Patent ID: 6688970
Filing Date: 2004-02-10
Classification: A01F

Abstract:
A threshing rotor and front bearing housing shroud assembly for an agricultural combine, comprising:a front rotor inlet section having a front center portion, the front rotor inlet section being rotatable in a predetermined rotational direction about an axis extending through the front center portion, the front center portion including a radial outer circumferential edge portion having a predetermined radial extent, and at least one impeller having a front leading edge extending radially outwardly from the front center portion so as to be swept back relative to the predetermined rotational direction; a front bearing housing positionable in front of the front rotor inlet section in rotatable connection with and in closely spaced opposing relation to the front center portion for supporting the front rotor inlet section for rotation about the axis, the front bearing housing including a radial outer circumferential surface having a predetermined radial extent; and a shroud extending at least substantially completely around the front bearing housing radially outwardly thereof defining a generally annular space therebetween, the shroud having a radial innermost surface having a radial extent greater than the radial extent of the front center portion so as to be located marginally radially outwardly thereof when the front rotor inlet section is supported by the front bearing housing, the shroud including a radially outwardly facing curved anti-wind wiper surface extending tangentially and radially outwardly therefrom in the predetermined direction of rotation and in position such that when the front rotor inlet section is supported by the front bearing housing and rotated relative thereto in the predetermined rotational direction, the front leading edge of the impeller will rotate in closely spaced axially opposing relation to the anti-wind wiper and will always form at least a 90Â° angle thereto so as to urge plant material coming into contact therewith radially outwardly away from the front bearing housing, and the front center portion of the front rotor inlet section further including at least one frontwardly extending lug positioned so as to project into and rotate through the space between the radial inner circumferential surface of the shroud and the radial outer circumferential surface of the bearing housing as the front rotor inlet section rotates relative thereto, for agitating material that enters the space.