US20040110551A1 - Unloader tube cleaning system for harvesting apparatus - Google Patents
Unloader tube cleaning system for harvesting apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20040110551A1 US20040110551A1 US10/309,978 US30997802A US2004110551A1 US 20040110551 A1 US20040110551 A1 US 20040110551A1 US 30997802 A US30997802 A US 30997802A US 2004110551 A1 US2004110551 A1 US 2004110551A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- tube
- nozzles
- air
- unloader
- grain
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G45/00—Lubricating, cleaning, or clearing devices
- B65G45/005—Cleaning conveyor screws
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01D—HARVESTING; MOWING
- A01D41/00—Combines, i.e. harvesters or mowers combined with threshing devices
- A01D41/12—Details of combines
- A01D41/1208—Tanks for grain or chaff
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G2201/00—Indexing codes relating to handling devices, e.g. conveyors, characterised by the type of product or load being conveyed or handled
- B65G2201/02—Articles
- B65G2201/0202—Agricultural and processed food products
Definitions
- the invention relates to harvesting apparatus, such as combines. Particularly, the invention relates to a cleanout system for an unloader tube of a grain compartment of a harvesting apparatus.
- Horticultural crops may be classified as edible crops, inedible crops, genetically modified organisms (GMO's), non-GMO, organic, pesticide-free, or in accordance with other crop attributes.
- Inedible crops may include crops such as fiber, cotton or rubber, for example.
- Genetically modified crops may include vegetables that are genetically manipulated to hold their shelf life longer than traditionally cultivated vegetables.
- Organic crops are harvested from plants that are grown without exposure to certain pesticides, herbicides or other chemicals.
- Crops may be grown to specific crop attributes or specifications. Crop attributes may be based on the genetic composition of a crop, the growing practices for a crop, or both. For example, a certain variety of corn may be grown that has greater oil content than other varieties because of genetic or environmental factors. Similarly, a certain variety of soybeans may be grown that has a different protein content or other crop attribute that is desirable.
- a processor, a pharmaceutical company, a manufacturer or another concern may desire to purchase agricultural products with specific crop attributes from a grower or another supplier. The grower or supplier may wish to charge a premium for crops with specific crop attributes compared to a commodity-type crop. The purchaser of the agricultural product may desire sufficient assurance that the agricultural product that is being purchased actually possesses the crop attributes that are sought.
- a harvesting apparatus such as a combine, is preferably cleaned each time before its use in harvesting a subsequent crop having different attributes.
- the present inventor has recognized that in order to ensure segregation of crops with different attributes, it would be desirable if the combine, particularly the unloader tube, could be thoroughly cleaned of grain and residue between harvesting of crops of different attributes.
- the invention provides an air nozzle system and an air nozzle design for use in cleaning areas of a harvesting apparatus.
- An exemplary embodiment of the invention provides an air cleanout system for a grain unloader tube for a harvesting apparatus, such as a combine.
- the unloader tube has an auger therein and a plurality of air nozzles located at least partially within the unloader tube.
- the air nozzles have air outlets directed substantially longitudinally within the tube to deliver high velocity air streams into the unloader tube to effect cleaning of grain and residue from the unloader tube.
- a pressurized air manifold is flow-connected to the plurality of air nozzles.
- the air nozzles can comprise nozzle housings that penetrate a wall of the unloader tube, the housings having a tapered profile in an upstream direction within the tube to minimize resistance to grain flow through the tube during normal unloading operation.
- the nozzles are arranged longitudinally spaced apart along the tube.
- the nozzles are preferably located about 45 degrees up from a bottom of the tube, the nozzles being oriented with air outlets directed at about 10 degrees downward from horizontal.
- a method of cleaning grain from an unloader tube including the steps of: providing a plurality of air nozzles inside the tube, the air nozzles of the plurality arranged longitudinally spaced apart; and using the nozzles, directing air into the tube to move grain from the tube and in and around the auger out of the tube outlet.
- the auger can be turned while the air is directed into the unloader tube to assist in the cleaning operation.
- the nozzles of the plurality can be sequentially operated, and operated in groups of nozzles, in a direction along the tube from an upstream end toward a tube outlet.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic elevation view of a harvesting apparatus that incorporates the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the harvesting apparatus of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a pressurized air cleaning system of the invention.
- FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the unloader tube
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an air nozzle shown in FIG. 4;
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken generally along line 6 - 6 in FIG. 4;
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged, exploded perspective view, shown partly in section, all of an alternate embodiment nozzle mounted to the unloader tube.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a harvesting apparatus, such as an agricultural combine 10 .
- Such combines are of a type described for example in U.S. Pat. No. 6,285,198, herein incorporated by reference, and are also of the type commercially available as a JOHN DEERE 9650 STS or 9750 STS combine.
- the invention is being described as being incorporated into a rotary combine, it may also be used on other combines, such as conventional straw walker machines.
- FIG. 1 shows an agricultural combine 10 , also known as a combine thresher.
- the combine 10 comprises a supporting structure 12 having ground engaging means 14 extending from the supporting structure.
- a harvesting platform 16 is used for harvesting a crop and directing it to a feederhouse 18 .
- the harvested crop is directed by the feederhouse 18 to a beater 20 .
- the beater directs the crop upwardly through an inlet transition section 22 to the axial crop processing unit 24 .
- the axial crop processing unit is located between, and supported by the sidesheets of the combine.
- the axial crop processing unit 24 comprises an axial rotor housing 26 and an axial rotor 28 located in the housing.
- the harvested crop enters the housing through the inlet transition section 22 .
- the rotor is provided with an infeed portion, a threshing portion and a separating portion.
- the rotor housing has a corresponding infeed section, a threshing section and a separating section.
- Both crop processing portions, the threshing portion and the separating portion, are provided with crop engaging assemblies.
- the threshing section of the rotor housing is provided with a concave and the separating section is provided with a grate. Grain and chaff released from the crop mat falls through the concave and the grate.
- the concave and grate prevent the passage of crop material larger than grain or chaff from entering the cleaning system 34 .
- grain and chaff falling through the concave and grate is directed to cleaning system 34 which removes the chaff from the grain.
- the clean grain is then directed by a clean grain elevator 36 to a fountain auger 38 .
- the fountain auger 38 directs the grain into a grain tank or grain compartment 40 .
- the clean grain elevator 36 and the fountain auger 38 comprise a means for moving the clean grain from the grain floor of the combine to a storage bin formed by the grain tank 40 .
- the grain is removed from the grain tank 40 by unloading auger 57 .
- As the straw reaches the end of the crop processing unit it is expelled through an outlet to a beater 46 .
- the beater 46 propels the straw out the rear of the combine.
- the operation of the combine is controlled from the operator's cab 48 .
- transverse unloading augers 56 and 58 direct the grain to the side of the compartment where it comes into contact with an unloading auger 57 which directs the clean grain through a vertical unloading tube 61 and a horizontal unloading tube 59 .
- the auger 57 includes a vertical section 57 a , at least partially within the tube 61 , a right angle gear 57 b , and a horizontal section 57 c within the tube 59 .
- tube 59 would normally be extended outwardly from the side of the combine so that clean grain can be more readily directed into a wagon or truck.
- the grain compartment 40 includes a trough 60 , which includes a major trough region 70 and a minor trough region 72 that house the horizontal augers 56 , 58 , respectively.
- the trough 60 is open to a charge housing or sump 64 .
- the vertical auger section 57 a extends through the vertical tube 61 and into the sump 64 .
- the grain which is fed through the trough horizontally by the horizontal augers 56 , 58 is delivered into the sump 64 and is removed by the vertical auger section 57 a through the tube 61 , and by the horizontal auger section 57 c through the tube 59 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates in schematic fashion an air cleaning system 90 of the invention.
- An air supply 100 delivers pressurized air into a manifold 102 via a quick connect coupling 103 .
- a threaded or other type coupling can be used.
- the air supply 100 can be external to the combine 10 .
- the manifold 102 includes branch lines 104 that deliver air to stationary nozzles 106 or alternate nozzles 306 (as described below).
- a shutoff valve 105 is provided in each branch line 104 .
- pressurized air is provided to the nozzles 106 , 306 to clean grain and residue from the tube 59 .
- the auger 57 is slowly turned by a rotary power system 112 .
- a rotary power system 112 for slowly turning the auger 57 during cleanout is described in more detail in U.S. application Ser. No. ______, filed on the same day as the present application, and identified by attorney docket No. 6301 P0070US, herein incorporated by reference.
- the rotary power system includes a 12 volt DC motor 138 that, when activated during cleanout operation, drives a pulley 140 that drives a belt 142 .
- the belt 142 drives a pulley 144 that drives a sprocket 146 that in normal grain unloading operation is driven at high speed by the combine drivetrain.
- the sprocket 146 drives a chain 148 that drives a sprocket 150 that drives a right angle gear 152 that turns the auger 57 .
- the relatively small motor 138 drives the auger 57 at a slow speed.
- FIG. 4 illustrates the horizontal unloader tube 59 in perspective cross-section.
- One nozzle 106 is shown.
- the nozzle 106 includes a nozzle body 207 that delivers pressurized air to a nozzle element 208 having a discharge orifice 209 .
- the nozzle body 207 extends into the tube 59 and the nozzle element 208 is opened toward a downstream end of the tube 59 .
- the nozzle 106 is located at an angle G up from a 0 degree bottom of the tube 59 .
- the angle G is approximately 45 degrees.
- the orifice 209 of the nozzle element 208 is directed downwardly at approximately an angle H.
- the angle H is preferably about 10 degrees.
- the nozzle body 207 includes a base block portion 207 a and an inside block portion 207 b .
- a slot 207 c is formed in the base block portion 207 a adjacent to the inside block portion 207 b at an upstream end of the nozzle body 207 .
- a clamp bracket 220 is fastened with a bolt 222 to a downstream face 207 d of the base block portion 207 a .
- a gap 207 e is formed between a bottom surface of the inside block portion 207 b and a top surface of the bracket 220 .
- the bracket includes a slot 120 a for sliding the bracket 220 tight against a combine wall 223 , such as the wall of the unloader tube 59 , before the bolt 122 is tightened.
- a combine wall 223 such as the wall of the unloader tube 59
- An alternate design for the nozzle includes a plastic, snap-in nozzle body shaped similarly to the aforementioned nozzle body, including the base block portion and the inside portion formed as a unitary structure, that requires no clamping hardware.
- the nozzle 106 includes the nozzle element 208 which is threaded into an opening 228 in the inside block portion 207 b .
- a through bore 232 is plugged with a weld plug 234 after its formation through the base block portion 207 a and the inside block portion 207 b .
- the through bore 232 connects to the opening 228 .
- the nozzle element 208 can be installed using an Allen wrench to thread the element 208 into the opening 228 in the nozzle body 207 .
- An inlet bore 238 extends substantially perpendicular to a bottom face of the base block portion 207 a and intersects the through bore 232 .
- the inlet bore 238 is threaded to accept an air supply fitting.
- the inside block portion 207 b is tapered to form an inclined top surface 244 that increases in distance from the inside surface of the tube 59 in the direction of grain flow 248 . Because of this taper, the nozzle body 207 is protected from undue wear from impingement by grain, and also plugging of the unloader auger with grain due to grain flow drag or interference within the tube is also prevented.
- the nozzle 106 is installed onto, and into, a rectangular opening 250 in the wall 223 .
- the slot 107 c receives a portion of the wall 223 and the bracket 220 is slid against the wall 223 and the bolt 222 is tightened to capture the wall 223 .
- the inside block portion of 107 b is effectively inside the wall 223 and the base block portion 107 a is effectively outside the wall 223 .
- the nozzle body 107 extends into the tube 59 approximately 12 mm and clears the auger flights by about 4 mm.
- FIG. 7 illustrates an alternate nozzle 306 .
- the nozzle 306 includes a nozzle body 307 having a threaded, tubular base portion 307 a and a threaded tubular inside portion 307 b , separated by a wrench-engageable block 308 .
- the base portion 307 a receives a threaded, pressurized air connection (not shown).
- the inside portion 307 b is inserted through a hole 310 in the auger tube 59 .
- the inside portion 307 b also passes through a hole 311 formed through a mounting plate 59 a that is welded to the tube 59 .
- a lock nut 312 and a hex cap 314 are threaded onto the inside portion 307 b to clamp the nozzle 306 to the plate 59 a .
- the hex cap 314 includes an orifice 316
- the inside portion 307 b includes a triangular slot 318 .
- the orientation of the orifice 316 inside the tube 59 can be easily changed by loosening the lock nut 312 and reorienting the body 307 .
- the orifice is positioned at about 1-2 mm above the inside surface of the tube 59 .
- the air cleaning system 90 was tested on an unloader tube of a JOHN DEERE 9750 STS combine, having an inside diameter of about 13 inches, and a length of about 20 feet.
- Four groups A, B, C, D of four nozzles 306 were used, each group served by a separate branch line 104 and shutoff valve 105 .
- the nozzle spacing was equal to about 14 inches (about 350 mm) along the tube 59 .
- the nozzles each had an effective ⁇ fraction (3/32) ⁇ inch diameter orifice 316 that was located at the angle G on the tube 59 (see FIG. 4) equal to about 45 degrees, and aimed downwardly at the angle H (see FIG. 4) equal to about 10 degrees.
- a method of the invention for cleaning grain from an unloader tube includes the steps of: providing a plurality of fixed air nozzles 106 , 306 inside the tube 59 , the air nozzles of the plurality arranged longitudinally spaced apart; and using the nozzles, directing air into the tube to move grain along the tube, and in and around the auger 57 c , and out of the tube outlet 59 a.
- the nozzles of the plurality can be sequentially operated, and operated in groups A, B, C, D of nozzles, in a direction along the tube 59 from an upstream end adjacent to the right angle gear 57 b toward the tube outlet 59 a .
- each group of nozzles should be operated for about 30 seconds to ensure complete cleaning.
- the horizontal auger section 57 c can be slowly turned while the nozzles 106 , 306 are operated, i.e., discharging high velocity air streams into the tube 59 .
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Threshing Machine Elements (AREA)
- Cleaning In General (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The invention relates to harvesting apparatus, such as combines. Particularly, the invention relates to a cleanout system for an unloader tube of a grain compartment of a harvesting apparatus.
- Horticultural crops may be classified as edible crops, inedible crops, genetically modified organisms (GMO's), non-GMO, organic, pesticide-free, or in accordance with other crop attributes. Inedible crops may include crops such as fiber, cotton or rubber, for example. Genetically modified crops may include vegetables that are genetically manipulated to hold their shelf life longer than traditionally cultivated vegetables. Organic crops are harvested from plants that are grown without exposure to certain pesticides, herbicides or other chemicals.
- Crops may be grown to specific crop attributes or specifications. Crop attributes may be based on the genetic composition of a crop, the growing practices for a crop, or both. For example, a certain variety of corn may be grown that has greater oil content than other varieties because of genetic or environmental factors. Similarly, a certain variety of soybeans may be grown that has a different protein content or other crop attribute that is desirable. A processor, a pharmaceutical company, a manufacturer or another concern may desire to purchase agricultural products with specific crop attributes from a grower or another supplier. The grower or supplier may wish to charge a premium for crops with specific crop attributes compared to a commodity-type crop. The purchaser of the agricultural product may desire sufficient assurance that the agricultural product that is being purchased actually possesses the crop attributes that are sought.
- A need exists to accurately identify crops with specific crop attributes throughout the growing and distribution of crops with specific crop attributes and any products derived therefrom. Further, a purchaser of an agricultural product or a crop may desire or demand the ability to trace the identity of the crop with specific crop attributes to verify the presence of the crop attributes, or the absence of undesired attributes, as a condition for a commercial transaction.
- Thus, there is a need to segregate crops during harvesting such that no mixing of crops or crop residue with different attributes occurs. Thus, after harvesting a crop, a harvesting apparatus, such as a combine, is preferably cleaned each time before its use in harvesting a subsequent crop having different attributes.
- The typical time and effort to completely remove all the grain and residue from the combine is very long and the task difficult. One of the more difficult problems in the cleanout procedure is cleaning the horizontal unloader tube. There is limited access and no effective method to inspect the tube for adequate cleaning.
- The present inventor has recognized that in order to ensure segregation of crops with different attributes, it would be desirable if the combine, particularly the unloader tube, could be thoroughly cleaned of grain and residue between harvesting of crops of different attributes.
- The invention provides an air nozzle system and an air nozzle design for use in cleaning areas of a harvesting apparatus.
- An exemplary embodiment of the invention provides an air cleanout system for a grain unloader tube for a harvesting apparatus, such as a combine. The unloader tube has an auger therein and a plurality of air nozzles located at least partially within the unloader tube. The air nozzles have air outlets directed substantially longitudinally within the tube to deliver high velocity air streams into the unloader tube to effect cleaning of grain and residue from the unloader tube. A pressurized air manifold is flow-connected to the plurality of air nozzles.
- The air nozzles can comprise nozzle housings that penetrate a wall of the unloader tube, the housings having a tapered profile in an upstream direction within the tube to minimize resistance to grain flow through the tube during normal unloading operation.
- The nozzles are arranged longitudinally spaced apart along the tube. The nozzles are preferably located about 45 degrees up from a bottom of the tube, the nozzles being oriented with air outlets directed at about 10 degrees downward from horizontal.
- A method of cleaning grain from an unloader tube is provided including the steps of: providing a plurality of air nozzles inside the tube, the air nozzles of the plurality arranged longitudinally spaced apart; and using the nozzles, directing air into the tube to move grain from the tube and in and around the auger out of the tube outlet.
- The auger can be turned while the air is directed into the unloader tube to assist in the cleaning operation.
- The nozzles of the plurality can be sequentially operated, and operated in groups of nozzles, in a direction along the tube from an upstream end toward a tube outlet.
- Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will be become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the embodiments thereof, from the claims and from the accompanying drawings.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic elevation view of a harvesting apparatus that incorporates the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the harvesting apparatus of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a pressurized air cleaning system of the invention;
- FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the unloader tube;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an air nozzle shown in FIG. 4;
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken generally along line6-6 in FIG. 4; and
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged, exploded perspective view, shown partly in section, all of an alternate embodiment nozzle mounted to the unloader tube.
- While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings, and will be described herein in detail, specific embodiments thereof with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a harvesting apparatus, such as an
agricultural combine 10. Such combines are of a type described for example in U.S. Pat. No. 6,285,198, herein incorporated by reference, and are also of the type commercially available as a JOHN DEERE 9650 STS or 9750 STS combine. Although the invention is being described as being incorporated into a rotary combine, it may also be used on other combines, such as conventional straw walker machines. - FIG. 1 shows an
agricultural combine 10, also known as a combine thresher. Thecombine 10 comprises a supportingstructure 12 havingground engaging means 14 extending from the supporting structure. Aharvesting platform 16 is used for harvesting a crop and directing it to afeederhouse 18. The harvested crop is directed by thefeederhouse 18 to abeater 20. The beater directs the crop upwardly through aninlet transition section 22 to the axialcrop processing unit 24. The axial crop processing unit is located between, and supported by the sidesheets of the combine. - The axial
crop processing unit 24 comprises anaxial rotor housing 26 and anaxial rotor 28 located in the housing. The harvested crop enters the housing through theinlet transition section 22. The rotor is provided with an infeed portion, a threshing portion and a separating portion. The rotor housing has a corresponding infeed section, a threshing section and a separating section. - Both crop processing portions, the threshing portion and the separating portion, are provided with crop engaging assemblies. The threshing section of the rotor housing is provided with a concave and the separating section is provided with a grate. Grain and chaff released from the crop mat falls through the concave and the grate. The concave and grate prevent the passage of crop material larger than grain or chaff from entering the
cleaning system 34. - As illustrated in FIG. 1, grain and chaff falling through the concave and grate is directed to cleaning
system 34 which removes the chaff from the grain. The clean grain is then directed by aclean grain elevator 36 to afountain auger 38. Thefountain auger 38 directs the grain into a grain tank orgrain compartment 40. Theclean grain elevator 36 and thefountain auger 38 comprise a means for moving the clean grain from the grain floor of the combine to a storage bin formed by thegrain tank 40. The grain is removed from thegrain tank 40 by unloadingauger 57. As the straw reaches the end of the crop processing unit it is expelled through an outlet to abeater 46. Thebeater 46 propels the straw out the rear of the combine. The operation of the combine is controlled from the operator'scab 48. - When the clean grain compartment is to be unloaded, transverse unloading augers56 and 58 direct the grain to the side of the compartment where it comes into contact with an unloading
auger 57 which directs the clean grain through avertical unloading tube 61 and ahorizontal unloading tube 59. Theauger 57 includes avertical section 57 a, at least partially within thetube 61, aright angle gear 57 b, and ahorizontal section 57 c within thetube 59. During an unloading operation,tube 59 would normally be extended outwardly from the side of the combine so that clean grain can be more readily directed into a wagon or truck. - The
grain compartment 40 includes atrough 60, which includes amajor trough region 70 and aminor trough region 72 that house thehorizontal augers trough 60 is open to a charge housing orsump 64. Thevertical auger section 57 a extends through thevertical tube 61 and into thesump 64. The grain which is fed through the trough horizontally by thehorizontal augers sump 64 and is removed by thevertical auger section 57 a through thetube 61, and by thehorizontal auger section 57 c through thetube 59. - FIG. 3 illustrates in schematic fashion an
air cleaning system 90 of the invention. Anair supply 100 delivers pressurized air into a manifold 102 via aquick connect coupling 103. Alternatively, a threaded or other type coupling can be used. Theair supply 100 can be external to thecombine 10. The manifold 102 includesbranch lines 104 that deliver air tostationary nozzles 106 or alternate nozzles 306 (as described below). Ashutoff valve 105 is provided in eachbranch line 104. As described below, pressurized air is provided to thenozzles tube 59. - To enhance the cleaning operation, the
auger 57, including thehorizontal auger section 57 c, is slowly turned by a rotary power system 112. A rotary power system 112 for slowly turning theauger 57 during cleanout is described in more detail in U.S. application Ser. No. ______, filed on the same day as the present application, and identified by attorney docket No. 6301 P0070US, herein incorporated by reference. - The rotary power system includes a 12
volt DC motor 138 that, when activated during cleanout operation, drives apulley 140 that drives abelt 142. Thebelt 142 drives apulley 144 that drives asprocket 146 that in normal grain unloading operation is driven at high speed by the combine drivetrain. Thesprocket 146 drives achain 148 that drives asprocket 150 that drives aright angle gear 152 that turns theauger 57. During cleanout operation, the relativelysmall motor 138 drives theauger 57 at a slow speed. - FIG. 4 illustrates the
horizontal unloader tube 59 in perspective cross-section. Onenozzle 106 is shown. Thenozzle 106 includes anozzle body 207 that delivers pressurized air to anozzle element 208 having adischarge orifice 209. Thenozzle body 207 extends into thetube 59 and thenozzle element 208 is opened toward a downstream end of thetube 59. Thenozzle 106 is located at an angle G up from a 0 degree bottom of thetube 59. Preferably the angle G is approximately 45 degrees. Theorifice 209 of thenozzle element 208 is directed downwardly at approximately an angle H. The angle H is preferably about 10 degrees. - One
nozzle 106 is illustrated in FIG. 5. Thenozzle body 207 includes abase block portion 207 a and aninside block portion 207 b. Aslot 207 c is formed in thebase block portion 207 a adjacent to theinside block portion 207 b at an upstream end of thenozzle body 207. At a downstream end of thebase block portion 207 a theinside block portion 207 b overhangs thebase block portion 207 a. Aclamp bracket 220 is fastened with abolt 222 to adownstream face 207 d of thebase block portion 207 a. Agap 207 e is formed between a bottom surface of theinside block portion 207 b and a top surface of thebracket 220. The bracket includes aslot 120 a for sliding thebracket 220 tight against a combine wall 223, such as the wall of theunloader tube 59, before the bolt 122 is tightened. An alternate design for the nozzle includes a plastic, snap-in nozzle body shaped similarly to the aforementioned nozzle body, including the base block portion and the inside portion formed as a unitary structure, that requires no clamping hardware. - As shown in FIG. 6, the
nozzle 106 includes thenozzle element 208 which is threaded into anopening 228 in theinside block portion 207 b. A throughbore 232 is plugged with aweld plug 234 after its formation through thebase block portion 207 a and theinside block portion 207 b. The throughbore 232 connects to theopening 228. Thenozzle element 208 can be installed using an Allen wrench to thread theelement 208 into theopening 228 in thenozzle body 207. An inlet bore 238 extends substantially perpendicular to a bottom face of thebase block portion 207 a and intersects the throughbore 232. The inlet bore 238 is threaded to accept an air supply fitting. - The
inside block portion 207 b is tapered to form an inclined top surface 244 that increases in distance from the inside surface of thetube 59 in the direction ofgrain flow 248. Because of this taper, thenozzle body 207 is protected from undue wear from impingement by grain, and also plugging of the unloader auger with grain due to grain flow drag or interference within the tube is also prevented. - The
nozzle 106 is installed onto, and into, a rectangular opening 250 in the wall 223. The slot 107 c receives a portion of the wall 223 and thebracket 220 is slid against the wall 223 and thebolt 222 is tightened to capture the wall 223. The inside block portion of 107 b is effectively inside the wall 223 and the base block portion 107 a is effectively outside the wall 223. According to the exemplary embodiment, the nozzle body 107 extends into thetube 59 approximately 12 mm and clears the auger flights by about 4 mm. - FIG. 7 illustrates an
alternate nozzle 306. Thenozzle 306 includes anozzle body 307 having a threaded,tubular base portion 307 a and a threaded tubular insideportion 307 b, separated by a wrench-engageable block 308. Thebase portion 307 a receives a threaded, pressurized air connection (not shown). Theinside portion 307 b is inserted through ahole 310 in theauger tube 59. Theinside portion 307 b also passes through ahole 311 formed through a mountingplate 59 a that is welded to thetube 59. Alock nut 312 and ahex cap 314 are threaded onto theinside portion 307 b to clamp thenozzle 306 to theplate 59 a. Thehex cap 314 includes anorifice 316, and theinside portion 307 b includes atriangular slot 318. By selecting the position of thehex cap 314 along the length of theinside portion 307 b, the effective size of the air opening through theorifice 316 from inside theinside portion 307 b can be adjusted. Thelock nut 312 is then positioned along theinside portion 307 b to clamp theplate 59 a against thehex cap 314. - By use of this
nozzle 306, the orientation of theorifice 316 inside thetube 59 can be easily changed by loosening thelock nut 312 and reorienting thebody 307. Preferably, the orifice is positioned at about 1-2 mm above the inside surface of thetube 59. - The
air cleaning system 90 was tested on an unloader tube of a JOHN DEERE 9750 STS combine, having an inside diameter of about 13 inches, and a length of about 20 feet. Four groups A, B, C, D of fournozzles 306 were used, each group served by aseparate branch line 104 andshutoff valve 105. Given the length of thetube 59, the nozzle spacing was equal to about 14 inches (about 350 mm) along thetube 59. The nozzles each had an effective {fraction (3/32)}inch diameter orifice 316 that was located at the angle G on the tube 59 (see FIG. 4) equal to about 45 degrees, and aimed downwardly at the angle H (see FIG. 4) equal to about 10 degrees. While thehorizontal auger section 57 c was slowly turned, the groups A, B, C, D ofnozzles 306 were sequentially charged with pressurized air at about 80 psig, from group A, thenozzles 306 closest to theright angle gear 57 b, to group D, thenozzles 306 closest to anopen end 59 a of thetube 59, for a period of about 10 seconds for each group A, B, C, D. Very effective cleaning results were achieved. - A method of the invention for cleaning grain from an unloader tube is provided includes the steps of: providing a plurality of fixed
air nozzles tube 59, the air nozzles of the plurality arranged longitudinally spaced apart; and using the nozzles, directing air into the tube to move grain along the tube, and in and around theauger 57 c, and out of thetube outlet 59 a. - The nozzles of the plurality can be sequentially operated, and operated in groups A, B, C, D of nozzles, in a direction along the
tube 59 from an upstream end adjacent to theright angle gear 57 b toward thetube outlet 59 a. Preferably, each group of nozzles should be operated for about 30 seconds to ensure complete cleaning. - To enhance the cleaning operation, the
horizontal auger section 57 c can be slowly turned while thenozzles tube 59. - From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.
Claims (7)
Priority Applications (8)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/309,978 US6736722B1 (en) | 2002-12-04 | 2002-12-04 | Unloader tube cleaning system for harvesting apparatus |
AU2003257873A AU2003257873B2 (en) | 2002-12-04 | 2003-10-24 | Unloader tube cleaning system for harvesting apparatus |
CA002448608A CA2448608C (en) | 2002-12-04 | 2003-11-07 | Unloader tube cleaning system for harvesting apparatus |
BRPI0305337-7A BR0305337B1 (en) | 2002-12-04 | 2003-11-27 | grain discharge tube for an agricultural harvester and method of cleaning grain from a discharge tube. |
DE50303556T DE50303556D1 (en) | 2002-12-04 | 2003-12-02 | Cleaning device for a discharge tube of a harvester |
ARP030104439A AR042271A1 (en) | 2002-12-04 | 2003-12-02 | AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE GRAIN DISCHARGE TUBE FOR A HARVESTING DEVICE |
EP03027714A EP1425954B1 (en) | 2002-12-04 | 2003-12-02 | Cleaning device for an unloading tube of a harvester |
DK03027714T DK1425954T3 (en) | 2002-12-04 | 2003-12-02 | Cleaning device for a timber pipe belonging to an autumn machine |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/309,978 US6736722B1 (en) | 2002-12-04 | 2002-12-04 | Unloader tube cleaning system for harvesting apparatus |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US6736722B1 US6736722B1 (en) | 2004-05-18 |
US20040110551A1 true US20040110551A1 (en) | 2004-06-10 |
Family
ID=32298093
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/309,978 Expired - Fee Related US6736722B1 (en) | 2002-12-04 | 2002-12-04 | Unloader tube cleaning system for harvesting apparatus |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6736722B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1425954B1 (en) |
AR (1) | AR042271A1 (en) |
BR (1) | BR0305337B1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2448608C (en) |
DE (1) | DE50303556D1 (en) |
DK (1) | DK1425954T3 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070135857A1 (en) * | 2003-02-03 | 2007-06-14 | Enteromedics, Inc. | GI inflammatory disease treatment |
US20080021512A1 (en) * | 2003-02-03 | 2008-01-24 | Enteromedics Inc. | Nerve stimulation and blocking for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders |
US8246751B2 (en) | 2010-10-01 | 2012-08-21 | General Electric Company | Pulsed detonation cleaning systems and methods |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE10328735A1 (en) † | 2003-06-25 | 2005-02-10 | Claas Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen Gmbh | Method for cleaning the organs within an agricultural machine |
US9033643B1 (en) * | 2012-03-13 | 2015-05-19 | Ronald J. Kile | Combine harvester grain bulk tank unloading system |
CN107950174B (en) * | 2013-03-18 | 2021-06-15 | 株式会社久保田 | Combine harvester |
DE102017119377B3 (en) | 2017-08-24 | 2018-08-16 | Karl Schnell Gmbh & Co. Kg | Cleaning device and method for cleaning a screw conveyor |
US10806077B2 (en) * | 2017-11-10 | 2020-10-20 | Deere & Company | Agricultural combine with electrostatic grain cleaner |
Family Cites Families (20)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE449393C (en) * | 1925-12-11 | 1927-09-12 | Gotthilf Seitz | Device for conveying flour or semolina-like material by means of compressed air |
US3880355A (en) | 1974-04-08 | 1975-04-29 | Graco Inc | Air blow gun |
CA1132026A (en) | 1979-08-13 | 1982-09-21 | Versatile Cornat Corporation | Rotary combine |
US4397319A (en) | 1981-03-31 | 1983-08-09 | Deere & Company | Cleaning device for harvesting machines |
US4400131A (en) | 1981-08-31 | 1983-08-23 | The Marmon Group, Inc. | Compressed air discharge system for trucks |
US4594840A (en) | 1983-12-12 | 1986-06-17 | Sperry Corporation | Pneumatic system for combine header height control |
US4688308A (en) | 1985-08-26 | 1987-08-25 | Alvarez Ramon A | Mobile radiator shop |
EP0291582B1 (en) | 1987-05-19 | 1991-12-11 | Ford New Holland N.V. | Combine harvester cleaning apparatus |
US5088960A (en) | 1991-03-15 | 1992-02-18 | Deere & Company | Air blast for cleaning axial separator |
IT1249087B (en) | 1991-03-29 | 1995-02-11 | Josef Prenn | AIR FILTER CLEANING DEVICE |
GB2293080A (en) | 1994-09-17 | 1996-03-20 | New Holland Belguim Nv | Grain cleaner for combine harvester |
US5546630A (en) | 1995-01-04 | 1996-08-20 | Long; Andre | Blast wiper for motor vehicle lights |
US5507841A (en) | 1995-04-20 | 1996-04-16 | Uniwave, Inc. | Fan cleaner apparatus |
DE19515895A1 (en) | 1995-04-29 | 1996-10-31 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | Compressed air supply device for vehicle compressed air systems and method for controlling the compressed air supply device |
CA2182989C (en) | 1995-09-01 | 2001-03-27 | Frederick William Nelson | Grain moisture sensor |
US6058690A (en) | 1997-01-29 | 2000-05-09 | Rutt; Larry L. | Harvester |
JPH11137064A (en) | 1997-11-07 | 1999-05-25 | Mitsubishi Agricult Mach Co Ltd | System for removing remaining in combine harvester |
JP4331334B2 (en) | 1999-07-21 | 2009-09-16 | セイレイ工業株式会社 | Lost grain recovery device in grain harvester |
DE20121820U1 (en) * | 2000-10-04 | 2003-07-31 | Kraemer Ag Bassersdorf Bassers | Self-cleaning vibration conveyor for deburring, dusting and lifting up small parts |
US6290361B1 (en) | 2000-11-01 | 2001-09-18 | Leonid Berzin | Universal clearing air system for windows and external mirrors of a vehicle |
-
2002
- 2002-12-04 US US10/309,978 patent/US6736722B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2003
- 2003-11-07 CA CA002448608A patent/CA2448608C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2003-11-27 BR BRPI0305337-7A patent/BR0305337B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2003-12-02 AR ARP030104439A patent/AR042271A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2003-12-02 DK DK03027714T patent/DK1425954T3/en active
- 2003-12-02 DE DE50303556T patent/DE50303556D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-12-02 EP EP03027714A patent/EP1425954B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070135857A1 (en) * | 2003-02-03 | 2007-06-14 | Enteromedics, Inc. | GI inflammatory disease treatment |
US20070135858A1 (en) * | 2003-02-03 | 2007-06-14 | Enteromedics, Inc. | Pancreatitis treatment |
US20070135846A1 (en) * | 2003-02-03 | 2007-06-14 | Enteromedics, Inc. | Vagal obesity treatment |
US20080021512A1 (en) * | 2003-02-03 | 2008-01-24 | Enteromedics Inc. | Nerve stimulation and blocking for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders |
US7720540B2 (en) | 2003-02-03 | 2010-05-18 | Enteromedics, Inc. | Pancreatitis treatment |
US7729771B2 (en) | 2003-02-03 | 2010-06-01 | Enteromedics Inc. | Nerve stimulation and blocking for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders |
US8246751B2 (en) | 2010-10-01 | 2012-08-21 | General Electric Company | Pulsed detonation cleaning systems and methods |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2003257873A1 (en) | 2004-06-24 |
CA2448608C (en) | 2007-06-19 |
EP1425954B1 (en) | 2006-05-31 |
CA2448608A1 (en) | 2004-06-04 |
DE50303556D1 (en) | 2006-07-06 |
EP1425954A1 (en) | 2004-06-09 |
AR042271A1 (en) | 2005-06-15 |
DK1425954T3 (en) | 2006-10-02 |
BR0305337B1 (en) | 2011-01-11 |
US6736722B1 (en) | 2004-05-18 |
BR0305337A (en) | 2004-08-31 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US5953892A (en) | Loading device for agricultural harvesters | |
US6736722B1 (en) | Unloader tube cleaning system for harvesting apparatus | |
US6800025B2 (en) | Combine air system for cleanout | |
US20190037774A1 (en) | Agricultural elevator supplied by multiple cross augers | |
AU1554002A (en) | Combine engine output controlled by harvesting assembly | |
CA2448752C (en) | Auxiliary drive for combine augers for cleanout | |
EP1500323B1 (en) | Crop processing element for a rotor of a crop treatment device of a combine harvester | |
US6835130B2 (en) | Grain compartment cleanout arrangement | |
CA2448952C (en) | Closure for a cleanout opening of a harvesting apparatus | |
JP4540824B2 (en) | Whole crop harvester with addition equipment | |
Hanna et al. | Grain harvesting machinery design | |
US10582663B2 (en) | Cleaning device for an agricultural machine | |
US11641806B1 (en) | Threshing bars and combine harvester thresher formed therewith | |
US4524780A (en) | Combine attachment for harvesting radish seeds and the like | |
Bern et al. | Harvesting, storing, and post-harvest management of soybeans | |
JPH0623232Y2 (en) | General-purpose combine throw-in type feeder | |
EP1500324A2 (en) | Rotor for a crop treatment device of a combine harvester | |
JP2004154049A (en) | Residue treatment apparatus for combine harvester | |
JPH09252641A (en) | Dust discharging device for thresher for combine harvester | |
JP2001320941A (en) | Separator |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: DEERE & COMPANY, ILLINOIS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:POPE, GLENN E.;REEL/FRAME:014273/0182 Effective date: 20021120 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
REMI | Maintenance fee reminder mailed | ||
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
REMI | Maintenance fee reminder mailed | ||
LAPS | Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees | ||
STCH | Information on status: patent discontinuation |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362 |
|
FP | Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee |
Effective date: 20160518 |