Unloader tube cleaning system for harvesting apparatus

Abstract

An air cleanout system is provided for a grain unloader tube for a harvesting apparatus. 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 air into the 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 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 of the plurality can be sequentially operated in a direction along the tube from an upstream end toward a tube outlet.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.