US20140073380A1 - Combine Harvester Sieve Assembly with an Integrated Air Cleaning System - Google Patents
Combine Harvester Sieve Assembly with an Integrated Air Cleaning System Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140073380A1 US20140073380A1 US13/614,045 US201213614045A US2014073380A1 US 20140073380 A1 US20140073380 A1 US 20140073380A1 US 201213614045 A US201213614045 A US 201213614045A US 2014073380 A1 US2014073380 A1 US 2014073380A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- air
- sieve
- frame structure
- sieve assembly
- pressurized air
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01F—PROCESSING OF HARVESTED PRODUCE; HAY OR STRAW PRESSES; DEVICES FOR STORING AGRICULTURAL OR HORTICULTURAL PRODUCE
- A01F12/00—Parts or details of threshing apparatus
- A01F12/44—Grain cleaners; Grain separators
- A01F12/444—Fanning means
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to agricultural combine harvesters, and more particularly to a sieve assembly in a combine cleaning unit.
- the crops that are severed by the header are conveyed to a threshing and separating assembly where a rotor is rotated within a generally cylindrical chamber to thresh the crops.
- Grain, seed, or the like is loosened and separated from the other crop material and falls onto a grain pan of a cleaning assembly, which typically includes a pre-cleaning sieve disposed above a second grain pan.
- the grain is then conveyed to a pair of stacked sieves disposed one above the other.
- the grain pans and sieves are generally oscillated in a back-and-forth motion for transporting and spreading the grain across the sieves, which separate or sift the grain from tailings and “material other than grain” (MOG).
- MOG material other than grain
- a cleaning fan is typically used to blow air upwardly and rearwardly through the sieves to carry lighter elements of the MOG, or chaff, away.
- the heavier elements and tailings that are too large to fall through the sieves and too heavy to be blown away are moved by the vibrations of the sieves generally rearwardly along the top surface of the sieves, and towards and over the edges of the sieves to fall onto a tailings pan, which is typically a plurality of tailings collecting troughs that convey the tailings to a tailings auger trough. This trough delivers the tailings to a return conveyor that carries the tailings back to the cleaning and separating system for reprocessing.
- a sieve assembly for a combine harvester.
- the sieve assembly includes any manner of frame structure on which a plurality of sieve elements are supported.
- the sieve elements may be, for example, fixed or adjustable louvers, as is known in the art.
- a plurality of air ports are operably disposed along the frame structure and are oriented at an angle so as to direct pressurized air upwardly through the sieve elements.
- the air ports are in flow communication with a pressurized air supply and direct a continuous or pulsed air jet through the sieve elements to aid in agitating and separating the MOG from the grain.
- either or both of the sieve elements may be configured with the pressurized air ports, as set forth herein.
- the frame structure may include any number and configuration of generally hollow members that define internal air conduits in communication with the air ports.
- the frame structure is connected to a pressurized air supply such that pressurized air flows through the internal conduits and discharges from the air ports.
- the internal conduits may be defined in any pattern of longitudinal and transverse components of the frame structure so as to define an internal air conduit grid.
- the internal conduits may be defined in only select members of the frame structure, such as the transverse members that extend generally perpendicular to the direction of grain flow along the sieve element.
- the air ports may be variously configured.
- the air ports may simply be holes in the frame structure (or other type of air conduits) that are defined at an angular orientation to direct pressurized air upwards and through the sieve elements.
- the air ports may be defined by adjustable or fixed nozzles that are attached to the frame structure.
- a plurality of external air conduits may be attached to the frame structure, with the air ports defined as holes or nozzles in the external air conduits.
- a tubular grid conduit may be separately formed and attached to the frame structure and pressurized air supply. This embodiment provides any desired number and location of air ports relative to the surface area of the sieve regardless of the existing frame structure.
- the sieve elements have internal air passages that are in communication with the internal air conduits of the frame structure. Air ports are defined at suitable locations in at least a plurality of the sieve elements to direct the pressurized air from the individual sieve elements at an angle to effect cleaning of the sieve elements.
- the sieve elements may have a generally hollow interior that is in communication with the internal air conduits of the frame structure. Alternately, external air passage structure may be affixed to the sieve elements, for example along the edge of the sieve elements.
- Pressurized air may be provided from various sources in the combine harvester.
- the combine includes an onboard air compressor that may be a dedicated source for the sieve assembly, or may serve any number of other engine or systems functions.
- This compressor may charge an accumulator (e.g., air tank), wherein discharge from the accumulator is controlled by a controller so as to direct pulsed or continuous air jets from the air ports.
- the controller may cycle a solenoid valve that is operably disposed between the accumulator and air ports for this purpose.
- the frame structure is driven in a traversing motion by any suitable reciprocating drive.
- This motion causes the grain/MOG to be conveyed along the sieve.
- the reciprocating drive may also be connected to a compressor mechanism, such as an air piston, to generate the pressurized air.
- the piston may be actively driven by the reciprocating drive in a power stroke that also drives the frame structure, which may require a larger or more powerful drive mechanism.
- the frame structure typically returns to a home position under its own weight and inertia after the power stroke, which in turn causes the crank arm of the drive to return to a corresponding home position.
- this passive return stroke of the drive mechanism is used as an energy source to power a compressor mechanism.
- a crank attached to the reciprocating drive may be connected to an air piston that generates pressurized air on the return stroke of the drive.
- This piston may be connected directly in line with the conduits and air ports such pulsating air jets are produced from the air ports at a frequency corresponding to a drive frequency of the reciprocating drive.
- the piston may charge an accumulator, as discussed above.
- FIG. 1 is a side view of a conventional combine harvester
- FIG. 2 is a side and partial cut-away view of a combine grain cleaning assembly incorporating aspects of the present invention
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a sieve assembly incorporating an embodiment of an air cleaning system
- FIG. 4 is a bottom and partial cut-away view of a sieve assembly incorporating an embodiment of an air cleaning system
- FIG. 5 is an end cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a sieve assembly incorporating an air cleaning system
- FIG. 6 is an end cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a sieve assembly incorporating an air cleaning system
- FIG. 7 is a component view of an embodiment of a sieve assembly incorporating an air cleaning system
- FIG. 8 is a component view of an alternate embodiment of a sieve assembly incorporating an air cleaning system
- FIG. 9 is a component view of still another embodiment of a sieve assembly incorporating an air cleaning system
- FIG. 10 is a partial top view of an alternate embodiment of a sieve assembly incorporating an embodiment of an air cleaning system
- FIG. 11 is a component view of another embodiment of a sieve assembly incorporating an air cleaning system.
- FIGS. 12A through 12C are graphs of exemplary air blast profiles for a sieve air cleaning system.
- FIG. 1 depicts a conventional combine harvester 10 having a feeder house 14 on a front end thereof, to which is connectable a header (not shown), operable to sever a swath of crops from a field as the combine 10 moves forward and to convey the severed crops to feeder house 14 .
- Feeder house 14 includes an internal conveying system (not shown), for conveying the crops upwardly and rearwardly into the body 12 of the combine 10 and into an inlet of a separating or threshing system 16 .
- Threshing system 16 generally includes a rotor at least partially enclosed in a concave defining an arcuate space therebetween, and in which space the crop material is processed for separating grain and material other than grain (MOG) from straw, with the straw being ejected rearwardly from the threshing system 16 through the rear end of the combine 10 for deposit on the field, as is well-known.
- MOG grain and material other than grain
- threshing system 16 As threshing system 16 operates, crop material will fall and/or be conveyed therefrom, as denoted generally by arrows “A” in FIG. 1 , onto an upper sieve 18 of a cleaning system 20 located below threshing system 16 within the body of combine 10 .
- Such cleaning system 20 also includes a lower sieve 22 positioned below upper sieve 18 in a stacked relationship therewith.
- the sieves 18 and 22 are configured to be reciprocally moved or vibrated relative to one another to effect a sifting of material falling onto the upper sieve 18 , as indicated by arrow “B” in FIG. 1 .
- Such chaff is typically blown into an optional chaff spreader (not shown), operable for distributing the chaff over a desired swath of the field from which the crop is cut, or directed into an optional chopper (also not shown), operable for mixing the chaff with straw for chopping and distributing such mix, or simply directed downwardly onto the field through a rear opening of the combine, all of which operations are well-known in the art.
- the upper sieve 18 includes openings therethrough that are sized to allow separated grain as well as some smaller elements of MOG, sometimes referred to as tailings, to pass therethrough and to fall onto lower sieve 22 of the cleaning system 20 , thus sifting the separated grain and tailings from larger elements of MOG.
- the larger elements of MOG that are unable to pass through upper sieve 18 are moved to the rear peripheral edge portion of the sieve by the vibratory movements of such sieve and fall either directly onto the underlying field or onto or into other apparatus for further processing, including chopping and/or spreading. Such further processing of the larger elements of MOG may be accomplished in various well-known manners.
- the lower sieve 22 has smaller openings than upper sieve 18 , such that the sieves 18 and 22 will act as a progressive sifting or cleaning mechanism for separating and cleaning grain from the tailings that were also able to pass through sieve 18 .
- the sieves are vibrated or reciprocally moved, typically in a fore and aft direction, as denoted by arrow B.
- the grain that falls through lower sieve 22 into clean grain and tailings systems 12 of the combine 10 is considered to be clean grain that is desired to be collected and ultimately conveyed to a grain tank 24 .
- the tailings that are allowed to pass through the upper sieve 18 often still contain some un-separated grain, and retention of such tailings for further processing to effect separation of the grain is generally desired.
- the tailings that are unable to pass through the smaller openings on lower sieve 22 are caused to move towards a rear peripheral edge portion 28 of sieve 22 , and to fall by the vibratory movement of lower sieve 22 into clean grain and tailings system 12 for further processing.
- FIG. 2 illustrates the manner in which sieves 18 and 22 may be suspended from a structural frame 30 of combine 10 by pivoting support arms 32 and 34 , respectively, for reciprocal fore and aft movement denoted by arrow B. Such movement may be readily effected by various suitable and well known reciprocating drive mechanisms (not shown) that operate in well-known manners.
- Clean grain and tailings conveying system 12 is depicted as being fixedly connected or mounted below lower sieve 22 of cleaning system 20 to structural frame 30 by brackets 36 and 38 , so as to be immovable relative to structural frame 30 .
- the sieves 18 and 22 may be configured with an assembly 100 for directing pressurized jets air via ports 110 in a pulsating or continuous manner through the sieve elements 18 , 22 to enhance the separating action.
- the clean grain and tailings conveying system 12 of FIGS. 1 and 2 generally includes a pan 40 that is fixedly mounted to structural frame 30 by brackets 36 and 38 so as to be located directly beneath lower sieve 22 .
- This pan 40 may include an array of elongated, longitudinally extending collecting troughs 42 positioned side-by-side across the width of pan 40 .
- Such collecting troughs 42 generally extend in the fore and aft direction, between a forward edge 48 and a rear edge 50 of trough 42 .
- Each collecting trough 42 has a clean grain receiving portion 52 located beneath those regions of lower sieve 22 through which clean grain is expected to fall, and a tailings receiving portion 54 positioned beneath peripheral edge portion 28 of lower sieve 22 .
- a deflector shield 56 is preferably disposed beneath the rear end portion of lower sieve 22 to deflect clean grain onto clean grain receiving portion 52 of pan 40 , as opposed to tailings receiving portion 54 located below the rear end.
- a clean grain auger trough 58 is disposed generally cross-wise to and in communication with the clean grain collecting troughs 42 of clean grain receiving portion 52 such that clean grain can be conveyed through the clean grain collecting troughs to the clean grain auger trough.
- a tailings auger trough 60 is disposed generally cross-wise to and in communication with the tailings collector troughs 42 of tailings receiving portion 54 .
- An elongated, helical auger 62 is supported in each collecting trough 42 , with each auger 62 including a first helical auger flight 64 extending in a first predetermined rotational direction and a second helical auger flight 66 and third auger flight 68 extending in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction.
- Each auger 62 is connected to a drive mechanism, which may include a bevel gear 70 on the rear end of auger 62 that meshes with a drive gear (not shown) rotated by any suitable drive, such as a belt, chain or shaft, in connection with a power plant of combine 10 (not shown).
- flights 64 , 66 , and 68 will convey clean grain and tailings separately and simultaneously along collecting troughs 42 , with clean grain from the clean grain collecting troughs being moved into clean grain auger trough 58 and tailings from the tailings collector troughs being moved into tailings auger trough 60 .
- Clean grain auger trough 58 preferably has a helical auger 76 associated therewith and tailings auger trough 60 preferably has a similar auger 78 associated therewith, which augers are rotatable in the conventional manner using suitable drives (not shown) for conveying the clean grain and tailings, respectively, to a clean grain elevator (not shown) and a tailings return system (also not shown), in well-known manners.
- a sieve assembly 100 incorporating aspects of the present invention is depicted.
- Either or both of the upper sieve 18 and lower sieve 22 are configured with a plurality of air ports 110 disposed along the respective frame structure 102 ( FIG. 3 ) of the sieve elements.
- the air ports 110 are distributed in a pattern and are oriented at an angle so as to direct pressurized air upwardly through the sieve elements, as graphically depicted in FIG. 2 .
- the air ports 110 are in communication with a source of pressurized air, as discussed in greater detail below.
- the air ports 110 are preferably provided in a number and arranged in a pattern so as to provide generally uniform coverage over the surface area of the respective sieves 18 , 22 .
- the pressurized air discharged from the ports 110 may be continuous in one embodiment, or may be pulsed in another embodiment.
- the air may be in addition to the air provided by the fan 26 ( FIG. 1 ) or, in certain embodiments, the assembly 100 may replace the fan 26 .
- the air jets from the ports 110 serve to break up the clusters of grain and MOG that may accumulate and roll on the sieve, as discussed above.
- the sieve assembly 100 includes a frame structure 102 typically comprised of longitudinal members 106 and transverse members 104 that define a grid-type configuration.
- Sieve elements 108 are supported by the frame structure 102 .
- the invention is not limited by any particular type of sieve element 108 or frame structure 102 .
- Typical sieve elements 102 may be louver elements, as is generally well-known in the art and need not be described in detail herein.
- the frame structure 112 may be defined by internal air conduits 114 within the frame structure elements 104 , 106 .
- the structural elements 104 , 106 may be generally hollow tubular elements that are in communication with a pressurized air source via a connection 105 .
- FIG. 4 is a bottom view of this particular embodiment and illustrates that the frame member elements 104 , 106 define an internal conduit grid 116 below the sieve elements 108 .
- Air ports (not visible in FIG. 4 ) are in communication with the internal air conduits 114 for directing the pressurized air from the internal air conduit grid 116 at the desired angular orientation relative to the sieve elements 108 .
- FIG. 5 an end cross-sectional view of a particular embodiment of a sieve assembly 100 is depicted wherein the air ports 110 that direct the pressurized air from the internal air conduits 114 are defined simply as holes 118 in the structural frame members 106 .
- the holes 118 are defined at a desired angular orientation so as to direct the pressurized air upwards and through the respective sieve elements 108 , as generally depicted by the flow arrows in FIG. 5 .
- the air ports 110 are defined by nozzles 120 that are mounted onto the structural frame members 106 . These nozzles 120 may be fixed in position or adjustable and serve to direct the pressurized air upwards through the sieve elements 108 .
- FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment wherein a grid configuration 124 of external conduit members 122 is provided for attachment to the structural members 104 , 106 of the frame structure 102 by any suitable means.
- the external conduits 122 may be, for example, tubular members that are also defined into a grid 124 that may essentially compliment or match the grid configuration of the frame structure 102 so as to be securely mounted to the underside of the frame structure elements 104 , 106 .
- the external conduits 122 may be spaced between the structural members 106 , 104 of the frame structure 102 .
- the external conduits are provided with a plurality of air ports 110 in a number and pattern so as to define a desired degree of coverage below the surface area of the sieve elements 108 .
- the invention is not limited to any particular number of air ports 110 or pattern.
- the air ports 110 are nozzles 120 , which may be fixed or adjustable.
- the air ports 110 may, in an alternate embodiment, be defined simply as holes 118 ( FIG. 5 ) defined in the external conduits 122 .
- the sieve assembly 100 may be provided with a source of pressurized air via any suitable existing system on the combine 10 ( FIG. 1 ).
- the combine 10 may include an air compressor 126 that serves various engine and/or other operational functions.
- This compressor 126 may be used to charge an accumulator or tank 128 that supplies pressurized air to the frame structure 102 (or external conduit grid 124 ).
- Discharge from the air tank 128 may be controlled by a controllable valve 130 , such as a solenoid valve, that is cycled by a system controller 132 to provide either continuous or pulsed air through the sieve assembly 100 , as discussed above.
- a dedicated air compressor or other pressurized air source may be provided within the combine 10 for supplying the sieve assembly 100 .
- FIG. 9 depicts an embodiment of a sieve assembly 100 in accordance with aspects of the invention wherein the pressurized air source 112 is functionally provided by the reciprocating drive 134 used to drive the sieve frame structure 102 in its vibratory to-and-fro motion, as discussed above.
- the reciprocating drive 134 utilizes a cam to drive a crank arm 136 connected to the frame structure 102 .
- the frame structure 102 typically returns to a home position under its own weight and inertia after the power stroke of the crank arm 136 , which in turn causes the crank arm 136 or cam to return to a corresponding home position.
- this return stroke must be buffered or dampened.
- the energy of the return stroke of the drive mechanism 134 is harnessed to drive a compressor mechanism 140 , such as an air piston.
- the drive mechanism 134 is mechanically connected to the compressor mechanism 140 through any manner of suitable linkage in order to drive the mechanism 140 .
- a second crank arm 138 may be operably connected to the drive mechanism 134 so that on the return stroke of the drive mechanism, the crank arm drives piston within an air piston embodiment of the compressor mechanism 140 .
- the output of this mechanism 140 may be used to charge an accumulator or tank 128 , which then supplies the pressurized air via a control valve 130 to the frame structure 102 under the control of a controller 132 .
- an embodiment similar to that depicted in FIG. 9 may be provided within the drive mechanism 134 also charges the air tank 128 via a compressor mechanism 140 on the positive drive stroke of the drive mechanism 134 , instead of on the passive return stroke as discussed above.
- FIG. 10 depicts an embodiment of a sieve assembly 100 wherein the air ports 110 are defined on the individual sieve elements 108 instead of or in combination with ports defined on the frame structure 102 .
- the frame structure 102 may define internal air conduits 114 in the transverse members 104 and longitudinal members 106 that are supplied with pressurized air via any suitable air supply 112 (including those discussed above).
- the individual sieve elements 108 include internal air passages 115 that are in flow communication with the internal air conduits 114 such that pressurized air is conducted from the frame members 102 to the sieve elements 108 .
- the sieve elements 108 may be defined by shell members that define a generally hollow interior volume that is in flow communication with the internal conduits 114 such that pressurized air is introduced directly into the individual louvers of the sieve elements 108 .
- any manner of external or internal conduit members, such as tubing or piping, may be configured within or external to the sieve elements, with such conduit members being in flow communication with the internal conduits 114 of the frame members 102 .
- any pattern of ports 110 may be defined along any one or combination of the sieve elements 108 . It is not necessary that every louver of the sieve elements have a port 110 .
- the ports 110 are supplied in a number and pattern to provide an effective cleaning of the sieve elements 108 .
- FIG. 11 depicts an embodiment of a sieve assembly 100 similar to the embodiment of FIG. 8 discussed above wherein an air compressor 126 that serves various engine and/or other operational functions is used to charge an accumulator or tank 128 that supplies pressurized air to the frame structure 102 (or external conduit grid 124 ) via connections 105 . Discharge from the air tank 128 may be controlled by multiple controllable valves 130 , such as solenoid valves, that are cycled by a system controller 132 to provide either continuous or pulsed air through the sieve assembly 100 .
- the use of multiple valves 130 allows for different control parameters for different parts or sections of the sieve assembly 100 . For example a front blast pattern may be generated that is different from a rear blast pattern, and so forth. It should be appreciated that various configurations of valves 130 and different control patterns are within the scope and spirit of the invention.
- FIGS. 12A through 12C depict various air blast frequency and period patterns that may be utilized in any one of the sieve assemblies 100 in accordance with aspects of the invention.
- the nozzles may blow air jets at any designed frequency or period (e.g., by appropriate control of valves 130 ) depending on any number of factors, such as type of crop being harvested, and the like.
- FIG. 12A depicts a relatively long air blast period relative to sieve motion as compared, for example, to FIG. 12B .
- FIG. 12C depicts a random air blast period relative to sieve motion.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates generally to agricultural combine harvesters, and more particularly to a sieve assembly in a combine cleaning unit.
- With conventional combine harvesters, the crops that are severed by the header are conveyed to a threshing and separating assembly where a rotor is rotated within a generally cylindrical chamber to thresh the crops. Grain, seed, or the like, is loosened and separated from the other crop material and falls onto a grain pan of a cleaning assembly, which typically includes a pre-cleaning sieve disposed above a second grain pan. The grain is then conveyed to a pair of stacked sieves disposed one above the other. The grain pans and sieves are generally oscillated in a back-and-forth motion for transporting and spreading the grain across the sieves, which separate or sift the grain from tailings and “material other than grain” (MOG). The cleaned grain passes by gravity through the apertures in the sieves to underlying clean grain collecting troughs where the grain is directed to a clean grain auger.
- During vibration of the sieves, a cleaning fan is typically used to blow air upwardly and rearwardly through the sieves to carry lighter elements of the MOG, or chaff, away. The heavier elements and tailings that are too large to fall through the sieves and too heavy to be blown away are moved by the vibrations of the sieves generally rearwardly along the top surface of the sieves, and towards and over the edges of the sieves to fall onto a tailings pan, which is typically a plurality of tailings collecting troughs that convey the tailings to a tailings auger trough. This trough delivers the tailings to a return conveyor that carries the tailings back to the cleaning and separating system for reprocessing.
- Often times, the air from the cleaning fan is inadequate to break up clusters of grain and MOG that accumulate and roll on the sieves. This material will eventually accumulate and overload the cleaning system, whereby the sieves lose their ability to separate the MOG from the grain. This situation often requires a shutdown and manual cleaning of the system.
- An improved separating and cleaning system that decreases overloading of top and bottom sieves would be a welcome advancement in the industry.
- Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.
- In accordance with aspects of the invention, a sieve assembly is provided for a combine harvester. The sieve assembly includes any manner of frame structure on which a plurality of sieve elements are supported. The sieve elements may be, for example, fixed or adjustable louvers, as is known in the art. A plurality of air ports are operably disposed along the frame structure and are oriented at an angle so as to direct pressurized air upwardly through the sieve elements. The air ports are in flow communication with a pressurized air supply and direct a continuous or pulsed air jet through the sieve elements to aid in agitating and separating the MOG from the grain.
- In a conventional combine harvester utilizing an upper and lower sieve element, either or both of the sieve elements may be configured with the pressurized air ports, as set forth herein.
- In a particular embodiment, the frame structure may include any number and configuration of generally hollow members that define internal air conduits in communication with the air ports. The frame structure is connected to a pressurized air supply such that pressurized air flows through the internal conduits and discharges from the air ports. In a certain embodiment, the internal conduits may be defined in any pattern of longitudinal and transverse components of the frame structure so as to define an internal air conduit grid. The internal conduits may be defined in only select members of the frame structure, such as the transverse members that extend generally perpendicular to the direction of grain flow along the sieve element.
- The air ports may be variously configured. For example, the air ports may simply be holes in the frame structure (or other type of air conduits) that are defined at an angular orientation to direct pressurized air upwards and through the sieve elements. In an alternate embodiment, the air ports may be defined by adjustable or fixed nozzles that are attached to the frame structure.
- In a different embodiment, a plurality of external air conduits may be attached to the frame structure, with the air ports defined as holes or nozzles in the external air conduits. For example, a tubular grid conduit may be separately formed and attached to the frame structure and pressurized air supply. This embodiment provides any desired number and location of air ports relative to the surface area of the sieve regardless of the existing frame structure.
- In still another embodiment of a sieve assembly in accordance with aspects of the invention, the sieve elements have internal air passages that are in communication with the internal air conduits of the frame structure. Air ports are defined at suitable locations in at least a plurality of the sieve elements to direct the pressurized air from the individual sieve elements at an angle to effect cleaning of the sieve elements. In a particular configuration, the sieve elements may have a generally hollow interior that is in communication with the internal air conduits of the frame structure. Alternately, external air passage structure may be affixed to the sieve elements, for example along the edge of the sieve elements.
- Pressurized air may be provided from various sources in the combine harvester. In one embodiment, the combine includes an onboard air compressor that may be a dedicated source for the sieve assembly, or may serve any number of other engine or systems functions. This compressor may charge an accumulator (e.g., air tank), wherein discharge from the accumulator is controlled by a controller so as to direct pulsed or continuous air jets from the air ports. For example, the controller may cycle a solenoid valve that is operably disposed between the accumulator and air ports for this purpose.
- In a particular embodiment, the frame structure is driven in a traversing motion by any suitable reciprocating drive. This motion causes the grain/MOG to be conveyed along the sieve. The reciprocating drive may also be connected to a compressor mechanism, such as an air piston, to generate the pressurized air. The piston may be actively driven by the reciprocating drive in a power stroke that also drives the frame structure, which may require a larger or more powerful drive mechanism. With conventional drive systems, the frame structure typically returns to a home position under its own weight and inertia after the power stroke, which in turn causes the crank arm of the drive to return to a corresponding home position. In a unique embodiment, this passive return stroke of the drive mechanism is used as an energy source to power a compressor mechanism. For example, a crank attached to the reciprocating drive may be connected to an air piston that generates pressurized air on the return stroke of the drive. This piston may be connected directly in line with the conduits and air ports such pulsating air jets are produced from the air ports at a frequency corresponding to a drive frequency of the reciprocating drive. Alternately, the piston may charge an accumulator, as discussed above.
- These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
- A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a side view of a conventional combine harvester; -
FIG. 2 is a side and partial cut-away view of a combine grain cleaning assembly incorporating aspects of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a sieve assembly incorporating an embodiment of an air cleaning system; -
FIG. 4 is a bottom and partial cut-away view of a sieve assembly incorporating an embodiment of an air cleaning system; -
FIG. 5 is an end cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a sieve assembly incorporating an air cleaning system; -
FIG. 6 is an end cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a sieve assembly incorporating an air cleaning system; -
FIG. 7 is a component view of an embodiment of a sieve assembly incorporating an air cleaning system; -
FIG. 8 is a component view of an alternate embodiment of a sieve assembly incorporating an air cleaning system; -
FIG. 9 is a component view of still another embodiment of a sieve assembly incorporating an air cleaning system; -
FIG. 10 is a partial top view of an alternate embodiment of a sieve assembly incorporating an embodiment of an air cleaning system; -
FIG. 11 is a component view of another embodiment of a sieve assembly incorporating an air cleaning system; and -
FIGS. 12A through 12C are graphs of exemplary air blast profiles for a sieve air cleaning system. - Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
- Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numbers refer to generally like items or features,
FIG. 1 depicts aconventional combine harvester 10 having afeeder house 14 on a front end thereof, to which is connectable a header (not shown), operable to sever a swath of crops from a field as thecombine 10 moves forward and to convey the severed crops tofeeder house 14.Feeder house 14 includes an internal conveying system (not shown), for conveying the crops upwardly and rearwardly into thebody 12 of thecombine 10 and into an inlet of a separating or threshingsystem 16. Threshingsystem 16 generally includes a rotor at least partially enclosed in a concave defining an arcuate space therebetween, and in which space the crop material is processed for separating grain and material other than grain (MOG) from straw, with the straw being ejected rearwardly from the threshingsystem 16 through the rear end of thecombine 10 for deposit on the field, as is well-known. - As threshing
system 16 operates, crop material will fall and/or be conveyed therefrom, as denoted generally by arrows “A” inFIG. 1 , onto anupper sieve 18 of acleaning system 20 located below threshingsystem 16 within the body ofcombine 10.Such cleaning system 20 also includes alower sieve 22 positioned belowupper sieve 18 in a stacked relationship therewith. Thesieves upper sieve 18, as indicated by arrow “B” inFIG. 1 . - As the crop material from the threshing
system 16 falls ontoupper sieve 18, air from afan 26 is blown upwardly and rearwardly throughsieves FIG. 1 . In conventional combines, this combination of air flow and the vibratory movement of thesieves sieves - The
upper sieve 18 includes openings therethrough that are sized to allow separated grain as well as some smaller elements of MOG, sometimes referred to as tailings, to pass therethrough and to fall ontolower sieve 22 of thecleaning system 20, thus sifting the separated grain and tailings from larger elements of MOG. The larger elements of MOG that are unable to pass throughupper sieve 18 are moved to the rear peripheral edge portion of the sieve by the vibratory movements of such sieve and fall either directly onto the underlying field or onto or into other apparatus for further processing, including chopping and/or spreading. Such further processing of the larger elements of MOG may be accomplished in various well-known manners. - The
lower sieve 22 has smaller openings thanupper sieve 18, such that thesieves sieve 18. To facilitate such sifting action and the flow of grain through the stacked sieves 18 and 22, the sieves are vibrated or reciprocally moved, typically in a fore and aft direction, as denoted by arrow B. The grain that falls throughlower sieve 22 into clean grain andtailings systems 12 of thecombine 10 is considered to be clean grain that is desired to be collected and ultimately conveyed to agrain tank 24. The tailings that are allowed to pass through theupper sieve 18 often still contain some un-separated grain, and retention of such tailings for further processing to effect separation of the grain is generally desired. The tailings that are unable to pass through the smaller openings onlower sieve 22 are caused to move towards a rearperipheral edge portion 28 ofsieve 22, and to fall by the vibratory movement oflower sieve 22 into clean grain andtailings system 12 for further processing. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , certain elements of thecleaning system 20 are depicted in greater detail, as well as further details of the clean grain andtailings conveying system 12. In this regard,FIG. 2 illustrates the manner in which sieves 18 and 22 may be suspended from astructural frame 30 ofcombine 10 by pivotingsupport arms tailings conveying system 12 is depicted as being fixedly connected or mounted belowlower sieve 22 of cleaningsystem 20 tostructural frame 30 bybrackets structural frame 30. - As indicated in
FIG. 2 and explained in greater detail below, in accordance with aspects of the present invention, thesieves assembly 100 for directing pressurized jets air viaports 110 in a pulsating or continuous manner through thesieve elements - The clean grain and
tailings conveying system 12 ofFIGS. 1 and 2 , generally includes apan 40 that is fixedly mounted tostructural frame 30 bybrackets lower sieve 22. Thispan 40 may include an array of elongated, longitudinally extending collectingtroughs 42 positioned side-by-side across the width ofpan 40. Such collectingtroughs 42 generally extend in the fore and aft direction, between aforward edge 48 and arear edge 50 oftrough 42. Each collectingtrough 42 has a cleangrain receiving portion 52 located beneath those regions oflower sieve 22 through which clean grain is expected to fall, and atailings receiving portion 54 positioned beneathperipheral edge portion 28 oflower sieve 22. Adeflector shield 56 is preferably disposed beneath the rear end portion oflower sieve 22 to deflect clean grain onto cleangrain receiving portion 52 ofpan 40, as opposed totailings receiving portion 54 located below the rear end. - A clean
grain auger trough 58 is disposed generally cross-wise to and in communication with the cleangrain collecting troughs 42 of cleangrain receiving portion 52 such that clean grain can be conveyed through the clean grain collecting troughs to the clean grain auger trough. Atailings auger trough 60 is disposed generally cross-wise to and in communication with thetailings collector troughs 42 oftailings receiving portion 54. - An elongated,
helical auger 62 is supported in each collectingtrough 42, with eachauger 62 including a firsthelical auger flight 64 extending in a first predetermined rotational direction and a secondhelical auger flight 66 andthird auger flight 68 extending in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction. Eachauger 62 is connected to a drive mechanism, which may include abevel gear 70 on the rear end ofauger 62 that meshes with a drive gear (not shown) rotated by any suitable drive, such as a belt, chain or shaft, in connection with a power plant of combine 10 (not shown). - When
augers 62 are rotated in a predetermined rotational direction,flights troughs 42, with clean grain from the clean grain collecting troughs being moved into cleangrain auger trough 58 and tailings from the tailings collector troughs being moved intotailings auger trough 60. Cleangrain auger trough 58 preferably has ahelical auger 76 associated therewith and tailings augertrough 60 preferably has asimilar auger 78 associated therewith, which augers are rotatable in the conventional manner using suitable drives (not shown) for conveying the clean grain and tailings, respectively, to a clean grain elevator (not shown) and a tailings return system (also not shown), in well-known manners. - Referring again to
FIG. 2 , asieve assembly 100 incorporating aspects of the present invention is depicted. Either or both of theupper sieve 18 andlower sieve 22 are configured with a plurality ofair ports 110 disposed along the respective frame structure 102 (FIG. 3 ) of the sieve elements. Theair ports 110 are distributed in a pattern and are oriented at an angle so as to direct pressurized air upwardly through the sieve elements, as graphically depicted inFIG. 2 . Theair ports 110 are in communication with a source of pressurized air, as discussed in greater detail below. Theair ports 110 are preferably provided in a number and arranged in a pattern so as to provide generally uniform coverage over the surface area of therespective sieves ports 110 may be continuous in one embodiment, or may be pulsed in another embodiment. The air may be in addition to the air provided by the fan 26 (FIG. 1 ) or, in certain embodiments, theassembly 100 may replace thefan 26. - The air jets from the
ports 110 serve to break up the clusters of grain and MOG that may accumulate and roll on the sieve, as discussed above. - Referring to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , embodiments of asieve assembly 100 are depicted. Thesieve assembly 100 includes aframe structure 102 typically comprised oflongitudinal members 106 andtransverse members 104 that define a grid-type configuration.Sieve elements 108 are supported by theframe structure 102. The invention is not limited by any particular type ofsieve element 108 orframe structure 102.Typical sieve elements 102 may be louver elements, as is generally well-known in the art and need not be described in detail herein. - Still referring to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , theframe structure 112 may be defined byinternal air conduits 114 within theframe structure elements structural elements connection 105.FIG. 4 is a bottom view of this particular embodiment and illustrates that theframe member elements sieve elements 108. Air ports (not visible inFIG. 4 ) are in communication with theinternal air conduits 114 for directing the pressurized air from the internal air conduit grid 116 at the desired angular orientation relative to thesieve elements 108. - For example, referring to
FIG. 5 , an end cross-sectional view of a particular embodiment of asieve assembly 100 is depicted wherein theair ports 110 that direct the pressurized air from theinternal air conduits 114 are defined simply asholes 118 in thestructural frame members 106. Theholes 118 are defined at a desired angular orientation so as to direct the pressurized air upwards and through therespective sieve elements 108, as generally depicted by the flow arrows inFIG. 5 . - In the embodiment of
FIG. 6 , theair ports 110 are defined bynozzles 120 that are mounted onto thestructural frame members 106. Thesenozzles 120 may be fixed in position or adjustable and serve to direct the pressurized air upwards through thesieve elements 108. -
FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment wherein a grid configuration 124 ofexternal conduit members 122 is provided for attachment to thestructural members frame structure 102 by any suitable means. Theexternal conduits 122 may be, for example, tubular members that are also defined into a grid 124 that may essentially compliment or match the grid configuration of theframe structure 102 so as to be securely mounted to the underside of theframe structure elements external conduits 122 may be spaced between thestructural members frame structure 102. The external conduits are provided with a plurality ofair ports 110 in a number and pattern so as to define a desired degree of coverage below the surface area of thesieve elements 108. It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to any particular number ofair ports 110 or pattern. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 7 , theair ports 110 arenozzles 120, which may be fixed or adjustable. Theair ports 110 may, in an alternate embodiment, be defined simply as holes 118 (FIG. 5 ) defined in theexternal conduits 122. - The
sieve assembly 100 may be provided with a source of pressurized air via any suitable existing system on the combine 10 (FIG. 1 ). For example, referring toFIG. 8 , thecombine 10 may include anair compressor 126 that serves various engine and/or other operational functions. Thiscompressor 126 may be used to charge an accumulator ortank 128 that supplies pressurized air to the frame structure 102 (or external conduit grid 124). Discharge from theair tank 128 may be controlled by acontrollable valve 130, such as a solenoid valve, that is cycled by asystem controller 132 to provide either continuous or pulsed air through thesieve assembly 100, as discussed above. - It should be appreciated that, in an alternate embodiment, a dedicated air compressor or other pressurized air source may be provided within the
combine 10 for supplying thesieve assembly 100. -
FIG. 9 depicts an embodiment of asieve assembly 100 in accordance with aspects of the invention wherein thepressurized air source 112 is functionally provided by thereciprocating drive 134 used to drive thesieve frame structure 102 in its vibratory to-and-fro motion, as discussed above. Any type ofsuitable reciprocating drive 134 may be utilized, as is well known by those skilled in the art. In a typical configuration, thereciprocating drive 134 utilizes a cam to drive acrank arm 136 connected to theframe structure 102. With these type of systems, theframe structure 102 typically returns to a home position under its own weight and inertia after the power stroke of thecrank arm 136, which in turn causes thecrank arm 136 or cam to return to a corresponding home position. In certain known systems, this return stroke must be buffered or dampened. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 9 , the energy of the return stroke of thedrive mechanism 134 is harnessed to drive acompressor mechanism 140, such as an air piston. As schematically indicated inFIG. 9 , thedrive mechanism 134 is mechanically connected to thecompressor mechanism 140 through any manner of suitable linkage in order to drive themechanism 140. For example, in the embodiment depicted inFIG. 9 , asecond crank arm 138 may be operably connected to thedrive mechanism 134 so that on the return stroke of the drive mechanism, the crank arm drives piston within an air piston embodiment of thecompressor mechanism 140. The output of thismechanism 140 may be used to charge an accumulator ortank 128, which then supplies the pressurized air via acontrol valve 130 to theframe structure 102 under the control of acontroller 132. - It should further be appreciated that an embodiment similar to that depicted in
FIG. 9 may be provided within thedrive mechanism 134 also charges theair tank 128 via acompressor mechanism 140 on the positive drive stroke of thedrive mechanism 134, instead of on the passive return stroke as discussed above. -
FIG. 10 depicts an embodiment of asieve assembly 100 wherein theair ports 110 are defined on theindividual sieve elements 108 instead of or in combination with ports defined on theframe structure 102. For example, theframe structure 102 may defineinternal air conduits 114 in thetransverse members 104 andlongitudinal members 106 that are supplied with pressurized air via any suitable air supply 112 (including those discussed above). Theindividual sieve elements 108 includeinternal air passages 115 that are in flow communication with theinternal air conduits 114 such that pressurized air is conducted from theframe members 102 to thesieve elements 108. For example, thesieve elements 108 may be defined by shell members that define a generally hollow interior volume that is in flow communication with theinternal conduits 114 such that pressurized air is introduced directly into the individual louvers of thesieve elements 108. In an alternate embodiment, any manner of external or internal conduit members, such as tubing or piping, may be configured within or external to the sieve elements, with such conduit members being in flow communication with theinternal conduits 114 of theframe members 102. - Still referring to
FIG. 10 , it should be appreciated that any pattern ofports 110 may be defined along any one or combination of thesieve elements 108. It is not necessary that every louver of the sieve elements have aport 110. Theports 110 are supplied in a number and pattern to provide an effective cleaning of thesieve elements 108. -
FIG. 11 depicts an embodiment of asieve assembly 100 similar to the embodiment ofFIG. 8 discussed above wherein anair compressor 126 that serves various engine and/or other operational functions is used to charge an accumulator ortank 128 that supplies pressurized air to the frame structure 102 (or external conduit grid 124) viaconnections 105. Discharge from theair tank 128 may be controlled by multiplecontrollable valves 130, such as solenoid valves, that are cycled by asystem controller 132 to provide either continuous or pulsed air through thesieve assembly 100. The use ofmultiple valves 130 allows for different control parameters for different parts or sections of thesieve assembly 100. For example a front blast pattern may be generated that is different from a rear blast pattern, and so forth. It should be appreciated that various configurations ofvalves 130 and different control patterns are within the scope and spirit of the invention. -
FIGS. 12A through 12C depict various air blast frequency and period patterns that may be utilized in any one of thesieve assemblies 100 in accordance with aspects of the invention. The nozzles may blow air jets at any designed frequency or period (e.g., by appropriate control of valves 130) depending on any number of factors, such as type of crop being harvested, and the like.FIG. 12A depicts a relatively long air blast period relative to sieve motion as compared, for example, toFIG. 12B .FIG. 12C depicts a random air blast period relative to sieve motion. - This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
Claims (18)
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/614,045 US8651927B1 (en) | 2012-09-13 | 2012-09-13 | Combine harvester sieve assembly with an integrated air cleaning system |
BR102013023432-0A BR102013023432B1 (en) | 2012-09-13 | 2013-09-12 | SCREEN ASSEMBLY FOR A COMBINATION |
EP13184468.0A EP2708111B1 (en) | 2012-09-13 | 2013-09-13 | A combine harvester sieve assembly with an integrated air cleaning system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/614,045 US8651927B1 (en) | 2012-09-13 | 2012-09-13 | Combine harvester sieve assembly with an integrated air cleaning system |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US8651927B1 US8651927B1 (en) | 2014-02-18 |
US20140073380A1 true US20140073380A1 (en) | 2014-03-13 |
Family
ID=49230506
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/614,045 Active US8651927B1 (en) | 2012-09-13 | 2012-09-13 | Combine harvester sieve assembly with an integrated air cleaning system |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US8651927B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2708111B1 (en) |
BR (1) | BR102013023432B1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20200375110A1 (en) * | 2019-05-31 | 2020-12-03 | Rocky Ford Harvesting, Llc | Automated hemp flower harvester machinery and apparatuses, methods relating to same |
US11877538B1 (en) | 2022-08-30 | 2024-01-23 | Calmer Holding Company, Llc | Threshing grains and legumes utilizing concaves with adjustable openings |
Families Citing this family (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
BE1021154B1 (en) * | 2013-07-02 | 2016-10-26 | Cnh Industrial Belgium Nv | CUTTERSER WITH MULTI-STAGE CEREAL PREPARATION |
GB2526248A (en) * | 2014-03-17 | 2015-11-25 | Caterpillar Inc | Grill Assembly |
US10123524B2 (en) | 2014-06-19 | 2018-11-13 | Cnh Industrial Canada, Ltd. | Active system for optimization and plugging avoidance of seed/fertilizer in transport conducts |
US9295197B1 (en) | 2014-10-14 | 2016-03-29 | Cnh Industrial America Llc | Combine harvester with blower equipped elevator |
US10257983B2 (en) * | 2014-12-17 | 2019-04-16 | Agco International Gmbh | Crop processing apparatus in a combine harvester |
BE1022661B1 (en) * | 2015-03-31 | 2016-06-29 | Cnh Industrial Belgium Nv | IMPROVEMENTS OF OR CONCERNING GRAIN CLEANERS FOR MOWING THREADERS |
DE102016103234A1 (en) | 2016-02-24 | 2017-08-24 | Claas Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen Gmbh | Method for operating a cleaning device for a combine harvester |
RU2690480C1 (en) * | 2018-03-12 | 2019-06-03 | федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего образования "Марийский государственный университет" | Lipped screen |
US10827682B2 (en) * | 2018-10-02 | 2020-11-10 | Deere & Company | Independent air controlled sieve |
US11395984B2 (en) | 2019-05-24 | 2022-07-26 | Flory Industries | Dust control system and related methods |
GB201915852D0 (en) | 2019-10-31 | 2019-12-18 | Agco Int Gmbh | Longitudinal sieve compensation |
US11266053B2 (en) | 2019-11-07 | 2022-03-08 | Cnh Industrial Canada, Ltd. | Fluid nozzle system and method for de-plugging ground engaging tools of an agricultural implement |
Family Cites Families (39)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2240779A (en) * | 1939-04-29 | 1941-05-06 | Wood Brothers Thresher Company | Grain separator |
US2250383A (en) * | 1939-10-12 | 1941-07-22 | Henry D Koester | Air controlled sieve for threshing machines |
US2692679A (en) * | 1950-07-21 | 1954-10-26 | John R Lindberg | Grain leveling device |
US2694493A (en) * | 1952-02-08 | 1954-11-16 | Carl O Odegarden | Blower attachment for combines |
US3116236A (en) * | 1960-08-01 | 1963-12-31 | Claas Helmut | Grills of combine harvesters |
DE1115508B (en) * | 1960-08-01 | 1961-10-19 | Helmut Claas Dipl Ing | Wind distributor under the sieves of the pressure wind cleaning system of a combine harvester |
US3334739A (en) * | 1964-04-22 | 1967-08-08 | Ransomes Sims & Jefferies | Dressing shoes for grain threshing mechanisms |
US3374886A (en) * | 1966-05-02 | 1968-03-26 | Arthur S. Lightsey | Grain separator chaffer assembly |
US4017206A (en) | 1975-09-03 | 1977-04-12 | Veb Kombinat Fortschritt Landmaschinen | Winnowing blower for combine harvester-thresher |
LU77527A1 (en) | 1976-06-18 | 1977-09-26 | ||
DE2842702C2 (en) * | 1978-09-30 | 1982-07-01 | Deere & Co., Moline, Ill., US, Niederlassung Deere & Co. European Office, 6800 Mannheim | Cleaning device for combine harvesters |
GB2025746B (en) * | 1978-07-08 | 1982-07-14 | Deere & Co | Axial flow combine harvester |
EP0077416B1 (en) * | 1981-10-21 | 1986-01-29 | Deere & Company | Grain pan for harvesters |
DE4028993A1 (en) * | 1990-09-13 | 1992-03-19 | Kloeckner Humboldt Deutz Ag | GRAIN CLEANING IN THE combine harvester |
US5176574A (en) * | 1991-06-24 | 1993-01-05 | Case Corporation | Combine cleaning system |
DE4222364A1 (en) | 1992-07-08 | 1994-01-13 | Claas Ohg | Sieve classifying device for natural prods. - and suitable for use as winnower in a combine harvester |
JP3151355B2 (en) * | 1994-05-09 | 2001-04-03 | 株式会社クボタ | Sorting unit structure of threshing equipment |
GB2293080A (en) * | 1994-09-17 | 1996-03-20 | New Holland Belguim Nv | Grain cleaner for combine harvester |
US6053812A (en) * | 1997-11-24 | 2000-04-25 | Loewen Manufacturing Co. | Sieve construction for a combine harvester |
AUPP111997A0 (en) * | 1997-12-24 | 1998-01-22 | M E Mckay & Associates Pty Ltd | Separation using air flows of different velocities |
DE19807145C2 (en) * | 1998-02-20 | 1999-12-09 | Claas Selbstfahr Erntemasch | Combine with automatic cleaning adjustment device |
US6475082B2 (en) * | 1998-08-18 | 2002-11-05 | Claas Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen Gmbh | Flap openings in a grain harvesting threshing and separation unit |
GB2365312A (en) * | 2000-08-01 | 2002-02-20 | Claas Selbstfahr Erntemasch | Grain cleaning apparatus for combines |
US6790137B2 (en) * | 2002-01-25 | 2004-09-14 | Marvin James Gorden | High capacity air jet chaffer |
DE10225090A1 (en) | 2002-06-05 | 2003-12-18 | Claas Selbstfahr Erntemasch | Cooling air cleaning device for agricultural harvester, uses cleaning brushes positioned on outside of radiator cover in path of cleaning air |
US6773343B2 (en) * | 2002-07-31 | 2004-08-10 | Deere & Company | Front chaffer and cleaning fan |
US7028844B2 (en) | 2003-07-17 | 2006-04-18 | Nelson Robert D | Dried lavender flower separator system and method |
DE10360597A1 (en) * | 2003-12-19 | 2005-07-28 | Claas Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen Gmbh | Method and device for controlling working elements of a combine harvester |
US7022013B1 (en) | 2004-11-17 | 2006-04-04 | Cnh America Llc | Axial flow combine harvester with adaptable separating unit |
EP2422868B1 (en) | 2005-03-31 | 2015-12-30 | Donaldson Company, Inc. | Air cleaner assembly |
DE102005056115A1 (en) | 2005-11-23 | 2007-05-24 | Claas Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen Gmbh | Combined harvester, comprises suction fan transporting as well as distributing chaff after threshing |
US8434624B2 (en) * | 2007-10-15 | 2013-05-07 | Redekop Enterprises Inc | Harvesting corn cobs |
CA2692568C (en) * | 2007-10-15 | 2011-05-31 | Redekop Enterprises Inc. | Harvesting corn cobs |
CA2642073C (en) * | 2007-10-19 | 2013-07-02 | Redekop Enterprises Inc. | Collecting corn cobs |
US7927198B2 (en) * | 2007-11-08 | 2011-04-19 | Redekop Enterprises Inc. | Harvester corn cobs separating |
US7585213B2 (en) | 2008-01-18 | 2009-09-08 | Cnh America Llc | Auger trough clean-out door |
GB0812966D0 (en) | 2008-07-16 | 2008-08-20 | Cnh Belgium Nv | Cleaning of an air filter screen of an agricultural vehicle |
US7896731B2 (en) * | 2008-12-08 | 2011-03-01 | Cnh America Llc | Combine grain cleaning system including a grain cleaning sieve having a region of increased grain throughput |
DE102010016670A1 (en) | 2010-04-28 | 2011-11-03 | Claas Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen Gmbh | Threshing device for combine harvester |
-
2012
- 2012-09-13 US US13/614,045 patent/US8651927B1/en active Active
-
2013
- 2013-09-12 BR BR102013023432-0A patent/BR102013023432B1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2013-09-13 EP EP13184468.0A patent/EP2708111B1/en active Active
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20200375110A1 (en) * | 2019-05-31 | 2020-12-03 | Rocky Ford Harvesting, Llc | Automated hemp flower harvester machinery and apparatuses, methods relating to same |
US11877538B1 (en) | 2022-08-30 | 2024-01-23 | Calmer Holding Company, Llc | Threshing grains and legumes utilizing concaves with adjustable openings |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
BR102013023432A8 (en) | 2016-12-06 |
US8651927B1 (en) | 2014-02-18 |
BR102013023432A2 (en) | 2014-12-09 |
EP2708111A1 (en) | 2014-03-19 |
EP2708111B1 (en) | 2018-11-14 |
BR102013023432B1 (en) | 2019-09-17 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US8651927B1 (en) | Combine harvester sieve assembly with an integrated air cleaning system | |
US6672957B2 (en) | Combine harvester cleaning apparatus | |
US7297051B1 (en) | Clean grain and tailings conveying system for an agricultural combine | |
CN103313593A (en) | Combine harvester grain cleaning apparatus | |
US11259466B2 (en) | Agricultural elevator supplied by multiple cross augers | |
EP2695507B1 (en) | A combine sieve assembly with an auger trough clean-out assembly | |
EP3087825B1 (en) | Agricultural harvester auger assembly | |
WO2006025818A1 (en) | Harvesting device | |
EP3632201A2 (en) | Independent air controlled sieve | |
US11771007B2 (en) | Sieve assembly for a crop processing system of an agricultural harvester | |
CN205510886U (en) | Single axis of ordinates flows combine cleaning plant | |
EP1849350B1 (en) | Clean grain and tailings conveying system for an agricultural combine | |
US10820501B2 (en) | Arrangement for switching a combine harvester between a swath deposit mode and a wide distribution mode | |
US11147214B2 (en) | Combine with a pre-thresher | |
JP2019208390A (en) | Combine |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CNH AMERICA LLC, PENNSYLVANIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:ROBERGE, MARTIN J.;RICKETTS, JONATHAN EUGENE;FARLEY, HERBERT M.;SIGNING DATES FROM 20120910 TO 20120912;REEL/FRAME:028955/0622 |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BLUE LEAF I.P., INC.,, DELAWARE Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLC;REEL/FRAME:033566/0167 Effective date: 20140805 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 8TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1552); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY Year of fee payment: 8 |