US3681901A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cutting knife assembly for a combine
Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation Inc
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Filing: 1971-03-08
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Granted: 1972-08-08
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Expires: 1991-03-08
Abstract
Abstract A cutting knife assembly for a combine having an elongated platform with an auger means rotatably mounted thereon. The auger means has first and second helical fighting sections extending inwardly from its ends which are adapted to convey the cut crop to the center of the platform. A first endless chain is operatively positioned forwardly of the first flighting section and has a plurality of first cutting elements mounted thereon. A second endless chain is operatively positioned forwardly of the second flighting section and has a plurality of second cutting elements mounted thereon. The first and second chains are operated in opposing directions so that the first and second cutting elements move away from the center of the platform as the cutting elements cut the standing crop. The opposing action of the cutting elements causes the crop stems to be properly oriented with respect to the flighting sections so that the stems will be inclined towards the center of the platform in the same direction as the auger feed.
Inventors
- 👤 Grame R Quick
- 👤 Wesley F Buchele
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 14:18
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01D; A01D41/00; A01D41/12; A01D41/14; A01D34/00; A01D34/01; A01D34/83; A01D34/833
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
155 words
In combination with a combine header assembly including an elongated platform, an auger means horizontally rotatably mounted on said platform and having first and second helical flighting sections extending inwardly from its ends adapted to convey the cut crop towards the center of the platform, comprising, a first endless cutting means mounted on said platform forwardly of said first helical flight section and parallel thereto, a second endless cutting means mounted on said platform forwardly of said second helical flight section and parallel thereto, and means for moving said first and second cutting means in opposite directions, so that the first and second cutting means move away from the center of said platform as the cutting means cut the standing crop whereby the crop stems will be oriented with respect to the flighting sections so that the stems will be inclined towards the center of the platform in the same direction as the auger feed.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
155 words
In combination with a combine header assembly including an elongated platform, an auger means horizontally rotatably mounted on said platform and having first and second helical flighting sections extending inwardly from its ends adapted to convey the cut crop towards the center of the platform, comprising, a first endless cutting means mounted on said platform forwardly of said first helical flight section and parallel thereto, a second endless cutting means mounted on said platform forwardly of said second helical flight section and parallel thereto, and means for moving said first and second cutting means in opposite directions, so that the first and second cutting means move away from the center of said platform as the cutting means cut the standing crop whereby the crop stems will be oriented with respect to the flighting sections so that the stems will be inclined towards the center of the platform in the same direction as the auger feed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
47 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein first and second counter-edge means are mounted on said platform forwardly of said first and second flighting sections, said first and second endless cutting means cooperating with said first and second counter-edge means respectively to effect the cutting of the crop.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The combination of claim 2 wherein each of said counter-edge means comprises a plate means extending beneath said cutting means, said plate means having a plurality of spaced apart openings formed therein.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein each of said cutting means comprises a link chain means and cutting elements being detachably secured to said chain means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
65 words
The combination of claim 4 wherein each of said cutting elements have a tapered cutting edge formed on the operative leading edge thereof so that the lower end of a severed crop stem will be propelled laterally outwardly with respect to the platform means thereby causing the upper end of the severed crop stem to be propelled laterally inwardly with respect to the platform means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein a crop divider means is secured to said platform between said first and second cutting means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
47 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein first and second ledger means are mounted on said platform forwardly of said first and second flighting sections, said first and second endless cutting means cooperating with said first and second ledger means respectively to effect the cutting of the crop.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
The combination of claim 7 wherein each of said ledger means comprises a plurality of spaced apart ledger edge portions disposed above said cutting means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
57 words
The combination of claim 8 wherein each of said ledger edge portions are angularly disposed with respect to the direction of travel of said cutting means, said cutting means comprising a plurality of spaced apart cutting knives, each of said knives having a cutting edge thereon which is angularly disposed with respect to said ledger edge portions.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-08-08 | 1976-02-07 | 1976-08-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-08-08 | 1980-02-07 | 1980-08-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-08-08 | 1984-02-07 | 1984-08-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |