Abstract: A rotary thresher for a combine harvester including at least a first concave and a second concave, which may be rotated around a rotor to move to or from a threshing position or one or more of one or more resting positions. The concaves are mounted in a frame that is configured to rotate around the rotor such that the second concave moves during rotation from a first resting position to the threshing position while the first concave is moved from the threshing position to a second resting position.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle including a rotor configured for threshing a crop material and a housing located at a distance radially away from the rotor and circumferentially encasing at least a portion of the rotor. The agricultural vehicle also includes a discharge chopper positioned downstream of the rotor in a direction of crop material flow, and a discharge deflector moveably connected to the housing, circumferentially disposed around at least a portion of the rotor, and located at a radial distance away from the rotor. The discharge deflector has a distal end that defines a discharge opening for allowing the crop material to pass from the rotor to the discharge chopper such that as the discharge deflector is moved a circumferential position of the discharge opening is correspondingly moved without changing the radial distance between the discharge deflector and the rotor.

Abstract: A clean out system of a header for an agricultural vehicle including at least one cover having a plurality of perforations and at least one actuating member connected to the at least one cover. The at least one actuating member is configured for moving the at least one cover between a first position to completely cover at least one cutout of the frame of the header for blocking the unwanted material from exiting the header, a second position to at least partially uncover the at least one cutout for permitting the unwanted material to pass through the at least one cutout, and a third position to align at least one perforation of the plurality of perforations with the at least one cutout for permitting the unwanted material to pass through the at least one cutout and the at least one perforation of the plurality of perforations.

Abstract: A chopper for an agricultural harvester comprises a housing, a rotor, a bank of counter-knives, and an adjuster. The housing comprises a variable geometry outlet floor. The is positioned in an interior region of the housing for rotation therein relative to the housing. The bank of counter-knives is movable relative to the rotor between a first aggressiveness position and a second aggressiveness position to adjust chopping aggressiveness of the chopper. The outlet floor comprises a ramp movable relative to the rotor between a first ramp position and a second ramp position. The adjuster positions the ramp in the first ramp position when the bank of counter-knives is positioned in the first aggressiveness position and positions the ramp in the second ramp position when the bank of counter-knives is positioned in the second aggressiveness position.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes a gas spring cylinder containing a piston moveable between an extended position and a compressed position within the gas spring cylinder. A mechanical actuator is arranged whereby a bleed port is automatically closed when the gas spring is compressed to a predetermined position corresponding to a desired sag setting. In one embodiment, the position corresponds to a predetermined sag setting whereby the gas spring is partially compressed. In another embodiment, a proper sag setting is determined through the use of a processor and sensor that in one instance measure a position of shock absorber components to dictate a proper sag setting and in another instance calculate a pressure corresponding to a preferred sag setting.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically establishing a gap between a concave and a rotor of a rotary crop processing system are disclosed. Establishing the gap may include displacing the concave towards the rotor until contact is detected therebetween. Contact may be detected using a sensor configured to detect contact between the rotor and the concave. The sensor may be a knock sensor. The concave is displaced away from the rotor when contact is detected until contact between the rotor and the concave is no longer detected. One or more actuators may be coupled to the concave to move the concave relative to the rotor. In some implementations, the actuators may be operated in sequence to form the gap between the rotor and the concave.

Abstract: A threshing or separating concave for grain harvesting is equipped with curved cheeks, between which concave bars having an elongated cross-sectional profile extend, the curved inside edges of which are provided with a rounded inside edge, and having concave rods extending in the direction of the curve, which pass through holes in the concave bars that are immediately adjacent to the rounded inside edge.

Abstract: A grain cleaning system in an agricultural harvester, that includes a chaff pan with a pivotal axis near an end of the chaff pan. The chaff pan has a dual locking system coupled thereto for holding the chaff pan in two different positions. The dual locking system has a first over-center locking arrangement and a second over-center locking arrangement. The first locking arrangement is used to hold the chaff pan in an upward position when the first locking arrangement is locked. The first locking arrangement includes a first linkage element; and a second linkage element. The second locking arrangement holds the chaff pan in a locked downward position when the second locking arrangement is locked. The second locking arrangement includes a first linkage element; and a second linkage element. The first linkage element of the first locking arrangement is also the first linkage element of the second locking arrangement.

Abstract: A combine harvester including a frame and two axial-flow crop processing rotors mounted to the frame. An inner support structure is located between the two rotors and is mounted to the frame by a first linkage. Two outer support structures are located outboard of the two rotors and are mounted to the frame by respective second and third linkages. The inner support structure and two outer support structures carry first and second pluralities of concave grate segments at a radial distance from the respective rotors. A concave adjustment system includes a first actuator coupled to the first linkage which is configured to raise and lower the inner support structure. A second actuator is coupled to one of the second and third linkages and is configured to raise and lower at least one of the two outer support structures.

Abstract: A threshing device with two-way pull wires and adjustable threshing clearance includes a tensioning mechanism, and several grid bars in clearance fit with side plates, wherein the tensioning mechanism is mounted on the several grid bars so that the grid bars can move in radial and tangential directions in the clearance; the tensioning mechanism includes a tangential tensioning device and a radial tensioning device, wherein the radial tensioning device is mounted in the radial direction of any one of the grid bars, so that the grid bars can move in the radial direction in the clearance; the tangential tensioning device is mounted in series in the tangential direction of the grid bars, so that the grid bars can move in the tangential direction in the clearance. Further disclosed is a combined harvester, which includes the threshing device with two-way pull wires and adjustable threshing clearance.

Abstract: A threshing system for use in an agricultural harvester. The threshing system includes a rotor and a perforated concave system. The rotor has a rotational axis. The perforated concave system is spaced radially outwardly from the rotor for passage of grain through perforations as the rotor moves crop material across the concave system. The concave system has at least one concave section having a rigid frame, pivotal members, and an arcuate movable member. The rigid frame has a plurality of sides rigidly coupled together. The pivotal members are pivotally coupled and extend to two of the sides of the rigid frame. The arcuate movable member interacts with the plurality of pivotal members to pivot each of the pivotal members as the arcuate movable member is moved along a segment of an arc generally about the rotational axis.

Abstract: A dynamically operated concave threshing bar system, method, and apparatus wherein one or more threshing bars within a concave can dynamically move to various positions in real-time based on one or more conditions such as the type crop being harvested and on a determination by a combine harvester's computerized system, artificial intelligence (AI) system, or upon the operators input, among others. The concave can include a concave frame having a pair of arcuate side members, a threshing bar, and an actuator coupled to the threshing bar, wherein the actuator can be configured to move the threshing bar along the arcuate side members of the concave frame.

Abstract: A rotor assembly for harvesting a crop. The rotor assembly has a rotating portion defined along a rotation axis, a surrounding assembly at least partially surrounding the rotating portion, the surrounding assembly having at least one separation grate coupled to a support. The support defines an inner surface and has at least one interrupter receiver. The at least one interrupter receiver is selectively coupleable to an interrupter to position the interrupter radially inward of the inner surface towards the rotation axis.

Abstract: A harvesting machine including a cutting head configured to provide cut crop for threshing. The harvesting machine includes a conveyer disposed adjacent to the cutting head and configured to move the cut crop to be threshed along a path. A thresher is configured to thresh the cut crop to provide threshed grain from the cut crop. A separator is disposed adjacently to the thresher and is configured to separate debris from the threshed grain. A feed accelerator is disposed between the conveyor and the thresher, wherein the feed accelerator is configured to advance the cut crop along the path from the conveyor to the thresher. A pre-threshing device is disposed adjacently to the feed accelerator, wherein the feed accelerator interacts with the pre-threshing device to provide threshed grain, and the pre-threshing device is configured to collect the threshed grain before the remaining cut crop is threshed at the thresher.

Abstract: A concave separator or concave separation grate assembly and configuration for separating operations of a combine harvester is disclosed having integrated, interchangeable, and removable finger-like like configurations and assortments that can allow full separation of crop material from chaff, straw, vines and the like, thereby increasing grain separating capacity in a combine, improved breaking up the chaff-grain material, among other advantages. The separator grate assembly can include a bracket or grate member, and a plurality of first protruding members secured to the bracket member and having a first configuration, the first protruding member having a proximal end and a distal end. The first protruding members can include an elevation or angle relative to a horizontal plane when secured to the bracket member, and wherein each of the plurality of first protruding members can be equally spaced apart from each other when secured the bracket member.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a removable cover plate assembly, which may be quickly attached, detached and adjusted to the exterior of a concave grate of a combine harvester in order to adjust the flow characteristics of the concave or separator grate assemblies. The cover plate assembly improves the threshing capability of the rasp bar threshing cylinder while simultaneously capturing additional threshed grain. Moreover, the cover plate assembly of the present invention enables a single set of concave grate assemblies to better harvest a wider variety of crop types.

Abstract: A removable cover plate assembly may be quickly attached, detached and adjusted to the exterior of a concave grate of a combine harvester in order to adjust the flow characteristics of the concave or separator grate assemblies. The cover plate assembly improves the threshing capability of the rasp bar threshing cylinder while simultaneously capturing additional threshed grain. Moreover, the cover plate assembly of the present invention enables a single set of concave grate assemblies to better harvest a wider variety of crop types.

Abstract: A concave for an agricultural combine includes threshing bars carried by a base frame and forming openings therebetween for grain to pass through. Each threshing bar includes an inner extremity, a deflecting extremity including a deflecting surface, a separating grate between the inner extremity and the deflecting extremity, the separating grate extends across an adjacent one of the openings between the inner extremity and the deflecting extremity for separating grain from threshed crop material, the deflecting surface projects angularly upward relative to the separating grate, and the deflecting surface and the separating grate are arranged at an obtuse angle therebetween forming a grain-collecting trough between the deflecting surface and the separating grate.

Abstract: A threshing and separating system for an agricultural harvester includes: a rotor; a rotor cage at least partially enclosing the rotor, the rotor cage including a first flat wall, a second flat wall connected to and angled with respect to the first flat wall, and a curved wall connected to the second flat wall; and at least one vane connected to the first flat wall or the second flat wall.

Abstract: A combine harvester including a frame and two axial-flow crop processing rotors mounted to the frame. An inner support structure is located between the two rotors and mounted to the frame by a first linkage. Two outer support structures are located outboard of the two rotors and mounted to the frame by respective second and third linkages. The inner support structure and two outer support structures carry first and second pluralities of concave grate segments at a radial distance from the respective rotors. A concave adjustment system includes a first actuator coupled to the first linkage which is configured to raise and lower the inner support structure. A second actuator is coupled to the second and third linkages and is configured to raise and lower the two outer support structures. The first linkage includes a first rockshaft mounted to the frame and aligned perpendicular to the rotation axis.

Abstract: A concave for an agricultural combine includes threshing bars carried by a base frame and forming openings therebetween for grain to pass through. Each threshing bar includes an inner extremity, a deflecting extremity including a deflecting surface, a separating grate between the inner extremity and the deflecting extremity, the separating grate extends across an adjacent one of the openings between the inner extremity and the deflecting extremity for separating grain from threshed crop material, the deflecting surface projects angularly upward relative to the separating grate, and the deflecting surface and the separating grate are arranged at an obtuse angle therebetween forming a grain-collecting trough between the deflecting surface and the separating grate.

Abstract: A concave assembly for an agricultural machine includes a frame pivotally connected to a structural component and a concave connected to the frame. The frame includes a trunnion having a front end and a rear end. A front arm and a rear arm are connected to the trunnion. A crossbar extends between the front arm and the rear arm. A rotating member rotatably connected to the crossbar. The concave includes a first outer support and a second outer support. An inner support is positioned between the first outer support and the second outer support. A plurality of separator bars extend between the first outer support and the second outer support.

Abstract: A concave adjustment device for an agricultural harvester includes a rotor having a longitudinal axis, a concave encircling at least a portion of the rotor, and a linkage connected to the concave for moving the concave with respect to the rotor. The linkage includes a first link, a second link and the concave. The first link has a first portion connected to a device for moving the linkage and a second portion connected to one side of the concave. The second link has a first portion pivotably connected to an opposing side of the concave and a second portion pivotably connected to a fixed point on the harvester. The device for moving the linkage is configured to translate the first link, which causes rotation of the second link and movement of the concave with respect to the rotor.

Abstract: An adjustable vane system for use with a rotor cage of a threshing system of an agricultural harvester includes a vane. The vane includes: a generally helically curved inner profile; a surface being an outer profile that is opposite the inner profile and is generally helically curved over a portion of the vane, the outer profile being configured to be positioned closer to the rotor cage than the inner profile; and a flat portion located midway along the outer profile.

Abstract: A concave for an agricultural combine includes first and second frames and a threshing mat that includes threshing bars each including a separating grate. An engagement assembly non-destructively connects each of the threshing bars to the first frame, the threshing bars form openings therebetween for grain to pass through, the separating grate of each of the threshing bars extends across an adjacent one of the openings for separating grain from threshed crop material, and the separating grate of each of the threshing bars is fixedly connected to an adjacent one of the threshing bars. The engagement assemblies enable non-destructive removal of the threshing mat from the first frame, when the second frame is spaced apart from the first frame. The second frame restrains non-destructive removal of the threshing mat from the first frame via the engagement assemblies, when the second frame is juxtaposed to the first frame.

Abstract: A threshing system for an agricultural harvester includes a rotor having a proximal end adapted to receive material from a feeding mechanism and a distal end. A discharge housing surrounds the distal end of the rotor. The discharge housing includes a side wall spaced radially apart from the rotor to define a discharge passage between the rotor and the discharge housing. At least one vane is pivotably mounted to the side wall of the discharge housing at a downward swept side of the rotor. The vane extends from the inner surface of the discharge housing. The position of the vane is adjustable to change a trajectory of material expelled from the discharge passage. The vane is positioned on a large diameter portion of the discharge housing in order to limit compression of the material as the material passes along the at least one vane.

Abstract: A system for installing separator grates within a combine may include a grate frame having first and second frame members extending circumferentially between proximal and distal ends. The system may also include a first and second separator grate sections configured to be supported between the frame members along first and second circumferential frame sections of the grate frame, respectively. Additionally, the grate frame may include first and second guide rails extending between the frame members along at least a portion of the first circumferential frame section. When the first separator grate section is being installed from a side of the grate frame located adjacent to the proximal end, at least a portion of the first separator grate section may be configured to ride along the guide rails at a location between the frame member as the first separator grate section is moved towards the distal end of the grate frame.

Abstract: A concave for an agricultural combine includes first and second frames connected together for movement between closed and open positions. The first frame includes curved members axially spaced from one another, and bars each movable between a first position removably connected to the first frame and a second position detached from the first frame, wherein the bars are spaced from one another and extend axially between the curved members forming openings therebetween for grain to pass through in the first position of each of the bars. The second frame restricts movement of each of the bars between the first and second positions in the closed position of the first and second frames, and the second frame allows movement of each of the bars between the first and second positions in the open position of the first and second frames.

Abstract: A threshing system for an agricultural harvester includes a rotor and a substantially cylindrical cage that surrounds at least a portion of the rotor. The threshing system also features a material flow adjustor for controlling axial movement of material through the cage. The material flow adjustor is movably mounted adjacent to a threshing space and includes at least one material conveying edge that enters the threshing space. The material flow adjustor is moveable between a first operative position, in which the at least one material conveying edge is spaced from the rotor in a radial direction by a first distance, and a second operative position in which the at least one material conveying edge is spaced from the rotor in the radial direction by a second distance, the second distance being less than the first distance.

Abstract: A threshing section of an agricultural harvester. The threshing section includes a threshing drum and at least one concave assembly positioned proximate to the threshing drum. The concave assembly has a plurality of modularized assemblies, each modularized assembly being independently configurable.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a removable cover plate assembly, which may be quickly attached, detached and adjusted to the exterior of a concave grate of a combine harvester in order to adjust the flow characteristics of the concave or separator grate assemblies. The cover plate assembly improves the threshing capability of the rasp bar threshing cylinder while simultaneously capturing additional threshed grain. Moreover, the cover plate assembly of the present invention enables a single set of concave grate assemblies to better harvest a wider variety of crop types.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester including a chassis and a threshing and separating section for threshing and separating grain from gathered crop material. The threshing and separating section is carried by the chassis. The threshing and separating section includes at least one concave having a hooking feature, at least one sliding support, and a frame assembly for carrying and coupling the at least one concave thereto. The frame assembly includes a support bar allowing the hooking feature of the at least one concave to hook over the support bar to support one side of the at least one concave. Another side of the at least one concave is coupled to the frame assembly. The at least one sliding support supports the at least one concave as the at least one concave is moved toward or away from the support bar.

Abstract: A combine harvester includes threshing apparatus, a grain pan and a cleaning unit. The grain pan is arranged to collect a grain/chaff stream from the threshing apparatus and is driven in an oscillating manner to convey the collected grain/chaff to a rear edge from where the grain/chaff stream falls into the cleaning unit. The cleaning unit includes a fan unit for generating an airstream directed through the grain/chaff stream falling from the rear edge and an airstream vented above the grain pan.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine including a chassis, and a threshing section carried by the chassis. The threshing section includes a rotor, a plurality of frame assemblies adjustably positioned proximate to the rotor, a plurality of concaves and an adjustment mechanism. Each concave is carried by a corresponding frame assembly. The adjustment mechanism is coupled to the frame assemblies. The plurality of frame assemblies are X frame assemblies, with X being 2 or larger. The adjustment mechanism has at least one actuator, with there being Y actuators, with Y being 1 or larger. The adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust each of the X frame assemblies to different positions with Y actuators, where Y is less than X.

Abstract: A lockout closure includes an interlock device and a closure panel. The interlock device may be operatively coupled to a moving device and have a movable switch mechanism for interrupting operation of the device. The closure panel may have an engagement surface movable with respect to the interlock device in order to interact with the switch mechanism. The closure panel may be movable between an open position, in which the closure panel is positioned to uncover an access opening, and a closed position, in which the closure panel is positioned to cover the access opening. When the closure panel is in the open position, the engagement surface engages or disengages the switch mechanism so that the interlock device interrupts operation of the moving device.

Abstract: A separating device for separating a crop from a mixture with admixtures has a drop stage and a conveying device supplying the mixture in a conveyed stream to the drop stage. An air stream is supplied to the drop stage, wherein the mixture is falling in the drop stage and is affected by the air stream, wherein the drop stage effects loosening of the mixture. A retaining element is arranged downstream of the drop stage so as to face the mixture falling in the drop stage. The air stream interacts with the retaining element. Downstream of the retaining element the crop and solid bodies separated from the mixture are transported farther as separated individual parts in substantially opposite conveying directions. A diverting device is provided that can at least partially divert the conveyed stream upstream of the retaining element.

Abstract: A separating device for a combine harvester that operates according to the principle of axial flow includes a housing with a separating grate arrangement and a cover arrangement that jointly form a hollow cylinder. A separating rotor is accommodated in the hollow cylinder in a rotatably supported manner such that an intermediate space (Z1) is defined between the housing and the separating rotor for conveying crop circumferentially and along a longitudinal axis (LA) of the separating rotor. Crop stream engagement means provided on an inner surface of the cover arrangement facing the separating rotor engages radially, in a ramp-type manner around the circumference of the separating rotor, into a crop stream that circulates in the intermediate space. The crop stream engagement means are adjustable to change a radial engagement depth. Drive means connected to the crop stream engagement means are activated from outside the housing to drive the adjustment.

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 method of manufacturing a helical bar concave from a flat, rolled laser cut arrangement that provides a net helical concave functionality. Laser cutting a flat metal sheet to form helical cutouts defining a percent open area having a helical geometry in combination with configurable rub bars mounted in a helical fashion results in a configurable helical bar concave in which the number or aggressiveness of the threshing surface on the inside radius of the grate may be changed and/or the rub bars may be moved to the outside of the grate to change the percent open area and hence the separation characteristics of the concave.

Abstract: A support system for separator grates of a harvester includes a first member and a second member extending substantially parallel to an axis of rotation of a threshing rotor. The first member extends from a staging portion to a first support portion rearwardly positioned from the staging portion. The second member extends along a second support portion that corresponds to the first support portion. Separator grate segments may be selectably installed and removed from the first member and second member.

Abstract: A helical bar concave including a grate having helical mounting framework and helical cutouts to form a percent open area having a helical geometry. Configurable and segmented rub bars are mounted in a helical fashion to a cylindrical helical surface of the grate. The helical geometry in combination with configurable rub bars mounted in a helical fashion results in a configurable helical bar concave in which the number or aggressiveness of the threshing surface on the inside radius of the grate may be changed and/or the rub bars may be moved to the outside of the grate to change the percent open area and hence the separation characteristics of the concave.

Abstract: A support system for separator grates of a harvester includes a first member and a second member extending substantially parallel to an axis of rotation of a threshing rotor. The first member extends from a staging portion to a first support portion rearwardly positioned from the staging portion. The second member extends along a second support portion that corresponds to the first support portion. Separator grate segments may be selectably installed and removed from the first member and second member.

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 combine harvester where opposing concaves on either side of a rotor of a processing system substantially simultaneously travel symmetrical paths. The concaves of the processing system may be pivotally supported on a rockshaft where the axis of the rockshaft moves in a generally vertical manner so that the concaves then move generally radially toward or away from the rotor.

Abstract: A combine harvester where opposing concaves on either side of a rotor of a processing system substantially simultaneously travel symmetrical paths. The concaves of the processing system may be supported on a suspension system such that the concaves are pivotally supported from a common axial location at one end and translationally adjusted at another end to move the concaves generally radially toward or away from the rotor.

Abstract: A combine harvester where opposing concaves on either side of a rotor of a processing system substantially simultaneously travel symmetrical paths. The concaves of the processing system may be pivotally supported on a rockshaft where the axis of the rockshaft moves in a generally vertical manner so that the concaves then move generally radially toward or away from the rotor.

Abstract: A method of positioning a concave in a threshing section of an agricultural machine including the steps of selecting and maintaining. The selecting step includes the selecting of a set pressure, a minimum separation distance of the concave from a rotating member and a maximum separation distance of the concave from the rotating member. The maintaining step includes the maintaining of a hydraulic fluid pressure in a hydraulic concave support system that supports the concave at substantially the set pressure while the concave is positioned between the minimum separation distance and the maximum separation distance when crop material is being transported between the concave and the rotating member.

Abstract: The concave adjust assembly uses a torsion axle connecting a drive to a concave. The torsion axle includes an inner element having an angular sectional shape, a tubular outer element disposed about the inner element and having a larger angular sectional shape oriented such that corners of the tubular element are disposed opposite flats of the inner element, the elements being laterally relatively rotatable, and damping elements disposed between the inner and outer elements such that the rotation will compressively load the damping elements. The drive includes a motor, such that operation of the motor will adjustably move the concave, and the damping elements will damp impulse loads generated from threshing, to reduce transmission of the loads to the drive.

Abstract: The invention concerns a harvested crop processing unit with a rotor, a rotor housing enclosing the rotor, a cover element of the rotor housing, and a first group of helical guide rails that can be moved relative to the cover element between an operating position in which they are located underneath the cover element in engagement with harvested crop and a non-operating position in which they are located above the cover element. The invention proposes that a second group of helical guide rails be provided that can be moved alternately with the first group of helical guide rails relative to the cover element between an operating position in which they are located underneath the cover element in engagement with harvested crop and a non-operating position in which they are located above the cover element, and that are provided with an inclination that differs from the inclination of the guide rail of the first group.

Abstract: A system processes seeds that are present in crop material. The system includes a first shearing surface, a second shearing surface arranged opposite the first shearing surface, and a clearance between the first shearing surface and the second shearing surface. The system passes crop material between the first and second shearing surfaces, where the crop material contacts the shearing surfaces as it passes through the shearing surfaces. Contact with the first and second shearing surfaces damages seeds that are present in the crop material. The system can be installed in an agricultural harvester to damage seeds that are present in crop residue to prevent the seeds from germinating after the crop residue is discharged from the agricultural harvester back into the field.