Patent Publication Number: US-8529325-B2

Title: Threshing bars with cutting blades and combine harvester thresher formed therewith

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to combine harvesters. 
     More particularly, the present invention relates to threshing drums of combine harvesters. 
     In a further and more specific aspect, the present invention relates to threshing implements of threshing drums of combine harvesters. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Agriculture is a major industry in the U.S., which is a net exporter of food. As of 2009 there were approximately 2.2 million farms in the U.S. covering an area of approximately 920 million acres. Although in 1800 approximately ninety percent of the entire U.S. population was employed in agriculture, present day numbers have dropped to approximately two percent due largely to the development and implementation of large, automated agricultural equipment, such as combine harvesters, which have replaced large numbers of farm workers. 
     The crops grown in the U.S., such as wheat, barley, and rye, are only partly edible. While the seeds or grains at the top of each plant are edible and useful for making products such as bread and cereal, the rest of the plant, which is known as the chaff, is inedible and has to be discarded. Before modern-day machines were developed, such as in the 1800&#39;s, agricultural workers had to harvest crops by carrying out a series of laborious operations one after another. First they had to cut down the plants with a long-handled cutting tool such as a scythe. Next, they had to separate the edible grain from the inedible chaff by beating the cut stalks in an operation known as threshing. Finally, they had to clean any remaining debris away from the seeds to make them suitable for use in a mill. All this took a considerable amount of time and labor requiring large numbers of farm workers. The modern combine harvester carries out these various operations automatically eliminating the need for numerous farm workers. 
     In operation, a combine harvester is driven through a field of a growing crop, whereby the combine harvester cuts, threshes, and separates the grain from the chaff using rotating blades, wheels, sieves, and elevators. The grain collects in a tank inside the combine harvester, which is periodically emptied into tractors that drive alongside, while the chaff is ejected onto the field from an ejection spout at the back of the combine harvester. 
     In general, a combine harvester includes a header, a pickup reel, a cutter, a threshing drum, sieves, a collection tank, and conveyors, such as rotating belts and spinning augers. The header gathers the crop, and the pickup reel pushes the crop down toward the cutter, which cuts the crop at the base near ground level. A conveyor picks up the cuttings from the cutter, and conveys the cuttings to the threshing drum, which rotates and threshes the cuttings separating the grains from the chaff to form threshings, namely, the chaff and the separated grains. A conveyance conveys the threshings along the thresher from an upstream location of thresher to a downstream location of thresher as the thresher rotates and the grains fall through sieves into a collection tank inside the combine harvester, which is periodically emptied, such as into tractors that drive alongside, while a conveyor takes up and conveys the chaff to the ejection spout for ejection onto the field. Some combine harvesters have a rotating spreader mechanism that throws the chaff over a wide area, while others have bailers that bail the chaff for later use, such as for animal bedding. 
     Existing combine harvester threshers are complicated and difficult and expensive to maintain. Because some crops require aggressive threshing and others require less aggressive threshing, a thresher must be carefully chosen and installed to meet the given threshing performance required for the particular crop to be threshed. For farmers that grow various crops, this often requires the farm to maintain numerous combine harvesters at a substantial cost with threshers configured for different crops, or to periodically replace threshers for meeting the specified threshing needs of the given crops to be threshed. Given these and other deficiencies in the art, there is a need in the art for a threshing drum that may be easily and efficiently maintained and serviced, and that may be easily and efficiently configured to meet different crop-specific threshing requirements. There is also a need in the art for improved threshing implements useful with threshing drums that may be configured and arranged to meet specific threshing requirements. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to the principle of the invention, a combine harvester threshing drum threshing bar consists of a rigid, integral, unitary threshing fixture having a leading edge and an opposed trailing end, an upstream face and an opposed downstream face, a top threshing side and an opposed bottom threshing drum emplacement side. The leading edge has a first width extending from the upstream face to the downstream face, and the trailing end has a second width extending from the upstream face to the downstream face. The opposed upstream and downstream faces extend between the top threshing side and the opposed bottom threshing drum emplacement side of the threshing fixture from the leading edge of the threshing fixture to the trailing end of the threshing fixture. The top threshing side includes a trailing threshing face and a leading threshing face that meet at a first corner formed in the top threshing side. The first corner is located between the leading edge and the trailing end of the threshing fixture and extends from the upstream face to the downstream face. The trailing threshing face extends between the opposed upstream and downstream faces of the threshing fixture from the trailing end to the first corner. The leading threshing face extends between the opposed upstream and downstream faces of the threshing fixture from the first corner to the leading edge, and inclines downwardly relative to the trailing threshing face from the first corner and meets, and cooperates with, the bottom threshing drum emplacement side and the opposed upstream and downstream faces of the threshing fixture at the leading edge to form a wedge in the threshing fixture. Crop threshing grooves are formed in the trailing threshing face of the top threshing side of the threshing fixture. The upstream face includes a rearward surface and a forward surface that meet at a second corner formed in the upstream face, the second corner is formed between the leading edge and the trailing end of the threshing fixture and extends from the top threshing side of the threshing fixture to the bottom threshing drum emplacement side of the threshing fixture. The rearward surface of the upstream face is substantially parallel with respect to the downstream face of the threshing fixture, and extends between the top threshing side and the bottom threshing drum emplacement side of the threshing fixture from the trailing end to the second corner. The forward surface of the upstream face extends between the top threshing side and the bottom threshing drum emplacement side of the threshing fixture from the second corner to the leading edge, and is in-turned from the rearward surface and toward the downstream face of the threshing fixture from the second corner to the leading edge of the threshing fixture forming an oblique crop material deflecting surface. The first width of the leading edge of the threshing fixture is less than the second width of the trailing end of the threshing fixture. The crop threshing grooves extend along the threshing fixture in a direction from the trailing end of the threshing fixture to the leading edge of the threshing fixture. The crop threshing grooves are further parallel relative to each other. The crop threshing grooves are still further substantially parallel relative to the oblique crop material deflecting surface of the upstream face of the threshing fixture, and are oblique relative to the leading edge of the threshing fixture. The crop threshing grooves further extend downwardly along the leading threshing face of the top threshing side of the threshing fixture and, in a particular embodiment, terminate along the leading threshing face at an intermediate location relative to the first corner and the leading edge of the threshing fixture. In a further embodiment, the crop threshing grooves are oblique relative to the oblique crop material deflecting surface of the upstream face of the threshing fixture, and the leading edge of the threshing fixture. In still a further embodiment, the crop threshing grooves include first grooves formed proximate to the upstream face of the threshing fixture, and second grooves formed proximate to the downstream face of the threshing fixture. The first grooves include parallel first groove portions that are substantially parallel relative to the oblique crop material deflecting surface and are oblique relative to the leading edge of the threshing fixture, and parallel second groove portions that are oblique relative to the oblique crop material deflecting surface and perpendicular relative to the leading edge. The second grooves include parallel third groove portions that are oblique relative to the oblique crop material deflecting surface and the parallel first grooves, and are oblique relative to the leading edge of the threshing fixture, and parallel fourth groove portions that are oblique relative to the oblique crop material deflecting surface, perpendicular relative to the leading edge, and parallel relative to the parallel second groove portions. 
     According to the principle of the invention, a combine harvester thresher includes a combine harvester threshing drum mounted for rotation in a threshing direction relative to a combine harvester concave. The threshing drum has a cylindrical exterior. A population of threshing drum threshing bars is affixed to the cylindrical exterior of the threshing drum for threshing a crop applied between the cylindrical exterior of the threshing drum and the concave in response to rotation of the threshing drum in the threshing direction. Each threshing bar is a rigid, integral, unitary threshing fixture that includes a leading edge directed into the threshing direction and an opposed trailing end directed away from the threshing direction, an upstream face and an opposed downstream face, a top threshing side for threshing a crop applied between the cylindrical exterior of the threshing drum and the concave in response to rotation of the threshing drum in the threshing direction, and an opposed bottom threshing drum emplacement side affixed to the cylindrical exterior of the threshing drum. The leading edge has a first width extending from the upstream face to the downstream face, and the trailing end has a second width extending from the upstream face to the downstream face. The opposed upstream and downstream faces extend between the top threshing side and the opposed bottom threshing drum emplacement side of the threshing fixture from the leading edge of the threshing fixture to the trailing end of the threshing fixture. The top threshing side includes a trailing threshing face and a leading threshing face that meet at a first corner formed in the top threshing side. The first corner is located between the leading edge and the trailing end of the threshing fixture and extends from the upstream face to the downstream face. The trailing threshing face extends between the opposed upstream and downstream faces of the threshing fixture from the trailing end to the first corner. The leading threshing face extends between the opposed upstream and downstream faces of the threshing fixture from the first corner to the leading edge, and inclines downwardly relative to the trailing threshing face from the first corner and meets, and cooperates with, the bottom threshing drum emplacement side and the opposed upstream and downstream faces of the threshing fixture at the leading edge to form a wedge in the threshing fixture. Crop threshing grooves are formed in the trailing threshing face of the top threshing side of the threshing fixture. The upstream face includes a rearward surface and a forward surface that meet at a second corner formed in the upstream face, the second corner is formed between the leading edge and the trailing end of the threshing fixture and extends from the top threshing side of the threshing fixture to the bottom threshing drum emplacement side of the threshing fixture. The rearward surface of the upstream face extends between the top threshing side and the bottom threshing drum emplacement side of the threshing fixture from the trailing end to the second corner. The forward surface of the upstream face extends between the top threshing side and the bottom threshing drum emplacement side of the threshing fixture from the second corner to the leading edge, and is in-turned from the rearward surface and toward the downstream face of the threshing fixture from the second corner to the leading edge of the threshing fixture forming an oblique crop material deflecting surface for deflecting a crop applied between the cylindrical exterior of the threshing drum and the concave away from the upstream face in response to rotation of the threshing drum in the threshing direction. The first width of the leading edge of the threshing fixture is less than the second width of the trailing end of the threshing fixture. The crop threshing grooves extend along the threshing fixture in a direction from the trailing end of the threshing fixture to the leading edge of the threshing fixture. The crop threshing grooves are further parallel relative to each other. The crop threshing grooves are still further substantially parallel relative to the oblique crop material deflecting surface of the upstream face of the threshing fixture, and are oblique relative to the leading edge of the threshing fixture. The crop threshing grooves further extend downwardly along the leading threshing face of the top threshing side of the threshing fixture, and terminate along the leading threshing face at an intermediate location relative to the first corner and the leading edge of the threshing fixture. In particular embodiment, the crop threshing grooves are oblique relative to the oblique crop material deflecting surface of the upstream face of the threshing fixture, and the leading edge of the threshing fixture. In yet still a further embodiment, the crop threshing grooves include first grooves formed proximate to the upstream face of the threshing fixture, and second grooves formed proximate to the downstream face of the threshing fixture. The first grooves include parallel first groove portions that are parallel relative to the oblique crop material deflecting surface and are oblique relative to the leading edge of the threshing fixture, and parallel second groove portions that are oblique relative to the oblique crop material deflecting surface and perpendicular relative to the leading edge. The second grooves include parallel third groove portions that are oblique relative to the oblique crop material deflecting surface and the parallel first grooves, and are oblique relative to the leading edge of the threshing fixture, and parallel fourth groove portions that are oblique relative to the oblique crop material deflecting surface, perpendicular relative to the leading edge, and parallel relative to the parallel second groove portions. 
     According to the principle of the invention, a combine harvester threshing drum threshing bar includes a rigid, integral, unitary threshing fixture that includes a leading edge and an opposed trailing end, a first face and an opposed second face, a top threshing side and an opposed bottom threshing drum emplacement side. The opposed first and second faces extend between the top threshing side and the opposed bottom threshing drum emplacement side of the threshing fixture from the leading edge of the threshing fixture to the trailing end of the threshing fixture. The top threshing side includes a trailing threshing face and a leading threshing face that meet at a corner formed in the top threshing side, and the corner is located between the leading edge and the trailing end of the threshing fixture and extends from the first face to the second face. The trailing threshing face extends between the opposed first and second faces of the threshing fixture from the trailing end to the corner. The leading threshing face extends between the opposed first and second faces of the threshing fixture from the corner to the leading edge, and inclines downwardly relative to the trailing threshing face from the corner and meets, and cooperates with, the bottom threshing drum emplacement side and the opposed first and second faces of the threshing fixture at the leading edge to form a wedge in the threshing fixture. The first face includes a rearward surface and a forward surface, the rearward surface of the first face extends between the trailing end and an intermediate location of the first face between the trailing end and the leading edge, and the forward surface of the first face extends between the intermediate location and the leading edge and is in-turned from the rearward surface and toward the second face of the threshing fixture to the leading edge of the threshing fixture forming an oblique crop material deflecting surface. A blade, having a cutting edge, is formed in the threshing fixture. The blade extends away from the top threshing side of the threshing fixture to the cutting edge that is directed away from the trailing end of the threshing fixture and toward the leading edge of the threshing fixture. The leading edge has a first width extending from the first face to the second face, the trailing end has a second width extending from the first face to the second face, and the first width of the leading edge is less than the second width of the trailing end. Crop threshing grooves are formed in the top threshing side of the threshing fixture. In a particular embodiment, the crop threshing grooves are formed in the trailing threshing face of the top threshing side of the threshing fixture. The crop threshing grooves extend along the threshing fixture in a direction from the trailing end of the threshing fixture to the leading edge of the threshing fixture, and extend from the trailing end of the threshing fixture to the corner formed in the top threshing side of the threshing fixture. The crop threshing grooves are further parallel relative to each other. 
     According to the principle of the invention, a combine harvester threshing drum threshing bar includes a threshing fixture that includes a leading edge and an opposed trailing end, a first face and an opposed second face, a top threshing side and an opposed bottom threshing drum emplacement side, and a blade having a cutting edge. The blade extends away from the top threshing side of the threshing fixture to the cutting edge that is directed away from the trailing end of the threshing fixture and toward the leading edge of the threshing fixture. The opposed first and second faces extend between the top threshing side and the opposed bottom threshing drum emplacement side of the threshing fixture from the leading edge of the threshing fixture to the trailing end of the threshing fixture. The top threshing side includes a trailing threshing face and a leading threshing face that meet at a first corner formed in the top threshing side. The first corner is located between the leading edge and the trailing end of the threshing fixture and extends from the first face to the second face. The trailing threshing face extends between the opposed first and second faces of the threshing fixture from the trailing end to the first corner. The leading threshing face extends between the opposed first and second faces of the threshing fixture from the first corner to the leading edge, and inclines downwardly relative to the trailing threshing face from the first corner and meets, and cooperates with, the bottom threshing drum emplacement side and the opposed first and second faces of the threshing fixture at the leading edge to form a wedge in the threshing fixture. The first face includes a rearward surface and a forward surface that meet at a second corner formed in the first face. The second corner is formed between the leading edge and the trailing end of the threshing fixture and extends from the bottom threshing drum emplacement side of the threshing fixture to the top threshing side of the threshing fixture and to the blade. The rearward surface of the first face extends from the trailing end to the second corner and further extends between the bottom threshing drum emplacement side and the top threshing side of the threshing fixture and the blade from the trailing end to the second corner. The forward surface of the first face extends from the second corner to the leading edge and further extends between the bottom threshing drum emplacement side and the top threshing side of the threshing fixture and the blade and to the cutting edge, and the forward surface is in-turned from the rearward surface and toward the second face of the threshing fixture from the second corner to the leading edge of the threshing fixture forming an oblique crop material deflecting surface. The leading edge has a first width extending from the first face to the second face, the trailing end has a second width extending from the first face to the second face, and the first width of the leading edge is less than the second width of the trailing end. A crop-threshing rasp structure is formed in the top threshing side of the threshing fixture. In a particular embodiment, the crop-threshing rasp structure is formed in the trailing threshing face of the top threshing side of the threshing fixture. 
     Consistent with the foregoing summary of preferred embodiments, and the ensuing detailed description, which are to be taken together, the invention also contemplates associated apparatus and method embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Referring to the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a highly generalized schematic representation of a combine harvester incorporating a thresher concave operatively positioned under a thresher consisting of a threshing drum formed with threshing bars constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of a threshing bar constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a front elevation view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a rear elevation view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a left or upstream side elevation view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a right or downstream side elevation view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2  shown as it would appear operatively positioned with respect to a section view of a thresher concave; 
         FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a threshing bar constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of the invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a top plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a front elevation view of the embodiment of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a rear elevation view of the embodiment of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a left or upstream side elevation view of the embodiment of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a right or downstream side elevation view of the embodiment of  FIG. 10  shown as it would appear operatively positioned with respect to a section view of a thresher concave; 
         FIG. 18  is a front perspective view of a further embodiment of a threshing bar constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of the invention; 
         FIG. 19  is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a top plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a front elevation view of the embodiment of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a rear elevation view of the embodiment of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a left or upstream side elevation view of the embodiment of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 25  is a right or downstream side elevation view of the embodiment of  FIG. 18  shown as it would appear operatively positioned with respect to a section view of a thresher concave; 
         FIG. 26  is a front perspective view of yet still a further embodiment of a threshing bar constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of the invention; 
         FIG. 27  is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 26 ; 
         FIG. 28  is a top plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 26 ; 
         FIG. 29  is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 26 ; 
         FIG. 30  is a front elevation view of the embodiment of  FIG. 26 ; 
         FIG. 31  is a rear elevation view of the embodiment of  FIG. 26 ; 
         FIG. 32  is a left or upstream side elevation view of the embodiment of  FIG. 26 ; 
         FIG. 33  is a right or downstream side elevation view of the embodiment of  FIG. 26  shown as it would appear operatively positioned with respect to a section view of a thresher concave; 
         FIGS. 34-39  are fragmented, front elevation views of threshing drums formed with different configurations of threshing bars constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of the invention; 
         FIG. 40  is an enlarged, highly generalized side elevation view of the thresher concave and thresher of  FIG. 1  consisting of the threshing drum formed with threshing bars constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of the invention; 
         FIG. 41  is a section view taken along line  41 - 41  of  FIG. 40 ; 
         FIG. 42  is a front perspective view of yet still another embodiment of a threshing bar constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of the invention; 
         FIG. 43  is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 42 ; 
         FIG. 44  is a top plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 42 ; 
         FIG. 45  is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 42 ; 
         FIG. 46  is a front elevation view of the embodiment of  FIG. 42 ; 
         FIG. 47  is a rear elevation view of the embodiment of  FIG. 42 ; 
         FIG. 48  is a left or upstream side elevation view of the embodiment of  FIG. 42 ; and 
         FIG. 49  is a right or downstream side elevation view of the embodiment of  FIG. 42  shown as it would appear operatively positioned with respect to a section view of a thresher concave. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Turning now to the drawings, in which like reference characters indicate corresponding elements throughout the several views, attention is first directed to  FIG. 1  in which there is seen a highly generalized schematic representation of a combine harvester  50  incorporating a thresher  55  consisting of a threshing drum  60  having a cylindrical exterior  61  configured with threshing bars  70  constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of the invention. In general, combine harvester includes a header  51 , a pickup reel  52 , a cutter  53 , a conveyer  54  formed between cutter  53  and thresher  55 , a combine harvester concave or thresher concave  56  operatively positioned underneath thresher  55 , sieves  57 , a collection tank  58 , and an array of conveyors, such as rotating belts and spinning augers. In the operation of combine harvester  50  as it is driven through a crop header  51  gathers the crop, and pickup reel  52  pushes the crop down toward cutter  53 , which cuts the crop at the base near ground level to form crop cuttings or, simply, cuttings. A conveyor  54  picks up the cuttings from cutter  53 , and conveys the cuttings to the thresher  55  for threshing. Thresher  55  rotates and threshes the cuttings along thresher concave  56  separating the grains from the chaff to form threshings, namely, the chaff and the separated grains. As thresher  55  rotates and threshes the cuttings to form threshings, a conveyance conveys the threshings along thresher  55  in a direction from an upstream location of thresher  55  to a downstream location of thresher  55 , where the grains fall through sieves  57  into collection tank  58  inside combine harvester  50 , which is periodically emptied, such as into tractors that drive alongside, while a conveyor takes up and conveys the chaff to an ejection spout for ejection onto the field. 
     Thresher  55  consists of a threshing drum  60  that is mounted for rotation relative to thresher concave  56  in a threshing direction, or threshing direction of rotation, generally indicated by arrowed line A. Arrowed line A indicates the direction of rotation of threshing drum  60 , which is the direction of travel of threshing bars  70  applied to threshing drum  60 . Threshing drum  60  has a cylindrical outer surface or exterior  61 , and a population of threshing drum threshing bars  70 , constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of the invention, is affixed to cylindrical exterior  61  of threshing drum  60  for threshing a crop applied between cylindrical exterior  61  of threshing drum  60  and thresher concave  56  in response to rotation of threshing drum  60  in the threshing direction indicated by arrowed line A. In response to rotation of threshing drum  60  in the threshing direction, threshing bars  70  thresh the crop cuttings between cylindrical exterior  61  and thresher concave  56  separating the grains from the chaff to form threshings, namely, the chaff and the separated grains. A conveyance (not shown) of combine harvester  50 , such as an auger, conveys the threshings along the rotating thresher  55  in a direction from an upstream location of thresher  55  to a downstream location of thresher  55  where the grains fall through sieves  57  into collection tank  58  inside combine harvester  50 , which is periodically emptied, such as into tractors that drive alongside, while a conveyor takes up and conveys the chaff to an ejection spout for ejection onto the field.  FIG. 1  is exemplary of a highly generalized left side elevation view of combine harvester  50 , and  FIG. 40  is exemplary of an enlarged, highly generalized side elevation view of thresher concave  56  and thresher  55  consisting of threshing drum  60  formed with threshing bars  70  constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of the invention, whereby arrowed line A indicates a counterclockwise rotational direction of threshing drum  60  being the threshing direction of rotation of thresher  55 . 
     With the exception of the threshing bars, including threshing bars  70  and the ensuing embodiments of threshing bars disclosed in detail throughout the remainder of this specification and which are constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of the invention, combine harvester  50  is exemplary of a typical combine harvester well known in the art, further details of which will readily occur to the skilled artisan and will not be discussed in further detail. 
       FIGS. 2-9  illustrate a first embodiment of a threshing bar denoted at  70  constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of the invention.  FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of threshing bar  70  constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of the invention, a population of which in a particular embodiment is applied to cylindrical exterior  61  of threshing drum  60  being then part of thresher  55  forming an exemplary thresher embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of threshing bar  70 ,  FIG. 4  is a top plan view of threshing bar  70 ,  FIG. 5  is a bottom plan view of threshing bar  70 ,  FIG. 6  is a front elevation view of threshing bar  70 ,  FIG. 7  is a rear elevation view of threshing bar  70 ,  FIG. 8  is a left or upstream side elevation view of threshing bar  70 , and  FIG. 9  is a right or downstream side elevation view of threshing bar  70  shown as it would appear operatively positioned with respect to a section view of thresher concave  56 . 
     Referencing  FIGS. 2-9  in relevant part, threshing bar  70  consists of a rigid, integral, unitary threshing body or fixture  71 , which is molded of machined of cast iron or steel or other material or combination of materials having the properties of rigidity, resilience, resistance to deformation, and wear resistance. Threshing fixture  71  has a leading edge  80  and an opposed trailing end  81 , an upstanding upstream face  82  and an opposed upstanding downstream face  83 , a top threshing side  84  and an opposed bottom threshing drum emplacement side  85 . Leading edge  80  is parallel with respect to trailing end  81 . Leading edge  80  has a width W 1  that extends from upstream face  82  to downstream face  83 , and trailing end  81  has a width W 2  that extends from upstream face  82  to downstream face  83 . 
     Upstream face  82  is located on an upstream end of threshing fixture  71  and extends between top threshing side  84  and opposed bottom threshing drum emplacement side  85  of threshing fixture  71  from leading edge  80  of threshing fixture  71  to trailing end  81  of threshing fixture  71 . Downstream face  83  is located on a downstream end of threshing fixture  71  and extends between top threshing side  84  and opposed bottom threshing drum emplacement side  85  of threshing fixture  71  from leading edge  80  of threshing fixture  71  to trailing end  81  of threshing fixture  71 . 
     Top threshing side  84  includes two main surface or face components, namely, a rearward trailing threshing surface or face denoted at  90  and a forward leading threshing surface or face denoted at  91 . Trailing threshing face  90  meets leading threshing face  91  at a corner  92  formed in top threshing side  84 , which means that trailing threshing face  90  is contiguous with leading threshing face  91  in that trailing threshing face  90  touches leading threshing face  91  at, and along the length of, corner  92 . Corner  92  is rounded and blunt and is located between and is parallel with respect to leading edge  80  and trailing end  81  of threshing fixture  71  and extends along top threshing side  84  from upstream face  82  to downstream face  83 . Trailing threshing face  90  is a working, threshing, or rasping face and is broad an exposed and extends between opposed upstream and downstream faces  82  and  83  of threshing fixture  71  from trailing end  81  to corner  92 . Leading threshing face  91  is a working, threshing, or rasping face and is broad and exposed like trailing threshing face  90 , and extends between opposed upstream and downstream faces  82  and  83  of threshing fixture  71  from corner  92  to leading edge  80 . Leading and trailing threshing faces  90  and  91  intersect at corner  92 . Leading threshing face  91  inclines downwardly away from and relative to trailing threshing face  90  from corner  92  at an average downward incline of 40 degrees and meets, and cooperates with, bottom threshing drum emplacement side  85  and opposed upstream and downstream faces  82  and  83  of threshing fixture  71  at leading edge  80  to form a wedge  95  in threshing fixture  71 , which characterized the forward or leading end of threshing fixture  71  opposing trailing end  81  of fixture  71 . In the preferred embodiment leading threshing face  91  inclines downwardly from and relative to trailing threshing face  90  from corner  92  at an average incline of 40 degrees and this is an optimal incline of leading threshing face  91  for providing an optimum threshing action along leading threshing face  91 . According to the principle of the invention, a preferred range of average inclination of leading threshing face  91  relative to trailing threshing face  90  is from 35 degrees to 45 degrees. 
     Upstream face  82  includes two main surface components, namely, a rearward surface  100  and a forward surface  101  that meet at corner  102  formed in upstream face  82 , which means that rearward surface  100  is contiguous with forward surface  101  in that rearward surface  100  touches forward surface  101  at, and along the length of, corner  102 . Corner  102  is formed between leading edge  80  and trailing end  81  of threshing fixture  71  and extends from top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71  to bottom threshing drum emplacement side  85  of threshing fixture  71 . In a further and more specific aspect, corner  102  is formed between leading edge  80  and trailing end  81  of threshing fixture  71  and extends from trailing threshing face  90  of top threshing side  84  at a location between trailing end  81  of threshing fixture  71  and the intersection of corner  92  with upstream face  82  of threshing fixture  71  and downwardly therefrom to bottom threshing drum emplacement side  85  of threshing fixture  71 . Rearward surface  100  of upstream face  82  is broad and is substantially parallel with respect to the downstream face  83  of threshing fixture  71 , and extends between trailing threshing face  90  of top threshing side  84  and bottom threshing drum emplacement side  85  of threshing fixture  71  from trailing end  81  to corner  102 . Forward surface  101  of upstream face  82  extends between trailing and leading threshing faces  90  and  91  of top threshing side  84  and bottom threshing drum emplacement side  85  of threshing fixture  71  from corner  102  to leading edge  80 , tapers from corner  92  to leading edge  80 , and is in-turned from rearward surface  100  and toward downstream face  83  of threshing fixture  71  from corner  102  to leading edge  80  of threshing fixture  71  forming an oblique crop material deflecting surface, namely, a surface that is in-turned so as to be oblique with respect to rearward surface  100 . As such, width W 2  of trailing end  81  is greater than width W 1  of leading edge  80 . In the preferred embodiment forward surface  101  is in-turned from and relative to rearward surface  100  from corner  102  at an average in-turn or angle of 20 degrees and this provides an optimum deflecting action along forward surface  101 . A preferred range of an average in-turn or angle of forward surface  101  relative to rearward surface  100  is from 16 degrees to 25 degrees. 
     A rasp structure is formed in and along trailing and leading threshing faces  90  and  91  of top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71 . This rasp structure consists of alternating crop threshing grooves  110  and vanes  111 . Crop threshing grooves  110  are formed in top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71 , which form and are separated by corresponding upstanding vanes  111 . Vanes  111  are elongate and have an equal and generally uniform height and width relative to each other, and grooves  110  are similarly elongate and correspond in length to the lengths of the corresponding vanes  111  and have a generally equal and uniform width and depth relative to each other. Grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  are formed in trailing threshing face  90  of top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71  and are formed in leading threshing face  91  of top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71 . Grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  extend along threshing fixture  71  in a direction from trailing end  81  of threshing fixture  71  to leading edge  80  of threshing fixture  71 . More specifically, grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  further extend along top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71  from trailing end  81  of threshing fixture  71  to corner  92  formed in top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71 . Grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  further extend downwardly along leading threshing face  91  of top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71  from corner  92  and, in the present embodiment, terminate along leading threshing face  91  at an intermediate location relative to corner  92  and leading edge  80  of threshing fixture  71 . 
     Grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  are parallel relative to each other, and are substantially parallel relative to the oblique crop material deflecting surface defined by forward surface  101  of upstream face  82  of threshing fixture  71 , and are oblique relative to leading edge  80  of threshing fixture  71  and also, for reference purposes, rearward surface  100  of upstream face  82  of threshing fixture  71 . As such, grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  are downstream directed grooves and vanes in that they are angled away from trailing rearward surface  100  of upstream face  82  at the upstream end of threshing fixture  71  toward downstream face  83  at the downstream end of threshing fixture  71 . Grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  forming the rasp structure of threshing fixture  71  define crop material conveyance pathways that extend along or otherwise across top threshing side  84  of fixture  71  in the opposite direction along threshing fixture  71  being a direction from leading edge  80  to trailing end  81  and, more particularly, in an angled direction from downstream face  83  of fixture  71  toward upstream face  82  of fixture  71 . Grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  are substantially parallel relative to the oblique crop material deflecting surface defined by forward surface  101  of upstream face  82  of threshing fixture  71 , in which the term “substantially parallel” means parallel within a deviation range of from zero to approximately 6 degrees, whereby in the present embodiment there is a deviation of approximately four degrees. And so within this range of deviation, grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  are substantially parallel relative to the oblique crop material deflecting surface defined by forward surface  101  of upstream face  82  of threshing fixture  71 . 
     Referencing  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  4 , and  5 , threshing fixture  71  is formed with bore  120  and a corresponding counterbore  121  used to accept, as shown in  FIG. 41 , a nut-and-bolt fastener  122  for securing threshing bar  70  to cylindrical exterior  61  of threshing drum  60  referenced in  FIG. 41 . Bore  120  and corresponding counterbore  121  are formed at an intermediate location between downstream face  83  and rearward surface  100  of upstream face  82 . Bore  120  and corresponding counterbore  121  are located at an intermediate location between corner  92  and trailing end  81  of threshing fixture  71 , and extend through fixture  71  from trailing threshing face  90  of top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71  to a cavity  123  formed in bottom threshing drum emplacement side  85  of threshing fixture  71 . Counterbore  121  is directed inwardly to bore  120  through trailing threshing face  90  of top threshing side of threshing fixture  71 . 
     Referencing  FIG. 41 , nut-and-bolt assembly  122  consists of nut  124  and a corresponding bolt  125  that includes an elongate shank  126  having a head  127  and an opposed threaded end  128 . In the installation of threshing bar  70 , bottom threshing drum emplacement side  85  of threshing bar  70  is set onto cylindrical exterior  61  of threshing drum  60 , and threshing side  84  of threshing bar  70  and the rasp structure formed therein faces outwardly toward and confronts thresher concave  56 . Threshing bar  70  is positioned so as to direct leading edge  80  and leading threshing face  91  into the threshing direction of rotation of threshing drum  60  indicated by arrowed line A, so as to direct upstream face  82  toward the upstream end or location of threshing drum  60 , and so as to direct downstream face  83  toward the downstream end or location of threshing drum  60 , whereby in response to rotation of threshing drum  60  in the threshing direction of rotation threshing bar  70  leads with leading edge  80  and trails with trailing end  81  and a crop applied between cylindrical exterior  61  of threshing drum  60  and thresher concave  56  is threshed by and between top threshing side  84  of threshing bar  70  and thresher concave  56 . Bottom threshing drum emplacement side  85  of threshing bar  70  is contoured to be received by cylindrical exterior  61  of threshing drum  60 . 
     In the installation of nut-and-bolt assembly  122  as shown in  FIG. 41 , head  127  is set into and is received by counterbore  121  such that it is located under top threshing side  84  so as not to interfere with the threshing action carried out by grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  formed in top threshing side  84 . Shank  126  extends downwardly from head  127  through bore  120  and into and through cavity  123  to threaded end  128 , which is applied through an opening  129  formed through threshing drum  60 . Nut  124  is threaded onto threaded end  128  of shank  126  along the underside of threshing drum  60  and is tightened to firmly and rigidly secure threshing bar  70  in place relative to cylindrical exterior  61  of threshing drum  60 . 
     In a particular embodiment, a population of threshing bars  70  is emplaced and affixed to cylindrical exterior of threshing drum  60 , as generally depicted in  FIGS. 1 ,  34 , and  40 , to form an exemplary thresher  55  according to the principle of the invention. In  FIG. 34 , threshing bars are denoted at  70 , and are shown set onto cylindrical exterior  61  of threshing drum  60  in preparation for threshing. Threshing bars  70  are positioned with their leading edges  80  and leading threshing faces  91  facing or otherwise directed into the threshing direction of rotation of threshing drum  60  indicated by arrowed line A so to direct their upstream faces  82  toward the upstream location  55 A of threshing drum, and so as to direct their downstream faces  83  toward the downstream location  55 B of threshing drum  60 . Because upstream faces  82  of threshing bars  70  are directed toward upstream location of threshing drum  60 , the oblique crop material deflecting surface defined by forward surface  101  of upstream face  82  of each threshing bar  70  also faces upstream location  55 A of threshing drum  60 , and is oblique and angled toward upstream location  55 A of threshing drum  60  relative to the threshing direction of rotation of threshing drum  60  as indicated by arrowed line A. In response to rotation of threshing drum  60  in the threshing direction of rotation denoted by arrowed line A threshing bars  70  lead with their leading edges  80  and trail with their trailing ends  81  and crop cuttings applied between cylindrical exterior  61  of threshing drum  60  and thresher concave  56  are threshed by and between rasp structures formed in the top threshing sides  84  of threshing bars  70  and thresher concave  56  separating the grains from the chaff to form threshings, namely, the chaff and the separated grains. A conveyance (not shown) of combine harvester  50 , such as an auger, conveys the threshings along the rotating thresher  55  in a direction indicated by arrowed line B from upstream location  55 A of thresher  55  to downstream location  55 B of thresher  55  where the grains fall through sieves  57  into collection tank  58  inside combine harvester  50  as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     Referencing  FIGS. 2 ,  9 ,  34 , and  41  in relevant part, as each threshing bar  70  is rotated by threshing drum  60  along the threshing direction of rotation the crop cuttings to be threshed are received between top threshing face  84  of threshing bar  70  and thresher concave  56  (shown in  FIGS. 9 and 41 ), in which the crop cuttings to be threshed are applied to and across top threshing face  84  and encounter top threshing face  84  from leading edge  80  to trailing end  81  and impact first leading threshing face  91  and then impact and encounter the rasp structure consisting of grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  applied along leading threshing face  91  and trailing threshing face  90  imparting a threshing action against the crop cuttings to form threshings. The previously described incline of leading threshing face  91  relative to trailing threshing face  90 , and the grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  forming the rasp structure along leading threshing face  91  and trailing threshing face  90  cooperate to cause threshing bar  70  to perform an aggressive threshing of the crop cuttings to be threshed. In fact, leading threshing face  91  faces upwardly toward thresher concave  56  and faces into the threshing direction of rotation of threshing drum  60  indicated by arrowed line A and inclines downwardly from trailing threshing face  90  to cylindrical exterior  61  of threshing drum  60  at an average downward incline of 40 degrees relative to trailing threshing face  90 , and in response to rotation of threshing drum  60  in the threshing direction of rotation crop cuttings initially impact leading threshing face  91  at a steep and oblique impaction angle of 50-60 degrees and the defined incline of leading threshing face  91  as described thus provides an aggressive initial impaction against the crop cuttings in the threshing of such crop cuttings but not so aggressive so as to cause an initial over-threshing of the crop cuttings, in accordance with the principle of the invention. Because grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  are downstream directed grooves and vanes in that they are angled away from trailing rearward surface  100  of upstream face  82  at the upstream end of threshing fixture  71  toward downstream face  83  at the downstream end of threshing fixture  71 , in response to movement of threshing bar  70  along the threshing direction of rotation of threshing drum  60  leading with leading edge  80  the crop cuttings and threshings are forced along the vanes  111  and into and through the grooves  110  defining the crop material conveyance pathways of the rasp structure of threshing fixture  71  in a rearward direction from leading edge  80  to trailing end  81  and further in an angled direction from downstream face  83  of fixture  71  toward upstream face  82  of fixture  71  and are thrust outwardly therefrom toward upstream location  55 A of threshing drum  60  and away from upstream face  82 . This thrusting of crop cuttings and threshings along and through the crop material conveyance pathways defined by the rasp structure of threshing fixture  71  toward upstream location  55 A of threshing drum slows the conveyance of this material along thresher  55  from upstream location  55 A to downstream location  55 B thereby prolonging the applied threshing action to the crop cuttings to provided a thorough, repeated, more prolonged, and aggressive threshing of the crop cuttings to be threshed as thresher  55  rotates. And so the rasp structure formed by grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  creates contact of the crop cuttings against the concave allowing more crop cuttings to rub together, and the rasp structure is aggressive and yet gentle on the crop cuttings to allow the crop cuttings to be managed through and along the crop material conveyance pathways formed by grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111 . The rasp structure of threshing fixture  71  defined by grooves and corresponding vanes  111  as herein described reduces the possibility of over-threshing, prevents cracks and splits in seed coats, and is suitable for all crops, and especially corn, beans, and small grain crops. 
       FIG. 34  illustrates a population of threshing bars  70  applied to cylindrical exterior  61  of threshing drum  60  in a pattern extending between upstream location  55 A of thresher  55  and downstream location of thresher  55 . As each threshing bar  70  is rotated along the threshing direction of rotation, it is to be emphasized that part of the crop cuttings to be threshed impacts the oncoming oblique crop material deflecting surface defined by forward surface  101  of upstream face  82 , which deflects the crop cuttings outwardly therefrom toward upstream location  55 A of threshing drum  60  and away from upstream face  82 . This deflection of crop cuttings toward upstream location  55 A of threshing drum  60  as deflected by forward surface  101  of upstream face  82  further slows the conveyance of this material along thresher  55  from upstream location  55 A to downstream location  55 B thereby prolonging the applied threshing action to the crop cuttings to provide a thorough, repeated, more prolonged, and aggressive threshing of the crop cuttings to be threshed as thresher  55  rotates. 
       FIGS. 10-17  illustrate a second embodiment of a threshing bar  130  constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of the invention.  FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of threshing bar  130 , a population of which in a particular embodiment is applied to cylindrical exterior  61  of threshing drum  60  being then part of thresher  55  forming an exemplary thresher embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 11  is a rear perspective view of threshing bar  130 ,  FIG. 12  is a top plan view of threshing bar  130 ,  FIG. 13  is a bottom plan view of threshing bar  130 ,  FIG. 14  is a front elevation view of threshing bar  130 ,  FIG. 15  is a rear elevation view of threshing bar  130 ,  FIG. 16  is a left or upstream side elevation view of threshing bar  130 , and  FIG. 17  is a right or downstream side elevation view of threshing bar  130  shown as it would appear operatively positioned with respect to a section view of thresher concave  56 . 
     Referencing  FIGS. 10-17  in relevant part, threshing bar  130  is somewhat different from threshing bar  70  in overall shape, but in structure is common to threshing bar  70  as threshing bar  130  shares fixture  71 , including leading edge  80  having width W 1 , trailing end  81  having width W 2  that is greater than width W 1  of leading edge  80 , upstream face  82 , downstream face  83 , top threshing side  84 , bottom threshing drum emplacement side  85 , trailing threshing face  90 , leading threshing face  91 , corner  92 , wedge  95 , rearward surface  100 , forward surface  101 , corner  102 , grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111 , bore  120  and corresponding counterbore  121  to accommodate a nut-and-bolt fastener for securing threshing bar  130  to cylindrical exterior  61  of threshing drum  60  referenced in connection with threshing bar  70  in  FIG. 41 , and cavity  123 . 
     A rasp structure is formed in and along trailing threshing face  90  of top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71  of threshing bar  130 . This rasp structure of threshing bar  130  consists of alternating crop threshing grooves  110  and vanes  111 . Crop threshing grooves  110  are formed in top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71  of threshing bar  130 , which form and are separated by corresponding upstanding vanes  111 . Vanes  111  are elongate and have an equal and generally uniform height and width relative to each other, and grooves  110  are similarly elongate and correspond in length to the lengths of the corresponding vanes  111  and have a generally equal and uniform width and depth relative to each other. Grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  are formed in trailing threshing face  90  of top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71 , and extend along threshing fixture  71  in a direction from trailing end  81  of threshing fixture  71  to leading edge  80  of threshing fixture  71 , and extend from trailing end  81  of threshing fixture  71  to corner  92  formed in top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71 . 
     Grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  are parallel relative to each other, and are still further substantially parallel relative to the oblique crop material deflecting surface defined by forward surface  101  of upstream face  82  of threshing fixture  71 , and are oblique relative to leading edge  80  of threshing fixture  71  and also, for reference purposes, rearward surface  100  of upstream face  82  of threshing fixture  71 . As such, grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  are downstream directed grooves and vanes in that they are angled away from trailing rearward surface  100  of upstream face  82  at the upstream end of threshing fixture  71  toward downstream face  83  at the downstream end of threshing fixture  71 . Grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  define crop material conveyance pathways that extend along or otherwise across top threshing side  84  of fixture  71  in the opposite direction along threshing fixture  71  being a direction from leading edge  80  to trailing end  81  and, more particularly, in an angled direction from downstream face  83  of fixture  71  toward upstream face  82  of fixture  71 . Grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  are substantially parallel relative to the oblique crop material deflecting surface defined by forward surface  101  of upstream face  82  of threshing fixture  71 , in which the term “substantially parallel” as explained in connection with threshing bar  70  means parallel within a deviation range of from zero to approximately 6 degrees, whereby in the present embodiment there is a deviation of approximately four degrees. And so within this range of deviation, grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  are substantially parallel relative to the oblique crop material deflecting surface defined by forward surface  101  of upstream face  82  of threshing fixture  71 . Unlike threshing bar  70 , grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  extend to and terminate at leading threshing face  91  at corner  92 , and do not further extend downwardly along leading threshing face  91  of top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71  from corner  92  leaving leading threshing face  91  bare and free of a rasp structure. 
     Threshing bar  130  is applied and secured to a cylindrical exterior of a threshing drum and positioned in the same way as threshing bar  70  previously discussed and which is shown in  FIG. 17 , whereby threshing side  84  of threshing bar  130  and the rasp structure formed therein faces outwardly toward and confronts thresher concave  56 . A threshing drum may be formed with a population of threshing bars  130  applied in a regular or specified pattern across the cylindrical exterior as shown in  FIG. 35 . In FIG.  35  threshing bars  130  are shown set onto cylindrical exterior  61  of threshing drum  60  in preparation for threshing. Threshing bars  130  are positioned with their leading edges  80  and leading threshing faces  91  directed into the threshing direction of rotation of threshing drum  60  indicated by arrowed line A so to direct their upstream faces  82  toward the upstream location  55 A of threshing drum, and so as to direct their downstream faces  83  toward the downstream location  55 B of threshing drum  60 . Because upstream faces  82  of threshing bars  130  are directed toward upstream location of threshing drum  60 , the oblique crop material deflecting surface defined by forward surface  101  of upstream face  82  of each threshing bar  130  also faces upstream location  55 A of threshing drum  60 , and is oblique and angled toward upstream location  55 A of threshing drum  60  relative to the threshing direction of rotation of threshing drum  60  as indicated by arrowed line A. In response to rotation of threshing drum  60  in the threshing direction of rotation denoted by arrowed line A threshing bars  130  lead with their leading edges  80  and trail with their trailing ends  81  and crop cuttings applied between cylindrical exterior  61  of threshing drum  60  and thresher concave  56  are threshed by and between top threshing sides  84  of threshing bars  130  and thresher concave  56  separating the grains from the chaff to form threshings, namely, the chaff and the separated grains. A conveyance (not shown) of combine harvester  50 , such as an auger, conveys the threshings along the rotating thresher  55  in a direction indicated by arrowed line B from upstream location  55 A of thresher  55  to downstream location  55 B of thresher  55  where the grains fall through sieves  57  into collection tank  58  inside combine harvester  50  as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     As each threshing bar  130  is rotated along the threshing direction of rotation A the crop cuttings to be threshed are received between top threshing face  84  of threshing bar  130  and thresher concave  56 , in which the crop cuttings to be threshed are applied to and across and encounter top threshing face  84  from leading edge  80  to trailing end  81  and encounter and impact first leading threshing face  91  and then impact and encounter grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  applied along trailing threshing face  90  imparting a threshing action against the crop cuttings to be threshed to separate the chaff from the grain of the crop cuttings to form threshings. The application of grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  along just trailing threshing face  90  and with leading threshing face  91  of threshing bar  130  being bare and free of rasp structure causes threshing bar  130  to perform a less aggressive threshing of the crop cuttings to be threshed compared to the threshing action performed by threshing bar  70 . And so the rasp structure formed by grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  of threshing bar  130  creates contact of the crop cuttings against the concave allowing more crop cuttings to rub together, and the rasp structure is aggressive and yet gentle on the crop cuttings to allow the crop cuttings to be managed through and along the crop material conveyance pathways formed by grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111 . The rasp structure of threshing fixture  71  of threshing bar  130  defined by grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  as herein described reduces the possibility of over-threshing, prevents cracks and splits in seed coats, and is suitable for all crops, and especially small grain crops, such as hard threshing wheat. 
     Because grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  are downstream directed grooves and vanes in that they are angled away from trailing rearward surface  100  of upstream face  82  at the upstream end of threshing fixture  71  toward downstream face  83  at the downstream end of threshing fixture  71 , in response to movement of threshing bar  130  along the threshing direction of rotation of threshing drum  60  leading with leading edge  80  the crop cuttings and threshings are forced along the vanes  111  and into and through the grooves  110  defining the crop material conveyance pathways of the rasp structure of threshing fixture  71  of threshing bar  130  in a rearward direction from leading edge  80  to trailing end  81  and further in an angled direction from downstream face  83  of fixture  71  toward upstream face  82  of fixture  71  and are thrust outwardly therefrom toward upstream location  55 A of threshing drum  60  and away from upstream face  82 . This thrusting of crop cuttings and threshings toward upstream location  55 A of threshing drum slows the conveyance of this material along thresher  55  from upstream location  55 A to downstream location  55 B thereby prolonging the applied threshing action to the crop cuttings to provided a thorough, repeated, more prolonged, and aggressive threshing of the crop cuttings to be threshed as thresher  55  rotates. Furthermore, as each threshing bar  130  is rotated along the threshing direction of rotation, it is to be emphasized that part of the crop cuttings to be threshed impacts the oncoming oblique crop material deflecting surface defined by forward surface  101  of upstream face  82 , which deflects the crop cuttings outwardly therefrom toward upstream location  55 A of threshing drum  60  and away from upstream face  82 . This deflection of crop cuttings toward upstream location  55 A of threshing drum  60  as deflected by forward surface  101  of upstream face  82  further slows the conveyance of this material along thresher  55  from upstream location  55 A to downstream location  55 B thereby prolonging the applied threshing action to the crop cuttings to provide a thorough, repeated, more prolonged, and aggressive threshing of the crop cuttings to be threshed as thresher  55  rotates as with threshing bar  70 . 
       FIGS. 18-25  illustrate a third embodiment of a threshing bar  140  constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of the invention.  FIG. 18  is a front perspective view of threshing bar  140 , a population of which in a particular embodiment is applied to cylindrical exterior  61  of threshing drum  60  being then part of thresher  55  forming an exemplary thresher embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 19  is a rear perspective view of threshing bar  140 ,  FIG. 20  is a top plan view of threshing bar  140 ,  FIG. 21  is a bottom plan view of threshing bar  140 ,  FIG. 22  is a front elevation view of threshing bar  140 ,  FIG. 23  is a rear elevation view of threshing bar  140 ,  FIG. 24  is a left or upstream side elevation view of threshing bar  140 , and  FIG. 25  is a right or downstream side elevation view of threshing bar  140  shown as it would appear operatively positioned with respect to a section view of thresher concave  56 . 
     Referencing  FIGS. 18-25  in relevant part, threshing bar  140  is somewhat different from threshing bar  70  and threshing bar  130  in overall shape, but in structure is common to threshing bars  70  and  130  as threshing bar  140  shares fixture  71 , including leading edge  80  having width W 1 , trailing end  81  having width W 2  that is greater than width W 1  of leading edge  80 , upstream face  82 , downstream face  83 , top threshing side  84 , bottom threshing drum emplacement side  85 , trailing threshing face  90 , leading threshing face  91 , corner  92 , wedge  95 , rearward surface  100 , forward surface  101 , corner  102 , grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111 , bore  120  and corresponding counterbore  121  to accommodate a nut-and-bolt fastener for securing threshing bar  140  to cylindrical exterior  61  of threshing drum  60  referenced in connection with threshing bar  70  in  FIG. 41 , and cavity  123 . 
     A rasp structure is formed in and along trailing threshing face  90  of top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71  of threshing bar  140 . This rasp structure of threshing bar  140  consists of alternating crop threshing grooves  110  and vanes  111 . Crop threshing grooves  110  are formed in top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71  of threshing bar  140 , which form and are separated by corresponding upstanding vanes  111 . Vanes  111  are elongate and have an equal and generally uniform height and width relative to each other, and grooves  110  are similarly elongate and correspond in length to the lengths of the corresponding vanes  111  and have a generally equal and uniform width and depth relative to each other. Grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  are formed in trailing threshing face  90  of top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71 , and extend along threshing fixture  71  in a direction from trailing end  81  of threshing fixture  71  to leading edge  80  of threshing fixture  71 , and extend from trailing end  81  of threshing fixture  71  to corner  92  formed in top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71 . 
     Grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  are parallel relative to each other, and are still further oblique relative to the oblique crop material deflecting surface defined by forward surface  101  of upstream face  82  of threshing fixture  71 , and are oblique relative to leading edge  80  of threshing fixture  71  and also, for reference purposes, downstream face  83  and rearward surface  100  of upstream face  82  of threshing fixture  71 . As such, grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  are upstream directed grooves and vanes in that they are angled away from downstream face  83  at the downstream end of threshing fixture  71  toward rearward and forward surfaces  100  and  101  of upstream face  82  at the upstream end of threshing fixture  71 . Grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  define crop material conveyance pathways that extend along or otherwise across top threshing side  84  of fixture  71  in the opposite direction along threshing fixture  71  being a direction from leading edge  80  to trailing end  81  and, more particularly, in an angled direction from upstream face  82  of fixture  71  toward downstream face  83  of fixture  71 . Although grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  are oblique relative to the oblique crop material deflecting surface defined by forward surface  101  of upstream face  82  of threshing fixture  71 , they are substantially perpendicular relative to the oblique crop material deflecting surface defined by forward surface  101  of upstream face  82  of threshing fixture  71 , in which the term “substantially perpendicular” means perpendicular within a deviation range of from zero to approximately 20 degrees, whereby in the present embodiment there is a deviation of approximately ten degrees. And so within this range of deviation, grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  are substantially perpendicular relative to the oblique crop material deflecting surface defined by forward surface  101  of upstream face  82  of threshing fixture  71 . In threshing bar  140  grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  extend to and terminate at leading threshing face  91  at corner  92 , and do not further extend downwardly along leading threshing face  91  of top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71  from corner  92  leaving leading threshing face  91  bare and free of a rasp structure. 
     Threshing bar  140  is applied and secured to a cylindrical exterior of a threshing drum in the same way as threshing bar  70  previously discussed and which is shown in  FIG. 25 , whereby threshing side  84  of threshing bar  140  and the rasp structure formed therein faces outwardly toward and confronts thresher concave  56 . A threshing drum may be formed with a population of threshing bars  140  applied in a regular or specified pattern across the cylindrical exterior as shown in  FIG. 36 . In  FIG. 36  threshing bars  140  are shown set onto cylindrical exterior  61  of threshing drum  60  in preparation for threshing. Threshing bars  140  are positioned with their leading edges  80  and leading threshing faces  91  directed into the threshing direction of rotation of threshing drum  60  indicated by arrowed line A so to direct their upstream faces  82  toward the upstream location  55 A of threshing drum, and so as to direct their downstream faces  83  toward the downstream location  55 B of threshing drum  60 . Because upstream faces  82  of threshing bars  140  are directed toward upstream location of threshing drum  60 , the oblique crop material deflecting surface defined by forward surface  101  of upstream face  82  of each threshing bar  140  also faces upstream location  55 A of threshing drum  60 , and is oblique and angled toward upstream location  55 A of threshing drum  60  relative to the threshing direction of rotation of threshing drum  60  as indicated by arrowed line A. In response to rotation of threshing drum  60  in the threshing direction of rotation denoted by arrowed line A threshing bars  140  lead with their leading edges  80  and trail with their trailing ends  81  and crop cuttings applied between cylindrical exterior  61  of threshing drum  60  and thresher concave  56  are threshed by and between top threshing sides  84  of threshing bars  140  and thresher concave  56  separating the grains from the chaff to form threshings, namely, the chaff and the separated grains. A conveyance (not shown) of combine harvester  50 , such as an auger, conveys the threshings along the rotating thresher  55  in a direction indicated by arrowed line B from upstream location  55 A of thresher  55  to downstream location  55 B of thresher  55  where the grains fall through sieves  57  into collection tank  58  inside combine harvester  50  as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     As each threshing bar  140  is rotated along the threshing direction of rotation A the crop cuttings to be threshed are received between top threshing face  84  of threshing bar  140  and thresher concave  56 , in which the crop cuttings to be threshed are applied to and across and encounter top threshing face  84  from leading edge  80  to trailing end  81  and encounter and impact first leading threshing face  91  and then impact and encounter grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  applied along trailing threshing face  90  imparting a threshing action against the crop cuttings to be threshed to separate the chaff and the grain of the crop cuttings to form threshings. The application of grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  along just trailing threshing face  90  and with leading threshing face  91  of threshing bar  140  being bare and free of rasp structure causes threshing bar  140  to perform a less aggressive threshing of the crop cuttings to be threshed compared to the threshing action performed by threshing bar  70 . And so the rasp structure formed by grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  of threshing bar  140  creates contact of the crop cuttings against the concave allowing more crop cuttings to rub together, and the rasp structure is aggressive and yet gentle on the crop cuttings to allow the crop cuttings to be managed through and along the crop material conveyance pathways formed by grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111 . The rasp structure of threshing fixture  71  of threshing bar  140  defined by grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  as herein described reduces the possibility of over-threshing, prevents cracks and splits in seed coats, and is suitable for all crops, and especially hard threshing crops. 
     Because grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  are upstream directed grooves and vanes in that they are angled away from downstream face  83  at the downstream end of threshing fixture  71  toward rearward and forward surfaces  100  and  101  of upstream face  82  at the upstream end of threshing fixture  71 , in response to movement of threshing bar  140  along the threshing direction of rotation of threshing drum  60  leading with leading edge  80  the crop cuttings and threshings are forced along the crop material conveyance pathways defined by grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  extending in a forward direction from leading edge  80  to trailing end  81  and further in an angled direction from upstream face  82  of fixture  71  toward downstream face  82  of fixture  71  and are thrust outwardly therefrom toward downstream location  55 B of threshing drum  60  and away from downstream face  83 . This thrusting of crop cuttings and threshings toward downstream location  55 A of threshing drum increases the rate of the conveyance of this material along thresher  55  from upstream location  55 A to downstream location  55 B thereby reducing the applied threshing action to the crop cuttings to provided a less aggressive and less thorough, and less repeated, and less prolonged, threshing of the crop cuttings to be threshed as thresher  55  rotates compared to the threshing action performed by threshing bar  70  and also threshing bar  130 . Furthermore, as each threshing bar  130  is rotated along the threshing direction of rotation, it is to be emphasized that part of the crop cuttings to be threshed impacts the oncoming oblique crop material deflecting surface defined by forward surface  101  of upstream face  82 , which deflects the crop cuttings outwardly therefrom toward upstream location  55 A of threshing drum  60  and away from upstream face  82 . This deflection of crop cuttings toward upstream location  55 A of threshing drum  60  as deflected by forward surface  101  of upstream face  82  further slows the conveyance of this material along thresher  55  from upstream location  55 A to downstream location  55 B thereby providing some repeated threshing of the crop cuttings. 
       FIGS. 26-33  illustrate a fourth embodiment of a threshing bar  150  constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of the invention.  FIG. 26  is a front perspective view of threshing bar  150 , a population of which in a particular embodiment is applied to cylindrical exterior  61  of threshing drum  60  being then part of thresher  55  forming an exemplary thresher embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 27  is a rear perspective view of threshing bar  150 ,  FIG. 28  is a top plan view of threshing bar  150 ,  FIG. 29  is a bottom plan view of threshing bar  150 ,  FIG. 30  is a front elevation view of threshing bar  150 ,  FIG. 31  is a rear elevation view of threshing bar  150 ,  FIG. 32  is a left or upstream side elevation view of threshing bar  150 , and  FIG. 33  is a right or downstream side elevation view of threshing bar  150  shown as it would appear operatively positioned with respect to a section view of thresher concave  56 . 
     Referencing  FIGS. 26-33  in relevant part, threshing bar  150  is somewhat different from threshing bar  70  and threshing bar  130  and threshing bar  140  in overall shape, but in structure is common to threshing bars  70 ,  130 , and  140  as threshing bar  150  shares fixture  71 , including leading edge  80  having width W 1 , trailing end  81  having width W 2  that is greater than width W 1  of leading edge  80 , upstream face  82 , downstream face  83 , top threshing side  84 , bottom threshing drum emplacement side  85 , trailing threshing face  90 , leading threshing face  91 , corner  92 , wedge  95 , rearward surface  100 , forward surface  101 , corner  102 , grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111 , bore  120  and corresponding counterbore  121  to accommodate a nut-and-bolt fastener for securing threshing bar  150  to cylindrical exterior  61  of threshing drum  60  referenced in connection with threshing bar  70  in  FIG. 41 , and cavity  123 . 
     A rasp structure is formed in and along trailing threshing face  90  of top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71  of threshing bar  150 . This rasp structure of threshing bar  140  consists of alternating crop threshing grooves  110  and vanes  111 . Crop threshing grooves  110  are formed in top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71  of threshing bar  130 , which form and are separated by corresponding upstanding vanes  111 . Vanes  111  are elongate and have an equal and generally uniform height and width relative to each other, and grooves  110  are similarly elongate and correspond in length to the lengths of the corresponding vanes  111  and have a generally equal and uniform width and depth relative to each other. Grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  are formed in trailing threshing face  90  of top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71 , and extend along threshing fixture  71  in a direction from trailing end  81  of threshing fixture  71  to leading edge  80  of threshing fixture  71 , and extend from trailing end  81  of threshing fixture  71  to corner  92  formed in top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71 . 
     In threshing bar  150 , grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  are formed in trailing threshing face  90  of top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71 , and extend along threshing fixture  71  in a direction from trailing end  81  of threshing fixture  71  to leading edge  80  of threshing fixture  71 , and extend from trailing end  81  of threshing fixture  71  to corner  92  formed in top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71 . Unlike threshing bar  70  and like threshing bar  130  and threshing bar  140 , grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  extend to and terminate at leading threshing face  91  at corner  92 , and do not further extend downwardly along leading threshing face  91  of top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71  from corner  92  leaving leading threshing face  91  bare and free of a rasp structure. 
     In threshing bar  150 , grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  formed between upstream face  82  and bore  120  and corresponding counterbore  121  are denoted with a prime (“′”) symbol, and grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  formed between downstream face  83  and bore  120  and corresponding counterbore  121  are denoted with a double prime (“″”) symbol. Grooves  110 ′ and corresponding vanes  111 ′ are upstream grooves and vanes, and grooves  110 ″ and corresponding vanes  111 ′ are opposing downstream grooves and vanes. 
     Grooves  110 ′ and corresponding vanes  111 ′ include rearward parallel groove portions  160 A and corresponding rearward parallel vane portions  161 A, and forward parallel groove portions  160 B and corresponding forward parallel vane portions  161 B. Groove portions  160 A and corresponding parallel vane portions  161 A extend from trailing end  81  of threshing fixture  71  to an intermediate position between trailing end  81  and corner  92 , and forward parallel groove portions  160 B and corresponding vane portions  161 B extend therefrom to leading threshing face  91  at corner  92 . 
     Grooves  110 ″ and corresponding vanes  111 ″ include rearward parallel groove portions  170 A and corresponding rearward parallel vane portions  171 A, and forward parallel groove portions  170 B and corresponding forward parallel vane portions  171 B. Groove portions  170 A and corresponding parallel vane portions  171 A extend from trailing end  81  of threshing fixture  71  to an intermediate position between trailing end  81  and corner  92 , and forward parallel groove portions  170 B and corresponding vane portions  171 B extend therefrom to leading threshing face  91  at corner  92 . 
     Groove portions  160 A and corresponding vane portions  161 A are parallel relative to each other, and are still further substantially parallel relative to the oblique crop material deflecting surface defined by forward surface  101  of upstream face  82  of threshing fixture  71 , and are oblique relative to leading edge  80  of threshing fixture  71  and also, for reference purposes, rearward surface  100  of upstream face  82  of threshing fixture  71 . As such, groove portions  160 A and corresponding vane portions  161 A are downstream directed grooves and vanes in that they are angled away from trailing rearward surface  100  of upstream face  82  at the upstream end of threshing fixture  71  toward downstream face  83  at the downstream end of threshing fixture  71 . Groove portions  160 A and corresponding vane portions  161 A define crop material conveyance pathways that extend along or otherwise across top threshing side  84  of fixture  71  in the opposite direction along threshing fixture  71  being a direction from leading edge  80  to trailing end  81  and, more particularly, in an angled direction from downstream face  83  of fixture  71  toward upstream face  82  of fixture  71 . Groove portions  160 A and corresponding vane portions  161 A are substantially parallel relative to the oblique crop material deflecting surface defined by forward surface  101  of upstream face  82  of threshing fixture  71 , in which the term “substantially parallel” as explained in connection with threshing bar  70  means parallel within a deviation range of from zero to approximately 6 degrees, whereby in the present embodiment there is a deviation of approximately four degrees. And so within this range of deviation, groove portions  160 A and corresponding vane portions  161 A are substantially parallel relative to the oblique crop material deflecting surface defined by forward surface  101  of upstream face  82  of threshing fixture  71 . Groove portions  160 B and corresponding vane portions  161 B are inclined otherwise angled relative to groove portions  160 A and corresponding groove portions  161  such that they are oblique relative to the oblique crop material deflecting surface defined by forward surface  101  of upstream face  82 , perpendicular relative to leading edge  80  and also trailing end  81 , and such that they are further parallel with respect to downstream face  83  and rearward surface  100  of upstream face  82 . 
     Groove portions  170 A and corresponding vane portions  171 A are parallel relative to each other, and are still further oblique relative to the oblique crop material deflecting surface defined by forward surface  101  of upstream face  82  of threshing fixture  71 , and are oblique relative to leading edge  80  of threshing fixture  71  and also, for reference purposes, downstream face  83  and rearward surface  100  of upstream face  82  of threshing fixture  71 . As such, groove portions  170 A and corresponding vane portions  171 A are upstream directed grooves and vanes in that they are angled away from downstream face  83  at the downstream end of threshing fixture  71  toward rearward and forward surfaces  100  and  101  of upstream face  82  at the upstream end of threshing fixture  71 . Groove portions  170 A and corresponding vane portions  171 A define crop material conveyance pathways that extend along or otherwise across top threshing side  84  of fixture  71  in the opposite direction along threshing fixture  71  being a direction from leading edge  80  to trailing end  81  and, more particularly, in an angled direction from upstream face  82  of fixture  71  toward downstream face  83  of fixture  71 . Although groove portions  170 A and corresponding vane portions  171 A are oblique relative to the oblique crop material deflecting surface defined by forward surface  101  of upstream face  82  of threshing fixture  71 , they are substantially perpendicular relative to the oblique crop material deflecting surface defined by forward surface  101  of upstream face  82  of threshing fixture  71 , in which the term “substantially perpendicular” means perpendicular within a deviation range of from zero to approximately 20 degrees, whereby in the present embodiment there is a deviation of approximately ten degrees. And so within this range of deviation, groove portions  170 A and corresponding vane portions  171 A are substantially perpendicular relative to the oblique crop material deflecting surface defined by forward surface  101  of upstream face  82  of threshing fixture  71 . Groove portions  170 B and corresponding vane portions  171 B are inclined otherwise angled relative to groove portions  170 A and corresponding groove portions  171  such that they are oblique relative to the oblique crop material deflecting surface defined by forward surface  101  of upstream face  82 , perpendicular relative to leading edge  80  and also trailing end  81 , and such that they are further parallel with respect to downstream face  83  and rearward surface  100  of upstream face  82 , and are still further parallel with respect to groove portions  160 B and corresponding vane portions  161 B. 
     Groove portions  160 A and corresponding vane portions  161 A of grooves  110 ′ and corresponding vanes  111 ′, and groove portions  170 A and corresponding vane portions  171 A of grooves  110 ″ and corresponding vanes  111 ″ converge inwardly toward each other in a direction from trailing end  81  to leading edge  80  at the geometric center of threshing fixture  71  to the respective groove portions  160 B and  170 B and vane portions  161 B and  171 B, which are parallel relative to each other, and also diverge away from one another in the opposite direction from leading edge  80  to trailing end  81 . 
     Threshing bar  150  is applied and secured to a cylindrical exterior of a threshing drum and positioned in the same way as threshing bar  70  previously discussed and which is shown in  FIG. 33 , whereby threshing side  84  of threshing bar  150  and the rasp structure formed therein faces outwardly toward and confronts thresher concave  56 . A threshing drum may be formed with a population of threshing bars  140  applied in regular or specified pattern across the cylindrical exterior. In  FIG. 37  threshing bars  150  are shown set onto cylindrical exterior  61  of threshing drum  60  in preparation for threshing. Threshing bars  150  are positioned with their leading edges  80  and leading threshing faces  91  directed into the threshing direction of rotation of threshing drum  60  indicated by arrowed line A so to direct their upstream faces  82  toward the upstream location  55 A of threshing drum, and so as to direct their downstream faces  83  toward the downstream location  55 B of threshing drum  60 . Because upstream faces  82  of threshing bars  150  are directed toward upstream location of threshing drum  60 , the oblique crop material deflecting surface defined by forward surface  101  of upstream face  82  of each threshing bar  150  also faces upstream location  55 A of threshing drum  60 , and is oblique and angled toward upstream location  55 A of threshing drum  60  relative to the threshing direction of rotation of threshing drum  60  as indicated by arrowed line A. In response to rotation of threshing drum  60  in the threshing direction of rotation denoted by arrowed line A threshing bars  150  lead with their leading edges  80  and trail with their trailing ends  81  and crop cuttings applied between cylindrical exterior  61  of threshing drum  60  and thresher concave  56  are threshed by and between top threshing sides  84  of threshing bars  150  and thresher concave  56  separating the grains from the chaff to form threshings, namely, the chaff and the separated grains. A conveyance (not shown) of combine harvester  50 , such as an auger, conveys the threshings along the rotating thresher  55  in a direction indicated by arrowed line B from upstream location  55 A of thresher  55  to downstream location  55 B of thresher  55  where the grains fall through sieves  57  into collection tank  58  inside combine harvester  50  as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     As each threshing bar  150  is rotated along the threshing direction of rotation A the crop cuttings to be threshed are received between top threshing face  84  of threshing bar  130  and thresher concave  56 , in which the crop cuttings to be threshed are applied to and across and encounter top threshing face  84  from leading edge  80  to trailing end  81  and encounter and impact first leading threshing face  91  and then impact and encounter grooves  110 ′ and  110 ″ and corresponding vanes  111 ′ and  111 ″ applied along trailing threshing face  90  imparting a threshing action against the crop cuttings to be threshed to separate the chaff from the grain of the crop cuttings to form threshings. The application of grooves  110 ′ and  110 ″ and corresponding vanes  111 ′ and  111 ″ along just trailing threshing face  90  and with leading threshing face  91  of threshing bar  150  being bare and free of rasp structure causes threshing bar  150  to perform a less aggressive threshing of the crop cuttings to be threshed compared to the threshing action performed by threshing bar  70 . And so the rasp structure formed by  110 ′ and  110 ″ and corresponding vanes  111 ′ and  111 ″ of threshing bar  150  creates contact of the crop cuttings against the concave allowing more crop cuttings to rub together, and the rasp structure is aggressive and yet gentle on the crop cuttings to allow the crop cuttings to be managed through and along the crop material conveyance pathways formed by  110 ′ and  110 ″ and corresponding vanes  111 ′ and  111 ″. The rasp structure of threshing fixture  71  of threshing bar  150  defined by  110 ′ and  110 ″ and corresponding vanes  111 ′ and  111 ″ as herein described reduces the possibility of over-threshing, prevents cracks and splits in seed coats, and is suitable for all crops, and especially small grain crops, such as hard threshing wheat. 
     Because groove portions  160 A and corresponding vane portions  161 A are downstream directed grooves and vanes in that they are angled away from trailing rearward surface  100  of upstream face  82  at the upstream end of threshing fixture  71  toward downstream face  83  at the downstream end of threshing fixture  71 , in response to movement of threshing bar  150  along the threshing direction of rotation of threshing drum  60  leading with leading edge  80  the crop cuttings and threshings are forced along the crop material conveyance pathways defined by groove portions  160 A and corresponding vane portions  161 A extending in a rearward direction from leading edge  80  to trailing end  81  and further in an angled direction from downstream face  83  of fixture  71  toward upstream face  82  of fixture  71  and are thrust outwardly therefrom toward upstream location  55 A of threshing drum  60  and away from upstream face  82 . This thrusting of crop cuttings and threshings toward upstream location  55 A of threshing drum slows the conveyance of this material along thresher  55  from upstream location  55 A to downstream location  55 B thereby prolonging the applied threshing action to the crop cuttings to provided a thorough, repeated, more prolonged, and aggressive threshing of the crop cuttings to be threshed as thresher  55  rotates. 
     Because groove portions  170 A and corresponding vane portions  171 A directed toward the downstream side of threshing bar  150  opposing groove portions  160 A and corresponding vane portions  170 A directed toward the upstream side of threshing bar  150  are upstream directed grooves and vanes in that they are angled away from downstream face  83  at the downstream end of threshing fixture  71  toward rearward and forward surfaces  100  and  101  of upstream face  82  at the upstream end of threshing fixture  71 , in response to movement of threshing bar  150  along the threshing direction of rotation of threshing drum  60  leading with leading edge  80  the crop cuttings and threshings are forced along the crop material conveyance pathways defined by groove portions  170 A and corresponding vane portions  171 A extending in a forward direction from leading edge  80  to trailing end  81  and further in an angled direction from upstream face  82  of fixture  71  toward downstream face  82  of fixture  71  and are thrust outwardly therefrom toward downstream location  55 B of threshing drum  60  and away from downstream face  83 . This thrusting of crop cuttings and threshings toward downstream location  55 A of threshing drum increases the rate of the conveyance of this material along thresher  55  from upstream location  55 A to downstream location  55 B thereby reducing the applied threshing action to the crop cuttings to provided a less aggressive and less thorough, and less repeated, and less prolonged, threshing of the crop cuttings to be threshed as thresher  55  rotates compared to the threshing action performed by threshing bar  70  and also threshing bar  130 . 
     Furthermore, as each threshing bar  150  is rotated along the threshing direction of rotation, it is to be emphasized that part of the crop cuttings to be threshed impacts the oncoming oblique crop material deflecting surface defined by forward surface  101  of upstream face  82 , which deflects the crop cuttings outwardly therefrom toward upstream location  55 A of threshing drum  60  and away from upstream face  82 . This deflection of crop cuttings toward upstream location  55 A of threshing drum  60  as deflected by forward surface  101  of upstream face  82  further slows the conveyance of this material along thresher  55  from upstream location  55 A to downstream location  55 B thereby prolonging the applied threshing action to the crop cuttings to provide some repeated threshing of the crop cuttings. 
     Because grooves  110 ′ and  110 ″ and corresponding vanes  111 ′ and  111 ″ incorporate downstream directed groove portions  160 A and corresponding vane portions  161 A and also upstream directed groove portions  170 A and  171 A as disclosed, the crop cuttings and threshings are concurrently thrust toward upstream location  55 A of thresher  55  by downstream directed groove portions  160 A and corresponding groove portions  161 A, and are thrust toward downstream location  55 B of thresher  55  by upstream directed groove portions  170 A and corresponding vane portions  171 A, and this provides a less thorough and less repeated threshing of the crop cuttings to be threshed as thresher  55  rotates. This causes threshing bar  150  to perform an even lesser aggressive threshing action compared to not only threshing bar  70  but also threshing bar  130 , but a greater or more aggressive threshing action compared to threshing bar  140 . 
     Threshing bars  70 ,  130 ,  140 , and  150  perform different threshing functions, in that they have different threshing aggressiveness performance characteristics as described. Depending on the crop cuttings to be threshed, a threshing drum may be configured with varying combinations and patterns of threshing bars  70 ,  13 ,  140 , and  150  to fine tune a threshing drum to meet a specific threshing action or characteristic in preparation to thresh a crop in need of such a fine tuned threshing drum. For instance,  FIG. 34  illustrates threshing drum  55  formed with a pattern of threshing bars  70  and  150 ,  FIG. 35  illustrates threshing drum  55  formed with a pattern of threshing bars  130  and  140 ,  FIG. 36  illustrates threshing drum  55  formed with a pattern of threshing bars  70  and  140 ,  FIG. 37  illustrates threshing drum  55  formed with a pattern of threshing bars  130 ,  140 , and  150 ,  FIG. 38  illustrates threshing drum  55  formed with a pattern of threshing bars  130  and  140 , and  FIG. 39  illustrates threshing drum  55  formed with a pattern of threshing bars  130  and  150 . Other patterns and arrangements of threshing bars selected from threshing bars  70 ,  130 ,  140  and  150  may be formed on cylindrical exterior  61  of threshing drum  60  to form fined tuned threshing drums to meet specific threshing needs or threshing aggressiveness to comply with specific crops. 
       FIGS. 42-49  illustrate yet still another embodiment of a threshing bar  200  constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of the invention.  FIG. 42  is a front perspective view of threshing bar  200 , and a population of which in a particular embodiment is applied to cylindrical exterior  61  of the previously-discussed threshing drum  60  being then part of thresher  55  forming an exemplary thresher embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 43  is a rear perspective view of threshing bar  200 ,  FIG. 44  is a top plan view of threshing bar  200 ,  FIG. 45  is a bottom plan view of threshing bar  200 ,  FIG. 46  is a front elevation view of threshing bar  200 ,  FIG. 47  is a rear elevation view of threshing bar  200 ,  FIG. 48  is a left or upstream side elevation view of threshing bar  200 , and  FIG. 49  is a right or downstream side elevation view of threshing bar  200  shown as it would appear operatively positioned with respect to a section view of thresher concave  56 . 
     Referencing  FIGS. 42-49  in relevant part, threshing bar  200  is somewhat different from threshing bar  130  in overall shape in that it is formed with a blade denoted at  210 , but in structure is common to threshing bar  130  in that threshing bar  200  shares fixture  71 , including leading edge  80  having width W 1 , trailing end  81  having width W 2  that is greater than width W 1  of leading edge  80 , upstream face  82 , downstream face  83 , top threshing side  84 , bottom threshing drum emplacement side  85 , trailing threshing face  90 , leading threshing face  91 , corner  92 , wedge  95 , rearward surface  100 , forward surface  101 , corner  102  formed at an intermediate location of upstream face  82  between trailing end  81  and leading edge  80 , grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111 , bore  120  and corresponding counterbore  121  to accommodate a nut-and-bolt fastener for securing threshing bar  200  to cylindrical exterior  61  of threshing drum  60  referenced in connection with threshing bar  70  in  FIG. 41 , and cavity  123 . Upstream face  82  is formed at or otherwise along one side of threshing fixture  71  denoted generally at  82 A, and downstream face  83  is formed at or otherwise along an opposed side of threshing fixture  71  denoted generally at  83 A. Side  82 A of threshing fixture  71  of threshing bar  200  may be considered the upstream side of threshing fixture  71 , and the opposed side  82 B of threshing fixture  71  of threshing bar  200  may be considered the opposed downstream side of threshing fixture  71 . 
     A rasp structure is formed in top threshing side  84 , which is structured to perform a crop-threshing function. In the present embodiment, the rasp structure is formed in and along trailing threshing face  90  of top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71  of threshing bar  200 . This rasp structure of threshing bar  200  consists of alternating crop threshing grooves  110  and vanes  111 . Crop threshing grooves  110  are formed in top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71  of threshing bar  200 , which form and are separated by corresponding upstanding vanes  111 . Vanes  111  are elongate and have an equal and generally uniform height and width relative to each other, and grooves  110  are similarly elongate and correspond in length to the lengths of the corresponding vanes  111  and have a generally equal and uniform width and depth relative to each other. Grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  are formed in trailing threshing face  90  of top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71 , and extend along threshing fixture  71  in a direction from trailing end  81  of threshing fixture  71  to leading edge  80  of threshing fixture  71 , and extend from trailing end  81  of threshing fixture  71  to corner  92  formed in top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71 . 
     Grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  are parallel relative to each other, and are still further substantially parallel relative to the oblique crop material deflecting surface defined by forward surface  101  of upstream face  82  of threshing fixture  71 , and are oblique relative to leading edge  80  of threshing fixture  71  and also, for reference purposes, rearward surface  100  of upstream face  82  of threshing fixture  71 . As such, grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  are downstream directed grooves and vanes in that they are angled away from trailing rearward surface  100  of upstream face  82  at the upstream end of threshing fixture  71  toward downstream face  83  at the downstream end of threshing fixture  71 . Grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  define crop material conveyance pathways that extend along or otherwise across top threshing side  84  of fixture  71  in the opposite direction along threshing fixture  71  being a direction from leading edge  80  to trailing end  81  and, more particularly, in an angled direction from downstream face  83  of fixture  71  toward upstream face  82  of fixture  71 . Grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  are substantially parallel relative to the oblique crop material deflecting surface defined by forward surface  101  of upstream face  82  of threshing fixture  71 , in which the term “substantially parallel” as explained in connection with threshing bar  70  means parallel within a deviation range of from zero to approximately 6 degrees, whereby in the present embodiment there is a deviation of approximately four degrees. And so within this range of deviation, grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  are substantially parallel relative to the oblique crop material deflecting surface defined by forward surface  101  of upstream face  82  of threshing fixture  71 . Like threshing bar  130 , in threshing bar  200  grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  extend to and terminate at leading threshing face  91  at corner  92 , and do not further extend downwardly along leading threshing face  91  of top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71  from corner  92  leaving leading threshing face  91  bare and free of a rasp structure. 
     Threshing bar  200  is formed with blade  210 , which has a cutting edge  211  adapted to cut crop cuttings. Blade  210  is formed in threshing fixture  71 . Blade  210  extends away from top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71  to cutting edge  211 , and cutting edge  211  is directed away from trailing end  81  of threshing fixture  71  and toward leading edge  80  of threshing fixture  71  so as to available and useful for cutting crop cuttings in the use of threshing bar  200 . 
     Blade  210  is parallel with respect to upstream face  82  and downstream face  83 . Blade  210  is formed at or otherwise along upstream side  82 A of threshing fixture  71 . Blade  210  has a rearward or trailing part  220 , and an opposed forward or leading part  221  formed with cutting edge  211 . Trailing and leading parts  220  and  221  are integral with one another and are integrally formed with threshing fixture  71 . Trailing part  220  is formed along trailing threshing face  90  of top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71  and extends outwardly from or otherwise with respect to trailing threshing face  90 , and leading part  221  is formed along leading threshing face  91  and extends outwardly from or otherwise with respect to leading threshing face  91  of top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71  to cutting edge  211 , which is directed outwardly and forwardly with respect to leading threshing face  91  so as to be available for cutting. 
     Trailing part  220  of blade  210  has opposed rear and front ends  230  and  231 , and a top  232 . Rear end  230  is located proximate to trailing end  81  of threshing fixture  71 , and front end  231  is located proximate to corner  92 . Trailing part  220  of blade  210  is parallel with respect to upstream and downstream faces  82  and  83  and extends upright with respect to trailing threshing face  90  of top threshing side  84  at upstream side  82 A of threshing fixture  71  to top  232 , and further extends along trailing threshing face  90  of top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71  from rear end  230  proximate to trailing end  81  of threshing fixture  71  to front end  231  proximate to corner  92  of threshing fixture  71 . Trailing part  220  has an inner surface  233  facing trailing threshing face  90 , which extends upwardly from trailing threshing face  90  to top  232  and which further extends from rear end  230  of trailing part  220  at trailing end  81  of threshing fixture  71  to front end  231  of trailing part  220  at corner  92  of threshing fixture. Corner  102  formed at an intermediate location of upstream face  82  between leading edge  81  and trailing end  81  of threshing fixture  71  extends from bottom threshing drum emplacement side  85  of threshing fixture  71  to top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71  and further extends to and along blade  210  in a direction away from trailing threshing face  90  of top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71  to front end  231  of trailing part  220 . Rearward surface  100  of upstream face  82  at side  82 A of threshing fixture  71  extends from trailing end  81  of threshing fixture  71  to corner  102  and further extends between bottom threshing drum emplacement side  85  of threshing fixture  71  and top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71  and still further extends to and along blade  210  in a direction away from trailing threshing face  90  of top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71  along trailing part  220  of blade  210  to top  232  of trailing part  220  of blade  210  from rear end  230  of trailing part  220  of blade  210  and trailing end  81  of threshing fixture  71  to front end  231  of trailing part  220  of blade  210  and corner  102  of threshing fixture  71 , and this described portion of rearward surface  100  along trailing part  220  of blade  210  opposes is considered an outer surface of trailing part  220  of blade  210  that opposes inner surface  233 . 
     Leading part  221  of blade  210  has opposed rear and front ends  240  and  241 , and cutting edge  211  extending between rear end  240  and front end  241 . Rear end  240  of leading part  221  of blade  210  is integral with front end  231  of trailing part  220  of blade  210  at corner  102 . Leading part  221  of blade  210  extends forwardly toward leading edge  81  of threshing fixture  71  and away from trailing end  80  of threshing fixture  71 , and further extends downwardly along leading threshing face  91  of top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71  from rear end  240  at corner  102  to front end  241  of leading part  221 , which terminates along leading threshing face  91  at an intermediate location relative to corner  92  and leading edge  80  of threshing fixture  71 . Leading part  221  of blade  210  extends upright with respect to trailing threshing face  90  and leading threshing face  91  of top threshing side  84  at upstream side  82 A of threshing fixture  71  to cutting edge  211  extending upright between rear end  240  of leading part  221  and front end  241  of leading part  221 , and, as explained above, further extends downwardly along leading threshing face  91  of top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71  toward leading edge  80  of threshing fixture  71  from rear end  240  at corner  102  to front end  241  of leading part  221  at an intermediate location relative to corner  92  and leading edge  80  of threshing fixture  71 . Corner  102  formed at the intermediate location of upstream face  82  between leading edge  81  and trailing end  81  of threshing fixture  71  extends from bottom threshing drum emplacement side  85  of threshing fixture  71  to top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71  and further extends to and along blade  210  in a direction away from trailing threshing face  90  of top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71  to rear end  240  of leading part  221 . Forward surface  101  of upstream face  82  at side  82 A of threshing fixture  71  extends from corner  102 , at the intermediate location of upstream face  82  between leading edge  80  and trailing end  81 , to leading edge  80  of threshing fixture  71 , and further extends between bottom threshing drum emplacement side  85  and leading threshing face  91  of top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71 , and still further extends to and along blade  210  in a direction away from leading threshing face  91  of top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71  along leading part  221  of blade  210  to cutting edge  211  of leading part  221  of blade  210  from rear end  240  of leading part  221  of blade  210  proximate to corner  92  of threshing fixture  71  to front end  241  of leading part  221  of blade  210 . Leading part  221  of blade  210  extends away from top threshing side  84  of threshing fixture  71  at leading threshing face  91  to cutting edge  211 , and cutting edge  211  extends upright and is directed away from trailing end  81  of threshing fixture  71  and toward leading edge  80  of threshing fixture  71  thereby adapting cutting edge  211  to be directed into the threshing direction of rotation of a threshing drum to which threshing bar  200  is attached. Again, forward surface  101  is in-turned from rearward surface  100  and toward downstream face  83  of threshing fixture  71  from corner  102  to leading edge  80  of threshing fixture  71  forming the oblique crop material deflecting surface of threshing bar  200 . 
     Threshing bar  200  is applied and secured to a cylindrical exterior of a threshing drum and positioned in the same way as threshing bar  70  previously discussed and which is shown in  FIG. 17 , whereby threshing side  84  of threshing bar  200  and the rasp structure formed therein and blade  210  faces outwardly toward and confronts thresher concave  56  as shown with reference to  FIG. 49 . A threshing drum may be formed with a population of threshing bars  200  applied in a regular or specified pattern across the cylindrical exterior. As with threshing bar  130  discussed in reference to  FIG. 35  in reference to threshing drum  60 , in a particular embodiment threshing bars  200  are set onto cylindrical exterior  61  of threshing drum  60  in preparation for threshing. Threshing bars  200  are positioned with their leading edges  80  and leading threshing faces  91  and cutting edges  211  of blades  210  directed into the threshing direction of rotation of threshing drum  60  indicated by arrowed line A in  FIG. 49  so to direct their upstream faces  82  toward the upstream location  55 A of threshing drum, and so as to direct their downstream faces  83  toward the downstream location  55 B of threshing drum  60  in reference to  FIG. 35 . Because upstream faces  82  of threshing bars  200  are directed toward upstream location of threshing drum  60 , the oblique crop material deflecting surface defined by forward surface  101  of upstream face  82  of each threshing bar  200  also faces upstream location  55 A of threshing drum  60 , and is oblique and angled toward upstream location  55 A of threshing drum  60  relative to the threshing direction of rotation of threshing drum  60  as indicated by arrowed line A. In response to rotation of threshing drum  60  in the threshing direction of rotation denoted by arrowed line A threshing bars  200  lead with their leading edges  80  and trail with their trailing ends  81  and crop cuttings applied between cylindrical exterior  61  of threshing drum  60  and thresher concave  56  are threshed by and between top threshing sides  84  of threshing bars  200  and thresher concave  56  separating the grains from the chaff to form threshings, namely, the chaff and the separated grains. In response to rotation of threshing drum  60  in the threshing direction of rotation denoted by arrowed line A threshing bars  200  lead with their leading edges  80  and trail with their trailing ends  81  and crop cuttings applied between cylindrical exterior  61  of threshing drum  60  and thresher concave  56  are further cut by cutting edge  211  of blade  210  directed into the threshing direction of rotation to form cuttings from the crop cuttings that are further threshed by and between top threshing sides  84  of threshing bars  200  and thresher concave  56  separating the grains from the chaff to form threshings, namely, the chaff and the separated grains. And so threshing bar  200  is not only adapted to perform threshing, it is also adapted to cut crop cuttings with cutting edge  211  of blade  200  to form cuttings from the crop cuttings, in accordance with the principle of the invention. A conveyance (not shown) of combine harvester  50 , such as an auger, conveys the threshings along the rotating thresher  55  in a direction indicated by arrowed line B from upstream location  55 A of thresher  55  to downstream location  55 B of thresher  55  where the grains fall through sieves  57  into collection tank  58  inside combine harvester  50  as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     As each threshing bar  200  is rotated along the threshing direction of rotation A the crop cuttings to be threshed are received between top threshing face  84  of threshing bar  200  and thresher concave  56 , in which the crop cuttings to be threshed are applied to and across and encounter top threshing face  84  from leading edge  80  to trailing end  81  and encounter and impact first leading threshing face  91  and then impact and encounter grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  applied along trailing threshing face  90  imparting a threshing action against the crop cuttings to be threshed to separate the chaff from the grain of the crop cuttings to form threshings. Further, as each threshing bar  200  is rotated along the threshing direction of rotation A the crop cuttings to be threshed are received between top threshing face  84  of threshing bar  200  and thresher concave  56 , in which the crop cuttings to be threshed are applied to and across and encounter top threshing face  84  from leading edge  80  to trailing end  81  and also encounter and impact cutting edge  211  of blade  210 , which cuts the crop cuttings to form cuttings of the crop cuttings that are then threshed by and between top threshing sides  84  of threshing bars  200  and thresher concave  56  separating the grains from the chaff to form threshings, namely, the chaff and the separated grains. The provision of blade  210  that further cuts and thus breaks down the crop cuttings allows thresh bar  200 , and also other thresh bars, to more efficiently thresh the cuttings to separate the chaff from the grain to form threshings. The application of grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  along just trailing threshing face  90  and with leading threshing face  91  of threshing bar  200  being bare and free of rasp structure causes threshing bar  200  to perform a less aggressive threshing of the crop cuttings to be threshed compared to the threshing action performed by threshing bar  70 . And so the rasp structure formed by grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  of threshing bar  200  creates contact of the crop cuttings against the concave allowing more crop cuttings to rub together, and the rasp structure is aggressive and yet gentle on the crop cuttings to allow the crop cuttings to be managed through and along the crop material conveyance pathways formed by grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111 . The rasp structure of threshing fixture  71  of threshing bar  200  defined by grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  as herein described reduces the possibility of over-threshing, prevents cracks and splits in seed coats, and is suitable for all crops, and especially small grain crops, such as hard threshing wheat. 
     Because grooves  110  and corresponding vanes  111  are downstream directed grooves and vanes in that they are angled away from trailing rearward surface  100  of upstream face  82  at the upstream end of threshing fixture  71  toward downstream face  83  at the downstream end of threshing fixture  71 , in response to movement of threshing bar  200  along the threshing direction of rotation of threshing drum  60  leading with leading edge  80  the crop cuttings and threshings are forced along the vanes  111  and into and through the grooves  110  defining the crop material conveyance pathways of the rasp structure of threshing fixture  71  of threshing bar  200  in a rearward direction from leading edge  80  to trailing end  81  and further in an angled direction from downstream face  83  of fixture  71  toward upstream face  82  of fixture  71  and are thrust outwardly therefrom toward upstream location  55 A of threshing drum  60  and away from upstream face  82 . This thrusting of crop cuttings and threshings toward upstream location  55 A of threshing drum slows the conveyance of this material along thresher  55  from upstream location  55 A to downstream location  55 B thereby prolonging the applied threshing action to the crop cuttings to provided a thorough, repeated, more prolonged, and aggressive threshing of the crop cuttings to be threshed as thresher  55  rotates. Furthermore, as each threshing bar  200  is rotated along the threshing direction of rotation, it is to be emphasized that part of the crop cuttings to be threshed impacts the oncoming oblique crop material deflecting surface defined by forward surface  101  of upstream face  82 , which deflects the crop cuttings outwardly therefrom toward upstream location  55 A of threshing drum  60  and away from upstream face  82 . This deflection of crop cuttings toward upstream location  55 A of threshing drum  60  as deflected by forward surface  101  of upstream face  82  further slows the conveyance of this material along thresher  55  from upstream location  55 A to downstream location  55 B thereby prolonging the applied threshing action to the crop cuttings to provide a thorough, repeated, more prolonged, and aggressive threshing of the crop cuttings to be threshed as thresher  55  rotates as with threshing bar  70 . 
     Threshing bar  200  incorporating blade  210  incorporates a particular type of rasp structure that is structured to perform a crop-threshing function. The rasp structure of threshing bar  200  is instructive of a particular type of rasp structure in a threshing bar incorporating blade  210  and that top threshing side  84  of threshing bar  200  can be configured with other configurations of rasp structures. It is to be understood that cutting blade  210  of threshing bar  200  can be identically formed in conjunction with the other embodiments of threshing bars set forth throughout this specification, namely, threshing bars  70 ,  130 ,  140 , and  150 . Depending on the crop cuttings to be threshed, a threshing drum may be configured with varying combinations and patterns of threshing bars  70 ,  13 ,  140 ,  150 , and  200  to fine tune a threshing drum to meet a specific threshing action or characteristic in preparation to thresh a crop in need of such a fine tuned threshing drum. 
     The invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments without departing from the nature and scope of the invention. Various changes and modifications to the embodiment herein chosen for purposes of illustration will readily occur to those skilled in the art. To the extent that such modifications and variations do not depart from the spirit of the invention, they are intended to be included within the scope thereof.