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.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle including a chassis and a threshing system supported by the chassis. The threshing system includes a rotor, a front concave located at a distance radially away from the rotor and at least partially surrounding the rotor, and an infeed ramp connected to the front concave. The infeed ramp is located at a distance radially away from the rotor and has a plurality of slots therein. The threshing system also includes a support member positioned underneath the infeed ramp and a plurality of vanes connected to the support member. Each vane extends through a respective slot of the plurality of slots and is located at a distance radially away from the rotor. The vanes are configured for contacting and directing the crop material rearwardly towards the front concave.

Abstract: A threshing concave frame assembly for crop separating operations in a combine harvester is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the concave frame includes a first side member and a second side member opposing each other, wherein the first and second side members each have an interior surface and exterior surface. In addition, an elongated threshing bar member is disposed between the interior surface of the first side and second side members of the concave frame. In particular, the elongated threshing bar member includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first and second ends are secured to the interior surface of the first and second side members of the concave frame.

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: The present invention comprises multiple embodiments of an automated, dynamic cover plate system, 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 automated, dynamic cover plate system improves the threshing capability of the rasp bar threshing cylinder while simultaneously capturing additional threshed grain. The automated, dynamic cover plate system of the present invention is designed to be controlled, either manually or automatically, by the operator of the combine harvester or by a computerized or automated intelligence system.

Abstract: A threshing concave frame assembly for crop separating operations in a combine harvester is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the concave frame includes a first side member and a second side member opposing each other, wherein the first and second side members each have an interior surface and exterior surface. In addition, an elongated threshing bar member is disposed between the interior surface of the first side and second side members of the concave frame. In particular, the elongated threshing bar member includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first and second ends are secured to the interior surface of the first and second side members of the concave 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 separating device formed with rotationally driven components and stationary components has at least one crop-treatment element for processing crop. The crop-treatment element extends transversely to the rotational direction (R) of the components, at least in sections. The crop-treatment element has a substantially cuboid cross-section and a front edge with a curved course optimized in terms of flow, and which faces a rotational direction (R) and away from a conveyance direction (FR) of the crop.

Abstract: A concave for a harvester combine is provided, the concave comprising a first longitudinal member comprising a plurality of first longitudinal member wire guide grooves substantially at the same height position relative to a bottom of the first longitudinal member; a second longitudinal member comprising a plurality of second longitudinal member wire guide grooves substantially at the same height position relative to a bottom of the second longitudinal member; a first transverse member and a second transverse member substantially parallel to one another affixed to the first longitudinal member and the second longitudinal member; and a plurality of module members affixed to the first and second transverse members.

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 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 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 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 helical bar concave comprising 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. 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 thresher basket arrangement for a combine with a thresher basket and with a harvested crop processing arrangement located ahead of the inlet to the thresher basket which includes a body with a first group of projections and a second group of projections arranged on the surface of the body, where the body can be pivoted about a pivot axis extending along the inlet side of the thresher basket between a first position in which the projections of the first group interact with the harvested crop and a second position in which a smooth guide surface interacts with the harvested crop. The body is provided with a consistent shape at least in the area of the smooth guide surface and of the projections of the first group and that it is spaced at the same distance from the pivot axis in the area of the smooth guide surface and of the projections of the first group.

Abstract: A concave for a combine harvester includes a body consisting of a grid of straight longitudinal bars arranged in a concave configuration. Each of the longitudinal bars have a leading face, a trailing face, and an upper extremity. At least one of the longitudinal bars has a longitudinal cavity positioned along the leading face at the upper extremity. A wear resistant insert is positioned in the longitudinal cavity. The wear resistant insert is detachably secured to and receives underlying support from the said at least one of the longitudinal bars. The wear resistant insert provides a replaceable leading edge.

Abstract: A harvesting machine having a dividing device for dividing granular material from stem- or stalk-like material, and a separating device connected downstream of the dividing device, in which there is a conveying unit for conveying the stream of material from the dividing device to the separating device. In order to satisfactorily discharge the stem- or stalk-like material from the conveying tines of the conveying unit, cleaning elements are provided for cleaning away the material being conveyed over the free ends of the conveying tines.

Abstract: A grain husk cracking plate for attaching to a chopping cylinder housing of a harvester in proximity to a shear bar to crack husks of grain moving through the harvester. The grain husk cracking plate includes a base plate adapted for directing grain through the chopping cylinder housing of the harvester. The base plate has a top surface, a bottom surface, a pair of opposite side edges, and a leading edge and a trailing edge extending between the side edges. A plurality of blades are mounted on the top surface of the base plate for cracking the husk of grain traveling through the chopping cylinder housing and striking the blades. Each of the blades has a forward edge directed toward the leading edge of the base plate, a rearward edge directed toward the trailing edge of the base plate, and a pair of side faces. A carbide layer is formed on each of the blades, and the carbide layer is formed on a portion of a first one of the side faces of each of the blades adjacent to the forward edge of the blade.

Abstract: A rotary threshing and separation unit, comprising a rotor housing with a feeding zone, a separation zone and a discharge zone, parts of the circumferential housing being closed and other parts having openings, a rotary driven threshing and separation rotor arranged in the rotor housing, beater plates fixed on the threshing and separation rotor, and sucking air flow stream generating means sucking an air flow stream from the discharge zone through the rotor housing.

Abstract: An improved threshing cylinder for a combine has an enclosed cylinder construction and rasp-type cylinder bars secured to mounting flanges on an outer periphery of the enclosed cylinder. The enclosed cylinder is substantially impervious to crop material so that debris cannot accumulate inside the cylinder during operation. The rasp-type cylinder bars are center-arched, deep-toothed, and have leading edges that slope rearwardly relative to a direction of rotation less than about 15 degrees from a radial line passing through the axis of rotation. The teeth on the rasp-type bars have a substantially constant height from a leading edge to a trailing edge of the bars. The mounting flanges each have a sloped front surface for guiding crop material outwardly to the rasp-type bars, and a mounting surface having a plurality of bores for attaching the rasp-type bars.

Abstract: A grain husk cracking plate for attaching to a chopping cylinder housing of a harvester in proximity to a shear bar to crack husks of grain moving through the harvester. The grain husk cracking plate includes a base plate adapted for directing grain through the chopping cylinder housing of the harvester. A pair of side mounting members are mounted to side edges of a base plate. A plurality of blade members are mounted on the top surface of the base plate. Each of the side mounting members has a pair of mounting structures, and each mounting structure comprises a mounting aperture extending through the side mounting member adjacent to the leading edge or the trailing edge of the base plate. Each of the mounting structures may include a threaded fastener coupled to each of the side mounting members. The plurality of blade members may be positioned on a rear portion of the base plate.

Abstract: A self-propelled combine harvester has an axial-flow separating device including a chopping device with supporting rings which carry impact teeth. The main body of each separating rotor is equipped with several positioning profiles, which are rigidly connected to the main body and extend spirally around it. The supporting rings are provided with corresponding grooves. As a result, a form-locking connection is made between the supporting rings and the main body. The positioning profiles are toothed at the longitudinal edge leading in the direction of rotation of the separating rotor, so that the regions of the supporting rings adjoining the recesses engage in the tooth gaps are prevented from sliding axially. A locking ring is releasably mounted on the rear end of the main body. The number of parts is minimized and the construction of the supporting rings carrying the impact teeth and the main body of the separating rotor minimize the assembly time.

Abstract: A concave for an agricultural combine having an array of straight rectangular bars and straight round bars spaced from one another and extending axially of the rotor or cylinder to form a threshing surface and to form openings therebetween for grain to pass through. The round bars shed crop material to reduce plugging while the rectangular bars provide an aggressive threshing edge. Smaller diameter wires can be inserted between the round and rectangular bars to reduce the opening size for use with small grains.

Abstract: A threshing cage for a grain combine has a frame with permanent and removable panels. Each panel is a semi-circular arc which extends between adjacent frame members to form a cylindrical shape. Each panel has an arcuate rib on each axial end and a pair of axial supports which joins them together. A perforated screen extends between the ribs and axial supports. The panels are pivotally mounted on the frame members and rotated into a locking position with panel levers. The panel levers have a cam member which pivotally engages a mating slot in an adjacent frame member. The panels also have side arc clamps for locking their ribs to adjacent structural support members.

Abstract: A threshing assembly is provided for a combine having a frame mounted on wheels and a longitudinal axis. The threshing assembly is formed from a threshing rotor disposed within a perforated threshing cage. At least one helical vane, formed of high strength plastic, mounts to the interior of the threshing cage and extends along the length of the threshing cage. The radial height of the vane is graduated along the length of the threshing cage from the forward end to the rearward end for threshing of different size grain crop. Rasp bars of the threshing rotor also have heights that increase along the length of the threshing rotor, from the forward end to the rearward end, to correspond to the decrease in height of the vanes.

Abstract: A grain combine with an improved threshing cage surface achieves greater separation efficiency without increasing the length of the threshing section. The invention utilizes rings mounted to the interior surface of a perforated screen. The rings are transversely secured to a helical vane which is used to guide the crop material rearwardly through the threshing section. The rings interrupt the grain sliding rearward by forcing the grain to bounce over the rings. Since the grain does not penetrate the straw when it bounces over the rings, this invention creates greater separation by decreasing the velocity of the grain so that it may pass more easily through the perforations in the screen. The rings also agitate the grain that is mixed with the straw to allow the grain to penetrate outward toward the perforations in the screen.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a concave for a rotary crop processing unit for an agricultural combine. The concave comprises a frame to which is releasably mounted a grid. The grid comprises a plurality of curved rods to which are projection welded a series of straight bars. The bars are perpendicular to the rods. The grid is held in place by a mounting assembly which is formed by six mounting ears that are welded to the frame that clamp the grid against a curved rim. A trapping lip is also used to trap one end of the grid in the frame.

Abstract: A crop straw flow disruption device for installation on a cylindrical grain separation grate of a crop harvesting machine includes a top member adapted for installation on an interior side of the grate, a bottom member adapted for installation on an exterior side of the grate, and a fastener for releasably clamping the top member and bottom member respectively against the interior and exterior sides of the grate and adjacent to one another through an opening in the grate. The top member includes an upright crop engaging portion extending upwardly and outwardly from the interior side of the grate so as to project across and interrupt the path of flow of crop straw about the interior side of the grate to disrupt the occurrence of intertwining of crop straw and thereby the formation and discharge of an elongated rope of crop straw on a harvested field.

Abstract: An agricultural combine having a transverse threshing cylinder and concave and an axial separator. The axial separator is provided with two side-by-side axial separator units, each unit having a rotor and a casing for housing the rotor. The casings are non-concentric housing having a semi-circular top, a semi-circular bottom and straight side walls joining the top and bottom. The rotor is provided with fixed teeth that extend radially outward from the rotor. The rotor is located at the bottom of the casing so the teeth can engage and penetrate the crop material at the bottom of the casing. The rotor throws the crop material upwardly against the top of the casing which is provided with downwardly projecting spiral vanes for directing the crop rearwardly. The rotor is rotated so that the tip speed of the teeth is greater than or equal to 11.8 m/sec and less than or equal to 20.9 m/sec.

Abstract: A rasp bar assembly for a threshing cylinder includes a single backing plate for carrying a plurality of rasp bars thereacross. The rasp bars are separated by a region of discontinuity for allowing the backing plate to flex without breaking the rasp bars attached thereto. Each of the rasp bars are provided with a toothed surface and a mounting surface, a front edge and a back edge, and at least one end which is angled obliquely to the front and back edge and parallel to the teeth.

Abstract: A thresher element adapted for securement to a combine rotor for threshing crop materials. The thresher element has a generally L-shaped configuration including first and second portions which angle away from each other. The second portion of each thresher element is configured to impact with crop materials moving therepast while the first portion deflects crop material from impacting with thresher element mountings on the rotor. The first and second portions of the thresher elements are each provided with a smooth outer material engaging surface extending thereover to inhibit abrading action between the crop material and the thresher elements. The smooth outer material engaging surface extending over the second portion of the thresher element preferably has a curved configuration. A smooth spike can extend outwardly from the second portion of the thresher element to facilitate handling of crop material during the threshing process.

Abstract: A combine with a rotor assembly having an impeller at a forward end and a cylindrical drum axially extending from the impeller. The rotor assembly is provided with a series of thresher elements secured about the circumference of the rotor in generally helical arrays and is provided with a plurality of linearly extended thresher elements each having a smooth outer material engaging surface and which are secured about that end of the drum adjacent the impeller. When the rotor assembly is operated, the plurality of linearly extended thresher elements form a paddle like mechanism which extends to a forward end of the rotor assembly to offer enhanced control over the abundance of material being threshed at a forward end of the rotor assembly while simultaneously minimizing damage to the crop thereby maximizing the farmer's profit.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for an axial separator rotor tooth. The bracket is provided with extended portions that are welded to the rotor tube. Extending radially outward from the extended portions are bracket legs. A middle portion extends between the bracket legs and is provided with a bolt locating slot. A central enlarged opening is formed in the bolt locating a slot. The head of a mounting bolt, for bolting the tooth to the bracket, can be inserted through the enlarged opening. As the mounting bolt is moved outwardly from the enlarged opening the bolt head is captured between the middle portion of the bracket and the rotor tube.

Abstract: A threshing concave or concave guide for a combine harvester is described. The concave is positioned in its conventional location on a combine, however, the design has been modified. The crop is directed into the concave by threshing cylinder rasp bars. As the crop enters the guide, at its base, there are positioned a number of angled bars that direct the incoming crop away from the center of the concave. Traditional concaves move the grain toward the center of the device. The angled bars of the present invention distribute the load more evenly along the concave surface, thereby resulting in a decreased wear and tear of the concave and rasp bars. The design also reduces the damage to separate grain as the grain slides into the leading edge of the device rather than abruptly hitting the sharp edge of a first cross bar, as in traditional concaves.

Abstract: A grid insert assembly for a concave of an agricultural threshing machine having a frame formed from two side walls that define a slot. The slot engaging a cross bar of the concave. Each side wall is provided with an engagement aperture. The engagement apertures are coaxial with a grid insert mounting aperture located on the concave cross bar. A U-shaped mounting pin, having an engagement leg is selectively positioned into and out of the slot through the engagement apertures for securing the grid insert to the concave cross bar. A mounting leg of the mounting pin is slidably positioned in mounting ears extending from the grid insert. A latching assembly for latching the mounting pin is formed by an elastomeric sleeve which engages the mounting leg of the mounting pin.

Abstract: A rotating cylinder having a plurality of spaced raspbars cooperates with a complementary concave in a combine to separate grain from the leafy portion of the plant. The grate-like concave is disposed below and aft of the cylinder in a closely spaced, arcuate manner. Rotation of the cylinder causes its raspbars to engage the severed portion of the plant introduced between a lower, leading edge of the concave and the cylinder, whereupon the raspbars force the grain through the grate of the concave which retains the leafy portion of the plant which is then displaced aft and upward along the concave to its aft edge. Disposed on the concave's aft edge and along its length is an obliquely angled finger grate which directs the leafy residue onto the bottom of a rotating beater for further aft displacement and removal from the concave/cylinder grain separation stage.

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.