Abstract

An improved drive mechanism and support arrangement for an agitator device used for preventing an accumulation of straw or the like on the upper outer peripheral surface of a screen-like cylindrical cylinder cage surrounding an axial flow threshing cylinder which rotates within the screen-like cage. The agitator device comprises a "main beam" which extends axially of and in overlying relation to the upper outer peripheral surface of the cylinder cage. A plurality of arcuate scraper fingers are mounted on and move with the "main beam" and extend in contiguous overlying relation to the outer periphery of the cylinder cage. A carriage member secured to the agitator device is mounted for sliding movement on a pair of horizontal guide rails. Reciprocating movement is imparted to the slidable carriage and to the agitator device by an endless drive chain which is driven at a constant speed and with a continuous motion. The slidable carriage is connected to the drive chain through a drive link which is pivotally connected at its opposite ends to the drive chain and to the slidable carriage. The pivotal connection of the drive link to the chain follows the path of movement of the chain, whereby to cause reciprocatory motion of the slidable carriage and of the agitator device. As the agitator device reciprocates above the screen-like cylinder cage, the scraper fingers of the agitator device agitate and loosen any straw on the upper outer peripheral surface of the cylinder cage.