Patent ID: 7562879
Filing Date: 2009-07-21
Classification: A01D,B65G,F16J

Abstract:
1. A seal for a rotating crop conveying auger in a header on an agricultural crop harvester, the auger having a cylindrical core supporting helical flighting, generally opposing first and second ends, and an elongate axle extending from the first and second ends, respectively, a bearing on each end's respective axle for rotatably connecting the axle to the header along an axis of rotation, each end having a seal mechanism comprising: an inner barrier connected at one end to the header side wall, said inner barrier being cylindrically shaped, aligned on the axis of rotation, and extending along the axis of rotation toward the opposing end for a first length, and further having a first diameter; an outer barrier connected at one end to the header side wall, said outer barrier being cylindrically shaped and having a second diameter greater than said first diameter and being concentrically aligned relative to said inner barrier; an annular space between said inner and said outer barriers, said annular space having an annular opening distally opposed from the header side wall, said opening having a radial width; a hollow cylindrical end extending from the cylindrical core and having a wall thickness, said end projecting through said annular opening into said annular space, said radial width being greater than said wall thickness; a flexible sealant material disposed in said annular space; and a channel in said sealant material that receives a portion of said hollow cylindrical end and uniquely interacts therewith to form a barrier for preventing contaminants from reaching the bearing.