Concave transfer plate

Abstract

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.

Claims

1. A concave transfer plate for spreading out and evening of material flow through the concave for the purpose of increasing harvest speed, quality and reducing energy requirements, comprising: means for creating a reservoir for excess crop material to even the flow through the thrashing system.

2. The concave transfer plate in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for creating a reservoir for excess crop material to even the flow through the thrashing system comprises a recessed, structurally sound material, flat, 2 or greater minimum width, 6 or less maximum width transfer plate.

3. A concave transfer plate for spreading out and evening of material flow through the concave for the purpose of increasing harvest speed, quality and reducing energy requirements, comprising: a recessed, structurally sound material, flat, 2 or greater minimum width, 6 or less maximum width transfer plate, for creating a reservoir for excess crop material to even the flow through the thrashing system.

4. A concave transfer plate for spreading out and evening of material flow through the concave for the purpose of increasing harvest speed, quality and reducing energy requirements, comprising: a recessed, structurally sound material, flat, 2 or greater minimum width, 6 or less maximum width transfer plate, for creating a reservoir for excess crop material to even the flow through the thrashing system.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent, detailed description, in which:

[0036] FIG. 1 is an inside perspective view of a concave showing the relationship between the bars and the transfer plate.

[0037] For purposes of clarity and brevity, like elements and components will bear the same designations and numbering throughout the FIGURES.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0038] A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent, detailed description, in which:

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0039] FIG. 1 is a side cross-section view of a concave 16.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0040] Referring to FIG. 1. A side cross-section view of a concave 16 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The purpose of the invention is to enable a more thorough, faster, and gentler separation of grain from its cob, head, or pod. In a modern combine harvester, the grain is collected through the front of the harvester and then processed through the machine. Various forms of separation occur throughout this process; however, the principal form takes place in between the rotor and the concave 16. The rotor spins and has raspbars which press the grain against the concave 16. The distance between the rotor raspbars and the concave 16 is adjustable for different size grains and different harvest conditions. The combine harvester operator needs to adjust this distance to meet the varying needs, sometimes multiple times a day. By raising the arcuate rods 14 above the crossbars 12, the adjustment range is magnified, meaning the operator can harvest for more extended periods without adjusting and still obtain a high harvest rate without increased damage or loss to the grain crop being harvested. Thus, the purpose of this invention is to make harvest faster, easier, more efficient with less grain loss, and higher quality by lowering damage caused by the incorrect rotor to concave 16 adjustments by creating a recessed pocket by means of a transfer plate 10 located on the right side of the concave 16.

[0041] In various suitable embodiments, the transfer plate 10 having a range of widths from greater than 2 inches to about 6 inches and a length equal to that of the inside width of the concave 16, and recessed from about 4 inch to about % inch. The transfer plate 10, is preferably made of a rigid, durable material such as steel, although other materials would also work.

[0042] A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent, detailed description, in which:

[0043] There has thus been shown an improved concave 16 arrangement for use in a combine for separating the grain bearing and leafy portions of a plant. The transfer plate 10 in the concave's crop engaging member permits the even flow of material which reduces impact damage of the grain by the moving raspbars allows the cylinder to rotate more slowly with increased grain recovery and improved fuel efficiency. While particularly preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. Therefore, the aim in the claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation.

[0044] Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the scope of this invention. Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the claims.

[0045] Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.

[0046] Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.

[0047] Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.