Concave for rotary combine with adjustable openings

Abstract

A concave section for a harvester includes a concave mounting frame configured for installation in the harvester. The concave mounting frame defines at least one module-receiving region. The concave section includes a plurality of concave modules mounted within the concave mounting frame. The concave section includes a concave body defining a plurality of crop passage openings. The concave section includes a cover carried by the concave body and movable thereon between at least two different positions to adjust a degree of openness of at least some of the crop passage openings.

Description

CONCAVE FOR ROTARY COMBINE WITH ADJUSTABLE OPENINGSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 775,738, filed March 21, 2025, the entire teachings and disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention generally relates to a concave region of a rotary’ combine harvester and more specifically to concave sections thereof.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A rotary’ combine harvester, that may be referred to as a harvester is utilized to harvest crop from a field, separate the grain from the material other than grain (MOG) and to dispense these materials from the machine appropriately. These harvester tasks are complicated and difficult to accomplish. Indeed, not only do they need to be adapted to separate many different types of grains from MOG, but they must also account for different crop conditions and yveather conditions in which the harvesters must operate in.

[0004] A rotary' combine harvester’s main threshing and separating system consists of a large cylindrical rotor driven by the machine’s main engine. There are threshing elements attached to the rotor that cooperate with stationary elements. The stationary’ elements are referred to as concaves. The concaves surround the rotor in a rotor cage. Threshing and separating is accomplished by a combination of impact and rubbing action. As the rotor rotates, the grain crop is forced through a gap between the rotor and the concaves and begins a spiral path through the front (threshing) section and then through the rear (separating) section towards the exit area of the rotor / concave system. The impact and rubbing action causes the grains to be detached. By the time the crop is at the exit area, almost all the grain has been separated from the MOG. The term for any grain that is remaining is called rotor loss. There are also other losses that can be attributed to the rotor / concave system, this is known as damaged grain loss (broken or cracked kernels).160986243v3

[0005] As with any machine, performance is the key to efficiency. As mentioned above, performance of the threshing mechanisms is measured by: Threshing efficiency; Separating efficiency; and Grain damage. The machine operator has several means to adjust the threshing / separating efficiency vs. grain damage equation. The speed at which the rotor turns (RPM) is adjustable, the gap between the rotor and the concaves is adjustable, and the crop feed rate can be adjusted simply by running more or less material into the machine. Also, the condition of the crop itself can have a dramatic effect on the loss vs. damage ratio. Crop moisture content, crop maturity, and crop ty pe profoundly affect the machine performance. Along with all these variables and possible adjustments, the operator still might not get the machine to perform to acceptable levels of grain separated from the MOG during threshing. Indeed, producers are penalized for grain deliveries having MOG beyond acceptable levels. At this point, the owner or operator may start looking at threshing / separating components they might install in place of conventional components.

[0006] Typically, new rotary combine harvesters will have installed a standard set of concaves, depending on the original equipment manufacturer. Efforts to achieve concaves with sufficient and proper separation of grain from MOG as the crop material continues its spiral flow are seen for example in U.S. patent no. 11,497,171, titled "‘Concave with Adjustable Openings,” granted November 15, 2022, the entire teachings of which are incorporated as if fully set forth herein disclose a concave with a cover to achieve acceptable and controllable levels of grain separated from the MOG during threshing. Such efforts are achieved, in part due to the cover. In operation, it is important to be able to timely, accurately, and without labor intensive effort to move the cover and keep it in its desired position and to change out the cover if desired. Therefore, it is one of the objectives of the current application to provide an improved concave so as to provide increased options for desired grain separation as well as to provide an improved cover carried by the concave to provide improved means for mounting, moving and removing the cover on the concave.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In one aspect, the invention provides a concave section for a harvester. The concave section for the harvester includes a concave body defining a plurality- of crop260986243v3passage openings. The concave section includes a cover carried by the concave body and movable thereon between at least two different positions to adjust a degree of openness of at least some of the crop passage openings. The concave section includes a pair of drive brackets including a first drive bracket mounted to the concave body and a second drive bracket mounted to the cover. A drive has a first end portion carried and supported by the first drive bracket and a second end portion carried and supported by the second drive bracket.

[0008] Embodiments of this aspect of the invention may include any one of the following features alone or in combination.

[0009] The pair of drive brackets support the drive centrally between opposite sides of the concave body.

[0010] The concave body includes an arcuate support plate having the crop passage openings defined therein and a pair of side plates mounted to the arcuate support plate at opposite sides in spaced parallel relation. The first drive bracket offsets the drive laterally from each of the side plates.

[0011] The arcuate support plate includes an intermediate layer fixed to the arcuate support plate. The arcuate support plate and intermediate layer defining the crop passage openings.

[0012] The cover includes an arcuate cover plate, and an intermediate layer fixed to the arcuate cover plate. The intermediate layer located between the arcuate support plate and the arcuate cover plate.

[0013] An intermediate layer is located between the arcuate support plate and the arcuate cover plate. The intermediate layer is free from fixation to the arcuate support plate and is free from fixation to the arcuate support plate.

[0014] The side plates define a lateral gap spanning between inside surfaces thereof. The drive has a central drive axis extending transverse to the lateral gap span. The central drive axis intersecting the lateral gap span at a lateral distance from the side plates that is 360986243v3between 10 and 90% of lateral gap span, and more preferably between 40 and 60% of lateral gap span.

[0015] The first drive bracket includes a pair of bracket mount portions in spaced relation and a bridge portion spanning between the bracket mount portions. The bracket mount portions are mounted to a remainder of the concave body and support the bridge portion in spaced relation over the cover to allow sliding movement of the cover between the bridge portion and an arcuate support plate of the concave body.

[0016] The bracket mount portions are movably mounted to the remainder of the concave body.

[0017] The bracket mount portions are mounted in fixed and stationary non-movable relation to the remainder of the concave body.

[0018] The second drive bracket includes a pair of bracket mount portions in spaced relation and a bridge portion spanning between the bracket mount portions. The bracket mount portions are fixed to the cover and support the bridge portion in spaced relation to an arcuate cover plate of the cover to allow sliding movement of the cover between the bridge portion and an arcuate support plate of the concave body.

[0019] The drive is a screw drive mechanism comprising a threaded shaft and a nut. The threaded shaft has a shaft thread engaged with a nut thread of the nut to transfer rotary motion into linear movement between the pair of drive brackets and thereby the concave body and the cover.

[0020] The drive is a linear drive that may be actuated by a linear actuator. The linear actuator maybe electric or hydraulic or pneumatic.

[0021] The concave body includes an arcuate support plate having the crop passage openings defined therein. The concave body includes a pair of end mounts mounted to the arcuate support plate at opposite ends in spaced relationship. The concave body includes a pair of side plates mounted to the arcuate support plate at opposite sides in spaced parallel relation. The pair of side plates extend transversely between the pair of end mounts. The 46098624.3v3first drive bracket is mounted to each of the side plates and spans between the side plates supporting the drive over the cover portion.

[0022] The cover portion includes an arcuate cover plate and at least one rail projecting radially from the arcuate cover plate. The second drive bracket is mounted to the at least one rail.

[0023] The at least one rail includes two rails mounted to the cover portion in spaced parallel relation. The second drive bracket is mounted to the two rails and spans between the two rails supporting the drive between the two rails.

[0024] The at least one rail further includes a third rail extending in spaced parallel relation to the two rails to provide additional support.

[0025] The concave body includes a limit arrangement to limit movement of the cover in circumferential directions. The at least one rail defines a groove of the limit arrangement.

[0026] An actuator is mounted to one of the first and second drive brackets.

[0027] The cover is a segmented cover that includes a first cover portion and a second cover portion separated by a break such that the first cover portion and second cover portion are separate pieces of the cover.

[0028] The cover is a segmented cover including a first cover portion and a second cover portion. The first cover portion is moveable in a first direction towards the trailing end and a second direction towards the leading end wherein movement of the first cover portion does not move the second cover portion.

[0029] The second cover portion is moveable in the first and second directions and wherein movement of the second cover portion in the first and second directions does not move the first cover portion.56098624.3v3

[0030] A concave section frame defines a subsection opening, the concave section frame includes subsection mounts for mounting two concave bodies in the subsection opening.

[0031] In another aspect of the invention, a concave section for a harvester includes a concave body defining a plurality of crop passage openings. The concave section includes a cover carried by the concave body and movable thereon between at least two different positions to adjust a degree of openness of at least some of the crop passage openings.

[0032] Embodiments of this aspect of the invention may include any one of the following features alone or in combination.

[0033] A screw drive mechanism including a screw shaft and a nut threadingly connected to the screw shaft, the screw drive mechanism acting between the concave body and the cover, the screw shaft supported by a first one of the concave body and the cover, the nut support by a second one of the concave body and the cover, the second one being different than the first one.

[0034] The screw shaft is mounted to and carried by the concave body. The nut is carried by and mounted to the screw drive.

[0035] The screw shaft is mounted to and carried by the cover. The nut is carried by and mounted to the screw drive.

[0036] A rotary actuator is operable to rotate the screw shaft in forward and reverse rotational directions.

[0037] A manual crank for manually rotating the screw shaft.

[0038] In another aspect of the invention, a concave section for a harvester includes a concave body. The concave body includes an arcuate support plate defining a plurality of crop passage openings. The concave body includes a cover including an arcuate cover plate in sliding contact with the arcuate support plate. The cover is earned by the concave body and slidable thereon between at least two different positions to adjust a degree of openness 660986243v3of at least some of the crop passage openings. An intermediate layer acts between the concave body and the cover reducing friction therebetween.

[0039] Embodiments of this aspect of the invention may include any one of the following features alone or in combination.

[0040] The intermediate layer is integrally part of the cover. The arcuate cover plate includes at least two layers including a metal substrate support layer and a second layer supported by the metal substrate support layer. The second layer contacts the arcuate concave plate and reduces the friction between the cover and the concave body.

[0041] The second layer is secured to the metal substrate support layer by at least one element selected from the group consisting of: adhesive, tape, magnet and fastener.

[0042] The second layer is a spray coating integrally bonded to the metal support layer.

[0043] The intermediate layer is integrally part of the arcuate support plate. The arcuate support plate includes at least two layers including a metal substrate support layer and a second layer supported by the metal substrate support layer. The second layer contacts the metal substrate support layer and reduces the friction between the cover and the concave body.

[0044] The second layer is secured to the metal substrate support layer by at least one element selected from the group consisting of: adhesive, tape, magnet and fastener.

[0045] The second layer is a spray coating integrally bonded to the metal support layer.

[0046] The intermediate layer is a polymer.

[0047] The polymer is at least one material selected from the group consisting of: nylon, polyethylene, polyester, and a fluoropolymer.

[0048] The thickness of the intermediate layer is between 0.1 and 15 millimeters.76098624.3v3

[0049] The thickness of the metal substrate support layer is between 0.1 and 15 millimeters.

[0050] The cover is a segmented cover that includes a first cover portion and a second cover portion separated by a break such that the first cover portion and second cover portion are separate pieces of the cover.

[0051] In another aspect of the invention, a concave section for a harvester includes a concave body defining a plurality of crop passage openings. The concave section includes a cover carried by the concave body and movable thereon between at least two different positions to adjust a degree of openness of at least some of the crop passage openings. The concave section includes a lever mounted to the cover or the concave body or both the concave body and the cover and the concave body and acting between the cover and the concave body and actuable to move the cover on the concave body.

[0052] Embodiments of this aspect of the invention may include any one of the following features alone or in combination.

[0053] The cover includes an arcuate cover plate. A first rail is located on a first side of the arcuate cover plate. The first rail is mounted to a first leg of the lever. A second rail is mounted to an opposite lateral side of the arcuate cover plate. The second rail is mounted to a second leg of the lever. A bridge portion of the lever is located over and spaced above the arcuate cover plate. The bridge portion is supported by the first leg and the second leg.

[0054] The lever is rotatably mounted to the cover.

[0055] The first leg includes a first end and a second end. The first end connects to the bridge portion and the second end is rotatably mounted to the first rail. The second leg includes a top end and a bottom end. The top end is connected to the bridge portion and the bottom end connected to the second rail.

[0056] The lever has a first state wherein the lever is removably fixed directly to the concave body and a second state wherein the lever is free to rotate relative to the concave body.860986243v3

[0057] In the first state, a shaft located on the lever is inserted into an aperture of the concave body or the shaft is located on the concave body and inserted into an aperture located on the lever.

[0058] In the second state, the shaft is removed from the aperture leaving the lever free to rotate relative to the concave body.

[0059] An intermediate layer acting between the concave body and the cover reduces friction therebetween.

[0060] The cover is a segmented cover that includes a first cover portion and a second cover portion separated by a break such that the first cover portion and second cover portion are separate pieces of the cover.

[0061] A first lever is mounted on the first cover to move the first cover relative to the concave body and the second cover. A second lever is mounted on the second cover to move the second cover relative to the concave body and the first cover. Each of the first and the second cover are independently actuable.

[0062] The concave body includes an arcuate support plate having the crop passage openings defined therein. A pair of end mounts are mounted to the arcuate support plate at opposite ends in spaced relationship. A pair of side plates are mounted to the arcuate support plate at opposite sides in spaced parallel relation. The pair of side plates extend transversely between the pair of end mounts.

[0063] The lever is rotatably mounted to the cover and is removably fixed to each of the side plates. The lever spans between the side plates supporting the bridge portion over the cover.

[0064] An intermediate layer acting between the concave body and the cover reduces friction therebetween.

[0065] In another aspect of the invention, a concave section for a harvester includes a concave mounting frame. The concave mounting frame includes a frame border including a 960986243v3pair of end mounts including a first end mount and a second end mount spaced apart from and opposite the first end mount for mounting the concave section to the harvester. The frame border includes a pair of side plates in spaced parallel relation. The pair of side plates extend transversely between the pair of end mounts. At least one subsection opening is defined within the frame border. Each subsection opening includes a plurality of subsection mounts. The plurality of subsection mounts, includes a first subsection mount and a second subsection mount and a third subsection mount and a fourth subsection mount.

[0066] The concave mounting frame includes at least two concave bodies including a first concave body and a second concave body. The first concave body configured to be removably mounted to the first subsection mount and the third subsection mount. The second concave body is configured to be removably mounted to the second subsection mount and the fourth subsection mount. Each concave body includes an arcuate concave plate and a pair of concave mounts made up of a first concave mount and a second concave mount spaced apart from and opposite the first concave mount, the first concave mount configured to be removably connected to one of the first subsection mount and the second subsection mount and the second concave mount configured to be removably connected to one of the third subsection mount or the fourth subsection mount.

[0067] Embodiments of this aspect of the invention may include any one of the following features alone or in combination.

[0068] At least one of the concave bodies includes a plurality of crop passage openings through the arcuate concave plate of each respective concave body.

[0069] All of the concave bodies include the crop passage openings.

[0070] At least one of the concave bodies is without crop passage openings.

[0071] The frame border includes an axially extending partition wall spanning transversely between the side plates and in spaced relationship from the end mounts intermediate the end mounts to divide the subsection opening into two subsection openings. The two subsection openings include a first subsection opening that receives the first1060986243v3concave body and a second subsection opening that receives a third concave body and a fourth concave body.

[0072] The axially extending partition wall provides a fifth subsection mount, a sixth subsection mount, a seventh subsection mount and an eighth subsection mount. The first concave body is configured to be removably mounted to the first subsection mount and the fifth subsection mount. The second concave body is configured to be removably mounted to the second subsection mount and the sixth subsection mount. The third concave body is configured to be removably mounted to the seventh subsection mount and the third subsection mount. The fourth concave body is configured to be removably mounted to the eighth subsection mount and the fourth subsection mount.

[0073] Each subsection mount includes a pair of at least two mounting apertures, and each concave mount comprises a pair of mounting holes. Each subsection mount includes fasteners extending through corresponding members of the mounting apertures and the mounting holes to removably connect concave bodies of the subsections.

[0074] At least one cover such that concave bodies in one or more of the subsections may be selectively covered. Each concave cover carries a respective one of the concave bodies movable thereon between the at least two different positions to adjust a degree of openness of at least some of the crop passage openings thereof.

[0075] Each subsection that includes one of the at least one cover includes a drive operable to slide each cover relative to the concave body of the subsection.

[0076] An intermediate layer is between the at least one cover and at least one concave body to reduce friction therebetween.

[0077] The first subsection mount and the second subsection mount are provided by the first end mount.

[0078] The third and fourth subsection mounts are provided by the second end mount.1160986243v3

[0079] In another aspect of the invention a concave section for a harvester includes a concave mounting frame configured for installation in the harvester. The concave mounting frame defines at least one module receiving region. The concave section for the harvester includes a plurality of concave modules mounted within the concave mounting frame.

[0080] Embodiments of this aspect of the invention may include any one of the following features alone or in combination.

[0081] The concave mounting frame includes a first end mount and a second end mount spaced apart from and opposite the first end mount for mounting the concave section to the harvester. Each concave module is mounted to the concave mounting frame.

[0082] Each concave module is mounted to either or both of the first and second end mounts.

[0083] The concave mounting frame includes a pair of side plates in spaced parallel relation. The pair of side plates extend transversely between the first and second end mounts.

[0084] Each concave module is mounted to either or both of the side plates.

[0085] Each concave module includes an arcuate concave plate having an arcuate profile and at least one mount element configured to cooperate with a corresponding mounting structure of the concave mounting frame. Each concave module is removably mounted via the mount element and the corresponding mounting structure, optionally with fasteners.

[0086] Each concave module includes a subsection border frame including module ends in spaced apart relation and module sides in spaced apart relation. The module sides extend transversely between the module ends. The arcuate concave plate spans between and is supported by the module ends and the module sides.

[0087] At least one of the concave modules includes a plurality of crop passage openings through the arcuate concave plate thereof.1260986243v3

[0088] At least one of the concave modules comprises an adjustable cover positionable to selectively cover crop passage openings therein to adjust an openness thereof.

[0089] Either or all of the concave modules include a plurality of crop passage openings through the arcuate concave plate thereof, or at least one of the concave modules is free of crop passage openings through the arcuate concave plate thereof.

[0090] The at least one module receiving region comprises a single opening receiving multiple concave modules arranged and mounted side by side therein.

[0091] The concave mounting frame comprises at least one partition wall dividing the at least one module receiving region into a plurality' of module receiving regions, and wherein the partition wall includes at least one mount element configured to removably support the concave modules.

[0092] At least two modules are mounted together in side-by-side relation and installed into one of the module receiving regions.

[0093] First fasteners removably mount the at least two modules together. Second fasteners mount the at least two modules to the concave frame.

[0094] At least one cover is associated with at least one concave module. The cover is movable relative to the concave module to selectively adjust an openness of the concave module. The cover is movable between at least two positions relative to an / the arcuate plate of the concave module.

[0095] A drive is operable to move the cover relative to the concave module.

[0096] At least two of the concave modules have a respective cover and a respective drive operable to move the cover, the respective drive of each module being independently operable of other drives.136098624.3v3

[0097] Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0098] The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

[0001] FIG. 1 is a perspective and partly schematic view of a harvester with an embodiment of a concave section according to the teachings of the instant invention;

[0099] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the concave section of FIG. 1 with an embodiment of a crop engagement face according to the teachings of the instant invention;

[0100] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the area "A" of the concave section of FIG. 2;

[0101] FIG. 4 is a is a rear view of the concave section of FIG. 2 and its cover, with the cover show n next to the concave;

[0102] FIG. 5 is a partial front and side view of the arcuate support plate and the cover that have been removed from a back of the concave section of FIG. 2;

[0103] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the concave section of FIG. 2 in a fully open state;

[0104] FIG. 7 is a partial back and side view of a first side of the concave section of FIG. 2;

[0105] FIG. 8 is a partial back and second side view' of the concave section of FIG. 2;

[0106] FIG. 9 is a partial cross section taken about line 9-9 of the concave section of FIG. 7;146098624.3v3

[0107] FIG. 10 is the same view of the concave section of FIG. 7 with an alternative bracket arrangement of the drive;

[0108] FIG. 11 illustrates a rotary actuator for the drive of the concave section of FIG.10;

[0109] FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative drive that is a linear drive having a rotary actuator for the concave section of FIG. 2;

[0110] FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a concave section having a segmented cover with each cover portion having an independent drive for movement of its respective cover portion;[OHl] FIG. 14 illustrates an intermediate layer for a concave section;

[0112] FIG. 15 illustrates the concave section of FIG. 13 with the intermediate layer of FIG. 14;

[0113] FIG. 16 illustrates a partial cross section taken about the line 16-16 of FIG. 15;

[0114] FIG. 17 illustrates the concave of FIG. 15 with the intermediate layer removed and shown at the side of the concave section;

[0115] FIG. 18 illustrates a partial view of the back of a concave section having a lever drive to move its cover;

[0116] FIG. 19 illustrates side by side a back view and a front view of the concave section of FIG. 18 with a segmented cover and lever drives and an intermediate layer;

[0117] FIG. 20 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a back side of a concave section having a frame with subsection mounts for mounting two subsections in a subsection opening of the frame;1560986243v3

[0118] FIG. 21 illustrates another embodiment of a back side of a concave section having a partition frame with an axially extending partition wall dividing the concave section into two subsection openings with subsection mounts for mounting two subsections in each subsection opening;

[0119] FIG. 22 illustrates the concave section of FIG. 21 with a concave body removed from one of the subsection openings and shown to the side of the concave body;

[0120] FIG. 23 is a front side isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a concave section for a harvester with a different crop engagement face and with a cover removed and shown to the side;

[0121] FIG. 24 is a schematic illustration of a concave having a linear drive having a linear actuator that may be a hydraulic cylinder or pneumatic cylinder;

[0122] FIG. 25 illustrates a further embodiment of a concave section according to the teachings of the instant application;

[0123] FIG. 26 illustrates an isometric front view of a modular concave section according to the teachings of the instant application;

[0124] FIG. 27 illustrates a back view of the modular concave section of FIG. 26;

[0125] FIG. 28 illustrates an isometric back view of a concave mounting frame without a partition wall for the concave section of FIG. 26;

[0126] FIG. 29 illustrates an isometric back view of the concave mounting frame with partition wall for the concave section of FIG. 26;

[0127] FIG. 30 illustrates a back view of the concave section of FIG. 26 with one of the concave modules removed; and

[0128] FIG. 31 illustrates the concave module of FIG. 30 with a cover removed and with a drive shown in an assembly view.1660986243v3

[0129] While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0130] FIG. 1 illustrates a rotary combine harvester 100, that may be referred to herein as a harvester 100. The harvester 100 includes a vehicle 102 having a bin 104 for storing harvested grain. The harvester 100 further includes a head mount 106 at a front 108 of the vehicle 102 receiving a head for engaging a crop to remove as much crop material as possible while retaining its grain.

[0131] The harvester 100 includes a threshing and separating system 110 which comprises a rotor 112 and a rotor cage 114 also referred to as a concave region. The rotor cage 114 defines a central rotor axis 116. Further, the rotor cage 114 defines a rotor cavity 118 which surrounds and receives the rotor 112 for rotation about the central rotor axis 116. The rotor 112 is interposed between the bin 104 and the head mount 106. The rotor 112 has a spiral engagement element 120 facing the rotor cage 114 and is operable to impart a rotational spiral flow of the crop material against the rotor cage 114.

[0132] The rotor 112 also includes threshing elements 122 that extend radially away from the central rotor axis 116 to define outermost peripheral surfaces of the rotor 112. A gap 124 is defined between the rotor cage 114 and outermost peripheral surfaces of the threshing elements 122. The crop material with its grain flows through the gap 124 from a rotor front 126 to a rear 128 of the rotor 112 to separate the remaining crop material from its grain. Each one of the threshing elements 122 is positioned to cooperate with a respective crop engagement face (See e g. 130 at FIG. 2) of a concave section 132, arranged in the rotor cage 114. The impact and rubbing action between the threshing elements 122 and the crop engagement face 130 (FIG. 2) cause the grain to be detached from the crop material. As discussed above, the gap 124 can be adjusted by changing out the threshing element 122 to increase or decrease its radial extension away from the central rotor axis 116. By the176098624.3v3time the crop is at the rear 128 of the rotor 112, almost all the grain has been separated from the crop material.

[0133] The thresher and separating system 110 generally varies in function as the crop material proceeds from the rotor front 126 to the rear 128 of the rotor 112. The rotor cage 114 at the rotor front 126 can include a thresher region 134 while the rotor cage 114 at the rear 128 can include a separation section 136 and a separator region 138.

[0134] The thresher region 134 can include a plurality of concave sections 132. The concave sections 132 have crop engagement faces 130 (FIG. 2) designed to separate the grain from the material other than grain. The number of concave sections 132 can be increased or decreased within the thresher region 134 to increase or decrease the amount of desired threshing.

[0135] The separation section 136 can also include a plurality of concave sections having concave sections 800 (FIG. 23) which are the same as threshing concave 132 but having a different crop engagement face 802 (FIG. 23) that differs in profile so as to provide for a less harsh action on the grain relative to the threshing region 134. The more gentle separation provided by crop engagement faces 802 (FIG. 23) prevents damage to the grain that may be more vulnerable to damage because the material other than grain has been partially removed in the thresher region 134.

[0136] The separator region 138 is generally located at the rear 128 of the rotor cage 114 downstream of the separator section 136 but may also be located between thresher region 134 and separator sections 136. The separator region 138 may be made up of concave sections similar to concave sections 132 or configurations as show n in FIG. 10 or similar structures that can include elements such as tines. It is not the intent to describe more fully the separator region 138, as such separator regions 138 and their location in thresher / separating systems are generally known and function to further the separation of grain from the material other than grain.

[0137] Use of the term “upstream’" and “downstream” is relative to the flow' of crop material from the rotor front 126 to the rear 128 of the rotor cage 114. The terms “leading”186098624.3v3and '“trailing” refer to a structure in rotation, here about central rotor axis 116. “Leading” and “trailing” is relative to where the crop material first engages the concave section 132. In other words, the crop material first engages the concave section 132 is leading and where the concave last engages the crop is “trailing.”

[0138] FIG. 2 illustrates the concave section 132 according to an embodiment of the instant invention. Concave section 132 includes a concave body 140 defining an upstream side 142, a downstream side 144, a leading end 146 and a trailing end 148. Upstream side plate 150 may provide the upstream side 142 and downstream side plate 152 may provide the downstream side 144. An arcuate support plate 160 extends between and may be coupled to, for example by weldment, to the upstream side plate 150 and downstream side plate 152. Leading end plate assembly 154 couples the upstream side plate 150 and the downstream side plate 152 at the leading end 146. Trailing end plate assembly 156 couples the upstream side plate 150 and the downstream side plate 152 at trailing end 148.

[0139] Concave section 132 is arcuate to facilitate its placement in the harvester 100 (FIG. 1) around the central rotor axis 116 (FIG. 1). Accordingly, crop engagement face 130, upstream side plate 150 and downstream side plate 152 are arcuate such that a radius extending from the central rotor axis 116 (FIG. 1) provides their curvature / circumference. As illustrated, the upstream side plate 150 and the downstream side plate 152 extend in parallel relation between the leading end plate assembly 154 and the trailing end plate assembly 156.

[0140] Rub bars 162 are indirectly coupled to the upstream and the downstream side plates 150, 152 via the arcuate support plate 160. More specifically, the arcuate support plate 160 defines weldment cut outs 163 (FIG. 4) that advantageously lighten the overall weight of the concave section 132 while providing mounting apertures to facilitate weldment of the rub bars 1 2. The rub bars 162 may be generally rectangular in shape to maximize threshing.

[0141] The concave body 140 defines crop passage openings 158. More specifically, crop passage openings 158 can be defined between rub bars 162 and / or by the arcuate support plate 160 and extend between the upstream and the downstream side plates 150,1960986243v3152. Further, the crop passage openings 158 extend in rows between adjacent rub bars 162 from the leading end 146 toward the trailing end 156. Accordingly, in an embodiment, the crop engagement face 130 can be defined by the arcuate support plate 160 with its crop passage openings 158 and the rub bars 162. Once integrally attached, the rub bars 162 may also be considered to be part of the arcuate support plate 160. Once the rub bars 162 are welded to the arcuate support plate 160, the weldment cut outs 163 (FIG. 4) are completely closed.

[0142] The crop engagement face 130 includes the arcuate support plate 160 providing the crop passage openings 158 and includes the rub bars 162. In still further embodiments, the concave section 132 may not include arcuate support plate 160. Where there is no arcuate support plate 160, the rub bars 162 may be directly coupled to the upstream and the dow nstream side plates 150, 152, such that the crop passage openings 158 are defined between adjacent rub bars 162, that is, the crop passage openings 158 are the gaps 164 having no solid portions between adjacent rub bars 162. For example, this is described later with reference to FIG. 23.

[0143] Turning to FIG. 3, the crop passage openings 158 typically have a wide range of area sizes of between 1 to 60 square centimeters. Where the crop passage openings 158 are defined between adjacent rub bars 162, they typically are separated at a spacing forming the gaps 164 of between 2 and 10 centimeters between adjacent rub bars 162. The crop passage openings 158 are formed as slots 166. They, more preferably, have an area size between 1 to 12 square centimeters for most grain crops. The slots 166 have an elongated length 168 preferably between 0.5 and 8 centimeters and a slot width 170 of between 0.3 and 3 centimeters, with typically a length to width ratio of between 1 and 5. In still further embodiments, it is envisioned that the crop passage openings 158 may be round slots (e.g. round openings).

[0144] FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of the concave section 132 of FIG. 2 with a cover 172 removed to show the back of the arcuate support plate 160. The cover 172, also referred to as a cover assembly, includes an arcuate cover plate 173 that is perforated and defines corresponding crop openings 174 that may fully or partially match all or some of the crop openings 158 of the concave body 140. The cover 172 is arcuate matching the2060986243v3curvature of the arcuate support plate 160. The cover 172 is arranged behind the crop engagement face 130 (FIG. 2). In other words, the cover 172 is arranged radially outward / outboard of the arcuate support plate 160 relative to the central rotor axis 116 (FIG.1).

[0145] The cover 172 is carried by the concave body 140 and movable thereon between at least two different positions to adjust a degree of openness of at least some of the crop passage openings 158. Therefore, the cover 172 is configured to at least partially cover at least some of the crop passage openings 158. More specifically, corresponding crop openings 174 preferably correspond to and may fully or partially match the same configuration and geometry as the crop passage openings 158. Accordingly, in the embodiment illustrated, the corresponding crop openings 174 are corresponding slots 175 slots that are sized and arranged like the slots 166 defined by the arcuate support plate 160. Further, the cover 172 defines a solid cover portion 178 that extends between corresponding crop openings 174 from the leading end plate assembly 154 to the trailing end plate assembly 156.

[0146] The corresponding crop openings 174 are arranged by movement of the cover 172 in circumferential directions 176 relative to the arcuate support plate 160 to align with the slots 166 of the arcuate support plate 160 to allow passage of crop material. By movement in a circumferential direction 176, it is meant towards and away from the leading end plate assembly 154. Accordingly, the cover 172 may be moved relative to the arcuate support plate 160 to at least partially cover the slots 166 of the arcuate support plate 160 to at least partially close the slots 166 of the arcuate support plate 160.

[0147] In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 172 includes a first rail 177a and the arcuate cover plate 173. The cover 172 is connected to the concave body 140 such that the arcuate cover plate 173 and the first rail 177a are moveable in the circumferential directions 176.

[0148] The cover 172 may include a second rail 179a located laterally spaced from the first rail 177a and in parallel relation to the first rail 177a on the opposite side of the arcuate cover plate 173 such that the cover 172 is connected to the concave body via the first rail216098624.3v3177a and the second rail 179a and the acuate cover plate 173 extends between the first and second rails 177a, 179a. The first and the second rails 177a, 179a are fixed along the arcuate cover plate 173 and extend longitudinally from proximate the leading end plate assembly 154 towards the trailing end plate assembly 156. The first rail 177a and the second rail 179a may each be continuous (not illustrated) and extend from proximate the leading end plate assembly 154 to the trailing end plate assembly 156 or may be discontinuous rail segments 177a, 177b, 177c, 177d and 179a, 179b, 179c, 179d as illustrated with the discontinuous rail segments extending from proximate the leading end plate assembly 154 to the trailing end plate assembly 156. In the embodiment illustrated, rail segments 177a and 179a are connected to the arcuate cover plate 173 extending therebetween. The remaining rail segments 177b, 177c, 177d, are removably connected to upstream concave side plate 150 while rail segments 179b, 179c, 179d are removably connected to downstream side plate 152. It can be readily appreciated at this point in the disclosure other arrangements are possible, for example, rail segments 177a and 179a may be attached respectively to upstream concave side plate 150 and downstream side plate 152 while any or all of the remaining rail segments 177b, 177c, 177d, 179b, 179c, 179d or any combination thereof may be attached either to the respective upstream side plate 150, downstream side plate 152 or arcuate cover plate 173.

[0149] In an embodiment, the arcuate cover plate 173 is connected to the first and second rails 177a, 179a by weldment. However, it is not the intent to limit connection via weldment as other means including fasteners for example are envisioned. In yet other embodiments, the first and second rails 177a, 179a and the arcuate cover plate 173 may be integral, that is. monolithic and thus formed together. Thus, in the embodiments envisioned, movement of the cover 172 includes movement of the first and second rails 177a, 179a and the arcuate cover plate 173 together in the same circumferential directions 176.

[0150] Movement of the cover 172 in the circumferential directions 176 moves the cover 172 towards or away from the leading end plate 154 and the trailing endplate 156 while the arcuate support plate 160 remains in its fixed position and results in a fully open area, fully closed area, or a partially open and partially closed area. By fully open area, it is meant the crop material is allowed to pass through the crop passage opening 158 and the 226098624.3v3corresponding crop openings 174 without obstruction by the solid cover portion 178. By fully closed area, it is meant that none of the crop material is allowed to pass completely through the crop passage openings 158 and the corresponding crop openings 174 because the solid cover potion 178 sufficiently blocks the crop passage openings 158.

[0151] Intermediate positions for the cover 172 are also possible to control a degree of openness between the fully open position and the fully closed position to allow some material passage, but less than fully open. In other words, the solid cover portion 178 of cover 172 may only partially cover the crop passage opening 158. Indeed, each of the intermediate positions of the cover 172 provide a different level of partial coverage of the crop passage openings 158 which correlates to a different degree of openness provided with each intermediate position to control the amount of grain passing therethrough.

[0152] In addition, or alternatively, the first rail 177a and the second rail 179a, the cover 172 may include athird rail 181a, 181b spaced between the first rail 177a and the second rail 179 and in parallel relation to both the first rail 177a and the second rail 179a. Lateral support members 183a, 183b, 183c, 183d extend between the first rail 177a, 177b, 177c, 177d and the second rail 179a, 179b, 179c, 179d to support the third rail 181 above the acuate cover plate 173 of the cover 172. While the third rail 181a, 18b, is show n as being discontinuous in an embodiment the third rail 181a, 181b could me more rails or a continuous rail.

[0153] FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the upstream side 142 of the arcuate support plate 160 and arcuate cover plate 173 of the cover 172 (FIG. 4). For illustrative purposes, the arcuate cover plate 173 has been removed from behind the actuate support plate 160. The arcuate support plate 160 has a first radial thickness 180 of betw een 0.1 and 15 millimeters. The arcuate cover plate 173 has a second radial thickness 182 of between 0.1 and 15 millimeters. How ever, the second radial thickness 182 preferably is thinner than the first radial thickness 180 by betw een 10 and 75% of the first radial thickness, and typically by at least 50% thinner, thereby providing weight reduction.

[0154] Returning to FIG. 4, the cover 172 presents a lightweight solution taking up limited space to provide an advantageous solution for controlling the amount of threshing236098624.3v3by presenting greater or less open area through movement of the cover 172 relative to the arcuate support plate 160. Closing the open the area provided by the arcuate support plate 160 with the cover 172 increases the amount of threshing as the grain or other material cannot escape through the corresponding crop openings 174 as readily and is thereby subject to more threshing and thus greater separation of the grain from the material other than grain. Conversely, providing more open area decreases the amount of threshing.

[0155] FIG. 6 illustrates a rear view of the concave section 132 with the cover 172 in a first state that is a fully open state. In the fully open state, the corresponding crop openings 174 are aligned with the crop passage openings 158 such that a threshed grain can pass through the entire crop passage opening 158 without obstruction by the solid cover portion 178.

[0156] In order to provide means by which the cover 172 is both connected to the concave body 140 and is moveable the circumferential directions 176, a pair of drive brackets 184 is provided. While the pair of drive brackets 184 are discussed with respect to a location on the concave body 140 that is located at the trailing end 148 of the concave body 140, the pair of drive backets 184 may be located at the leading end 154 (FIG. 6) or therebetween.

[0157] The pair of drive brackets 184 include a first drive bracket 186 mounted to the concave body 140 and a second drive bracket 188 mounted to the cover 172. A drive 190 has a first end portion 192 carried and supported by the first drive bracket 186 and a second end portion 194 carried and supported by the second drive bracket 188. However, a reverse configuration (FIG. 10) is also envisioned such that the first end portion 192 is carried and supported by the second drive bracket 188 mounted to the concave body 140 and the second end portion 194 is carried and supported by the first drive bracket 186 mounted to the cover 172.

[0158] As seen in FIG. 6, the pair of drive brackets 184 support the drive 190 centrally between an upstream side plate 150 and a downstream side plate 152 that are opposite sides of the concave body 140. The concave body 140 includes the arcuate support plate 160 (FIG. 4) having the crop passage openings 158 (FIG. 4) defined therein and the upstream246098624.3v3side plate 150 and the downstream side plate 152 that are a pair of side plates that are mounted to the arcuate support plate 160 (FIG. 4) at opposite sides of the concave body 140 and that are in spaced parallel relation. The first drive bracket 186 offsets the drive 190 laterally from each of the side plates 150,152. By “laterally” it is meant in a direction transverse to that of circumferential directions 176.

[0159] The side plates 150, 152 define a lateral gap span 200 between inside surfaces 202, 204 of the side plates 150, 152 respectively. The drive 190 has a central drive axis 206 extending transverse to the lateral gap span 200. The central drive axis 260 intersects the lateral gap span 200 at a lateral distance 208 from the side plates that is between 10 and 90% of lateral gap span 200, and more preferably between 40 and 60% of lateral gap span 200, and thereby is centrally between. Most preferably, the drive 190 is equal distant between side plates 150, 152 to balance forces.

[0160] FIG. 7 illustrates a partial back and first side view of the concave section 132 to illustrate a view of the inside surface 202 of the upstream side plate 150. FIG. 8 illustrates the opposite side of FIG. 7, that is, a partial back and second side view of the concave section 132 of the inside surface 204 of the downstream side plate 152. As seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first drive bracket 186 includes a pair of bracket mount portions 210 including a first bracket mount portion 212 and a second bracket mount portion 214 in spaced relation. The first drive bracket 186 includes a bridge portion 216 spanning between the bracket mount portions 210.

[0161] The bracket mount portions 210 are mounted to a remainder of the concave body 140 and support the bridge portion 216 in spaced relation over the cover 172 to allow sliding movement of the cover 172 between the bridge portion 216 and the arcuate support plate 160 of the concave body 140. The cover 172 abuts the arcuate support plate 160 before, during, and after the sliding movement of the cover 172.

[0162] The pair of bracket mount portions 210 may be moveably mounted to the remainder of the concave body 140. However, in an embodiment the pair of bracket mount portions 210 may be in fixed and stationary non-movable relation to the remainder of the concave body 140. For example, fasteners 217 including a nut and bolt are used to fix the2560986243v3mounting portions 210. However, other fasteners are contemplated, for example rivets. In embodiments having the pair of bracket mount portions 210 moveably mounted to the remainder of the concave body 140, the bracket mounting portions 210 are free to rotate to assist in alignment of the drive 190.

[0163] The second drive bracket 188 includes a pair of bracket mount portions 218 in spaced relation and a bridge portion 220 spanning between the bracket mount portions 218. The bracket mount portions 218 included a first bracket mounting portion 222 and a second bracket mounting portion 224. The bracket mount portions 218 are fixed to the cover 172 and support the bridge portion 220 in spaced relation over an arcuate cover plate 226 of the cover 172 to allow sliding movement of the cover 172 between the bridge portion 220 and the arcuate support plate 160 of the concave body 140.

[0164] In the embodiment illustrated, the drive 190 is a screw drive mechanism comprising a threaded shaft 228 and a nut portion 230 of bracket 186. The threaded shaft 228 has a shaft thread engaged with a nut thread of the nut portion 230 to transfer rotary motion into linear movement between the pair of drive brackets 184 and thereby the concave body 140 and the cover 172.

[0165] Turning to FIG. 9, a partial cross section taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8 is illustrated to better discuss a limit arrangement 232 provided by the first rail 177a that has one or two stop abutments 236, 238. The limit arrangement 232 includes a groove 234 located in the first rail 177a. While the limit arrangement is discussed with respect to the first rail 177a, the same arrangement may be located in the second rail 179a (FIG. 4) and is structurally the same as the limit arrangement 232, and therefore will not be further discussed. The first rail 177a defines a first stop abutment 236 opposite a second stop abutment 238 of the groove 234. The limit arrangement 232 includes a stop arrangement 240 that includes a shaft 242 having a first end fixed to the concave body 140 and a second end extending through a center hole of a spacer 244. The spacer 244 is located between an end nut 246 and the concave body 140. The shaft 242 may be, for example, a bolt. The shaft 242 extends over the groove 234 such that the outermost surface 248 of the spacer 244 is free to rotate over a bottom surface 250 of the groove 234 between the first wall 236 and the second wall 238. Thus, the limit arrangement 232 limits the movement of the cover 1702660986243v3to a distance 252 defined between the first stop abutment 236 and the second stop abutment 238 or any distance therebetween. For example, the stop abutments 236, 238 may correspond to fully open and fully closed positions, and travel therebetween corresponds to intermediate positions and with partial open states.

[0166] FIG. 11 illustrates activation of the drive 190 may be by an actuator 254 that may engage the drive 190. The actuator 254 may be a rotary actuator that is a crank configured and sized to mate with a drive end 256 of the drive 190 to rotate the drive 190 in clockwise and counterclockwise directions to move the cover 170 in circumferential directions 176 as desired. The crank can be an arm or lever for imparting rotary' or oscillatory motion to a rotating shaft or may also be simply an engageable end / portion of the screw shaft that has for example a hex, torx, polygonal or other suitable cross section that can be acted upon and rotatably driven by a wrench, socket, impact driver or similar tool.

[0167] FIG. 12 illustrates the drive 190 may be a linear drive that may be actuated by a rotary actuator 260. The rotary actuator 260 may include for example a stepper motor driving a screw or nut. Alternatively, as seen in the schematic of FIG. 24, the drive 190 may have a linear actuator 261 which may be, for example, be hydraulic cylinder or pneumatic cylinder. The rotary' actuator 260 or the linear actuator 261 can be by remote actuation, for example the driver of the harvester could activate from the cab or a location anywhere on the harvester, via a controller 263 providing a signal, to activate the rotary¬ actuator 260 or linear actuator 261 to control the desired degree of openness.

[0168] FIG. 13 illustrates another embodiment of a concave section 300 having concave body 301. The concave section 300 is the same as concave section 132 (FIG. 6) but having a segmented cover 302 that includes a first cover portion 304 and a second cover portion 306 which define break 308 between the first cover portion 304 and the second cover portion 306. The break 308 divides the cover 302 in different areas and preferably equal areas via separate pieces that are moveable independent of one another. Each cover portion 304 or 306 may be considered a ‘‘cover” and / or may collectively be considered a “cover.” For example, if only one of the two cover portions 304 or 306 is used, it is thereby covered, literally, by the broadest claims appended here to.276098624.3v3

[0169] The break 308 runs in a direction that is transverse to circumferential directions 176 bisecting the trailing end plate assembly 312 and the leading end plate assembly 314. It can be readily appreciated that the break 308 may be perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 310 or of any orientation such that corresponding crop openings 316 are aligned to match an alternative crop engagement face on the front of the concave section 300 and / or an alternative arcuate support plate 160 (FIG. 4) having a different arrangement of crop passage openings 158 (FIG. 4). As illustrated in the fully open position, the first cover portion 304 and the second cover portion 306 are aligned such that the crop openings 158 (FIG. 4) are in line with the corresponding crop openings 316 allowing for grain to pass therethrough.

[0170] The first cover portion 304 moves and is actuated to move and is structurally connected to the concave body 301 as was described with respect to the concave body 140 (FIG. 6) and the cover 170 (FIG. 6). The concave body 301 includes a first pair of drive brackets 320 supporting drive 324 that are the same as the pair of drive brackets 184 and drive 190 as was described with respect to FIG. 6 and in the alternative arrangement of the drive 190 as seen in FIG. 11. The second cover portion 306 moves and is actuated and is structurally connect to the concave body 301 with a second pair of drive brackets 322 that are the same as the pair of drive brackets 184 and drive 190 as was described with respect to FIG. 6 except they are located at the opposite end, that is the leading end 318 of the concave body 301.

[0171] The second cover portion 306 is moved by a drive 326 that is independently operable from drive 324. Thus drive 324 can be actuated to move first cover portion 304 in the circumferential directions 176 without any movement of cover portion 306. So too, the drive 326 can be actuated to move cover portion 306 in the circumferential directions 176 without any movement of the cover portion 304. Accordingly, each cover portion 304, 306 is independently actuable.

[0172] It should be readily apparent at this point in the disclosure that the independent actuation of each cover portion 304, 306, allows for even greater control of the degree of openness of the concave section 300 as compared to concave section 132 (FIG. 6).2860986243v3

[0173] Also, at this point in the disclosure, it should be readily understood that because the first cover portion 304 and the second cover portion 306 are moveable to many positions to cover and uncover the total area provided by the crop passage openings 316 of the arcuate support plate (see 160 at FIG. 4), then it provides the operator with a continuum of positions for the first cover portion 304 and the second cover portion 306 to adjust the threshing / separating efficiency vs. grain damage equation to optimize harvesting efficiency.

[0174] The segmented cover 302 also requires less force to adjust the position of its first cover portion 304 and its second cover portion 306 relative to movement of the cover 170 (FIG. 6) that extends the length of the concave section 132 (FIG. 6). Thus, the force to overcome friction resulting from crop residue is reduced and mass requiring movement is reduced. With respect to the second cover portion 306, the drive 326 may be a screw drive as in FIG. 6 or as described with respect to FIG. 10. So too, the drive 326 may be actuated by the crank as shown and described with respect to FIG. 11. The drive 326 may be a linear actuator 328 like the linear actuator 260 as described and shown with respect to FIG. 12.

[0175] Turning to FIG. 14, an intermediate layer 400 is illustrated for use with concave sections 132 (FIG. 2), 300 (FIG. 13) heretofore discussed. Each concave section 132 (FIG.2), 300 (FIG. 13) can include the intermediate layer 400 acting between the concave body 140 (FIG. 2), 301 (FIG. 13), and the cover 172 (FIG. 4), 302 (FIG. 13). The intermediate layer 400 may be part of the cover 172 (FIG. 4), 302 (FIG. 13), or the intermediate layer 400 may be part of the arcuate support plate 160 (FIG. 4). In an embodiment, the segmented cover 302 may include a complimentary segmented intermediate layer (not illustrated). Alternatively, the intermediate layer 400 may “float,"’ that is, be independent from any integral connection with the cover 172 (FIG. 4), 302 (FIG. 13), or the concave body 140 (FIG. 2), 301 (FIG. 13) or arcuate support plate 160 (FIG. 4). The openings 404 defined by the intermediate layer 400 align with the crop passage openings 158 (FIG. 4) of the arcuate support plate 160 (FIG. 4) and they align with the corresponding crop openings 174 (FIG. 4), 316 of the covers 172 (FIG. 4), 302 (FIG. 13).

[0176] The intermediate layer 400 acts to reduce friction between the concave body 140 (FIG. 2), 301 (FIG. 13), and the cover 172 (FIG. 4), 302 (FIG. 13). The intermediate layer 400 may be a polymer such as a sheet of polymer (e.g. plastic sheet) with holes formed296098624.3v3therein to match those of the cover 172 (FIG. 4) or the concave body 140 (FIG. 2). The sheet of polymer may be adhesively bonded to the metal substrate of the cover 172 (FIG. 4) or the concave body 140 (FIG. 23). The polymer may be nylon. The polymer may be polyethylene. The polymer may be polyester. The polymer may be a fluoropolymer. The intermediate layer 400 may be a spray coating integrally bonding to either the cover 172 (FIG. 4), 302 (FIG. 13), or the arcuate support plate 160 (FIG. 4). Thus, the cover 172 (FIG. 4), 302 (FIG. 13), or the arcuate support plate 160 (FIG. 4), when made of metal may be considered a metal support layer for the intermediate layer 400. Where the intermediate layer 400 is a spray coating, it may be, for example, Teflon or graphite. The intermediate layer 400 may be connected to the cover 172 (FIG. 4), 302 (FIG. 13), or to the arcuate support plate 160 (FIG. 4) with epoxy, glue, adhesive tape, embedded magnets or fasteners such as screws and rivets. The thickness 406 of the intermediate layer 400 may be between 0.1 millimeters and 15 millimeters.

[0177] FIG. 15 illustrates a back view of a concave section 500 that is exactly the same as the concave section 300 (FIG. 13) except concave section 500 includes intermediate layer 400 (FIG. 16). FIG. 16 is a partial cross section taken about line 16-16 of the concave section 500 of FIG. 15 to illustrate the intermediate layer 400 acting between the cover 502 and the arcuate support plate 504. Arcuate support plate 504 is structurally the same as arcuate support plate 160 (FIG. 4). The intermediate layer 400 is continuous and not segmented like the cover 502. Cover 502 is the same as segmented cover 302 (FIG. 13).

[0178] FIG. 17 illustrates the intermediate layer 400 removed from between the cover 502 and the arcuate support plate 504 (FIG. 16). Intermediate layer 400 extends entire length 508 of the arcuate support plate 504 (FIG. 16).

[0179] The intermediate layer 400 can be present in any of the embodiments of the concave sections 132 (FIG. 2), 300 (FIG. 13) heretofore discussed so as to act to reduce friction and permit the use of less force to move the covers 172 (FIG. 4), 302 (FIG. 13). Such intermediate layer can also reduce wear there between.

[0180] FIG. 18 illustrates another embodiment of a concave section 600 which is the same as concave section 132 (FIG. 6) except as described here. Instead of the pair of drive306098624.3v3brackets 184 (FIG. 4), in this embodiment, alever 602 is provided. One lever 602 is provided where there is a cover 604 that is not segmented.

[0181] However, as illustrated in FIG. 19, the cover 604 is a segmented cover, as previously described with respect to FIG. 13, then a second lever 608 may be present to move the second cover portion 610. Because each lever 602, and 608 are structurally the same, only lever 602 will be described as the description is equally applicable to the second lever 608. Further, it should be understood that in this embodiment, the intermediate layer 400 may be present as it is in FIG. 15 to reduce friction between the concave body 612 and the cover 604 or there may be no intermediate layer 400 as in the embodiment discussed with respect to FIG. 13.

[0182] Intermediate layer 400 may be integral with the cover 604 or it may be integral with the arcuate support plate 611. Alternatively, the intermediate layer 400 may “float,” that is, it is not fixedly attached to either the cover 602, 606 or the arcuate support plate 611 of the concave body 612.

[0183] Turning again to FIG. 18. the lever 602 is mounted to the cover 604 and actuable to move the cover 604 on the concave body 612. The cover 604 includes an arcuate cover plate 614 and a first rail 616 located on an upstream side 618 of the arcuate cover plate 614. A first rail 616 is mounted to a first leg 620 of the lever 602. A second rail 622 (FIG. 19) is mounted to the downstream side 624 which is an opposite lateral side of the arcuate cover plate 614. The second rail 620 is mounted to a second leg 626 of the lever 602. As seen in FIG. 19 each one of the first rail 616a and the second rail 620a may be only a single rail segment or may be made up of several rail segments 616a, 616b, 616c, 616d , 622a, 622b, 622c, 622d or may be one continuous rail segment and connected to the cover 604 or the concave body 612 as previously discussed with respect to rails 177a, 179a (FIG. 6).

[0184] However, each one of the first rail 616 and the second rail 622 or only one of them may have a slot assembly 628 that includes a slot 630 defined by the first rail 616. The slot 630 defines a first limit 632 and a second limit 634 spaced a length 636 apart that is equal to the distance the cover 604 may move in the circumferential directions 176. A fastener 638 that is part of the slot assembly 628 and may be, for example, a bolt or pin or316098624.3v3equivalent element extends through the slot 630. A nut 640 or a like element such as a pin may help to retain the fastener 638 in the slot 630. Alternatively, the slot 630 may be defined by the concave body 612. Nut 640 can also be tightened to hold a position of the cover 604 and prevent it from moving or the nut 640 can be loosened to allow adjustment via the lever 602.

[0185] A bridge portion 642 of the lever 602 is located over and spaced above the arcuate cover plate 614. The bridge portion 642 is supported by the first leg 620 and the second leg 626. The lever 602 is rotatably mounted to the cover 602. A fastener 644 such as a pin or cap screw may be used to provide the rotational mounting of the lever 602 to the cover 602. The first leg 620 comprise a first end 646 and a second end 648. The first end 646 connects to the bridge portion 642 and the second end 648 is rotatably mounted to the first rail 616. The second leg 626 includes atop end 650 and a bottom end 652. The top end 650 is connected to the bridge portion 642 and the bottom end 652 is connected to the second rail 622 (FIG 19).

[0186] Turning to FIG. 19, the lever 602 has a first state wherein the lever 602 is removably fixed directly to the concave body 612 and a second state (not illustrated) wherein the lever 602 is free to rotate relative to the concave body 612. In the first state, a shaft 654 is located on the lever 602 and is inserted in an aperture 656 in the upstream side plate 662 of the concave body 612 or in an embodiment not illustrated but readily understood, the shaft 654 is located on the concave body 612 and inserted into an aperture located on the lever 602. In the second state (not illustrated), the shaft 654 is removed from the aperture 656 leaving the lever 602 free to rotate relative to the concave body 612. Therefore, to adjust a degree of openness, the lever 602 may be grasped as with a handle and pulled in either of the circumferential directions 179 to move the cover 604 carried by the concave body 612.

[0187] The concave section 600 includes the intermediate layer 400 acting between the concave body 612 and the cover 604 reducing friction therebetween. The cover 604 that is a segmented cover includes the first cover portion 606 and the second cover portion 610 separated by a break 658 therebetween.3260986243v3

[0188] The lever 602 is mounted on the first cover portion 606 to move the first cover portion 606 relative to the concave body 612 and the second cover portion 610. A second lever 608 that is structurally the same as the lever 602 is mounted on the second cover portion 610 to move the second cover portion 610 relative to the concave body 612 and the first cover portion 606. Each of the first and the second cover portions 606. 610 are independently actuable.

[0189] Turning now to FIG. 20, there is illustrated another embodiment of a concave section 700 for a harvester 100 (FIG. 1) according to the teachings of the instant invention. In this view, the back of the concave section 700 is illustrated. The concave section 700 includes a concave mounting frame 702. The concave mounting frame 702 includes a frame border 704 comprising a pair of end mounts 706, 708 for mounting the concave section 700 to the harvester 100 (FIG. 1) and a pair of side plates 710, 712 in spaced parallel relation. The pair of side plates 710, 712 extend transversely between the pair of end mounts 706, 708.

[0190] The frame border 704 defines a subsection opening 716 that provides a module receiving region allows for removably mounting therein two concave bodies 728, 730 which bodies provide concave modules in side-by-side relation in the module receiving region. This embodiment provides a modular design whereby the individual concave sections are configured with subsection modules, which may be configured differently (e.g. different sized / configured openings and / or different control over the degree of openings as per adjustable cover embodiments herein). The frame border provides a plurality of subsection mounts 723, 724, 725, 726. Concave body 728 and the individual concave module provided thereby mounts to a first subsection mount 724 comprising a pair of apertures defined by end mount 706 and to an opposite subsection mount 726 comprising a pair of apertures defined by end mount 708. Concave body 730 and the individual concave module provided thereby mounts to a subsection mount 723 comprising a pair of apertures defined by end mount 706 and to an opposite subsection mount 725 comprising a pair of apertures defined by end mount 708. Accordingly, end mount 706 comprises a pair of subsection mounts made up of subsection mounts 723 and 724 while end mount 708 comprises a pair of subsection mounts 725, 726.336098624.3v3

[0191] Each concave body 728, 730 includes an arcuate concave plate 736. 737 and a pair of concave mounts 742, 744 and 741, 743 removably connected respectively to the plurality of subsection mounts 723, 724, 725, 726. Accordingly, it is possible in order to control the desired efficiency to have at least one of the concave bodies 728, 730 include a plurality of crop passage openings 738 through an arcuate concave plate 736, 737 of each respective concave body 728, 730. So too, depending on the desired efficiency, all of the concave bodies 728, 730 include the crop passage openings 738. Alternatively, one of the concave bodies 728, 730 may include the crop passage openings 738 and the other one of the concave bodies 728, 730 is without the crop passage openings 738, that is, in other words, a solid plate without perforations or apertures for the passage of crops therethrough. Either one of the concave bodies 728, 730 may not have a cover or alternatively, any one of or both of the concave bodies 728, 730 may have a cover just as in cover 172 previously discussed with respect to FIG. 4. So too, one or both of the concave bodies 728, 730 may include an intermediate layer 400 (FIG. 14) that functions as previously discussed.

[0192] FIG. 21 illustrates the concave section 700 configured to receive either two or more concave modules, and in this embodiment four concave modules, in particular four concave bodies 728, 730, 732, 734 shown in FIG. 22. In this configuration, frame border 704 includes an axially extending partition wall 748 spanning transversely between the side plates 710, 712 and in spaced relationship from the end mounts 706, 708 and intermediate of the end mounts 706, 708.

[0193] The axially extending partition wall 748 divides subsection opening 716 into two subsections 718, 720, thereby providing two concave receiving regions. Each concave receiving region can receive one or more concave modules as shown Each concave body 728, 730 provides a respective concave module configured for removable installation in a selected one of the concave receiving region-and each such module which may be differently configured and / or configured with a controllable opened cover to control the degree of openness as shown in this illustrated embodiment. Also show in this embodiment, while two concave modules could be used here, four concave modules are shown-tw-o that have an adjustable cover to control opening size (e.g. as per prior / other embodiments discussed herein; and two that do not and are of fixed size openings). End mount 706, provides subsection mounts 723, 724 for mounting concave bodies 732, 734346098624.3v3(FIG. 22) at a first end 753, of subsection opening 718. The axially extending partition wall 748 provides four pair of mounting subsections 758, 759, 760, 761. Subsection mounts 758, 759 cooperate with mounting apertures 724, 723 respectively to mount concave bodies 732, 734 (FIG. 21) while subsection mounts 760, 761 cooperate with subsection mounts 726, 725 at a second end 756 of subsection opening 720 to mount concave bodies 728, 730 (FIG. 21). In an embodiment, not illustrated, an arcuate, circumferentially extending partition wall extends circumferentially between the end mounts 706, 708 and intermediate between the side plates 710, 712 to divide the subsection opening 716 into four subsection openings with each subsection opening providing a pair of subsection mounts.

[0194] Turning now to FIG. 22, subsection opening 718 receives concave bodies 732, 734 and subsection opening 720 receives concave bodies 728, 730. Concave 730 is removed from opening 720 for the purposes of this description and to show the removability thereof. Each concave body 728, 730, 732, 734 includes a concave mount 744 (see concave body 730) comprising a pair of mounting holes 768. Fasteners extend through the apertures of the concave mount 744 and the cooperating apertures of the subsection mount 725 to removably connect the concave body 730 to the concave mounting frame 702. These same removable fixation structures are applicable to the remaining concave bodies 728, 732, 734 of the subsection openings 718, 720. The fasteners 770 may be bolts or pins or equivalent elements which are well understood in the art for mounting concave bodies to concave sections and will not be further described herein.

[0195] Any one or more of the concave bodies 728, 730, 732, 734 may include a cover 772 carried and moveable thereon of the type already described with respect to FIG. 4. Accordingly, any one or more of the concave bodies 728, 730, 732, 734 may be selectively covered by a respective cover as seen for example at 772a, 772b for concave bodies 734 and 728 respectively movable thereon between the at least two different positions to adjust a degree of openness of at least some of the crop passage openings 738 thereof. However, as readily appreciated at this point in the disclosure, the other concave bodies can be configured without a cover, for example as seen with respect to concave bodies 732 and 730. Moreover, as previously described with respect to the other concave section embodiments, for example concave section 300 of FIG. 13, each concave body 734, 728 having a cover 772a, 772b respectively includes a drive 774a, 774b or lever (not illustrated)356098624.3v3to move the covers 772a. 772b. Each drive 774a, 774b may be of the same type or the drives may be different. The drives 774a, 774b may also include remote actuation as previously discussed.

[0196] One or more of each concave body 728, 730, 732, 734 having a cover 772a, 772b can include the intermediate layer 400 (FIG. 14) that may be part of, that is integral with the arcuate concave plate (not illustrated) or it may be part of, that is integral with the concave body 728, 730, 732, 734 or it may it may be located without fixation between the arcuate concave plate and the concave body 728, 730, 732, 734 so as to reduce friction therebetween.

[0197] FIG. 23 illustrates the concave section 800 with a second embodiment of the crop engagement face 802 with a cover 804 which for the purposes of description is shown removed from behind the crop engagement face 802. The concave section 800 is utilized in separator section 136 (FIG. 1). Crop engagement face 802 is similar in most respects to crop engagement face 130 (FIG. 2) except for the differences explained here. Crop engagement face 802 includes round bars 806, as previously discussed provide for a gentle separation of the grain from the material other than grain.

[0198] The round bars 806 are used instead of the edged rub bars 162 (FIG. 2). Further, instead of the arcuate support plate 160 (FIG. 2) defining the crop passage openings 158 (FIG. 2), spaced apart adjacent round bars 806 define the crop passage openings 808 of the crop engagement face 802. Additionally, as can now be readily appreciated, the cover 804 is located behind the round bars 806. The cover 804, defines corresponding crop openings 810 orientated in a pattern similar to that of the crop passage openings 808 with solid cover portion 812. Accordingly, as with the cover 170 (FIG. 4), cover 804 is moveable to infinitely adjust the degree of openness of the crop passage openings 808. The cover may be a segmented cover with each portion having a drive as previously discussed an intermediate layer 400 (FIG. 14).

[0199] A variation of the concave section 700 of FIGS. 21 and 22 is shown in FIG. 25 as concave section 900, in which it is understood the disclosure with respect to FIGS. 21 and 22 is applicable hereto and vice versa, such that only a few additional details that may3660986243v3be employed are discussed for this embodiment. In particular, some additional features will be described below. Otherwise, this embodiment is the same as earlier embodiments discussed. Concave section 900, four covers 902, 904, 906, 908 which are independently actuable. In this embodiment the concave bodies 910 and 911 do not have a drive but concave bodies 912 and 913 each have a drive 914a. 914b that is similar to the drive 190 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 except the second drive bracket 916 unlike second drive bracket 188 (FIG. 10) attaches directly, for example by weldment, to the circumferential face 918 of the cover 904 instead of attaching to rails (See FIG. at 177) of the cover 904.

[0200] It can be readily appreciated this same drive 914 can be used in place of drive 190 FIG. 10 and can be in a reverse configuration as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 where the second drive bracket 916 can attach to the concave body 910 while first drive bracket 920 attaches the circumferential face 918. As previously discussed, any drive can be used on any cover 902, 904, 906, 908 in any combination. For example, the lever 602 as seen in FIG. 18 can be used on cover 902, while as illustrated drive 914 is used on cover 904, while drive 260 (FIG. 12) may be used on cover 906 and drive 190 (FIGS. 8 and 9) on cover 908 any one or more of which may include remote actuation.

[0201] Although not illustrated, it may now be readily understood that various embodiments utilizing a moveable cover can be used to match concaves having diverse crop engagement faces. Indeed, where a crop engagement face may utilize both rub bars and round bars but does not utilize an arcuate support plate, a cover plate can be provided behind the crop engagement face to control the degree of openness. Further, where a crop engagement face includes an arcuate support plate with rub bars, a cover can still be provided to inexpensively, control the degree of openness with an elegant light weight solution taking up minimal space in the harvester 100 (FIG. 1) to improve the amount of grain separated from material other than grain harvested and with the least amount of damage. So too, each concave section may include a drive to move the cover and or include an intermediate layer.

[0202] Turning now to FIG. 26 and FIG. 27, a further embodiment of a concave section 1000 for a harvester 100 (FIG. 1) is illustrated having the same features as hereto for disclosed in the previous concave section embodiments discussed, for example those of FIGS. 20-25 except for the differences discussed herein. The concave section 1000 is also a 376098624.3v3modular concave section like the earlier embodiment (See concave section 700, FIG. 21). In this embodiment a friction layer is also not present, but based on the disclosure at this point it should be readily apparent that a friction layer could be provided as previously discussed.

[0203] FIG. 26 illustrates a front view of the concave section 1000 while FIG. 27 illustrates a back view of the concave section 1000. The concave section 1000 includes a concave mounting frame 1002 sized, dimensioned, and having the structural elements readily understood by those skilled in the art for installation in the harvester 100 (FIG. 1). In the embodiment illustrated the concave mounting frame 1002 also includes a partition wall 1004 (like that of FIGS. 21 and 22) and thereby has two separate concave mounting regions that permits the mounting of two or more concave bodies an as shown in the illustrated figure four different concave modules, 1006, 1008, 1010, 1012, which also here are provided by the concave bodies.

[0204] Each one of the concave modules 1006, 1008, 1010,1012 may have the same or different crop engagement faces 1014 and engagement bars 1016 of any number of geometries (bars, rounds etc.) and angles and covers 1018, 1020, 1022, 1024 individually actuable on their respective concave modules 1006, 1008, 1010, 1012 or via remote actuation as described for example with respect to FIG. 24 to support a desired degree of threshing / separating efficiency.

[0205] Each concave module 1006, 1008, 1010, 1012. and in particular concave body, includes an arcuate concave plate 1038 having an arcuate profile. By arcuate profile it is meant that the arcuate concave plate 1038 follows a circular- arc path rather than a straight line, which also is in accordance with prior embodiments. Moreover, a concave mounting frame 1002 (FIG. 28, see also FIG. 20) can be provided without a partition wall such as with a single module receiving region 1025 that allows for two concave modules to be mounted thereon as seen also for example in FIG. 20 with concave section 700.Accordingly, here the embodiment of the concave section 1002 with the partition wall 1004 will be discussed in greater detail as seen in FIGS. 26-27 and 29-30.

[0206] Turning to FIG. 30, the concave mounting frame 1002 also includes at least one module-receiving region, shown as two module receiving regions 1026,1028. This embodiment can be used for the modular design as shown previously in FIGS. 21-22 and 25. However, as discussed previously, FIG. 28 without a partition wall and a single386098624.3v3module-receiving region 1025 has a single opening for mounting a plurality of modular concaves.

[0207] With respect to FIG. 29 and FIG. 30 in the embodiment illustrated there are two module-receiving regions 1026, 1028 supporting the plurality of concave modules 1006, 1008. 1010,1012 mounted within the concave mounting frame 1002. In this configuration there are two concave modules 1006, 1008 in the first module-receiving region and two concave modules 1010, 1012 in side by side relation in the second module receiving region 1028. The concave mounting frame 1002 includes a first end mount 1030 and a second end mount 1032 spaced apart from and opposite the first end mount 1030 for mounting the concave section 1000 to the harvester 100 (FIG. 1). Each concave module 1006, 1008, 1010,1012 is mounted to the concave mounting frame 1002.

[0208] Depending on the desired configuration, for example an embodiment with two concave modules in side by side relation (see FIG. 20) each concave module can be mounted to either or both of the first end mount 1030 and second end mount 1032 and / or the frame sides to be mounted (preferably removably mounted) in the module receiving region. The concave mounting frame 1002 includes a pair of side plates 1034, 1036 in spaced parallel relation. The pair of side plates 1034, 1036 extend transversely between the first end mount 1030 and the second end mount 1032. Depending on the desired configuration, each concave module 1006, 1008, 1010,1012 is mounted to either or both of the side plates 1034, 1036.

[0209] Each concave module 1006, 1008, 1010, 1012 includes at least one mount element 1040, 1042 sized, shaped and structured to cooperate with a corresponding mounting structure 1044, 1045, 1046, 1047, 1048, 1049, 1050, 1051 of the concave mounting frame 1002. Each concave module 1006, 1008, 1010, 1012 module in this embodiment is shown to be removably mounted via the mount element 1040, 1042 and the corresponding mounting structure 1044, 1045, 1046, 1047, 1048, 1049, 1050, 1051.Fasteners 1052 are used in the mounting and can be used to join adjacent concave modules 1006, 1008, 1010, 1012. The fasteners 1052 as illustrated may be threaded bolts and / or threaded bolts and nuts. However, it is envisioned alternative fastening means can be used, for example clevis and cotter pins or similar pinning means with non-threaded pins by way of non-limiting examples.

[0210] Mounting element 1040 includes a plate 1053 extending transversely away from the concave module 1006 with spaced apart apertures 1055, 1057 that cooperate with396098624.3v3apertures of mounting structure 1044 such that fasteners can be inserted therethrough to provide for the removably mounted concave module 1006. Also, mounting element 1042 opposite mounting element 1040 may be integral with an end of the concave module and provide a pair of apertures 1061, 1063 that cooperate with (that is they receive) pins 1065, 1067 of mounting structure 1046 for removably mounting the concave module 1006.

[0211] Each concave module 1006, 1008, 1010, 1012 comprises a subsection border frame 1054 including module ends 1056, 1058 in spaced apart relation and module sides 1059, 1060 in spaced apart relation. The module sides 1058, 1060 extend transversely between the module ends 1056, 1058. The arcuate concave plate 1038 (FIG. 26) spans between and is supported by the module ends 1056, 1058 and the module sides 1059, 1060. At least one of the concave modules 1006, 1008, 1010, 1012 includes a plurality of crop passage openings 1062 through the arcuate concave platel038 (FIG. 26). All four concave modules 1006, 1008, 1010, 1012 may have the crop passage openings 1062 or any one or more of them to provide for the desired degree of threshing / separating efficiency. As previously discussed, the crop passage openings 1062 can be different or the same in any one of the concave modules 1006, 1008, 1010, 1012 and / or one or more of the concave modules 1006, 1008, 1010, 1012 can be free of any crop passage openings 1062.

[0212] Turning to FIG. 30 and FIG. 31, one of the covers 1064, 1066, 1068, 1070 (FIG.30) of the modular concaves 1006, 1008, 1010, 1012 (FIG. 30) is shown removed therefrom to facilitate its description as exemplative of each cover 1064. 1066, 1068, 1070. Also, in FIG. 31 a drive 1072 (exemplative of each drive for each cover) is shown in an assembly view for ease of description. The cover 1064 is positionable to selectively cover the crop passage openings 162 to adjust an openness thereof. The cover 1064 moves in circumferential directions being slideable on the arcuate concave plate 1038 (FIG. 26). While other drives hereto fore described in the previous embodiments, so too this drive 1072 may be used and may be actuated via remote actuation as previously discussed.

[0213] Rails 1074, 1076 may be fastened to the module sides 1059, 1060 (FIG. 30) and in connection with the drive 1070, or the rails 1074, 1076 may be integral with the cover 1064 and then fastened to the module sides 1059, 1060 while an end 1078 of the drive is fixed to the cover 1064 such that in either configuration rotation of the threaded drive element 1080 translates into circumferential motion of the cover thereby moving the cover 1064 to adjust the degree of openness of the concave module 1006. While FIG. 30 shows four covers it should be readily apparent that it is envisioned in one configuration no covers 1064, 1066, 1068, 1070 are present while in other configurations one or more covers 1064,406098624.3v31066, 1068, 1070 can be present and each can have a different or same crop passage openings 1062 and any one cover 1064, 1066, 1068, 1070 can be free of crop passage openings 1062. As such, this concave section 1000 with its modular concaves, that in a configuration may be as many as four modular concaves 1064, 1066, 1068, 1070 offers a greater degree of control of the desired degree of crop threshing efficiency for multiple crops than has hereto for been known.

[0214] All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

[0215] The use of the terms ‘"a” and "an” and ‘"the7’ and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be constmed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including.” and “containing” are to be constmed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any nonclaimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0216] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and 416098624.3v3equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.4260986243v3

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A concave section for a harvester, comprising:(a) a concave mounting frame configured for installation in the harvester, the concave mounting frame defining at least one module-receiving region; and(b) a plurality of concave modules mounted within the concave mounting frame.

2. The concave section of claim 1, wherein the concave mounting frame comprises a first end mount and a second end mount spaced apart from and opposite the first end mount for mounting the concave section to the harvester, each concave module being mounted to the concave mounting frame.

3. The concave section of claim 2, wherein each concave module is mounted to either or both of the first and second end mounts.

4. The concave section of any of claims 2-3, wherein the concave mounting frame further comprises a pair of side plates in spaced parallel relation, the pair of side plates extending transversely between the first and second end mounts.

5. The concave section of claim 4, wherein each concave module is mounted to either or both of the side plates.

6. The concave section of any of claims 1-5, wherein each concave module comprises:(a) an arcuate concave plate having an arcuate profile; and(b) at least one mount element configured to cooperate with a corresponding mounting structure of the concave mounting frame, wherein each concave module is removably mounted via the mount element and the corresponding mounting structure, optionally with fasteners.

7. The concave section of any of claims 1-6, wherein each concave module comprises a subsection border frame including module ends in spaced apart relation and module sides in spaced apart relation, the module sides extending transversely between the module ends, a / the arcuate concave plate spanning between and being supported by the module ends and the module sides.436098624.3v38. The concave section of any of claims 6-7, wherein at least one of the concave modules includes a plurality of crop passage openings through the arcuate concave plate thereof.

9. The concave section of any of claims 6-8, wherein at least one of the concave modules comprises an adjustable cover positionable to selectively cover crop passage openings therein to adjust an openness thereof.

10. The concave section of any of claims 6-9, wherein either all of the concave modules include a plurality of crop passage openings through the arcuate concave plate thereof, or at least one of the concave modules is free of crop passage openings through the arcuate concave plate thereof.

11. The concave section of any of claims 1-10, wherein the at least one module-receiving region comprises a single opening receiving multiple concave modules arranged and mounted side-by-side therein.

12. The concave section of any of claims 1-10, wherein the concave mounting frame comprises at least one partition wall dividing the at least one module-receiving region into a plurality of module-receiving regions, and wherein the partition wall includes at least one mount element configured to removably support the concave modules.

13. The concave section of claim 12, wherein at least two modules are mounted together in side-by-side relation and installed into one of the module-receiving regions.

14. The concave section of claim 13. wherein first fasteners removably mount the at least two modules together, and wherein second fasteners mount the at least two modules to the concave frame.

15. The concave section of any of claims 1-14, further comprising at least one cover associated with at least one concave module, the cover being movable relative to the concave module to selectively adjust an openness of the concave module, wherein the cover is movable between at least two positions relative to an / the arcuate plate of the concave module.4460986243v316. The concave section of claim 15, further comprising a drive operable to move the cover relative to the concave module.

17. The concave section of claim 16, wherein at least two of the concave modules have a respective cover and a respective drive operable to move the cover, the respective drive of each module being independently operable of other drives.

18. A concave section for a harvester, comprising:(a) a concave mounting frame comprising:(i) a frame border comprising a pair of end mounts comprising a first end mount and a second end mount spaced apart from and opposite the first end mount for mounting the concave section to the harvester, and a pair of side plates in spaced parallel relation, the pair of side plates extending transversely between the pair of end mounts;(ii) at least one subsection opening defined by the frame border;(iii) a plurality of subsection mounts for each subsection opening, the plurality of subsection mounts comprising a first subsection mount and a second subsection mount and a third subsection mount and a fourth subsection mount;(b) at least two concave bodies comprising a first concave body and a second concave body, the first concave body configured to be removably mounted to the first subsection mount and the third subsection mount, the second concave body configured to be removably mounted to the second subsection mount and the fourth subsection mount, each concave body comprising:(i) an arcuate concave plate;(ii) a pair of concave mounts comprising a first concave mount and a second concave mount spaced apart from and opposite the first concave mount, the first concave mount configured to be removably connected to one of the first subsection mount and the second subsection mount and the second concave mount configured4560986243v3to be removably connected to one of the third subsection mount or the fourth subsection mount.

19. The concave section of claim 18, wherein at least one of the concave bodies includes a plurality of crop passage openings through the arcuate concave plate of each respective concave body.

20. The concave section of claim 18, wherein all of the concave bodies include the crop passage openings.

21. The concave section of claim 19, wherein at least one of the concave bodies is without crop passage openings.

22. The concave section of claim 18, wherein the frame border includes an axially extending partition wall spanning transversely between the side plates and in spaced relationship from the end mounts intermediate the end mounts to divide the subsection opening into two subsection openings, the two subsection openings comprising a first subsection opening receiving the first concave body and the second concave body and a second subsection receiving a third concave body and a fourth concave body.

23. The concave section of claim 22, wherein the axially extending partition wall provides a fifth subsection mount, a sixth subsection mount, a seventh subsection mount and an eighth subsection mount, wherein the first concave body is configured to be removably mounted to the first subsection mount and the fifth subsection mount, the second concave body is configured to be removably mounted to the second subsection mount and the sixth subsection mount, the third concave body is configured to be removably mounted to the seventh subsection mount and the third subsection mount and the fourth concave body is configured to be removably mounted to the eighth subsection mount and the fourth subsection mount.

24. The concave section of claim 18, wherein each subsection mount comprises a pair of at least two mounting apertures, and each concave mount comprises a pair of mounting holes, further comprising fasteners extending through corresponding members of466098624.3v3the mounting apertures and the mounting holes to removably connect concave bodies of the subsections.

25. The concave section of claim 18, further comprising at least one cover such that concave bodies in one or more of the subsections may be selectively covered, each concave cover carrying a respective one of the concave bodies movable thereon between the at least two different positions to adjust a degree of openness of at least some of the crop passage openings thereof.

26. The concave section of claim 25, each subsection that includes one of the at least one cover includes a drive operable to slide each over relative to the concave body of the subsection.

27. The concave section of claim 25, wherein an intermediate layer is between the at least one cover and at least one concave body to reduce friction therebetween.

28. The concave section of claim 18, wherein the first subsection mount and the second subsection mount are provided by the first end mount.

29. The concave section of claim 28, wherein the third and fourth subsection mounts are provided by the second end mount.

30. The concave section of claim 23, wherein the first subsection mount and the second subsection mount are provided by the first end mount and the third and fourth subsection mounts are provided by the second end mount.

31. A concave section for a harvester, comprising:a concave body defining a plurality of crop passage openings;a cover carried by the concave body and movable thereon between at least two different positions to adjust a degree of openness of at least some of the crop passage openings;a pair of drive brackets, including a first drive bracket mounted to the concave body and a second drive bracket mounted to the cover;476098624.3v3a drive has a first end portion carried and supported by the first drive bracket and a second end portion carried and supported by the second drive bracket.

32. The concave section of claim 31, wherein the pair of drive brackets support the drive centrally between opposite sides of the concave body.

33. The concave section of claim 31, wherein the concave body includes an arcuate support plate having the crop passage openings defined therein and a pair of side plates mounted to the arcuate support plate at opposite sides in spaced parallel relation, wherein the first drive bracket offsets the drive laterally from each of the side plates.

34. The concave section of claim 33, wherein the arcuate support plate includes an intermediate layer fixed to the arcuate support plate, the arcuate support plate and intermediate layer defining the crop passage openings.

35. The concave section of claim 34, wherein the cover includes an arcuate cover plate and an intermediate layer fixed to the arcuate cover plate, the intermediate layer located between the arcuate support plate and the arcuate cover plate.

36. The concave section of claim 33, wherein an intermediate layer is located between the arcuate support plate and the arcuate cover plate, the intermediate layer is free from fixation to the arcuate support plate and is free from fixation to the arcuate support plate37. The concave section of claim 33, wherein the side plates defining a lateral gap span between inside surfaces thereof, and wherein the drive has a central drive axis extending transverse to the lateral gap span, the central drive axis intersecting the lateral gap span at a lateral distance from the side plates that is between 10 and 90 % of the lateral gap span, and more preferably between 40 and 60% of the lateral gap span.

38. The concave section of claim 31, wherein the first drive bracket comprises a pair of bracket mount portions in spaced relation and a bridge portion spanning between the bracket mount portions, the bracket mount portions mounted to a remainder of the concave 486098624.3v3body and supporting the bridge portion in spaced relation over the cover to allow sliding movement of the cover between the bridge portion and an arcuate support plate of the concave body.

39. The concave section of claim 38, wherein the bracket mount portions are movably mounted to the remainder of the concave body.

40. The concave section of claim 33, wherein the bracket mount portions are mounted in fixed and stationary’ non-movable relation to the remainder of the concave body.

41. The concave section of claim 31, wherein the second drive bracket comprises a pair of bracket mount portions in spaced relation and a bridge portion spanning between the bracket mount portions, the bracket mount portions fixed to the cover and supporting the bridge portion in spaced relation to an arcuate cover plate of the cover to allow sliding movement of the cover between the bridge portion and an arcuate support plate of the concave body.

42. The concave section of claim 31, wherein the drive is a screw drive mechanism comprising a threaded shaft and a nut, the threaded shaft having a shaft thread engaged with a nut thread of the nut to transfer rotary motion into linear movement between the pair of drive brackets and thereby the concave body and the cover.

43. The concave section of claim 31, wherein the drive is a linear drive that may be actuated by a linear actuator, the linear actuator being electric, hydraulic or pneumatic,44. The concave section of claim 31 ,wherein the concave body includes an arcuate support plate having the crop passage openings defined therein, a pair of end mounts mounted to the arcuate support plate at opposite ends in spaced relationship, and a pair of side plates mounted to the arcuate support plate at opposite sides in spaced parallel relation, the pair of side plates extending transversely between the pair of end mounts;wherein the first drive bracket is mounted to each of the side plates and spans between the side plates supporting the drive over the cover portion.4960986243v345. The concave section of claim 31 , wherein the cover portion includes an arcuate cover plate, and at least one rail projecting radially from the arcuate cover plate, wherein the second drive bracket is mounted to the at least one rail.

46. The concave section of claim 45,wherein the at least one rail includes two rails mounted to the cover portion in spaced parallel relation;wherein the second drive bracket is mounted to the two rails and spans between the two rails supporting the drive between the two rails.

47. The concave section of claim 46, wherein the at least one rail further includes a third rail extending in spaced parallel relation to the two rails to provide additional support.

48. The concave section of claim 46, wherein the concave body comprises a limit arrangement to limit movement of the cover in circumferential directions, the at least one rail defining a groove of the limit arrangement.

49. The concave section of claim 31, further comprising an actuator mounted to one of the first and second drive brackets.

50. The concave section of claim 31 , wherein the cover is a segmented cover that includes a first cover portion and a second cover portion separated by a break such that the first cover portion and second cover portion are separate pieces of the cover.

51. The concave section of claim 31 , wherein the cover is a segmented cover including a first cover portion and a second cover portion, the first cover portion moveable in a first direction towards the trailing end and a second direction towards the leading end wherein movement of the first cover portion does not move the second cover portion.506098624.3v352. The concave section of claim 51, wherein the second cover portion is moveable in the first and second directions and wherein movement of the second cover portion in the first and second directions does not move the first cover portion.

53. The concave section of claim 31, further comprising a concave mounting frame defining a subsection opening, the concave mounting frame comprising subsection mounts for mounting two concave bodies in the subsection opening.

54. A concave section for a harvester, comprising:a concave body defining a plurality of crop passage openings;a cover carried by the concave body and movable thereon between at least two different positions to adjust a degree of openness of at least some of the crop passage openings;a screw drive mechanism including a screw shaft and a nut threadingly connected to the screw shaft, the screw drive mechanism acting between the concave body and the cover, the screw shaft supported by a first one of the concave body and the cover, the nut support by a second one of the concave body and the cover, the second one being different than the first one.

55. The concave section of claim 54, wherein the screw shaft is mounted to and carried by the concave body, and wherein the nut is carried by and mounted to the screw drive.

56. The concave section of claim 54, wherein the screw shaft is mounted to and carried by the cover, and wherein the nut is carried by and mounted to the screw drive.

57. The concave section of claim 54, further comprising a rotary actuator operable to rotate the screw shaft in forward and reverse rotational directions.

58. The concave section of claim 54, further comprising a manual crank for manually rotating the screw shaft.516098624.3v359. A concave section for a harvester, comprising:a concave body comprising an arcuate support plate defining a plurality of crop passage openings;a cover comprising an arcuate cover plate in sliding contact with the arcuate support plate, the cover carried by the concave body and slidable thereon between at least two different positions to adjust a degree of openness of at least some of the crop passage openings,an intermediate layer acting between the concave body and the cover reducing friction therebetween.

60. The concave section of claim 59, wherein the intermediate layer is integrally part of the cover, wherein the arcuate cover plate comprises at least two layers including:a metal substrate support layer;a second layer supported by the metal substrate support layer, the second layer contacting the arcuate concave plate and reducing the friction between the cover and the concave body.

61. The concave section of claim 60, wherein the second layer is secured to the metal substrate support layer by at least one element selected from the group consisting of: adhesive, tape, magnet and fastener.

62. The concave section of claim 60, wherein the second layer is a spray coating integrally bonded to the metal support layer.

63. The concave section of claim 59, wherein the intermediate layer is integrally part of the arcuate support plate, wherein the arcuate support plate comprises at least two layers including:a metal substrate support layer;a second layer supported by the metal substrate support layer, the second layer contacting the metal substrate support layer and reducing the friction between the cover and the concave body.526098624.3v364. The concave section of claim 63, wherein the second layer is secured to the metal substrate support layer by at least one element selected from the group consisting of: adhesive, tape, magnet and fastener.

65. The concave section of claim 63, wherein the second layer is a spray coating integrally bonded to the metal support layer.

66. The concave section of claim 59, wherein the intermediate layer comprises a polymer.

67. The concave section of claim 65, wherein the polymer is at least one material selected from the group consisting of: nylon, polyethylene, polyester, and a fluoropolymer.

68. The concave section of claim 59, wherein the thickness of the intermediate layer is between 0.1 and 15 millimeters.

69. The concave section of claim 59, wherein the thickness of the metal substrate support layer is between 0.1 and 15 millimeters.

70. The concave section of claim 59, wherein the cover is a segmented cover that includes a first cover portion and a second cover portion separated by a break such that the first cover portion and second cover portion are separate pieces of the cover.

71. A concave section for a harvester, comprising:a concave body defining a plurality of crop passage openings;a cover carried by the concave body and movable thereon between at least two different positions to adjust a degree of openness of at least some of the crop passage openings;a lever mounted to the cover or the concave body or both the concave body and the cover and the concave body and acting between the cover and the concave body and actuable to move the cover on the concave body.536098624.3v31 . The concave section of claim 31 , wherein the cover comprises:an arcuate cover plate;a first rail located on a first side of the arcuate cover plate; the first rail mounted to a first leg of the lever;a second rail mounted to an opposite lateral side of the arcuate cover plate: the second rail mounted to a second leg of the lever;wherein a bridge portion of the lever is located over and spaced above the arcuate cover plate, the bridge portion supported by the first leg and the second leg.

73. The concave section of claim 71, wherein the lever is rotatably mounted to the cover.

74. The concave section of claim 73, wherein the first leg comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first end connects to the bridge portion and the second end is rotatably mounted to the first rail, wherein the second leg comprises a top end and a bottom end, the top end connected to the bridge portion and the bottom end connected to the second rail.

75. The concave section of claim 74, wherein the lever has a first state wherein the lever is removably fixed directly to the concave body and a second state wherein the lever is free to rotate relative to the concave body.

76. The concave section of claim 75 wherein in the first state, a shaft located on the lever is inserted into an aperture of the concave body or the shaft is located on the concave body and inserted into an aperture located on the lever.

77. The concave section of claim 76, wherein in the second state, the shaft is removed from the aperture leaving the lever free to rotate relative to the concave body.

78. The concave section of claim 71, comprising an intermediate layer acting between the concave body and the cover reducing friction therebetween.546098624.3v379. The concave section of claim 71, wherein the cover is a segmented cover that includes a first cover portion and a second cover portion separated by a break such that the first cover portion and second cover portion are separate pieces of the cover.

80. The concave section of claim 79, comprising a first lever mounted on the first cover to move the first cover relative to the concave body and the second cover, and a second lever mounted on the second cover to move the second cover relative to the concave body and the first cover, each of the first and the second cover independently actuable.

81. The concave section of claim 72, wherein the concave body includes an arcuate support plate having the crop passage openings defined therein, a pair of end mounts mounted to the arcuate support plate at opposite ends in spaced relationship, and a pair of side plates mounted to the arcuate support plate at opposite sides in spaced parallel relation, the pair of side plates extending transversely between the pair of end mounts;wherein the lever is rotatably mounted to the cover, is removably fixed to each of the side plates and spans between the side plates supporting the bridge portion over the cover.

82. The concave section of claim 71, comprising an intermediate layer acting between the concave body and the cover reducing friction therebetween.

83. The concave section of claim 82, comprising an intermediate layer acting between the concave body and the cover reducing friction therebetween.556098624.3v3

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