Compression device, system and method for screening material

Abstract

The vibratory screening machine includes a replaceable screening assembly. The compression mechanism is used to secure the replaceable screening assembly to the vibratory screening machine. Each compression mechanism applies a force to the replaceable screening assembly, the force including a horizontal component and a downward vertical component. Each replaceable screening assembly is generally substantially flat prior to installation onto a vibratory screening machine. Forces applied to the screening assembly by the one or more compression mechanisms cause the screening assembly to be pushed into engagement with an underlying concave support member such that the screening assembly itself assumes a concave shape with the center of the screening assembly lower than the side edges. The vertically downward component of the force facilitates securing the screening assembly to the screening machine.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 464,982, filed May 9, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, and claims priority thereto. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to material screening. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for compressing a screening assembly onto a screening machine. Background Art

[0003] Material screening involves the use of vibrating screens. Vibrating screens vibrate the mounted screens in order to separate the material placed on the screens to the desired level. Oversized material is separated from undersized material. Over time, the screens wear out and need to be replaced. Therefore, the screens are designed to be replaceable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Figure 1A A perspective view of a double trough vibrating screening machine with a replaceable screening assembly installed in an embodiment is shown.

[0005] Figure 1B In the embodiment shown Figure 1A A perspective view of a twin trough vibrating screen with one of the replaceable screening components removed.

[0006] Figure 1C The embodiment shown in Figure 1A Side view of a vibrating screening machine.

[0007] Figure 1D A perspective view of a single trough vibrating screening machine with a replaceable screening assembly installed in an embodiment is shown.

[0008] Figure 2A An end view of a portion of an exemplary double trough vibratory screening machine in an embodiment is shown.

[0009] Figure 2B An end view of an exemplary single trough vibratory screening machine in an embodiment is shown.

[0010] Figure 2C In the embodiment shown Figure 2B Close-up of a part of a vibrating screening machine.

[0011] Figure 3A A first embodiment of a support plate for a screening assembly is shown.

[0012] Figure 3B A second embodiment of a support plate for a screening assembly is shown.

[0013] Figure 3C Shown include Figure 3B Screening assembly with support plate shown.

[0014] Figure 4A is a top perspective view of a single trough vibratory screening machine including a side compression mounting mechanism for securing a screening assembly to the machine.

[0015] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A Another perspective view of the vibrating screening machine is shown.

[0016] Figure 4C yes Figure 4A A top view of a vibrating screening machine is shown.

[0017] Figure 4D yes Figure 4A An enlarged perspective view of a portion of a vibrating screening machine is shown.

[0018] Figure 4E is with Figure 4A Single trough vibratory screening machine shown is a perspective view of a portion of a similar single trough vibratory screening machine in which the support plate of the screening assembly is placed.

[0019] Figure 4F is with Figure 4A Single trough vibratory screening machine shown is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a similar single trough vibratory screening machine in which the support plate of the screening assembly is located.

[0020] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C The steps of the process of installing the support plate of the screening assembly onto the single-trough vibrating screening machine in the embodiment are shown.

[0021] Fig. 6A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a compression mount assembly.

[0022] Figure 6B yes Fig. 6A A top perspective view of one embodiment of a compression piston of a compression mounting assembly is shown.

[0023] Figure 6C yes Fig. 6A A bottom perspective view of the compression piston is shown in FIG.

[0024] Fig. 7A is a perspective view showing the support plate of the screening assembly as it sits in the base of the vibrating screening machine when the compression piston of the mounting assembly is in a retracted position.

[0025] Figure 7B is a perspective view showing the support plate of the screening assembly as it is seated in the base of the vibrating screening machine when the compression piston of the mounting assembly is in an extended position.

[0026] Fig. 8A is a top perspective view of another embodiment showing the compression piston and corresponding mounting holes of the support plate.

[0027] Figure 8B yes Fig. 8A Bottom view of compression piston and mounting bore shown.

[0028] Figure 8C is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a compression piston and corresponding mounting holes of a support plate.

[0029] Fig.8D yes Figure 8C Bottom view of compression piston and mounting bore shown.

[0030] Fig. 8E is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a compression piston, corresponding mounting holes of a support plate, and through holes.

[0031] Fig.8F yes Fig. 8E A side perspective view of the compression piston and mounting holes is shown.

[0032] Figure 8G is with Fig. 8E and Fig.8F The compression piston shown is a perspective view of the end of a similar compression piston and also includes alignment fingers at its distal end.

[0033] Figure 8H is shown when using Figure 8G A perspective view of a portion of a support plate of a screening assembly positioned within a base of a vibrating screening machine as a compression piston similar to the compression piston shown in FIG.

[0034] Fig.9A is a perspective view of the fixed compression piston assembly.

[0035] Fig. 9B yes Fig.9A A cross-sectional view of the stationary compression piston assembly shown in FIG.

[0036] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C Shows how to install an injection molded screening assembly in a vibrating screening machine using a compression assembly with a compression piston.

[0037] Fig.11A An end view of a vibrating screening machine in an embodiment is shown.

[0038] Fig. 11B The embodiment shown in Fig.11A A partial end view of a vibrating screening machine.

[0039] Fig. 12A A perspective view of a screening assembly in an embodiment is shown.

[0040] Fig. 12B Shown in an embodiment where a portion of the screening surface has been removed Fig. 12A A perspective view of a screening assembly.

[0041] Fig. 12C A top view of a support plate of a screening assembly in an embodiment is shown.

[0042] Fig.12D In the embodiment shown Fig. 12C A close-up view of a portion of the support plate.

[0043] Fig.12E In the embodiment shown Fig. 12C A perspective view of a portion of a support plate being engaged by a hook of an actuator assembly.

[0044] Fig.13A and Fig. 13B A first perspective view and a second perspective view of a compression assembly in an embodiment are shown.

[0045] Fig. 13C and Fig.13D In the embodiments, Fig.13A and Fig. 13B A first side view and a second side view of a compression assembly in a retracted configuration and an extended configuration.

[0046] Fig.13E In the embodiment shown Fig.13A and Fig. 13B A cross-sectional view of a compression assembly.

[0047] Fig.13F In the embodiment shown Fig.13A and Fig. 13B Exploded view of the compression assembly.

[0048] Fig.14A Three views of the pawl in an embodiment are shown, including: (a) a rear perspective view; (b) a front perspective view; and (c) a side view.

[0049] Fig. 14B Three views of an internal compression mounting bracket in an embodiment are shown, including: (a) a cross-sectional side view; (b) a front perspective view; and (c) a top view.

[0050] Fig. 14C Three views of an external compression mounting bracket in an embodiment are shown, including: (a) a side view; (b) a perspective view; and (c) a bottom view.

[0051] Fig.14DThree views of the eccentric nut in the embodiment are shown, including: (a) a first perspective view; (b) a second perspective view; and (c) a rear view.

[0052] Fig.14E Four views of an actuator bracket in an embodiment are shown, including: (a) a first side view; (b) a second side view; (c) a perspective view; and (d) a top view.

[0053] Fig.14F and Figure 14G A perspective view and an exploded view of a fixing hook assembly in an embodiment are respectively shown.

[0054] Fig.15A The compression assembly, retaining hook assembly and plate assembly of a vibratory screening machine are shown in an embodiment where the plate assembly is not compressed.

[0055] Fig. 15B Shown in an embodiment where the plate assembly is compressed Fig.15A The compression assembly, fixing hook assembly and plate assembly of the device are provided.

[0056] Fig. 15C Shown in an embodiment where the plate assembly is not compressed Fig.15A and Fig. 15B A partial close-up view of the compression assembly and the retaining hook assembly.

[0057] Fig.15D In the embodiment shown Fig.15A and Fig. 15B A partial close-up view of the compression assembly and the fixing hook assembly compressing the plate assembly of the screening assembly.

[0058] Fig.15E Alternative pawls for the compression assembly and / or the retaining hook assembly are shown in embodiments.

[0059] Fig.15F 15A and 15B respectively show the curvature radii of the under-compression screening assembly in the embodiment and the screening assembly of the prior art.

[0060] Fig.15H In the embodiment shown Fig.15F An end view of a screening assembly being pressed against the base of a press screen.

[0061] Fig.15I An end view of an embodiment of the screening assembly of Figure 15G is shown pressed against the base of a prior art screening machine.

[0062] Fig.16A A perspective view showing a portion of a vibration machine in an embodiment.

[0063] Fig. 16B Shown in an embodiment where the screening surface has been removed Fig.16A Part of a vibration machine.

[0064] Fig. 16C Shown in an embodiment where the screening assembly has been removed Fig.16A Part of a vibration machine.

[0065] Fig.17A The embodiment shown in Fig.16A A perspective view of a portion of a vibration machine.

[0066] Fig. 17B In the embodiment shown Fig.17A A cross-sectional view of a portion of a vibrating machine is shown in FIG.

[0067] Fig. 17C The embodiment shows the Fig.17A The pawl and hook of a portion of a vibrating machine are shown in FIG.

[0068] Fig.17D The compressed Fig.17A The pawl and hook of a portion of a vibrating machine are shown in FIG.

[0069] Fig.17E and Fig.17F The pawl is shown in an uncompressed position and a compressed position, respectively, in one embodiment.

[0070] Figure 17G Another embodiment of the pawl and support plate is shown.

[0071] Fig.18 A support plate for a screening assembly is shown that may be used in conjunction with two different types of mounting assemblies.

[0072] Fig.19A A perspective view of a screening assembly in an embodiment is shown.

[0073] Fig.19B Shown in an embodiment where a portion of the screening surface has been removed Fig. 12A A perspective view of a screening assembly.

[0074] Fig.19C A top view of a support plate of a screening assembly in an embodiment is shown.

[0075] Fig. 20 A partial perspective view showing a portion of a vibration machine in an embodiment is shown.

[0076] Fig.21A An embodiment is shown in which a removable handle may be used to actuate the compression assembly.

[0077] Fig.21B In the embodiment shown Fig.21A Shown is how the removable handle is connected to the compression assembly to actuate the compression assembly.

[0078] Fig. 21C An embodiment is shown in which a removable handle can be used to actuate two adjacent compression assemblies simultaneously.

[0079] Fig.21D In the embodiment shown Fig. 21C Shown is how a removable handle can be connected to two adjacent compression assemblies to actuate both compression assemblies.

[0080] Fig.21E An embodiment is shown of how two adjacent compression assemblies may be connected to allow dual actuation using a single handle.

[0081] Fig.21F A pneumatic compression assembly in an embodiment is shown.

[0082] Figure 21G In the embodiment shown Fig.21F Cross-sectional view of a pneumatic compression assembly.

[0083] Fig.22A and Fig. 22B Top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of another embodiment of a pressurized screen assembly in an embodiment are shown.

[0084] Fig. 22C The compression assembly and the fixing hook assembly of the embodiment are shown. Fig.22A and Fig. 22B The screening components are compressed.

[0085] Fig.23A An embodiment is shown in which a plurality of segmented base supports form a support track along the wall of a screening machine.

[0086] Fig. 23B A segmented base support is shown in an embodiment.

[0087] Fig.24A and Fig. 24B An embodiment is shown where a base rubber or gasket is installed into the base support.

[0088] Fig.24C Two base supports are shown forming a corner interface.

[0089] Fig.24D An embodiment is shown with two pieces of base rubber or gasket forming a corner seal.

[0090] Fig.25A A screening assembly in an embodiment is shown.

[0091] Fig.25B The screening assembly is shown in an embodiment where a portion of the screening surface has been removed.

[0092] Fig.25C A top view of a support plate of a screening assembly in an embodiment is shown.

[0093] Fig.25D A cross-sectional side view of a portion of a screening assembly having multiple layers of screening surfaces in an embodiment is shown.

[0094] Fig.25E It shows how the various parts of the screening surface are connected or in contact with the support plate in an embodiment.

[0095] Fig.26 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a synthetic screening assembly having end bars with through compression points.

[0096] Fig. 27 is a perspective view of the composite screening assembly of FIG. 17 , showing how the end bars are attached to the screening unit.

[0097] Fig.28 Figure 17 and Fig.18 A perspective view of the composite screening assembly is shown after the end bars have been coupled to the screening unit.

[0098] FIG. 29A to FIG. 29D A double trough vibratory screening machine is shown that includes a number of different types of screening assemblies.

[0099] FIG. 30A to FIG. 30C It shows how different combinations of different types of screening assemblies can be mounted together on a vibrating screening machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0100] Material screening involves the use of vibrating screens. Vibrating screens vibrate the mounted screens in order to separate the material placed on the screens to the desired level. Oversized material is separated from undersized material. Over time, the screens wear out and need to be replaced. Therefore, the screens are designed to be replaceable.

[0101] Vibrating screening machines are widely used in various industries and are usually subjected to large vibration forces and transmit the vibration forces to the screen and screening components to vibrate them. One industrial application is oil and gas drilling, where the screen attached to the vibrating machine is subjected to a compression force of 2-4k psi to fix the screen to the vibrating machine. Drill cuttings, rocks and drilling mud are then dumped on top of the screen at high temperature and vibrate the screen with a force of 3G to 9G.

[0102] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to a variety of applications, including wet and dry applications, and may be applied to a variety of industries. The present disclosure is not limited to the oil and gas industry and the mining industry. The disclosed embodiments may also be used in any industry that requires the use of a vibrating screen to separate materials, including pulp and paper, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and other industries. In various embodiments, the screening assembly according to the present disclosure is designed to withstand high vibration forces (e.g., accelerations in the range of 3–9G), abrasive materials (e.g., fluids with a few percent to up to 65% abrasive solids), and high load requirements (e.g., fluids with a specific gravity of up to 4). The disclosed screening assembly is also designed to withstand compressive loads of up to 2000–4000 pounds at the edge of the screening assembly, such as described in U.S. Patents 7,578,394 and 9,027,760, the entire disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0103] Vibrating screening machines are usually subjected to large vibration forces and transmit the vibration forces to the screen and screening assembly, causing them to vibrate. The screen and / or screening assembly must be firmly attached to the vibrating screening machine to ensure that the vibration forces are transmitted to the screen or screening assembly and to ensure that the screen or screening assembly does not fall off the vibrating screening machine. Effectively transmitting the vibration forces from the machine to the attached screening assembly is essential for screening performance. A screening assembly that is not firmly attached to the screening machine will not be able to effectively perform the screening and / or dewatering functions. In addition, when the screening assembly is not firmly fixed to the screening machine, the screening assembly and the screening machine itself will be more susceptible to wear and breakage.

[0104] Various methods may be used to secure the screen or assembly to the vibrating screening machine, including clamping, tension mounting, etc. The disclosed compression devices, systems, and methods are designed to enable the screening assembly to be securely attached to the screening machine under use conditions including the above-mentioned compressive loads, high vibration forces, and the presence of heavy fluids.

[0105] One method of attaching a screening assembly to a screening machine is to place the screen or assembly into compression to secure the screen or screening assembly in place. The screen or screening assembly can be placed into a vibrating screening machine so that one side of it is against a portion of the vibrating screening machine and the other side is facing a compression assembly. A compression force can then be applied to the screen or assembly using a compression assembly. The compression assembly can be either electric or manual.

[0106] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems, devices, and methods for securing a screening assembly to a vibrating screening machine. Specifically, although non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure relates to systems, devices, and methods for securing a screening assembly to a vibrating screening machine using a compression assembly that deflects the screen into a concave shape / contour.

[0107] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a compression assembly that can be used to compress and install a screen and / or a screening assembly to a vibrating screening machine. In some embodiments, the compression installation mechanism may include a compression piston that rests on a side edge or side surface of the screening assembly and applies a horizontal compression force and a vertical compression force. In other embodiments, the compression installation mechanism may include an arrangement in which one or more hook members pass through the screening assembly and apply a horizontal force to a side surface or edge surface of the screening assembly, and a downward force to the top surface of the screening assembly. Relative to known compression assemblies, such embodiments can increase the vertical downward component of the compression force applied to the screen, thereby improving the attachment of the screening assembly to the screening machine and / or improving the seal between the screening assembly and the screening machine.

[0108] In a compression embodiment, a set of securing hooks attached to the screening machine (e.g., a wall member or a center member) extend through a set of corresponding through compression points (e.g., holes) extending through the screening assembly inside the screening assembly (e.g., within the perimeter of the support plate of the screening assembly and spaced apart from the first edge of the support plate). Such securing hooks may extend through the screening assembly from the bottom surface to the upper surface.

[0109] A set of movable or actuated hooks of one or more compression assemblies disposed along the relative wall members of the screening machine pass through a set of corresponding through compression points inside the screening assembly (e.g., spaced apart from the second edge of the screening assembly). Actuation of the compression assembly moves the hook from a first position (e.g., retracted) to a second position (extended) to apply a horizontal compressive force to the screening assembly (e.g., the inner edge of the through compression point). Actuation of the compression assembly can also apply a downward force to the upper surface of the screening assembly. The combination of horizontal force and downward vertical force can deflect the screening assembly into a concave shape and secure the screening assembly to the screening machine.

[0110] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a separate compression assembly for each movable or actuated hook of a vibrating screening machine. Each movable or actuated hook has an independent assembly, thereby distributing the energy required to apply compression to multiple assemblies. In other embodiments, a single compression assembly may actuate two or more movable or actuated hooks.

[0111] The compression assembly may have a detachable handle. A single handle may be used to actuate multiple compression assemblies. The compression assembly may be attached along the first wall and / or the second wall of the vibrating screening machine. The compression assembly may be attached to the vibrating screening machine so that multiple (e.g., two, three, four or more) compression assemblies are configured to engage each screen and / or screening assembly installed in the vibrating screening machine. By using multiple compression assemblies on a single screen or screening assembly, the combined clamping force applied by the multiple compression assemblies to the screening assembly increases, while the energy required to actuate a single compression assembly remains unchanged.

[0112] Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 1C A non-limiting embodiment of a vibrating screening machine 300 is shown with a replaceable screening assembly installed. More specifically, Figure 1A A fully assembled screening machine 300 is shown with two parallel rows of replaceable screening assemblies 320a, 320b, Figure 1B The screening machine 300 is shown with the screening assembly removed to show the lower components of the screening machine, Figure 1C A side view of the screening machine is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the screening machine 300 uses two sets of replaceable screening assemblies 320a, 320b disposed in parallel along the length of the screening machine 300. Each set of screening assemblies 320a and 320b includes four longitudinally aligned screening assemblies.

[0113] The material is fed into a feed hopper (not shown) and then directed to the top surface 8 of two sets of parallel screening assemblies 320a, 320b. The material flows along the flow direction 6 to the outlet end 4 of the vibrating screening machine 300. The material flowing along the direction 6 is contained in the parallel grooves provided by the group of parallel screening assemblies 320 and is prevented from flowing out from the side of the screening assembly 320. The material of undersized and / or fluid enters a separate discharge material flow path for further processing through the parallel screening assemblies 320a, 320b (hereinafter referred to as 320 unless otherwise specifically mentioned). The oversized material is discharged from the outlet end 4. The screening material can be dry material, slurry, etc. The screening assembly 320 can be tilted downward from the hopper, toward the other end of the direction 6, to assist the feeding of the material. Alternatively, the screening assembly can be tilted upward to increase the pool depth, thereby increasing the contact between the screen and the screening material.

[0114] The vibrating screening machine 300 includes wall members 312a, 312b (hereinafter referred to as 312 unless otherwise specified), a concave support surface 314 (e.g., a partition or a longitudinal beam), a central member 316, an acceleration device 18 (e.g., one or more vibration motors), a plurality of screening assemblies 320, and a compression assembly 322. The central member 316 divides the vibrating screening machine 300 into two concave screening areas (e.g., double troughs).

[0115] Compression assemblies 322 are attached to the outer surface of each wall member 312. However, the vibrating screening machine may have a concave screening area (e.g., a single slot) sized to accommodate a set of screening assemblies, wherein the compression assemblies are arranged on one wall member. Figure 1D, which use the same reference numerals to identify like elements. This arrangement may be desirable when space is limited and maintenance and operating personnel can only access one side of the vibrating screening machine. A single slot machine may also be preferred if the screening assembly mounting arrangement would benefit from having compression assemblies 322 on both sides of the machine. Although Figures 1A to 1C , a vibratory screening machine 300 is shown having multiple screening assemblies oriented longitudinally to form two parallel concave material paths (eg, a double trough), but the screening assemblies are not limited to this configuration and may be oriented in other ways.

[0116] exist Figures 1A to 1C In the screening machine 300 shown, the central member 316 is arranged between the wall members 312 so that the screening machine has two parallel flow paths (e.g., double-slot design). As shown, each screening assembly 320 comprises a first edge arranged near the first wall member 312a or the second wall member 312b and a second edge arranged near the central member 316, and the first edge and the second edge form the abutment surface (abutment surface) of the screening assembly. In the single-slot embodiment utilizing a single screening assembly, the central member is omitted so that a single group of screening assemblies extends between the first wall and the second wall of the screening machine 300A. In this arrangement, a wall can include a compression assembly, and another wall can form a stop surface. In an alternative embodiment, compression assembly is arranged on both walls. In either arrangement, compression assembly 322 will press screening assembly 320 against concave support member 314 so that screening assembly 320 is deflected into a concave profile.

[0117] Figure 1B Screening machine 300 is shown with one screening assembly removed and a screening surface removed from another screening assembly to expose a porous support plate 324 underneath. The configuration of screening assembly 320 and its support plate 324 will be discussed more fully in the description below. Figure 1B As shown, a plurality of concave support surfaces 314 extend between the first wall 312a and the central support member 316. Although not shown, a plurality of concave support surfaces also extend between the second wall 312b and the central support member 316. Figure 1D ) can utilize similar concave supports extending between the first wall and the second wall. As shown, each concave support 314 has a first end attached to the wall member and a second end attached to the center support 316. As shown, the concave supports 314 are evenly spaced and parallel. However, other spacings may also be used.

[0118] The compression assembly of a vibrating screening machine is typically attached to the outer surface of a wall member and includes a retractable member that extends and retracts to apply pressure to a screening assembly supported on a base of the screening machine. The retractable member can advance and retract in response to manually applied force, pneumatic force, hydraulic force, electricity, and spring force. Figure 2A A partial end view of a prior art dual slot screening machine 10 is shown which utilizes a compression assembly 22 attached to a first wall 12 of the machine 10 to compress a screening assembly 20 located between the first wall 12 of the machine and a center member 16. The compression assembly 20 utilizes a retractable member 32 (illustrated as a pin) to apply a compressive force to a vertical flange 28 extending above a top surface of the screening assembly 20. The compression of the vertical flange 28 near a first edge of the screening assembly causes a second edge of the screening assembly to press against the center member 16 (or second wall of a single slot screening machine) and deform the screening assembly 20 into a concave profile that abuts against one or more underlying concave support surfaces 14. That is, the screening assembly 20 is deformed from an undeflected generally flat profile (not shown) to a concave profile that is substantially flat. Figure 2A Deflected concave profile shown.

[0119] Figure 2B and Figure 2C An end view of a prior art single slot screening machine 10A is shown. As shown, a compression assembly 22a attached to a first wall 12a compresses the screening assembly 20a against a stop surface 26 located on a second wall 12b of the machine 10A. Although illustrated as a generally flat surface, it should be understood that the stop surface 26 may have other configurations, such as but not limited to channels (grooves). The compressive force applied by the compression assembly 22a to the screening assembly 20a causes the screening assembly 20a to deflect into a concave profile against one or more underlying concave support surfaces 14a. According to FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C The screening machine and compression assembly of are described in US Pat. No. 9,027,760, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0120] Aspects of the present disclosure are based in part on the recognition that the compressive force applied to the vertical flange extending above the edge of the screening assembly does not provide the desired compressive force for the screening assembly. That is, when compressed, the moment about such vertical flange and / or the deflection of the vertical flange only provides a limited downward force (i.e., the vertical component of the compressive force) applied to the screening assembly. In addition, the compressive force applied by the compression assembly 22a to the vertical flange tends to cause the side edges of the support plate to tilt upward, away from the wall member and away from the supporting surface 14a below. As a result, fluids and aggregates often accumulate at the edge of the screen behind the flange, causing maintenance and contamination problems.

[0121] A small vertical downward component of the compressive force may also result in a poor seal between the peripheral edge of the screen assembly and the screen machine, which may result in contamination of the screened material. That is, unscreened oversize material may leak out of the peripheral edge of the screen assembly and fall into the area used to collect undersize material. In addition, a small vertical downward component of the compressive force may result in some movement (e.g., wobbling) of the screen assembly relative to the screen machine, thereby increasing wear on the screen assembly and / or the underlying rubber sealing base (e.g., gasket) and reducing screening efficiency and / or performance.

[0122] The compression assembly, screening assembly and related methods disclosed herein solve the above problems and provide further benefits. Broadly speaking, the disclosed compression mounting assembly and screening assembly allow for increasing the vertical component of the compressive force applied to the screening assembly while deflecting the screen into a concave profile. Among other advantages, the sealing of the screening assembly can be improved and / or the movement of the screening assembly relative to the support member and sealing gasket below the screening machine can be reduced.

[0123] As mentioned above, a screening assembly mounted on a vibrating screening machine typically includes a support plate and a screening surface attached to the top of the support plate. Figure 1A Each of the screening assemblies shown in includes a corrugated screening surface attached to a top surface of a support plate. Figure 1B One of the screening assemblies is shown with the corrugated screening surface removed to expose the support plate 324 below. Figure 1B As shown, the support plate includes a plurality of holes that allow material that has passed through the screening surface to easily fall through the support plate 324. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C Shown in the prior art screening assembly, vertical flange 28 extends upwardly from the side of the support plate.As mentioned above, the compression mechanism of the prior art screening machine leans on the upwardly extending vertical flange 28 to apply the compression force for mounting the screening assembly on the screening machine.

[0124] The following description discloses a number of different embodiments of a novel screening assembly and a corresponding mounting mechanism for mounting the screening assembly to a vibrating screening machine. One embodiment of the novel mounting mechanism applies a compressive force directly to the side edges of a support plate below the screening surface of the screening assembly. Because the compressive force is applied to the side edges of the support plate, the compressive force does not tend to rotate the side edges of the support plate upward and away from the support elements below the screening machine.

[0125] In addition, the compression piston in contact with the side edge of the support plate can apply a greater vertical downward force to the edge of the support plate. In effect, the compression surface of the compression piston abuts against the side edge of the support plate of the screening assembly so that the compression piston provides a vertical constraint that prevents the side edge of the support plate from moving upward even under the action of high vibration acceleration forces. All of these factors help to firmly attach the screening assembly to the support element of the vibrating screening machine and help ensure that the bottom surface of the support plate forms a good seal with the gasket or flange below the screening machine to prevent any material from bypassing the screening surface and contaminating the screened material.

[0126] Figure 3A The support plate 202 of the novel screening assembly is shown. The screening surface will be mounted on top of the support plate 202 to form the screening assembly. The support plate 202 includes a plurality of flow holes 210. Therefore, any material that passes through the screening surface mounted on top of the support plate 202 can fall downward through the flow holes 210.

[0127] The support plate includes a front edge 202, a rear edge 204, a first side edge 206, and a second side edge 208. A plurality of mounting holes 220 are formed on the first side edge 206 and the second side edge 208. Each mounting hole 220 includes a compression surface 222 located on opposite sides of an alignment slot 224.

[0128] Figure 3B An alternative embodiment of the support plate 202 is shown that includes an upwardly extending flange 230 on the side of the support plate 202. A through hole 232 is formed in the upwardly extending flange 230 to allow the compression piston to move inwardly and engage with the mounting hole 220. The upwardly extending flange 230 can provide benefits discussed below.

[0129] Figure 3C A screening assembly is shown which includes a screening surface 326 mounted on top of the support 202, as shown in FIG. Figure 3B In this embodiment, the screening surface 326 has a corrugated configuration. However, in alternative embodiments, the screening surface can be substantially flat or have other configurations.

[0130] The number and distribution of mounting holes 220 can be adjusted to achieve various purposes. Mounting holes 220 are generally arranged at regular intervals along side edges 206, 208, and the positions of mounting holes 220 correspond to the positions of compression assemblies of the vibrating screening machine.

[0131] 4A to 4D A single slot vibratory screening machine is shown including a first embodiment of a compression mounting mechanism for securing a screening assembly to the screening machine. Figure 4AA first perspective view is provided showing a plurality of concave support surfaces 314, wherein each concave support surface 314 extends from a first side member 312a to a second side member 312b. The concave support surfaces are arranged from an input end 311 to an output end 313. One or more vibration motors 18 are mounted on the machine to apply vibration forces to the machine and ultimately to a screening assembly mounted on the machine.

[0132] A plurality of screening assemblies will be installed along the length of the vibrating screening machine. Each screening assembly will span the width of the screening machine, extending most of the distance between the first side member 312a and the second side member 312b. A plurality of compression assemblies 322 for fixing the screening assembly of the screening machine are installed along the length of the screening machine. In some embodiments, the compression assembly 322 is installed on the outside of the first side member 312a and the second side member 312b. In other embodiments, the compression assembly 322 can only be installed on the outside of one of the first side member 312a and the second side member 312b. The aspects of these two different configurations will be discussed below.

[0133] Each compression assembly includes a compression piston 240 that extends through the side member 312a / 312b to which the compression assembly is mounted. The compression assembly 322 is capable of extending the compression piston 240 inwardly toward the center of the screening machine and retracting it rearwardly, away from the center of the screening machine.

[0134] Figure 4E and Figure 4F Only shown 4A to 4D A portion of a large vibrating screening machine is shown in FIG. Figure 4E and Figure 4F Helps explain how to install the screening assembly onto a vibrating screen machine. Figure 4E , the support plate 202 of the screening assembly is shown lowered onto the concave support surface. Note that the complete screening assembly will include the screening surface attached to the top of the support plate 202. The screening surface has been removed so that only the support plate 202 remains to help explain how to install the screening assembly on the vibrating screening machine. In addition, the flow holes 210 are not shown in the support plate 202.

[0135] like Figure 4E As shown, the side edges of the support plate 202 are aligned with the four compression assemblies 322 on the side walls 312a, 312b of the screening machine. Therefore, each of the four compression assemblies on each side wall will extend the compression piston inwardly toward the center of the screening machine to mount and secure the support plate 202 of the screening assembly to the screening machine. The four compression pistons will interact with the corresponding mounting holes 220 of the support plate (as shown in Figure 3).

[0136] Figure 4Fis an enlarged view, which provides more details of the support plate 202. Figure 4F As shown, in this embodiment, an upwardly extending flange 230 is provided on the side edge of the support plate 202. However, a through hole 232 corresponding to the mounting hole 220 of the support plate 202 is provided in the upwardly extending flange 230. The through hole 232 allows the compression pistons of the compression assembly 322 to be pushed inwardly so that they can directly abut against the compression surface 222 of the mounting hole 220, as will be explained in more detail below. Therefore, the compression pistons of the compression assembly 322 will not be as FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C The mechanism shown in FIG. 2 rests against an upwardly extending flange 230 . Figure 4F The support plate 202 is shown in a temporary position before being pushed downwardly into alignment with the compression piston of the compression assembly 322 during the installation operation.

[0137] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C The screen assembly installation operation is shown. To help illustrate the installation operation, FIG. 5A to FIG. 5B Only the support plate 202 of the screening assembly is shown. It should be understood that the actual screening assembly will include a screening surface fixed on top of the support plate 202.

[0138] Triangular mounting ramp 343 (eg Figure 4E and FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C The mounting ramp 343 is provided on the side walls 312a, 312b of the vibrating screening machine. When the screening assembly is installed on the vibrating screening machine, the mounting ramp 343 abuts against the outside of the upwardly extending flange 230 on the side edge of the support plate 220 (if such an upwardly extending flange 230 is provided). If the upwardly extending flange 230 is not provided on the support plate 202, the mounting ramp 343 only abuts against the side edges 206, 208 of the support plate 202. The mounting ramp 343 is used to push the side edges 206, 208 of the support plate inwardly so that the mounting hole 220 is located inside the end of the compression piston of the compression assembly 322. The inward movement of the side edge of the support plate 202 caused by the mounting ramp 343 also causes the support plate 202 to bend into a concave shape. Once the support plate 202 presents a concave shape, the compression piston can more easily bend the support plate 202 further to press the support plate 202 into the installation position. The pre-bending of the support plate 202 also ensures that when the compression piston engages the side edge of the support plate, the support plate will continue to bend in a concave direction. In other words, pre-bending the support plate 202 into a concave shape eliminates the possibility that the compression piston causes the support plate to bend into a convex shape (where the center of the support plate is away from the vibrating screening machine).

[0139] The installation operation starts at Figure 5A , where the right edge of the support plate 202 has been lowered above the compression piston of the compression assembly 322, which is located in the first side wall 312a of the vibrating screening machine. Fig. 7AWhen the support plate 202 is positioned as Figure 5A The figure is a partial perspective view of the right corner of the support plate 202. Fig. 7A As shown, the mounting ramp 343 on the outer surface of the upwardly extending flange 230 that rests on the side edge of the support plate 202 pushes the side edge of the support plate 202 inward so that the support plate 202 can be lowered to a position where the mounting hole 220 is aligned and registered with the compression piston 240 of the compression assembly 322.

[0140] like Figure 5B As shown, the left side of the screening assembly is then pushed downward, so that the left edge of the support plate 202 is also lowered downward, so that the mounting hole 220 on the left side of the support plate 202 is aligned and registered with the compression piston 240 of the compression assembly 322 on the left side wall 312b of the vibrating screening machine. This involves moving the upwardly extending flange 230 on the left side edge of the support plate 202 downward along the mounting ramp 343 on the left side wall 312b of the vibrating screening machine. As a result, the support plate 202 is moved downward from the left side wall 312b of the vibrating screening machine. Figure 5A The basic planar shape shown becomes Figure 5B The curved shape shown.

[0141] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The right side of the support plate 202 is shown lowered into position (eg Figure 5A ), and then the left side of the support plate 202 is lowered into place (as shown Figure 5B ). However, the order of lowering the two sides can be interchanged. Therefore, the above description should not be considered as limiting.

[0142] In the final installation step, the compression piston 240 of the compression assembly 322 moves inwardly. The inward movement of the compression piston 240 causes the compression surface 246 of the compression piston 240 to engage with the compression surface 222 of the mounting hole 220 on the support plate 202. Figure 5C As shown, further inward movement of compression piston 240 applies a force to compression surface 222 of mounting aperture 220, causing support plate 202 to further flex and be urged into engagement with concave support surface 314 beneath the vibratory screening machine. Figure 7B A state is shown where the compression piston 240 moves inwardly and engages with the compression surface 222 of the mounting hole 220 on the support plate 202 . Figure 7B Also shown is the alignment finger 244 on the end of each compression piston 240 moving into the alignment slot 224 of the corresponding mounting hole 220 on the support plate 202 .

[0143] Fig. 6A A perspective view of some elements of one embodiment of a compression assembly 322 for mounting a screening assembly to a vibrating screening machine is shown. Fig. 6AAlso shown are portions of the underlying support structure of the vibrating screening machine which support the side edges of the screening assembly.

[0144] The compression assembly 322 includes a compression piston 240 slidably mounted in a housing 351. A pivot arm 352 attached to a sleeve 341 is pivotally mounted to the housing 351 by an axle bolt 353. A spring 345 surrounds the rear of the compression piston 240 and is sandwiched between the pivot arm 352 and a shoulder 245 on the compression piston 240.

[0145] like 4A to 4D As shown, housing 351 includes mounting brackets 328 configured to be bolted to the side wall of the vibrating screening machine. The side wall of the vibrating screening machine is not shown in Figure 6 so that the elements of compression assembly 322 can be clearly depicted.

[0146] The end of the compression piston is configured to extend from the side wall (not shown) of the vibrating screening machine and extend over the top of the gasket 670 mounted on the base support 380. This allows the end of the compression piston 240 to rest against the mounting hole of the side edge of the support plate of the screening assembly. The side edge of the support plate of the screening assembly will rest on the gasket 670. One of the functions of the compression assembly 322 is to press the support plate of the screening assembly against the top surface of the gasket 670 so as to form a seal between the bottom surface of the support plate and the top surface of the gasket 670.

[0147] In order to actuate the compression assembly 322, a rod can be inserted into the sleeve 341, and the sleeve 341 and the attached pivot arm 352 are pivoted around the axle bolt 353. This causes the rear end of the spring 245 to move inward, thereby causing the front end of the spring 245 to apply an inward force to the shoulder 245 of the compression piston 240, thereby prompting the compression piston to move inward. This causes the end of the compression piston 240 to abut against the mounting hole (described in more detail below) of the support plate of the screening assembly, and applies a compressive force to the support plate. Once the pivot arm 352 and the sleeve 341 have rotated enough around the axle bolt 353, the locking rod 334 can be rotated downward to stay in the locking groove on the pivot arm 352, thereby preventing the pivot arm 352 from rotating in the opposite direction and releasing the pressure applied to the compression piston 240. This arrangement causes the end of the compression piston 240 to apply a compressive force to the support plate. However, the end of the compression piston 240 may reside in a variety of different positions relative to the housing 351 and the side wall to which the housing 351 is attached.

[0148] The pivot arm 352 applies force to the rear end of the spring 345. The front end of the spring 345 applies force to the collar 245 of the compression piston 240.

[0149] Figure 6B is a top perspective view of one embodiment of compression piston 240 . Figure 6C240. As shown in these figures, the inclined upper surface 243 of the top of the compression piston 240 leads to a flat top surface 241. The flat top surface 241 terminates in an end surface 242 of the compression piston 240, which is at a certain angle relative to the longitudinal centerline of the compression piston 240.

[0150] like Figure 6C As shown, a flat bottom surface 248 is provided on the bottom surface of the compression piston 240. Two portions of material are removed from the bottom of the end surface 242 to form a center alignment finger 244. The portions removed on either side of the alignment finger 244 include a side compression surface 246 and an upper compression surface 247, which intersect at a compression angle 250. In some embodiments, the side compression surface 246 does not form a perpendicular angle relative to the central longitudinal axis of the compression piston 240, but rather slopes downwardly and forwardly to the end of the compression piston. Likewise, in some embodiments, the upper compression surface 247 is not parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the compression piston 240. Therefore, the angle formed at the compression angle 250 can be an obtuse angle.

[0151] When the end of the compression piston 240 engages the mounting hole 220 on the side edge of the support plate 202 of the screening assembly, the alignment finger 244 extends into the alignment slot 224 of the mounting hole 220. The compression surface 222 of the mounting hole 240 may initially contact the side compression surface 246 or the upper compression surface 247. As the compression piston 240 continues to move inward, the compression surface 222 of the mounting hole 220 will move along whichever surface they initially engage until the compression surface 222 rests in the compression angle 250. Then, further inward movement of the compression piston 240 causes the support plate to bend into a concave shape and be pushed into engagement with the underlying support structure on the vibrating screening machine.

[0152] By limiting the compression surface of the mounting hole 220 of the support plate 202 to the compression angle 250 of the end of the compression piston 240, a compressive force can be applied to the mounting hole 220, which includes a horizontal inward component and a vertical downward component. If the compression piston 240 is installed on the side wall 312 of the vibrating screening machine so that its central longitudinal axis is angled downward and inward relative to the support plate 202, the inward movement of the compression piston 240 will produce a downward component of the compressive force. However, even if the compression piston is installed to move inward horizontally, the angled upper compression surface 247 of the compression piston end will still produce a downward component of the compressive force. As described above, this vertical downward force pushes the support plate 202 into engagement with the sealing gasket 670 below the vibrating screening machine. During the screening operation, when the screening assembly is subjected to significant acceleration forces, this vertical downward force can also enable the screening assembly to be firmly attached to the vibrating screening machine.

[0153] In addition, the upper compression surface 247 on the compression piston 240 acts on the upper edge of the compression surface 222 of the mounting hole 220, thereby preventing the side edges of the support plate 202 from moving upward relative to the vibrating screening machine. This ensures that the side edges 206, 208 of the support plate remain engaged with the sealing gasket 670 below the vibrating screening machine, regardless of the vibration or acceleration forces applied to the support plate 202.

[0154] The inward movement of the compression piston 240 also applies a compressive force on the compression surface 222 of the mounting hole 220, which includes a significant horizontal inward component. This inward compressive force bends the support plate 202 into a concave shape. As a result, the bottom surface of the support plate 202 is pressed into engagement with the concave support element on the vibrating screening machine. Since the inward compressive force is substantially in the plane of the support plate 202 at the side edges, the inward compressive force also does not cause the side edges 206, 208 of the support plate 202 to rotate upward away from the sealing gasket 270 below. This is one of the problems with the prior art compression mounting mechanisms, in which the compressive force is applied to the upwardly extending flanges located on the sides of the support plate 202.

[0155] In existing compression mounting schemes, the upwardly extending flanges on the side edges of the support plate of the screening assembly do not contain any holes when a compression force is applied to the upwardly extending flanges. Therefore, when the material to be screened ends up behind the flanges - essentially between the outer surface of the flanges and the side walls of the screening machine - it is impossible for the material to re-enter the screening area. In contrast, in the above-described design, through holes 232 are provided in the flanges 230, and any material that has accumulated between the outer side of the flanges and the side walls of the screening machine can pass through the through holes 232 and re-enter the screening area. In addition, in some embodiments, the upwardly extending flanges 230 do not extend the entire length of the support plate or the screening assembly. This means that at the leading and trailing edges of the upwardly extending flanges 230, material that is trapped behind the upwardly extending flanges 230 can re-enter the screening area. Fig. 7A An example of this can be seen in Figure 2 where the upwardly extending flange 230 does not extend the entire length of the side edge of the support plate 202, but terminates before the front edge of the support plate 202. These design features help ensure that substantially all of the material deposited on the screening assembly is screened, and help prevent material buildup between the flange 230 and the side wall of the screening machine.

[0156] Fig. 7A and Figure 7BA side edge of the support plate 202 of the screening assembly is shown resting against a sealing gasket 670, which itself is mounted on the side wall of the vibrating screening machine via a gasket support 270. As described above, the compression piston 240 applies a compressive force to the mounting holes on the side edge of the support plate 202. The compressive force may include a horizontal inward component and a vertical downward component. The vertical downward component pushes the bottom surface of the support plate 202 into engagement with the top surface of the sealing gasket 670. This helps prevent any screened material from bypassing the side edge of the screening assembly and bypassing the screening assembly, thereby contaminating the material that has passed through the screening assembly.

[0157] Fig. 7A Compression piston 240 is shown in a retracted position, which allows support plate 202 to be lowered into position on the vibrating screening machine with the side edges of support plate 202 resting on sealing gasket 670. Note that when support plate 202 is lowered into position, the triangular mounting ramps 343 on the side walls of the vibrating screening machine will push the side edges of support plate 202 inward.

[0158] Figure 7B The compression piston 240 is shown moving inwardly to apply a compressive force to the mounting holes on the side edges of the support plate 202. The alignment fingers 244 on the end of the compression piston 240 project into corresponding alignment grooves 224 on the mounting holes.

[0159] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B An alternative embodiment of a compression piston 440 and a corresponding mounting hole of a support plate is shown. In this embodiment, the compression piston 440 includes a triangular alignment finger including a first inclined side 444a and a second inclined side 444b extending from an end face 445. The mounting hole in the support plate includes a triangular alignment slot formed by a first inclined side edge 424a and a second inclined side edge 424b. When the compression piston 440 moves inwardly, the triangular alignment finger is received in the triangular alignment slot.

[0160] The remaining structure of the compression piston 440 and the mounting hole is very similar to the previous example. The mounting hole on the support plate includes two compression surfaces 421 located on opposite sides of the triangular alignment groove. The compression surface of the end of the compression piston 440 abuts against the compression surface 421 on the mounting hole to fix the screening assembly to the vibrating screening machine. The through hole 432 on the upwardly extending side flange 230 is similar in features to the through hole of the previous embodiment.

[0161] Figure 8C and Fig.8DAnother embodiment of a compression piston 460 and a corresponding mounting hole on a support plate of a screening assembly is shown. In this embodiment, the compression piston 460 has a circular alignment finger 463 at its distal end. A circular engagement surface 464 on the circular alignment finger 463 is received in and abuts against a circular alignment groove 465 of the mounting hole.

[0162] The remaining structure of the compression piston 460 and the mounting hole is very similar to the previous example. The mounting hole on the support plate includes two compression surfaces 466 on opposite sides of the circular alignment groove 465. The compression surface of the end of the compression piston 460 abuts against the compression surface 466 on the mounting hole to fix the screening assembly to the vibrating screening machine. The through hole 462 on the upwardly extending side flange 230 is similar in characteristics to the through hole of the previous embodiment.

[0163] Fig. 8E and Fig.8F Another embodiment of the corresponding mounting holes on the support plate of the compression piston 470 and the screening assembly is shown. In this embodiment, the through hole in the side flange 230 extending upward is formed by two inclined sides 473a, 473b. The part of the compression piston passing through the through hole in the side flange 230 extending upward has a roughly triangular cross section. The inclined side surfaces 472a, 472b on the end of the compression piston 470 roughly reflect the shape and angle of the two inclined side surfaces 473a, 473b of the through hole in the flange 230 extending upward. The interaction between the inclined side surfaces 473a, 473b of the through hole and the inclined side portions 472a, 472b of the compression piston 470 can provide an alignment function, which enables the screening assembly to be correctly positioned on the vibrating screening machine.

[0164] Because the alignment function described above can be provided, the mounting hole of the support plate of the screening assembly can include a single linear compression surface 475. In other words, in some embodiments, it is not necessary to form a separate alignment groove 224 in the mounting hole 220 of the support plate 202. The corresponding compression surfaces 476 and 477 at the end of the compression piston 470 abut against the single compression surface 475 of the mounting hole to fix the screening assembly on the vibrating screening machine.

[0165] Figure 8G An alternative embodiment of a compression piston 480 is shown with the end portion having Fig. 8E and Fig.8F 3. However, in this embodiment, the end of the compression piston 480 includes an alignment finger 474. Compression surfaces 476, 477 are formed on both sides of the alignment finger 474. The alignment finger 474 is configured to be received in the alignment slot 224 of the mounting hole 220 of the support plate 202, as shown in FIG.

[0166] Figure 8H Shows Figure 8G 4 shows how the compression piston 480 engages with the support plate to mount the screening assembly to the vibrating screening machine. Figure 8H As shown, each through hole on the upwardly extending side flange 230 includes two inclined side surfaces. A compression piston 480 with inclined sides extends through the through hole. The alignment finger 474 on the end of the compression piston 480 is received in the alignment groove 224 of the mounting hole on the support plate. The two compression surfaces on the opposite sides of the alignment finger 474 abut against the compression surfaces of the mounting hole to secure the support plate and the screening assembly to the vibrating screening machine.

[0167] exist Figure 8H In the illustrated embodiment, the alignment function can be performed jointly by: (1) interaction between the inclined side portions 472a, 472b of the compression piston 480 and the inclined side surfaces 473a, 473b of the through hole; and (2) engagement between the alignment fingers 474 on the compression piston 480 and the alignment grooves 224 of the mounting holes on the support plate of the screening assembly.

[0168] In some embodiments, the through-holes on the upwardly extending side flanges 230 can be configured to be large enough so that there is some clearance between the inclined side surfaces 473a, 473b of the through-holes and the inclined side portions 472a, 472b of the compression piston 480. However, even with considerable clearance, the interaction between the compression piston 480 and the through-holes will provide a general alignment function to ensure that the screening assembly has been installed in an almost correct position on the vibrating screening machine. Then, as the compression piston 480 is advanced inwardly, the engagement between the alignment fingers 474 on the compression piston 480 and the alignment slots 224 on the support plate will provide fine adjustment of the position of the screening assembly on the vibrating screening machine.

[0169] In the prior art machines (such as FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C In the machine shown in FIG. 1 , the compression pistons rest against upwardly extending flanges on the sides of the support plates of the screen assembly, and the screen assembly may be installed in the wrong position on the vibrating screen machine in the length direction or material feed direction. The screen may also be tilted or slightly rotated improperly, which may cause some compression pistons to apply little or no compression force to the upwardly extending flanges, thereby weakening the holding force. In addition, when the screen assembly is installed in a tilted or slightly rotated manner, the screen assembly will not assume the correct concave shape, and the bottom of the screen assembly is unlikely to form an effective seal with the lower gasket on the vibrating screen machine.

[0170] In contrast, for the above discussion and Figures 3 to Figure 8HIn the mounting mechanism shown in FIG. 1 , the engagement of the ends of the compression pistons with the mounting holes on the sides of the support plate ensures that the support plate and the screening assembly are correctly positioned on the vibrating screening machine in the length direction or material feed direction. In addition, the engagement between the ends of the compression pistons and the mounting holes prevents the screening assembly from being mounted in an inclined or slightly rotated manner and ensures that each compression piston actually applies the correct type of compression force to the support plate. All of these factors help ensure that the screening assembly is correctly positioned on the vibrating screening machine and that the support plate of the screening assembly is securely pressed into engagement with the gasket underneath the vibrating screening machine.

[0171] In addition, in FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C In the prior art machine shown, the engagement between the compression piston and the upwardly extending flange may cause the flange of the screen assembly to be permanently deformed. This may cause the compression piston to apply less holding force than expected. In addition, if the permanently deformed screen assembly is removed and subsequently reinstalled on the vibrating screening machine, it will be difficult for maintenance personnel to notice the deformation. As a result, the force required to reinstall the screen assembly may be less than expected. In contrast, for the previously discussed and illustrated prior art machines of FIGS. 3 to 4, the compression piston may be used to apply a lesser holding force than expected. Figure 8H For the compressed assembly shown in , such permanent deformation is unlikely to occur.

[0172] In addition, the screening assembly (FIG. 3 to Figure 8H ) do not require an upwardly extending flange, whereas prior art mounting systems (e.g. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C The mounting system shown in FIG. 1 ) requires an upwardly extending flange. This reduces manufacturing costs, speeds up the assembly process, and makes the screening assembly lighter, which can reduce shipping costs. In addition, since there are no side flanges, there is no problem of material being trapped behind the side flanges, thereby improving the efficiency of the screening operation.

[0173] exist 4A to 4D In the illustrated embodiment of a vibrating screen, the screen has a single trough with compression assemblies 322 located on both side walls of the screen. In this type of screen, a single screening assembly spans the width of the screening area and a single row of screening assemblies runs the length of the screen. This configuration is advantageous in that the screening assembly can be mounted to the screen using compression assemblies 322 on only one side of the screen.

[0174] For example, the compression assembly on the first side of the screening machine can be left in a locked position with the compression piston extended. The compression assembly on the second side of the screening machine is opened so that the compression piston on the second side of the screening machine is in a retracted position. Then, the new screening assembly can be installed on the machine by pushing the first side of the screening assembly downward into the base of the screening machine so that the mounting holes on the first side edge of the support plate of the screening assembly are pushed into engagement with the extended compression piston on the first side of the screening machine. The second side of the screening assembly is then pushed downward into the base of the screening machine. The compression assembly on the second side of the screening machine is then actuated so that the compression piston on the second side of the screening machine extends inwardly, which pushes the screening assembly into engagement with the concave support surface of the screening machine and fixes the screening assembly to the screening machine.

[0175] With this type of screen configuration, the operator only needs to access one side of the screen to install the screening assembly. And because the compression assembly is located on both sides of the screen, the operator can install the screening assembly onto the screen from either side of the screen. On the other hand, configuring the screen in this way means that the compression assembly must be located on both sides of the screen, which increases the cost and complexity of the machine.

[0176] The compression assembly 322 may be disposed on only the first side wall of the screening machine, rather than on both side walls of the screening machine. The second side wall may include a fixed stop element configured to match the end of the compression piston of the compression assembly mounted on the first side wall. In this configuration, the operator will install the screening assembly from the first side of the screening machine where the compression assembly is disposed.

[0177] To install the screening assembly on this type of machine, the screening assembly will be placed on the machine and the second side of the screening assembly will be pushed down into position so that the fixed stop element on the second side wall of the screening machine is aligned with the mounting hole 220 on the second side edge of the support plate 202 of the screening assembly. Then, the first side of the screening assembly is pushed down so that the mounting hole 220 on the first side of the support plate 202 of the screening assembly is aligned with the end of the movable compression piston 240 of the compression assembly 322 on the first side wall of the screening machine. Then, the compression assembly 322 on the first side wall of the screening machine is actuated. The actuation of the compression assembly on the first side of the screening machine causes the compression piston to be pushed into engagement with the compression surface 222 of the mounting hole 220 on the first side of the support plate 202. Further inward movement of the compression piston also causes the compression surface 222 of the mounting hole 220 on the second side of the support plate 202 to be pushed into engagement with the fixed stop surface. Further advancement of the compression piston will cause the support plate 202 to bend and be pressed into engagement with the support surface of the screening machine.

[0178] The fixed stop surface can be rigidly mounted to the side wall of the screening machine. Alternatively, the fixed stop surface can be configured to provide a certain degree of compliance. When the fixed stop surface provides a certain degree of compliance, the element simulating the end of the movable compression piston can be elastically moved relative to the side wall of the vibrating screening machine. Fig.9A and Fig. 9B An example of a fixed stop element providing compliance is shown.

[0179] Fig.9A A fixed compression piston assembly 239 is shown which may be mounted externally to the side wall of a vibrating screening machine. Bolt holes 269 in a housing 268 of the fixed compression piston assembly 239 may be used to attach the assembly to the side wall of the vibrating screening machine. The fixed compression piston assembly 239 includes a resiliently mounted compression piston 260 which extends through a circular hole in the housing 268. When the fixed compression piston assembly 239 is mounted externally to the side wall of a vibrating screening machine, the end of the compression piston 260 will extend through the hole in the side wall into the interior of the vibrating screening machine.

[0180] like Fig. 9B As shown, a compression spring 261 is mounted around the rear of the compression piston 260. A first end of the spring 261 abuts against a collar 262 of the compression piston. A second end (opposite end) of the spring abuts against a flange assembly 267. The flange assembly 267 includes external threads 269 that engage internal threads on the inner bore of the cylindrical portion 265 of the housing 268. This secures the compression spring 261 within the cylindrical portion 265 of the housing.

[0181] The compression piston 260 can slide inwardly into the housing 268, which causes the spring 261 to be compressed. Depending on the adjustment method of the fixed compression piston assembly 239, when no force acts on the end of the compression piston 260, the compression spring 261 acting on the collar 262 can push the compression piston 260 outwardly until the collar 262 rests on the end of the cylindrical portion 265 of the housing 268.

[0182] The nut 266 is threaded onto the threaded rear end of the compression piston 260. The nut 266 can be turned to adjust the position of the compression piston 260 in the housing 268. Thus, when no force is applied to the end of the compression piston 260, the collar 262 can be spaced apart from the end of the cylindrical portion 265 of the housing.

[0183] 4A to 4D The single tank vibrating screening machine shown may include a plurality of compression assemblies 322 on a first side wall and a plurality of fixed compression piston assemblies (such as Fig.9A and Fig. 9B shown). Figure 1A and Figure 1BThe illustrated dual trough vibratory screening machine may include a plurality of compression assemblies mounted on first and second outer side walls of the screening machine, with fixed compression piston assemblies mounted along either side of a center stop 316 .

[0184] In the foregoing example, a compression assembly 322 having a compression piston is used to install a screening assembly comprising a support plate and a screening element mounted on top of the support plate. The same basic compression assembly can also be used to install different types of screening assemblies onto a vibrating screening machine.

[0185] An alternative type of screening assembly is formed by a plurality of individual screening units that are attached to each other to form a complete screening assembly. Each individual screening unit may include a supporting structure and one or more screening elements mounted on the supporting structure. Each supporting structure may include an attachment element for coupling to other supporting structures so that a plurality of screening units may be attached to each other to form a complete screening assembly. Both the supporting structure and the screening element may be formed by injection molded plastic or a synthetic material. Examples of such screening assemblies are disclosed in U.S. Patents 9409209, 9884344, 10046363, 10259013, 10576502, 10835926, 10843230, 10981197, 10994306, 10960438, 10974281, 10933444, 10967401, 11413656, 11161150, 11000882, 11426766, 11638933, 11417913, 11446704, and 11471914, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0186] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C It is shown how a compression assembly 322 (including a compression piston 240) may be used to install another screening assembly on a vibrating screening machine, the other screening assembly being formed by connecting together a screening unit formed by an injection molded support structure and an injection molded screening element. FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C Only a portion of the entire screen assembly is shown to help clearly describe how the installation process proceeds. FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C In the figure, only a part of the supporting elements of the complete screening assembly is depicted. The screening element will be mounted on FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C The top of the support element is shown in .

[0187] Fig. 10B It is shown that a portion of the entire screening assembly is formed by connecting a plurality of planar support elements 281 and a plurality of pyramidal support elements 280 together. Fig. 10BAs perhaps best shown in FIG. 1 , each support element 280 / 281 includes an attachment member that allows the individual support elements to be attached to each other. The attachment member includes a protruding clip 284 and a clip hole 283. The clip hole 283 on a first support element receives a clip 284 of a second adjacent support element to connect the support elements together. FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C A plurality of flat support elements 282 are shown connected together end to end to form an elongated strip of two flat support elements 282. A plurality of pyramidal support elements 280 are connected together end to end to form an elongated strip of a pyramidal support element 280. The side of the elongated strip of the pyramidal support element 280 is then connected to the side of the elongated strip of two flat support elements 281 to form a part of a complete screening assembly. As mentioned above, a screening element (not shown) will be mounted on the top of the support element.

[0188] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C Also shown is a left edge of the screening assembly including a binder bar 282. The binder bar 282 includes the same protruding clips and clip holes as the support elements 280, 281. Thus, the clips and clip holes on the binder bar 282 can be attached to corresponding clips and clip holes on the elongated strip of the flat support element 281 forming the left side of the screening assembly. A complete screening assembly will include another binder bar installed along the opposite side edge of the screening assembly.

[0189] A plurality of mutually attached support elements may form a "support member" of the screening assembly. In some embodiments, the support member may also include clamping strips attached to the sides of the assembled support elements. As described above, the screening elements are attached to the top surfaces of the connected support elements to form a complete screening assembly.

[0190] The plurality of support elements attached together and the possible clamping strips are roughly equivalent to the support plate of the screening assembly in the previous examples. In the following description, the terms "support plate" and "support member" are used interchangeably to refer to the portion of the screening assembly that interacts with the mounting mechanism to secure the screening assembly to the vibrating screening machine.

[0191] like Fig. 10CAs shown, mounting hole 284 is formed on the outer edge of clamping bar 282. Mounting hole 284 is configured to accommodate the end of compression piston 240 of compression assembly 322 of vibrating screening machine. In order to install this screening assembly on vibrating screening machine, a complete screening assembly with clamping bars on opposite side edges is placed on the machine so that the mounting hole 284 on the clamping bar is aligned with the compression piston 240 of the compression assembly. The compression piston is then moved inwardly into the mounting hole 284 of the clamping bar 282. The mode in which the end element of the compression piston engages with the surface in the mounting hole is substantially the same as the mode of connecting the above-mentioned first screening assembly. This can include an alignment finger 244 on the compression piston 240, which is accommodated in the alignment groove 285 of the mounting hole 284. The end face of the compression piston can be against any one or both of the lower compression surface 286 and the upper compression surface 287 of the mounting hole 284. This allows the compression piston 240 to apply horizontal inward force and vertical downward force to the clamping bar 282 and the rest of the screening assembly. These forces push the bottom surface of the screening assembly into engagement with the support structure of the vibrating screening machine beneath the screening assembly.

[0192] Of course, a compression assembly 322 with a movable compression piston 240 can be provided on the opposite side of the vibrating screening machine so that the movable compression piston 240 engages with the clamping bar on the opposite side of the screening assembly. Alternatively, such a screening assembly can be used in a vibrating screening machine where a clamping bar such as a Fig.9A and Fig. 9B Stationary compression piston assembly shown.

[0193] In certain embodiments, clamping bar 282 can also be made of synthetic material or plastic material by injection molding or other forming technology. In alternative embodiments, clamping bar can be a composite structure, which includes some plastic or synthetic elements of injection molding and a reinforcing member made of metal or glass fiber. The reinforcing member will be configured to help the compression force applied by the compression piston to be dispersed to the whole side of the screening assembly. In addition, clamping bar can be formed by metal material.

[0194] In some embodiments, mounting hole 284 can be configured to accommodate the same type of compression piston used with other types of screening assemblies (such as the above-mentioned screening assemblies including metal support plates). In alternative embodiments, mounting hole 284 can be configured to accommodate the ends of compression pistons of different sizes and / or shapes. For example, the mounting hole 284 of clamping bar 282 can include larger compression surfaces 286, 287 to allow a certain amount of compression force to be distributed over a larger area. This may require the use of compression pistons with different larger surfaces to install such screening assemblies on a vibrating screening machine. Alternatively, an end cap with a larger compression surface can be installed on the end of a compression piston designed for use with the above-mentioned first type of screening assembly. Here, the end cap installed at the end of the compression piston will also be configured to distribute a certain compression force to a larger area than the above-mentioned first embodiment.

[0195] In some embodiments, the clamping strip 282 can be configured so that the mounting holes 284 are made of a stronger material than the rest of the clamping strip 282. This can be accomplished by installing a hard plastic or metal insert into a hole on the clamping strip to form the mounting holes 284, or the entire clamping strip 282 can be formed of metal.

[0196] The second type of screening assembly and compression mounting mechanism utilizes a compression mechanism that extends from the underside of the screening element through mounting holes in the support plate. Fig.11A FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show an end view and a partial end view of a double-slot screening machine 300 including this second type of compression mounting mechanism. As previously described, the double-slot screening machine 300 includes two parallel screening assemblies 320a, 320b (hereinafter referred to as 320 unless otherwise specifically mentioned), which are arranged between the inner surfaces of spaced-apart wall members 312a, 312b (hereinafter referred to as 312 unless otherwise specifically mentioned). The central member 316 divides the screening machine 300 into two parallel screening areas. Each screening assembly 320 includes a first edge arranged near the wall member 312 and a second edge arranged near the central member 316. The compression assembly 322 presses each screening assembly against the concave support member 314 below. A gasket 317 (e.g., rubber or other compressible material) may be arranged on the concave upper surface of each support member 314. Thus, when compression assembly 322 compresses screening assembly 320 into a concave profile, the bottom surface of the screening assembly (e.g., the bottom surface of support plate 324) can be pressed against gasket 317 on the upper surface of concave support member 314, thereby forming a seal between the screening assembly and the screening machine. The width of the gasket can allow sealing of the interface between two longitudinally disposed screening assemblies.

[0197] like Fig.11AShown, one of the screening components 320b has a screening surface 326, and this screening surface 326 covers on the porous support plate 324 below, and another screening component 320a does not have a screening surface. In use, each screening component will include a screening surface. Although illustrated as an undulating or corrugated surface, it should be understood that the screening surface can have other configurations (for example, substantially flat). The screening surface can be made of woven mesh material, metal and / or synthetic material, such as polyurethane, thermoplastic polymer (such as polyurethane) and thermosetting polymer, but is not limited to this. Each screening component also includes the porous support plate 324 below.

[0198] Figures 1A to 1C , Fig.11A and Fig. 11B The embodiment of the screening machine 300 in Utility utilizes a so-called "compression" arrangement to compress each screening assembly horizontally (e.g., against a central support or second wall) and vertically downward against a concave support. In the illustrated embodiment of the compression assembly, the compression assembly 322 on the wall member 312a includes a movable / actuated pawl 336 that extends through a set of corresponding through compression points 350a disposed near the first edge 340 of the support plate 324 (see, e.g., FIG. 12B to FIG. 12C ). Each pawl 336 generally includes one or more hooks for engaging the support plate 324 of the screening assembly. More specifically, the pawl 336 and its hook engage with a through-compression point 350a located inside the outer edge of the support plate 324 below the screening assembly. The through-compression point 350a is spaced apart from the first edge 340 of the support plate 324. When the screening assembly is installed on the screening machine, the pawl 336 extends from the bottom surface of the support plate 324 through the through-compression point 350a of the support plate 324 to the upper surface of the support plate 324. Actuation of the compression assembly 322 moves the pawl 336 between a first position (e.g., retracted) and a second position (e.g., extended). In the extended position, the hook supported by the pawl 336 applies a compressive force having both a horizontal component applied to the edge surface of the through-compression point 350a and a vertical downward component applied to the upper surface of the support plate 324. See also Fig.15A and Fig. 15B These forces may deflect the screening assembly into a concave shape while securing the screening assembly to the screening machine.

[0199] Notably, the pawl 336 applies a downward component of the compressive force to the top surface of the support plate 324, which is supported between its side edges 340, 342 prior to compression (see, e.g., Fig.15A). Applying this force between the supporting side edges of the plates provides a multiplying effect for the downward force compared to prior systems that apply compressive forces to the edges of such screening assemblies and require the plates to "bend" to deflect into a concave profile. That is, the distance between the plate edges 340 and 342 and the location where the pawl 336 engages the plate 324 provide a moment arm for the downwardly applied force.

[0200] Reference again Fig.11A and Fig. 11B , a set of retaining hook assemblies 330 (only one shown) are attached to the central member 316, and each retaining hook assembly has a retaining pawl 336 having one or more hooks that extend through a set of corresponding through compression points 350b disposed near the opposite edge 342 of the support plate 324. See also Figure 4C The retaining pawl 336 extends through the through compression point 350b of the support plate 324 from the bottom surface to the upper surface of the support plate 324. Although the present invention discusses the use of a retaining pawl on the central member 316 (or the second wall in other embodiments), it should be understood that in various embodiments, the second edge 342 of the support plate 324 can engage a stop or stop surface (e.g., a channel) on the central member / second wall and the screening machine, thereby omitting the retaining pawl and / or hook.

[0201] Fig. 12A , 12B12C and 12C respectively show the top view of the screening assembly 320 in the embodiment, the screening assembly 320 with a part of the screening surface 326 removed, and the support plate 324. In an embodiment, the top surface of the screening assembly 320 may include an optional handle 305 for installing the screening assembly in the screening machine. As shown in the figure, the support plate 324 of the screening assembly 320 is roughly rectangular, with a first edge 340, a second edge 342, a first end 344 and a second end 346. These edges and ends define the periphery of the plate together. The plate 324 is usually formed by a sheet of metal, but other materials are also possible. The support plate 324 includes a plurality of flow holes 348, which extend through the body of the plate in the support plate interior (for example, at its periphery) defined by the edge and the end. The flow hole 348 is configured to allow the undersized material of the supporting screening surface to pass through the support plate 324. Although the flow holes 348 shown in the figure are rectangular, it is understood that the size, shape and distribution of the flow holes on the support plate 324 can be varied. A plurality of through-compression points 350a, 350b (hereinafter referred to as 350 unless otherwise specified) are arranged along the first edge 340 and the second edge 342 of the support plate 324 and are spaced apart from the first edge 340 and the second edge 342. As described above and herein, the through-compression points 350 are used to secure the screening assembly to the screening machine. More particularly, the inner edge of each through-compression point 350 (e.g., relative to the centerline A-A' of the support plate 324) provides a contact or compression surface, through which horizontal and / or vertical forces are applied to the interior of the plate. The contact or compression surface can be arranged substantially vertically (e.g., perpendicular to the upper surface of the support plate 324) or at a predetermined angle. See, for example Figure 17G .

[0202] like Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B As shown, the screening surface 326 is shown as an undulating or corrugated surface. However, it should be understood that the screening surface 326 can have other configurations (e.g., substantially flat). The screening surface 326 can be made of a woven mesh material, metal, and / or a synthetic material, such as polyurethane, a thermoplastic polymer (e.g., polyurethane), and a thermosetting polymer, but is not limited thereto. When a woven mesh material is used, the screening surface 326 can include one or more layers of woven mesh material. Such a woven mesh material can be attached to the support plate 324 by gluing, welding, and mechanical fastening. The following description will be made in conjunction with FIG. 25A to FIG. 25EA discussion of such multilayer woven mesh screens is provided in conjunction with the discussion of . Molded polyurethane filter screens are described in U.S. Patents 8,584,866, 9,010,539, 9,375,756, 9,403,192, and 9,908,150; the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. For example, thermoset and thermoplastic polymer meshes are described in U.S. Patents 9,884,344, 9,409,209, 10,046,363, 10,259,013, and 10,576,502; and in U.S. Patent Applications 15 / 965,363, 16 / 269,646, 16 / 269,656, 16 / 359,773, 16 / 359,830, 16 / 743,516, 16 / 743,581, 16 / 743,609, 16 / 743,626, 16 / 743,662, 16 / 837,716, and 16 / 904,819; the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0203] In the illustrated embodiment, the through compression points 350 are generally T-shaped, each having a generally rectangular opening (e.g., a first hole portion) with an alignment slot 354 (e.g., a second hole portion) extending from the center of the inner edge (e.g., relative to the centerline AA of the support plate 324). Fig. 12B , 12C and 12D. The alignment slot 354 is configured to receive an alignment element or knuckle of the pawl 336 of the compression assembly or retaining hook assembly.

[0204] exist Fig.12E In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the engagement of the through compression point 350 with the movable pawl 336 of the compression assembly is shown. The operation of the fixed hook assembly is substantially the same and is omitted for brevity. Fig. 11B and Figures 12B to 12E As shown, the alignment slot 354 accommodates the alignment joint 338 disposed between the two hooks 332a, 332b of the pawl 336. As shown, the support plate 324 may include a plurality of through compression points 350, each of which includes an alignment slot 354. In the illustrated embodiment, each side of the support plate 324 includes four through compression points 350, each of which has an alignment slot 354. When the support plate 324 is positioned in the screening machine, the alignment joint 338 of the pawl 336 of the compression assembly 322 is located in the alignment slot 354 of the through compression point 350 disposed along the first edge 340 of the support plate 324, and the alignment joint 338 of the pawl 336 of the fixed hook assembly 330 is located in the alignment slot 354 of the through compression point 350 disposed along the first edge 340 of the support plate 324.

[0205] The joint alignment slot 354 and the alignment joint 338 provide a positive positioning system for the screening assembly 320. That is, once the joint 338 is positioned through the alignment slot 354 in the screening assembly, the position of the screening assembly 320 along the longitudinal length of the screening machine (i.e., along the length of the wall) must be correct, thereby eliminating the need to manually position the screening assembly along the length of the screening machine as before. Due to the alignment device, the correct positioning of the screening assembly can prevent adjacent screening assemblies from getting stuck together or separating from each other and leaving gaps during use. Correct positioning can also ensure that the screening assembly will not be improperly compressed, which may cause damage. In addition, correct positioning can better align the screening assembly with the gasket below, thereby providing a better seal. In addition, since the alignment device reduces the need for completely manually positioning the screening assembly, the time required to install a set of screening assemblies is shortened.

[0206] The T-shaped through compression point 350 also provides first and second contact or compression surfaces 356a, 356b, which are disposed on either side of the alignment slot 354. In use, this allows the double hooks 332a, 332b of the movable pawl 336 of the compression assembly or the double hooks of the fixed pawl of the fixed hook assembly to engage on either side of the alignment slot. This arrangement provides good contact between the screening assembly and the hook / pawl, thereby allowing a strong compression force to be applied.

[0207] While each through-compression point 350 is shown as having an alignment slot 354, it is understood that a first subset of the through-compression points 350 may include an alignment slot 354 while a second subset of the through-compression points 350 does not have an alignment slot. The alignment slot 354 is shown extending inwardly from an inner edge of the through-compression point 350. While shown as being disposed in the center of the through-compression point 350, it is further understood that the location of the alignment slot 354 may vary along the length of the through-compression point 350. Additionally, it is understood that the alignment slot 354 may extend from an outer edge of the through-compression point 350 and / or from an upper end and a lower end of the through-compression point 350. In this regard, the through-compression point 350 may have different shapes (e.g., shapes other than a T-shape). In any configuration, the first portion of the through compression point 350 has a first portion (e.g., a first hole portion) and a second portion (e.g., a second hole portion), the first portion having one or more inner edges (e.g., relative to the centerline AA of the support plate 324) so ​​as to apply horizontal and / or vertical compression forces to the support plate 324, and the second portion capable of accommodating an alignment element. The second portion of the through compression point (e.g., the second hole portion) typically has one or more side walls that are transverse to the inner edge of the first hole portion. Based on similar principles, other shapes of through points, such as L-shaped or cross-shaped through points, etc., may also be used.

[0208] FIG. 13A to FIG. 13FAn embodiment of a compressed compression assembly 322 is shown, which is configured to extend an engagement member (e.g., a pawl and / or hook) and an alignment member (knuckle) through the bottom of the screen assembly to align the screen assembly with the screening machine and apply a horizontal force to the side or edge surface of the screen assembly and a downward force to the top surface of the screen assembly. More particularly, Fig.13A and Fig. 13B A first perspective view and a second perspective view of a compression assembly 322 in an embodiment are shown; Fig. 13C and Fig.13D A first side view and a second side view of the compression assembly 322 of an embodiment are shown in a retracted and extended configuration, respectively; Fig.13E shows a cross-sectional view of a compression assembly 322 in an embodiment; Fig.13F An exploded view of the compression assembly 322 in one embodiment is shown.

[0209] like FIG. 13A to FIG. 13F As shown in various ways in the figure, the compression assembly 322 has an outer compression mounting bracket 370 configured to attach to the outer surface of the wall member of the vibrating screening machine. The compression assembly 322 also includes an inner compression mounting bracket 372 configured to attach to the inner surface of the wall member of the vibrating screening machine. The brackets 370, 372 are designed to be mounted face to face, with the wall member located between the brackets (not shown). The brackets 370, 372 can be bolted together by the wall member. As further discussed below, the compression mounting brackets 370, 372 jointly define an internal actuator rod journal that accommodates an actuator pin or rod 374, which passes through a hole in the wall member (not shown). The pawl 336 is attached to the front end or distal end of the actuator rod 374. As shown, when the assembly 322 is mounted to the vibrating screening machine, the actuator rod 374 is arranged at a downward angle "α" (e.g., an inclination angle) relative to the horizontal plane (see, for example Fig.13E ). When the pawl 336 of the compression assembly is extended, the inclination angle facilitates applying a downward force to the screening assembly. In some embodiments, the inclination angle α is between about 0° and 20°. In some embodiments, the inclination angle α is between about 1° and about 10°.

[0210] exist FIG. 13A to FIG. 13F In the embodiment of the present invention, the actuator pin or rod 374 is shown as a cylindrical pin or rod. However, in alternative embodiments, the actuator pin or rod can have other cross-sectional shapes. For example, the actuator pin or rod can have a square or rectangular cross-sectional shape or a hexagonal cross-sectional shape, as well as various other cross-sectional shapes. In addition, the diameter of the actuator pin or rod 374 can vary along the length of the actuator pin or rod. Therefore, the description of the actuator pin or rod provided herein should not be considered restrictive.

[0211] The actuator bracket 376 is attached to the outer wall compression mounting bracket 370. The attachment of the actuator bracket 376 can be made by bolts, pins or other shafts (not shown) extending through aligned holes in the actuator bracket 376 and the outer compression mounting bracket 370. Therefore, the actuator bracket 376 can rotate relative to the outer compression bracket 370 about the axis formed by the bolt connection. The actuator bracket 376 is attached to the rear end of the actuator rod 374 by an extension arm 378, which is pivotally engaged with the rod 374 by first and second pins 371, and the first and second pins 371 are assembled in side notches 375 in the rod 374. A compression spring 384 is disposed in a journal defined by the compression mounting bracket and around the actuator rod 374. More specifically, the spring 384 is configured to stretch between the extension arm 378 of the actuator bracket 376 and a collar 377 disposed around the actuator rod 374. The spring 384 is configured to hold the actuator stem and attached pawl in the retracted position when in an uncompressed state.

[0212] The actuator bracket 376 also includes a sleeve 379 that is configured to receive a first end of the handle (see, e.g., Fig.21A ). A downward and rotational force may be applied to such a handle to compress the compression spring 384 through the extension arm 378 and push the actuator rod 374 inwardly, thereby moving the pawl 336, which may be fixedly attached to the front end of the actuator rod 374, from a retracted position to a compressed position or an extended position (see Fig.13D ). The compression assembly 322 can be locked in the compressed position by engaging the locking tab 392 of the locking latch 390 with a latch stop 394 formed in the actuator bracket 376. See also Fig.14E That is, when the actuator bracket 376 is in the compressed configuration, the locking latch 390 can be rotated downward to engage the locking tab 392 with the latch stop 394 of the actuator bracket 376. The compression assembly 322 can be released or unlocked by applying a downward force on a handle (not shown) until the locking tab 392 of the latch 390 can be freely rotated away from the latch stop 394 of the actuator bracket 376, thereby allowing the compression pawl 336 to retract.

[0213] Fig.14A Three views of the pawl 336 of the embodiment are shown, including: (a) a rear perspective view; (b) a front perspective view; and (c) a side view. The pawl 336 is configured to engage with FIG. 12A to FIG. 12C The pawl 336 is used in conjunction with the screening assembly shown, which includes a through compression point 350 having a positioning groove 354 for accommodating an alignment joint. The pawl 336 includes a first hook 332a and a second hook 332b and an alignment joint 338. In the illustrated embodiment, the alignment joint 338 is integrally formed with the first hook 332a and the second hook 332b and is disposed between them.

[0214] The contact surface (e.g., hook surface) 337 of each hook 332a, 332b is arranged with an acute angle θ relative to the generally flat upper surface of the screening assembly (e.g., before compression). The contact surface 337 can include two or more flat surfaces, and each flat surface is oriented at different angles relative to the flat upper surface of the screening assembly. The contact surface 337 can also be curved or arcuate. In one embodiment, the angle θ is between about 5 ° and 85 ° degrees. In another embodiment, the angle θ is between about 15 ° and 75 °. In yet another embodiment, the angle θ is between about 50 ° and 60 °. The acute angle of the contact surface 337 of the pawl 336 is conducive to applying a downward force to the screening assembly when the pawl 336 advances.

[0215] In the illustrated embodiment, the first hook 332a and the second hook 332b and the knuckle 338 are mounted on a first leg of an L-shaped bracket 502, the second end of which is attached to the mounting element 504. The shape of the bracket 502 allows the contact surface 337 of the hooks 332a, 332b to extend above the compression assembly and extend through and engage the upper support plate. The bracket 502 also allows engagement of the through compression point 350 located near the edge of the support plate 324. Although engagement on the interior of the support plate 324 is beneficial, it has been found that excessive spacing between the through compression point 350 and the edges 340, 342 of the support plate 324 may result in reduced compression force along the edges 340, 342 of the support plate 324.

[0216] The mounting element 504 includes a hole 506 for attaching the pawl 336 to the distal end of the actuator rod 374 via an attachment element 381 such as a bolt. Fig.13E This attachment allows for easy replacement of the pawl 336, which is a component that wears during operation of the machine. Additionally, because the compression assembly and pawl 336 are located below the screening assembly, these components are removed from the fluid pool on top of the screening assembly, which helps to further reduce wear on these components.

[0217] In the illustrated embodiment, the joint 338 extends vertically above the double hooks 332a, 332b. In addition, the top inner edge of the joint 338 forms an angled or inclined surface 362. As described above, the joint 338 ensures that the longitudinal position of the length of the side wall of the screening machine is correct when engaging with the alignment slot 354 in the screening assembly. The use of the inclined surface 362 on the compression assembly joint 338 and the corresponding inclined surface on the joint 338 of the relative fixed hook assembly ensures the correct lateral positioning between the side wall (or side wall and center member) of the screening machine. More specifically, the support plate 324 can be fixed on the compression assembly joint 338 and slide downward along the inclined surface 362. The same process also occurs in the engagement of the joint 338 of the fixed hook 336. Therefore, the positioning of the support plate 324 between the wall members or between the side wall and the center member is necessarily correct. This may allow the edges 340, 342 of the support plate 324 to be properly positioned on the washers 319, 329 covering the support surface that supports the edge surfaces 340, 342 of the support plate 324. Fig.15A and Fig. 15B Such positioning may improve the seal between the screening assembly and the screening machine. Furthermore, the positioning of the screening assembly provided by the alignment device reduces the time required to install a set of screening assemblies.

[0218] Fig. 14B Three views of the internal compression mounting bracket 372 in an embodiment are shown, including: (a) a cross-sectional side view; (b) a front perspective view; and (c) a top view. The internal compression mounting bracket 372 includes a base plate 516 that is configured to be attached to the inner wall of a screening machine. A hollow journal housing 518 extends from the base plate 516. The hollow interior 510 of the journal housing 518 is sized to accommodate the actuator rod 374 and the surrounding spring 384. See also Fig.13E The hollow interior 510 of the journal housing 518 includes a reduced diameter step 512. When the actuator assembly is assembled, the collar 377 disposed about the actuator stem 374 is disposed against the step 512.

[0219] In an embodiment, the inner compression mounting bracket 372 includes a first alignment guide 514a and a second alignment guide 514b fixed to the upper surface of the journal housing 518. When the compression assembly is assembled (see, e.g., Fig.13A and Fig. 13B ), these guide members 514a, 514b are arranged on opposite sides of the L-shaped bracket 502 of the pawl 336 (see, for example Fig.14A). Guides 514a, 514b provide stability to pawl 336 as it moves between the retracted position and the extended position. It is further noteworthy that the use of L-shaped bracket 502 and guides 514a, 514b allows pawl 336 to engage the screening assembly closer to its peripheral edge while the interior portion of the compression assembly is disposed below pawl 336 and the screening assembly.

[0220] Fig. 14C Three views of the outer compression mounting bracket 370 in an embodiment are shown, including: (a) a side view; (b) a perspective view; and (c) a top view. The outer compression mounting bracket 370 includes a base plate 520 configured for attachment to the outer wall of the screening machine, and in one embodiment, the base plate 520 is configured for attachment to the inner compression mounting bracket 372. The base plate 520 includes a base plate hole 522 through which the actuator rod 374 and the surrounding spring 384 can pass. When the compression assembly is assembled, the journal bearing or rear bearing 524 accommodates the rear end of the actuator rod 374. See also FIG. 5E. The outer bracket 370 also includes a mounting hole 526 that is transverse to the bottom plate hole 522 and the rear bearing 524. The mounting hole 526 provides a location for pivotally attaching the actuator bracket 376 to the outer compression mounting bracket 370. In addition, the outer compression mounting bracket 370 includes a stud 528 for mounting the locking latch 390 to the outer bracket 376. The stud 528 includes a circular base 530 and a hexagonal portion 532. As discussed further below, the stud 528 engages an eccentric nut to which the locking latch 390 is attached. Notably, the addition of the rear bearing 524 provides additional support for the actuator rod 374 when the compression assembly is assembled. That is, the front end of the actuator rod 374 is supported within the interior of the inner compression mounting bracket 372, while the rear end of the actuator rod 374 is supported by the rear bearing 524. This reduces non-linear motion of the actuator rod 374, thereby reducing wear and extending the life of the actuator rod 374.

[0221] Fig.14D Three views of an eccentric nut in an embodiment are shown, including: (a) a first perspective view; (b) a second perspective view; and (c) a rear view. The eccentric nut 540 is configured to attach the locking latch 390 to the stud 528 of the outer compression mounting bracket 370. The eccentric nut 540 includes a first cylindrical outer surface 542 that is sized to be received within the corresponding hole 396 of the locking latch. See also Fig.13F. When assembled, the locking latch 390 rotates about this outer surface. The eccentric nut 540 also includes a second cylindrical outer surface 544, which forms a retaining lip around the first cylindrical surface 542. When the eccentric nut 540 is secured to the outer bracket stud 528, the retaining lip secures the locking latch 390 in place. The eccentric nut 540 includes two hollow interior portions, a circular portion 546 and a hexagonal portion 548. The circular portion 546 of the nut 540 is configured to fit over and around the circular portion 530 of the outer bracket stud 528, while the hexagonal portion 548 of the eccentric nut 540 is configured to fit over and around the hexagonal portion 532 of the outer bracket stud 528. The hollow inner portion of the eccentric nut 540 is offset from the central axis of the outer cylindrical surface of the nut 540. When the eccentric nut 540 is engaged with the stud 528 (see Fig. 14C ), the mating hexagonal portion prevents the eccentric nut 540 from rotating. In addition, by selecting the orientation of the eccentric nut 540 relative to the stud 528, the position of the outer surface 542 of the locking latch 390 can be adjusted. This adjustment can allow fine tuning of the latch and / or spring compression.

[0222] Fig.14E Four views of the actuator bracket 376 of the embodiment are shown, including: (a) a first side view; (b) a second side view; (c) a perspective view; and (d) a top view. The actuator bracket 376 is attached to the outer compression mounting bracket 370 by a bolt or pin passing through a hole 383, and the hole 383 passes through the first extension arm 378a and the second extension arm 378b. As described above, the inner surfaces of the extension arms 378a, 378b include a first pin 371a and a second pin 371b, respectively, which are configured to pivotally engage the side notch 375 in the actuator rod 374. See also Fig.13E and Fig.13F The distal tips 385a, 385b of the forked extension arms 378a, 378b are configured to engage the rear end of the spring 384 when the compression assembly is assembled.

[0223] Fig.14F and Figure 14G A perspective view and exploded view of a fixed hook assembly 330 for attachment to a wall member or a center member of a screening machine are shown in an embodiment. The fixed hook assembly 330 uses the same pawl 336 used with the compression assembly (as described above in conjunction with Fig.14A 332a, 332b. For the sake of brevity, further discussion of the pawl 336 is omitted. When used with the fixed hook assembly 330, the mounting element 504 of the pawl is bolted to a mounting bracket 560, which has a plate 562 configured for attachment to (e.g., bolted or welded to) a wall or central member of a screening machine.

[0224] In some embodiments, the fixing hook assembly 330 may include a biasing element, such as a spring, similar to Fig.9A and Fig. 9B The fixed compression piston assembly shown in . This will allow the fixed hooks 332a, 332b to move slightly when the screening assembly is installed. This can also allow the resting position of the fixed hooks 332a, 332b to be slightly adjusted.

[0225] Fig.15A and Fig. 15B The movable pawl 336 of the compression assembly 322 is shown in combination with the fixed pawl 336 of the fixed hook assembly 330 to move the support plate 324 of the screening assembly from a generally flat profile ( Fig.15A ) is compressed into a roughly concave profile ( Fig. 15B Once the screening assembly is properly positioned such that the hook of the pawl 336 extends through the through compression point 350 and the alignment knuckle 338 is disposed in its corresponding alignment slot 354, the compression assembly 322 can be actuated to move the movable pawl 336 from the retracted position to the extended position. Fig.15A As shown, the support plate 324 can be generally planar prior to actuation. Upon actuation, the movable pawl 336 of the compression assembly 322 can be advanced to apply a compressive force having a horizontal component applied to the edge of the through compression point 350 and a vertical downward component applied to the top surface of the support plate 324. Fig. 15B This causes the support plate 324 to be urged toward the fixed pawl 336 of the fixed hook assembly 330, which extends through the through compression point 350 near the second edge 342 of the support plate 324. Continued advancement of the movable pawl 336 causes the support plate 324 to deflect into the concave profile against the concave support surface. Fig. 15B .

[0226] Fig. 15C and Fig.15D A partial close-up view of the pawls 336a, 336b of the compression assembly 322 and the fixed hook assembly 330 are shown engaged with the support plate 324 of the screening assembly. The movable pawl or actuating pawl of the compression assembly is referred to as pawl 336a, while the fixed pawl of the fixed hook assembly 330 is referred to as pawl 336b. Initially, the movable pawl 336a of the compression assembly 322 is advanced to a position such that the hook contact surface 337a of the movable pawl 336a engages the inner edge (e.g., measured from the centerline of the support plate 324) of the through compression point 350a. See also Fig.12E The advancement of the movable pawl 336a pushes the support plate 324 until the inner edge of the opposing through-compression point 350b engages the contact surface 337b of the fixed pawl 336b. At this point, the support plate 324 is not deflected and is fixed between the opposing pawls 336a, 336b. Fig. 15C . After the plate is secured between the pawls 336a, 336b, continued advancement of the movable pawl 336a indicated by the force vector "F" causes the support plate 324 to slide downwardly along the inclined contact surfaces 337a, 337b of the pawls 336a, 336b, as indicated by the downward movement arrows along the pawl faces. Further inward movement of the movable pawl 336a gradually applies greater force to the support plate. Moving downward along these relative inclined contact surfaces 337a, 337b causes the vertical component "V" of the force vector applied to the support plate 324 to increase more than the horizontal component "H" of the force vector. The result is that the support plate 324 is compressed into a concave profile, resting against the support member (not shown) below, and having a larger vertical downward force component.

[0227] It is noteworthy that when the inner edge of the through compression point 540 engages and slides down the contact surfaces 337a, 337b of the pawl, the support plate 324 should not get stuck on the contact surfaces 337a, 337b of the pawl. Based on similar principles, it has been found that increasing the hardness of the hook / pawl 336 and / or the contact surfaces 337a, 337b to make them higher in hardness relative to the support plate 324 can prevent such sticking. In other words, if at least the hardness of the contact surfaces 337a, 337b is greater than the hardness of the support plate 324, the support plate 324 will not scratch the contact surfaces 337a, 337b, which may cause the support plate 324 to get stuck with the contact surfaces 337a, 337b and not slide smoothly down the contact surfaces 337a, 337b. In one embodiment, the hardness of the contact surfaces 337a, 337b is Rockwell hardness C45. In further embodiments, the hardness of the contact surfaces 337a, 337b is greater than Rockwell B100 (HRB100) or Rockwell C20 (HRC20).

[0228] In some cases, it may be beneficial to adjust the magnitude of the downward vertical component V of the force applied to the support plate 324. Fig.15D That is, if the support plate 324 slides too far on the contact surface 337 of the pawl 336, the vertical force V may be multiplied and the horizontal force H may be excessively reduced, which may result in too little horizontal force being applied to the plate, thereby reducing the concave bending of the plate and reducing the engagement of the support plate with the underlying support member and / or washer in its interior region (e.g., near its centerline axis).

[0229] Fig.15E A partial view of a pawl 336 is shown, which has two contact surfaces that can change or limit the movement of the support plate 324 sliding down the contact surfaces 337, 339 of the hook 332. As shown, the first contact surface 337 has an angle between about 5° and about 85° (see also Fig.14A). In addition, the pawl 336 includes a second contact surface 339, which is set at a different angle than the first contact surface 337. The different angles of the first contact surface and the second contact surface can allow for the continued downward movement of the plate along the pawl 336 to be changed, limited, or eliminated. In an embodiment, the first contact surface 337 can have a first angle that initially applies a primarily downward vertical force component to the support plate. Once the support plate engages the intersection between the first and second contact surfaces 337, 339, the additional downward vertical force can be reduced while more horizontal force is applied to the plate. In another embodiment, the second contact surface 339 can be substantially vertical (e.g., perpendicular to a horizontal reference plane defined by the upper, undeflected support plate 324; see, for example, Fig.15A ). Alternatively, the second contact surface 339 can form a lip or step (e.g., a surface substantially parallel to a horizontal reference plane defined by the upper, undeflected support plate 324). In such an embodiment, the second contact surface 339 limits or eliminates movement of the support plate 324 beyond the first contact surface 337. After the support plate 324 moves downward along the contact surface 337 and engages the substantially vertical second contact surface 339, continued sliding of the support plate 324 is largely or completely prevented. Thus, any additional movement of the pawl 336 primarily results in additional horizontal force being applied to the support plate 324. It will be appreciated that the angles, lengths, and / or positions of the first contact surface 337 and the second contact surface 339 can be selected to apply horizontal and vertical forces of desired magnitude to the support plate 324. Further, it will be appreciated that the contact surface can be an arcuate surface, wherein the vertically and horizontally applied forces vary over the length of the arc or other irregular surface.

[0230] Reference again Fig.15A and Fig. 15B, the movable pawls 322 of the plurality of compression assemblies near the first side edge 340 of the support plate 324 are designed to engage with a corresponding one of the through compression points 350a along the first side edge 340 of the support plate 324. Similarly, the plurality of fixed pawls 330 mounted on the center stop or the opposite side wall of the vibrating screening machine are configured to engage with a corresponding one of the through compression points 350b on the second side edge 342 of the support plate 324. Ideally, the movable pawls 322 should all be aligned with each other, and the fixed pawls 330 should all be aligned with each other. However, if the side wall on which the compression assembly is mounted is not completely parallel to the opposite side wall or stop on which the fixed pawl is mounted, the distance between each pair of movable pawls and fixed pawls may be different. Similarly, if the compression assembly or the fixed pawl changes or bends over time, the distance between each pair of movable pawls and fixed pawls may be different. When the compression assembly is actuated to install the screening assembly to a vibrating screening machine, the difference in spacing between each pair of movable and fixed pawls may cause the support plate to undesirably buckle or bend.

[0231] One approach to account for the slight differences in spacing between each pair of movable and fixed pawls is to build some compliance into the compression assembly. For example, each compression assembly can be configured so that the compression piston or movable pawl in each compression assembly does not need to be advanced inwardly the exact same distance before the compression assembly locks. This can be accomplished by spring-mounting the compression piston or movable pawl so that their final locked positions can be slightly different.

[0232] Another approach is to build some compliance into the fixed pawl 330 to account for the slight difference in spacing between each pair of movable pawls and the fixed pawl. For example, the mounting bracket 560 of the fixed pawl (see Fig.14F and 14G ) may include a spring element that allows the fixed pawl to move slightly in an inward / outward direction relative to the side wall or stop to which the fixed pawl is mounted. This will allow the fixed pawl to move slightly in an inward / outward direction when the screening assembly is mounted to the vibrating screening machine to account for slight differences in the spacing between the movable pawl and the fixed pawl.

[0233] Another benefit of the compression device is that the screen assembly 320 can be installed in a flatter (e.g., less concave) configuration. That is, by engaging the panels between their edges with the support plates and applying a greater downward force to the support plates 324, the screen assembly 320 can be sufficiently fixed relative to the screening machine while fixing the screen assembly 320 more flat. Fig.15FThe radius of curvature R1 of a screen assembly 320 configured to be engaged by a pressure device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. FIG. 157G shows a radius of curvature R2 of a prior art screen assembly 20 that is configured to be engaged by an edge surface (e.g., an upward flange 25 extending above the top surface of the support plate 24). In the configuration of the prior art screen assembly 20, the radius of curvature R2 is in the range of about 40 to 60 (e.g., in inches), wherein FIG. 15G shows a screen assembly 20 having a radius of curvature of 50 inches. That is, a higher concavity is required to allow the screen assembly 20 to fully flex and seal with the gasket below.

[0234] In contrast, a screen assembly 320 configured for use with the compression devices disclosed herein can be formed with a larger radius of curvature while still adequately sealing with the underlying gasket. Fig.15F As shown, screening assembly 320 has a radius of curvature of 100 inches, and compared with the screening assembly of the prior art, screening assembly is significantly flatter. In addition, the screening assembly 320 used together with the pressure device disclosed herein can have a radius of curvature R1 in the range of about 60 inches to about 140 inches. The ability of providing a flatter screening assembly has brought significant advantages to the screening machine. In particular, when material (e.g., fluid pool) flows through the length of the screening assembly, the fluid pool spreads out a larger part on the width (between its relative edge surfaces) of the concave screening assembly. This causes the fluid pool to contact a larger part of the screen surface, thereby increasing the screening capacity of each screening assembly.

[0235] Fig.15H Shows Fig.15F An end view of a screening assembly of FIG. 300 pressed against a base of a pressurized screening machine 300A according to the present disclosure (see also FIG. 300A ). Figure 1D ). Fig.15I An end view of the prior art screening assembly 20 of FIG. 15G is shown pressed against the base of the prior art screening machine 10A (see also Figure 2B ).like Fig.15H As shown, the compression assembly 322 and the retaining hook assembly 330 each have a pawl 336 that extends through a through compression point in a support plate 324 of the screening assembly 320, each support plate 324 being disposed between the first side wall 312a and the second side wall 312b of the illustrated single slot screening machine 300A.

[0236] In contrast, Fig.15I As shown, the screening machine utilizes a compression assembly 22 disposed on a first wall 12a of the machine to engage a vertical flange 28 extending above an edge surface of a plate 24 of the screening assembly to force a second edge surface of the screening assembly 20 against a second wall 12b (e.g., a stop surface) of the machine. Fig.15HIn the press machine 300A of FIG. 1 , the pawl 336 engages the screen assembly 320 at a location within the support plate 324 (e.g., between the edges of the plate) and is spaced a distance from the side walls 312a, 312b. Fig.15I The location of the pawl within the screen assembly and / or the shape of the pawl's hook (e.g., contact surface or hook face) allows the compression assembly to apply a greater downward force to the screen assembly than the compression assembly 22 shown in FIG. Fig.15I In the screening machine of FIG. 1 , the compression assembly 22 applies force to the edge of the screening assembly, resulting in most of the downward force being used to bend the plate 24 of the screening assembly 20. In addition, Fig.15I The machine in does not benefit from the shape of the pawl / hook in contact with the plate as a force multiplier.

[0237] The ability to join the screening assembly 320 to the top surface of the support plate 320 via the bottom surface also allows for lowering the position of each compression assembly 322 on the outer surface of the wall member of the screening machine 300A. Figure 1D and Fig.15H The compression assembly 322 of the intermediate screen may be located below Figure 2B and Fig.15I The position of compression assembly 22 of the screen 10A is shown in FIG. 1 , and compression assembly 22 engages an upper surface or vertical flange extending above the screen assembly. Lowering the position of the compression assembly can eliminate interference between the compression assembly and the support posts on the outer wall of the screen. This can also allow the compression assemblies to be more evenly spaced along the length of the screen, thereby providing more uniform compression of the screen assembly. Although the discussion of lowering the compression assembly is Figure 1D and Fig.15H compression components on a single slot machine, but it should be understood that Figures 1A to 1C The use of a compression device on the double tank machine 300 can also allow the compression assembly to be lowered on the outer wall of the machine.

[0238] In use, the screening assembly 320 can be mounted on the screening machine 300. More particularly, the screening assembly 320 can be arranged between the first wall 312a and the central member 316 of the screening machine 300 (for example, in a double-slot screening machine). Alternatively, such a screening assembly 320 can be arranged between the first wall and the second wall of a single-slot screening machine. Once the screening assembly is arranged between the wall 312a and the central member, the screening assembly can be moved along the length of the screening machine 300 until the pawl 336 and the joint 338 on the first wall 312a pass through the through compression point 350a near the first edge 340 of the support plate 324, and the pawl 336 and the joint 338 on the central member 316 (or the second wall of the single-slot machine) pass through the through compression point 350b near the second edge 342 of the support plate 324. More particularly, the joint 338 will be arranged to pass through the alignment slot 354 of each through compression point 350, so that the screening assembly is correctly positioned relative to the screening machine. At this point, the actuator can be actuated to move the movable pawl 336 between the retracted position and the extended position. In the extended position, the pawl 336 applies a compressive force having a horizontal component and a vertical downward component to the through-compression point 350a near the first edge 340 of the support plate 324. The horizontal component of the force pushes the support plate 324 against the fixed pawl 336 of the fixed hook assembly 330, which extends through the through-compression point 350b near the second edge of the support plate 324. Continued advancement causes the movable pawl 336 and the vertical component of the force applied by the fixed pawl 336 to compress the plate into a concave shape (e.g., against the longitudinal beam 314 below). See FIG. Fig.11A .

[0239] Fig. 11B , Fig.15A and Fig. 15B Also shown is the case where the plate 324 of the screening assembly 320 is pressed against various washers extending around the perimeter of the support plate 324. That is, a first washer 319 can be disposed between a first edge 340 of the support plate 324 and the support surface below, a second washer 329 can be disposed between a second edge 342 of the support plate 324 and the support surface below, and a third washer and a fourth washer 317 (only one is shown) can be disposed on the upper surface of the concave support surface 314 below the first and second ends 344, 346 of the support plate 324 (see Fig. 12C). Because the higher vertical component (i.e., downward force component) provided by the compression assembly provides increased compression force, the compression force applied to the screening assembly against all of the gaskets below the screening machine can be increased. Increasing the force / pressure on the gaskets can not only improve the seal between the screening assembly and the screening machine, but also extend the service life of the gaskets because the screening assembly moves (e.g., swings) less relative to the gaskets. Therefore, less material can penetrate between the support plate and the gasket. Reduced movement of the screening assembly relative to the screening machine can also result in improved screening results. That is, when each screening assembly is secured more tightly to the screening machine, the vibration energy provided by the screening machine can be better transmitted to the material on top of the screening assembly.

[0240] Another benefit of the disclosed embodiments is that the screen assembly can omit an upward flange located near one or both edges of the screen assembly that was previously used to apply compressive force to the screen assembly. Removing this flange eliminates the possibility of material being trapped behind the flange. Removing such a flange or groove, coupled with increased compressive force, can reduce or eliminate the phenomenon of material running down the edge of the screen assembly.

[0241] Figures 1A to 15B The press device can also produce support plates and screening assemblies that do not have grooves and / or flanges on the edges. That is, the support plate can be formed from a flat plate. Since specialized edge grooves do not need to be attached to the edges of the support plate, the plate can be stamped or laser cut. In addition, the screening assemblies can be thinner because they do not include grooves along their edges. This can allow more screening assemblies to be packaged in a given size package. In addition, the elimination of grooves or flanges from the edges of the support plate provides additional usable surface area compared to a support plate of the same width having flanges or grooves for attaching the support plate to the screening machine. This additional usable surface area allows additional screening surface to be covered on the upper surface of the support plate, thereby increasing the processing capacity of each screening assembly. See Fig. 12A , note that the screening surface 326 includes 11 corrugation peaks over its width. The screening assemblies of the prior art have the same width and include attachment grooves and / or flanges that utilize screening surfaces with ten corrugation peaks of the same size. Adding additional screening surface corrugation peaks on the top surface of the support plate results in an increase in screening area of ​​approximately 5% to 12%. Therefore, the processing capacity of each screening assembly increases by a similar percentage. In other words, attaching the screening plate to the screening machine using the pressure device disclosed herein can increase the screening area and screening capacity of the screening machine.

[0242] Another benefit of the pressurized system disclosed herein is that the components of the compression assembly (except a small portion of the pawl 336) are all located below the screening assembly. In addition, all internal components of the compression assembly are located below the screening assembly. This reduces wear on these components (e.g., actuator rods) and reduces the maintenance requirements of the screening machine. In other words, by moving these components below the screening surface, these components are not exposed to materials and fluids (e.g., pools) above the screening surface.

[0243] FIG. 16A to FIG. 16C An embodiment of a cross-sectional view of a portion of a screening machine is shown, which for ease of discussion will be referred to as screening machine 100. The cross-sectional view portion may be similar to Figures 1A to 1C A portion of a screening machine similar to the screening machine 300 of the present invention may also have other variations. As shown, the screening machine 100 includes two screening assemblies 120a, 120b (hereinafter referred to as 120 unless otherwise specified), which are arranged between the inner surfaces of spaced-apart wall members 112a, 112b (hereinafter referred to as 112 unless otherwise specified). The central member 116 divides the screening machine 100 into two screening areas. That is, each screening assembly 120 includes a first edge arranged near the wall member 112 and a second edge arranged near the central member 116. Although the screening machine 100 is shown as having two screening assemblies engaged with the central member 116, and when the screen is compressed, the screening assembly defines two concave screening areas, the screening machine may have a screening assembly that defines a single concave screening area between the first wall and the second wall 312. See, for example Figure 1D .

[0244] The compression assemblies 122 are attached to the outer surfaces of the wall members 112a, 112b. The compression assemblies 122 each include a retractable member that can be extended and retracted. The compression assemblies may be similar to those described above with respect to Fig.13A and Fig. 13B The compression assembly discussed. However, the configuration of the pawl may vary. In use, the compression assembly 122 engages the first side of the adjacent screening assembly 120 and pushes the second side of the screening assembly 120 against the central member 116 (or the second wall of the single slot screening machine), while deforming the screening assembly 120 into a concave profile, pressing against one or more concave support surfaces 114 below (e.g., longitudinal beams). As described below, in one embodiment, the central member 116 or the second wall may have a hook that engages the second side of the screening assembly 120.

[0245] Fig.16A A screening assembly 120 is shown having a screening surface 126, and Fig. 16B The screen machine 100 is shown with the screening surface 126 on the screening assembly 120 removed to expose the porous support plate 124 underneath the screening assembly 120. FIG. 19A to FIG. 19CThe configuration of the screening assembly 120 and the support plate 124 is discussed in more detail in the description of FIG. Fig. 16C The screening machine 100 is shown with one of the screening assemblies 120 removed to expose the concave support surface 114 extending between the first wall 112a and the center support 116. Figure 1D ) can utilize similar concave supports extending between the first wall and the second wall. As shown, each concave support 114 has a first end attached to the wall member and a second end attached to the center support 116. As shown, the concave supports 114 are evenly spaced and parallel. However, other spacings can also be used. Each support 114 has a concave upper surface 115. A gasket 117 (e.g., rubber or other compressible materials) can be arranged on the concave upper surface 115 of each support 114. Therefore, when the compression assembly 122 compresses the screening assembly 120 into a concave profile, the bottom surface of the screening assembly (e.g., the bottom surface of the support plate 124) can be pressed against the gasket 117 on the upper surface of the concave support 114, thereby forming a seal between the screening assembly and the screening machine. The width of the gasket can allow sealing of the interface between two longitudinally arranged screening assemblies (not shown).

[0246] FIG. 16A to FIG. 16C The embodiment of the screening machine 100 shows a "compression" device that compresses the screening assembly horizontally (e.g., against the center support or second wall) and vertically downward against the concave support. In the compression embodiment, the compression assembly 122 on the wall member 112 includes a movable / actuated hook or pawl 136 that extends through a set of compression points or through-compression points 152 disposed along the edge 142 of the support plate 124. See Fig.19B and Fig.19C The pawls 136 (each of which defines a hook in the embodiment) extend from the bottom surface of the plate through the support plate 124 to the upper surface of the plate. Actuation of the compression assembly 122 moves the pawls 136 between a first position (e.g., retracted) and a second position (e.g., extended) in which the pawls contact the compression surface of the support plate 124.

[0247] In one embodiment, a set of securing fingers or hooks 130 are attached to the central support 116 (or second wall member in a single slot machine 10A) and extend through a corresponding set of hold-down / through compression points 150 disposed along opposing edges 140 of the support plate 124. Fig.17A , Fig. 17B and Fig.19C The retaining hook 130 extends from the bottom surface of the support plate 124 to the upper surface of the support plate 124. The retaining hook can be mounted to the central support member 116 using a mounting mechanism including a biasing element (e.g., a spring), similar to Fig.9A and Fig. 9BThe fixed compression piston assembly shown in . This will allow the fixed finger or hook 130 to move slightly when installing the screening assembly. This can also allow the resting position of the fixed finger or hook 130 to be slightly adjusted.

[0248] When moved to the extended position, the pawl 136 applies a compressive force "F" having a horizontal component "H" and a vertical downward component "V". See, e.g. Fig.17D . A compressive force is applied to the compression surface 162 of the support plate 124. The vertical component V of the force F provides a downward force to the support plate 124, while the horizontal component H of the force F urges the plate 124 away from the wall member and against a retaining hook attached to the center member (or the second wall member in a single slot machine). The applied compressive force may deflect the screening assembly into a concave shape while securing the screening assembly to the screening machine. Although the present invention discusses the use of retaining hooks on the center wall (or the second wall member in a single slot machine), it should be understood that in various embodiments, the opposing edges 140 of the plate may engage a stop or stop surface 26 (e.g., a channel) on the center member / second wall and the retaining hooks may be omitted. Each of these components will be discussed further herein.

[0249] In the above embodiment, the support plate of the screening assembly is configured to interact with the movable piston, and the movable piston contacts the mounting hole on the side edge of the support plate, as shown in Figures 3 to Figure 8B 17G, or interact with a through compression point detent extending through the support plate, as shown in FIG11 to 17G. In alternative embodiments, the support plate of the screening assembly may be configured to interact with both types of mounting devices.

[0250] Fig.18 The support plate 324 is shown, and the support plate 324 includes a mounting hole 220 located on the first side edge 340, and the mounting hole 220 is configured to accommodate the Figure 8B The support plate 324 also includes a plurality of through compression points 350b located inside the second side edge 342, the plurality of through compression points being configured to accommodate the movable piston of the mounting device shown in FIG. Figure 17G The movable pawl or fixed pawl of the mounting device shown. Fig.18 The support plate shown in FIG. 3 can be used for a vibrating screening machine, which includes a vibrating screening machine as shown in FIG. Figure 8B 6F and 6G, and a fixed pawl 330 mounted on the second side wall or center stop of a double trough machine. Conversely, the same support plate can be used with a vibrating screening machine including a vibrating screening machine as shown in FIGS. 11 to 12. Figure 17G The compression assembly with a movable pawl shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. Figure 8B The fixed compression pistons shown are located on opposite side walls or center stops of the screening machine.

[0251] Fig.19A , Fig.19B and Fig.19C A top view of a screening assembly 120, a screening assembly 120 with a portion of a screening surface 126 removed, and a support plate 124 in an embodiment are shown respectively. As shown, the screening surface 126 is attached to the upper surface of the support plate 124. The support plate 124 is generally rectangular, having a first edge 140, a second edge 142, a first end 144, and a second end 146. The support plate 124 is generally formed of a sheet metal, but other materials are also possible. The support plate 124 includes a plurality of flow holes 148, which extend through the body of the support plate 124 and are located inside the support plate, the body being defined by the edge and the end. As described above, the support plate 124 supports the screening surface on its upper surface. This screening surface can be attached to the support plate 124 in any appropriate manner. The flow holes 148 are configured to allow the material supporting the screening surface to pass through the support plate 124. Although the flow holes 148 shown in the figure are rectangular, it is understood that the size, shape, and distribution of the flow holes on the support plate 124 can be varied. As previously described, a plurality of pinch or through-compression points 150, 152 are arranged along the first edge 140 and the second edge 142 of the support plate 124. In an embodiment, the through-compression points 150, 152 may be arranged outside (e.g., relative to the centerline of the plate) of the flow hole 148. In the illustrated embodiment, the through-compression points 150, 152 each include a clamping plate 160, as discussed further below.

[0252] like Fig.17A and Fig. 17BAs shown, with half of the screening machine removed for clarity, the fixing hooks 130 are attached to the central member 116 below the support surface 118 disposed at the upper end of the central member 116. The support surface 118 supports the first edge 140 of the support plate 124. A gasket 119 or other compressible seal may be disposed between the first edge 140 of the support plate 124 and the support surface 118. The first ends of the fixing hooks 130 are attached to the central member 116 and extend away from the support surface 118 (e.g., cantilevered). The free end of each hook 130 extends upwardly so that when the first edge of the support plate 124 rests on the support surface 118, it can extend through a through compression point near the first edge 140 of the screening assembly 120. During installation, the screening assembly 120 can be placed on the machine so that the fixing hooks 130 of the central member 116 (or second wall) pass through the through compression point 150 on the first edge 140 of the support plate 124. Alternatively, if the central member / second wall omits the retaining hook, the first edge 140 of the support plate 124 can be placed against a stop or stop surface. The screening assembly 120 can then be lowered, allowing the removable hook / pawl 136 disposed near the wall member 112 to pass through the through compression point 152 on the second edge 142 of the support plate 124. It is worth noting that the use of the through compression point in conjunction with the pawl on at least the wall member and / or the retaining hook on the central member (or the second wall member in a single slot machine) can improve the positioning of the screening assembly along the length of the screening machine. That is, once the hooks 130, 136 are positioned by the screening assembly, the position of the screening assembly along the length of the screening machine is necessarily correct, thereby eliminating the need to manually position the screening plate along the length of the machine as previously done.

[0253] Once the screening assembly 120 is properly positioned, with the hook and pawl extended through the through compression point, the compression assembly 122 can be actuated to move the movable pawl 136 from the retracted position to the extended position. Fig. 17C and Fig.17D As shown in Fig. 17C As shown, each fixed hook 130 can be set through a through compression point 150 (shown in phantom) on the first edge 140 of the support plate 124, and each movable pawl 136 can be initially set through a through compression point 152 (shown in phantom) on the second edge 142 of the support plate 124. At this time, the support plate 124 can be substantially planar. When actuated, the movable pawl 136 can be pushed forward and / or rotated to apply a horizontal force to the support plate 124 (e.g., the side edge of the through compression point 152) and a downward force to the top surface of the support plate 124. See Fig.17DThis causes the inner edge of the through compression point 150 along the first edge 140 of the support plate 124 to be urged toward the retaining hook 130 extending through the through compression point 150. Continued advancement and / or rotation of the hook / pawl 136 causes the support plate 124 to deflect into the concave profile against the concave support surface. See Fig. 17B and Fig.19B The downward angle of the compression rod of the compression assembly 122, combined with the angled surfaces of the detent 136 and hook 130, assists in deflecting the support plate 124 into the concave profile.

[0254] To improve the engagement of the hook 130 and the pawl 136 with the upper surface of the support plate 124, each of these components may include a recessed contact surface. That is, the contact surface of the hook 130 and the pawl 136 may be recessed relative to the free tip of these components (e.g., measured from the centerline axis AA' of the plate 124). See, e.g. Fig. 17C In particular, free tip 132 of hook 130 extends above contact surface 134 of hook 130 (i.e., relative to centerline axis A-A'). Likewise, free tip 137 of pawl 136 extends above contact surface 138 of pawl 136 (i.e., relative to centerline axis A-A'). The resulting undercuts (e.g., hook surfaces) of hook 130 and pawl 136 allow each of these members to better engage the top surface of support plate 124.

[0255] exist Figures 17A-17D and Figures 19A-19C In the illustrated embodiment, the support plate 124 also includes a cleat 160 attached near the inside edge (e.g., measured from the centerline axis A-A') of each through-compression point 150, 152. In this embodiment, the cleat 160 extends above the upper surface of the support plate 124 and is shaped to engage with the pawl 136 and / or the hook 130. The cleat 160 can be attached to the support plate 124 in any suitable manner (e.g., bonding, bolting, riveting, welding, etc.). Alternatively, the cleat 160 can be integrally formed with the support plate 124 (e.g., in a sheet metal bending and forming process or a molding process). Fig. 17C and Fig.17D As shown, the contact surfaces 132, 138 of the hook 130 and the pawl 136 are angled and configured to contact the corresponding angled contact or compression surface 162 of their respective cleats 160 (i.e., once the pawl 136 is advanced to contact its cleats 160). The use of mating inclined surfaces on the hook 130 and the pawl 130 and the cleats 160 allows for increased compression force transmitted to the plate 124.

[0256] In one embodiment, the contact surfaces 132 and / or 138 are arranged at an acute angle θ relative to the generally flat upper surface (i.e., before compression) of the support plate 124. In one embodiment, the angle θ is between about 5° and 85°. In another embodiment, the angle θ is between about 15° and 75°.

[0257] Although the various figures show the use of a clamping plate 160 to improve the contact between the hook 130 and the pawl 136, it is understood that the clamping plate 160 can be omitted in other embodiments. In such embodiments, the hook 130 and the pawl 136 can directly contact the upper surface of the support plate 124. Fig.17E and Fig.17F An alternative embodiment of a movable pawl 136 is shown, wherein the pawl 136 includes a contact surface 138 formed as an inner angle below the free tip 137. In such an embodiment, the inner angle contact surface 138 can directly engage the inner edge of the compression hole 152. The hook (not shown) can be similarly configured. It will be appreciated that a variety of variations of the contact surface 138 can be utilized while still providing a horizontal force to the side surface of the screening assembly and a downward force to the top surface of the screening assembly and / or the support plate.

[0258] Figure 17G Another alternative embodiment is shown in which the movable pawl 136 engages with a mating angled contact surface or compression surface 153 formed on the support plate 124. More specifically, the inner edge surface of the support plate 124 (e.g., the inner edge surface measured from the centerline of the plate through the compression point 152) can be formed at an angle θ2 that corresponds to the angle θ1 of the contact surface 138 of the pawl 136. In one embodiment, these angles are equal. In other embodiments, these angles can be different.

[0259] Fig. 20 A second edge 142 of a support plate 124 is shown disposed proximate a wall member 112 of a screening machine. As shown, the second edge 142 of the support plate 124 is supported on top of a support surface 128 attached to an inner surface of the wall member 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the support surface 128 is a horizontal flange of an angle bracket having a vertical member attached to an inner surface of the wall member 112. Other support surface configurations are also possible. A gasket or other compressible seal 129 may be disposed between the second edge 142 of the support plate 124 and the support surface 128. In this regard, a gasket / compressible seal (hereinafter referred to as a gasket) may be disposed around the entire perimeter of the support plate 124 of the screening assembly. That is, a first gasket 119 may be disposed between the first edge 140 of the support plate 124 and the support surface 118 (see, e.g., Fig.17A), a second gasket 129 may be disposed between the second edge 142 of the support plate 124 and the support surface 128 of the wall member, and third and fourth gaskets 117 may be disposed on the upper surface of the concave support surface 114 below the first and second ends 144, 146 of the support plate 124 (see, e.g. Fig. 16C and Fig.17A ). The compression of all gaskets can be increased due to the increased compressive force applied to the support plate 124. Increasing the pressure on the gaskets not only improves the seal, but also increases the life of the gaskets because the screening assembly moves less relative to the gaskets and less material can penetrate between the support plate 124 and the gaskets.

[0260] Another benefit of the disclosed embodiment is that the screen assembly can omit the upward flange that was previously used to apply compression force to the screen assembly. Therefore, removing such a flange eliminates the possibility of material being trapped behind the flange. By engaging the screen assembly from below, another benefit provided by this embodiment is that the screening area on the upper surface of the components of the screen assembly can be increased. In addition, by moving the hook and pawl below the panel and below the screening surface, these elements are not exposed to the material and fluid above the screening surface. This arrangement reduces wear on these compression system components.

[0261] As previously mentioned, the compression assembly can be actuated in various ways, including, but not limited to, manual, hydraulic, and pneumatic. Various ways for manually actuating the compression assembly are described herein. More particularly, Fig.21A and Fig.21B A compression assembly embodiment is shown that utilizes a single removable handle to actuate a single compression assembly. Fig. 21C and Fig.21D A compression assembly embodiment is shown that utilizes a single removable handle to actuate two adjacent compression assemblies. Fig.21E Connection of adjacent compression assemblies is shown to allow dual actuation using a single handle. Figures 21A-21E The reference numerals used are similar to Figures 1A-1C However, it should be understood that these devices for activating the compression assembly can be used with any disclosed screening machine.

[0262] like Fig.21A and Fig.21BAs shown, the removable handle 400 can be formed with a first engagement end 402 and an elongated second end 404, the first engagement end 402 being configured to engage with (e.g., be received within) the sleeve 379 of the actuator bracket of the compression assembly 322. Once the first end 402 is inserted into the sleeve 379 of the actuator bracket, a user can grasp the elongated second end 404 of the handle and use the handle 400 having a bend between its first and second ends to rotate the actuator bracket to activate or deactivate a single compression assembly 322. A single handle 400 can be used to activate and / or deactivate multiple compression assemblies.

[0263] Fig. 21C and Fig.21D Double handle 410 is shown, it can be used for actuating or deactivating adjacent compression assembly 322a, 322b on the outer wall 312 of screening machine 300. As mentioned above, by lowering compression assembly below screening assembly, it has been found that compression assembly can be more evenly spaced along the outer wall of screening machine. Therefore, due to this even spacing, single handle can be configured to engage two (or more) adjacent compression assemblies, to actuate or deactivate these adjacent assemblies. As shown in the figure, handle 410 has two engagement ends 402a, 402b, and each engagement end is configured to be received in sleeve 379a or 379b of one of two adjacent compression assemblies 322a, 322b. The user can grasp the second end 406 (this handle can be bent along its length again) of handle, to rotate adjacent actuator bracket, thereby actuate or deactivate two adjacent compression assemblies 322a, 322b.

[0264] Fig.21E Two adjacent compression assemblies 322a, 322b are shown connected to each other by a clamping bar 412. In this embodiment, the clamping bar 412 extends between the actuator brackets 376a, 376b of the two adjacent compression assemblies 322a, 322b and physically couples them. Therefore, rotation of one bracket 376a or 376b will cause rotation of the other bracket. Based on similar principles, two compression assemblies can be actuated by a single handle (e.g., see Fig.21D ).although Fig.21E A single clamping strip 412 is shown to attach two adjacent brackets, but it is understood that two clamping strips may be used to couple three brackets. In addition, other ways of connecting the compression assemblies for joint operation are possible and within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0265] Fig.21F and Figure 21G Another embodiment of a compression assembly 422 is shown that can be used with any of the screening machines disclosed herein. Compression assembly 422 is a fluid operated compression assembly (pneumatic or hydraulic). Assembly 422 and Figures 13A-13DThe compression assembly disclosed in the present invention shares a common inner wall component. Based on similar principles, the pawl 336 is attached to the end of the actuator rod 374, and the actuator rod 374 passes through the inner housing bracket 372 attached to the inner surface of the wall 312 of the screening machine. The compression assembly 422 does not provide a manually operated bracket on the outer surface of the wall, but includes a pneumatic / hydraulic actuator 450 (hereinafter referred to as a pneumatic actuator), which engages the rear end of the actuator rod 374 and selectively advances and retracts the actuator rod. The pneumatic actuator 450 includes a housing 452 engaged with the outer surface of the wall 312. The pneumatic actuator housing 452 can be bolted to the inner housing bracket 372 through the wall 312. The housing 452 may include various seals (e.g., O-rings) to seal the interface between the actuator rod and the journal in the housing passed by the actuator rod. The housing 452 includes an internal cylinder bore accommodating a piston 454, and the piston 454 engages with the rear end of the actuator rod 374. The piston 454 is configured to move along the length of the cylinder bore to advance or retract the actuator rod 374 and the attached pawl 336. More particularly, the valve 456 can selectively pressurize the cylinder bore area in front of the piston 454 to retract the piston, the actuator rod 374 and the pawl 336. Then, the technician can insert the panel into the screening machine. Then, the valve 456 (e.g., a three-way valve) can release the pressure in the cylinder bore. In the present embodiment, a plurality of bias springs 458 are compressed between the rear surface of the piston and the end cap of the cylinder bore. The bias spring maintains the actuator rod 374 and the pawl 336 in an extended position (e.g., locking the screening assembly to the base of the screening machine) without applying pneumatic pressure, which can retract the actuator assembly 422. That is, in the extended position, only the spring force without pneumatic pressure can maintain the actuator rod 374 and the pawl 336 in the extended position. The size and quantity of spring 458 can be selected to maintain the required compression force on the screening assembly. However, it should be understood that variations are possible. For example, similar pneumatic or hydraulic compression assemblies can utilize pneumatic or hydraulic pressure to extend actuator rod 374 and ratchet 336. In such an arrangement, pressure can be maintained continuously, or a mechanical lock can lock actuator rod 374 and ratchet 336 in the actuated position.

[0266] Fig.22A and Fig. 22B Another embodiment of a pressure screen assembly 620 is shown. More particularly, Fig.22A A top perspective view of a screening assembly 620 is shown. Fig. 22BBottom perspective views of the screening assembly 620 are shown, with a portion of the screening surface 626 removed from each view for ease of illustration. As shown, the screening assembly includes a support plate 624 that is generally rectangular and has a first edge 640, a second edge 642, a first end 644, and a second end 646. The support plate 624 includes a plurality of flow holes 648 that extend through the body of the support plate 624 and are located within the support plate. However, as discussed above with respect to Figures 12A-12C and Figures 19A-19C Unlike the compressed support plates discussed, the screening assembly 620 does not need to have through compression points, although they may exist. Instead, the screening assembly 620 includes a plurality of brackets 650 that engage with the support plate 624 of the screening assembly 620 and allow attachment to the compression assembly below. In one embodiment, each bracket 650 includes a flat portion 652 that can be attached (e.g., bonded, welded, etc.) to the bottom surface of the support plate 624. The bracket 650 also includes a downwardly extending lug 654, which has a hole 656 configured to engage with a hook member of a movable pawl or a fixed pawl. In one embodiment, each bracket 650 optionally includes an upward lug 658 that can engage with an edge surface (e.g., 640 or 642) of the support plate 624. In one embodiment, the length of the upward lug 658 allows these lugs to engage with an upward flange formed along the length of the support plate edges 640, 642.

[0267] Fig. 22C The screen assembly 620 is shown disposed and compressed between the compression assembly 322 and the fixed hook assembly 330. The compression assembly 322 and the fixed hook assembly 330 are similar to those described above with respect to Figures 13A-13F The compression assemblies described are substantially similar, except that these components may utilize a modified pawl 636. As shown, the modified pawl 636 does not extend too far above the components 322 and 330. That is, because the modified pawl 636 does not need to pass through the support plate 624, the modified pawl 636 can have different upward dimensions. However, each modified pawl 636 may include a hook 632 and an angled contact surface 637. As shown, the tip of each hook 632 passes through a hole 656 in its corresponding mounting bracket 650. Advancement of the movable pawl 636 of the compression assembly 322 causes the screening assembly 620 to move until the periphery of the bracket hole 656 contacts the contact surface 637 of the opposing pawl 636. Continued advancement of the movable pawl 636 of the compression assembly 322 causes deformation of the screening assembly 620 and Fig.15A and Fig. 15BVariations of the screen assemblies discussed in are substantially similar. Notably, the use of bracket 650 and modified detent 636 may allow existing screen assemblies (eg, screen assemblies having edge flanges) to be used with the pressurized systems of the present disclosure.

[0268] Figure 234A and Fig. 23B Another component that may be incorporated into any of the screening machines discussed in this disclosure is shown. More particularly, these figures show a segmented base support 380 that supports the base rubber / gasket along the edges of the screening assembly and the edges of the screening assembly itself. Fig.15A and Fig. 15B In one embodiment, the edges 340, 342 of the support plate 324 are supported above the first and second washers 319, 329, which are themselves supported by the segmented base support 380. In existing screening machines, the edges of the screening assembly and the inserted rubber / washers are typically supported by a single ledge or track (e.g., angle iron) that extends the length of the screening machine along its side walls and / or center member. Such existing track-type supports are often welded to the machine. Therefore, if a portion of the track is damaged (e.g., bent or worn), the entire track must be replaced.

[0269] like Fig.23A As shown, multiple segmented base supports 380 can be attached to the inner surface of the side wall 312 of the screening machine. Similarly, multiple base supports 380 can be attached to the central member (e.g., in a double slot machine) or the second wall (e.g., in a single slot machine) of the screening machine. In this embodiment, the segmented base supports 380 are respectively arranged above one of the compression assemblies 322. However, it should be understood that the segmented base supports 380 can have other sizes. For example, a single base support 380 can span multiple compression assemblies 332, or span the fixed hook assemblies on the opposite wall / center member.

[0270] like Fig. 23B As shown, the segmented base support 380 includes an upper surface 660 that, when aligned with adjacent segmented base supports 380, after being attached to the screening machine, can form a continuous ledge or track along the sidewalls and / or center member of the screening machine. The body of the base support 380 may include one or more holes 668 for bolting the base support 380 to the sidewalls or center member of the screening machine. Due to the segmented nature of the base support 380, if one of the multiple base supports 380 forming the track is damaged, the damaged base support 380 can be removed and replaced individually.

[0271] In the illustrated embodiment, the upper surface 660 of the base support 380 includes an optional recessed press-fit channel 662 for receiving a correspondingly shaped tab 672 formed on the bottom surface of a washer 670 supported on the upper surface 660 of the base support. See, e.g. Fig.24A and Fig. 24B In this arrangement, the top surface is divided by a recessed channel 662 and includes a rear surface / ledge 661 that will rest against the wall of the screening machine and a front surface / ledge 663 that extends into the interior of the screening machine. The press-fit channel 662 may include first and second opposing retaining ridges 664 to engage the side edges of the tabs at the bottom of the gasket. Once the gasket is press-fit into the channel 662, the resulting interference fit may improve the seal against the wall / center member of the screening machine.

[0272] Fig.24A and Fig. 24B A piece of base rubber or gasket 670 is shown engaged with a base support 380 bolted to the wall 312 of the screening machine. Single or multiple base supports may extend along the entire length of the wall of the machine. Gasket 670 has a generally flat upper surface for engaging the bottom surface of the upper support plate when the screening assembly is compressed onto the machine. See also Fig.15A and 15B The gasket 670 further includes a tab 672 formed on its bottom surface that is configured to be received within the recessed press-fit channel 662 of the base support 380. The rear edge or trailing edge 674 of the gasket is configured to engage the wall 312 of the screen. First, insert the tail portion ( Fig.24A ), then tilted so that the trailing edge engages and presses against the side wall 312. The gasket 670 is then snapped into place, with the groove 676 of the bottom of the gasket placed on the front ledge 663 of the base support, so that the front lip 678 of the gasket covers the front edge / lip of the base support.

[0273] Fig.24C and Fig.24D The use of a first base support 380a and a second base support 380b to form a corner seal that improves upon prior designs is shown. More specifically, the first base support 380a can be bolted to the side wall 312 of the machine continuously at the corner where the side wall 312 meets the end wall 306. A first base rubber or gasket 670a can be press-fit into the first base support 380a. The second base support 380b can be attached to the end wall 306. The base rubber or gasket 670b can be disposed in this support and can fit snugly against the first gasket 670a. In any event, the corner between the side wall 312 and the end wall 306 can be completely sealed, which was a problem in prior designs.

[0274] Figures 25A-25E An embodiment of a screening assembly 320 is further illustrated. As shown, the screening assembly 320 includes a screening surface 326 attached to a porous metal support plate 324 (e.g., steel or any other suitable metal) having a first pair of opposing side edges 340 and 342 and a second pair of edges / ends 344 and 346 and an upper surface and a lower surface. The support plate 324 includes a hole 348 defined by an elongated metal strip portion or member 347 extending between the edges 340, 342 and a shorter strip portion 349 extending longitudinally between the ends 344, 346. The holes 348 can be formed by a stamping operation and are quadrilaterals of approximately 1 square inch with rounded corners, but they can also be any other desired shape or size. The strip portions 347 and 349 are approximately 1 / 10 inch wide, but they can be any desired width. The length of support plate 324 can have a width of about 2.5 feet and a length of about 3.5 feet, and its thickness can be about 1 / 16 inch. However, it should be understood that the size of support plate 324 can be changed as needed to suit different screening machines. The width of each hole 348 is a small part of the width of support plate 324 between edge 340 and edge 342. The relationship between the height of the hole and the length of the plate between end 346 and end 348 is also the same. Although not shown, the channel-shaped member can be formed with or attached to one or both edges 340,342, for supporting plate 324 to be attached to screening machine. However, the embodiment omitting this channel-shaped member can provide more screening areas on support plate 324, because the area originally covered by the channel member can be covered by additional screening surface.

[0275] like Fig.25D As shown, the screening surface 326 is formed by a plurality of face-to-face bonded screens. Thus, the screening surface 326 includes a coarse screen 323 that serves as a support, and whose size may be between 6 mesh and 20 mesh, or any other suitable size. A fine screen 325 is bonded to the coarse support screen 323, and whose mesh size may be between 30 mesh and 325 mesh, or any other suitable size. A finer screen 327 is bonded to the finer screen 325, and whose mesh size may be between 40 mesh and 400 mesh, or any other suitable size. Preferably, the coarseness of the intermediate fine screen 325 should be two US standard screen size levels coarser than the finer uppermost screen 327. The three layers of screens 323, 325, and 327 are bonded to each other by a molten plastic mesh 321 that runs through all three layers of screens. As shown Fig.25D As shown, the screening surface 326 is in an undulating arc shape and has ridges 331 and grooves 333. The lower side of the groove 333 at 335 is bonded to the support plate 324 by a suitable adhesive (e.g., epoxy resin). Fig.25E As shown, this bonding at 335 occurs in all areas where the underside of the groove 333 contacts the strips 347 and 349. The open end of the ridge 331 can be sealed or blocked by a cover that can be molded in place. The cover can be made of polyurethane or other plastic or synthetic material.

[0276] In the foregoing description, the screening assembly includes a screening surface attached to the top surface of a support plate. The support plate includes through compression points that are engaged by detents of a compression mechanism to attach the screening assembly to a vibrating screening machine. In many cases, the screening surface is formed by a wire mesh assembly that may include multiple layers of wire mesh and / or synthetic mesh, and an adhesive or binder.

[0277] In an alternative embodiment, the configuration of the screening assembly may be quite different. Rather than attaching the screening surface to the top of a support plate, the screening assembly is formed by connecting together a plurality of screening units formed of a synthetic or plastic material to form a screening panel. End bars are then secured to opposite ends of the screening panel and have through compression points similar to the support plates in the previously described embodiments.

[0278] Various embodiments of synthetic or plastic screening units connected together to form screening panels are described in U.S. Patents 9,409,209, 9,884,344, 10,046,363, 10,259,013, 10,576,502, 10,835,926, 10,843,230, 10,933,444, 10,960,438, 10,967,401, 10 , 974,281, 10,981,197, 10,994,306, 11,000,882, 11,161,150, 11,198,155, 11,413,656, 11,426,766, 11,446,704, 11,471,913 and 11,471,914, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0279] The above patent discloses a screening assembly formed by connecting a plurality of individual screening units together. Each screening unit may include a screening element having a screening surface, the screening element being attached to a supporting subgrid. The subgrid of each screening unit may include an attachment member configured to attach the subgrids together. By attaching the subgrids of a plurality of screening units together, a larger screening panel may be formed. The end rods are then attached to the ends of the screening panel to form a screening assembly.

[0280] In certain embodiments, screening element is formed by injection molded plastics or synthetic materials (e.g., thermoplastics). Each screening element comprises a plurality of elongated holes formed between adjacent elongated screening surface elements. Subgrids may also be formed by injection molded plastics or synthetic materials (e.g., thermoplastics). However, subgrids may be formed by one or more materials different from screening element.

[0281] As described above, each screening unit is formed by attaching a screening element to a subgrid. Attachment members on the screening element and the subgrid can be used to attach the screening element to the subgrid. For example, the holes on the screening element can accommodate corresponding protrusions on the subgrid, and vice versa. Then, the screening element can be fixed to the subgrid by fusing the protrusions and grooves together. This can be achieved by laser welding or other similar means. Of course, the screening element can be attached to the subgrid by other means, such as by an adhesive or a mechanical attachment mechanism. In certain embodiments, multiple screening elements can be installed on a single subgrid to form a screening unit.

[0282] The attachment members configured to attach the subgrids together on the grid may include a clip and a clip hole. The clip on one subgrid is received in the clip hole on the adjacent subgrid to attach the two screening units together. Of course, various other devices for attaching the screening units together may also be used to assemble a plurality of screening units into a larger screening assembly.

[0283] The screening unit can have various shapes. In some cases, each screening unit can have a flat planar shape. In other cases, the screening element can be attached to a pyramidal subgrid to form a pyramidal screening unit. The screening assembly composed of multiple screening units can all be composed of screening units of the same type. Alternatively, the screening assembly can be formed by a combination of a plane screening unit and a pyramidal screening unit.

[0284] Fig.26 A screening assembly 700 formed by a combination of a planar screening unit 702 and a pyramidal screening unit 704 is shown. Fig.26 Only one corner of the screening assembly 700 is shown. A larger screening assembly 700 will include multiple rows of planar screening units 702 located between rows of pyramidal screening units 704. Each row of planar screening units is formed by multiple planar screening units 702 arranged end to end. Likewise, a pyramidal screening unit row is formed by multiple pyramidal screening units 704 arranged end to end. The subgrids of the individual screening units 702, 704 are attached to each other by attachment mechanisms (e.g., clips and clip holes) to form a larger screening assembly.

[0285] End bars 710 are attached to opposite ends of the assembled planar screening unit 72 and pyramidal screening unit 704. Each end bar includes a plurality of through compression points 712, similar to the through compression points of the support plates of the previously described embodiments.

[0286] exist Fig.26 In the illustrated embodiment, the last row of planar screening units 702 and the last row of pyramidal screening units 704 are mounted to the top surface 714 of the receiving base 711 of the end bar 710. The end bar 710 has an attachment mechanism that is configured to cooperate with the corresponding attachment mechanisms of the planar screening units 702 and the pyramidal screening units 704. For example, the attachment protrusions 716 on the distal end of the receiving base 711 are configured to cooperate with the corresponding holes in the planar screening units 702 and / or the pyramidal screening units 704. Similarly, clamp holes 718 are formed in the inner surface 712 of the end rail 713 of the end bar 710. The clamp holes 718 are similar to the clamp holes on the subgrids of the planar screening units 702 and the pyramidal screening units 704. Therefore, the clamp holes 718 are configured to cooperate with the protrusions already provided on the existing screening units 702 / 704.

[0287] Fig. 27 End rods 710 are shown mounted near the side edges of the assembly of the planar screening unit 702 and the pyramidal screening unit 704 . Fig.28 The screening assembly is shown after end bars 710 have been secured to screening units 702, 704. A similar end bar 710 will be mounted to the other side of the assembly of screening units 702, 704. The resulting screening assembly 700 can then be mounted to a vibrating screening machine having a compression mechanism as described above, in substantially the same manner as a screening assembly formed of a support plate and screening surface.

[0288] The compression mechanism will apply compressive forces to the inner edges of the end bars through compression points 722. These compressive forces will push the end bars 710 at opposite ends of the screening assembly 700 together. Thus, the same compressive forces used to secure the screening assembly 700 to the vibrating screening machine also serve to push the individual screening units 702, 704 together, thereby helping the screening assembly 700 maintain structural integrity.

[0289] The end rods 710 may be formed of metal or a composite material. Each end rod 710 may also have a composite structure including reinforcing elements such as carbon fiber or glass fiber.

[0290] In the foregoing embodiments, end bars 710 are attached to screening units 702, 704 using at least some attachment mechanisms on screening units 702, 704 for attaching screening units 702, 704 to each other. However, alternative or additional attachment means may be used to secure end bars 710 to components of screening units 702, 704. For example, end bars 710 may be attached to screening units 702, 704 by adhesives, welding, fusing, using a variety of different fasteners, or a combination of these attachment means.

[0291] Vibratory screening machines generally have an elongated screening area having an inlet end and an outlet end. A plurality of screening assemblies are installed along the length of the screening area. In a single-slot embodiment, each screening assembly extends across the entire width of the screening machine interior, and a plurality of screening assemblies are arranged along the length of the screening area. In a double-slot embodiment, each screening assembly extends across a partial width (e.g., half) of the screening machine. In such an embodiment, groups of parallel screening assemblies are arranged along the length of the screening area.

[0292] The material to be screened is deposited at the input end of the screening area, and the screening assembly vibrates to cause the material to travel along the length of the screening area to the outlet end. The screening assembly mounted on the screening area can be mounted to form a continuous screening surface that is angled to the horizontal (e.g., the inlet end is higher than the outlet end). The inclined screening surface may help cause the material to travel from the input end to the output end under the action of gravity. Other configurations are also possible.

[0293] Screening components can be made from a variety of different types of materials. These different materials can impart different properties to the screening components. Typically, screening components made from plastic or synthetic materials may be better able to withstand the wear and tear associated with screening operations than screening components made from woven wire mesh. On the other hand, screening components made from wire mesh may have better screening and dewatering properties than screening components made from plastic or synthetic materials.

[0294] The conditions in the screening area of ​​a vibrating screening machine vary along the length of the screening area. The entire amount and weight of the material to be screened is deposited at the inlet end of the screening area. Therefore, the screening assembly or assemblies at the inlet end bear the entire weight of all the input materials to be screened and are therefore subject to the greatest wear. As the material travels along the length of the screening area, fluids and smaller particles fall through the screening assemblies. Therefore, the amount and weight of material traveling along the downstream portion of the screening area (e.g., the second half) is not as large as the amount and weight of material traveling along the upstream portion of the screening area (e.g., the first half). Therefore, the screening assemblies installed along the downstream portion of the screening area experience less wear than the screening units installed along the upstream portion of the screening area.

[0295] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems, devices and methods for minimizing the overall wear of a group of screening assemblies installed along the length of a vibrating screening machine while maintaining the desired screening and dewatering characteristics of the vibrating screening machine. In one embodiment, a screening system, a screening machine and a screening method are provided, wherein different types of screening assemblies are installed along the length of the screening area of ​​the screening machine. In one embodiment, a plastic or synthetic screening assembly is installed at the inlet end of the screening area and along the initial part (e.g., the first half) of the length of the screening area. Compared with the screening assembly made of woven wire mesh, this plastic or synthetic screening assembly can better withstand the greater load experienced by the screening assembly at the initial or inlet part of the screening area. In addition, the woven wire mesh screening assembly is installed along the second half (e.g., the second half) of the length of the screening area. As previously mentioned, the screening assembly installed along the outlet part of the screening area is not worn like the screening assembly installed at the inlet part of the screening area. Therefore, when the woven wire mesh screen element is located at the outlet part of the screening area, its wear is not a major factor.

[0296] Fig.29A and Fig.29B A front perspective view and a rear perspective view of a screening machine 300 are shown, wherein different types of screening assemblies are mounted along the length of the screening area of ​​the screening machine. In the illustrated embodiment, the screening machine has two parallel sets of screening assemblies arranged along the length of the screening machine. For ease of discussion, only one set of screening assemblies is described. The parallel sets can be substantially identical. In addition, this description also applies to single slot screening machines (e.g., Figure 1D ) in which a single set of screening assemblies extends along the screening area of ​​the machine.

[0297] like Fig.29A and Fig.29BAs shown, screening machine 800 uses the first and second plastic or synthetic screening components 810a, 810b (hereinafter, unless otherwise mentioned, otherwise referred to as 810), these screening components are installed to the machine arranged between the inlet end 801 of the screening area, and extend to the first half of the screening area. In addition, screening machine 800 uses the first and second wire mesh screening components 812a, 812b (hereinafter, unless otherwise mentioned, otherwise referred to as 812), these screening components are arranged between the outlet end 4 of the screening area and the center of the screening area. In this embodiment, four screening components 810a, 810b, 812a, 812b cover the screening area of ​​each slot of the screening machine together. In use, the material to be screened is input to the inlet end 801 of the machine, enters the upper surface of the first plastic / synthetic screening component 812a. Due to the vibration of machine 800, the material passes through the surface of first plastic / synthetic screening assembly 810a, the surface of second plastic / synthetic screening assembly 810b, the surface of first wire mesh screen 812a, the surface of second wire mesh screen assembly 812b and flows out of outlet end 804 of machine 800. As previously described, plastic / synthetic screening assembly 810 can withstand abrasion at the inlet end of the screening area better than wire mesh screen assembly 812. In addition, as the material to be screened passes along the screening area, a first portion of the fluid in the material passes through plastic / synthetic screening assembly 810 while the material to be screened travels along plastic / synthetic screening assembly 810. As the material passes through the wire mesh screen assembly, a second portion of the fluid in the material passes through wire mesh screen assembly 812.

[0298] Screening machine 800 (e.g., mixer 800) using a combination of plastic / synthetic screening assembly 810 and wire mesh screening assembly 812 can achieve screening and dewatering that is at least as efficient as a screening machine using a full set of wire mesh screening assemblies. In addition, the wire mesh screening assembly 812 of the hybrid screening machine 800 has a lower wear rate than a screening machine using a full set of wire mesh screening assemblies. Therefore, the wire mesh screening assembly 812 of the mixer does not need to be replaced frequently, thereby further reducing the downtime of the machine and improving its overall efficiency. In addition, the average screen life is also increased.

[0299] Fig.29C and 29D They are shown respectively Fig.29A and 29BEnd view and partial end view of screening machine 800.As shown in these figures, plastic / synthetic screening assembly 810 and wire mesh screening assembly 812 can also have different physical configurations.As shown in the figure, in one embodiment, plastic / synthetic screening assembly 810 and wire mesh screening assembly 812 can each utilize an undulating or corrugated screening surface, wherein the screening surface has alternating peaks and valleys.In the illustrated embodiment, the height of the peak of plastic / synthetic screening assembly 810 is greater than the height of the peak of wire mesh screening assembly 812.However, it is understood that the screening assembly can have a common configuration.In addition, although the screening surfaces of screening assemblies 810, 812 are each shown as undulating or corrugated surfaces, it is understood that the screening surface can have other configurations (e.g., substantially flat).

[0300] Plastic / synthetic screening assembly 810 may have a screening surface made of synthetic materials such as polyurethane, thermoplastic polymers (such as polyurethane) and thermosetting polymers, but is not limited thereto. Molded polyurethane filter screens are described in U.S. Patent 9,908,150, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. For example, thermosetting and thermoplastic polymer screens are described in U.S. Patent Publication US-20210354173, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0301] The wire mesh screening assembly 812 may include one or more layers of woven mesh material. Such woven mesh material may be attached to the support plate below by gluing, welding, and mechanical fastening. Exemplary wire mesh screening assemblies are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,228,971, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0302] Fig. 30AA layout of plastic / synthetic screening components 820 and wire mesh screening components 830 on a dual screening area screening machine is illustrated, as well as the layout of a single screening area screening machine. In this layout, each machine includes a first synthetic screening component 820a disposed at the machine inlet / feed end and a second synthetic screening component 820b disposed immediately downstream of the first synthetic screening component 820a. The first wire mesh screening component 830a is disposed downstream of the second synthetic screening component 820b. Finally, the second wire mesh screening component 830b is disposed downstream of the first wire mesh screening component 830a and close to the outlet end / discharge port. In this layout, the dual screening area machine uses two sets of parallel synthetic screening components 820a, 820b and two sets of parallel wire mesh screening components 830a, 830b, while the single screening area machine uses two synthetic screening components 820a, 820b and two wire mesh screening components 830a, 830b. In this regard, half of the screening area (ie, the inlet / upstream half) is covered by the synthetic screening assembly and half of the screening area (ie, the outlet / downstream half) is covered by the wire mesh screening assembly.

[0303] Fig. 30B and Fig. 30C An alternative screening assembly arrangement is shown. More particularly, Fig. 30B An arrangement is shown in which the screener uses three composite screening assemblies 820a, 820b and 820c and a single wire mesh screening assembly 830a at the outlet end. Fig. 30C One arrangement is shown where the screening machine uses one composite screening assembly 820a at the inlet end and three wire mesh screening assemblies 830a, 830b and 830c. Other variations are possible for machines having different numbers of screening assemblies.

[0304] Although discussed above primarily in conjunction with screening machines having concave support surfaces (e.g., longitudinal beams or baffles) in which the screening assembly is compressed into a concave shape, it should be noted that aspects of the various compression devices can be used with screening machines of different configurations. For example, the compression device can be used with screening machines having a flatter base portion (e.g., less concave or even flat).

[0305] All directional references (e.g., positive, negative, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to help readers understand the present disclosure, and do not generate restrictions, particularly for the position, direction or use restrictions of any aspect of the present disclosure. As used herein, phrases "configured to", "configured for" and similar phrases represent that subject equipment, devices or systems are designed and / or constructed (e.g., by appropriate hardware, software and / or components) to achieve one or more specific target purposes, rather than subject equipment, devices or systems being only able to perform target purposes. Connection terms (e.g., "attachment", "coupling", "connection", etc.) should be interpreted broadly, and may include intermediate members between elements and relative motion between elements. Therefore, connection terms do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and fixed to each other. All contents contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as being only for illustration and not limitation. Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure defined in the appended claims, details or structure may be changed.

[0306] Any patent, publication or other disclosure material, if mentioned to be incorporated by reference herein, is hereby incorporated in whole or in part only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. Therefore, to the extent necessary, the disclosure expressly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated by reference herein. Any material or portion of material, if mentioned to be incorporated by reference herein, conflicts with existing definitions, statements or other disclosure material herein, is hereby incorporated only to the extent that there is no conflict between the incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

Claims

1. A method of securing a screening assembly to a vibrating screening machine, comprising: placing a screening assembly on a screening receiving portion of a vibrating screening machine, wherein the screening assembly comprises a support member and a screening surface, the support member having a front edge and a rear edge, a first side edge and a second side edge, a top surface, a bottom surface, and a first plurality of mounting holes on a first side of the support member, each mounting hole comprising at least one compression surface, wherein the screening surface is attached to the top surface of the support member, wherein placing the screening assembly on the screening receiving portion of the vibrating screening machine comprises positioning the screening assembly such that a first plurality of compression pistons of a compression mechanism on the vibrating screening machine are aligned with corresponding mounting holes in the first plurality of mounting holes; as well as Moving a first plurality of compression pistons from a retracted position to an extended position, the extended position being closer to a centerline of the support member than the retracted position, wherein each compression piston includes a first compression surface and a second compression surface that meet at a compression angle, and wherein, when each of the first plurality of compression pistons moves from the retracted position to the extended position, at least one compression surface of the mounting hole moves along one of the first compression surface and the second compression surface of the compression piston until the at least one compression surface of the mounting hole rests on the compression angle, and wherein a resultant compression force applied by the first plurality of compression pistons to the first plurality of mounting holes causes the screening assembly to assume a concave shape and be urged into engagement with a concave support surface beneath the vibrating screening machine.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the resultant compressive force applied by the first plurality of compression pistons to the first plurality of mounting holes comprises a first component oriented horizontally toward a centerline of the support member and a second component oriented vertically downward.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein each mounting hole in the first plurality of mounting holes comprises an alignment slot, wherein an end of each compression piston in the first plurality of compression pistons comprises an alignment finger, and wherein, The alignment finger of each compression piston of the first plurality of compression pistons is received in the alignment slot of a corresponding one of the first plurality of mounting holes when the first plurality of compression pistons moves from the retracted position to the extended position.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein: A plurality of mounting ramps are provided on at least one side wall of the vibrating screening machine, and wherein placing the screening assembly on the screening accommodating portion of the vibrating screening machine comprises sliding one side of the support member along the plurality of mounting ramps, and wherein when one side of the support member slides along the plurality of mounting ramps, one side of the support member is pushed inwardly toward the center of the screening accommodating portion of the vibrating screening machine.

5. A method of securing a screening assembly to a vibrating screening machine, comprising: placing a screening assembly on a screening receiving portion of a vibrating screening machine, wherein the screening assembly includes a support member and a screening surface, the support member having a front side and a rear side, a first side and a second side, a top surface, a bottom surface, a plurality of flow holes, and a first plurality of mounting holes along the first side, each mounting hole including at least one compression surface, the at least one compression surface being located inboard of the mounting hole relative to a centerline of the support member, wherein the screening surface is attached to the top surface of the support member, wherein placing the screening assembly on the screening receiving portion of the vibrating screening machine includes positioning the screening assembly such that a first plurality of compression pistons of a compression mechanism on the vibrating screening machine are aligned with the first plurality of mounting holes; and Advancing a first plurality of compression pistons toward a centerline of a support member, wherein each of the first plurality of compression pistons has at least one compression surface configured to abut against a compression surface of a mounting hole, such that when the first plurality of compression pistons are advanced toward the centerline of the support member, a resultant compression force applied to the compression surface of the first plurality of mounting holes comprises a first component oriented horizontally toward the centerline of the support member and a second component oriented vertically downward, wherein the resultant compression force causes the screening assembly to bend into a concave shape such that a center of the support member is lower than two sides of the support member, and wherein the resultant compression force causes the support member to be pushed into engagement with a concave support surface below the vibrating screening machine.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the compressive force applied to the compression surface of the first plurality of mounting holes combines to apply a retaining force to the screening assembly, the retaining force urging the screening assembly into engagement with the concave support surface of the vibrating screening machine, wherein the retaining force is between about 2,000 psi and about 4,000 psi.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein advancing the first plurality of compression pistons toward the centerline of the support member comprises moving the first plurality of compression pistons both inwardly toward the centerline of the support member and vertically downwardly.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein each mounting hole of the first plurality of mounting holes includes an alignment slot, wherein an end of each compression piston of the first plurality of compression pistons includes an alignment finger, and wherein, As the first plurality of compression pistons are advanced toward the centerline of the support member, the alignment finger of each compression piston of the first plurality of compression pistons is received in the alignment slot of a corresponding one of the first plurality of mounting holes.

9. The method according to claim 5, wherein: A second plurality of mounting holes is provided on a second side of the support member, wherein a second plurality of compression pistons is provided on the vibrating screening machine, each of the second plurality of compression pistons being configured not to move inwardly toward a centerline of the support member, and wherein advancement of the first plurality of compression pistons toward the centerline of the support member causes compression surfaces of the second plurality of mounting holes to be pushed into engagement with compression surfaces of the second plurality of compression pistons, so that a resultant compression force is applied to the compression surfaces of the second plurality of mounting holes, the resultant compression force applied to the second plurality of mounting holes comprising a first component oriented horizontally toward the centerline of the support member and a second component oriented vertically downward.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: Each compression piston of the second plurality of compression pistons is movably mounted on the vibrating screening machine, and wherein the second plurality of compression pistons move relative to the vibrating screening machine when the compression surfaces of the second plurality of mounting holes are pushed into engagement with the compression surfaces of the second plurality of compression pistons.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: When the compression surfaces of the second plurality of mounting holes are pushed into engagement with the compression surfaces of the second plurality of compression pistons, the second plurality of compression pistons move relative to the vibrating screening machine in a direction away from the center of the screening receiving portion of the vibrating screening machine.

12. A screening assembly configured to be mounted on a receiving portion of a vibrating screening machine, the vibrating screening machine comprising a plurality of compression mechanisms, each compression mechanism comprising a compression piston, the screening assembly comprising: A support member having a front side and a rear side, a first side and a second side, a top surface, a bottom surface, a plurality of flow holes, and a first plurality of mounting holes located along the first side, each mounting hole comprising: at least one compression surface located inboard of the mounting hole relative to a centerline of the support member, wherein the at least one compression surface is configured to contact a corresponding compression surface of the compression piston when the compression piston is advanced toward the centerline of the support member such that a resultant compression force is applied to the at least one compression surface of the mounting hole, the resultant compression force comprising a first component oriented horizontally toward the centerline of the support member and a second component oriented vertically downward, and an alignment groove configured to receive an alignment finger of the compression piston; and A screening surface is mounted on the top surface of the support member.

13. The screening assembly of claim 12, wherein the at least one compression surface of each mounting hole comprises a first compression surface and a second compression surface located on opposite sides of the alignment slot.

14. The screening assembly of claim 12, wherein: The support member comprises a metal plate, and wherein the first plurality of mounting holes extend through an entire thickness of the metal plate.

15. The screening assembly of claim 12, wherein: The support structure includes a plurality of support elements connected together, and the support elements are formed of plastic or a composite material.

16. The screening assembly of claim 15, wherein: The first plurality of mounting holes include holes positioned along a first side of the support member, which do not extend through the entire height of the support member, so that when the compression piston of the compression mechanism is advanced toward the center line of the support member, the end surface of the compression piston is accommodated in the first plurality of mounting holes.

17. The screening assembly of claim 16, wherein: The support member includes a clamping strip coupled to the plurality of support elements and forming a first side of the support member, the first plurality of mounting holes being formed in the clamping strip.

18. A method of securing a screening assembly to a vibrating screening machine, comprising: placing a screening assembly on a screening receiving portion of a vibrating screening machine, wherein the screening assembly includes a support member and a screening surface, the support member having a front side and a rear side, a first side and a second side, a top surface, a bottom surface, a plurality of flow holes, and a first plurality of mounting holes located along the first side, each mounting hole including a compression surface located inboard of the mounting hole relative to a centerline of the support member, wherein the screening surface is attached to the top surface of the support member, wherein placing the screening assembly on the screening receiving portion of the vibrating screening machine includes positioning the screening assembly such that a first plurality of compression pistons of a compression mechanism on the vibrating screening machine are aligned with the first plurality of mounting holes; and Advance a first plurality of compression pistons toward a centerline of a support member, wherein each of the first plurality of compression pistons has at least one compression surface, the at least one compression surface being configured to abut against a compression surface of a mounting hole, the at least one compression surface of the compression pistons being configured such that when the first plurality of compression pistons are advanced toward the centerline of the support member and abut against the compression surface of the first plurality of mounting holes, a resultant compression force applied to the compression surface of the first plurality of mounting holes comprises a first component oriented horizontally toward the centerline of the support member and a second component oriented vertically downward, wherein the resultant compression force causes the screening assembly to bend into a concave shape such that the center of the support member is lower than the sides of the support member, wherein the resultant compression force causes the support member to be pushed into engagement with the concave support surface below a vibrating screening machine, and wherein the resultant compression force is sufficient to hold the screening assembly on the support surface of the vibrating screening machine when the screening assembly is subjected to a vibration force having an acceleration of 3G to 9G applied to the screening assembly.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein: The compression mechanism is configured such that when the compression piston moves inwardly toward a centerline of the support member, end surfaces of the first plurality of compression pistons move downward.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein: At least one compression surface on each compression piston includes a side compression surface and an upper compression surface that join at a compression angle.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein when the first plurality of compression pistons are advanced toward the centerline of the support member, the compression surface of each mounting hole in the first plurality of mounting holes slides along an upper compression surface or a side compression surface of the corresponding compression piston until the compression surface of the mounting hole abuts against the compression angle of the compression piston.

22. A method according to claim 18, wherein the support member of the screening assembly includes a second plurality of mounting holes positioned along a second side of the support member, and wherein placing the screening assembly on the vibrating screening machine also includes positioning the screening assembly so that the second plurality of compression pistons are aligned with the second plurality of mounting holes, and wherein the second plurality of compression pistons are not configured to move inward toward a centerline of the support member when performing the "causing" step.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein: The advancement of the first plurality of compression pistons toward the centerline of the support member causes the compression surfaces of the second plurality of mounting holes to be pushed into engagement with the compression surfaces of the second plurality of compression pistons, so that a resultant compression force is applied to the compression surfaces of the second plurality of mounting holes, the resultant compression force applied to the second plurality of mounting holes comprising a first component oriented horizontally toward the centerline of the support member and a second component oriented vertically downward.

24. The method according to claim 18, wherein: Each compression piston of the first plurality of compression pistons includes an alignment finger, wherein the first plurality of mounting holes include an alignment slot, and wherein placing the screening assembly on the vibrating screening machine includes positioning the screening assembly so that the alignment slots of the first plurality of mounting holes are aligned with the alignment fingers of a corresponding piston of the first plurality of compression pistons.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein: Each of the first plurality of compression pistons includes compression surfaces on opposite sides of the alignment finger, wherein each of the first plurality of mounting holes includes compression surfaces on opposite sides of the alignment slot, and wherein, when the first plurality of compression pistons are advanced toward the centerline of the support member, the compression surfaces on opposite sides of the alignment finger of each of the first plurality of compression pistons engage with corresponding compression surfaces on opposite sides of the alignment slot of the corresponding mounting hole of each of the first plurality of mounting holes.

26. The method of claim 18, wherein: The screening assembly does not include a compression flange located at or adjacent to one side of the support member.

27. The method of claim 18, wherein: When the support member of the screening assembly is pushed into engagement with the concave support surface beneath the vibratory screening machine, the support member bends into an arc having a radius of curvature between about 70 inches and about 140 inches.

28. The method of claim 18, wherein: The support member of the screening assembly comprises a metal support plate.

29. The method of claim 18, wherein: The support structure of the screening assembly includes a plurality of support elements connected together, and the support elements are formed of plastic or synthetic material.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein: The first plurality of mounting holes include holes formed in a first side of the support member, which holes do not extend through the entire height or thickness of the support member, so that when the first plurality of compression pistons are advanced toward the centerline of the support member, end surfaces of the first plurality of compression pistons are received within corresponding mounting holes in the first plurality of mounting holes.

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