relative lateral movement of the first grating and the second grating alters the lateral spacing between the parallel bars of the first grating in relation to the parallel bars of the second grating. This enables rocks to be sorted into three piles; a first pile of rocks that will pass through when openings in the first grating and second grating are out of register, a second pile of rocks that will pass through only when openings in the first grating and second grating are in register, and a third pile of rocks that will not pass through.

Abstract: Two racks of parallel screening bars each have rigid rack frames which extend beneath the bars. Two crankshafts with offset cam surfaces are mounted to the machine frame, and the rack frames are mounted by bearings to the crankshaft cam surfaces. The rack frame bearings are closely spaced beneath the bars to balance the system, while the rack frames provide a stiff oscillatory platform for the bars, permitting narrow gauge bars and increased screening area. The rack frames also include counterweights to dynamically balance the system.

Abstract: Two racks of parallel spaced bars are supported for oscillatory motion from overhead drive shafts having eccentric cam surfaces. A first drive shaft is driven by a belt connected to a motor, and a second shaft is connected to the first shaft for synchronized movement by a rigid link. The bars are clamped to bar support beams without the need for bolts to extend through individual bars. The support beams are connected by side frames to the eccentric cam surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in cleaning confinement houses, to be pulled within the confinement house by a small tractor, providing motive force to the apparatus and to its components, is constructed on a wheeled frame, the front of which is connected to the tractor in a manner that allows the height of the leading edge of the apparatus to be adjusted. The leading edge of the frame carries a feeder reel which breaks up the mass of litter and waste on the floor and lifts it to an inclined conveyor. The conveyor is a bar type conveyor in which a plurality of parallel bars are mounted transverse to the direction of travel of the conveyor to urge material along a fixed grate having interstitial separation of such size as to allow sifting of reusable litter from waste litter which is too soiled to be reused. A plurality of panels may be detachably affixed to the grate beneath the bar conveyor thereby allowing the user to determine the amount of reusable material returned to the floor.

Abstract: A blade guide for a dual-frame wood chip sorter comprising a plurality of fingers having a slot therethrough to receive therein a blade, first and second mounting plates on each frame mounting thereon the bottom of a respective number of the fingers. At least one blade on the first frame is disposed intermediate adjacent fingers attached to a first mounting plate with each finger holding an intermediate blade being on another first mounting plate that is longitudinally separated from the other first plate on the frame. The pattern repeats for the second mounting plates with blades from the second frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roll screen having variable screening apertures having axle-fitted rolls which are spaced at adjustable distances apart and a device for adjusting this spacing. The roll spacing adjusting device functions to act on all rolls simultaneously, so that the spacing change will be the same for all rolls. The device includes two parallel running tracks (10, 11) and the distance between these tracks can be varied. A change in the distance between the running tracks causes the roll axle housings (6) to rotate and move the axles (2). This roll screen also includes a device for adjusting the individual distance between two consecutive rolls without affecting the distances between the remaining rolls. This device includes a spacer (32) which is inserted between the housings of the two rolls in which the roll axles are journalled. The roll screen is also provided with a separate elastic sealing element between the roll axle and the roll drive arrangement.

Abstract: An adjustable sieve mechanism for an agricultural harvesting machine comprising louvres positioned behind one another and being movable through a range of positions between a fully closed and a fully opened position. Consecutive louvres define an opening when in an opened position. An adjustment mechanism is provided for changing the opening. Also provided is an opening indicator including a movable part which is unitarily moved with one of the louvres when the opening is adjusted. The indicator permits verification of the sieve opening even when the louvres are not accessible for measurement with gauges, and a direct link between the louvres and the movable part avoids the inaccuracies which are conceivable when the indicator is sensing the movement of further, intermediate components of the adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: The bars of one of two sets of interleaved screen bars is extended beyond the interleaved portion of the screen bed, thus forming a region of the screen bed which has screens particles of intermediate dimensions. A second improvement is a clamping member which holds the downwardly extending legs of individual bars of the screen. The clamping member is a steel channel which has a steeply peaked roof between legs which sheds particles. The bar legs fit into slots which penetrate the peaked roof transverse to the lengthwise direction of the channel. The legs are retained by transverse bolts which pass through the vertical sidewalls of the channel and the legs, retaining and clamping them. The third improvement mounts the clamping member to a flange which may be traversed by a screw and bolt arrangement such that the clamping member may be adjusted in its lateral position. A fourth improvement is a clamping member which extends longitudinally and which has a keyway formed therein.

Abstract: A sieve assembly for combine includes a frame having side frame and divider members, a wire rotatably supported and extending transversely between the side and divider members. The wire has a majority portion and offset portion and at least one slat mounted thereon including a first pocket for removably receiving the major portion of the wire and a deflectable finger for positively locking the major portion of the wire into the first pocket to prevent accidental displacement of the slat from the wire. The slat includes a second pocket for removably receiving the offset portion of the wire to prevent rotational movement of the wire relative to the slat. In one embodiment, the side frame and divider members have circular apertures through which the wires extend. The inside diameter of these apertures are approximately the same, but slightly larger than, the outside diameter of the wire.

Abstract: A tensioning member for a blade screen that permits simultaneous tensioning of a plurality of blades in a blade screen, such as for wood chip sorting, is shown. The blade screen tensioning member includes a hinged bracket that may be supported on a portion of a frame, a spring steel blade holder for engaging a press-snap inserted into a hole in each of the engaged blades, and an elastic stop nut and stud for tightening and tensioning the blades. The blades are held in place at the opposite end of the frame by a similar holder, which, however, is fixed rather than hinged. The spring steel blade holder is reinforced for additional strength, and is bent at an approximately 45 degree angle where the press-snap is engaged. The blades themselves may also be provided with a sawtooth detail on a bottom edge to reduce the build-up of wood ribbons or fines that would otherwise occur. A sliding bearing with a dovetail configuration is also provided.

Abstract: The bars of one of two sets of interleaved screen bars is extended beyond the interleaved portion of the screen bed, thus forming a region of the screen bed which has screens particles of intermediate dimensions. A second improvement is a clamping member which holds the downwardly extending legs of individual bars of the screen. The clamping member is a steel channel which has a steeply peaked roof between legs which sheds particles. The bar legs fit into slots which penetrate the peaked roof transverse to the lengthwise direction of the channel. The legs are retained by transverse bolts which pass through the vertical sidewalls of the channel and the legs, retaining and clamping them. The third improvement mounts the clamping member to a flange which may be traversed by a screw and bolt arrangement such that the clamping member may be adjusted in its lateral position. A fourth improvement is a clamping member which extends longitudinally and which has a keyway formed therein.

Abstract: The bars of one of two sets of interleaved screen bars is extended beyond the interleaved portion of the screen bed, thus forming a region of the screen bed which has screens particles of intermediate dimensions. A second improvement is a clamping member which holds the downwardly extending legs of individual bars of the screen. The clamping member is a steel channel which has a steeply peaked roof between legs which sheds particles. The bar legs fit into slots which penetrate the peaked roof transverse to the lengthwise direction of the channel. The legs are retained by transverse bolts which pass through the vertical sidewalls of the channel and the legs, retaining and clamping them. The third improvement mounts the clamping member to a flange which may be traversed by a screw and bolt arrangement such that the clamping member may be adjusted in its lateral position. A fourth improvement is a clamping member which extends longitudinally and which has a keyway formed therein.

Abstract: A grader drum has fixed grader bars which extend between two annular end plates. Rotatable grader bars extend between the end plates between each pair of fixed bars. A generally frustoconical cam is movable axially with respect to the drum. A cam follower with a roller which engages against the cam is connected to each rotatable grader bar. A looped elastic belt encircles the cam followers and engages with radially outwardly facing grooves on the cam follower arms to retain the cam followers in engagement with the cam as the cam is displaced axially to adjust the spacing between the fixed and rotatable grader bars.

Abstract: An apparatus for grading crayfish is provided, comprising a tank having a bottom and sides forming a cavity which will hold water; and a grate assembly having multiple, vertically separated tiers to form spaces between adjacent tiers of sufficient size to accommodate a pre-determined amount of crayfish of pre-determined size. Each tier comprises multiple, horizontally separated round bars, the spacing between the bars in each succeeding lower tier being less than the spacing in the upper tiers. A process for grading crayfish of multiple sizes is also provided, comprising the steps of loading crayfish onto a top tier of a grate assembly of the type described above positioned in a water-filled tank, lifting the grate assembly from the tank after a period sufficient in time to allow all crayfish to seek the lowest level tier achievable in accordance with their size, and removing all crayfish located between one set of adjacent tiers separately from crayfish located between any other set of adjacent tiers.

Abstract: A combine cleaning system including a fan and a cleaning sieve which coact with each other to separate chaff and unthreshed tailings from grain. The sieve defines a grain cleaning area comprised of an air foil section extending rearwardly from a forward edge of the sieve and a slat or louvered section downstream of the air foil section. The air foil section provides a first level of cleaning to the threshed materials deposited on the grain cleaning area while the slat section provides a second level of cleaning to the material received thereon. Preferably, the air foil section comprises about 60% to about 85% of the grain cleaning area.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for separating semiconductor grade silicon pieces into desired size ranges, while minimizing contact contamination of the separated pieces. The device employs a rotatable cylindrical screen, with contact surfaces of semiconductor grade silicon. In a preferred embodiment, the cylindrical screen consists of parallel rods of semiconductor grade silicon separated by semiconductor grade silicon, internal, spacers. In addition, external spacers of semiconductor grade silicon are arranged along the length of the parallel rods to further define the exclusion characteristics of the cylindrical screen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for sorting elongate produce comprising a drum constituted by longitudinal grids, stationary and movable bars of which are mounted transversally to the longitudinal axis of the drum, the movable bars of each grid being kept in a fixed position one with respect to the other at constant and identical distances through a frame which is able to be moved relative to the stationary bars in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the drum.

Abstract: A cleaning system for a combine including a fan and reciprocal sieves mounted within a housing of the combine. The sieves include a series of transversely extending slats which are selectively adjustable to allow clean grain to pass therethrough. A plurality of transversely adjacent baffles extend in a fore-and-aft direction along substantially the entire length of and for a relatively short distance above an upper distance of the sieves. The baffles have a cumulative effect of inhibiting a disproportionate granular accumulation of granular material adjacent the downhill side of the sieves when the harvesting apparatus is tilted during slope harvesting. Each of the baffles are movable conjointly with and in response to adjustment of the slats of the sieves.

Abstract: A combination harvester of conventional type includes a reciprocating sieve onto which the grain and chaff is deposited for separation by differential response to air flow passing through openings in the sieve. The openings in the sieve can be adjusted by an adjustment mechanism in the form of levers positioned at the rear of the sieve. A kit of parts is provided to communicate rotation of the hand crank within the cab of the combine through a flexible pipe which passes through an opening in the combine wall to a screw and nut arrangement which acts to adjust the levers of the sieve adjustment mechanism in dependence upon rotation of the hand crank. The reciprocation of the sieve relative to the combine wall is taken up by flexing of the pipe. The ability to adjust the sieve from within the cab allows on the go adjustment for fine tuning of the separation by the sieve according to harvesting conditions.

Abstract: A shuffle feed apparatus for removing slivers and comprising first and second shuffle feed members (26, 27) supported respectively between frame members (31, 32) for oscillatory motion to advance articles in rows. To adjust the size of slivers that are removed from the article mainstream, the feed members (26) are adjustable in thickness to allow the spacing between adjacent feed members to be varied. Each feed member (26) comprises a pivotally connected outer shell member (45) and inner shell member (46). The inner shell members are connected by a rail (50) attached to a lever (55) for adjusting the relative positions of the inner and outer shell members to vary the thickness of the feed members (26).

Abstract: A cleaning shoe of an agricultural combine having a chaffer screen and sieve screen which are provided with readily replaceable louvers. Both the chaffer and sieve have rectangular frames across which extend laterally arranged louvers. The louvers are held in place by a readily removable adjustment bar which is used for adjusting the opening side defined by the louvers. The adjustment bar is slidably mounted in a U-shaped member having inwardly turned lips that together with a retainer strip and a spring lock the adjustment bar into the frame thereby holding the louvers in place. By removing the retainer strip and spring, the adjustment bar can be removed and the louver replaced.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting produce by size is disclosed. The produce travels over a series of openings (34), ranging from small to large. The produce falls through the openings and is collected beneath them. The openings are adjustable (91) to handle various types and sizes of produce. A plurality of fingers (52) is provided which move from below up into the openings to dislodge any produce jammed in the openings.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism to affect a change in the size of openings through a sieve in a combine harvester is disclosed wherein the handle for actuating the sleeve adjustment is positioned above the surface of the sieve to permit an ease and convenience of access. The handle is pivotally connected to a pivot member and movable between a retracted position in which the handle presents a streamlined profile to minimize obstruction to the flow of crop material thereover and an actuating position in which an engagement pin in said handle is engageable with a notch formed in the upper surface of the pivot member to permit the handle to actuate movement of the pivot member, which in turn is transferred into a fore-and-aft motion of a slat connection member interconnecting the sieve slats to be adjusted to affect a pivotal movement thereof.