Abstract: A cleaning mechanism of a combine harvester, for cleaning threshed and separated crop material, including a grain pan for receiving threshed and separated crop material and transporting the crop material rearwardly; a chaffer installed proximate the grain pan for receiving material from the grain pan where the chaffer includes a plurality of longitudinal channels with non-planar surfaces giving each channel a curved or trapezoidal cross section and at least two of the chaffer channels have an asymmetric non-planar surface with a greater part of the surface area facing the side portions of the chaffer; and a fan that causes an air flow through the chaffer to lift up discardable parts from the crop material and transport the discardable parts out of the combine harvester.

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 grape processing apparatus and method is described and which includes a screen, a cleated conveyor belt with a bottom flight and which is spaced from the screen, and a source of bunches of grapes which have associated stems, and which are fed into a predetermined space between the bottom flight of the cleated conveyor belt and the screen, and wherein the bunches of grapes move along the screen in a rolling and tumbling motion to separate the individual grapes from the associated stems, and wherein the individual grapes are collected thereafter.

Abstract: A sieve for a grain combine has a plurality of longitudinal sections. Each section is pivotally mounted in a sieve frame. A sensing means senses if the combine is leaning to one side. The sensing means controls a drive and linkage mechanism for pivoting each of the sections relative to the sieve frame to maintain each section generally horizontal. Elastomeric seals extend between each of the sections. A distributor at the forward end of the sieve has a pair of sprockets and a chain extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sieve. Fingers protrude longitudinally from the chain. The chain is driven when the combine leans.

Abstract: A sieve for a grain combine has a plurality of longitudinal sections. Each section is pivotally mounted in a sieve frame. A sensing means senses if the combine is leaning to one side. The sensing means controls a drive and linkage mechanism for pivoting each of the sections relative to the sieve frame to maintain each section generally horizontal. Elastomeric seals extend between each of the sections.

Abstract: An improved multiple tilt screen harvester has each screen capable of independent motion. The multiple screen assembly may be removed and installed as a unit on a harvester. Retrofit on an existing harvester requires no wall accommodating openings for an exterior pendulum plumb mass, there being no such mass required exterior of the harvester.