Abstract: An exemplary sieve mechanism is configured for separating grain from chaff. The sieve mechanism generally includes a frame and a louvered region including a plurality of louvers mounted to the frame. The sieve mechanism further includes and an unlouvered region lacking louvers such that a gap is defined adjacent the louvered region.

Abstract: An agricultural combine having an enlarged cleaning area for enhancing the handling capacity of the machine without increasing the outside configuration thereof. The agricultural combine includes an elongated walled body arranged about and along an elongated separating mechanism. The combine further includes a cleaning station having a generally horizontal sieve disposed below the separating station so as to directly receive materials passing therefrom. The cleaning station further includes a blower assembly for directing a pressurized stream of air from an outlet end upwardly through the sieve thereby effecting a further cleaning function of the grain. The clean grain passing through the cleaning station falls into a clean grain area from whence an elevator transports the clean to grain an enhanced holding tank defined within the walled body of the combine.

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: A cleaning system for a combine including at least one sieve located in a housing of the combine such that a flow of air from a fan mechanism is directed upwardly therethrough. The sieve includes a plurality of louvers which are are arranged relative to each other to define a first series of clean grain passages therebetween. A majority of the louvers define a series of openings which define a second series of openings which allow clean grain to pass therethrough and facilitate an increased flow of air therethrough to enhance separation of unwanted residue from clean grain.