WO2024049467A1 - Threshing grains and legumes utilizing concaves with adjustable openings - Google Patents
Threshing grains and legumes utilizing concaves with adjustable openings Download PDFInfo
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- WO2024049467A1 WO2024049467A1 PCT/US2022/075679 US2022075679W WO2024049467A1 WO 2024049467 A1 WO2024049467 A1 WO 2024049467A1 US 2022075679 W US2022075679 W US 2022075679W WO 2024049467 A1 WO2024049467 A1 WO 2024049467A1
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- Prior art keywords
- concaves
- separating
- concave
- grain
- mog
- Prior art date
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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
- A01F12/18—Threshing devices
- A01F12/26—Multi-part threshing concaves
-
- 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
- A01F12/18—Threshing devices
- A01F12/22—Threshing cylinders with teeth
-
- 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
- A01F12/18—Threshing devices
- A01F12/28—Devices for adjusting the concaves
-
- 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
- A01F12/30—Straw separators, i.e. straw walkers, for separating residual grain from the straw
- A01F12/395—Conical or cylindrical straw separators with internal working surface
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to the threshing operation within an agricultural combine, such as to thresh cereal grains (e.g., com and wheat) and legumes (e.g. soybeans). More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a retrofit kits for improving the efficacy of combines.
- thresh cereal grains e.g., com and wheat
- legumes e.g. soybeans
- Single rotary combines are customary utilized in agricultural harvest operations for both large and small grains.
- the combine is generally controlled from a cab 1.
- the rotary combine 10 is mated with a head (or header 4) adapted to the crop to be harvested, such as the com head 2 that harvests com 3 shown in Figure 1A or the header 4 that can be used to harvest small cereal grains and/or pod-based crops 9 shown in Figures 1B-1C.
- the header 4 includes reel arms 5, reel 6, tines 7, and cutter bar 8.
- the header 4 is a part that cuts the plant usually at or near the ground.
- the header 4 moves the whole plant into the combine 10.
- the tines 7 of the reel 6 catch the stems of the crop.
- the crop is thrust against the cutter bar 8, a component that looks something like a comb.
- Rice, com, wheat, sunflower, pulses, oats, rye, barley, sorghum, soybeans, flax, and canola can be harvested using the rotary combine 10.
- Figure ID depicts some of the common internal components of the rotary combine 10.
- the harvest operation often involves the cutting or chopping of the plant accomplished in conjunction with the threshing/separation of the seed pod, ear or head which is carried into the interior of the combine.
- the interior of the combine is comprised of an elongated threshing/separation chamber in which the rotor 12 rotates within the rotor housing 13.
- the rotary combine 10 is fitted with feeder house 14.
- the combine 10 includes a harvesting header (e.g. 2, 4) at the front of the machine that delivers collected crop materials to the front end of a feeder house 14.
- Such materials are moved upwardly and rearwardly within feeder house 14 by an undershot / slat chain conveying system 16 until reaching a beater 18 that rotates about a transverse axis.
- Beater 18 feeds the material upwardly and rearwardly to a rotary processing device, in this instance to a rotor 12 having an infeed auger 20 on the front end thereof.
- the auger 20 advances the materials axially into the processing system located near the rotor 12 for threshing and separating.
- the undershot / slat chain conveying system 16 may deliver the crop directly to a threshing cylinder.
- Figures 2A depicts a rotating drum, known as rotor 12, of the rotary combine 10.
- the rotor is a rotating drum, known as rotor 12, of the rotary combine 10.
- the threshing chamber 24 is formed by a casing
- the rotor 12 is mechanically rotated in operation, for example, in a counter-clockwise direction as depicted in Figure 2A.
- the front part of the chamber 24 is where the harvested material (e.g. earlage) is first introduced.
- the front part of the chamber 24 has historically been understood to be where grain will be mechanically abraded (threshed) from the pod, ear, or head.
- the rearward part of the chamber 26A, 26B, 26C, and 26D constituting the separating area is where any remaining grain is removed from the harvested material leaving only material other than grain (“MOG”) 49 for ejection from the rotor chamber and the combine.
- MOG material other than grain
- an auger bed assembly 39 is positioned which continuously carries the grain and other material dropping down out of the threshing chamber, onto a grain pan, and back to a chaffer or top sieve then dropping downward onto a cleaning or shoe sieve which further cleans and separates the harvested grain.
- the bottom of the rotor cage has a series of arched porous structures, called concaves 24A-24C.
- the threshing area of the chamber 24 normally holds three separate concaves located in positions #1, #2, and #3.
- the role of the concaves 24A-24C has historically been understood to thresh pods or heads by peeling away any exterior covering to expose and free the seeds.
- the role of the concaves 24A-24C has historically been understood to husk the ear and to separate kernels therefrom.
- Concave designs utilize more restricted openings in an effort to prevent MOG 49 from dropping out of the chamber and overloading the cleaning system whereby it can end up in the grain bin reducing the cleanliness of the harvested grain and penalizing the farmer.
- these heavy concaves 24 had to be physically removed and replaced with concaves having different designs and concave open area (“COA”) to accommodate for different sized grain.
- COA concave open area
- the farmer would have to make do. This would force the farmer to absorb the grain loss and/or accept dirty grain and the resultant penalty at the elevator.
- the crop materials entering the chamber 24 move axially and helically therethrough during threshing and separating. During such travel the crop materials are threshed and separated as the rotor 12 operates in cooperation with preferably foraminous processing members in the form of threshing concaves 24A-24C and separator grate assemblies 26.
- the grain escapes downward through throat openings of concaves 24A-24C onto auger bed 20 and through separating grates 26 into cleaning mechanism 28.
- a blower (fan) 30 customarily continuously operates to provide an airstream moving plant material out the rear of the chamber 24. For example, fines as well as bulkier plant materials retained in the chamber 24 by concaves 24A-24C and grate assemblies 26 and are impelled out the rear of processing system 12 and ultimately out of the rear of the machine by a beater or chopper.
- Fan 30 forms part of the cleaning mechanism 28 and provides a stream of air throughout the cleaning region and directed out the rear of the machine so as to carry lighter chaff particles that are smaller than grain away from the grain as it migrates downward toward the bottom of the machine to a clean grain auger 32.
- Auger 32 delivers the clean grain to an elevator (not shown) that elevates the grain to a storage bin 34 on top of the machine, from which it is ultimately unloaded via an unloading spout 36.
- a return auger 38 at the bottom of the cleaning region is operable in cooperation with other mechanism to reintroduce partially threshed or unthreshed materials into the chamber 26 for an additional pass through the system.
- a feeding spacer 40 is shown at the boundary of the concave 24A.
- the concaves 24A-24C typically include a top frame member 41, a bottom frame member 42, straight vertical bars 43, a left-side frame member 44, a right-side frame member 45, horizontal straight rub bars 46, and wires 48.
- the vertical and horizontal straight bars 43, 46 form spaces/openings 47 in a cross-like arrangement with the wires 48 running through the interior of each the rectangular spaces 47.
- the construct of concaves 24A-24C is to limit or otherwise restrict harvested material from dropping through the openings in the concave so as to enhance grain separation from MOG 49.
- Concaves 24A-24C which utilize “thin” or “narrow” wires are known to become plugged with MOG 49.
- Figure 3 in particular shows the concave plugged with MOG hairpinned over wires, and even a few splintered and fractured cobs lodged in the openings 47. If not remedied, these pieces of husks and fractured cobs will, over time, prevent any grain removal from the chamber 24.
- the plugging of the concaves increases on top of the foundation of hair-pinned MOG, so increases the grain retained within the chamber 24. This can operate to increase cob splintering or fracture and, further, result in grain being abraded and ground to fines before having the opportunity to exit.
- MOG 49 is allowed to hair pin over these rounded surfaces during the threshing operation. This provides a site for the increased retention of MOG 49, resulting in continued restriction and eventual blockage of the opening passageway.
- Concaves 24 and separator grates 26 are not easily changed-out within the combine 10. Extended time and effort is required which results in the loss of precious time of harvesting. Therefore, historically the approach has been to adopt a one size fits all approach in combine harvesting irrespective of the grain type being harvested. This results in compromises whereby yield is lost due to grain exiting the rear of the combine 10 or MOG 49 makes its way to the grain bin damaging the value of the crop for the farmer.
- known rasp bars 62 are formed with a front steel wall perpendicular to the flow of material being threshed that attach via supports 64 and protmde from the rotor 12, the design of which is problematic. As the rotor turns, the rasp bars 62 contact MOG which accumulates on the front steel wall and continues to increase in size. As threshing continues, the freed kernels become entrapped within valleys located between rasp bar teeth and a buildup of material that accumulating on the front perpendicular steel wall. The problem may be further exacerbated by the following sub-issues: the cobs are below the valley, the rasp bar teeth are able to form walls, and the steel end cap closes off the exit of the valley. Since the congested valleys are filled with shelled kernels, the next ear of com and kernels cannot enter. This creates excessive horsepower requirements and lost capacity and the fracture or grinding of grain.
- a kit comprised of component parts collectively and synergistically enhances the grain threshing/separation and removal process during harvest, irrespective of whether the grain is large or small.
- a unique concave design allows for separated grain to be more readily removed from the threshing chamber nearer the beginning of the threshing process thereby reducing the volume within the chamber and protecting the grain from damage from the continuous forces applied by the rotor assembly within the chamber.
- the unique concave design may operate in conjunction with open valley rasp bars and adjustable MOG limiting bars to further increase the efficiency and volume of grain removed in an undamaged form while simultaneously reducing material other than grain (MOG) from making its way into the cleaning system and the grain tank.
- the size of the openings in each of the concaves and/or separating grates have a total open area (OA) that is equal to or less than the total open area (OA) of the concave that precedes it.
- the size of the openings are selected based upon the anticipated size of the material other than grain (MOG) that is expected to be mixed in with the harvested material, rather than being based on a size of the grain itself.
- the operator of the combine can adjust the size of these openings without having to uninstall and install different concaves.
- switches located in the cab of the combine can control a linear stepper motor that can actuate adjustable MOG limiters from a fully retracted position to a fully deployed position thereby reducing or enhancing the size of the openings in the concave through which grain will pass out of the chamber 24.
- the apparent size of these openings can be limited through use of a cover plate, removable MOG limiting inserts, adjustable MOG limiters, and the like.
- the apparent size of the openings can be adjusted for any useful purpose, however it should be appreciated that adjusting the apparent size of the openings will be useful for, at least, (i) to account for the species crop to be harvested; (ii) to account for the speed of the harvested material flowing through the threshing and/or separating areas of the combine; (iii) to adjust a direction and/or trajectory of the grain being harvested through said openings (i.e., effecting a change in the difference between the grain channel’s physical angle and the expected physical trajectory of the grain); (iv) to selectively allow for more and/or less grain to pass through the concaves due to a difference in the anticipated ratio of grain / MOG to be harvested and the actual grain / MOG being harvested; (v) and to account for a higher and/or lower moisture level within the flow of harvested material; etc.
- beneficial aspects of the present invention can be employed in traditional harvesting operations (e.g, to harvest com (maize), soybeans, wheat, rye, triticale, rice, oats, barley, sorghum, flax (linseed), sunflowers, rapeseed, grasses, clovers, alfalfa, and field peas).
- traditional harvesting operations e.g, to harvest com (maize), soybeans, wheat, rye, triticale, rice, oats, barley, sorghum, flax (linseed), sunflowers, rapeseed, grasses, clovers, alfalfa, and field peas.
- components of the systems and kits described herein be durable enough to withstand prolonged operations. Due to the unique design of the separation bars in the concave, there is less compressive forces applied to the harvested materials which increases the percentage of cobs which remain whole and intact and are not broken into pieces which may easily pass through to the grain tank with the grain. These features allow the rotor speed to be maintained at a lower level and the top sieve to be operated with greater openings, all of which reduce grain losses from the rotor and cleaning sieve areas. It is also preferred the components resist excessive heat, static buildup, corrosion, abrasion, and/or other types of mechanical wear and failure due to cracking, crumbling, shearing, creeping. Ideally, said components are also substantially unaffected by variable crop moisture, thereby providing the ability to operate in a wider variety of adverse weather conditions.
- At least one embodiment disclosed herein comprises a distinct aesthetic appearance. Ornamental aspects included in such an embodiment can help capture a consumer’s attention and/or identify a source of origin of a product being sold. Said ornamental aspects will not impede functionality of the present invention.
- Figure 1A exemplifies a combine fitted with a com head harvesting com.
- Figure IB exemplifies a side elevation view of a combine fitted with a header for soybeans (legumes) and other small grains such as wheat.
- Figure 1C exemplifies a front perspective view of the combine of Figure IB.
- Figure ID shows internal components that are common to the combines of Figures 1A and 1B-1C.
- Figure 2A exemplifies a single rotor combine and the interior of the threshing chamber.
- Figure 2B exemplifies an isolated view of the threshing chamber and the separating area that are installed below the single rotor of Figure 2A.
- Figure 2C exemplifies a twin rotor combine and the interior of the threshing chamber.
- Figure 3 captures substantial clogging of a narrow wire concave with MOG.
- Figure 4A exemplifies a typical round bar concave.
- Figure 4B exemplifies the problem of grains “bridging”, which can negatively effect flow of the typical round bar concave of Figure 4A.
- Figure 5 exemplifies a round bar concave with a slightly modified geometry wherein the round bars are still 5 /s” but the gaps have been widened to
- Figure 6 shows a system adapted to harvest grain such as com, said system relying on the use of distinct concaves depending on the concave position within the combine.
- Figure 7 details a straight bar concave having a modified geometry specially adapted to initiate the separation of grain from the cob, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.
- Figure 8 shows a system adapted to harvest grain such as soybeans, said system relying on the use of distinct concaves depending on the concave position within the combine, cover plates attached to the modified concave of Figure 7, and removable MOG limiting inserts removably attached to the round bar concaves.
- Figures 9A-9B detail a position #1 concave (e.g, the concave shown in Figure 7) as assembled and employed within the system of Figure 8.
- Each of Figures 9A-9B emphasize view of how the position #1 concave is attached to a cover plate included within the system of Figure 8.
- Figure 9A is a front perspective view thereof.
- Figure 9B is a bottom perspective view thereof, emphasizing further details of the cover plates themselves.
- Figure 10 details a round bar concave having a modified geometry specially adapted to increase flow rate of grain through the concave, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.
- Figures 11A-11D detail position #2 and #3 concaves (e.g, the concave shown in Figure 5) as assembled and employed within the system of Figure 8.
- Each of Figures 11A-11C emphasize view of how the position #2 / #3 concave is removably attached to a MOG limiting insert included within the system of Figure 8.
- Figure 11A is a front perspective view thereof.
- Figure 11B shows a detailed rear end perspective view thereof, emphasizing view of the mechanical fastening means for which the MOG limiting insert removably attaches to the concave.
- Figure 11C shows an isolated view of the MOG limited insert included within the system of Figure 8.
- Figure 11D shows a front end perspective view of the assembled MOG limiting insert and concave combination.
- Figures 12A-H shows an alternative assembly with adjustable MOG limiters for the concaves of positions #2 and #3.
- the MOG limiters are either manually or automatically adjusted while the concaves are in an operating position to open and close the gaps between the round bars.
- the gaps between the round bars can be those of the standard OEM round bar (e.g, 7s inch) or can include wider gaps just as the embodiment of Figure 10 (e.g, % inch) does.
- Figures 12A- 12D show the assembly in an “open” position.
- Figure 12A shows a rear perspective view of the assembly in an open position.
- Figure 12B shows a detailed view of the remote linear actuator and the manual adjuster in an open position.
- FIG. 12C shows a right-side elevation view of the assembly in an open position.
- Figure 12D shows a detailed view of the actuators within the assembly in open positions.
- Figure 12E shows a rear perspective view of the assembly in a closed position.
- Figure 12F shows a detailed view of the remote linear actuator and the manual adjuster in a closed position.
- Either one or both types can be used in a single embodiment to adjust the position of the MOG limiters relative to the concave to increase or decrease the concave open area (COA).
- Figure 12G shows a right-side elevation view of the assembly in a closed position.
- Figure 12H shows a detailed view of the actuators within the assembly in closed positions.
- Figure 13 shows an isolated, perspective view of the adjustable MOG limiter employed throughout Figures 12A-12H.
- Figures 14A-G shows an alternative assembly with adjustable MOG limiters for the concaves of positions #2 and #3, wherein the adjustable MOG limiters can conceal or hide themselves within a notch on an underside of the round bars when the MOG limiters are in the fully retracted position.
- the MOG limiters are either manually or automatically adjusted while the concaves are in an operating position to open and close the gaps between the round bars.
- Figure 14A shows the adjustable MOG limiters in a partially deployed position.
- Figures 14B-14D show the assembly in a fully retracted, “hidden” position.
- Figure 14B shows a side schematic view of the actuation assembly in the fully retracted position.
- Figure 14C shows a first, detailed, and perspective view of the actuation assembly in the fully retracted position.
- Figure 14D shows a second, detailed, and perspective view of the actuation assembly in the fully retracted position.
- Figures 14E-14G show the assembly in a fully deployed position.
- Figure 14E shows a side schematic view of the actuation assembly in the fully deployed position.
- Figure 14F shows a first, detailed, and perspective view of the actuation assembly in the fully deployed position.
- Figure 14G shows a second, detailed, and perspective view of the actuation assembly in the fully deployed position.
- Figure 15 shows, schematically, various cross sections of round bars of a concave adjacent the cross sections of MOG limiters that can be used with same. Each of the cross sections are shown in both an open position (com) and a closed position (soybeans).
- Figure 16 shows a position #4, #5, and #6 separator grate for case.
- Figure 17 details an improved rasp bar that includes grooves that correspond with valleys within a leading edge of rasp bar, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.
- Figure 18 exemplifies a cleaning system of a combine.
- Figure 19 exemplifies details a chaffer of the cleaning system shown in Figure 18.
- Figure 20 shows a concave having horizontal bars angled to match the trajectory of the material to be harvested therethrough.
- FIGS 4A-4B and 5-8 depict concaves 50, 140 usable within threshing systems 100A, 100B.
- Each concave is generally elongated having a curvature which approximates the curvature of the interior rotor of a single rotor combine.
- the round bar concave 50 generally has a top frame member 51, a bottom frame member 52, a center bar 53 (also known as a vertical frame member), a left side frame member 54, a right side frame member 55, horizontal round bars 56, side member 58, and attaching means 59.
- the round bars 56 and frame form openings 57 through which separated grain passes.
- Some embodiments of the round bar concaves 50 can utilize a series of vertical wires (not shown) passing through the horizontal bars 56 (not shown).
- the round bar concave 50 of Figures 4A-4B features round cross bars 56 and is void of wires.
- the round bar concave 50 of Figure 4A differs not only from the narrow wire and square edged bars shown in Figures 3, but also other designs that incorporate wide, narrow, and helical concaves.
- the round bar concave 50 is useful in harvesting field com (even at levels above 25% moisture), soybeans, popcorn, and food com.
- the round bar concave 50 may also in harvest of small grains, sorghum, sunflowers, and canola when retrofit with removable MOG limiting inserts 150 or the unique adjustable MOG limiters 250 described herein.
- the round bar concave 50 preferably occupy one or more positions after position #1 (e.g. positions #2 and #3 within the rotary combine 10.
- Figure 5 also features a round bar concave 110 generally has a top frame member 111, a bottom frame member 112, a center bar 113 (also known as a vertical frame member), a left side frame member 114, a right side frame member 115, horizontal round bars 116, side member 118, and attaching means 119.
- the round bars 56 and frame form openings 117 through which separated grain passes.
- Some round bar concaves 110 can utilize a series of vertical wires (not shown) passing through the horizontal bars 116.
- the round bar concave of Figure 5 however differs from the round bar concave of Figure 4A in that the gaps are widened from the standard 5 /s inches (Figure 4A) to a less dense (less compact: wider) % inches ( Figure 5).
- the uniquely designed concave 140 of Figure 7 utilizes intersecting bars (i.e. 143 and 148) to abrade harvested materials and separate grain.
- the harvested ear, head, or pod is mechanically propelled in a direction approximately parallel to the elongated concave.
- Straight horizontal bars 146 are positioned within the concave to abrade the grain and separate grain from the ear, head, or pod.
- the square edged vertical support bars 143 are curved and extend from the top frame member 141 of the concave 140 to the bottom frame member 142 of the concave 140.
- the curvature of these members, as well as the curvature of the left side frame member 144 and right side frame member 145 are designed to approximate the curvature of the rotor 12.
- all or some of the vertical support bars may be oriented at an angle to account for the velocity of the grain separated in threshing.
- Grains may be of an imprecise or differing geometry in comparison to one another, and striking the vertical support bar oriented at 90° up and down in relation to the positioning of the horizontal rub bar (e.g, 146) may result in the velocity of the grain causing a rebound effect where the grain is deflected upwardly and out of the throat 147 of the concave.
- one or more of the vertical support bars may be angled at greater than 90° so as to present a slightly downwardly facing sidewall which would facilitate the grain striking the sidewall with velocity in being deflected downwardly through the throat.
- the walls of the horizontal rub bars 146 are approximately 90° to the square edged vertical support bars 143 of the standard depth and the vertical straight bars of a reduced depth 148.
- the horizontal rub bars 146 have distinct edges thereby presenting a sharp leading edge which contacts and operates to effectively separate the grain from the ear, head, or pod.
- the horizontal rub bars 146 can be positioned in the concave at an angle to perpendicular in relation to the left side frame member 144 and the right-side frame member 145.
- the angled horizontal rub bars 146 thereby present an angled surface area that is less obstructive to grain. This facilitates increased grain movement through the concave and out of the threshing chamber 24. This action reduces the volume in the chamber to allow for more efficient and faster threshing and, also, operates to protect the grain by preventing its continued churning and grinding within the chamber.
- Vertical bars of reduced depth 148 can be positioned within the throat 147 of the concave positioned with sufficient depth to protect grain seated atop from grinding or cracking action of the rotor or rasps affixed to the rotor.
- the vertical square edged intersecting bars 148 can be positioned within the throat 147 of the concave so as to allow for greater openings or voids within the throat 147 thereby increasing the area available to allow the grain to drop through the concave in an unencumbered manner.
- the vertical square edged intersecting bars 148 are separated so as to increase the open area by 49% when compared to an OEM concave. The net effect of this increased open area within the concave is to allow for the increased and rapid removal of grain from the chamber.
- the crosspieces are not configured as rounded wires, such as in the “thin” or “narrow” wire configurations but are configured as straight rectangular bars 146.
- the 90° edges of the rectangular bars 146 operate to aggressively sever MOG 149 where rounded configurations allow for the MOG 149 to more easily be hairpinned over the rounded wires, therefore plugging the throat openings as shown in Figure 3.
- the concave 140 and its components can comprise and/or consist completely of hardened steel.
- Hardened steel can be utilized to form at least the leading edge of the crossbars.
- Hardened steel facilitates maintaining a sharp edge which enhances the abrasive action of the crossbars.
- Hardened steel also operates to reduce the wear on the crossbars thereby providing greater useful life for the concaves.
- kits and systems described herein utilize at least two distinct concaves arranged in series to increase the effectiveness of the threshing and grain removal processes within the chamber.
- the systems 100A and 100B utilize a concave for aggressive kernel separation in the earliest position and all concaves have an increased capacity to harvest a high yielding crop in all moisture levels.
- the systems 100A and 100B which are adapted to harvest com and soybeans respectively.
- the system 100B utilizes the same concaves as 100A, but allows the addition of cover plates and MOG limiters for harvesting soybeans and other small grains.
- the concaves of systems 100A and 100B can be easily installed as after market and/or as replacement parts. For example, smaller round bar concaves (e.g.
- the concave 140 in position #1 (also referred to as concave #1) includes the straight bar concave design shown in Figure 7.
- the concave 140 is arranged in sequential combination with two round bar concaves 50, 110 shown in Figure 4A and Figure 5.
- the straight bar concave 140 of Figure 7 with cover plates 132 installed presents a more aggressive and closed throat chamber, thereby retaining the harvest material for a longer period within the chamber to allow for additional threshing action by the rasp bars.
- the concave 140 is arranged in sequential combination with two round bar concaves 170 shown in Figure 10.
- a cover plate assembly 130 is removably attached to the concave 140.
- the cover plate assembly 130 operates to retain pods or heads of soybeans for an extended period of time within the threshing chamber which facilitates the opening up and separation or removal of the small grain from its pod or head.
- the cover plate assembly 130 includes a plate body 132 that serves as the primary mechanism for preventing unthreshed heads and pods from passing through the straight bar concave 140 when employed within system 100B.
- Figure 9A specifically shows that when the cover plate 130 is installed within the concave 140 with the modified geometry, MOG 149 will accumulate until absolutely no crop can be passed through the throat chambers 147.
- the first concave 140 serves only to thresh material sent through the combine 10 for later separation by the concaves in subsequent positions.
- the cover plate 130 can be secured to the straight bar concave 140 by way of a fastener 134 and tightening mechanism 136 that attach directly to the plate body 132, and a securing member 138 that attaches directly to the fastener 134 and either the top frame member 141 or the bottom frame member 142.
- fasteners 134 and securement members 138 employed can be of the type shown in Figure 9B, though it should also be appreciated generally that the fasteners 134 and securement members 138 screws, nuts, bolts, pins, rivets, staples, washers, grommets, latches (including pawls), ratchets, clamps, clasps, flanges, ties, adhesives, welds, any other known fastening mechanisms, or any combination thereof may be used to facilitate fastening.
- the tightening mechanism 136 though shown as a rotatable handle, can be any suitable mechanism which easily helps the operator install and uninstall the cover plate assemblies 130. And depending on which fasteners 134 and securement members 138 are used, there will exist embodiments where no tightening mechanism 136 is necessary.
- the #2 and #3 positions can be occupied with the improved replacement concaves 170 shown in Figure 10.
- concaves 50 are utilized in positions #2 and #3.
- the kit therefore provides flow limiting / MOG limiting inserts 150 as shown in Figures 8, 9A-9B, and 11A-11D.
- the removable MOG limiting inserts 150 operate to restrict the passage of MOG 149 through the concave 50 / 170 and allow for the removal of some of the grain, pods, and heads while retaining MOG 149.
- the small round concaves 170 generally has a top frame member 171, a bottom frame member 172, a center bar 173 (also known as a vertical frame member), a left side frame member 174, a right side frame member 175, horizontal round bars 176, side member 178, and attaching means 179.
- the frame forms a throat 177 through which separated grain passes.
- the small round bar concaves 170 can utilize a series of vertical wires passing through the horizontal bars 176.
- the round bar concave 170 of Figure 10 features round cross bars 176 and is void of wires.
- the horizontal round bars 176 differ from horizonal round bars 56, 116 in that these round bars are of a decreased size to allow for increased flow through the round bar concave 170.
- these small round bar concaves can decrease the diameter of the round bars from five eighths inches (7s in.), see Figure 5, to one half inches (!4 in.), see Figures 4A and 10, or increase to three-quarters inches (% in.) (not shown).
- Hardened steel can form the leading edge of the round bars 176.
- Other embodiments could further reduce the diameter of the round bars, but durability may suffer in doing so.
- Yet other embodiments may further increase the diameter of the round bars, but at the expense of the total open area available to allow the grain to pass through the concave and out of the chamber 24.
- Hardened steel facilitates maintaining a durable edge which enhances continued use of the round bar concaves 170.
- the use of a sufficiently durable material can be critical where the diameter of the round bars is decreased so as to withstand the wear and tear of repeated forces over time or damage by rocks or the like compressed against the bars.
- the openings 177 have been narrowed from the standardized 7s inches of the openings 57, see Figure 4A, to a denser (more compact: narrower) !4 inches.
- Each of the round bar concaves 50 / 170 can be installed with removable MOG limiting inserts 150 shown in Figure 11C.
- the removable MOG limiting insert 150 utilizes inserts 151 that extend into and partially through the throats 57 / 177 of the round bar concaves 50 / 170.
- the inserts 151 thus help to decrease the size of the throats 57 / 177 and prevent thinner and smaller MOG, such as that associated with soybeans, from infiltrating and mixing with the harvested crop.
- the MOG limiting inserts 151 provide for a decreased opening designed to facilitate the flow of small grain out of the chamber but restrict flow of MOG 149 and retain MOG
- the round bar concave 50 can be fitted with removable MOG limiting inserts 150 which include inserts 151.
- MOG limiting inserts 151 generally approximates the number of openings in the throat 57. These MOG limiting inserts 151 operate to reduce the openings thereby preventing MOG 149 from passing through the concave, as shown in Figures 8 and 11A-11D.
- end members 152 of the removable MOG limiting inserts 150 are specially adapted to attached to the bottom and/or top frame members 51, 171, 52, 172 of the round bar concaves 50 / 170, such as by way of side members 58 / 178 and attaching means 59 / 179
- ends of a U-member 154 penetrate end member apertures 159 and can be secured to the end member 152 with use of nuts (not shown).
- the U-member 154 also rests within a hook 155.
- the apertures 158 are centrally positioned within arms that protrude from the concaves 50 / 170. These arms rest against and are positioned adjacent each side of the hooks 155. In other words, they can sandwich the hooks 155 in place so that the hooks do not move while the U-member 154 keeps the MOG limiting inserts 151 aligned in the appropriate positions within the throat 57 / 177.
- the inserts 151 are rectangular bars.
- the 150 also includes parallel and opposite left- and right-side members 153A, 153B.
- the left- and right-side members 153A, 153B approximate the curve of the round bar concaves 50, 170 and terminate at end members 152.
- the rectangular bars 151 work to impede and prevent the flow of MOG through the openings 177, while still leaving enough room to allow grain to pass therethrough, as shown in Figure 11D.
- the rectangular bars may therefore be sized to take up an amount of space that depends on the anticipated MOG size and/or crop that is being harvested.
- the inserts 151 may limit space of the openings 177 to less than 75% of the size of the openings 177 without the inserts 151, alternatively less than 62.5% of the size of the openings 177 without the inserts 151, alternatively less than 50% of the size of the openings 177 without the inserts 151, alternatively less than 37.5% of the size of the openings 177 without the inserts 151, and alternatively less than 25% of the size of the openings 177 without the inserts 151
- FIGS 12A-12H show adjustable MOG limiters 250 that can be used to selectively adjust the size of the openings 177 of a round bar concave. Similar to inserts 151, the limiting bars 251 are sized to limit space of the openings 177.
- the adjustable MOG limiters 250 also offer the benefit of being able to adjust the space of the gaps after installation.. This allows the adjustable MOG limiters 250 to be easily used with a variety of crops without having to remove, install, and/or re-install the adjustable MOG limiters 250. Rather, the adjustable MOG limiters 250 need only to be installed once.
- the adjustable MOG limiters 250 can be secured to a concave by way of securement apertures 257 and cross-pins that secure to both the adjustable MOG limiters 250 and the concaves.
- the limiting bars 251 shown is shown in isolation in Figure 13.
- the limiting bars 251 are a series of rectangular plates. In this instance rectangular plates are used for ease of manufacturability. However, other shapes for plates can be used so long as the blades can block the flow of MOG in a deployed position and can allow for the maximum flow of grain in other positions.
- the series of limiting bars 251 are held together by way of a left-side support plate 252 and a right-side support plate 253 that also act to brace the limiting bars 251 when impacted by MOG during the course of harvesting grain.
- additional horizontal connectors 254A, 254B, 254C are shown to help further brace the limiting bars 251 from impact of MOG during the course of harvesting grain.
- the adjustable MOG limiters 250 employ peripheral openings 255 and central openings 256 that can be actuated by an automated actuation assembly 260 and/or manual actuation assembly 270 between positions where the limiting bars 251 are concealed as much as possible (position 260OP; Figures 12A-D) behind the round bars to positions where the limiting bars 251 block as much of the gaps between the round bars (position 260CL; Figures 12E-H).
- a bolt 266, 276 with threads 264, 274 can be rotated to increase and/or decrease a difference in relative position between round bars of the concaves and the limiting bars 251.
- a nut and/or washer 263, 273 can be employed to brace the bolt 266, 276 during rotation of same.
- a bolthead 271 can be rotated to adjust the relative position between round bars of the concaves and the limiting bars 251.
- a motor 261 can be employed to rotate the bolt 266 and thereby move the adjustable MOG limiters 250 between the positions 260OP, 260CL).
- a closed loop-capable stepper motor can be used so as to merge the benefits of stepper and servo motor technology.
- the closed loop-capable stepper motor can run more smoothly and have a lower resonance than traditional stepper motors, provide position feedback and control, feature short settling times, and exhibit no step loss at all.
- the closed loop-capable stepper motor is an alternative to traditional stepper motors and can be particularly beneficial where energy efficiency, quiet running, and a high load tolerance are desired.
- closed loop-capable stepper motors have advantages due to their high torque at low speeds, short settling times, correct positioning without back swing and a lower price for sizes that are often smaller.
- the closed-loop method is also referred to as sine commutation via an encoder with field- oriented control.
- At the heart of closed-loop technology is the performance-adjusted current control as well as the feedback of the control signals.
- the rotor orientation is recorded and sinusoidal phase currents are generated in the motor windings.
- Vector control of the magnetic field ensures that the magnetic field of the stator is perpendicular to that of the rotor within the motor 261 and that the field strength corresponds precisely to the desired torque.
- the current controlled in the windings provides a uniform motor force and results in an especially smooth-running motor that can be precisely regulated.
- the actuation assemblies 260, 270 can secure to the adjustable MOG limiters 250 by way of a cross-pin 262, 272 that can be held in place by two threaded caps 267, 277.
- the actuation assemblies 260, 270 can secure to the concaves by way of a cross-pin 266, 276 that can be held in place by anchor plates 268, 278 and anchor points 269, 279 on both the anchor plates 268, 278 and the concaves.
- keystock 351 acts as the adjustable component of the MOG limiters 350.
- the key stock 351 moves between a fully retracted position (hidden position: minimum blockage of MOG) and a fully deployed position (maximum blockage of MOG).
- the key stock 351 moves into and out of a notch 376N on the underside of the notched round bars 376 by way of actuation assembly 360.
- a tail 376T creates a wall that mechanically prevents the keystock 351 from being actuated beyond the fully retracted position.
- a frame 352 attaches to each keystock 351 in the series of key stock 351. The frame 352 helps ensure that each of the key stock 351 properly lines up with each notched round bar 376 and all of the key stock 351 are in the same position and/or actuated by a single actuator in the actuation assembly 360.
- Figure 15 shows, schematically, various cross sections of round bars of a concave adjacent the cross sections of MOG limiters that can be used with same.
- Each of the cross sections are shown in both a fully retracted position (which, in some instances of the present disclosure, is also referred to as an open position or a concealed position) and a (which, in some instances of the present disclosure, is also referred to as a closed position or an exposed position).
- adjustable MOG limiters 250 can be employed in concaves regardless of the size of the gaps of the concaves (i.e., !4 inch, 7s inch, % inch, etc.) and regardless of the size of the round bars themselves (i.e., !4 inch, 7s inch, % inch, etc.).
- adjustable MOG limiters 350 can be employed to allow keystock 351 to be concealed in the fully retracted position and to impede the flow of harvested material in the fully deployed position.
- the grain channel GC is nearly or completely unimpeded by the limiting bars 251 / keystock 351 when the adjustable MOG limiters 250, 350 are in the fully retracted position.
- the grain channel GC is partially impeded and/or almost fully impeded by the MOG limiting bars when the adjustable MOG limiters 250, 350 are in the fully deployed position.
- the actual trajectory TJ of the grain can depend on the rotors rotational speed, the velocity of grain being harvested and pushed through the threshing chamber (which in turn can depend on the ground speed of the combine in the field), the actual position of the MOG limiters 250, 350, and the clearance between the MOG limiters 250, 350 and the rotor 12.
- the actual trajectory TJ of grain through the openings of the concaves when the MOG limiters 250, 350 are in the fully deployed position is a larger angle from normal, due to the flow of grain being physically impeded by the limiting bars 2511 keystock 351.
- Figure 16 shows a separating grate 126 that are customarily positioned after the concaves within the chamber 24.
- the grates customarily three positioned in series, are understood to present greater openings to allow the loose grain to fall out of the chamber. These grates customarily occupy positions #4, #5 and #6 in the chamber.
- the kit utilizes an open valley configuration for the rasps 160, as shown in Figure 7. Such a design allows the harvested material to be effectively directed downstream within the chamber 24 while abrading the material against the concaves.
- the open valleys / grooves 165 are located between ridges 164.
- the open valleys / grooves 165 provide channels for the grain to reside within and pass through thereby preventing it from being crushed between the top side of a body 161 of the valley rasp bar 160 and the front edge of the separation bars of the concave.
- a leading edge 163 of the valley rasp bar include valleys 162 that correspond to the grooves 165.
- the corresponding valleys 162 are located such that they are positioned where the channel would be if extended all the way until the leading edge 163.
- a main support aperture 166 can be utilized for mounting rasp bar to the rotor 12. In some embodiments, this aperture 166 can be placed toward the periphery of the body 161, such as that which is shown in Figure 17. In still other embodiments, the main support aperture 166 can be included within a central location in the body 161. Fasteners such as bolts can be inserted into the main support aperture 166.
- Secondary mounting apertures 167 help stabilize the mount of the rasp bar 160 to the rotor 12.
- the secondary mounting apertures 167 can be collinearly located with respect to one another within a mounting plate 168, however are preferably not collinear with the main support aperture 166 so as to minimize susceptibility to shear forces acting on the body 161 and to create a naturally more balanced system.
- a trailing edge 169 recesses backward and downward from the body 161 so as to attach the body 161 to a mounting plate 168 located more proximate to the rotor 12.
- the mounting plate 168 is thus usefully located to allow for use of shorter bolts for fastening the rasp bar 160 to the rotor 162.
- the final process in grain handling is cleaning. Cleaning is accomplished with a fan 30 and an adjustable chaffer 70.
- the adjustable chaffer 70 can be carried on live rubber bushings so as to reduce the effects of wear and tear on the combine 10 over time.
- the adjustable chaffer 70 includes a cleaning shoe sieve 72 and an chaffer extension 80. The grain and chaff are conveyed by the grain pan 48 to the adjustable chaffer 70 and chaffer extension 80.
- Rough cleaning occurs at the chaffer: the larger material passes over the adjustable chaffer 80 and tailings fingers 92 and out of the combine 10. Any unthreshed heads fall through the tailings fingers 92 and are returned for rethreshing. The grain and a minimum amount of small chaff fall through to the cleaning shoe sieve 72 where final cleaning takes place.
- the cleaning shoe sieve 72 can clean almost any crop if properly adjusted.
- the cleaning shoe sieve 72 can include round holes, elongated holes, rectangular holes, or any other suitably shaped hole depending on the crop being harvested.
- the operation of the fan 30 creates constant airflow passing from front to back within the combine. Air from the fan 30 is directed toward the chaffer 80 and the cleaning shoe sieve 72 by the adjustable windboard. Increased air velocity, referred to as an air blast (blast) is generally caused and controlled by (1) the driven sheave on the fan shaft and (2) the valves at the ends of the fan housing. This blast blows away all material lighter than the grain.
- the fan 30 keeps the material “alive” and the blast of air is strong enough so that when combined with the shaking action of the sieves 72, the chaff is lifted slightly off of the sieves 72. It is to be appreciated some crops will need stronger blast than others in order to be moved over sieves 72.
- the windboard 82 is adjustable to permit the proper placing of the blast on the chaffer 80 and the cleaning shoe sieve 72.
- the position to which the blast is directed on the adjustable chaffer 80 and the cleaning shoe sieve 72 is determined by adjusting the setting of the windboard 82 with a lever 84 located on the side of the combine 10 just to the front of the fan 30.
- the windboard adjusting lever 84 can be pushed to the rear to throw blast to the rear of the adjustable chaffer 70 and pulled to the front to throw blast to the front of the adjustable chaffer 70.
- the blast should be directed well to the front of the adjustable chaffer 70 when the adjustable chaffer 70 is heavily loaded, however, if the windboard 82 is tipped to throw the blast too far forward on the chaffer 70, there is risk of accumulation of grain at the rear end of the adjustable chaffer 70 which may be carried out of the combine 10.
- the quantity of MOG 49 / 149 in the harvested crop can control the grade and market value of same. Weed seeds, dirt, and trash are thus preferably removed as soon as possible from the cleaning assembly 28.
- the rub bars and/or wires do not all have to be oriented at the same angle (i.e., oriented perpendicularly.
- the angled straight bars 306 are angled to be perpendicular to the anticipated angle of harvested material. This means that toward the top portion of the frame 301, the straight bars are nearly horizontally oriented; and while toward the bottom portion of the frame 302, the straight bars are nearly vertically oriented. The angle becomes slightly more vertical throughout the series of angled round bars 306 as one moves from one round bar to the next, i.e. from the top portion of the frame 301, across the side members 308, and toward the bottom portion of the frame 302.
- Example 1 Static Grain Harvest Testing Between Calmer (Calmer Holding Company, LLC; Lynn Center, Illinois) Concaves and John Deere (Deere & Company; Moline, Illinois) Concaves
- Prototypes of the present invention were compared to the John Deere (“JD”) Large Wire (“LW”) Concave and the JD Round Bar (“RB”) S680 and S780 STSTM Concaves.
- JD John Deere
- LW Large Wire
- RB JD Round Bar
- S680 and S780 STSTM Concaves S680 and S780 STSTM Concaves.
- static testing of the unique concave design as compared to the John Deere OEM concave has shown up to a 60% increased flow rate of grain through the concave. Wet com also flows better through Calmer concaves than John Deere Concaves.
- Example 2 Dry Field Grain Harvest Testing Between Calmer (Calmer Holding Company, LLC) Concaves, John Deere (Deere & Company) Concaves
- Results from Lab testing prototypes of the present invention were compared to results from Lab testing the JD Round Bar Concave and the JD Large Wire (“LW”) OEM Concave compared by way of Tables 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13. Additionally, the reduction of MOG ending up in the grain bin, as shown by comparing the results of Tables 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14.
- Field testing 32mm concaves was conducted while running the rotor at 350 revolutions per minute (RPM). The results demonstrate that removing an increased amount of the grain early in the threshing operation, particularly in the #1 position, operates to enhance the efficiency of the grain separation and capture.
- Example 3 Wet Field Grain Harvest Testing Between Calmer (Calmer Holding Company, LLC) Concaves and John Deere (Deere & Company) Concaves, and Case (CNH Industrial) Concaves [0129] Results from field testing prototypes of the present invention in moist conditions were compared to results from field testing the JD Round Concave and the John Deere Large Wire (“LW”) OEM Concave by way of Table 15.
- LW John Deere Large Wire
- invention or “present invention” are not intended to refer to any single embodiment of the particular invention but encompass all possible embodiments as described in the specification and the claims.
- substantially refers to a great or significant extent. “Substantially” can thus refer to a plurality, majority, and/or a supermajority of said quantifiable variable, given proper context.
- the term “configured” describes structure capable of performing a task or adopting a particular configuration.
- the term “configured” can be used interchangeably with other similar phrases, such as constructed, arranged, adapted, manufactured, and the like.
- Earlage is ensiled com grain, cobs and, in some cases, husks and a portion of the stalk (depends on the harvest method). Earlage is higher in energy than com silage with similar protein content, but it has lower energy than dry or high-moisture com grain.
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Abstract
Description
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PCT/US2022/075679 WO2024049467A1 (en) | 2022-08-30 | 2022-08-30 | Threshing grains and legumes utilizing concaves with adjustable openings |
CA3209346A CA3209346A1 (en) | 2022-08-30 | 2022-08-30 | Threshing grains and legumes utilizing concaves with adjustable openings |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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PCT/US2022/075679 WO2024049467A1 (en) | 2022-08-30 | 2022-08-30 | Threshing grains and legumes utilizing concaves with adjustable openings |
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WO2024049467A1 true WO2024049467A1 (en) | 2024-03-07 |
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Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6193604B1 (en) | 1999-07-07 | 2001-02-27 | Deere & Company | Concave for an agricultural combine |
US7393274B2 (en) * | 2006-02-01 | 2008-07-01 | Agco Corporation | Combine harvester processing system having adjustable members |
US8282453B1 (en) * | 2011-05-12 | 2012-10-09 | Cnh America Llc | Tailings distribution control for harvester |
WO2014191804A1 (en) * | 2013-05-31 | 2014-12-04 | Agco Corporation | Combine having cam-operated concave adjustment |
US20190166766A1 (en) * | 2017-12-05 | 2019-06-06 | Brian Robertson | Concave cover plate system and methods |
US10412895B2 (en) * | 2017-08-02 | 2019-09-17 | Kondex Corporation | Multi-thresh concave section for rotary combine |
WO2020005673A1 (en) * | 2018-06-26 | 2020-01-02 | Kondex Corporation | Concave with adjustable openings |
DE202021104238U1 (en) * | 2021-08-09 | 2021-08-13 | Agco International Gmbh | Concave for use in a combine harvester |
US20230041302A1 (en) * | 2021-08-03 | 2023-02-09 | Agco International Gmbh | Threshing concave for use in a combine harvester |
-
2022
- 2022-08-30 WO PCT/US2022/075679 patent/WO2024049467A1/en unknown
- 2022-08-30 CA CA3209346A patent/CA3209346A1/en active Pending
Patent Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6193604B1 (en) | 1999-07-07 | 2001-02-27 | Deere & Company | Concave for an agricultural combine |
US7393274B2 (en) * | 2006-02-01 | 2008-07-01 | Agco Corporation | Combine harvester processing system having adjustable members |
US8282453B1 (en) * | 2011-05-12 | 2012-10-09 | Cnh America Llc | Tailings distribution control for harvester |
WO2014191804A1 (en) * | 2013-05-31 | 2014-12-04 | Agco Corporation | Combine having cam-operated concave adjustment |
US10412895B2 (en) * | 2017-08-02 | 2019-09-17 | Kondex Corporation | Multi-thresh concave section for rotary combine |
US20190166766A1 (en) * | 2017-12-05 | 2019-06-06 | Brian Robertson | Concave cover plate system and methods |
WO2020005673A1 (en) * | 2018-06-26 | 2020-01-02 | Kondex Corporation | Concave with adjustable openings |
US20230041302A1 (en) * | 2021-08-03 | 2023-02-09 | Agco International Gmbh | Threshing concave for use in a combine harvester |
DE202021104238U1 (en) * | 2021-08-09 | 2021-08-13 | Agco International Gmbh | Concave for use in a combine harvester |
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