Automated, dynamic concave cover plate system and methods
OwnerBrian Robertsoninventor
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Abstract
The invention comprises an automated, dynamic cover plate system, which may be quickly attached, detached and adjusted to the exterior of a concave grate of a combine harvester in order to adjust the flow characteristics of the concave or separator grate assemblies. The automated, dynamic cover plate system adjusts the threshing capability of the rasp bar threshing cylinder while simultaneously capturing additional threshed grain. The automated, dynamic cover plate system of the present invention is designed to be controlled, either manually or automatically, by the operator of the combine harvester or by a computerized or automated intelligence system.
Claims21
A dynamic cover plate system for a concave grate on an engine driven rotary processing device, comprising:
- a cover plate mechanism configured on an exterior or convex side of said concave grate and extending between two parallel rails of the concave grate, said cover plate mechanism is capable of modifying the flow characteristics of said concave grate by covering and uncovering openings between said two parallel rails;
- an actuator device connected to the cover plate mechanism;
- and
- a controlling device for activating said actuator device;
- wherein the controlling device is connected to the actuator device by electrical connection, radio connection, pneumatic connection or mechanical connection;
- wherein the controlling device is controlled by a computerized or automated intelligence system that evaluates real-time operational data of the engine driven rotary processing device to determine the proper amount of activation of the actuator device to modify the flow characteristics of said concave grate;
- wherein said real-time operational data of the engine driven rotary processing device comprises real-time operational data of an engine of the engine driven rotary processing device;
- wherein said actuator device causes the cover plate mechanism to cover or uncover a portion of the openings between said two parallel rails when activated by said controlling device to modify the flow characteristics of said concave grate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.