Patent · US Expired

Remote adjustment mechanism for a combine harvester cleaning element

US6632136B2 · kind B2 · utility

24Cited by
16References
11Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 5, 2001
Grant dateOct 14, 2003
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 29, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA01F12/448
  • WIPO fieldOther special machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A remote adjustment mechanism for the louvered cleaning elements of a combine harvester has a linearly movable output member directly fastened to the adjusting bar of each element. The actuator is driven by an electric motor. Calibration and feedback of the louver opening is provided by a pair of non-contact sensors sealed in the actuator housing. A first sensor sends a signal to a microprocessor controller when the output member is in a home position corresponding to a known louver opening. The second sensor sends a signal to the microprocessor that is responsive to movement of the output member. By tracking the movement of the output member from the home position, the current position of the output member is known from which the louver opening is determined based on the louver geometry.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.