Abstract: A sheet feed shaft includes a metallic rod, and a plurality of projections formed by plastic working to rise in a circumferential direction at a plurality of regions in the circumferential direction and in an axial direction on a peripherical surface of the metallic rod. ? and ? satisfy following relations (a) and (b) in a range that the ? is not less than 300 and not more than 110°, ?0=?0.002?2+0.854??3.72,??(a) 0.85×?0???1.15?0,??(b) where an apex angle of the projections viewed from the circumferential direction of the metallic rod is defined as ?, and an apex angle of the projections viewed from an axial direction of the metallic rod is defined as ?.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the operational status of ground-engaging tools of an agricultural implement. The system includes a frame and an assembly including an attachment structure configured to be coupled to the frame and a ground-engaging tool. The ground-engaging tool is pivotably coupled to the attachment structure. The system further includes a shear pin at least partially extending through both the attachment structure and ground-engaging tool to prevent pivoting of the ground-engaging tool about the pivot point when the shear pin is in an operable working condition. Additionally, the system includes an electrical connection through one or more components of the assembly or the shear pin and associated with the shear pin. The system further includes a controller electrically coupled to the electrical connection. The controller is configured to determine a change in the working condition of the shear pin based on an electrical property of the electrical connection.

Abstract: Disclosed is an articulated harvesting combine of a forward power processing unit (PPU) having a forward set of wheel assemblies and a rear grain cart connected by an articulating joint assembly. Bonus sieves assemblies are located in the outer rear of the PPU for accepting grain from concaves and grates assemblies located forward of the bonus sieves assemblies. The bonus sieves assemblies accept tailings from the concaves and grates assemblies for additional separation of grain from material other than grain (MOG). New and separate airflow is provided for the bonus sieves. The bonus sieves tailings are returned to the bonus sieves for rethreshing, optionally after being particulated and air separation performed.

Abstract: A combine harvester including a frame and a twin rotor crop processor mounted to the frame. The processor comprises a pair of axial-flow crop processing rotors arranged side-by-side and each being mounted for rotation inside a generally cylindrical rotor housing. Each rotor housing includes a curved cover plate. Each cover plate has a structure that includes a flange along a longitudinal edge for securing the plate to a central frame member between the rotor housings. Both flanges intersect a hypothetical vertical plane aligned with the frame member.

Abstract: A rotor top cover assembly for an axial-flow crop processor in a combine harvester is provided. The cover assembly comprises first and second curved cover plate sections at least one of which sections forming an upper part of a generally cylindrical shaped rotor housing for a crop processing rotor. A curved transition plate nests radially inside, and is fastened to, adjoining respective end regions of the cover plate sections. Helical guide vanes are mounted in an axially spaced relationship along an inner surface of at least one of the cover plate sections. At least one guide vane is mounted directly to the transition plate.

Abstract: A depth adjustable crop transport vane, crop transport vane assembly, and agricultural combine threshing chambers employing such adjustable crop transport vanes are disclosed.

Abstract: A combine harvester has a crop processing rotor and a concave assembly having at least one concave extending at least partially beneath the rotor in a circumferential manner. The concave assembly is pivotable about pivot point to move the concave in a generally concentric manner toward and away from rotor. An operating mechanism pivots the concave assembly to adjust the operating clearance between the concave assembly and the rotor. The operating mechanism includes an actuator and a linkage assembly connecting the actuator to the concave assembly. The linkage assembly includes a hydraulic cylinder that applies a substantially constant force to the concave assembly to control the pressure put on the crop while the rotor is rotating. A hydraulic supply ports hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinder. The combine harvester also has an accumulator located between the hydraulic supply and the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A threshing mechanism is formed with a first threshing drum and a second threshing drum disposed one behind the other in a direction of crop flow. A first concave encloses the first threshing drum and the second threshing drum in sections in a circumferential direction. A second concave encloses the second threshing drum in sections in the circumferential direction. The concaves are displaceable in a radial direction of the threshing drums and are formed with at least one crop-processing device disposed at the first concave. The first concave and the second concave are swivellable about a common axis connecting the concaves. The enclosure of the second threshing drum by the first concave and the second concave is approximately identical.

Abstract: There is provided a concave for a rotary combine which includes a body having a plurality of curved frame sections connected in parallel side by side relation. Each of the curved frame section has having ends and sides. The body has an entry end and an exit end. Each of the curved frame sections has a face with an upstanding crop processing profile. For the curved frame sections at the entry end of the body the crop processing profile is a threshing profile having an orientation extending between the sides. For the curved frame sections at the exit end of the body the crop processing profile is a separation profile of sine wave vanes having an orientation extending toward the ends and having apertures positioned between the vanes to permit passage of grain.

Abstract: A concave includes a frame and an array of threshing elements supported by the frame, the threshing elements being spaced apart and extending generally parallel to one another. The threshing elements are configured in the form of round bars each having formed on an upper portion thereof disposed adjacent to an upper portion of the frame a longitudinally-extending notch respectively defining an aggressive threshing edge. The spaced apart relationship and round configuration of the threshing elements reduce plugging of the concave. The threshing edges facing in a direction opposite to the direction of crop material flow restrict crop material flow and thereby enable more effective threshing.

Abstract: A concave includes a frame and an array of threshing elements supported by the frame, the threshing elements being spaced apart and extending generally parallel to one another. The threshing elements are configured in the form of round bars each having formed on an upper portion thereof disposed adjacent to an upper portion of the frame a longitudinally-extending notch respectively defining an aggressive threshing edge. The spaced apart relationship and round configuration of the threshing elements reduce plugging of the concave. The threshing edges facing in a direction opposite to the direction of crop material flow restrict crop material flow and thereby enable more effective threshing.

Abstract: A dual action corn cob separation and attendant corn cob separator, having a plurality of generally vertical or generally longitudinally elongated slots, and having disposed therebetween at least two of said slots, at least one generally vertical or longitudinal in-line row of smaller slots or openings, whereby whole corn cobs can be more effectively harvested.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine including a frame and a threshing section supported by the frame. The threshing section includes a rotating member, a concave and a hydraulic concave support system that positions the concave proximate to the rotating member. The concave is movable in directions toward or away from the rotating member. The hydraulic concave support system includes at least one hydraulically driven element movable substantially parallel to the same directions.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting existence of a failed or broken shear bolt supporting all or a portion of a concave of a threshing system of an agricultural combine and utilizing information relating to rates of movement and absence of movement of a concave to determine the existence and non-existence of a failed or broken shear bolt supporting the concave. More particularly, the present system and method is operable to diagnose existence of a broken shear bolt from a rapid downward movement of the concave and non-movement of the concave during operation of a driver for repositioning the concave. Also, existence of a false broken concave condition can be diagnosed by movements of the concave responsive to operation of the driver.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting existence of a failed or broken shear bolt supporting all or a portion of a concave of a threshing system of an agricultural combine and utilizing information relating to rates of movement and absence of movement of a concave to determining the existence and non-existence of a failed or broken shear bolt supporting the concave. More particularly, the present system and method is operable to diagnose existence of a broken shear bolt from a rapid downward movement of the concave and non-movement of the concave during operation of a driver for repositioning the concave. Also, existence of a false broken concave condition can be diagnosed by movements of the concave responsive to operation of the driver.

Abstract: A device for changing throughgoing openings through which grain passes in a separating area of a concave in an agricultural harvester in which the concave is composed of at least one frame, and a plurality of beater strips and wires which form therebetween the throughgoing openings the concave separating area, the device comprising an adjusting device composed of a plurality of individual tines which are in operative connection with one another through at least one tine strip, a switching shaft, and at least one cam arranged on the switching shaft and controlling the tine strip, wherein the adjusting device is being configured so as to change a size of the throughgoing openings so as to determine a comminution degree of a product mat between a threshing drum and the concave.

Abstract: A tool that is provided for the removal and the installation of a threshing concave is disclosed. The tool has a pair of spaced support arms for slideably receiving end sections of a threshing concave. The support arms are provided with mechanism for attachment of the arm to the housing. The housing has an inner arm section that extends to one side of the attachment mechanism for supporting the concave inside the housing when the support arm is attached to the housing. The outer arm section extends to the other side of the attachment mechanism for supporting a threshing concave outside the housing when the support arm is attached to the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating grain, kernel or cereal from harvested crop includes a separating rotor operatively mounted in a rotor housing and having a rotor axis, and a separating grate which partly surrounds the separating rotor and forms a lower part of the rotor housing. The separating grate includes a plurality of frame portions, profiles operatively connected to the plurality of frame portions and extending parallel to the rotor axis, and webs having apertures therein and bent in a step-like shape. The webs are mounted between the profiles and the plurality of frame portions and transverse to the rotor axis forming a sieve area for separating the grain from the crop mat. The separating grate is utilized in a combine harvester, preferably a self-propelled combine harvester. The sieve area is used to sift, separate or loosen grain, kernel or cereal from the crop with reduced fragmentation and clogging.

Abstract: A rotary combine includes a rotor having a longitudinal axis of rotation and a concave removably mounted adjacent the rotor. The concave assembly includes a longitudinally extending frame having first and second sides spaced circumferentially around the rotor. Each of the first and second sides is transversely moveable relative to the axis of rotation of the rotor. A method for adjusting the position of the concave assembly is provided and includes moving at least one of the first and second sides of the frame in a direction transverse to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A locking arrangement for a concave of a rotary combine, the concave having first and second ends spaced circumferentially around a rotor of the combine. The first end includes a pivot member received in an opening of a hook member supported by a support structure so as to support the first end for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of rotation of the rotor. A locking member mounted on the hood member is pivotable between an engaged position for engaging the pivot member of the first end of the concave for retaining the pivot member in the opening of the hook member and a disengaged position wherein the locking member is disengaged from the pivot member while the pivot member is supported in the opening by the hook member.

Abstract: A combine harvester comprises a threshing and separating arrangement mounted to a main firm and including a generally cylindrical chamber having a generally longitudinal axis. Part of the chamber is constituted by a separating concave assembly comprising at least two separating concaves, the one located behind the other. The concaves are taken from a choice of less and more aggressive separating concaves. The chamber comprises mounting device operable to receive and hold each of the separating concaves. The front and/or the rear concaves can be removed and replaced.

Abstract: A rotary combine includes a rotor having a longitudinal axis of rotation and a concave removably mounted adjacent the rotor. The concave is removable in a direction outwardly transverse relative to the axis of rotation of the rotor. In a preferred embodiment, a concave assembly includes a longitudinally extending frame having first and second sides spaced circumferentially around the rotor. Each of the first and second sides is transversely moveable relative to the axis of rotation of the rotor. A concave insert is removably mounted to the frame. A method for adjusting the position of the concave assembly is also provided and includes moving at least one of the first and second sides of the frame in a direction transverse to the axis of rotation. A method for replacing the concave insert is also provided.

Abstract: A method for replacing the concave insert of a rotary combine. The rotary combine includes a rotor having a longitudinal axis of rotation and a concave removably mounted adjacent the rotor. The concave is removable in a direction outwardly transverse relative to the axis of rotation of the rotor. In a preferred embodiment, a concave assembly includes a longitudinally extending frame having first and second sides spaced circumferentially around the rotor. Each of the first and second sides is transversely moveable relative to the axis of rotation of the rotor. A concave insert is removably mounted to the frame.

Abstract: A rotary combine includes a rotor having a longitudinal axis of rotation and a concave removably mounted adjacent the rotor. The concave is removable in a direction outwardly transverse relative to the axis of rotation of the rotor. In a preferred embodiment, a concave assembly includes a longitudinally extending frame having first and second sides spaced circumferentially around the rotor. Each of the first and second sides is transversely moveable relative to the axis of rotation of the rotor. A concave insert is removably mounted to the frame. A method for adjusting the position of the concave assembly is also provided and includes moving at least one of the first and second sides of the frame in a direction transverse to the axis of rotation. A method for replacing the concave insert is also provided.

Abstract: A sieve lining for a concave in a threshing mechanism of a harvesting machine accommodates larger threshing cylinders while still allowing the sieve lining segments to be removed through an inspection opening in a threshing mechanism housing and includes an extension formed by either a single piece or segments; a plurality of sieve lining segments; and an articulated connection between the extension and the sieve lining segments.

Abstract: A rotary combine includes a rotor having a longitudinal axis of rotation and a concave removably mounted adjacent the rotor. The concave is removable in a direction outwardly transverse relative to the axis of rotation of the rotor. In a preferred embodiment, a concave assembly includes a longitudinally extending frame having first and second sides spaced circumferentially around the rotor. Each of the first and second sides is transversely moveable relative to the axis of rotation of the rotor. A concave insert is removably mounted to the frame. A method for adjusting the position of the concave assembly is also provided and includes moving at least one of the first and second sides of the frame in a direction transverse to the axis of rotation. A method for replacing the concave insert is also provided.

Abstract: A rotary combine includes a rotor having a longitudinal axis of rotation and a concave removably mounted adjacent the rotor. The concave is removable in a direction outwardly transverse relative to the axis of rotation of the rotor. In a preferred embodiment, a concave assembly includes a longitudinally extending frame having first and second sides spaced circumferentially around the rotor. Each of the first and second sides is transversely moveable relative to the axis of rotation of the rotor. A concave insert is removably mounted to the frame. A method for adjusting the position of the concave assembly is also provided and includes moving at least one of the first and second sides of the frame in a direction transverse to the axis of rotation. A method for replacing the concave insert is also provided.

Abstract: A rotary combine includes a rotor having a longitudinal axis of rotation and a concave removably mounted adjacent the rotor. The concave is removable in a direction outwardly transverse relative to the axis of rotation of the rotor. In a preferred embodiment, a concave assembly includes a longitudinally extending frame having first and second sides spaced circumferentially around the rotor. Each of the first and second sides is transversely moveable relative to the axis of rotation of the rotor. A concave insert is removably mounted to the frame. A method for adjusting the position of the concave assembly is also provided and includes moving at least one of the first and second sides of the frame in a direction transverse to the axis of rotation. A method for replacing the concave insert is also provided.