Variable cross-section combine feeder slat

A method for forming a combine feeder slat, the method comprising:

• forming, from a unitary metal part, a first base located at a first end of the feeder slat, the first base having a first lower surface and a first upper surface opposite the first lower surface, the first base being configured to mount to a first conveyor strand with the first lower surface facing the first conveyor strand;
• forming, from the unitary metal part, a second base located at a second end of the feeder slat, the second base having a second lower surface and a second upper surface opposite the second lower surface, the second base being configured to mount to a second conveyor strand with the second lower surface facing the second conveyor strand;
• and
• forming, from the unitary metal part, a slat body extending in a longitudinal direction and connecting the first base to the second base, the slat body comprising a variable profile as viewed along the longitudinal direction, that transitions from a first profile shape at the first base, to an intermediate profile shape between the first base and the second base, to a second profile shape at the second base, the intermediate profile shape comprising a front lip, a rear lip, and an upward-facing concave projection that connects the front lip to the rear lip and extends below an attachment plane defined between the first lower surface and the second lower surface.

An agricultural combine harvester comprising:

• a chassis configured for moving on a surface;
• and
• a feeder housing attached to the chassis, the feeder housing comprise at least two conveyor strands and a plurality of feeder slats connected between the at least two conveyor strands, one of more of the plurality of feeder slats comprising:
• a first base located at a first end of the feeder slat, the first base having a first lower surface and a first upper surface opposite the first lower surface, the first base being configured to mount to a first one of the at least two conveyor strands with the first lower surface facing the first conveyor strand,
• a second base located at a second end of the feeder slat, the second base having a second lower surface and a second upper surface opposite the second lower surface, the second base being configured to mount to a second one of the at least two conveyor strands with the second lower surface facing the second conveyor strand, and
• a slat body extending in a longitudinal direction and connecting the first base to the second base, the slat body comprising a variable profile as viewed along the longitudinal direction, that transitions from a first profile shape at the first base, to an intermediate profile shape between the first base and the second base, to a second profile shape at the second base, the intermediate profile shape comprising a front lip, a rear lip, and an upward-facing concave projection that connects the front lip to the rear lip, wherein the upward-facing concave projection defines an open volume and at least a portion of the open volume extends below an attachment plane defined between the first lower surface and the second lower surface,
• wherein the first base, second base, and slat body comprise a unitary metal part.