Steven R Busse

US Patent:

52037380, Apr 20, 1993

Filed:

Aug 1, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/738821

Inventors:

Steven R. Busse - Moorhead MN

Assignee:

American Cyanamid Company - Stamford CT

International Classification:

A01D 4700
A01F 1210

US Classification:

460 16

Abstract:

A combine of the type in which a harvesting head permanently affixed to a feeder housing is modified to permit rapid and simple replacement and exchange of the head without removing the feeder housing from the combine. The head is provided with openings for receiving complementary members extending upwardly from the feeder housing for initially removably mounting the head to the housing. Lower attachment elements are provided on the sides of the feeder housing, and an adjustable connector element secures the lower head portion to the lower feeder housing portion. Guide elements on the head assure ready alignment between the housing and the head during replacement or exchange of the head, and portions of the feeder housing are equipped with reinforcement elements to increase its structural integrity. The feeder housing and the head each include sprockets for an endless drive chain, and the length of the chain is adjusted to accommodate different heads exchangably mounted to the feeder housing. The modified combine enables rapid exchange of combine heads in a simple and safe procedure which does not require removal of the feeder housing from the combine.