Systems for regulating the flow of material other than grain through common concaves while simultaneously equalizing the flow of grain through common concaves

Abstract

A combine harvester comprises a concave, a cover plate or MOG limiter, and an over-center latch assembly that secures the cover plate or MOG limiter to an outer surface of the concave. The over-center latch assembly comprises a base plate including a pair of ears protruding therefrom, a handle in rotational communication with the pair of ears, a lever operatively connected to the base plate via a center pin in rotational communication with the handle that allows the lever to rotate with respect to the handle, and a loop at a distal end of the lever. A wire lock clevis pin is positioned between a center rail of the concave and a rail of the cover plate or MOG limiter. Each of the cover plate or MOG limiter includes hinge points positioned at an end opposite the over-center latch assembly for insertion into a cross bar of the concave.

Claims

1. A concave system for a combine harvester, comprising: a concave configured to be placed within the combine harvester around a rotor positioned within the combine harvester; a cover plate or MOG limiter; an over-center latch assembly for attaching the cover plate or MOG limiter to an outer surface of the concave, the over-center latch assembly comprising: a base plate including a pair of ears protruding therefrom, the base plate attached directly to the cover plate or MOG limiter; a handle in rotational communication with the pair of ears; a lever operatively connected to the base plate via a center pin in rotational communication with the handle that allows the lever to rotate with respect to the handle; and a loop at a distal end of the lever that is configured to attach to a catch at an end of the concave; and a wire lock clevis pin positioned between a center rail of the concave and a rail of the cover plate or MOG limiter to assist with securing the cover plate or MOG limiter to the concave; wherein the over-center latch assembly secures the cover plate or MOG limiter to the outer surface of the concave.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a lock hole protruding from the base plate in a same direction as the pair of ears.

3. The system of claim 2, further comprising a locking mechanism positioned within the lock hole.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the locking mechanism is a linchpin.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a threaded portion along a length of the lever that extends into the center pin, wherein the center pin includes a threaded section to receive the threaded portion of the lever.

6. The system of claim 5, further comprising a locking nut that can attach the threaded portion of the lever to the center pin.

7. The system of claim 6, further comprising a nylon friction ring positioned within the locking nut that dampens vibration.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the handle includes an angled portion on the distal end of the handle to assist with lifting the handle, wherein the angled portion is angled away from the subbase when the handle is positioned substantially parallel to the subbase.

9. A concave system for a combine harvester, comprising: a concave configured to be placed within the combine harvester around a rotor positioned within the combine harvester; a cover plate or MOG limiter; and an over-center latch assembly for attaching the cover plate or MOG limiter to an outer surface of the concave, the over-center latch assembly comprising: a base plate including a pair of ears protruding therefrom, the base plate attached directly to the cover plate or MOG limiter; a handle in rotational communication with the pair of ears; a lever operatively connected to the base plate via a center pin in rotational communication with the handle that allows the lever to rotate with respect to the handle; and a loop at a distal end of the lever that is configured to attach to a catch at an end of the concave; wherein the over-center latch assembly secures the cover plate or MOG limiter to the outer surface of the concave; and wherein each of the cover plate or MOG limiter includes hinge points positioned at an end opposite the over-center latch assembly for insertion into a cross bar of the concave.

10. The system of claim 9, further comprising a wire lock clevis pin positioned between a center rail of the concave and a rail of the cover plate or MOG limiter to assist with securing the cover plate or MOG limiter to the concave.

11. The system of claim 9, further comprising a lock hole protruding from the base plate in a same direction as the pair of ears.

12. The system of claim 11, further comprising a locking mechanism positioned within the lock hole.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the locking mechanism is a linchpin.

14. The system of claim 9, further comprising a threaded portion along a length of the lever that extends into the center pin, wherein the center pin includes a threaded section to receive the threaded portion of the lever.

15. The system of claim 14, further comprising a locking nut that can attach the threaded portion of the lever to the center pin.

16. The system of claim 15, further comprising a nylon friction ring positioned within the locking nut that dampens vibration.

17. The system of claim 9, wherein the handle includes an angled portion on the distal end of the handle to assist with lifting the handle, wherein the angled portion is angled away from the subbase when the handle is positioned substantially parallel to the subbase.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Several embodiments in which the present disclosure can be practiced are illustrated and described in detail, wherein like reference characters represent like components throughout the several views. The drawings are presented for exemplary purposes and may not be to scale unless otherwise indicated.

(2) FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a prior art example of a combine in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be used.

(3) FIG. 2 shows an angled perspective of the underside of a concave with the MOG limiter, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

(4) FIG. 3 shows an angled perspective view of the topside of one embodiment of FIG. 2.

(5) FIG. 4 shows a detailed view of a MOG limiter mounted behind the round bars of a concave.

(6) FIG. 5 shows a bottom plan view similar to that shown in FIG. 2, including exemplary hardware for attaching the MOG limiter to the concave at the upper and lower connections, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

(7) FIG. 6 shows an angled perspective view of a MOG limiter, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

(8) FIG. 7 is an angled perspective view showing underside of the embodiment of FIG. 6.

(9) FIG. 8 is an angled view showing a topside of the MOG limiter including off-center notches, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

(10) FIG. 9 is an angled view showing a topside of the MOG limiter including centered notches, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

(11) FIG. 10 is a first angled perspective view showing a left-side cover plate that can mount to the concave of a combine.

(12) FIG. 11 is a second angled perspective view of the cover plate of FIG. 10.

(13) FIG. 12 is a first angled perspective view showing a right-side cover plate that can mount to the concave of a combine.

(14) FIG. 13 is a second angled perspective view of the cover plate of FIG. 12.

(15) FIG. 14 is a concave, a MOG limiter, and a cover plate combination that includes two right-side cover plates, one left-side cover plate, and a MOG limiter installed on the left-side of the concave.

(16) FIG. 15 is a second angled perspective view of the combination of FIG. 14.

(17) FIG. 16 is a third angled perspective view of the combination of FIG. 14.

(18) FIG. 17 is a fourth angled perspective view of the combination of FIG. 14.

(19) FIG. 18 is a concave, a MOG limiter, and a cover plate combination that includes two left-side cover plates, one right-side cover plate, and a MOG limiter installed on the right-side of the concave.

(20) FIG. 19 is a second angled perspective view of the combination of FIG. 18.

(21) FIG. 20 is a third angled perspective view of the combination of FIG. 18.

(22) FIG. 21 is a fourth angled perspective view of the combination of FIG. 18.

(23) FIG. 22 shows an example configuration that employs a plurality of distinct combinations of concaves with MOG limiters and/or cover plates for the distinct concave position(s) of a combine, including the combination of FIG. 14 shown therein by way of example.

(24) FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a modified MOG limiting concave assembly.

(25) FIG. 24 shows a rear elevation view of the first embodiment of the modified MOG limiting concave assembly of FIG. 23.

(26) FIG. 25 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a modified MOG limiting concave assembly.

(27) FIG. 26 shows a rear elevation view of the second embodiment of the modified MOG limiting concave assembly of FIG. 25.

(28) FIG. 27 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a modified MOG limiting concave assembly.

(29) FIG. 28 shows a rear elevation view of the third embodiment of the modified MOG limiting concave assembly of FIG. 27.

(30) FIG. 29 shows a first perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a modified MOG limiting concave assembly.

(31) FIG. 30 shows a rear elevation view of the fourth embodiment of the modified MOG limiting concave assembly of FIG. 29.

(32) FIG. 31 shows a side elevation view of the first embodiment of the MOG limiting concave assembly of FIG. 23 equipped with cover plates.

(33) FIG. 32 shows a side elevation view of the second embodiment of the MOG limiting concave assembly of FIG. 25 equipped with cover plates.

(34) FIG. 33 shows a side elevation view of the three embodiment of the MOG limiting concave assembly of FIG. 27 equipped with cover plates.

(35) FIG. 34 shows a side elevation view of the fourth embodiment of the MOG limiting concave assembly of FIG. 29 equipped with cover plates.

(36) FIG. 35 shows a top plan view of left-side quarter wrap (QW) cover plate assembly.

(37) FIG. 36 shows a side elevation view of left-side quarter wrap (QW) cover plate assembly of FIG. 35.

(38) FIG. 37 shows a top plan view of right-side quarter wrap (QW) cover plate assembly.

(39) FIG. 38 shows a side elevation view of right-side quarter wrap (QW) cover plate assembly of FIG. 37.

(40) FIG. 39 shows a side elevation view of a quarter wrap (QW) MOG limiter assembly included in the MOG limiting concave assembly of FIG. 23.

(41) FIG. 40 shows a top plan view of left-side quarter wrap (QW) MOG limiters in the quarter wrap MOG limiter assembly seen in FIG. 39.

(42) FIG. 41 shows a side elevation view of left-side quarter wrap (QW) MOG limiter assembly of FIG. 40.

(43) FIG. 42 shows a bottom plan view of left-side quarter wrap (QW) MOG limiter assembly of FIG. 40.

(44) FIG. 43 shows a top plan view of right-side quarter wrap (QW) MOG limiters in the quarter wrap MOG limiter assembly seen in FIG. 39.

(45) FIG. 44 shows a side elevation view of right-side quarter wrap (QW) MOG limiter assembly of FIG. 43.

(46) FIG. 45 shows a bottom plan view of right-side quarter wrap (QW) MOG limiter assembly of FIG. 43.

(47) FIG. 46 shows the experimental results for the harvest of soybeans using the quarter wrap (QW) MOG limiter assemblies and/or quarter wrap (QW) cover plate assemblies described above.

(48) FIG. 47A shows a first perspective view over-center latch assembly with a pentagonal base, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

(49) FIG. 47B shows a second perspective view of the over-center latch assembly of FIG. 47A.

(50) FIG. 48A shows a perspective view of an over-center latch assembly with rectangular base for a right-side MOG limiter or cover plate, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

(51) FIG. 48B shows a side elevation view of the over-center latch assembly of FIG. 48A.

(52) FIG. 49A shows a perspective view of an over-center latch assembly with rectangular base for a left-side MOG limiter or cover plate, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

(53) FIG. 49B shows a side elevation view of the over-center latch assembly of FIG. 49A

(54) FIG. 50A shows a first perspective view of an over-center latch with a linchpin with an adjustable loop.

(55) FIG. 50B shows a side elevation view of the over-center latch of FIG. 50A.

(56) FIG. 50C shows a top plan view of the over-center latch of FIG. 50A.

(57) FIG. 50D shows a second side elevation view of the over-center latch of FIG. 50A.

(58) FIG. 51A shows a first perspective view of an attaching assembly for securing the over-center latch assemblies of FIG. 47A to concave(s).

(59) FIG. 51B shows a second perspective view of the attaching assembly of FIG. 51A.

(60) FIG. 52A shows a first perspective view of an attaching assembly for securing the over-center latch assemblies to concave(s) including the over-center latch assembly of FIG. 48A.

(61) FIG. 52B shows a second perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 52A.

(62) FIG. 53A shows a first perspective view of the over-center latch assembly of FIG. 47A mounted to a solid, extended mounting portion that is included in a right-side quarter wrap (QW) MOG limiter assembly.

(63) FIG. 53B shows a second perspective view thereof.

(64) FIG. 53C shows a first perspective view of the over-center latch assembly of FIG. 47A mounted to a solid, extended mounting portion that is included in a left-side quarter wrap (QW) MOG limiter assembly.

(65) FIG. 53D shows a second perspective view thereof.

(66) FIG. 54A shows a perspective view of a right-side MOG limiter including the over-center latch assembly of FIG. 48A.

(67) FIG. 54B shows a back elevation view of the MOG limiter of FIG. 54A.

(68) FIG. 54C shows an additional perspective view of the MOG limiter of FIG. 54A.

(69) FIG. 54D shows a bottom plan view of the MOG limiter of FIG. 54A.

(70) FIG. 55A shows a perspective view of a left-side MOG limiter including the over-center latch assembly of FIG. 49A.

(71) FIG. 55B shows a bottom view of the MOG limiter of FIG. 55A.

(72) FIG. 55C shows an additional perspective view of the MOG limiter of FIG. 55A.

(73) FIG. 55D shows a side elevation view of the MOG limiter of FIG. 55A.

(74) FIG. 56A shows a first perspective view of over-center latch assemblies securing two pairs of left-side and right-side MOG limiter assemblies to a concave.

(75) FIG. 56B shows a second perspective view thereof.

(76) FIG. 57A shows a first perspective view of a concave with over-center latch assemblies securing the MOG limiters of FIGS. 54A and 55A.

(77) FIG. 57B shows an additional perspective view of the concave of FIG. 57A.

(78) FIG. 57C shows a bottom plan view of the concave of FIG. 57A.

(79) FIG. 58A shows a first perspective view of the over-center latch assembly of FIG. 47A mounted to a triangular mounting portion that is included in a left-side quarter wrap (QW) cover plate assembly.

(80) FIG. 58B shows a second perspective view thereof.

(81) FIG. 58C shows a first perspective view of the over-center latch assembly of FIG. 47A mounted to a solid, extended mounting portion that is included in a right-side quarter wrap (QW) cover plate assembly.

(82) FIG. 58D shows a second perspective view thereof.

(83) FIG. 59A shows a first perspective view of the over-center latch assembly of FIG. 48A mounted to a solid, extended mounting portion that is included in a right-side quarter wrap (QW) cover plate assembly.

(84) FIG. 59B shows a second perspective view thereof.

(85) FIG. 59C shows a side elevation view thereof.

(86) FIG. 59D shows a bottom plan view thereof.

(87) FIG. 60A shows a first perspective view of the over-center latch assembly of FIG. 49A mounted to a solid, extended mounting portion that is included in a left-side quarter wrap (QW) cover plate assembly.

(88) FIG. 60B shows a second perspective view thereof.

(89) FIG. 60C shows a side elevation view thereof.

(90) FIG. 60D shows a bottom elevation view thereof.

(91) FIG. 61 shows a first perspective view of over-center latch assemblies securing two pairs of left-side and right-side cover plate assemblies to a concave.

(92) FIG. 62 shows a second perspective view thereof.

(93) FIG. 63 shows a first perspective view of over-center latch assemblies securing two pairs of the cover plate assemblies shown in FIG. 59A and two pairs of the cover plate assemblies shown in FIG. 60A to a concave.

(94) FIG. 64 shows a second perspective view thereof.

(95) FIG. 65 shows a bottom plan view thereof.

(96) FIG. 66 shows a locking nut with a nylon friction ring incorporated therein.

(97) An artisan of ordinary skill in the art need not view, within isolated figure(s), the near infinite distinct combinations of features described in the following detailed description to facilitate an understanding of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(98) The present disclosure is not to be limited to that described herein. Mechanical, electrical, chemical, procedural, and/or other changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. No features shown or described are essential to permit basic operation of the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated.

(99) FIG. 1 shows a typical combine harvester 50 which may utilize the embodiments described herein. The combine harvester 50 typically includes a header 52 to interact with crops, a conveyer 54 to take the crops that have been cut by the header 52 into the combine 50, a threshing chamber 56 to receive the cut crops from the conveyer, the threshing chamber 56 containing a rotor surrounded by a cage of concaves to separate grain from the crop, a cleaning system 58 located below the threshing chamber to catch separated grain and any MOG (material other than grain) on sieves which filter grain through the sieves and release MOG out a back of the combine, and a cab 60 for a user to sit in and operate the combine. As will be described herein, systems, kits, and devices of the present disclosure relate to components within the threshing chamber 56 to improve the combine harvester's 50 performance.

(100) Rotor combines utilize an internal chamber wherein the harvested plant material including the grain is passed from the head of the combine into the threshing chamber or rotor chamber. This rotor chamber processes the material by a threshing operation and a concurrent separation operation. A series of curved apparatus are positioned at the bottom of the rotor chamber whereat grain is allowed to drop out of the chamber into the cleaning system which operates to clean the grain then convey and store the grain in the grain bin or tank in the combine. As an example of this set up, the John Deere single rotary combines have seven curved apparatus running from the front of the chamber rearwardly and positioned side-by-side in positions #1-#7. Positions #1-#3 (positioned closest to the header, see, e.g., FIG. 22) are customarily referred to as the threshing section and are occupied by threshing concaves, and positions #4-#7 (positioned further away from the header along the cage surrounding the rotor) are customarily referred to as the separation section and are occupied by separation grates.

(101) The symptoms indicative of inefficiency in the harvest of small grains such as soybeans include the presence of unthreshed pods in the grain tank or bin of the combine, excessive return tailings, MOG in the grain tank, split beans, and/or sieve loss. A primary contributor to these symptoms involves the combine which historically has utilized a single concave design in the threshing of multiple grains, larger and smaller in size.

(102) The combine concaves are a key part of a combine harvester, with two vital roles in the harvesting process: freeing seeds from plants (threshing), and moving them away from the chaff (winnowing). The quality of the harvested crop depends significantly on the quality and configuration of combine concaves in use which form the cage surrounding the rotor within the threshing chamber.

(103) As shown in FIGS. 2-5, and FIGS. 56A-57C, 61-65, concaves 101, 500, 600, 700, 800 are elongated, heavy, and curvilinear. In a combine, several concaves 101, 500, 600, 700, 800 work in tandem to thresh and separate grain from MOG and are positioned in series. The concaves 101, 500, 600, 700, 800 represent a substantial expense if differing concave designs are used by the farmer. Further, concaves 101, 500, 600, 700, 800 are difficult and time-consuming to change out in a combine. At harvest, time is critical to take-in the crop at the optimal time as conditions for harvest change with the weather. Thus, the dilemma presented to the farmer is which concave design to use within the combine and whether to change-out the concaves or live with what is in place when the combine is originally set-up for harvest.

(104) For example, concaves 101, 500, 600, 700, 800 that are used in the harvest of smaller grains can include narrower gaps and/or openings to limit the amount of MOG that drops out of the chamber and into the cleaning system. Concaves 101, 500, 600, 700, 800 that are intended for the harvest of larger grains should include gaps that still allow the larger grains to drop out of the chamber and into the cleaning system.

(105) The concaves 101, 500, 600, 700, 800 are generally constructed from stainless steel or plastic. The materials that are used to construct the concaves 101, 500, 600, 700, 800 should be high-quality durable materials that stand up to wear and tear over repeated use without losing their threshing efficiency.

(106) The concaves 101, 500, 600, 700, 800 are also preferably kept in good condition so that they can effectively separate grain from chaff without becoming clogged or damaged by stray stones or other foreign objects in the field. Maintenance of the concaves 101, 500, 600, 700, 800 can be a key part of achieving optimal performance with the concaves 101, 500, 600, 700, 800. The concaves 101, 500, 600, 700, 800 must not only be kept free from debris, but also the farmer should periodically evaluate whether the openings in the concaves 101, 500, 600, 700, 800 are an appropriate size for the crop to be harvested.

(107) However, because of the aforementioned hardship(s) associated with changing out the concaves 101, 500, 600, 700, 800, it is highly desired to be able to use concaves 101, 500, 600, 700, 800 that are suitable for both larger and smaller grains. One such solution is to always use concaves 101, 500, 600, 700, 800 that are suitable for larger grains, and to attach removable inserts 105, 1100, 1200 and/or cover plates 300, 400, 900, 1000 which narrow the gaps and/or openings when harvesting smaller grains. The removable inserts 105, 1100, 1200 and/or cover plates 300, 400, 900, 1000 could, for example, attach to the concaves 101, 500, 600, 700, 800 at upper and lower connection points 102, 102A shown in FIG. 2.

(108) The cover plates 300, 400, 900, 1000 retain plant material to fill the large openings and create a mattress-type surface. The matte of plant material provides a gentle & natural rubbing action against each other as they travel over the horizontal grain separation bars while retaining the material in chamber for enough time to complete even the tough or green pods. The cover plates 300, 400, 900, 1000 also allow the operator to run the bottom sieve further open, pushing more air through the top sieve, reducing pod material in the tank. The use of natural plant materials reduces the chances of the rotor splitting soybeans over the longer duration in the chamber.

(109) Use of the cover plates 300, 400, 900, 1000 allows for a more complete thresh, reduces tailings, and creates a cleaner grain sample.

(110) A condition addressed by embodiments of the present disclosure involve the harvest of high moisture grain. In such conditions, the grain is more likely to clump or bridge the gap between concave crossbars. In such situations, MOG limiters can quickly go from helping eliminate MOG in harvested material to plugging of said gaps.

(111) In breakdown of the threshing section of the rotor chamber of a combine, experimentation and study with the harvest of soybeans has shown that historically pods fall through the concave in the forward or #1 position due in substantial part to the failure to retain the pods within the rotor chamber to allow the pod-on-pod abrading action created by the revolving rotor and attached rasp bars which functions to open the pods and separate the beans therein. Excessive amounts of MOG historically are the function of MOG not being retained within the rotor chamber and falling through the concaves at positions #2 and #3. If OEM filler inserts are used in positions #2 and/or #3, the resultant problem is often loss of harvest yield due to the retention of the beans within the rotor chamber resulting in abrasive fracturing or crushing or their loss out the back end of the combine with the MOG.

(112) The present disclosure is designed to address the issue of retaining MOG within the rotor chamber by metering the removal of grain from the rotor chamber. The MOG limiters thereby allow for the timely and efficient removal of the beans or other small grains, including small kernel corn, from the threshing portion of the rotor chamber of the combine. The more quickly the separated grain is removed from the rotor chamber, the lesser the process load is placed on the threshing and separation functions which increases the overall efficiency of the harvest process while maintaining heightened integrity of the grain.

(113) The present disclosure allows the farmer to balance the load of the harvest operation in a variety of different ways. For example, several embodiments disclosed herein allow for more control over the volume of MOG dropping out of the rotor chamber to the sieve area.

(114) In another respect, the present disclosure allows for a balance of grain throughput from rotor chamber to the sieve area. This balance relates to the constant volume flow of grain deposited through the concaves on left side versus right side. Historically, experimentation and study show that rotary combines deposit grain out of the rotor chamber heavily on the right side in what may be referred to as the 3-6 o'clock position when viewed from a position standing behind the combine. As the grain is transferred back to the cleaning area wherein the sieve is positioned, the right side of the sieve receives the majority of the material that exited the rotor chamber for cleaning while the left side of the sieve receives substantially lesser material for cleaning. Thus, the right side of the sieve is overloaded which negatively impacts its efficiency of properly separating grain from the remaining MOG and allows a greater amount of grain to be lost out of the back end of the combine. With the present disclosure, the farmer can fine tune the combine to balance out the loading of the back end to improve grain cleaning and retention for deposit in the grain tank.

(115) Referring now to the assembly 100 shown throughout FIGS. 2-9, the MOG limiter 105 is comprised of a series of equally spaced gap bars or inserts 106, often in a rectangular configuration, positioned on a face side of the MOG limiter 105.

(116) The series of equally spaced gap bars or inserts 106 are retained by dual, parallel rail supports 107 having a curvilinear geometry. The radius of curvature of the face side of the rail supports 107 approximates the radius of curvature of an underside of the concave 101. The inserts 106 are vertical to the rail supports 107 and are positioned to fit up and into the gap between the concave crossbars 110 to create controlled openings.

(117) According to a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the rails is approximately 1 inch. According to yet another embodiment in need of an increase in concave open area (COA), the thickness of the rails is approximately inch where the distance in the outer surfaces of the rail supports 107 remains the same.

(118) In one embodiment, the face side of the MOG limiter is attached to the underside of the concave 101 utilizing on one end a hinge point at the end of each rail support 107 which is insertably retained in a slotted opening of a crossbar member positioned and affixed to the bottom side of the concave 101. On the other end, a mounting plate 108 is used through which a bolt positioned on the concave 101 protrudes with retention accomplished by use of a washer and nut assembly.

(119) In one embodiment an over-center latch assembly is utilized in cooperation with the mounting plate 108.

(120) In one embodiment the attachment means is adjustable so as to slidably move the inserts within the gaps between the concave crossbars so as to further control the opening remaining within said gaps.

(121) In the embodiments rounded notches 109 can be made on the face side of each rail support 107 which conform to the rounded geometry of the crossbars 110 on the concave 101, and function to position the notched surface firmly against the underside of the concave 101 round crossbar 110 depending on where the rounded notches 109 are positioned.

(122) In the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 2-5, the MOG limiters 105 are of a length which approximates one-half of the curvilinear length of the concave 101. A plurality of bolt, washer and nut assemblies protrude downwardly from the underside of the concave 101 with a single assembly positioned in the middle of each side as shown on FIGS. 2-3 which in cooperation with the mounting plate 108 on the MOG limiters 105 form an upper concave connection 102 and a lower concave connection 102A in each half of the concave 101 underside. The MOG limiter 105 may be positioned between a side rail 103A and a center rail 103B. In the cross frame 103C are positioned openings such as insert slots 104 to receive the hinge point 111 located at the end of each rail support 107. The hinge points 111 are slidably inserted into the insert slots 104 (as shown in FIG. 5) and then rotated upwardly to be positioned adjacent to and in conformity with the curvature of the underside of the concave 101 with the connection assemblies 102 & 102A holding the MOG limiter 105 in place. As shown in FIG. 4, bolts 112 can be used to secure the 108 mounting plate to the MOG limiter 105. The mounting plate 108 can directly attached to the axial bar 106, one or more of the rail supports 107, and/or additional supports that are added to the system to make for more robust securement.

(123) FIG. 5 emphasizes a view of another example of mounting hardware that can be used to attach the MOG limiter 105 to the concave 101 as depicted in FIGS. 2-6. For example, a mounting plate 200 is shown receiving a threaded post 201 that allows for a J-hook 202 to attach thereto. The J-hook includes a straight end (the top of the J) and a hooked end (the bottom of the J). The J-hook 202 is threaded at the straight end. In the embodiment shown, the threads are male threaded configured to receive a female threaded hexagonal sleeve 203, which is either directly and/or indirectly attached to the lever 204.

(124) The lever 204 comprises a beam or rigid rod pivoted at a fixed hinge, or fulcrum. The rigid body of the lever 204 is capable of rotating about said fulcrum, which in this case can be the hexagonal sleeve 203, an indirect attachment that connects to said sleeve 203, and/or any other suitable component which allows pivotal movement such that the J-hook 202 can be move in a rotational direction. After being moved in a rotational direction by the lever 204, the J-hook 202 can latch onto the threaded post 201, and in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, indirectly to the mounting plate 200. On the basis of the locations of the sleeve 203, load from the MOG limiter 105, and effort required to be input by the user, the lever 204 is designed to amplify the input force from a user to provide a greater output force. In other words, the user provides leverage and gains a mechanical advantage in that the ratio of the output force to the input force is positive.

(125) The embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 6-7 includes a face of the rail supports 107 that is smooth and allows the face to slide against the underside of the crossbars 10 of the concave 101 so that an adjustment mechanism at one end of the MOG limiter may operate to adjust and slidably position the inserts 106 within the gap to allow for greater control of the size of the gap and, thus, greater control by the farmer as to the operations of the threshing operation in the combine based upon weather, field conditions, crop conditions and grain type.

(126) The MOG limiter 105 shown in FIG. 8 positions the notches 109 adjacent to the inserts 106 which operates to position the inserts 106 adjacent to the crossbars 110 of the concave 101 creating a more restricted area on the side nearest to the crossbar 110 and a greater opening in the remaining unrestricted gap area.

(127) The MOG limiter 105 shown in FIG. 9 involves positioning these notches 109 approximately equal distance between the inserts 106 of the MOG limiter which facilitates the positioning of the inserts 106 in the middle of the gaps of the concave 101 thereby restricting the opening allowing for small grains to drop through the concave 101 on either side of the insert while preventing MOG from passing through.

(128) The MOG limiter 105 as shown in FIGS. 6-9 are readily installed by the farmer or technician without requiring the assistance of a second person and are easily and quickly removed once installed. This functions to enhance the flexibility provided to the farmer who may make adjustments as to how many and where MOG limiters 105 are positioned within the threshing section of the rotor chamber.

(129) In one embodiment a known latch assembly is utilized as the upper concave connection and lower concave connection. The latch assembly may also employ a spring tensioning handle which upon closing draws the MOG limiter up into position on the underside of the concave 101.

(130) In one embodiment, the MOG limiter 105 is designed for use on a Vs inch round bar concave 101 having a % inch gap between the round crossbars 110.

(131) In one embodiment, the MOG limiter 105 utilizes a clip apparatus which inserts over the concave crossbar 110 near midpoint of the concave 101 to which it is affixed.

(132) In one embodiment, the MOG limiter 105 utilizes a pivot joint to rotatably affix the end of the MOG limiter at or near the middle of the concave 101.

(133) In one embodiment, the MOG limiter 105 utilizes an insertable T-slot pivot assembly or other known standard pivot configurations to affix and retain the one end of the MOG limiter at or near the center point of the concave 101.

(134) In one embodiment, the MOG limiter utilizes at least one clip mechanism to fasten the end of the MOG limiter to the end of the concave 101 and to retain the MOG limiter against the curvature of the concave 101.

(135) In one embodiment, the clip assembly of the MOG limiter 105 is adjustable thereby pushing or pulling the MOG limiter 105 in a lateral direction as it is positioned on the concave 101.

(136) In one embodiment the MOG limiter is designed for use with a Vs inch round bar concave 101 having a inch gap between the round crossbars 110.

(137) In one embodiment, the MOG limiter 105 utilizes at least one threaded locking mechanism to fasten the end of the MOG limiter to the end of the concave 101 and to retain the MOG limiter against the curvature of the concave 101.

(138) In one embodiment, the threaded locking mechanism of the MOG limiter may be pulled or pushed by turning a retention housing or one or more retention nuts, thereby moving the MOG limiter laterally as it is positioned on the concave 101.

(139) In one embodiment, the MOG limiter 105 is mechanically moved laterally thereby positioning the as it utilizes at least one threaded locking mechanism to fasten the end of the MOG limiter 105 to the end of the concave 101 and to retain the MOG limiter against the curvature of the concave 101.

(140) Multiple other attachment mechanisms known in the art may be used to attach and hold the MOG limiter 105 in a stationary position adjacent to the concave 101 and which may allow for the adjustment of the position of the inserts 106 of the MOG limiter within the gaps existing between the crossbars 110 of the concaves residing within the combine.

(141) Other embodiments of the MOG limiter 105 may employ inserts 106 of greater or lesser width so as to increase or decrease the openings remaining with the MOG limiters such that adjustments may be made by the operator of the combine. For example, in the harvest of sunflower seeds, the operator may set the MOG limiter to provide for a larger gap. Alternatively, in the harvest of alfalfa the opening selected may be set at or nearest to its narrowest. This may be accomplished by positioning the inserts equal distance from the crossbars to create two equal or nearly equal openings within each gap.

(142) In a concave 101 having a center support element on the underside as shown in FIG. 2 and utilizing the MOG limiter 105 as depicted in one of FIGS. 6-9, there are four quadrants existing on the underside of the concave 101. The farmer may install MOG limiters in all four quadrants of the concaves 101 at positions #2 and #3 to enhance the retention of MOG within the rotor chamber of the combine.

(143) A method of use of the MOG limiters 105 in the 3-6 o'clock position on the concaves 101 placed in positions #2 &/or #3 to control the flow and distribution of grain to the sieve below so as to maximize the cleaning of the grain with the minimum of grain loss.

(144) The assembly 100 can also include the use of one or more covers 300, 400, as is shown throughout FIGS. 10-13. Specifically, an example configuration for a left-side cover is shown throughout FIGS. 10-11 and an example configuration for a right-side cover is shown throughout FIGS. 12-13.

(145) The left-side cover 300 can include a curvilinear plate 301. The curvilinear plate 301 comprises a flat, opaque, and rigid material that can be used to near completely prevent the flow of MOG from dropping out of the chamber and into the cleaning system. The curvilinear plate 301 is positioned between an arcuate side rails 107 and middle support rail of a concave 101. The cover plate 300 is designed to be configured in a curved supinated position against the crossbars 110 on the exterior of the concave 101.

(146) The cover plate 300 may also include one or more arced supports 302, 303 that provide support to the curvilinear plate 301 from behind where a load of grain and MOG is applied. The one or more arced supports 302, 303 generally traverse the length (lateral direction) of the cover plates 300. In some embodiments, the one or more arced supports 302, 302 can further facilitate attachment to the arced rails 107 of the concave 101.

(147) The latching assembly 200-204 shown and described in FIG. 5 can similarly be employed for the latching the cover plates 300 to the concave 101. The J-hook 202 in particular can maintain the lateral position of the cover plate so that curvilinear plate 201 stays adjacent the axial bars 110, thereby stopping the flow of MOG therethrough. The slot 304 is the area of the curvilinear plate 301 that allows for the threaded post 201 to pass through. The slot is preferably centrally located within a mounting plate 305 included on the cover plate 300.

(148) Other supports that can also be included are bridge supports 306. The bridge supports 306 support the curvilinear plate 301 from behind where a load of grain and MOG is applied. These bridge supports generally span the horizontal length of the cover plate 300 from the one or more arced supports 302, 303 to the other. In some embodiments, several are employed within a single cover plate 200 one or more arced supports 302, 300 and they are spaced throughout the lateral distance of the cover plate 300 (see, e.g., FIGS. 10-11).

(149) Likewise, the right-side cover 400 can include a curvilinear plate 401. The curvilinear plate 401 comprises a flat, opaque, and rigid material that can be used to near completely prevent the flow of MOG from dropping out of the chamber and into the cleaning system. The curvilinear plate 401 is positioned between an arcuate side rails 107 and middle support rail of a concave 101. The cover plate 400 is designed to be configured in a curved supinated position against the crossbars 110 on the exterior of the concave 101.

(150) The cover plate 400 may also include one or more arced supports 402, 403 that provide support to the curvilinear plate 401 from behind where a load of grain and MOG is applied. The one or more arced supports 402, 403 generally traverse the length (lateral direction) of the cover plates 400. In some embodiments, the one or more arced supports 402, 402 can further facilitate attachment to the arced rails 107 of the concave 101.

(151) The latching assembly 200-204 shown and described in FIG. 5 can similarly be employed for the latching the cover plates 400 to the concave 101. The J-hook 202 in particular can maintain the lateral position of the cover plate so that curvilinear plate 201 stays adjacent the axial bars 110, thereby stopping the flow of MOG therethrough. The slot 304 is the area of the curvilinear plate 401 that allows for the threaded post 201 to pass through. The slot is preferably centrally located within a mounting plate 405 included on the cover plate 400.

(152) Other supports that can also be included are bridge supports 406. The bridge supports 406 support the curvilinear plate 401 from behind where a load of grain and MOG is applied. These bridge supports generally span the horizontal length of the cover plate 400 from the one or more arced supports 402, 403 to the other. In some embodiments, several are employed within a single cover plate 200 one or more arced supports 402, 400 and they are spaced throughout the lateral distance of the cover plate 400 (see, e.g., FIGS. 12-13).

(153) In some embodiments, cover plates 300, 400 are installed in the concave 101 located in position #1.

(154) It is thus to be appreciated that depending on the application, various combinations of MOG limiters 105, left-side cover plates 300, and right-side cover plates 400 can be employed to more uniformly distribute grain and MOG in the threshing and separation chambers of the combine.

(155) For example, in the embodiment shown throughout FIGS. 14-17, a single MOG limiter is employed at the top left quarter of the concave 101, a single left-side cover plate 300 is employed at the lower left quarter of the concave 101, and two right side cove plates 400 are employed at the upper right quarter and the lower right quarter of the concaves.

(156) For example, in the embodiment shown throughout FIGS. 18-21, a single MOG limiter is employed at the top right quarter of the concave 101, a single right-side cover plate 400 is employed at the lower right quarter of the concave 101, and two left side cove plates 300 are employed at the upper right quarter and the lower right quarter of the concaves.

(157) It should further be appreciated combines including one or more assemblies (100) can include assemblies of different configurations to facilitate a more uniform grain and MOG distribution in the threshing and separation chambers of the combine. Thus, the configuration shown in FIGS. 14-17 could be used in position #1, while the configuration shown in FIGS. 18-21 could be used in position #2. An assembly having only MOG limiters could be used in position #3.

(158) The left-side and right side covers 300, 400 are configured to compliment one another such that ends of the arced rails 302, 303, 402, 403 and/or separate pins which extend therefrom do not interfere with one another and/or interlock as they pass through the insert slots 104 within the cross frame 103C. In some embodiments, it is preferred that the left-side and right-side cover plates 300, 400 are not identical and/or mirror images of one another to help establish the aforementioned interlock.

(159) It is to be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the left-side and right-side cover plates 300, 400 can be identically configured such that by simply rotating one 180, a left-side cover plate 300 becomes a right-side cover plate 400 and vice-versa.

(160) In some embodiments, it should be appreciated that the concave can be divided into six, eight, or ten equal sections instead of the four quarter sections that are shown throughout FIGS. 14-21. One example combination is suggested in FIG. 22, in which the combination portrayed in FIG. 14 is shown in the #1 position of FIG. 22. Further, for orientation purposes, a directional continuum arrow generally presents how the concaves would be placed within a combine (such as that shown in FIG. 1). As shown, moving in a direction of lower concave positions indicates moving closer to a header of the combine (e.g., moving from position #2 to position #1), whereas moving in a direction of higher concave positions (e.g., positions #2 to position #3, or position #6 to position #7 not shown) indicates moving closer to a back of the combine.

(161) A first embodiment 500 of a modified concave is shown in FIGS. 23-24. The first embodiment 500 includes an enhanced side flow rail 501, a C-clamp end 502, a first-end round bar drive 503, a second end plate 504, a quarter wrap center catch 505, an enhanced flow center rail 506, 0.625 inch diameter round bars 507, a left over-center catch 508, and a right over-center catch 509.

(162) The side flow rails 501 are the curvilinear component that serve as the outer frame of the concave. At the C-clamp end 502 of the side flow rail 501, there exists a C-clamp that extends outwardly from a first-end round bar drive 503. At the second end there exists a second end plate 504. The C-clamp end 502 and the second end plate 504 are spaced from one another and extend generally away from one another. The C-clamp end 502 and the second end plate 504 extend transversely between and are rigidly joined to corresponding ends of the curved by way of the side flow rails 501. The C-clamp end 502 is curved in configuration for supporting the side flow rails 501, but there could exist some straight configurations for supporting the side flow rails 501 as part of the casing (not shown) below the rotor (not shown) of the combine.

(163) The first embodiment 500 includes major central supports in the quarter wrap center catch 505 and the enhanced flow center rail 506. The quarter wrap center catch 505 is roughly equidistant between the C-clamp end 502 and the first-end round bar drive 503. The quarter wrap center catch 505 in combination with the left-over-center catch 508 and right-over-center catch 509 facilitates secure attachment to cover plates 900, 1000 and MOG limiters 1100, 1200.

(164) The enhanced flow center rail 506 runs parallel to the side flow rails 501 and provides further support to the round bars 507. The round bars 507 are spaced substantially equidistantly from one another so that the gaps that form therebetween comprise a substantially similar or identical dimension.

(165) A second embodiment 600 of a modified concave is shown in FIGS. 25-26. The second embodiment 600 includes an enhanced side flow rail 601, a C-clamp end 602, a first-end round bar drive 603, a second end plate 604, a quarter wrap center catch 605, 0.375 rub bars 606 with 0.125 inch prouds, 0.625 inch diameter round bars 607, an enhanced flow center rail 608, a left over-center catch 609, and a right over-center catch 610.

(166) The side flow rails 601 are the curvilinear component that serve as the outer frame of the concave. At the C-clamp end 602 of the side flow rail 601, there exists a C-clamp that extends outwardly from a first-end round bar drive 603. At the second end there exists a second end plate 604. The C-clamp end 602 and the second end plate 604 are spaced from one another and extend generally away from one another. The C-clamp end 602 and the second end plate 604 extend transversely between and are rigidly joined to corresponding ends of the curved by way of the side flow rails 601. The C-clamp end 602 is curved in configuration for supporting the side flow rails 601, but there could exist some straight configurations for supporting the side flow rails 601 as part of the casing (not shown) below the rotor (not shown) of the combine.

(167) The first embodiment 600 includes major central supports in the quarter wrap center catch 605 and the enhanced flow center rail 608. The quarter wrap center catch 605 is roughly equidistant between the C-clamp end 602 and the first-end round bar drive 603. The quarter wrap center catch 605 in combination with the left-over-center catch 609 and right-over-center catch 610 facilitates secure attachment to cover plates 900, 1000 and MOG limiters 1100, 1200.

(168) The enhanced flow center rail 608 runs parallel to the side flow rails 601 and provides further support to the rub bars 606 and the round bars 607. The rub bars 606 and the round bars 607 alternate. The rub bars 606 and the round bars 607 are spaced substantially equidistantly from one another so that the gaps that form therebetween comprise a substantially similar or identical dimension.

(169) A third embodiment 700 of a modified concave is shown in FIGS. 27-28. The third embodiment 700 includes an enhanced side flow rail 701, a C-clamp end 702, a first-end round bar drive 703, a second end plate 704, a quarter wrap center catch 705, 0.25 inch flat rub bars 706, 0.625 inch diameter round bars 707, an enhanced flow center rail 708, a left over-center catch 709, and a right over-center catch 710.

(170) The side flow rails 701 are the curvilinear component that serve as the outer frame of the concave. At the C-clamp end 702 of the side flow rail 701, there exists a C-clamp that extends outwardly from a first-end round bar drive 703. At the second end there exists a second end plate 704. The C-clamp end 702 and the second end plate 704 are spaced from one another and extend generally away from one another. The C-clamp end 702 and the second end plate 704 extend transversely between and are rigidly joined to corresponding ends of the curved by way of the side flow rails 701. The C-clamp end 702 is curved in configuration for supporting the side flow rails 701, but there could exist some straight configurations for supporting the side flow rails 701 as part of the casing (not shown) below the rotor (not shown) of the combine.

(171) The first embodiment 700 includes major central supports in the quarter wrap center catch 705 and the enhanced flow center rail 708. The quarter wrap center catch 705 is roughly equidistant between the C-clamp end 702 and the first-end round bar drive 703. The quarter wrap center catch 705 in combination with the left-over-center catch 709 and right-over-center catch 710 facilitates secure attachment to cover plates 900, 1000 and MOG limiters 1100, 1200.

(172) The enhanced flow center rail 708 runs parallel to the side flow rails 701 and provides further support to the rub bars 706 and the round bars 707. The rub bars 706 and the round bars 707 alternate. The rub bars 706 are included in triplets and the remaining bars are round bars 707. The rub bars 706 and the round bars 707 are spaced substantially equidistantly from one another so that the gaps that form therebetween comprise a substantially similar or identical dimension.

(173) A fourth embodiment 800 of a modified concave is shown in FIGS. 29-30. The fourth embodiment includes an enhanced side flow rail 801, a C-clamp end 802, a first-end round bar drive 803, a second end plate 804, a quarter wrap center catch 805, 0.375 inch flat rub bars 806, 0.625 inch diameter round bars 807, an enhanced flow center rail 808, a left over-center catch 809, and a right over-center catch 810.

(174) The side flow rails 801 are the curvilinear component that serve as the outer frame of the concave. At the C-clamp end 802 of the side flow rail 801, there exists a C-clamp that extends outwardly from a first-end round bar drive 803. At the second end there exists a second end plate 804. The C-clamp end 802 and the second end plate 804 are spaced from one another and extend generally away from one another. The C-clamp end 802 and the second end plate 804 extend transversely between and are rigidly joined to corresponding ends of the curved by way of the side flow rails 801. The C-clamp end 802 is curved in configuration for supporting the side flow rails 801, but there could exist some straight configurations for supporting the side flow rails 801 as part of the casing (not shown) below the rotor (not shown) of the combine.

(175) The first embodiment 800 includes major central supports in the quarter wrap center catch 805 and the enhanced flow center rail 808. The quarter wrap center catch 805 is roughly equidistant between the C-clamp end 802 and the first-end round bar drive 803. The quarter wrap center catch 805 in combination with the left-over-center catch 809 and right-over-center catch 810 facilitates secure attachment to cover plates 900, 1000 and MOG limiters 1100, 1200.

(176) The enhanced flow center rail 808 runs parallel to the side flow rails 801 and provides further support to the rub bars 806 and the round bars 807. The rub bars 806 and the round bars 807 alternate. The rub bars 806 are included every third bar and the remaining bars are round bars 807. The rub bars 806 and the round bars 807 are spaced substantially equidistantly from one another so that the gaps that form therebetween comprise a substantially similar or identical dimension.

(177) As shown in FIG. 31, the first embodiment 500 of the MOG limiting concave assembly of FIG. 23 can be equipped with cover plates 900/1000.

(178) As shown in FIG. 32, the second embodiment 600 of the MOG limiting concave assembly of FIG. 25 can be equipped with cover plates 900/1000.

(179) As shown in FIG. 33, the third embodiment 700 of the MOG limiting concave assembly of FIG. 27 can be equipped with cover plates 900/1000.

(180) As shown in FIG. 34, the fourth embodiment 800 of the MOG limiting concave assembly of FIG. 29 can be equipped with cover plate assemblies 900/1000.

(181) FIGS. 35-36 show a left-side quarter wrap (QW) cover plate assembly 900. The left-side quarter wrap (QW) cover plate assembly 900 includes a left-side quarter wrap cover plate 901, a left-side quarter wrap cover plate support 902, a left-side cover plate over-center handle anchor plate 903, a left-side quarter wrap cover plate rail 904, a J-bolt 905, a 0.3125 inch 18-thread long-steel coupling nut 906, a 0.25 inch 18-thread long hex head screw 907, a 0.25 inch 18-thread nylon insert lock nut 908, a 0.25 inch steel washer 909, and a CMF over-center handle 910.

(182) FIGS. 37-38 show a right-side quarter wrap (QW) cover plate assembly 1000. The right-side quarter wrap (QW) cover plate assembly 1000 includes a right-side quarter wrap cover plate 1001, a right-side quarter wrap cover plate support 1002, a right-side cover plate over-center handle anchor plate 1003, a right-side quarter wrap cover plate rail 1004, a J-bolt 1005, a 0.3125 inch 18-thread long-steel coupling nut 1006, a 0.25 inch 18-thread long hex head screw 1007, a 0.25 inch 18-thread nylon insert lock nut 1008, a 0.25 inch steel washer 1009, and a CMF over-center handle 1010.

(183) The left-side and right-side quarter wrap (QW) cover plate assemblies 900, 1000 retain plant material to fill the large openings and create a mattress-type surface. The matte of plant material provides a gentle & natural rubbing action against each other as they travel over the horizontal grain separation bars while retaining the material in chamber for enough time to complete even the tough or green pods. The left-side and right-side quarter wrap (QW) cover plate assemblies 900, 1000 also allow the operator to run the bottom sieve further open, pushing more air through the top sieve, reducing pod material in the tank. The use of natural plant materials reduces the chances of the rotor splitting soybeans over the longer duration in the chamber.

(184) Use of the cover plates 900, 1000 allows for a more complete thresh, reduces tailings, and creates a cleaner grain sample.

(185) As shown in FIG. 39, the first embodiment 500 of the MOG limiting concave assembly of FIG. 23 can be equipped with MOG limiter assemblies 1100/1200.

(186) FIGS. 40-42 show a left-side quarter wrap (QW) MOG limiter assembly 1100. The left-side quarter wrap (QW) MOG limiter assembly 1100 includes a left-side quarter wrap MOG limiting rail 1101, a left-side MOG limiting rub bar 1102, a left-side ML over-center handle anchor plate 1103, a J bolt 1104, a 0.3125 inch 18-thread long-steel coupling nut 1105, a 0.25 inch 18-thread long hex head screw 1106, a 0.25 inch 18-thread nylon insert lock nut 1107, a 0.25 inch steel washer 1108, and a CMF over-center handle 1109.

(187) FIGS. 43-45 show a right-side quarter wrap (QW) MOG limiter assembly 1200. The right-side quarter wrap (QW) MOG limiter assembly 1200 includes a right-side quarter wrap MOG limiting rail 1201, a right-side MOG limiting rub bar 1202, a right-side ML over-center handle anchor plate 1203, a J bolt 1204, a 0.3125 inch 18-thread long-steel coupling nut 1205, a 0.25 inch 18-thread long hex head screw 1206, a 0.25 inch 18-thread nylon insert lock nut 1207, a 0.25 inch steel washer 1208, a CMF over-center handle 1209.

(188) The QW wrap MOG limiter assemblies 1100, 1200 can reduce the size of the openings between bars between 30% and 50%, more preferably between 35% and 45%, and most preferably, by approximately 42%. This limits the flow of excessive MOG leaving the rotor chamber and falling into the auger bed. Because the auger bed now contains a higher percentage of grain and a lower amount of MOG, less air will be required to separate the MOG from the grain on the top sieve. Consistent results in all soybean harvesting moisture and field conditions with lower sieve loss. Ultimately, fewer soybeans are walked out the back of the combine as sieve loss.

(189) The QW wrap MOG limiter assemblies 1100, 1200 match a custom plate built into the mid-point of the concave's arc which allows for a one man install. The QW wrap MOG limiter assemblies 1100, 1200 are easily installed midday to harvest soybeans and can later be removed quickly for a switch back to corn. The modified concaves 500, 600, 700, 800 address the needs of busy farmers who need proof of performance in hundreds of hours of lab and field testing. After installing the QW wrap MOG limiter assemblies 1100, 1200, a cleaner sample and lower sieve loss is achieved when harvesting soybeans and small grains.

(190) FIGS. 47A-49B show variations of an over-center latch assembly 1300, 1400 which may each be categorized into right over-center latch assemblies 1300R, 1400R and left over-center latch assemblies 1300L, 1400L. The over-center latch assembly 1300, 1400 includes a base plate 1301, 1401, a handle 1302, 1402, a lock hole 1303, 1403, a lever 1304, 1404, a loop 1305, 1405, a center pin 1306, 1406, a center pin 1307, 1407, a slot 1308, 1408, holes 1309, 1409, nylon threaded locknuts 1310, 1410, a subbase 1311, 1411, and a locking mechanism 1412.

(191) To assemble the over-center latch assembly 1300, 1400, the base plate 1301, 1401 acts as a base to which the subbase 1311, 1411 may attach to via the holes 1309, 1409. The holes 1309, 1409 may be threaded so as to receive screws, threaded rods, etc. to insert into the subbase 1311, 1411. Additionally, the base plate 1301, 1401 may be attached to the subbase 1311, 1411 via weld such as via plug weld through the holes 1309, 1409 to fasten to the subbase 1311, 1411. Alternatively, the subbase 1311, 1411 may be entirely removed such that components of the over-center latch assembly 1300, 1400 extend from the base plate 1301, 1401 itself.

(192) The subbase 1311, 1411 includes ears 1307, 1407 that extend therefrom for attaching to the handle 1302, 1402. Additionally, the subbase 1311, 1411 includes the lock hole 1303, 1403 extending away from the subbase 1311, 1411 in generally a same direction as the ears 1307, 1407. The ears 1307, 1407 and the locking hole 1303, 1403 are configured to extend from the subbase 1311, 1411 in such a way that the handle 1302, 1402 may pivotably attach at two or more of the ears 1307, 1407 acting as a fulcrum for the handle 1302, 1402 and wherein the locking hole 1303, 1403 extends past the handle when a distal end of the handle is positioned nearest the base plate 1301, 1401 so as to be capable of receiving the locking mechanism 1412 through the locking hole 1303, 1403 in such a way that it retains the distal end of the handle 1302, 1402 adjacent the base plate 1301, 1401 (note that the over-latch assembly 1300 may also include the locking mechanism 1412 even though one is not shown in the figures). As mentioned above, the subbase 1311, 1411 may be removed in its entirety, in which case the ears 1307, 1407 and the locking hole 1303, 1403 would extend directly from the base plate 1301, 1401.

(193) As mentioned above, the handle 1302, 1402 connects at its base to the ears 1307, 1407 and as such forms a pivotable connection at the ears 1307, 1407. A connection joint can be seen in FIGS. 48A-50C in which a fastener extends through both the ears 1407 and the handle 1402 which can especially be seen in FIG. 50A. This connection joint is not shown in FIGS. 47A-47B with the over-center latch assembly 1300 such that apertures within the ears 1307 and the handle 1302 can be seen. As understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, this does not preclude the over-latch assembly 1300 from including the connection joint shown in FIGS. 48A-50C to extend through the ears 1307 and the handle 1302. Moreover, the handle 1302, 1402 includes an angled distal end to assist with unlocking the over-center latch assembly when grabbing the distal end of the handle 1302, 1402.

(194) The handle 1302, 1402 includes a connection section for the center pin 1306, 1406 to attach to. The connection section is positioned on the handle 1302, 1402 at a point between the fulcrum of the handle 1302, 1402 (connecting to the ears 1307, 1407) and the distal end of the handle 1302, 1402. The center pin 1306, 1406 is secured at the connection section so as to be in rotational communication with the handle 1302, 1402 to act as a fulcrum for the lever 1304, 1404 and loop 1305, 1405. A base portion of the lever 1304, 1404 may extend through the center pin 1306, 1406 (be fixedly attached via weld, press-fit, etc., or be adjustably attached via threaded connection), wherein the lever 1304, 1404 extends from the center pin 1306, 1407 to include the loop 1305, 1405 at a distal end of the lever 1304, 1404. As will be described herein, the loop 1305, 1405 when assembled together with a concave will connect to the catches 1501, 1502, 1551, 1552, wherein the handle 1302, 1402 can be lifted away from the base plate 1301, 1401 to loosen a connection between the loop 1305, 1405 and the catches 1501, 1502, 1551, 1552, or the handle 1302, 1402 can be rotated towards the base plate 1301, 1401 so as to tighten a connection and/or lock the over-center latch assembly 1300, 1400 to the catches 1501, 1502, 1551, 1552.

(195) Should the over-center latch assembly 1300, 1400 include a threaded connection on the lever 1304, 1404 as shown in FIGS. 48A-50C, the over-center latch assembly 1300, 1400 may include a locking nut with a nylon insert 1410 so as to increase a holding capacity of the locking nut to stay in place and not loosen or tighten due to vibrations of the combine when in use.

(196) Further, the over-center latch assembly 1300, 1400 may include the locking mechanism 1412 which in FIGS. 48A-50C is shown as a linchpin. The linchpin is a strong holding mechanism which is given by way of example and not of limitation. Other such examples given by way of example and not of limitation include a padlock, a hairpin, a hitch pin, a spring clip, a snap ring, a wing nut assembly, etc.

(197) FIGS. 50A-50D show an over-center latch 1450 without being attached to the base plate 1300, 1400. It is worth noting that the over-center latch 1450 uses the same numbers as those shown in FIGS. 48A-49B because they are the same components shown in those figures. However, unlike the variations shown in FIGS. 48A-49B, the over-center latch 1450 shown in FIGS. 50A-50D does not include any numbering including an R or an L at the end thereof. Throughout FIGS. 48A-65, numbering that includes the R indicates that the specific element being called out is side-specific to being placed on a right side of the concave when being placed on the concave. Similarly, numbering that includes the L indicates that the specific element being called out is side-specific to being placed on a left side of the concave when being placed on the concave. This is not limiting as to R must always be on a right side of the concave (or L always being on the left), rather this identifying of components is for simplification of understanding how the elements fit together during assembly and instead signifies that the R components go on a same side as one another and the L components go on a same side as one another, which for simplification purposes can be identified as right and left sides of the concave as described throughout this disclosure. Thus, the over-center latch 1450 does not includes any elements that are side-specific and can be used on either side on the concave depending on which base plate 1301R, 1301L, 1401R, 1401L the over-center latch 1450 is placed.

(198) Further, as shown in the FIGS. 47A-49B, the over-center latch assembly 1300 does not include R or L designations while the over-center latch assembly 1400 does. As can be seen in later figures, (e.g., FIGS. 56A, 56B, 57A, and 57B make this abundantly clear), the R designations include the over-center latch assemblies that go on a right side of a concave, the MOG limiter assemblies that go on the right side of the concave, and include railings along the MOG limiter that are wider apart from one another than the MOG limiter assemblies that go on a left side of the concave which include an L designation. Thus, while FIGS. 48A-48B show the base plate 1401R and FIGS. 49A-49B show the base plate 1401L as different, in reality the only difference is that the base plate 1401R is wider than the base plate 1401L so as to accommodate the MOG limiter railings to which the base plates will be attached (which is most easily seen in FIG. 57C). As such, while FIGS. 47A-47B only include the base plate 1301, the only difference between the over-center latch assembly 1300R and the over-center latch assembly 1300L shown in FIGS. 56A-56B is that the base plate 1301R is wider than the base plate 1301L because the MOG limiter 1350L has railings that are narrower than the MOG limiter 1350R which each attach to the cross frame of the concave. As such, it should be readily understood that a particular shape of the base plate 1301R, 1301L, 1401R, 1401L need not be specifically a pentagonal shape, a square shape, or a rectangular shape, but can include any shape that allows for connecting the over-center latch 1450 to the railings of either the MOG limiter or the cover plate and can be (given by way of example and not of limitation) a circular shape, an oval, a triangle, a rhombus, a stadium, a X-shape, etc. The variations of the base plate shown in the figures are those chosen for either of manufacturing simplicity or weight-reduction while retaining strength. Given the intended use of the base plate for the given concave, other shapes may be preferable.

(199) Furthermore, the over-center latch 1450 is shown separately from the base plates in FIGS. 50A-50D to emphasize what may alternate positions on the base plates 1301R, 1301L, 1401R, 1401L. Depending on how many holes 1309, 1409 exists on the base plates 1301R, 1301L, 1401R, 1401L the over-center latch 1450 may be positioned on either of a first end of the over-center latch assembly 1300, 1400, or a second end, or anywhere therebetween. Moreover as previously explained the over-center latch 1450 may have the subbase 1311, 1411 removed entirely such that elements of the over-center latch 1450 extend directly from the base plate 1301, 1401. In the configurations shown in which the subbase 1311, 1411 is included, This allows for simplicity in replacement of parts after wear or damage of the base plate 1301, 1401. In this regard, the over-center latch 1450 may be removed and placed on a new base plate with ease.

(200) FIGS. 51A-52B show the first mounting assembly 1500 and the second mounting assembly 1550 connecting to various over-center latch assemblies 1300R, 1300L, 1400R. In particular, FIGS. 51A and 52A each show a front view of the first mounting assembly 1500 while FIG. 52B shows a back view of the first mounting assembly 1500, and FIG. 51B shows the second mounting assembly 1550. The first mounting assembly 1500 includes a first catch 1501, a second catch 1502, an adjacent plate 1503, and an end plate 1504. The second mounting assembly 1550 includes a first catch 1551, a second catch 1552, and an end plate 1554. As can be seen in later figures (e.g., FIGS. 56A-57C), the first mounting assembly 1500 is attached to a right end of the concave, and the second mounting assembly 1550 is attached to a left end of the concave. The first mounting assembly 1500 and the second mounting assembly 1550 are configured to provide a structure for the over-center latch assembly 1300, 1400 to secure itself to. Namely, extending from the end plates 1504, 1554 are the catches 1501, 1502, 1551, 1552 to which the loops 1305, 1405 attach. Once the loop 1305, 1405 is attached to the catch 1501, 1502, 1551, 1552, the handle 1302, 1402 may be pressed towards the base plate 1301, 1401 and the locking mechanism 1412 inserted into the locking hole 1303, 1403 so as to firmly hold the assembly together.

(201) As previously stated, FIGS. 47A-47B show an over-center latch assembly 1300 that can be used to help secure the left-side and right-side quarter wrap (QW) cover plate assemblies 900, 1000 (with extended mounting portions thereon to receive the over-center latch assembly 1300) and the QW wrap MOG limiter assemblies 1100, 1200 (with extended mounting portions thereon to receive the over-center latch assembly 1300) to the concaves/concave assemblies 101, 500, 600, 700, 800. The over-center latch assembly 1300 joins the MOG limiter and concave or the cover plate and the concave while allowing separation when unlocked. The over-center latch assembly 1300 engages another piece of hardware on another mounting surface, such as one or more of the first over-center catch 1501, second over-center catch 1502 (see, e.g., FIGS. 51A-51B), solid, extended mounting portion 1603R (see, e.g., FIG. 53A), solid, extended mounting portion 1703R (see, e.g., FIG. 58A), and solid, extended mounting portion 1703L (see, e.g., FIG. 58C). Depending on their design and type, catches 1501, 1502 may also be known as strikes.

(202) The main components of the over-center latch assembly 1300 are the base plate 1301 with lever 1304 and attached loop 1305 and the handle 1302. Tension is created once the loop 1305 is hooked onto the catches 1501, 1502 of the mounting assembly 1500 when the lever 1304 and the handle 1302 are clamped down. Tension is released when the handle 1302 and/or the lever 1304 are pulled up into the vertical position.

(203) Because agricultural applications can result in the latches being damaged, the base plate 1301 should be constructed from a material of sufficient strength, such as mild steel, zinc coated steel and stainless steel (good for corrosive environments). The material used will affect the latches strength and durability.

(204) The over-center latch assembly 1300 includes the ability to be locked using a padlock, linchpin, or a safety catch etc. via the locking hole 1303. This will further prevent the over-center latch assembly 1300 from accidently opening during operation.

(205) The over-center latch assembly 1300 can be adjustable in length if a threaded screw is included in the lever 1304 (see, e.g., FIGS. 50A-50C). The threaded screw can be attached to the center pin 1306. A locking nut can be ensure the threaded screw remains securely in place with respect to the center pin 1306. For applications where the over-center latch assembly 1300 is likely to vibrate or be left in an unlocked position, a nylon friction ring can be added instead of a locking nut so that the screw loop will remain in its initial position.

(206) The loop 1305 can be an eye loop, triangle screw loop, or a hinged triangle screw loop which can be used with a variety of different catch plates. Alternatively, instead of a loop 1305, it is to be appreciated that a T-screw, a bent T-screw, a canopy hook, clutch lever, flat hook screw, hook screw, rubber loop, or bend clamp could be utilized.

(207) The center pin 1306 include a centrally located aperture, which allows for connection to the lever 1304. The ears 1307 extending outwardly from the base plate 1301 also include holes that allow for fasteners to be placed therethrough to form a pivoting point for the handle 1302. The ears 1307 may in the alternative extend from a subbase 1311 (as shown) instead of directly from the base plate 1301. In case of the ears 1307 extending from the subbase 1311, the subbase 1311 may include apertures to align with holes 1309 to attach thereto and secure the ears 1307 to the base plate 1301. The base plate 1301 may include a plurality of holes 1309 placed at varying distances along the base plate 1301 so as to allow for varying placement of the subbase 1311 (and thus the ears 1307) along the base plate 1301 so as to accommodate varying distances to the catches 1501, 1502.

(208) The base plate 1301 can include slots 1308 to mount the base plate 1301 to a component of the left-side and right-side quarter wrap (QW) cover plate assemblies 900, 1000 and the QW wrap MOG limiter assemblies 1100, 1200 via a plug weld through the slot 1308. Alternatively, the slots 1308 may be circular in shape and be threaded internally so as to allow for threaded connection to the cover plates or MOG limiters.

(209) As explained above, the base plate 1301 can include holes 1309 to attach to the subbase 1311, but further the holes 1309 may be included at varying positions along the base plate 1301 to help balance, distribute, or even reduce the weight of said base plate 1301.

(210) Each of the concaves/concave assemblies 101, 500, 600, 700, 800 can be fitted with a mounting assembly 1500, which can include the first over-center catch 1501, second over-center catch 1502, adjacent plate 1503, and an end plate 1504. The adjacent plate 1503 and the end plate 1504 are offset an acute angle.

(211) FIGS. 53A-55D show MOG limiter assemblies 1600R, 1600L, 1650R, 1650L (1600, 1650). The MOG limiter assemblies 1600, 1650 include rub bars 1601, 1651, rails 1602, 1652, extended mounting portions 1603R, 1603L, 1653R, 1653L, and hinge points 1604, 1654.

(212) The MOG limiter assembly 1600, 1650 is formed by coupling two rails 1602, 1652 to another via a plurality of spaced rub bars 1601, 1651 attached therebetween. The rails 1602, 1652 are substantially parallel to one another, and the rub bars 1601, 1651 are substantially parallel to each other. As shown, the rails 1602, 1652 follow a substantially curvilinear path so as to conform to an outer side of a concave within a combine. Moreover, the plurality of rub bars 1601, 1651 are spaced from another such that they will fit in between axial bars of a concave. At a first end of the MOG limiter assembly 1600, 1650 is the hinge points 1604, 1654. Each of the hinge points 1604 (for the MOG limiter assembly 1600) and the hinge points 1654 (for the MOG limiter assembly 1650) form an end of the rails (1602 and 1652 respectively) by tapering off so as to be easily insertable into apertures within cross bars of a concave as can be seen in later figures (see, e.g., FIGS. 56B, 57C).

(213) At an end opposite the hinges points 1654 are the extended mounting portions 1603R, 1603L, 1653R, 1653L. As shown, the extended mounting portions 1603R, 1603L, 1653R, 1653L can vary in shape, weight, and size, but are each configured to provide a mounting place for the over-center latch assemblies 1300R, 1300L, 1400R, 1400L. A surface of each of the extended mounting portions 1603R, 1603L, 1653R, 1653L to which the over-center latch assemblies 1300, 1400 attach is angled to allow for connection to catches on the concave in such a way that will provide tension of the MOG limiter assemblies 1600, 1650 against an underside of the concave. A preferred method of attaching the over-center latch assemblies 1300, 1400 to the extended mounting portions 1603R, 1603L, 1653R, 1653L is via plug weld in the slots 1308, 1408.

(214) In a first example shown in FIGS. 53A-53B, a right-side quarter wrap (QW) MOG limiter assembly 1600R includes solid, extended mounting portions 1603R that extend from the rails 1602. The mounting portions 1603R each have an edge intended to align with the slots 1308 in each side of the base plate 1301 of the over-center latch assembly 1300.

(215) Similarly, in a second example shown in FIGS. 53C-53D, a left-side quarter wrap (QW) MOG limiter assembly 1600L can similarly include the solid, extended mounting portions 1603L that extend downward from the rails 1602. The mounting portions 1603L each have an edge intended to align with the slots 1308 in each side of the base plate 1301 of the over-center latch assembly 1300.

(216) In a third example shown in FIGS. 54A-54D, a right-side quarter wrap (QW) MOG limiter assembly 1650R includes solid, extended mounting portions 1653R that extend from the rails 1652. The mounting portions 1653R each have an edge intended to align with the slots 1408 in each side of the base plate 1401 of the over-center latch assembly 1400.

(217) Similarly, in a fourth example shown in FIGS. 55A-55D, a left-side quarter wrap (QW) MOG limiter assembly 1650L can similarly include the solid, extended mounting portions 1653L that extend downward from the rails 1652. The mounting portions 1653L each have an edge intended to align with the slots 1408 in each side of the base plate 1401 of the over-center latch assembly 1400.

(218) FIGS. 56A-57C show a concave assembly 2600, 2650. The concave assembly 2600, 2650 includes side rails 2601, 2651, a center rail 2602, 2652, cross bars 2603, 2653, a first end 2604, 2654, a second end 2605, 2655, and a wire lock clevis pin 2656.

(219) The side rails 2601, 2651 form sides of the concave assembly 2600, 2650 each concluding at both of the first end 2604, 2654 and the second end 2605, 2655. Extending down a center of the concave assembly 2600, 2650 is the center rail 2602, 2652 substantially parallel to each of the side rails 2601, 2651. The concave assembly 2600, 2650 further includes the cross bar 2603, 2653 which may be a single cross bar 2603, 2653 or two cross bars 2603, 2653. The side rails 2601, 2651 may includes apertures along a length of the side rails 2601, 2651 so as to allow for varying placement of the cross bar 2603, 2653 depending on a size of MOG limiters or cover plates positioned therebetween. The cross bar 2603, 2653 includes apertures therein to receive the hinge points 1604, 1654, 1704, 1754 described herein. The first end 2604, 2654 of the concave assembly 2600, 2650 generally corresponds to the right side of the concave and the second end 2605, 2655 generally corresponds to the left side of the concave. As shown, the second end 2605, 2655 may include a c-clamp portion for affixing the concave assembly 2600, 2650 within the threshing chamber of the combine. The first end 2604, 2654 is configured to secure to the first mounting assembly 1500 and the second end 2605, 2655 is configured to secure to the second mounting assembly 1550.

(220) The concave assembly 2600 further includes MOG limiter assemblies 1600 positioned at an underside of the concave with MOG limiter assemblies 1600R at a right side of the concave assembly 2600 and MOG limiter assemblies 1600L positioned at a left side of the concave assembly 2600. As shown, this correlates to using the over-latch assembly 1300R and 1300L respectively. The concave assembly 2650 further includes MOG limiter assemblies 1650 positioned at an underside of the concave with MOG limiter assemblies 1650R at a right side of the concave assembly 2650 and MOG limiter assemblies 1650L positioned at a left side of the concave assembly 2650. As shown, this correlates to using the over-latch assembly 1300R and 1300L respectively.

(221) As shown in the concave assembly 2650 in FIG. 57B-57C, the concave assembly 2650 further includes the wire lock clevis pin 2656 for further locking in place the MOG limiter assemblies 1600 to the concave. The wire lock clevis pin 2656 may be any locking mechanism suitable for extending through the center rail 2652 and the rail 1652 of the MOG limiter assembly 1600 (apertures can be seen throughout the figures of apertures existing on a portion of the MOG limiter assembly that transitions from the rail 1602, 1652 to the extended mounting portion 1603, 1653, and one such visual of the pin 2656 extending through these apertures can be seen in FIG. 57B). As can be seen in FIG. 57C, two wire lock clevis pins 2656 are included on the left side of the concave assembly 2650 whereas only one wire lock clevis pin 2656 is included on the right side of the concave assembly 2650. This is because of a wider stance of the rails 1652 on the MOG limiter assembly 1600R as opposed to the narrower stance of the rails 1652 on the MOG limiter assembly 1600L. As shown with previous embodiments, the MOG limiter assembly can be configured to alternate (see, e.g., FIG. 5) as opposed to adopting wider and narrower stance rails 1652. Although not shown in the figures, nothing precludes the wire lock clevis pin 2656 from being incorporated into the concave assembly 2600.

(222) When fully assembled, the MOG limiter assemblies 1600, 1650 will be held in place against the concave 2600 via insertion of the hinge points 1604, 1654 into apertures of the cross bar 2603, 2653, and latching down of the over-center latch assemblies 1300, 1400 via the loops 1305, 1405 attaching to the catches 1501, 1502, 1551, 1552 and the converging of the handles 1302, 1402 towards the base plates 1301, 1401, and further via inclusion of the wire lock clevis pins 2656.

(223) FIGS. 58A-60D show cover plate assemblies 1700R, 1700L, 1750R, 1750L (1700, 1750). The cover plate assemblies 1700, 1750 include a curvilinear plate 1701, 1751, rails 1702, 1752, extended mounting portions 1703R, 1703L, 1753R, 1753L, hinge points 1704, 1754, and contact protrusions 1705, 1755.

(224) The cover plate assembly 1700, 1750 is formed by coupling two rails 1702, 1752 to another via the curvilinear plate 1701, 1751 attached therebetween. The rails 1702, 1752 are substantially parallel to one another. As shown, the rails 1702, 1752 follow a substantially curvilinear path along the curvilinear plate 1701, 1751 so as to conform to an outer side of a concave within a combine. At a first end of the MOG limiter assembly 1700, 1750 is the hinge points 1704, 1754. Each of the hinge points 1704 (for the MOG limiter assembly 1700) and the hinge points 1754 (for the MOG limiter assembly 1750) form an end of the rails (1702 and 1752 respectively) by tapering off so as to be easily insertable into apertures within cross bars of a concave as can be seen in later figures (see, e.g., FIGS. 62, 65).

(225) At an end opposite the hinges points 1754 are the extended mounting portions 1703R, 1703L, 1753R, 1753L. As shown, the extended mounting portions 1703R, 1703L, 1753R, 1753L can vary in shape, weight, and size, but are each configured to provide a mounting place for the over-center latch assemblies 1300R, 1300L, 1400R, 1400L. The right-side cover plate assembly 1700R, 1750R can include a triangular mounting portion 1703R, 1753R that includes a cavity therethrough. Like the solid, extended mounting portion 1603, it is characterized by an edge (the lower leg of the triangle) intended to align with the slots 1308 in each side of the body 1301 of the over-center latch assembly 1300. A surface of each of the extended mounting portions 1703R, 1703L, 1753R, 1753L to which the over-center latch assemblies 1300, 1400 attach is angled to allow for connection to catches on the concave in such a way that will provide tension of the cover plate assemblies 1700, 1750 against the underside of the concave. A preferred method of attaching the over-center latch assemblies 1300, 1400 to the extended mounting portions 1703R, 1703L, 1753R, 1753L is via plug weld in the slots 1308, 1408.

(226) The over-center latch assembly 1300 is also designed so as to be useable with each of the cover plate assemblies 1700, 1750, as shown in FIGS. 58A-60D.

(227) FIGS. 61-65 show a concave assembly 2700, 2750. The concave assembly 2700, 2750 includes side rails 2701, 2751, a center rail 2702, 2752, cross bars 2703, 2753, a first end 2704, 2754, a second end 2705, 2755, and a wire lock clevis pin 2756.

(228) The side rails 2701, 2751 form sides of the concave assembly 2700, 2750 each concluding at both of the first end 2704, 2754 and the second end 2705, 2755. Extending down a center of the concave assembly 2700, 2750 is the center rail 2702, 2752 substantially parallel to each of the side rails 2701, 2751. The concave assembly 2700, 2750 further includes the cross bar 2703, 2753 which may be a single cross bar 2703, 2753 or two cross bars 2703, 2753. The side rails 2701, 2751 may includes apertures along a length of the side rails 2701, 2751 so as to allow for varying placement of the cross bar 2703, 2753 depending on a size of MOG limiter or cover plates positioned therebetween. The cross bar 2703, 2753 includes apertures therein to receive the hinge points 1604, 1654, 1704, 1754 described herein. The first end 2704, 2754 of the concave assembly 2700, 2750 generally corresponds to the right side of the concave and the second end 2705, 2755 generally corresponds to the left side of the concave. As shown, the second end 2705, 2755 may include a c-clamp portion for affixing the concave assembly 2700, 2750 within the threshing chamber of the combine. The first end 2704, 2754 is configured to secure to the first mounting assembly 1500 and the second end 2705, 2755 is configured to secure to the second mounting assembly 1550.

(229) The concave assembly 2700 further includes cover plate assemblies 1700 positioned at an underside of the concave with cover plate assemblies 1700R at a right side of the concave assembly 2700 and cover plate assemblies 1700L positioned at a left side of the concave assembly 2700. As shown, this correlates to using the over-latch assembly 1300R and 1300L respectively. The concave assembly 2750 further includes cover plate assemblies 1750 positioned at an underside of the concave with cover plate assemblies 1750R at a right side of the concave assembly 2750 and cover plate assemblies 1750L positioned at a left side of the concave assembly 2750. As shown, this correlates to using the over-latch assembly 1300R and 1300L respectively.

(230) As shown in the concave assembly 2750 in FIG. 64-65, the concave assembly 2750 further includes the wire lock clevis pin 2756 for further locking in place the cover plate assemblies 1700 to the concave. The wire lock clevis pin 2756 may be any locking mechanism suitable for extending through the center rail 2752 and the rail 1752 of the cover plate assembly 1700 (apertures can be seen throughout the figures of apertures existing on a portion of the cover plate assembly that transitions from the rail 1702, 1752 to the extended mounting portion 1703, 1753, and one such visual of the pin 2756 extending through these apertures can be seen in FIG. 64). As can be seen in FIG. 65, two wire lock clevis pins 2756 are included on the left side of the concave assembly 2750 whereas only one wire lock clevis pin 2756 is included on the right side of the concave assembly 2750. This is because of a wider stance of the rails 1752 on the cover plate assembly 1700R as opposed to the narrower stance of the rails 1752 on the cover plate assembly 1700L. As shown with previous embodiments, the cover plate assembly can be configured to alternate (see, e.g., FIG. 5) as opposed to adopting wider and narrower stance rails 1752. Although not shown in the figures, nothing precludes the wire lock clevis pin 2756 from being incorporated into the concave assembly 2700.

(231) When fully assembled, the cover plate assemblies 1700, 1750 will be held in place against the concave 2700 via insertion of the hinge points 1704, 1754 into apertures of the cross bar 2703, 2753, and latching down of the over-center latch assemblies 1300, 1400 via the loops 1305, 1405 attaching to the catches 1501, 1502, 1551, 1552 and the converging of the handles 1302, 1402 towards the base plates 1301, 1401, and further via inclusion of the wire lock clevis pins 2756.

(232) When fully assembled, and as shown in FIGS. 56A-56B the concave 100 can therefore attach one or more of the left-side quarter wrap (QW) MOG limiter assembly 1100 and one or more of the right-side quarter wrap (QW) MOG limiter assembly 1200 by way of the extended mounting portions 1603, the over-center latch assembly 1300, and the mounting assembly 1500.

(233) When fully assembled, and as shown in FIGS. 61-62 the concave 100 can therefore attach one or more of the left-side quarter wrap (QW) cover plate assembly 900 and one or more of the right-side quarter wrap (QW) cover plate assembly 1000 by way of the extended mounting portions 1603, the over-center latch assembly 1300, and the mounting assembly 1500.

(234) FIG. 66 shows the locking nut 1800 with a nylon friction ring 1801 incorporated therein comprises a nut with a threaded nylon insert. The locking nut with a nylon friction ring is shown in use for example in FIGS. 36, 38, 40-42, 44-45, 48A-48B, 49A-50B, 50A-51C, among others. The nylon friction ring can be added instead of a locking nut for increased locking strength and can be particularly useful when in use with the screw loop so as to retain an initial position of the screw loop without concern of it rotating to either of a longer or shorter length for when in use with the assembly.

(235) It is to be appreciated that any of the concave, MOG limiter, cover plate, over-center latch, etc. described herein may be intermixed and diversified in various combinations. One such example given by way of example and not of limitation is that FIGS. 56A-57C shows only MOG limiter assemblies attached to the concave, and FIGS. 61-65 show only cover plate assemblies attached to the concave and are designated as concave assembly 2600 and concave assembly 2700. This is in no way limiting to the combinations possible for the concaves as the concave itself within each of the concave assembly 2600 and the concave assembly 2700 can be the same concave. As such, components shown in each of these assemblies may be intermixed so as to have one MOG limiter assembly 1600R and three cover plate assemblies 1700R, 1700L, 1750L within the concave assembly or two and two placed at various positions etc. The same goes for over-center latch assemblies and extended mounting portions with intermixing and all sorts of combinations are possible.

(236) It is to be appreciated any one or more of the concaves/concave assemblies 101, 500, 600, 700, 800, mounting assembly 200, cover plates/cover plate assemblies 300, 400, 900, 1000, and MOG limiter assemblies 105, 1100, 1200, can be equipped with sensors and technologies that can automatically adjust based on field conditions and crop type.

(237) It is to be appreciated any one or more of the concaves/concave assemblies 101, 500, 600, 700, 800, mounting assembly 200, cover plates/cover plate assemblies 300, 400, 900, 1000, and MOG limiter assemblies 105, 1100, 1200, can be included in various combinations to form various kits. For example, according to embodiment, the kit includes components selected from the group consisting of: one or more concave, preferably three or more round bar concaves; one or more pairs of left-hand and right-hand cover plates, preferably two or more pairs; one or more pairs of left-hand and right-hand quarter-wrap mog-limiters, preferably six or more pairs; an auger bed bearing holder; a heavy duty stainless steel toggle locking latch used on one or more of the MOG limiters and/or cover plates, preferably sixteen of said latches; one or more lynch pins for securing said latches, preferably sixteen of said lynch pins; one or more square wire lock pins, preferably nine or more of said lock pins; and any combination thereof.

(238) From the foregoing, it can be seen that the present disclosure accomplishes at least all of the stated objectives.

EXAMPLES

(239) In a preferred embodiment, a number of MOG limiters 105 are employed and strategically positioned on the concaves in positions #1, #2 and #3 within the combine as reflected on FIG. 22. This configuration provides maximum retention of the pods or other small grain within the rotary chamber. Using soybeans as an example, this increased retention at the beginning of the threshing operation allows for increased separation of the bean from the pod and also prevents the pods from dropping through to the cleaning system. In positions #2 and #3, the MOG limiters are solely utilized which allows for the threshed beans to flow out of the rotary chamber while retaining the MOG within the chamber. Experimentation has shown that this configuration is highly effective in opening the soybean pods to free the soybeans in the threshing operation and, thereafter, timely and efficiently exit the threshed soybeans from the rotary chamber to prevent damage or grinding while preventing MOG from flowing out of the chamber and into the cleaning system.

(240) The number of cover plates utilized are directly related to the difficulty in getting the soybean pods to open and release the soybeans in the threshing operation. Therefore, when the farmer is harvesting greener soybeans which have a higher moisture content, retention time within the threshing chamber is increased by the addition of cover plates in position #2 and, depending upon conditions, #3. If the soybean plants being harvested at a particular time are well dried down, then lesser retention time in the threshing chamber is required, so the use of one or more additional MOG limiters in position #1 may allow for maximal efficient soybean harvest.

(241) As a result of the improvements discussed in the present disclosure, the farmer is able to finish harvest of soybeans in an unirrigated field or a field having sandy soil with a combine set-up utilizing two or more MOG limiters in position #1, and then while in the field alter the configuration to match the configuration of FIG. 56A when transitioning to harvest the same variety of soybean plants having the same maturity, but which are greener due to irrigation or other soil factors which afford access to more moisture to the plants or factors which result in the differential moisture content of the plants under harvest.

(242) Experimentation has identified a beneficial set up of a John Deere combine. This set up involves the use of three modified round bar concaves in positions #1, #2 and #3. MOG limiters are readily used on such concave designs and afford the farmer the maximum of adjustability based upon the harvest conditions being faced at the time. As for the Case IH combine, experimentation has identified a beneficial set up whereby the Max Flow concave is utilized on position #1 on which cover plates may be used as required and modified round bar concaves in positions #2 and #3 whereupon MOG limiters may be adjustably employed by the farmer.

(243) Regarding the embodiment shown throughout FIGS. 23-24, the modified MOG limiting concave assembly 100 was tested with wheat, and the wheat farmer was pleased with the results utilizing a plate on both the upper section and lower section of the 1st column with MOG Limiters in the remaining positions. The modified MOG limiting concave assembly 100 utilizes a round bar having a gap in between; and a wide MOG Limiter bar.

(244) Regarding the embodiment shown throughout FIGS. 25-26, the modified MOG limiting concave assembly 200 utilizes alternating round bars with square bars, having a gap with the top of the square bar positioned at an elevation above the top point of the round bars.

(245) Regarding the embodiment shown throughout FIGS. 27-28, the modified MOG limiting concave assembly 300 utilizes a round bar having a gap; and a grouping of square bars having a 1 gap; and further having a 1 elevation of the top of the square bars above top elevation point of the round bars.

(246) Regarding the embodiment shown throughout FIGS. 29-30, the modified MOG limiting concave assembly 400 utilizes a round bar having a gap between each; every 3rd bar is a square bar having a gap on each side in relation to the round bar; and further having a elevation of the top of the square bars above top elevation point of the round bars.

(247) Comparative field data was gathered in a first field for the harvest of soybeans utilizing the following assemblies: the (1) OEM-JD S670 35 Conventional 3 and (2) the Calmer-JD S680 40 draper, as shown in Table 1:

(248) TABLE-US-00001 x3 Loss Sample Loose Beans/ per Area Beans Pods Pod Total Sq Ft BU/AC 35 sq ft 168 21 63 231.00 6.60 1.65 35 sq ft 114 0 0 114.00 3.26 0.81 Difference 3.34 0.84 Average BU/AC Loss with OEM gap Concaves: 1.65 Average BU/AC Loss with Calmer gap Concaves: 0.81 Calmer BU/AC Advantage: 0.84 50.6%

(249) Comparative field data was gathered in a second field for the harvest of soybeans utilizing the following assemblies: the (1) OEM-JD 9670 30 Head and (2) the Calmer-JD S680 40 draper, as shown in Table 2:

(250) TABLE-US-00002 x3 Loss Sample Loose Beans/ per Area Beans Pods Pod Total Sq Ft BU/AC 30 sq ft 165 25 75 240.00 8.00 2.00 30 sq ft 113 7 21 134.00 4.47 1.12 Difference 3.53 0.88 Average BU/AC Loss with OEM gap Concaves: 2.00 Average BU/AC Loss with Calmer gap Concaves: 1.12 Calmer BU/AC Advantage: 0.88 44.2%

(251) Comparative field data was gathered in a third field for the harvest of soybeans utilizing the following assemblies: the (1) OEM-JD 9670 30 Head and (2) the Calmer-JD S680 40 draper, as shown in Table 3:

(252) TABLE-US-00003 x3 Loss Sample Loose Beans/ per Area Beans Pods Pod Total Sq Ft BU/AC 30 sq ft 98 8 24 122.00 4.07 1.02 40 sq ft 130 0 0 130.00 3.25 0.81 Difference 0.82 20.1% Average BU/AC Loss with OEM gap Concaves: 1.02 Average BU/AC Loss with Calmer gap Concaves: 0.81 Calmer BU/AC Advantage: 0.20 20.1%

(253) The average results from the three counts are shown in Table 4:

(254) TABLE-US-00004 Average Soybean Difference: 2.56 Average BU/AC Loss with OEM gap 1.56 Concaves with no inserts: Average BU/AC Loss with Calmer gap 0.91 Concaves with cover plates and MOG limiters: Advantage Calmer 0.64 41.2%

(255) A high performance upgrade it that reduces grain loss during harvest was compare across corn and soybeans, as shown in Table 5:

(256) TABLE-US-00005 Grain Crop # Samples Loss BU/AC Corn 1 Sample with JD Rotary Combine 51% 0.9 Corn 2 Samples with CASE Flagship 47.1% 1.76 Soybeans 2 Samples with JD Rotary Combine 41.2% .64

(257) Another such high performance upgrade kit that reduces grain loss during harvest was compared across different types of combines, as shown in Table 6:

(258) TABLE-US-00006 CASE CASE JD S- 3 Combine Comparison Flagship Legacy Series Kernels (BU/AC) with the kits 2.90 1.57 0.73 described herein installed 1.45 0.8 0.36

(259) FIG. 46 shows soybean pods that were harvested using a high performance upgrade kit that reduces grain loss during harvest.

(260) Another comparison among residue data in a Calmer BT Super Chopper vs. JD RowMax is shown in Table 7:

(261) TABLE-US-00007 Small % Medium % Large % <4 long 4-8 long >8 long 6 rows of Calmer 39.1% 31.7% 29.3% 12 Blade Choppers 6 rows of John Deere 18.4% 30.7% 50.9% RowMax

(262) Residue was separated into categories; each category was weighed. Weights are presented as a % of total weight for residue produced.

LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS

(263) The following table of reference characters and descriptors are not exhaustive, nor limiting, and include reasonable equivalents. If possible, elements identified by a reference character below and/or those elements which are near ubiquitous within the art can replace or supplement any element identified by another reference character.

(264) TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 List of Reference Characters 100 assembly 101 concave 102 upper concave connector 102A lower concave connector 103A side frame 103B center frame 103C cross frame 104 insert slot 105 MOG limiter 106 insert 107 rail support 108 mounting plate 109 notch 110 concave crossbar 111 hinge point 112 bolts 200 mounting plate 201 threaded post 202 J-hook, threaded at one end 203 hexagonal sleeve (female threaded) 204 lever 300 left-side cover 301 curvilinear plate 302 first arced support 303 second arced support 304 slot 305 mounting plate 306 bridge support 400 right-side cover 401 curvilinear plate 402 first arced support 403 second arced support 404 slot 405 mounting plate 406 bridge support 500 first embodiment of a modified concave 501 an enhanced side flow rail 502 a C-clamp end 503 first-end round bar drive 504 second end plate 505 quarter wrap center catch 506 an enhanced flow center rail 507 round bars 508 left over-center catch 509 right over-center catch 600 second embodiment of a modified concave 601 an enhanced side flow rail 602 a C-clamp end 603 first-end round bar drive 604 second end plate 605 quarter wrap center catch 606 rub bars 607 round bars 608 an enhanced flow center rail 609 left over center catch 610 right over center catch 700 third embodiment of a modified concave 701 an enhanced side flow rail 702 a C-clamp end 703 first-end round bar drive 704 second end plate 705 quarter wrap center catch 706 an enhanced flow center rail 707 rub bars 708 round bars 709 left over center catch 710 right over center catch 800 fourth embodiment of a modified concave 801 an enhanced side flow rail 802 a C-clamp end 803 first-end round bar drive 804 second end plate 805 quarter wrap center catch 806 an enhanced flow center rail 807 rub bars 808 round bars 809 left over center catch 810 right over center catch 900 left-side quarter wrap (QW) cover plate assembly 901 left-side quarter wrap cover plate 902 left-side quarter wrap cover plate support 903 left-side cover plate over center handle anchor plate 904 left-side quarter wrap cover plate rail 905 J-bolt 906 threaded long-steel coupling nut 907 threaded long hex head screw 908 threaded nylon insert lock nut 909 steel washer 910 CMF over center handle 1000 right-side quarter wrap (QW) cover plate assembly 1001 right-side quarter wrap cover plate 1002 right-side quarter wrap cover plate support 1003 right-side cover plate over center handle anchor plate 1004 right-side quarter wrap cover plate rail 1005 J-bolt 1006 threaded long-steel coupling nut 1007 threaded long hex head screw 1008 threaded nylon insert lock nut 1009 steel washer 1010 CMF over center handle 1100 left-side quarter wrap (QW) MOG limiter assembly 1101 left-side quarter wrap MOG limiting rail 1102 left-side MOG limiting rub bar 1103 left-side ML over center handle anchor plate 1104 J bolt 1105 threaded long steel coupling nuts 1106 threaded long hex head screw 1107 threaded nylon insert locknut 1108 steel washer 1109 CMF over center handle 1200 right-side quarter wrap (QW) MOG limiter assembly 1201 right-side quarter wrap MOG limiting rail 1202 right-side MOG limiting rub bar 1203 right-side ML over center handle anchor plate 1204 J bolt 1205 threaded long steel coupling nuts 1206 threaded long hex head screw 1207 threaded nylon insert locknut 1208 steel washer 1209 CMF over center handle 1300 over-center latch assembly 1301 base plate (e.g., pentagonal body) 1302 handle 1303 locking hole 1304 lever 1305 loop 1306 center pin 1307 ear 1308 slot 1309 hole 1310 threaded nylon insert locknut 1311 subbase 1400 over-center latch assembly 1401 base plate (e.g., pentagonal body) 1402 handle 1403 locking hole 1404 lever 1405 loop 1406 center pin 1407 ear 1408 slot 1409 hole 1410 threaded nylon insert locknut 1411 subbase 1412 locking mechanism 1450 over-center lactch 1500 first mounting assembly 1501 first over-center catch 1502 second over-center catch 1503 adjacent plate 1504 end plate 1550 second mounting assembly 1551 first over-center catch 1552 second over-center catch 1554 end plate 1600R MOG limiter assembly (right) 1600L MOG limiter assembly (left) 1601 rub bar 1602 rail 1603R extended mounting portion (right) 1603L extended mounting portion (left) 1604 hinge point 1650R MOG limiter assembly (right) 1650L MOG limiter assembly (left) 1651 rub bar 1652 rail 1653R extended mounting portion (right) 1653L extended mounting portion (left) 1654 hinge point 1700R cover plate assembly (right) 1700L cover plate assembly (left) 1701 curvilinear plate 1702 rail 1703R extended moutning portion (right) 1703L extended mounting portion (left) 1704 hinge point 1705 contact protrusion 1750R cover plate assembly (right) 1750L cover plate assembly (left) 1751 curvilinear plate 1752 rail 1753R extended mounting portion (right) 1753L extended mounting portion (left) 1754 hinge point 1755 contact protrusion 1800 locknut 1801 nylon insert 2600 concave 2601 side rail 2602 center rail 2603 cross frame 2604 first end 2605 second end 2650 concave 2651 side rail 2652 center rail 2653 cross frame 2654 first end 2655 second end 2656 wire lock clevis pin 2700 concave assembly 2701 side rail 2702 center rail 2703 cross frame 2704 first end 2705 second end 2750 concave assembly 2751 side rail 2752 center rail 2753 cross frame 2754 first end 2755 second end 2756 wire lock clevis pin

GLOSSARY

(265) Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used above have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which embodiments of the present disclosure pertain.

(266) The terms a, an, and the include both singular and plural referents.

(267) The term or is synonymous with and/or and means any one member or combination of members of a particular list.

(268) As used herein, the term exemplary refers to an example, an instance, or an illustration, and does not indicate a most preferred embodiment unless otherwise stated.

(269) The term about as used herein refers to slight variations in numerical quantities with respect to any quantifiable variable. Inadvertent error can occur, for example, through use of typical measuring techniques or equipment or from differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of components.

(270) The term substantially refers to a great or significant extent. Substantially can thus refer to a plurality, majority, and/or a supermajority of said quantifiable variables, given proper context.

(271) The term generally encompasses both about and substantially.

(272) 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.

(273) Terms characterizing sequential order, a position, and/or an orientation are not limiting and are only referenced according to the views presented.

(274) The invention is 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. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The scope of the disclosure is further qualified as including any possible modification to any of the aspects and/or embodiments disclosed herein which would result in other embodiments, combinations, subcombinations, or the like that would be obvious to those skilled in the art.