Compression device, system and method for handling materials

Abstract

A vibrating screen contains replaceable screen blocks. Compression mechanisms are used to secure the replaceable screen blocks to the vibrating screen. Each compression mechanism applies a force to the replaceable screen block that includes both a horizontal component and a downward vertical component. Each replaceable screen block is typically flattened before being installed in the vibrating screen. The force applied to the screen block by one or more compression mechanisms pushes the screen block against the concave support components below, causing the screen block itself to be concave in shape, with the center of the screen block lower than its side edges. The downward vertical component of the force helps to secure the screen block to the screening machine.