Importance

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Abstract

A rotating cylinder having a plurality of spaced raspbars cooperates with a complementary concave in a combine to separate grain from the leafy portion of the plant. The grate-like concave is disposed below and aft of the cylinder in a closely spaced, arcuate manner. Rotation of the cylinder causes its raspbars to engage the severed portion of the plant introduced between a lower, leading edge of the concave and the cylinder, whereupon the raspbars force the grain through the grate of the concave which retains the leafy portion of the plant which is then displaced aft and upward along the concave to its aft edge. Disposed on the concave's aft edge and along its length is an obliquely angled finger grate which directs the leafy residue onto the bottom of a rotating beater for further aft displacement and removal from the concave/cylinder grain separation stage. The concave includes an increased number of more closely spaced, lengthwise bars to permit slower rotation of the cylinder and improved grain separation. The angled finger grate and relative position of the aft, upper edge of the concave with respect to the rotating beater more efficiently eliminates the leafy residue of the harvested plant and prevents residue backfeed, or recirculation, through the concave/cylinder separation stage.

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First Claim