A grain processing apparatus for a combine harvester has a threshing system and a separating system downstream of the threshing system. The separating system includes a rotor and a separator grate. A cover is provided against the separator grate, at a side of the separator grate opposite to the rotor. The cover is a slide fit at one end and has a locking arrangement at the other end, such that the cover can be slid into place then locked in a closed position against the separator grate, or unlocked and removed. When closed, the cover blocks the flow of material to a cleaning system of the combine harvester in order to reduce the loss suffered at the cleaning system.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a concave which has axially extending members and circumferentially extending members. With the round axially extending, members elevated, causing the crop to roll and break apart and a concave drop plate that serves as a reservoir to allowing much more even feeding of material across the entire width of the concave. The concave transfer plate allows a more efficient and complete separation process while reducing engine horsepower requirements, thus fuel consumption.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a concave which has axially extending members and circumferentially extending members. With the round axially extending, members elevated, causing the crop to roll and break apart and a concave drop plate that serves as a reservoir to allowing much more even feeding of material across the entire width of the concave. The concave transfer plate allows a more efficient and complete separation process while reducing engine horsepower requirements, thus fuel consumption.

A threshing system including a rotor cage with a plurality of slots therein, a first bank of vanes and a second bank of vanes arranged within the cage. An adjustable vane control system is coupled to the rotor cage and the banks of vanes. A first and second member are respectively pivotally coupled the vanes in the first bank and the vanes of the second bank through corresponding slots. Linkages couple an arm to the members. The first and second members each having a range of travel defined by the slots. The members each having a surface facing the outer surface of the rotor cage, the surfaces of the first member and the second member each remain tangent to the outer surface of the rotor cage as the first member and the second member are moved within their range of travel.

An agricultural harvester includes a chassis and a threshing and separating section carried by the chassis that is configured for threshing and separating grain from gathered crop material. The threshing and separating section includes at least one concave with at least one crop engaging surface having a high hardness coating formed thereon.

An agricultural harvester includes a chassis and a threshing and separating section carried by the chassis that is configured for threshing and separating grain from gathered crop material. The threshing and separating section includes at least one concave with at least one crop engaging surface having a high hardness coating formed thereon.

An agricultural harvester includes a chassis and a threshing and separating system carried by the chassis that is configured for threshing and separating grain from gathered crop material. The threshing and separating system includes: a rotor defining a longitudinal axis; a concave at least partially surrounding the rotor; a transition cone defining an infeed to the rotor; and a transition surface connecting the transition cone to the concave and having a conical portion defined about the longitudinal axis and a blended portion connected to the conical portion. The blended portion defines a first end connected to the conical portion and a second end distanced from the first end in a lateral direction. The blended portion defines a substantially conical shape about the longitudinal axis at the first end and approaches a substantially cylindrical shape about the longitudinal axis toward the second end.

An agricultural harvester includes a chassis and a threshing and separating system carried by the chassis that is configured for threshing and separating grain from gathered crop material. The threshing and separating system includes: a rotor defining a longitudinal axis; a concave at least partially surrounding the rotor; a transition cone defining an infeed to the rotor; and a transition surface connecting the transition cone to the concave and having a conical portion defined about the longitudinal axis and a blended portion connected to the conical portion. The blended portion defines a first end connected to the conical portion and a second end distanced from the first end in a lateral direction. The blended portion defines a substantially conical shape about the longitudinal axis at the first end and approaches a substantially cylindrical shape about the longitudinal axis toward the second end.

An agricultural harvesting machine includes a chassis and a threshing system carried by the chassis. The threshing system includes a rotor, a frame assembly and at least one concave carried by the frame assembly. A latch mechanism supports and secures the concave relative to the frame assembly and includes a concave support bar, a clamping bar and a quick-connect, over center latch for tool-less operation.

An agricultural harvesting machine includes a chassis and a threshing system carried by the chassis. The threshing system includes a rotor, a frame assembly and at least one concave carried by the frame assembly. A latch mechanism supports and secures the concave relative to the frame assembly and includes a concave support bar, a clamping bar and a quick-connect, over center latch for tool-less operation.