Grain separating apparatus including step-like webs

In an apparatus for separating grain from a crop mat including a separating rotor operatively mounted in a rotor housing and having a rotor axis;

• the improvement comprising:
• a separating grate partly surrounding the separating rotor and forming part of the rotor housing and including:
• a plurality of step-like shaped frame portions;
• and a plurality of perforated plates having at least one aperture therein and operatively mounted to the plurality of step-like shaped frame portions for forming a sieve area for separating the grain from the crop mat.

An apparatus for separating grain from a crop mat, comprising:

• a separating rotor operatively mounted in a rotor housing and having a rotor axis;
• a separating grate located between the separating rotor and the rotor housing and including a plurality of frame portions;
• and
• a plurality of perforated plates having at least one aperture therein and operatively mounted to the step-like shape of the plurality of frame portions forming a sieve area for separating the grain from the crop mat;
• wherein each of the plurality of perforated plates have at least one free-ending arm and at least one bent arm and wherein the at least one aperture of the plurality of perforated plates are through the at least one free-ending arm and the at least one bent arm.