Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02937624 2016-08-02
CONCAVES FOR AN AGRICULTURAL COMBINE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to agricultural combines and, more particularly,
to
concaves for agricultural combines.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Agricultural combines are large machines that harvest, thresh, separate and
clean
an agricultural crop. The resulting clean grain is stored in a grain tank
located on the
combine. The clean grain is transported from the grain tank to a truck, grain
cart or other
receiving bin by an unloading auger.
In general, an agricultural combine includes a harvesting platform, a
feederhouse,
a threshing drum mounted in close proximity to a concave, sieves, a collection
or bulk
tank, and various conveyors, such as rotating belts and spinning augers. The
harvesting
platform gathers and cuts the crop near ground level and directs the harvested
crop to the
feederhouse, which applies the harvested crop to the threshing drum. The
harvested crop
is threshed between the rotating threshing drum and the concave separating the
grains
from the chaff to form threshings, namely, the chaff and the separated grains.
The
threshings are applied to a cleaning system, which separates the grains from
the chaff,
applies the grains to the collection or bulk tank that is periodically emptied
into a truck,
grain cart or other receiving bin by an unloading auger, and discharges the
chaff onto the
field.
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The concave generally includes an array of straight bars that extend parallel
to the
threshing drum axis of rotation. The curved bars are permanently welded to
curved end
members. Curved wires, which project through the bars in some concaves and
that
underlie the bars in other concave designs, extend circumferentially along the
concave.
A concave of this type forms a grate through which the majority of the
threshed grain and
chaff fall onto a collecting assembly where it is directed to the cleaning
system of the
combine.
A concave must be periodically replaced when the bars wear down or when they
are bent or broken by rocks, wire, and other foreign matter that is
inadvertently drawn
into the combine. Replacing a concave is difficult and time-consuming work,
and
especially costly when the need arises during a harvest. Accordingly, there is
a need in
the art for a concave that is easily and inexpensively serviceable without the
need for
replacement or removal from a combine, and that is easy to construct and
assemble, and
that eliminates extended downtimes during harvest.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the principle of the invention, a concave for an agricultural
combine
includes a first frame connected to a second frame for movement between an
open
position and a closed position relative to the second frame, and threshing
bars. An
engagement assembly non-destructively connects each of the threshing bars to
the first
frame. The threshing bars are spaced apart forming openings therebetween for
grain to
pass through. The threshing bars are non-destructively connected to the first
frame via
the engagement assemblies, when the first frame is in the open position
relative to the
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second frame and when the first frame is in the closed position relative to
the second
frame. The engagement assemblies allow independent non-destructive removal of
the
threshing bars relative to one another from the first frame, when the first
frame is in the
open position relative to the second frame. The second frame restrains
independent non-
destructive removal of the threshing bars relative to one another from the
first frame via
the engagement assemblies, when the first frame is in the closed position
relative to the
second frame. The first frame is pivotally connected to the second frame for
movement
between the open position and the closed position relative to the second
frame. The
second frame includes stops. The stops are juxtaposed on either side of the
first frame
and restrain the threshing bars from being independently non-destructively
removed from
the first frame via the engagement assemblies, when the first frame is in the
closed
position relative to the second frame. The engagement assemblies prevent axial
rotation
of the respective threshing bars relative to the first frame. Each engagement
assembly
includes engagement elements carried by each of the threshing bars and
corresponding
complemental engagement elements carried by the first frame. Each of the
engagement
elements is one of a tongue and a slot, and each of the complemental
engagement
elements is the other one of the tongue and the slot.
According to the principle of the invention, a concave for an agricultural
combine
includes a first frame connected to a second frame for movement between an
open
position and a closed position relative to the second frame, and threshing
bars. The
threshing bars each include a separating grate. An engagement assembly non-
destructively connects each of the threshing bars to the first frame. The
threshing bars
are spaced apart forming openings therebetween for grain to pass through, and
the
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separating grate of each of the threshing bars extends across an adjacent one
of the
openings for separating grain from threshed crop material. The threshing bars
are non-
destructively connected to the first frame via the engagement assemblies, when
the first
frame is in the open position relative to the second frame and when the first
frame is in
the closed position relative to the second frame. The engagement assemblies
allow
independent non-destructive removal of the threshing bars from the first
frame, when the
first frame is in the open position relative to the second frame. The second
frame
restrains independent non-destructive removal of the threshing bars relative
to one
another from the first frame via the engagement assemblies, when the first
frame is in the
closed position relative to the second frame. The separating grate of each
threshing bar
includes spaced apart fingers. The first frame is pivotally connected to the
second frame
for movement between the open and the closed position relative to the second
frame. The
second frame includes stops. The stops are juxtaposed on either side of the
first frame
and restrain the threshing bars from being independently non-destructively
removed from
the first frame via the engagement assemblies, when the first frame is in the
closed
position relative to the second frame. The engagement assemblies prevent axial
rotation
of the respective threshing bars relative to the first frame. Each engagement
assembly
includes engagement elements carried by each of the threshing bars and
corresponding
complemental engagement elements carried by the first frame. Each of the
engagement
elements is one of a tongue and a slot, and each of the complemental
engagement
elements is the other one of the tongue and the slot.
According to the principle of the invention, a concave for an agricultural
combine
includes a first frame, threshing bars, and a second frame. An engagement
assembly non-
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destructively connects each of the threshing bars to the first frame. The
threshing bars
are spaced apart forming openings therebetween for grain to pass through. The
engagement assemblies allow independent non-destructive removal of the
threshing bars
relative to one another from the first frame, when the second frame is spaced
apart from
the first frame. The second frame restrains independent non-destructive
removal of the
threshing bars relative to one another from the first frame via the engagement
assemblies,
when the second frame is juxtaposed relative to the first frame. The threshing
bars are
non-destructively connected to the first frame via the engagement assemblies,
when the
second frame is spaced apart from the first frame and when the second frame is
juxtaposed relative to the first frame. The second frame includes stops. The
stops are
juxtaposed on either side of the first frame and interact with the threshing
bars restraining
the threshing bars from being independently non-destructively removed relative
to one
another from the first frame, when the second frame is juxtaposed relative to
the first
frame. The engagement assemblies prevent axial rotation of the respective
threshing bars
relative to the first frame. Each engagement assembly includes engagement
elements
carried by each of the threshing bars and corresponding complemental
engagement
elements carried by the first frame. Each of the engagement elements is one of
a tongue
and a slot, and each of the complemental engagement elements is the other one
of the
tongue and the slot.
According to the principle of the invention, a concave for an agricultural
combine
includes a first frame, threshing bars, and a second frame. The threshing bars
each
include a separating grate. An engagement assembly non-destructively connects
each of
the threshing bars to the first frame. The threshing bars are spaced apart
forming
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openings therebetween for grain to pass through, and the separating grate of
each of the
threshing bars extends across an adjacent one of the openings for separating
grain from
threshed crop material. The engagement assemblies allow independent non-
destructive
removal of the threshing bars relative to one another from the first frame,
when the
second frame is spaced apart from the first frame. The second frame restrains
independent non-destructive removal of the threshing bars relative to one
another from
the first frame via the engagement assemblies, when the second frame is
juxtaposed
relative to the first frame. The threshing bars are non-destructively
connected to the first
frame via the engagement assemblies, when the second frame is spaced apart
from the
first frame and when the second frame is juxtaposed relative to the first
frame. The
separating grate of each threshing bar includes spaced apart fingers. The
second frame
includes stops. The stops are juxtaposed on either side of the first frame and
interact with
the threshing bars restraining the threshing bars from being independently non-
destructively removed relative to one another from the first frame, when the
second frame
is juxtaposed relative to the first frame. The engagement assemblies prevent
axial
rotation of the respective threshing bars relative to the first frame. Each
engagement
assembly includes engagement elements carried by each of the threshing bars
and
corresponding complemental engagement elements carried by the first frame.
Each of
the engagement elements is one of a tongue and a slot, and each of the
complemental
engagement elements is the other one of the tongue and the slot.
According to the principle of the invention, a concave for an agricultural
combine
includes a frame, and threshing bars. The threshing bars each include a
separating grate.
An engagement assembly non-destructively connects each of the threshing bars
to the
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frame. The threshing bars are spaced apart forming openings therebetween for
grain to
pass through, and the separating grate of each of the threshing bars extends
across an
adjacent one of the openings for separating grain from threshed crop material.
The
engagement assemblies allow independent non-destructive removal of the
threshing bars
relative to one another from the frame. The separating grate of each threshing
bar
includes spaced apart fingers. The engagement assemblies prevent axial
rotation of the
respective threshing bars relative to the frame. Each engagement assembly
includes
engagement elements carried by each of the threshing bars and corresponding
complemental engagement elements carried by the frame. Each of the engagement
elements is one of a tongue and a slot, and each of the complemental
engagement
elements is the other one of the tongue and the slot.
According to the principle of the invention, a concave for an agricultural
combine
includes a frame, and threshing bars. The threshing bars each include a
threshing edge
and a separating grate, and the threshing bars are independent from one
another. The
threshing bars are connected to the frame, the threshing bars are spaced apart
forming
openings therebetween for grain to pass through, and the separating grate of
each of the
threshing bars extends across an adjacent one of the openings for separating
grain from
threshed crop material. The separating grate of each threshing bar includes
spaced apart
fingers.
According to the principle of the invention, a concave for an agricultural
combine
includes first and second frames connected together for movement between
closed and
open positions. The first frame includes curved members axially spaced from
one
another, and bars each movable between a first position removably connected to
the first
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frame and a second position detached from the first frame. The bars are spaced
from one
another and extend axially between the curved members forming openings
therebetween
for grain to pass through in the first position of each of the bars. The
second frame
restricts movement of each of the bars between the first and second positions
in the
closed position of the first and second frames. The second frame allows
movement of
each of the bars between the first and second positions in the open position
of the first
and second frames. The first and second frames are pivotally connected for
movement
between the closed and open positions. The second frame includes curved stops
axially
spaced from one another, and in the closed position of the first and second
frames the
curved stops are juxtaposed on either side of the respective curved members so
as to
restrict movement of each of the bars between the first and second positions.
There is an
engagement assembly for removably connecting each of the bars in the first
position
thereof to the first frame including elements thereof carried by each of the
bars and
complemental elements thereof carried by the first frame. In the first
position of the bars
the engagement assemblies prevent axial rotation of the bars relative to the
first frame.
Each of the elements is one of a tongue and a slot, and each of the
complemental
elements is the other one of the tongue and the slot.
According to the principle of the invention, a concave for an agricultural
combine
includes first and second frames connected together for movement between
closed and
open positions. The first frame includes curved members axially spaced from
one
another, and bars each formed with a separating grate. The bars are each
movable
between a first position removably connected to the first frame and a second
position
detached from the first frame. In the first position of each of the bars, the
bars are spaced
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from one another and extend axially between the curved members forming
openings
therebetween for grain to pass through, and the separating grate of each bar
extends
across an adjacent opening to an adjacent bar for separating grain from
threshed crop
material. The second frame restricts movement of each of the bars between the
first and
second positions in the closed position of the first and second frames. The
second frame
allows movement of each of the bars between the first and second positions in
the open
position of the first and second frames. In the first position of each of the
bars the
separating grate of each bar is in direct contact against a shoulder of the
adjacent bar.
The separating grate of each bar consists of parallel fingers axially spaced
from one
another. The first and second frames are pivotally connected for movement
between the
closed and open positions. The second frame includes curved stops axially
spaced from
one another, and in the closed position of the first and second frames the
curved stops are
juxtaposed on either side of the respective curved members so as to restrict
movement of
each of the bars between the first and second positions. There is an
engagement
assembly for removably connecting each of the bars in the first position
thereof to the
first frame including elements thereof carried by each of the bars and
complemental
elements thereof carried by the first frame. In the first position of the bars
the
engagement assemblies prevent axial rotation of the bars relative to the first
frame. Each
of the elements is one of a tongue and a slot, and each of the complemental
elements is
the other one of the tongue and the slot.
According to the principle of the invention, a concave for an agricultural
combine
includes a frame having curved members axially spaced from one another, and
bars each
formed with a separating grate. The bars are spaced from one another and
extend axially
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between the curved members forming openings therebetween for grain to pass
through,
and the separating grate of each bar extends across an adjacent opening to an
adjacent bar
for separating grain from threshed crop material. The separating grate of each
bar
includes parallel fingers axially spaced from one another. The parallel
fingers of each bar
each has a free end in direct contact against a shoulder of the adjacent bar.
According to the principle of the invention, a concave for an agricultural
combine
includes a frame assembly including first frames and a second frame connected
together
for movement between a closed position of the frame assembly and an open
position of
the frame assembly. Each of the first frames includes curved members axially
spaced
from one another, and bars each movable between a first position removably
connected to
the first frame and a second position detached from the first frame, wherein
the bars are
spaced from one another and extend axially between the curved members forming
openings therebetween for grain to pass through in the first position of each
of the bars.
The second frame restricts movement of each of the bars of the first frames
between the
first and second positions in the closed position of the frame assembly. The
second frame
allows movement of each of the bars between the first and second positions in
the open
position of the frame assembly. The first frames and the second frames are
pivotally
connected for movement between the closed and open positions of the frame
assembly.
The second frame includes curved stops axially spaced from one another, and in
the
closed position of the first frames and the second frame the curved stops are
juxtaposed
on either side of one of the curved members of the respective first frames so
as to restrict
movement of each of the bars of the first frames between the first and second
positions.
There is an engagement assembly for removably connecting each of the bars in
the first
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position thereof to a corresponding one of the first frames including elements
thereof
carried by each of the bars and complemental elements thereof carried by the
corresponding one of the first frames. In the first position of the bars the
engagement
assemblies prevent axial rotation of the bars relative to the corresponding
one of first
frames. Each of the elements is one of a tongue and a slot, and each of the
complemental
elements is the other one of the tongue and the slot.
According to the principle of the invention, a concave for an agricultural
combine
includes a frame assembly including first frames and a second frame connected
together
for movement between a closed position of the frame assembly and an open
position of
the frame assembly. Each of the first frames includes curved members axially
spaced
from one another, and bars each formed with a separating grate, the bars each
movable
between a first position removably connected to the first frame and a second
position
detached from the first frame, and in the first position of each of the bars
the bars are
spaced from one another and extend axially between the curved members forming
openings therebetween for grain to pass through, and the separating grate of
each bar
extends across an adjacent opening to an adjacent bar for separating grain
from threshed
crop material. The second frame restricts movement of each of the bars of the
first
frames between the first and second positions in the closed position of the
frame
assembly. The second frame allows movement of each of the bars between the
first and
second positions in the open position of the frame assembly. In the first
position of each
of the bars the separating grate of each bar is in direct contact against a
shoulder of the
adjacent bar. The separating grate of each bar includes parallel fingers
axially spaced
from one another. The first frames and the second frames are pivotally
connected for
11
movement between the closed and open positions of the frame assembly. The
second frame includes
curved stops axially spaced from one another, and in the closed position of
the first frames and the second
frame the curved stops are juxtaposed on either side of one of the curved
members of the respective first
frames so as to restrict movement of each of the bars of the first frames
between the first and second
positions. There is an engagement assembly for removably connecting each of
the bars in the first
position thereof to a corresponding one of the first frames including elements
thereof carried by each of
the bars and complemental elements thereof carried by the corresponding one of
the first frames. In the
first position of the bars the engagement assemblies prevent axial rotation of
the bars relative to the
corresponding one of first frames. Each of the elements is one of a tongue and
a slot, and each of the
complemental elements is the other one of the tongue and the slot.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of
assembling a concave
for an agricultural combine, comprising:
providing a first frame, threshing bars, and a second frame movable between a
first position
spaced apart from the first frame and a second position juxtaposed on either
side of the first frame, the
second frame being in the first position;
non-destructively connecting each of the threshing bars to the first frame via
an engagement
assembly thereby allowing independent non-destructive removal of the threshing
bars relative to one
another from the first frame via the engagement assemblies while the second
frame is in the first position,
the threshing bars being spaced apart forming openings therebetween for grain
to pass through; and
moving the second frame from the first position to the second position
juxtaposed on either side
of the first frame while leaving the threshing bars non-destructively
connected to the first frame via the
engagement assemblies, the second frame interacting with the threshing bars on
either side of the first
frame alone restraining independent non-destructive removal of the threshing
bars from the first frame via
the engagement assemblies.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of
assembling a concave
for an agricultural combine, comprising:
providing a frame, threshing bars, and stops movable between a first position
spaced apart from
the frame and a second position juxtaposed on either side of the frame, the
stops being in the first
position;
non-destructively connecting each of the threshing bars to the frame via an
engagement assembly
thereby allowing independent non-destructive removal of the threshing bars
relative to one another from
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-01-28
the frame via the engagement assemblies while the stops are in the first
position, the threshing bars being
spaced apart forming openings therebetween for grain to pass through; and
moving the stops from the first position to the second position juxtaposed on
either side of the
frame while leaving the threshing bars non-destructively connected to the
frame via the engagement
assemblies, the stops interacting with the threshing bars on either side of
the frame alone restraining
independent non-destructive removal of the threshing bars from the frame via
the engagement assemblies.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of
assembling a concave
for an agricultural combine, comprising:
providing a frame, threshing bars each including an integrated separating
grate, and stops
movable between a first position spaced apart from the frame and a second
position juxtaposed on either
side of the first frame, the stops being in the first position;
non-destructively connecting each of the threshing bars to the frame via an
engagement assembly
thereby allowing independent non-destructive removal of the threshing bars
relative to one another from
the frame via the engagement assemblies while the stops are in the first
position, the threshing bars being
spaced apart forming openings therebetween for grain to pass through, and the
separating grate of each of
the threshing bars extending across an adjacent one of the openings for
separating grain from threshed
crop material; and
moving the stops from the first position to the second position juxtaposed on
either side of the
frame while leaving the threshing bars non-destructively connected to the
frame via the engagement
assemblies, the stops interacting with the threshing bars on either side of
the frame alone restraining
independent non-destructive removal of the threshing bars from the frame via
the engagement assemblies.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring to the drawings:
FIGS. 1-3 are perspective views of a concave section constructed and arranged
in accordance
with the principle of the invention, the concave section includes parallel
bars carried by an inner frame
connected to an outer frame;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3 shown as it would
appear open;
FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a transverse section view illustrating an engagement assembly
between a bar and a
curved member of the concave section of FIGS. 1-5;
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-01-28
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FIG. 7 is a view similar to that of FIG. 4 illustrating a bar removed from the
inner
frame of the concave section;
FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a section of the concave section of FIGS. 1-3
illustrating the outer frame capturing bars carried by the inner frame;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a concave section constructed and arranged in
accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention, the concave section
includes
parallel rows of bars carried by an inner frame connected to an outer frame;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 9 shown as it would
appear open with a pair of opposed bars removed from the inner frame of the
concave
section;
FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a section of the embodiment of FIG. 9
illustrating
the outer frame capturing rows of bars carried by the inner frame;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternate configuration of the embodiment
of
FIG. 10;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a concave section constructed and arranged in
accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention, the concave section
includes
parallel rows of bars carried by an inner frame connected to an outer frame,
the bars each
being formed with an integrated grate;
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 13 shown as it would
appear open;
FIG. 15 is a view similar to that of FIG. 14 illustrating a pair of opposed
bars
removed from the inner frame of the concave section;
FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view of a bar of the concave section depicted in
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FIGS. 13-15;
FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 16;
FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 16;
FIG. 19 is a section view taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 16;
FIG. 20 is a side elevation view of the inner frame and the bars installed on
the
inner frame;
FIG. 21 is an enlarged fragmented view of a segment of the inner frame of FIG.
20 showing the interaction between bars installed on the inner frame;
FIG. 22 is a top plan view of a section of the embodiment of FIG. 13
illustrating
the outer frame capturing rows of bars carried by the inner frame;
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an alternate configuration of the embodiment
of
FIG. 14;
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a bar formed with
an
integrated grate according to the principle of the invention;
FIG. 25 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 24;
FIG. 26 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 24, the opposite
side
elevation view being the same thereof;
FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a bar formed with
an
integrated grate according to the principle of the invention;
FIG. 28 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 27; and
FIG. 29 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 27, the opposite
side
elevation view being the same thereof.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A known agricultural combine includes a harvesting platform for harvesting a
crop and directing it to a feederhouse. The harvested crop is applied from the
feederhouse to a rotary crop processing unit that threshes and separates the
harvested
crop. The rotary crop processing unit includes a rotating threshing drum or
rotor radially
surrounded by a casing that together define an inlet section, a threshing
section, and a
separating section. The rotor is a hollow cylindrical drum having a numerous
crop
processing elements that engage the harvested crop and rotate it in the
casing. The
bottom of the casing has a concave under the threshing section and a
separating grate
under the separating section. Grain and chaff falling through the concave and
the
separating grate are directed to a cleaning system, which removes the chaff
and directs
the clean grain to a clean grain elevator that conveys the clean grain to a
grain or bulk
tank. The clean grain in the bulk tank is periodically unloaded into a grain
cart or truck
by an unloading auger, and the threshed and separated chaff is discharged from
the
combine through an outlet at the rear of the combine. The customary discharge
beater at
the rear of the combine propels the discharged chaff onto the field. The
operation of the
combine is controlled from an operator's cab.
The present invention is directed to the concave located under the threshing
section of the rotary processing unit. One concave section is used to form the
concave, or
a plurality of concave sections are used to form the concave. A concave
section 50
constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of the invention is
shown in
FIGS. 1-8. Concave section 50 incorporates numerous hardware fasteners in the
form of
conventional nut-and-bolt assemblies. Each nut-and-bolt assembly in concave
section 50
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includes the customary bolt and the customary corresponding nut. The bolt is
inserted
through corresponding openings in the pieces to be connected, the nut is
threaded onto
the threaded shank of the bolt, and the nut is tightened via rotation so as to
secure the
connected pieces between the head of the bolt and the nut threaded onto the
threaded
shank of the bolt. This operation is reversed to detach the connected pieces.
This is a
normal and customary nut-and-bolt fastening assembly. For clarity, different
reference
numerals are used to call out the various nut-and-bolt assemblies of concave
section 50.
Referencing FIGS. 1-8 in relevant part, concave section 50 includes frame 51,
frame 52, and threshing elements or bars 53. Bars 53 carried by frame 52
provide
aggressive threshing edges. Bars 53 are independently removably connected to
frame 52
so as to be selectively and independently attached to or otherwise installed
on frame 52 in
preparation for threshing and detached or otherwise released from frame 52 for
individual
bar 53 repair or replacement. Frames 51 and 52 cooperate to form a frame
assembly, and
are connected together for movement between a nested or closed position in
FIGS. 1-3 so
as to define the nested or closed position of the frame assembly and also
concave section
50, and an open position in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7 so as to define the open
position of the
frame assembly and also concave section 50. In the closed position as in FIGS.
1-3, there
is an interaction between frame 51 and bars 53 removably connected to frame
52, which
holds and locks or otherwise secures bars 53 in place to the frame assembly in
preparation for threshing. In the open position as in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7,
frames 51 and 52
are spread apart, such that bars 53 are free from the influence of frame 51 so
as to allow
bars 53 to be readily, independently, and selectively removed, detached, or
otherwise de-
united from frame 52, and readily, independently, and selectively attached,
installed, or
16
CA 02937624 2016-08-02
otherwise united to frame 52, such as for bar repair or bar replacement
purposes. Frame
51 is an outer frame, and frame 52 is an inner frame in that frame 52 is
positioned within
frame 51 in the nested or closed position of concave section 50. Frames 51 and
52, and
bars 53 are made of the customary steel as is normal in the art of concaves.
Referencing in relevant part FIGS. 1-5, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8, frame 51 includes
members 60 and 62. Members 60 and 62 are end members and are substantially
identical
and coextensive. Members 60 and 62 are thin and elongate and are axially
spaced from
one another and extend parallel to one another, and are curved to extend
circumferentially
about a portion of the rotor of the rotary processing unit. Given that members
60 and 62
are end members and are curved, they may be referred to as either curved
members, or
curved end members. Curved end member 60 has opposite ends 64 and 65, and
curved
end member 62 has opposite ends 66 and 67. Transverse support member 68
extends
between and is joined to ends 64 and 66 of curved members 60 and 62 via
welding, and
transverse support member 69 extends between and is joined to ends 65 and 67
of curved
end members 60 and 62 via welding. Transverse support members 68 and 69 are
relatively thin, elongate plates.
Frame 52 includes members 70, 72, 74, and 76. Members 70, 72, 74, and 76 are
substantially identical and coextensive. Members 70 and 72 are thin and
elongate and are
axially spaced from one another, and members 74 and 76 are thin and elongate
and are
axially juxtaposed relative to each other and axially spaced from members 70
and 72.
Members 70, 72, 74, and 76 extend parallel relative to each other, and
relative to
members 60 and 62. Members 70 and 72 are the outermost or end members of frame
52,
and members 74 and 76 are between members 70 and 72 and are the innermost or
17
CA 02937624 2016-08-02
intermediate members of frame 52. Members 74 and 76 are substantially
equidistant
between members 70 and 72, and extend parallel to one another. Member 74 is
axially
positioned alongside member 76 and is between member 76 and member 70. Member
76
is axially positioned alongside member 74 and is between member 74 and member
72.
Members 74 and 76 are releasably connected to each other with fasteners, here
in the
form of two nut-and-bolt assemblies 78, which are longitudinally spaced apart
between,
on the one hand, ends 84 and 86, and, on the other hand, ends 85 and 87. Less
or more
such assemblies 78 can be used. Members 70, 72, 74 and 76 are curved like that
of end
members 60 and 62 to similarly extend circumferentially about a portion of the
rotor of
the rotary processing unit. Members 60, 62, 70, 72, 74, and 76 have matching
curvatures.
Given that members 70 and 72 are end members and are curved, they may be
referred to
as either curved members, or curved end members. Given that members 74 and 76
are
intermediate members and are curved, they may be referred to as either curved
members,
or curved intermediate members. Curved end member 70 has opposed ends 80 and
81,
curved end member 72 has opposed ends 82 and 83, curved intermediate member 74
has
opposed ends 84 and 85, and curved intermediate member 76 has opposed ends 86
and
87.
Frames 51 and 52 are connected together so as to be movable between the nested
or closed position in FIGS. 1-3 in the assembly of concave section 50 in
preparation for
threshing in which frames 51 and 52 are axially aligned, and the open position
in FIGS.
4, 5, and 7 in which frames 51 and 52 are spread apart like co-acting jaws for
bar 53
maintenance and replacement purposes. Curved end member 70 is juxtaposed
along, and
is in direct contact against, the inner side of curved end member 60, and
curved end
18
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member 72 is juxtaposed along, and is in direct contact against, the inner
side of curved
end member 62. End 80 of curved end member 70 is connected to end 64 of curved
end
member 60, end 82 of curved end member 72 is connected to end 66 of curved end
member 72, and ends 84 and 86 of curved intermediate members 74 and 76 are
connected
to transverse support member 68 at an intermediate location between end 80 of
curved
end member 70 connected to end 64 of curved end member 60, and end 82 of
curved end
member 72 connected to end 66 of curved end member 62. The connections of ends
80,
82, 84, and 86 of frame 52 to frame 51 are pivotal connections, here via nut-
and-bolt
fasteners 90, that provide concurrent pivotal movement of members 70, 72, 74,
and 76
that make up frame 52 between a first position downwardly and away from frame
51 as
in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7 so as to define the open position of frame 52 and,
moreover, the open
position of the frame assembly and of concave section 50, and a second
position
upwardly toward frame 52 as in FIGS. 1-3 so as to define the nested or closed
position of
frame 52 and, moreover, the nested or closed position of the frame assembly
and of
concave section 50. Ends 64 and 80 are pivotally connected with one nut-and-
bolt
fastener 90, ends 82 and 66 are pivotally connected with one nut-and-bolt
fastener 90,
and ends 84 and 86 are pivotally connected to transverse support member 68
with one
nut-and-bolt fastener 90. As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, transverse support member
68 has an
intermediate lug 91 formed on its under or inner side. Lug 91 is equidistant
between ends
64 and 66 of curved end members 60 and 62. Lug 91 extends between ends 84 and
86 of
curved intermediate members 74 and 76, and one nut-and-bolt assembly 90
pivotally
connects lug 91 to ends 84 and 86 on either side of lug 91. Pivot pins or
other forms of
pivotal connections or fasteners can be used to pivotally connect ends 80, 82,
83, and 84
19
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of frame 52 to described connecting points of frame 51 without departing from
the
invention.
And so ends 80, 82, 84, and 86 of frame 52 are mounted to frame 51 for pivotal
movement, here via nut-and-bolt fasteners 90, for movement between the first
or open
position of frame 52 extending downwardly and away from frame 51 as in FIGS.
4, 5,
and 7 so as to define the open position of the frame assembly and of concave
section 50,
and the second or nested or closed position of frame 52 upwardly toward and
within
frame 51 as in FIGS. 1-3 so as to define the nested or closed position of the
frame
assembly and of concave section 50. In the nested or closed position with
reference in
relevant part to FIGS. 1-3 and 8, frame 52 is within frame 51, curved end
member 70
extends parallel to and is axially juxtaposed along and is in direct contact
with the inner
side of curved end member 60 that in turn extends parallel to and is axially
juxtaposed
along the outer side of curved end member 60, curved end member 72 extends
parallel to
and is axially juxtaposed along and is in direct contact with the inner side
of curved end
member 62 that in turn extends parallel to and is axially juxtaposed along the
outer side
of curved end member 62, and parallel and axially juxtaposed curved
intermediate
members 74 and 76 extend parallel relative to curved end members 60, 62, 70
and 72 and
are equidistant between and are axially spaced from curved end members 70 and
72
extending parallel along the inner sides of the respective curved end members
60 and 62.
Curved end member 70 extends concurrently along the length of curved end
member 60
of frame 51 from end 80 connected to end 64, to end 81 at end 65 at the inner
side of
transverse support member 69. Curved end member 72 extends concurrently along
the
length of curved end member 62 of frame 51 from end 82 connected to end 66, to
end 83
CA 02937624 2016-08-02
at end 67 at the inner side of transverse support member 69. Curved
intermediate
members 74 and 76 extend concurrently along the length of frame 51 from ends
84 and
86 connected to transverse support member 68 to ends 85 and 87 at the inner
side of
transverse support member 69.
Fasteners are used to removably connect frame 52 to frame 51 in the second or
closed position of frame 52 defining the nested or closed position of frames
51 and 52 so
as to secure concave section 50 in the nested or closed position in
preparation for
threshing. Specifically, end members 60 and 70 are releasably connected to
each other
with longitudinally spaced fasteners, here in the form of three nut-and-bolt
assemblies 92
and less or more of such assemblies 92 can be used, and end members 62 and 72
are
releasably connected to each other with longitudinally spaced fasteners, here
in the form
of three nut-and-bolt assemblies 94 and lest or more of such assemblies 84 can
be used.
As seen in FIGS. 4 and 7, transverse support member 69 has an intermediate lug
96
formed on its inner side equidistant between ends 64 and 66 of curved end
members 60
and 62. In the second position of frame 52 defining the nested or closed
position of
frames 51 and 52, lug 91 is applied between ends 85 and 87 of curved
intermediate
members 74 and 76 as shown in FIG. 3, and one fastener, here in the form of
one nut-
and-bolt assembly 98, releasably connects lug 96 to ends 85 and 87 on either
side of lug
96, and this further secures concave section 50 in its nested or closed
position.
In FIGS. 1-5, 7, and 8, frame 52 carries bars 53. Bars 53 are identical and
are
spaced from one another and are parallel relative to each other and extend
axially
between curved end members 70 and 72, and across curved intermediate members
74 and
76, forming openings 110 therebetween for grain to pass through, as shown in
FIGS. 1-4.
21
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Referencing the bar 53 in FIG. 7 shown removed from frame 52 of concave
section 50,
each bar 53 is elongate and longitudinally straight and integrally formed via
machining or
molding and has opposed ends 112 and 113, an upper aggressive threshing edge
115 that
extends between ends 112 and 113 and a lower end 116 that extends between ends
112
and 113. Bars 53 are each independently removably connected to frame 52 via an
engagement assembly. Each engagement assembly for removably connecting each of
the
bars 53 to frame 52 includes elements thereof carried by each of the bars 53
and
complemental elements thereof carried by frame 52, specifically members 70,
72, 74, and
76. The element and the complemental element of each engagement assembly are a
tongue 117 and a slot 105, respectively. Tongue 117, which is exemplary of a
male
engagement element, and slot 105, which is exemplary of a female engagement
element,
have conforming or complementing shapes that allow them to interlock. Although
the
element of each engagement assembly is tongue 117 and the complemental element
of
each engagement assembly is slot 105, this arrangement can be reversed.
Referencing FIGS. 1-5 and 7 in relevant part, members 70, 72, 74, and 76 have
top edges 70A, 72A that lie along a common curved surface to extend
circumferentially
about a portion of the rotor of a rotary processing unit. Members 70, 72, 74,
and 76 each
have slots 105. Slots 105 are identical and are identically longitudinally
spaced along the
lengths of the respective members 70, 72, 74, and 76. Slots 105 are formed in
top edges
70A, 72A, 74A, and 76A of the respective members 70, 72, 74, and 76. FIG. 6
shows
one such slot 105 in top edge 70A of member 70. Slots 105 in top edge 70A of
member
70 are axially aligned or otherwise correspond with the slots 105 in top edges
72A, 74A,
and 76A of the other members 72, 74, and 76. The slots 105 of each set of
axially
22
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aligned slots 105 of members 70, 72, 74, and 76 form the complemental elements
of an
engagement assembly that relate to the elements of the engagement assembly of
each
corresponding bar 53.
Each bar 53 has three axially spaced tongues 117 formed in lower end 116,
including end tongue 117A near end 112, end tongue 117B near end 113, and
intermediate tongue 117C equidistant between end tongues 117A and 117B. The
tongues
117A, 117B, and 117C of each bar 53 form the elements of the engagement
assembly
that relate to the complemental elements of the engagement assembly defined by
the slots
105 of each set of axially aligned slots 105 of members 70, 72, 74, and 76.
Tongues
117A, 117B, and 117C of each bar 53 are seated in a set of axially aligned
slots 105 of
the corresponding members 70, 72, 74, and 76. Tongues 117A are seated in slots
105 of
curved end member 70, tongues 117B are seated in corresponding slots 105 of
curved
end member 72, and tongues 117C are seated the corresponding slots 105 of
curved
intermediate members 74 and 76. In this embodiment, slots 105 and tongues
117A,
117B, and 117C of the engagement assemblies have corresponding T-shapes, which
secure bars 52 prevent axial rotation of the bars 53 relative to frame 52,
permit movement
of bars 53 along only one axis, which is the longitudinal axis of each bar 53,
and restrict
movement of each bar 53 in any other axis or direction, including
axes/directions that are
transverse or perpendicular relative to the curvature of frame 52. FIG. 6
shows one
tongue 117A of one bar 53 seated in one slot 105 in top edge 70A of member 70.
The bars 53, including at their opposite ends 112 and 113, are not affixed so
as to
be immovable using any suitable technique, such as by welding, to members 70,
72, 74,
after uniting the elements and the complemental elements of each engagement
assembly
23
CA 02937624 2016-08-02
removably connecting each bar 53 to frame 52. Because of this, bars 53 are
left
removably connected to frame 52 simply by seating/inserting the tongues 117 of
each bar
into a corresponding set of axially aligned slots 105 in members 70, 72, 74,
and 76, and
readily removed from frame 52 by releasing the tongues 117 of each bar 53 from
the
corresponding set of axially aligned slots 105 in members 70, 72, 74, and 76.
Installation of each bar 53 is carried out simply by axially aligning its
tongues 117
with a preselected set of axially aligned slots of members 70, 72, 74, and 76,
and then
moving the bar 53 axially along its longitudinal axis so as to concurrently
slide tongue
117A into the preselected slot 105 of member 70, tongue 117B into the
corresponding
slot 105 of member 72, and tongue 117C concurrently into the corresponding
slots 105 of
members 74 and 75. The removal of each bar 53 is done simply by reversing this
operation. This way, the bars 53 may be readily attached or united to frame 52
and
detached or de-united from frame 52 as desired, such as for repair or
replacement in the
case of bar 53 wear or damage. And when bars 53 are so removably connected to
frame
52, the tongues 117 of the bars 53 are seated in the shape-conforming slots
105 formed in
members 70, 72, 74, and 76 at their respective top edges 70A, 72A, 74A, and
76A, and
the threshing edges 115 extend above top edges 70A, 72A, 74A and 76A of the
respective members 70, 72, 74, and 76 of frame 52 so as to be located for
threshing a
harvested crop. FIG. 6 not only shows one tongue 117A of one bar 53 seated in
one slot
105 in top edge 70A of member 70, but also shows one threshing edge 115
extending
above top edge 70A.
As described above, the bars 53 are not affixed to frame 52 using any suitable
technique, such as by welding, to members 70, 72, 74, and 76 so as to be
permanently
24
CA 02937624 2016-08-02
connected to frame 52, such that the only way to remove them would be to
destroy such a
permanent connection. The described engagement assembly between each bar 53
and
frame 52 is a non-destructive, removable and impermanent connection, which
means that
the connection between the various tongues and slots does not require the
destruction of
the engagement assembly, such as by cutting, in order to remove the various
bars 53 from
frame 52.
To removably install bars 53 on frame 52 in an example, frame 52 is located in
the open position as in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7, and each bar 53 is removably
connected to
frame 52 by axially aligning its tongues 117 with a preselected set of axially
aligned slots
105 of members 70, 72, 74, and 76, and then simply moving the bar 53 axially
along its
longitudinal axis so as to concurrently slide tongue 117A into the preselected
slot 105 of
member 70, tongue 117B into the corresponding slot 105 of member 72, and
tongue
117C into the corresponding slots 105 of members 74 and 75. In FIG. 7 one bar
53 is
shown positioned upright from lower end 116 to upper threshing edge 115 with
its
tongues axially aligned with a set of axially aligned slots 105 in preparation
for
installation on frame 52, which is carried out simply by moving bar 53 axially
along its
longitudinal axis in the direction of arrowed line A, whereby tongue 117B is
passed
sequentially through a slot 105 of member 70 and then through axially aligned
slots 105
of members 74 and 76 to its final resting place in axially aligned slot 105 of
member 72.
As the bar 53 is so moved in the direction of arrowed line A, tongue 117C
follows tongue
117B and passes first through slot 105 of member 70 to its final resting place
in axially
aligned slots 105 of members 74 and 76, and tongue 117A follows tongue 117C to
its
final resting place in the slot 105 of member 70. The removal of such bar 53
from frame
CA 02937624 2016-08-02
52 is done by reversing this operation simply by moving such bar axially along
its
longitudinal axis in the direction of arrowed B opposite to that of the
direction of arrowed
line A. The remaining bars 53 in FIG. 7 are installed in the same way and are
shown so
installed on frame 52, whereby each installed bar 53 extends axially from end
112 of bar
53 at member 70 and across members 74 and 76 to end 113 of bar 53 at member
72,
which is also illustrated in FIG. 8. With further reference to FIG. 8, end 112
of each
installed bar 53 is substantially flush with respect to the outer side of
member 70, the
opposed end 113 of each installed bar 53 is identically substantially flush
with respect to
the outer side of member 72, and the threshing edge 115 of each installed bar
53 extends
above top edges 70A, 72A, 74A and 76A of the respective members 70, 72, 74,
and 76 of
frame 52 so as to be located for threshing a harvested crop. Openings 110 are
formed
between the installed bars 53 for grain to pass through. To removably install
a bar 53 on
frame 52 in another embodiment, the bar 53 can be simply positioned over frame
52 so as
to axially align tongue 117A on one side of one slot 105 in member 70, axially
align
tongue 117B on one side of a corresponding slot 105 in member 72, and axially
align
tongue 117C on one side of corresponding slots 105 in members 74 and 76, and
then the
bar 53 can be moved in one direction along its longitudinal axis toward the
respective
slots 105 to concurrently insert the tongues 117 into the corresponding slots
105 to install
the bar 53 on frame 52, and in the opposite direction to remove tongues 117
from the
respective slots 105 to detach the bar 53 from frame 52.
In the open position of concave section 50 shown in FIGS. 4 5 and 7, frame 52
is
pivoted away from frame 51 so as to extend downwardly and away from frame 52
from
ends 80, 82, 84 and 86 connected to frame 52 to ends 81, 83, 85, and 87, which
allows
26
CA 02937624 2016-08-02
the selective installation and removal of bars 53 with respect to frame 52
without
interference from frame 51. In other words, in the open position of concave
section 50,
frame 51 is pivoted away from bars 53 on frame 52 to allow movement of bars 53
between their installed and released positions relative to frame 52. Once all
of the bars
53 are installed on frame 52 as in FIGS. 4 and 5, completion of the assembly
of concave
section 50 in preparation for threshing is done by securing concave section 50
into its
nested or closed position by pivoting frame 52 upwardly in the direction of
arrowed line
C from its open position in FIGS. 4 and 5 to its nested or closed position in
FIGS. 1-3
nested in frame 51, and then securing members 60 and 70 with nut-and-bolt
assemblies
92, securing members 62 and 72 with nut-and-bolt assemblies 94, and securing
members
74 and 76 to lug 91 with nut-and-bolt assembly 98.
In the nested or closed position of frame 52 defining the closed position of
concave section 50 shown in relevant part in FIGS. 1-3 and 8, frame 51
interacts with
bars 53 to restrict or otherwise restrain each of the bars 53 from moving
between installed
and released positions so as to secure and hold/lock bars 53 in place to frame
52 and,
thus, to the frame assembly. Specifically, in the nested or closed positions
of frame 51,
curved end member 60 of frame 51 that extends parallel to and is axially
juxtaposed
along the outer side of curved end member 70 of frame 52 closely confronts and
makes
direct contact against ends 112 of bars 53 on one side of concave section 50,
and curved
end member 62 of frame 51 that extends parallel to and is axially juxtaposed
along the
outer side of curved end member 72 of frame 52 closely confronts and makes
direct
contact against the opposed ends 113 of bars 53 on the opposed side of concave
assembly
50, whereby curved end members 60 and 62 thusly act as curved stops axially
spaced
27
CA 02937624 2016-08-02
from one another and juxtaposed on either side of the respective curved end
members 70
and 72 of frame 52 and the respective ends 112 and 113 of the respective bars
53
functioning to capture bars 53 therebetween to restrict movement of bars 53
between
their installed and released positions, and which also prevents the ability to
install a bar
53 on frame 53 should one be inadvertently missing.
With concave section 50 so assembled, concave section 50 is ready for
threshing
in the customary manner in a rotary processing unit. In the rotary processing
unit, bars
53 extend parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating threshing drum, and
upper
threshing edges 115 extend upward from top edges 70A, 70B, 70C, and 70D of
members
70, 72, 74, and 76 of frame 52 to provide aggressive threshing of the
harvested crop and
openings 110 between bars 53 are for grain to pass through. In a rotary
combine, a single
long concave section 50 can be utilized as the concave or multiple shorter
concave
sections 50 can be arranged end-to-end to form the concave. Should bars 53
become
worn or damaged so as to require replacement or repair, nut-and-bolt fasteners
92, 94,
and 98 are simply removed to release frame 52 from frame 51, and frame 52 is
pivotally
moved downwardly in the direction of arrowed line D in FIGS. 1-3 from the
nested or
closed position of frame 52 defining the closed position of the frame assembly
and of
concave section 50 to the open position of frame 52 in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7
defining the
open position of the frame assembly and of concave section 50 to allow any of
the bars
needing replacement or repair to be easily removed, repaired or replaced, and
reinstalled,
in accordance with the principle of the invention. FIGS. 4 and 5 show frames
51 and 52
in the open position with the nut-and-bolt assemblies 92, 94, and 98, shown in
FIG. 2,
removed. After selected bars 53 are quickly repaired or replaced and installed
on frame
28
CA 02937624 2016-08-02
52, frame 52 may then be moved upwardly in the direction of arrowed line C in
FIGS. 4
and 5 from its open position in FIGS. 4 and 5 to its closed position in FIGS.
1-3, and then
secured in place with nut-and-bolt assemblies 92, 94, and 98 so as to secure
concave
section 50 in the nested or closed position in preparation for the resumption
of threshing
in the normal manner.
In the embodiment denoted at 50, bars 53 extending between curved end members
70 and 72 and across curved intermediate members are single bars 53. As such,
in
concave section 50 frame 52 has parallel single bars 53. In an alternate
embodiment of a
concave section constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of
the
invention, frame 52 can be formed with parallel rows of split bars. Such a
concave
section 130 is discussed in conjunction with FIGS. 9-12.
Concave section 130 is identical in every respect to concave section 50 in
that it
shares frame 51 and frame 52 and all associated nut-and-bolt assemblies. In
this
example, the bars, which are identical and are each denoted at 131, are each
identical to
bars 53 in that they share ends 112 and 113, upper threshing edge 115, lower
end 116,
and tongues 117. Bars 131 are each independently removably connected to frame
52 via
the engagement assembly. Each engagement assembly for removably connecting
each of
the bars 53 to frame 52 includes elements thereof carried by each of the bars
53, namely,
tongues 117, and complemental elements thereof carried by frame 52, namely,
slots 105
in members 70, 72, 74, and 76. Again, the positioning of tongues 117 and slots
105 can
be reversed.
In concave section 130 bars 131 are half the length of bars 53 and include
just two
tongues 117, namely, tongue 117A near end 112 and tongue 117B near end 113. In
this
29
CA 02937624 2016-08-02
example, there are two axially aligned bars 131 for each row of bars 131, and
rows of
bars 131, of course, form openings 110 therebetween for grain to pass through
as in
concave section 50. Two bars 131 are axially aligned for each row. One bar
131A
extends axially from member 70 to member 74, and the other bar 131B extends
axially
from member 76 to member 72. Specifically, one bar 131A extends axially from
end 112
thereof at member 70 to end 113 thereof at member 74, and the corresponding
tongues
117A and 117B are applied to axially aligned slots 105 in members 70 and 74
respectively. The other bar 131B extends axially from end 113 thereof at
member 72 to
end 112 thereof at member 76, and the corresponding tongues 117B and 117A are
applied to axially aligned slots 105 in members 72 and 76 respectively. Each
pair of bars
131A and 131B are axially aligned, and the end 113 of bar 131A extending
between
members 70 and 74 confronts and diametrically opposes the end 112 of bar 131B
extending between members 72 and 76. FIG. 9 shows concave section 130 as it
would
appear closed with parallel rows of two bars 131A and 131B each. FIG. 10 shows
concave section 130 as it would appear open to allow independent installation
and
removal of the various bars 131, and two corresponding bars 131A and 131B to
make a
row of two bars are shown detached from frame 52 in preparation for
installation into the
corresponding available set of axially aligned slots 105. To install these
detached bars
131 into the axially aligned set of slots 105 in members 70, 72, 74, and 76,
one bar 131A
is positioned to axially align tongues 117A and 117B with axially aligned
slots 105 in
members 70 and 74, and bar 131A is then moved axially along its longitudinal
axis in the
direction of arrowed line E to set tongues 117A and 117B into slots 105 of the
respective
members 70 and 74. To detach bar 131A from frame 52, this operation need only
be
CA 02937624 2016-08-02
reversed. The other bar 131B is, in turn, positioned to axially align tongues
117A and
117B with axially aligned slots 105 in members 72 and 76, and bar 131B is then
moved
axially along its longitudinal axis in the direction of arrowed line F to set
tongues 117A
and 117B into slots 105 of the respective members 76 and 72. To detach bar
131B from
frame 52, this operation need only be reversed. After bars 131A and 131B of
each
parallel row of bars 131A and 131B are so removably installed on frame 52,
frames 51
and 52 may be adjusted via pivoting from the open position in FIG. 10 to the
closed
position in FIG. 9, and then secured with the corresponding nut-and-bolt
fasteners in the
closed position so as to ready concave section 130 for threshing.
In the nested or closed position of frame 52 defining the closed position of
concave section 130 in FIGS. 9 and 11, frame 51 restricts or otherwise
restrains the rows
of bars 131 from moving between installed and released positions.
Specifically, in the
nested or closed positions of frame 51, curved end member 60 of frame 51 that
extends
parallel to and is axially juxtaposed along the outer side of curved end
member 70 of
frame 52 closely confronts and makes direct contact against ends 112 of bars
131A
extending between member 70 and member 74, and curved end member 62 of frame
51
that extends parallel to and is axially juxtaposed along the outer side of
curved end
member 72 of frame 52 closely confronts and makes direct contact against ends
113 of
bars 131B extending between members 72 and 76, whereby curved end members 60
and
62 act as curved stops axially spaced from one another and juxtaposed on
either side of
the respective curved end members 70 and 72 of frame 52 and the respective
ends 112
and 113 of the respective bars 131A and 131B capturing each row of bars 131A
and
131B therebetween to restrict movement of bars 131 between their installed and
released
31
CA 02937624 2016-08-02
positions, and which also prevents the ability to install one or more bars 131
on frame 53
should one or more be inadvertently missing.
In concave section 130, members 70 and 72 are considered one frame or
otherwise a sub-frame 52' of frame 52, and members 72 and 76 are considered
another
frame or sub-frame 52" of frame 52. Frames 52' and 52" cooperate to form frame
52
and are, of course, connected together for movement of frame 52 between the
closed
position of the open and closed positions as herein specifically described.
Again, as
discussed in conjunction with concave section 50, should bars 131 become worn
or
damaged so as to require replacement or repair, nut-and-bolt fasteners 92, 94,
and 98,
illustrated in FIG. 8, are simply removed to release frame 52 from frame 51,
and frame
52 is pivotally moved downwardly to the open position as in FIG. 10. If
desired, nut-
and-bolt assemblies 78 in FIG. 2 connecting members 74 and 76 may be removed
along
with nut-and-bolt assembly 98 connecting ends 85 and 87 of members 74 and 76
to frame
51 to release frame 52' from frame 52" as in FIG. 12 to allow independent
pivotal
movement of frames 52' and 52" from open positions as in FIG. 12 to the closed
positions as in FIG. 9, at which point the various nut-and-bolt assemblies 92,
94, 78, and
98, depicted in FIG. 2, may be re-installed to secure concave section 130 in
the closed
position in FIG. 9 in preparation for threshing. With this arrangement, nut-
and-bolt
assemblies 78, 92, and 98 may be removed to release frame 52' from frames 51
and 52"
to allow independent pivotal movement of frame 52' from its closed position to
its open
position independently of frame 52" to allow a user to service bars 131 of
frame 52',
after which frame 52' may be pivoted back to its closed position and secured
via nut-and-
bolt assemblies 78, 92, and 98 to frames 52" and 51. Moreover, nut-and-bolt
assemblies
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78, 94, and 98 may be removed to release frame 52" from frames 51 and 52' to
allow
pivotal movement of frame 52" from its closed position to its open position
independently of frame 52' to allow a user to service bars 131 of frame 52",
after which
frame 52" may be pivoted back to its closed position and secured via nut-and-
bolt
assemblies 78, 94, and 98 to frames 52' and 51.
Concave section 130 is exemplary of a "split-bar" construction. Another "split-
bar" concave section 150 is shown in FIGS. 13-15.
Concave section 150 is identical in every respect to concave sections 50 and
130
in that it shares frame 51 and frame 52 and all associated nut-and-bolt
assemblies. In this
example, the bars, which are identical and are each denoted at 160, are half
the length of
bars 53 of concave section 50 like that of bars 131 of concave section 130.
Referencing
FIGS. 16-19, each bar 160 has a threshing component and a separating
component. Each
bar 160 is elongate and longitudinally straight and integrally formed via
machining or
molding and has opposed ends 162 and 163, an aggressive upper threshing edge
165 that
extends between ends 162 and 163, a lower end 166 that extends between ends
162 and
163, a back 167 and an opposed front 168 that each extend between ends 162 and
163, a
grate denoted generally at 170 formed in front 168, and a shoulder 180 formed
in back
167. Upper threshing edge 165 is the threshing component of bar 160, and grate
170 is
the separating component of bar 160. Grate 170 is formed in front 168 of bar
160
between upper threshing edge 165 and lower end 166, and extends along the
length of bar
160 from end 162 to end 163. In this embodiment, grate 170 consists of
identical and
coextensive axially-aligned parallel fingers 171 that extend outwardly from
front 168 to
free ends 172. Fingers 171 are axially spaced forming openings 175
therebetween for
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CA 02937624 2016-08-02
grain to pass through. Fingers 171 are equally spaced apart and openings 175
are
identically sized. Shoulder 180 is formed in back 167 of bar 160 between upper
threshing edge 165 and lower end 166, and extends along the length of bar 160
from end
162 to end 163.
Just like bars 131 of concave section 130, bars 160 are each independently
removably connected to frame 52 via the tongues 117 and slots 105 engagement
assembly. The combination of bars 160 carried by, or otherwise connected to,
frame 52
forms a concave. Each engagement assembly for removably connecting each of the
bars
160 to frame 52 includes the elements thereof in the form of tongues 117
carried by each
of the bars 160 and the complemental elements thereof in the form of slots 105
carried by
frame 52, specifically members 70, 72, 74, and 76. Like bars 131 of concave
section 130,
bars 160 each have two tongues 117, namely, tongue 117A near end 162 and
tongue
117B near end 163.
In this example with reference to FIGS. 13-15, there are two axially aligned
bars
160 for each row of bars 160, and rows of bars 160, of course, form openings
110
therebetween for grain to pass through as in concave sections 50 and 130. Two
bars 160
are axially aligned for each row. One bar 160A extends axially from member 70
to
member 74, and the other bar 160B extends axially from member 76 to member 72.
Specifically, one bar 160A extends axially from end 162 thereof at member 70
to end 163
thereof at member 74, and the corresponding tongues 117A and 117B are applied
to
axially aligned slots 105 in members 70 and 74 respectively. The other bar
160B extends
axially from end 162 thereof at member 72 to end 163 thereof at member 76, and
the
corresponding tongues 117B and 117A are applied to axially aligned slots 105
in
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CA 02937624 2016-08-02
members 72 and 76 respectively. Each pair of bars 160A and 160B are axially
aligned,
and the end 163 of bar 160A extending between members 70 and 74 confronts and
diametrically opposes the end 162 of bar 160B extending between members 72 and
76.
FIG. 13 shows concave section 130 as it would appear closed with parallel rows
of two
bars 160A and 160B each. FIG. 14 shows concave section 130 as it would appear
open
to allow independent installation and removal of the various bars 160. FIG. 15
is a view
similar to that of FIG. 14 illustrating two corresponding bars 160A and 160B
to make a
row of two bars detached from frame 52 in preparation for installation. To
install these
detached bars 160 into the axially aligned set of slots 105 in members 70, 72,
74, and 76,
one bar 160A is positioned to axially align tongues 117A and 117B with axially
aligned
slots 105 in members 70 and 74, and bar 160A is then moved axially along its
longitudinal axis in the direction of arrowed line G to set tongues 117A and
117B into
slots 105 of the respective members 70 and 74. To detach bar 160A from frame
52, this
operation need only be reversed. The other bar 160B is, in turn, positioned to
axially
align tongues 117A and 117B with axially aligned slots 105 in members 76 and
72, and
bar 160B is then moved axially along its longitudinal axis in the direction of
arrowed line
H to set tongues 117A and 117B into slots 105 of the respective members 76 and
72. To
detach bar 160B from frame 52, this operation need only be reversed. After
bars 160A
and 160B of each parallel row of bars 160A and 160B are so removably installed
on
frame 52, frames 51 and 52 may be adjusted via pivoting from the open position
in FIG.
14 to the closed position in FIG. 13, and then secured with the corresponding
nut-and-
bolt fasteners in the closed position so as to ready concave section 130 for
threshing.
CA 02937624 2016-08-02
In the nested or closed position of frame 52 defining the closed position of
concave section 150 in FIGS. 13 and 22, frame 51 restricts or otherwise
restrains the
rows of bars 160 from moving between installed and released positions.
Specifically, in
the nested or closed positions of frame 51, curved end member 60 of frame 51
that
extends parallel to and is axially juxtaposed along the outer side of curved
end member
70 of frame 52 closely confronts and makes direct contact against ends 162 of
bars 160A
extending between member 70 and member 74, and curved end member 62 of frame
51
that extends parallel to and is axially juxtaposed along the outer side of
curved end
member 72 of frame 52 closely confronts and makes direct contact against ends
163 of
bars 160B extending between members 72 and 76, whereby curved end members 60
and
62 act as curved stops axially spaced from one another and juxtaposed on
either side of
the respective curved end members 70 and 72 of frame 52 and the respective
ends 162
and 163 of the respective bars 160A and 160B capturing each row of bars 160A
and
160B therebetween to restrict movement of bars 160 between their installed and
released
positions, and which also prevents the ability to install one or more bars 160
on frame 53
should one or more be inadvertently missing.
In the installed position of the various bars 160 on frame 52 of concave
assembly
150 in reference to FIGS. 20-22, the grate 170 of each bar 160 extends from
front 168
across an adjacent opening 110 to back 167 of an adjacent bar 160 for
separating grain at
the corresponding opening 110 from threshed crop material. Specifically, the
grate 170
of each bar 160 extends from front 168 thereof across an adjacent opening 110
to back
167 of an adjacent bar 160 and is in direct contact against the shoulder 180
of the
adjacent bar 160. And so each grate 170 of one bar 160 extends across an
adjacent
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CA 02937624 2016-08-02
opening 110 to the adjacent bar 160 where it rests against the shoulder 180 of
the
adjacent bar 160. More specifically, fingers 171 of each bar 160 are parallel
relative to
members 60, 62, 70, 72, 74, and 76 and extend across the adjacent opening 110
to free
ends 172 at the adjacent bar 160, which are in direct contact so as to rest
against the
shoulder 180 of the adjacent bar 160. Grates 170 thus form a continuity at
openings 110
between the bars 160 of adjacent rows of bars 160. Grain falls concurrently
through
openings 175 between fingers 171 and each corresponding opening 110 between
adjacent
rows of bars 160 for separating grain from threshed crop material. Openings
175 of each
grate 170 reduce the corresponding opening 110 size for smaller grains. In the
rotary
processing unit, bars 160 extend parallel to the axis of rotation of the
rotating threshing
drum, and fingers 171 of the grate 170 of each bar 160 extend transverse to
the axis of
rotation of the rotating threshing drum, upper threshing edges 165 extend
upward from
top edges 70A, 70B, 70C, and 70D of members 70, 72, 74, and 76 of frame 52 to
provide
aggressive threshing of the harvested crop and grate openings 175 and openings
110
between bars 160 are for grain to pass through and for separating grain from
threshed
crop material. Should any bars 160 become worn or damaged so as to require
replacement or repair, or should the fingers 171 of the separating grate 170
of any bars
become worn or damaged so as to require replacement or repair, frame 52 may be
adjusted from its closed position in FIG. 13 to its open position in FIGS. 14
and 15 to
allow any of the bars 160 needing replacement or repair to be easily removed,
repaired or
replaced, and reinstalled, in accordance with the principle of the invention.
In concave section 150 as in concave section 130, members 70 and 72 are
considered one frame or otherwise a sub-frame 52' of frame 52, and members 72
and 76
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CA 02937624 2016-08-02
are considered another frame or sub-frame 52" of frame 52. Frames 52' and 52"
are, of
course, connected together for movement of frame 52 between the closed
position of the
frame assembly the open position of the frame assembly as herein specifically
described.
Again, as discussed in conjunction with concave section 130, should bars 160
become
worn or damaged so as to require replacement or repair, nut-and-bolt fasteners
92, 94,
and 98, as illustrated in FIG. 8, are simply removed, and frame 52 is
pivotally moved
downwardly to the open position as in FIGS. 14 and 15. If desired, nut-and-
bolt
assemblies 78 in FIG. 2 connecting members 74 and 76 may be removed along with
nut-
and-bolt assembly 98 connecting ends 85 and 87 of members 74 and 76 to frame
51 to
release frame 52' from frame 52" as in FIG. 12 to allow independent pivotal
movement
of frames 52' and 52" from open positions as in FIG. 22 to the closed
positions as in
FIG. 13, at which point the various nut-and-bolt assemblies 92, 94, 78, and
98, depicted
in FIG. 2, may be re-installed to secure concave section 150 in the closed
position in FIG.
13 in preparation for threshing. With this arrangement, nut-and-bolt
assemblies 78, 92,
and 98 may be removed to release frame 52' from frames 51 and 52" to allow
pivotal
movement of frame 52' from its closed position to its open position
independently of
frame 52" to allow a user to service bars 160 of frame 52', after which frame
52' may be
pivoted back to its closed position and secured via nut-and-bolt assemblies
78, 92, and 98
to frames 52" and 51. Moreover, nut-and-bolt assemblies 78, 94, and 98 may be
removed to release frame 52" from frames 51 and 52' to allow independent
pivotal
movement of frame 52" from its closed position to its open position
independently of
frame 52' to allow a user to service bars 160 of frame 52", after which frame
52" may
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CA 02937624 2016-08-02
be pivoted back to its closed position and secured via nut-and-bolt assemblies
78, 94, and
98 to frames 52' and 51.
The grate 170 of each bar 160 of concave section 150 includes eighteen axially
spaced parallel fingers. Bars
having similar constructions with different grate
configurations can be used without departing from the invention. As matter of
example,
FIG. 24 is a perspective view a bar 190 formed with a grate constructed and
arranged in
accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention, FIG. 25 is a top
plan view of
the embodiment of FIG. 24, and FIG. 26 is a side elevation view of the
embodiment of
FIG. 24, the opposite side elevation view being the same thereof. Like bars
160, bar 190
shares ends 162 and 163, upper threshing edge 165, lower end 166, back 167,
front 168,
grate 170 formed of axially aligned parallel fingers 171, tongues 117A and
117B, and
shoulder 180. In bar 190, grate 170 includes nine axially spaced parallel
fingers 171,
which are different in cross-section, which are somewhat larger than fingers
171 of bars
160, and which are spaced further apart such that openings 175 of bar 190 are
larger than
openings 175 of bars 160 for relating to larger grains.
In another example, FIG. 27 is a perspective view a bar 200 formed with a
grate
constructed and arranged in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the
invention,
FIG. 28 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 27, and FIG. 29 is a side
elevation
view of the embodiment of FIG. 27, the opposite side elevation view being the
same
thereof. Like bars 160 and 190, bar 200 shares ends 162 and 163, upper
threshing edge
165, lower end 166, back 167, front 168, grate 170 formed of axially aligned
parallel
fingers 171, tongues 117A and 117B, and shoulder 180. In bar 200, grate 170
includes
six axially spaced parallel fingers 171, which are generally the same in cross
section as in
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CA 02937624 2016-08-02
bar 190, which are somewhat larger than fingers 171 of bars 160 and 190, and
which are
spaced further apart such that openings 175 of bar 200 are larger than
openings 175 of
bars 160 and 190 for relating to even larger grains. ;
The invention has been described above with reference to preferred
embodiments.
However, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes and
modifications may be
made to the embodiments without departing from the nature and scope of the
invention.
Various changes and modifications to the embodiments herein chosen for
purposes of
illustration will readily occur to those skilled in the art. To the extent
that such
modifications and variations do not depart from the spirit of the invention,
they are
intended to be included within the scope thereof.
Flaying fully described the invention in such clear and concise terms as to
enable
those skilled in the art to understand and practice the same, the invention
claimed is:
