Compression apparatus, system and method for sieving material

Abstract

A vibratory screening machine includes replaceable screening assemblies. Compression mechanisms are used to secure the replaceable screening assemblies 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 flat prior to installation onto the vibratory screening machine. The force applied to the screening assembly by the one or more compression mechanisms causes 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 a center lower than side edges. The vertical downward component of the force helps to secure the screening assembly to the screening machine.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] 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 priority to which is claimed. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to material screening. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to apparatuses and methods for compressing a screening assembly onto a screening machine. BACKGROUND

[0004] Material screening includes the use of vibrating screening machines. Vibrating screening machines are capable of causing an installed screen to vibrate in order to separate material placed on the screen to a desired level. Oversize material is separated from undersize material. Over time, the screen wears and needs to be replaced. As such, the screen is designed to be replaceable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1A A perspective view of a double-deck vibrating screening machine with replaceable screening assemblies installed in an embodiment is shown.

[0006] Figure 1B A perspective view of a double-deck vibrating screening machine with one replaceable screening assembly removed in an embodiment is shown. Figure 1A

[0007] Figure 1C A side view of a vibrating screening machine in an embodiment is shown. Figure 1A

[0008] A perspective view of a single-deck vibrating screening machine with replaceable screening assemblies installed in an embodiment is shown. Figure 1D

[0009] An end view of a portion of an exemplary double-deck vibrating screening machine in an embodiment is shown. Figure 2A

[0010] An end view of an exemplary single-deck vibrating screening machine in an embodiment is shown. Figure 2B

[0011] A close-up view of a portion of a vibrating screening machine in an embodiment is shown. Figure 2C Figure 2B A first embodiment of a support plate of a screening assembly is shown.

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

[0013] Figure 3B A first embodiment of a support plate of a screening assembly is shown.​​

[0014] Figure 3C A screen assembly including a support plate as shown in Figure 3B

[0015] Figure 4A is a top perspective view of a single-deck vibratory screening machine including a side compression mounting mechanism for securing a screen assembly to the machine.

[0016] Figure 4B is another perspective view of the vibratory screening machine shown in Figure 4A

[0017] Figure 4C is a top view of the vibratory screening machine shown in Figure 4A

[0018] Figure 4D is a magnified perspective view of a portion of the vibratory screening machine shown in Figure 4A

[0019] Figure 4E is a perspective view of a portion of a single-deck vibratory screening machine similar to that shown in Figure 4A

[0020] Figure 4F is a magnified perspective view of a portion of a single-deck vibratory screening machine similar to that shown in Figure 4A

[0021] Figures 5A to 5C shows steps in a process of installing a support plate of a screen assembly onto a single-deck vibratory screening machine in an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 6A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a compression mounting assembly.

[0023] Figure 6B is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a compression piston of a compression mounting assembly shown in Figure 6A

[0024] is a bottom perspective view of a compression piston shown in Figure 6C Figure 6A

[0025] Figure 7A is a perspective view showing a support plate of a screen assembly seated in a base of a vibratory screening machine when a compression piston of a mounting assembly is in a retracted position.

[0026] Figure 7B is a perspective view showing a support plate of a screen assembly seated in a base of a vibratory screening machine when a compression piston of a mounting assembly is in an extended position. ​​​​​​​​

[0027] Figure 8A is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a compression piston and a corresponding mounting hole of a support plate.

[0028] Figure 8B is Figure 8A a bottom perspective view of a compression piston and a mounting hole as shown.

[0029] Figure 8C is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a compression piston and a corresponding mounting hole of a support plate.

[0030] Figure 8D is Figure 8C a bottom perspective view of a compression piston and a mounting hole as shown.

[0031] Figure 8E is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a compression piston, a corresponding mounting hole of a support plate and a through hole.

[0032] Figure 8F is Figure 8E a side perspective view of a compression piston and a mounting hole as shown.

[0033] Figure 8G is a perspective view of an end of a compression piston similar to the compression piston shown in Figure 8E and Figure 8F is a perspective view of an end of a compression piston similar to the compression piston shown in

[0034] Figure 8H is a perspective view showing a part of a support plate of a screening assembly resting in a base of a vibrating screening machine when a support plate is mounted to the vibrating screening machine using a compression piston similar to the compression piston shown in Figure 8G

[0035] Figure 9A is a perspective view of a fixed compression piston assembly.

[0036] Figure 9B is Figure 9A a cross-sectional view of a fixed compression piston assembly as shown in

[0037] Figures 10A to 10C shows how an injection molding screening assembly is mounted in a vibrating screening machine using a compression assembly with a compression piston.

[0038] Figure 11A shows an end view of a vibrating screening machine in an embodiment.

[0039] Figure 11B shows a partial end view of a vibrating screening machine in an embodiment. Figure 11A

[0040] Figure 12A ​​A perspective view of the screening component in the embodiment is shown.

[0041] Figure 12B An embodiment is shown in which a portion of the screening surface has been removed. Figure 12A A perspective view of the screening components.

[0042] Figure 12C A top view of the support plate of the screening assembly in the embodiment is shown.

[0043] Figure 12D Examples are shown Figure 12C A close-up view of a portion of the support plate.

[0044] Figure 12E Examples are shown Figure 12C A perspective view of a portion of the support plate being engaged by the hooks of the actuator assembly.

[0045] Figure 13A and Figure 13B A first perspective view and a second perspective view of the compression component in the embodiment are shown.

[0046] Figure 13C and Figure 13D Examples are shown respectively. Figure 13A and Figure 13B The compressed component is shown in the first and second side views of the collapsed and expanded configurations.

[0047] Figure 13E Examples are shown Figure 13A and Figure 13B A cross-sectional view of the compression component.

[0048] Figure 13F Examples are shown Figure 13A and Figure 13B The exploded view of the compressed component.

[0049] Figure 14A Three views of the pawl in the embodiment are shown, including: (a) a rear perspective view; (b) a front perspective view; and (c) a side view.

[0050] Figure 14B Three views of the internal compression mounting bracket in the embodiment are shown, including: (a) a cross-sectional side view; (b) a front perspective view; and (c) a top view.

[0051] Figure 14C Three views of the external compression mounting bracket in the embodiment are shown, including: (a) a side view; (b) a perspective view; and (c) a bottom view.

[0052] Figure 14DThree views of an eccentric nut in an embodiment are shown, including: (a) a first perspective view; (b) a second perspective view; and (c) a back view.

[0053] Figure 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.

[0054] Figure 14F and Figure 14G A perspective view and an exploded view of a fixed hook assembly in an embodiment are shown, respectively.

[0055] Figure 15A A compression assembly, a fixed hook assembly, and a plate assembly of a vibrating screening machine in an embodiment where the plate assembly is not compressed are shown.

[0056] Figure 15B A compression assembly, a fixed hook assembly, and a plate assembly of a vibrating screening machine in an embodiment where the plate assembly is compressed are shown. Figure 15A

[0057] A partial close-up view of a compression assembly and a fixed hook assembly in an embodiment where the plate assembly is not compressed are shown. Figure 15C Figure 15A Figure 15B A partial close-up view of a compression assembly and a fixed hook assembly in an embodiment where the plate assembly is not compressed are shown.

[0058] Figure 15D A partial close-up view of a compression assembly and a fixed hook assembly in an embodiment where the plate assembly is not compressed are shown. Figure 15A Figure 15B A partial close-up view of a compression assembly and a fixed hook assembly in an embodiment where the plate assembly is not compressed are shown.

[0059] Figure 15E An alternative pawl for a compression assembly and / or a fixed hook assembly in an embodiment is shown.

[0060] Figure 15F A radius of curvature of an under-compression screening assembly and a prior art screening assembly in an embodiment are shown, respectively.

[0061] Figure 15H A partial end view of a screening assembly in an embodiment where the screening assembly is compressed against a base of an under-compression screening machine is shown. Figure 15F

[0062] A partial end view of the screening assembly of FIG. 15G in an embodiment where the screening assembly is compressed against a base of a prior art screening machine is shown. Figure 15I

[0063] A perspective view of a portion of a vibrating machine in an embodiment is shown. Figure 16A

[0064] ​​​​ Figure 16B A portion of a vibrating machine is shown in an embodiment in which the screening surface has been removed. Figure 16A

[0065] Figure 16C A portion of a vibrating machine is shown in an embodiment in which the screening assembly has been removed. Figure 16A

[0066] Figure 17A A perspective view of a portion of a vibrating machine is shown in an embodiment. Figure 16A

[0067] Figure 17B A cross-sectional view of a portion of a vibrating machine is shown in an embodiment. Figure 17A

[0068] Figure 17C A pawl and hook of a portion of a vibrating machine is shown in an embodiment prior to compression. Figure 17A

[0069] Figure 17D A pawl and hook of a portion of a vibrating machine is shown in an embodiment after compression. Figure 17A

[0070] Figure 17E A pawl is shown in an embodiment in an uncompressed position and a compressed position, respectively. Figure 17F

[0071] Figure 17G Another pawl and support plate are shown in an embodiment.

[0072] Figure 18 A support plate of a screening assembly is shown that can be used in conjunction with two different types of mounting assemblies.

[0073] Figure 19A A perspective view of a screening assembly is shown in an embodiment.

[0074] Figure 19B A perspective view of a screening assembly is shown in an embodiment in which a portion of the screening surface has been removed. Figure 12A

[0075] A top view of a support plate of a screening assembly is shown in an embodiment. Figure 19C

[0076] A partial perspective view of a portion of a vibrating machine is shown in an embodiment. Figure 20

[0077] A detachable handle that can be used to actuate a compression assembly is shown in an embodiment. Figure 21A

[0078] ​​​​​​​​ Figure 21B Examples are shown Figure 21A The diagram shows how the detachable handle connects to the compression assembly to actuate it.

[0079] Figure 21C A detachable handle is shown in the embodiment, which can be used to simultaneously actuate two adjacent compression components.

[0080] Figure 21D Examples are shown Figure 21C The diagram shows how the detachable handle connects to two adjacent compression components to actuate both components.

[0081] Figure 21E The illustration shows how two adjacent compression components are connected to allow for dual actuation using a single handle.

[0082] Figure 21F The pneumatic compression assembly in the embodiment is shown.

[0083] Figure 21G Examples are shown Figure 21F A cross-sectional view of the pneumatic compression assembly.

[0084] Figure 22A and Figure 22B Top and bottom perspective views of another embodiment of the pressure screening assembly in the examples are shown respectively.

[0085] Figure 22C The compression assembly and the fixing hook assembly in the embodiment are shown. Figure 22A and Figure 22B The screening components are compressed.

[0086] Figure 23A The embodiment shows multiple segmented base supports forming support tracks along the wall of the screening machine.

[0087] Figure 23B The segmented base support is shown in the embodiment.

[0088] Figure 24A and Figure 24B An embodiment is shown in which the base rubber or gasket is installed into the base support.

[0089] Figure 24C Two base supports forming the corner interface are shown.

[0090] Figure 24D The two base rubber or gasket pieces forming the corner seal in the embodiment are shown.

[0091] Figure 25A The screening component in the embodiment is shown.

[0092] Figure 25B A screen assembly in an embodiment where a portion of the screen surface has been removed is shown.

[0093] Figure 25C A top view of a support plate of a screen assembly in an embodiment is shown.

[0094] Figure 25D A cross-sectional side view of a portion of a screen assembly having multiple layers of screen surface in an embodiment is shown.

[0095] Figure 25E How portions of the screen surface connect or contact the support plate in an embodiment is shown.

[0096] Figure 26 is a perspective view of a synthetic screen assembly of a first embodiment having end rods with through-compression points.

[0097] Figure 27 is a perspective view of the synthetic screen assembly of Figure 17 showing how the end rods are attached to the screen unit.

[0098] Figure 28 is a perspective view of the synthetic screen assembly of Figures 17 and Figure 18 is a perspective view of the synthetic screen assembly shown in Figures 17 and 18 after the end rods have been coupled to the screen unit.

[0099] Figures 29A to 29D A double-deck vibrating screen machine is shown that includes multiple different types of screen assemblies.

[0100] Figures 30A to 30C How different combinations of different types of screen assemblies are installed together on a vibrating screen machine is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0101] Material screening includes the use of vibrating screen machines. Vibrating screen machines are capable of causing the installed screen to vibrate in order to separate material placed on the screen to a desired level. Oversize material is separated from undersize material. Over time, the screen wears out and needs to be replaced. Therefore, the screen is designed to be replaceable.

[0102] Vibrating screen machines are used in a wide variety of industries, often subjected to significant vibration forces and transmit the vibration forces to the screen and screen assembly causing it to vibrate. One industry application is oil and gas drilling where the screen attached to the shaker is subjected to 2-4 k psi of compression force to secure the screen to the shaker. Drilling cuttings, rock, and drilling mud are then poured on top of the screen and the screen is vibrated at 3G to 9G forces at high temperatures.

[0103] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to a variety of applications, including wet and dry applications, and can be applied across industries. The present disclosure is not limited to the oil and gas industry and the mining industry. The disclosed embodiments can also be used in any industry that requires the use of a vibrating screening machine to separate materials, including pulp and paper, chemical, pharmaceutical, and other industries. In various embodiments, the screening assembly according to the present disclosure is designed to withstand high vibratory forces (e.g., accelerations in the range of 3-9 G), abrasive materials (e.g., fluids with a few percent up to 65% of abrasive solids), and high load requirements (e.g., fluids with a specific gravity up to 4). The disclosed screening assembly is also designed to withstand compression loads of up to 2000-4000 pounds on the edges of the screening assembly, as described in U.S. Patents 7,578,394 and 9,027,760, the entire disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0104] Vibrating screening machines generally withstand significant vibratory forces and transmit the vibratory forces to the screen and screening assembly, causing it to vibrate. The screen and / or screening assembly must be securely attached to the vibrating screening machine to ensure that the vibratory forces are transmitted to the screen or screening assembly and to ensure that the screen or screening assembly does not come loose from the vibrating screening machine. Efficiently transmitting the vibratory forces from the machine to the attached screening assembly is critical to screening performance. A screening assembly that is not securely attached to the screening machine will not perform the screening and / or dewatering functions effectively. Moreover, when the screening assembly is not securely fixed to the screening machine, the screening assembly and the screening machine itself can be more prone to wear and tear.

[0105] Various methods can be employed to secure the screen or assembly to the vibrating screening machine, including clamping, tensioning installation, and the like. The design of the disclosed compression devices, systems, and methods enables the screening assembly to be securely attached to the screening machine under conditions of use that include the compression loads described above, high vibratory forces, and the presence of heavy fluids.

[0106] One method of installing the screening assembly to the screening machine is to place the screen or assembly in a compressed state to secure the screen or screening assembly in place. The screen or screening assembly can be placed in the vibrating screening machine such that one side is against a portion of the vibrating screening machine and the other side is toward the compression assembly. The compression assembly can then be used to apply a compression force to the screen or assembly. The compression assembly can be motorized or manual.

[0107] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems, devices, and methods of securing a screening assembly to a vibrating screening machine. In particular, and although non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure relates to systems, devices, and methods of securing a screening assembly to a vibrating screening machine using a compression assembly that deflects the screen into a concave / contoured shape.

[0108] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a compression assembly that can be used to compress mount a screen and / or a screening assembly to a vibrating screening machine. In some embodiments, the compression mounting mechanism can include a compression piston that abuts against 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 mounting mechanism can include an arrangement where 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 a top surface of the screening assembly. Such embodiments can increase the vertical downward component of the compression force applied to the screen relative to known compression assemblies, 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.

[0109] In a compression embodiment, a set of fixed hooks (e.g., wall members or center members) attached to the screening machine extend through a set of corresponding through compression points (e.g., holes) that extend 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 fixed hooks can extend from the bottom surface through the screening assembly to the upper surface.

[0110] A set of moveable or actuated hooks of one or more compression assemblies disposed along opposing 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 hooks from a first position (e.g., retracted) to a second position (extended) to apply a horizontal compression force to the screening assembly (e.g., the inside edge of the through compression points). Actuation of the compression assembly can also apply a downward force to the upper surface of the screening assembly. The combination of the horizontal force and the downward vertical force can deflect the screening assembly into a concave shape and secure the screening assembly to the screening machine.

[0111] Embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a separate compression assembly for each moveable or actuated hook of the vibrating screening machine. Each moveable or actuated hook has an independent assembly, thereby spreading the energy required to apply compression over multiple assemblies. In other embodiments, a single compression assembly can actuate two or more moveable or actuated hooks.

[0112] The compression assembly can have a detachable handle. A single handle can be used to actuate multiple compression assemblies. The compression assembly can be attached along a first wall and / or a second wall of the vibrating screening machine. The compression assembly can be attached to the vibrating screening machine such that multiple (e.g., two, three, four, or more) compression assemblies are configured to engage each screen and / or screening assembly mounted in the vibrating screening machine. By using multiple compression assemblies on a single screen or screening assembly, the combined clamping force applied to the screening assembly by the multiple compression assemblies is increased while the energy required to actuate a single compression assembly remains the same.

[0113] Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B and Figure 1C shows a non-limiting embodiment of a vibrating screening machine 300 installed with replaceable screening assemblies. More specifically, Figure 1A shows the screening machine 300 fully assembled with two rows of parallel replaceable screening assemblies 320a, 320b, Figure 1B shows the screening machine 300 with the screening assemblies removed to show the components underneath the screening machine, Figure 1C shows a side view of the screening machine. In the embodiment shown, the screening machine 300 uses two sets of replaceable screening assemblies 320a, 320b arranged in parallel along the length of the screening machine 300. Each set of screening assemblies 320a and 320b includes four longitudinally aligned screening assemblies.

[0114] Material is fed into a hopper (not shown) and then directed onto the top surface 8 of the two sets of parallel replaceable screening assemblies 320a, 320b. The material flows in the flow direction 6 towards the outlet end 4 of the vibrating screening machine 300. The material flowing in direction 6 is contained within the parallel flumes provided by the sets of parallel screening assemblies 320 and is prevented from flowing out the sides of the screening assemblies 320. Material that is undersized and / or fluid passes through the parallel screening assemblies 320a, 320b (hereinafter 320 unless specifically mentioned) into separate discharge material flow paths for further processing. Oversized material is discharged from the outlet end 4. The screened material can be dry material, slurry, etc. The screening assemblies 320 can be inclined downwardly from the hopper towards the other end of direction 6 to assist with the feeding of material. Alternatively, the screening assemblies can be inclined upwardly to increase the depth of the pool and thus increase the contact between the screen and the screening material.

[0115] The vibrating screening machine 300 includes wall members 312a, 312b (hereinafter 312 unless specifically mentioned), concave support surfaces 314 (e.g., bulkheads or stringers), a center member 316, an acceleration device 18 (e.g., one or more vibrating motors), a plurality of screening assemblies 320, and a compression assembly 322. The center member 316 divides the vibrating screening machine 300 into two concave screening areas (e.g., a dual trough).

[0116] The compression assembly 322 is attached to the outer surface of each wall member 312. However, the vibrating screening machine can have one concave screening area (e.g., a single trough) sized to accommodate a set of screening assemblies with the compression assembly disposed on one wall member. Such a single trough machine 300A is shown in Figure 1DA single-slot machine is shown in FIG. 1, which uses the same reference numbers to identify the same elements. This arrangement can be desirable when space is limited and maintenance and operating personnel can only access one side of the vibrating screen machine. A single-slot machine can also be preferred if the screen assembly mounting arrangement benefits from having a compression assembly 322 on both sides of the machine. While Figures 1A to 1C A vibrating screen machine 300 is shown in FIG. 1 having multiple longitudinally oriented screen assemblies forming two parallel concave material paths (e.g., a dual-slot). The screen assemblies are not limited to this configuration, and can be oriented in other ways.

[0117] In Figures 1A to 1C In the illustrated screen machine 300, a center member 316 is disposed between the wall members 312 such that the screen machine has two parallel flow paths (e.g., a dual-slot design). As shown, each screen assembly 320 includes a first edge disposed proximate to either the first wall member 312a or the second wall member 312b and a second edge disposed proximate to the center member 316, the first edge and the second edge forming an abutment surface of the screen assembly. In a single-slot embodiment utilizing a single screen assembly, the center member is omitted such that a single set of screen assemblies extends between the first and second walls of the screen machine 300A. In this arrangement, one wall can include a compression assembly while the other wall can form the abutment surface. In an alternative embodiment, compression assemblies are disposed on both walls. In either arrangement, the compression assemblies 322 press the screen assemblies 320 against the concave support 314 to deflect the screen assemblies 320 into a concave profile.

[0118] Figure 1B A screen machine 300 is shown with one screen assembly removed and the screen surface removed from the other screen assembly to expose the underlying perforated support plate 324. The configuration of the screen assembly 320 and its support plate 324 will be discussed more fully in the description below. As Figure 1B A plurality of concave support surfaces 314 are shown extending between the first wall 312a and the center support 316. Although not shown, a plurality of concave support surfaces also extend between the second wall 312b and the center support 316. A single-slot machine (e.g., Figure 1D ) can utilize similar concave supports extending between the first and second walls. As shown, each concave support 314 has a first end attached to a 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 can also be used.

[0119] Compression assemblies of vibrating screeners are typically attached to the outer surface of a wall member and include an extendable member that extends and retracts to apply pressure to a screening assembly supported on a base of the screener. The extendable member can advance and retract in response to manually applied force, pneumatic force, hydraulic force, electrical force, and spring force. Figure 2A A partial end view of a prior art dual tank screener 10 is shown that utilizes a compression assembly 22 attached with a first wall 12 of the machine 10 to compress a screening assembly 20 located between the first wall 12 and a center member 16 of the machine. The compression assembly 20 utilizes an extendable member 32 (illustrated as a pin) to apply a compression force to a vertical flange 28 that extends above a top surface of the screening assembly 20. Compression of the vertical flange 28 near a first edge of the screening assembly causes a second edge of the screening assembly to be pressed against the center member 16 (or a second wall of a single tank screener) and deforms the screening assembly 20 into a concave profile against one or more underlying concave support surfaces 14. That is, the screening assembly 20 is deformed from an un-deflected generally planar profile (not shown) to Figure 2A the deflected concave profile shown.

[0120] Figure 2B and Figure 2C An end view of a prior art single tank screener 10A is shown. As illustrated, a compression assembly 22a attached with a first wall 12a compresses a screening assembly 20a against a stop surface 26 located on a second wall 12b of the machine 10A. Although illustrated as a generally planar surface, it should be understood that the stop surface 26 can have other configurations such as, but not limited to, a channel (groove). The compression force applied to the screening assembly 20a by the compression assembly 22a causes the screening assembly 20a to deflect into a concave profile against one or more underlying concave support surfaces 14a. Depending on the configuration of the stop surface 26, the deflection of the screening assembly 20a can be limited to a certain degree. For example, if the stop surface 26 is a channel, the deflection of the screening assembly 20a can be limited to the depth of the channel. Figures 2A to 2C Screener and compression assemblies according to

[0121] Aspects of the present disclosure are based in part on the recognition that compression forces applied on a vertical flange extending above an edge of a screening assembly do not provide an ideal compression force for the screening assembly. That is, the moment about such a vertical flange and / or the deflection of the vertical flange when compressed only provides a limited downward force (i.e., the vertical component of the compression force) applied to the screening assembly. Moreover, the compression force applied to the vertical flange by the compression assembly 22a tends to cause the side edges of the support plate to lift upward, away from the wall member and away from the underlying support surface 14a. As a result, fluid and aggregate often accumulate at the screen edge behind the flange, leading to maintenance and contamination issues.

[0122] The smaller vertical downward component of the compression force can also result in a poor seal between the screening assembly and the peripheral edge of the screening machine, which can result in contamination of the screened material. That is, oversize material that has not been screened can leak out of the peripheral edge of the screening assembly and fall into the area used to collect undersize material. Additionally, the smaller vertical downward component of the compression force can result in some movement (e.g., wobble) of the screening assembly relative to the screening machine, which can increase wear of the screening assembly and / or the rubber seal base (e.g., gasket) below, and decrease screening efficiency and / or performance.

[0123] The compression assemblies, screening assemblies, and related methods disclosed herein address the above problems and provide additional benefits. Broadly, the disclosed compression mounting assemblies and screening assemblies allow for an increased vertical component of the compression force applied to the screening assembly while deflecting the screen into a concave profile. Among other advantages, this can improve the seal of the screening assembly and / or reduce movement of the screening assembly relative to the support members and seal gaskets below of the screening machine.

[0124] As noted above, screening assemblies mounted on vibrating screening machines typically include a support plate and a screening surface attached to the top of the support plate. Figure 1A Each of the screening assemblies shown in FIG. 3 includes a corrugated screening surface attached to the top surface of the support plate. Figure 1B One of the screening assemblies is shown with the corrugated screening surface removed to expose the underlying support plate 324. 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. 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. Figures 2A to 2C In the prior art screening assemblies, a vertical flange 28 extends upward from the sides of the support plate. As noted above, the compression mechanism of the prior art screening machine rests on the upward extending vertical flange 28 to apply the compression force used to mount the screening assembly to the screening machine.

[0125] The following disclosure describes a number of different embodiments of a new type of screening assembly, as well as corresponding mounting mechanisms for mounting the screening assembly to a vibrating screening machine. One embodiment of the new mounting mechanism applies a compression force directly to the side edges of the support plate of the screening assembly below the screening surface. Because the compression force is applied to the side edges of the support plate, the compression force does not tend to rotate the side edges of the support plate upward and away from the support elements below of the screening machine.

[0126] Furthermore, the compression piston, which contacts the side edge of the support plate, can apply a greater downward vertical force to the edge of the support plate. In effect, the compression surface of the piston abuts against the side edge of the support plate of the screening assembly, providing vertical restraint and preventing the side edge of the support plate from moving upwards, even under high vibrational acceleration forces. All these factors contribute to securely attaching the screening assembly to the support elements of the vibrating screen and help ensure a good seal between the bottom surface of the support plate and the gasket or flange below the screen, preventing any material from bypassing the screening surface and contaminating the screened material.

[0127] Figure 3A A support plate 202 for a novel screening assembly is shown. A screening surface is 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 passing through the screening surface mounted on top of the support plate 202 can fall downward through the flow holes 210.

[0128] 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 the opposite side of an alignment groove 224.

[0129] Figure 3B An alternative embodiment of the support plate 202 is shown, which includes a flange 230 extending upward on a side surface of the support plate 202. A through hole 232 is formed in the upwardly extending flange 230 to allow a compression piston to move inward and engage with a mounting hole 220. The upwardly extending flange 230 can provide the benefits discussed below.

[0130] Figure 3C A screening assembly is shown, which includes a screening surface 326 mounted on top of a support 202, such as Figure 3B As shown. In this embodiment, the screening surface 326 has a corrugated configuration. However, in alternative embodiments, the screening surface may be substantially flat or have other configurations.

[0131] The number and distribution of mounting holes 220 can be adjusted to achieve various purposes. Mounting holes 220 are typically arranged at regular intervals along the side edges 206, 208, and the positions of the mounting holes 220 correspond to the positions of the compression components of the vibrating screen.

[0132] Figures 4A to 4D A first embodiment of a single-chamber vibrating screen is shown, which includes a compression mounting mechanism for securing the screening components to the screen. Figure 4AA first perspective view is provided showing a plurality of concave support surfaces 314, where each concave support surface 314 extends from a first side member 312a to a second side member 312b. The concave support surfaces are arrayed from an input end 311 to an output end 313. One or more vibration motors 18 are mounted on the machine to impart a vibratory force onto the machine and ultimately onto the screening assembly mounted on the machine.

[0133] A plurality of screening assemblies will be mounted along the length of the vibratory screening machine. Each screening assembly will extend across the width of the screening machine, for most of the distance between the first side member 312a and the second side member 312b. A plurality of compression assemblies 322 for securing the screening assemblies of the screening machine are mounted along the length of the screening machine. In some embodiments, the compression assemblies 322 are mounted on the outside of both the first side member 312a and the second side member 312b. In other embodiments, the compression assemblies 322 can be mounted on the outside of only one of the first side member 312a and the second side member 312b. Aspects of both of these different configurations will be discussed below.

[0134] Each compression assembly includes a compression piston 240 that extends through the side member 312a / 312b on 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 is capable of retracting it back, away from the center of the screening machine.

[0135] Figure 4E and Figure 4F Only a portion of a large vibratory screening machine is shown in Figures 4A to 4D . Figure 4E and Figure 4F Helps to illustrate how a screening assembly is mounted onto a vibratory screening machine. In Figure 4E , the support plate 202 of a screening assembly is shown lowered onto a concave support surface. Note that a complete screening assembly would include a 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 a screening assembly is mounted onto a vibratory screening machine. Also, the flow-through holes 210 are not shown in the support plate 202.

[0136] As Figure 4E shown, the side edges of the support plate 202 are aligned with four compression assemblies 322 on the side walls 312a, 312b of the screening machine. Thus, each of the four compression assemblies on each side wall will extend a compression piston inwardly toward the center of the screening machine to mount and secure the support plate 202 of the screening assembly onto the screening machine. The four compression pistons will interact with the respective mounting holes 220 of the support plate (shown in FIG. 3).

[0137] Figure 4Fis a close-up view that provides more detail of the support plate 202. As shown in Figure 4F In this embodiment, an upwardly extending flange 230 is provided on the side edges of the support plate 202. However, through-holes 232 are provided in the upwardly extending flange 230 that correspond to the mounting holes 220 of the support plate 202. The through-holes 232 allow the compression pistons of the compression assembly 322 to be pushed inwards so that they can abut directly against the compression surfaces 222 of the mounting holes 220, as will be explained in more detail below. Thus, the compression pistons of the compression assembly 322 do not abut against the upwardly extending flange 230 as with the mechanism shown in Figures 2A to 2C Figure 4F A temporary position of the support plate 202 before it is pushed down into alignment with the compression pistons of the compression assembly 322 during the installation operation is shown.

[0138] Figures 5A to 5C An installation operation of the screening assembly is shown. To help illustrate the installation operation, Figures 5A to 5B only the support plate 202 of the screening assembly is shown in

[0139] Triangular installation ramps 343 (as shown in Figure 4E and Figures 5A to 5C are provided on the side walls 312a, 312b of the vibrating screening machine. When the screening assembly is installed on the vibrating screening machine, the installation ramps 343 abut against the outside of the upwardly extending flanges 230 on the side edges of the support plate 220, if such upwardly extending flanges 230 are provided. If no upwardly extending flanges 230 are provided on the support plate 202, then the installation ramps 343 abut only against the side edges 206, 208 of the support plate 202. The installation ramps 343 are used to push the side edges 206, 208 of the support plate inwards so that the mounting holes 220 are located inboard of the ends of the compression pistons of the compression assembly 322. The inward movement of the side edges of the support plate 202 caused by the installation ramps 343 also causes the support plate 202 to bend into a concave shape. Once the support plate 202 is in a concave shape, the compression pistons can more easily bend the support plate 202 further to press the support plate 202 into the installed position. The pre-bending of the support plate 202 also ensures that when the compression pistons engage the side edges of the support plate, the support plate will continue to bend in a concave direction. In other words, the support plate 202 is pre-bent into a concave shape to eliminate the possibility of the compression pistons causing the support plate to bend into a convex shape in which the centre of the support plate is further away from the vibrating screening machine.

[0140] The installation operation begins in the position shown in Figure 5A where the right-hand side edge of the support plate 202 has been lowered above the compression pistons of the compression assembly 322, which are located in the first side wall 312a of the vibrating screening machine. Figure 7A ​is a partial perspective view of a right corner of the support plate 202 when the support plate 202 is positioned as shown in Figure 5A Figure 7A As shown, the mounting ramp 343 on the outer surface of the upwardly extending flange 230 against the side edge of the support plate 202 pushes the side edge of the support plate 202 inwardly so that the support plate 202 can be lowered into position with the mounting holes 220 aligned and registered with the compression pistons 240 of the compression assembly 322 on the left side wall 312b of the vibratory screening machine.

[0141] As shown, the mounting ramp 343 on the outer surface of the upwardly extending flange 230 against the side edge of the support plate 202 pushes the side edge of the support plate 202 inwardly so that the support plate 202 can be lowered into position with the mounting holes 220 aligned and registered with the compression pistons 240 of the compression assembly 322 on the left side wall 312b of the vibratory screening machine. Figure 5B As shown, the mounting ramp 343 on the outer surface of the upwardly extending flange 230 against the side edge of the support plate 202 pushes the side edge of the support plate 202 inwardly so that the support plate 202 can be lowered into position with the mounting holes 220 aligned and registered with the compression pistons 240 of the compression assembly 322 on the left side wall 312b of the vibratory screening machine. Figure 5A As shown, the mounting ramp 343 on the outer surface of the upwardly extending flange 230 against the side edge of the support plate 202 pushes the side edge of the support plate 202 inwardly so that the support plate 202 can be lowered into position with the mounting holes 220 aligned and registered with the compression pistons 240 of the compression assembly 322 on the left side wall 312b of the vibratory screening machine. Figure 5B As shown, the mounting ramp 343 on the outer surface of the upwardly extending flange 230 against the side edge of the support plate 202 pushes the side edge of the support plate 202 inwardly so that the support plate 202 can be lowered into position with the mounting holes 220 aligned and registered with the compression pistons 240 of the compression assembly 322 on the left side wall 312b of the vibratory screening machine.

[0142] Figure 5A As shown, the mounting ramp 343 on the outer surface of the upwardly extending flange 230 against the side edge of the support plate 202 pushes the side edge of the support plate 202 inwardly so that the support plate 202 can be lowered into position with the mounting holes 220 aligned and registered with the compression pistons 240 of the compression assembly 322 on the left side wall 312b of the vibratory screening machine. Figure 5B As shown, the mounting ramp 343 on the outer surface of the upwardly extending flange 230 against the side edge of the support plate 202 pushes the side edge of the support plate 202 inwardly so that the support plate 202 can be lowered into position with the mounting holes 220 aligned and registered with the compression pistons 240 of the compression assembly 322 on the left side wall 312b of the vibratory screening machine. Figure 5A As shown, the mounting ramp 343 on the outer surface of the upwardly extending flange 230 against the side edge of the support plate 202 pushes the side edge of the support plate 202 inwardly so that the support plate 202 can be lowered into position with the mounting holes 220 aligned and registered with the compression pistons 240 of the compression assembly 322 on the left side wall 312b of the vibratory screening machine. Figure 5B As shown, the mounting ramp 343 on the outer surface of the upwardly extending flange 230 against the side edge of the support plate 202 pushes the side edge of the support plate 202 inwardly so that the support plate 202 can be lowered into position with the mounting holes 220 aligned and registered with the compression pistons 240 of the compression assembly 322 on the left side wall 312b of the vibratory screening machine. As shown, the mounting ramp 343 on the outer surface of the upwardly extending flange 230 against the side edge of the support plate 202 pushes the side edge of the support plate 202 inwardly so that the support plate 202 can be lowered into position with the mounting holes 220 aligned and registered with the compression pistons 240 of the compression assembly 322 on the left side wall 312b of the vibratory screening machine.

[0143] As shown, the mounting ramp 343 on the outer surface of the upwardly extending flange 230 against the side edge of the support plate 202 pushes the side edge of the support plate 202 inwardly so that the support plate 202 can be lowered into position with the mounting holes 220 aligned and registered with the compression pistons 240 of the compression assembly 322 on the left side wall 312b of the vibratory screening machine. Figure 5C As shown, the mounting ramp 343 on the outer surface of the upwardly extending flange 230 against the side edge of the support plate 202 pushes the side edge of the support plate 202 inwardly so that the support plate 202 can be lowered into position with the mounting holes 220 aligned and registered with the compression pistons 240 of the compression assembly 322 on the left side wall 312b of the vibratory screening machine. Figure 7B As shown, the mounting ramp 343 on the outer surface of the upwardly extending flange 230 against the side edge of the support plate 202 pushes the side edge of the support plate 202 inwardly so that the support plate 202 can be lowered into position with the mounting holes 220 aligned and registered with the compression pistons 240 of the compression assembly 322 on the left side wall 312b of the vibratory screening machine. Figure 7B As shown, the mounting ramp 343 on the outer surface of the upwardly extending flange 230 against the side edge of the support plate 202 pushes the side edge of the support plate 202 inwardly so that the support plate 202 can be lowered into position with the mounting holes 220 aligned and registered with the compression pistons 240 of the compression assembly 322 on the left side wall 312b of the vibratory screening machine.

[0144] Figure 6A As shown, the mounting ramp 343 on the outer surface of the upwardly extending flange 230 against the side edge of the support plate 202 pushes the side edge of the support plate 202 inwardly so that the support plate 202 can be lowered into position with the mounting holes 220 aligned and registered with the compression pistons 240 of the compression assembly 322 on the left side wall 312b of the vibratory screening machine. Figure 6APortions of the support structure below the vibrating screening machine are also shown, which support the side edges of the screening assembly.

[0145] 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 pivotably mounted to the housing 351 by a pivot bolt 353. A spring 345 surrounds the back of the compression piston 240 and is sandwiched between the pivot arm 352 and a shoulder 245 on the compression piston 240.

[0146] As Figures 4A to 4D shown, the housing 351 includes a mounting bracket 328 configured to be bolted to a side wall of the vibrating screening machine. The side wall of the vibrating screening machine is not shown in FIG. 6 so that the elements of the compression assembly 322 can be clearly delineated.

[0147] The end of the compression piston is configured to extend from the side wall of the vibrating screening machine (not shown) and to extend over the top of a grommet 670 mounted to a base support 380. This allows the end of the compression piston 240 to rest against a mounting hole in the side edge of the support plate of the screening assembly. The side edge of the support plate of the screening assembly will rest against the grommet 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 grommet 670 so that a seal is formed between the bottom surface of the support plate and the top surface of the grommet 670.

[0148] To actuate the compression assembly 322, a lever can be inserted into the sleeve 341 and the sleeve 341 and attached pivot arm 352 pivoted about the pivot bolt 353. This causes the back end of the spring 245 to move inward, which in turn causes the front end of the spring 245 to exert an inward force against the shoulder 245 of the compression piston 240, causing the compression piston to move inward. This causes the end of the compression piston 240 to rest against a mounting hole in the support plate of the screening assembly (described in more detail below) and to exert a compression force against the support plate. Once the pivot arm 352 and sleeve 341 have been rotated about the pivot bolt 353 a sufficient amount, the locking lever 334 can be rotated downward to rest in a locking groove on the pivot arm 352, preventing the pivot arm 352 from being rotated in the opposite direction and releasing the compression force exerted against the compression piston 240. This arrangement causes the end of the compression piston 240 to exert a compression force against the support plate. However, the end of the compression piston 240 can rest in a variety of different positions relative to the housing 351 and the side wall to which the housing 351 is attached.

[0149] The pivot arm 352 exerts a force against the back end of the spring 345. The front end of the spring 345 exerts a force against the collar 245 of the compression piston 240.

[0150] Figure 6B is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the compression piston 240. Figure 6Cis a bottom perspective view of the compression piston 240. As shown in these figures, the sloped upper surface 243 of the top of the compression piston 240 leads to a flat top surface 241. The flat top surface 241 terminates at an end face 242 of the compression piston 240 that is angled relative to the longitudinal centerline of the compression piston 240.

[0151] As shown in Figure 6C the bottom surface of the compression piston 240 is provided with a flat bottom surface 248. Two portions of material are removed from the bottom of the end face 242 to form a centering finger 244. The portions removed on either side of the centering finger 244 each include a side compression surface 246 and an upper compression surface 247 that meet at a compression angle 250. In some embodiments, the side compression surfaces 246 do not form a perpendicular angle relative to the central longitudinal axis of the compression piston 240, but rather are tilted downward and forward to the end of the compression piston. Likewise, in some embodiments, the upper compression surfaces 247 are not parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the compression piston 240. Thus, the angle formed at the compression angle 250 can be an obtuse angle.

[0152] 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 centering finger 244 extends into the alignment slot 224 of the mounting hole 220. The compression surfaces 222 of the mounting hole 220 can initially contact either the side compression surfaces 246 or the upper compression surfaces 247. As the compression piston 240 continues to move inward, the compression surfaces 222 of the mounting hole 220 will move along whichever surfaces they initially engaged until the compression surfaces 222 rest in the compression angle 250. Further inward movement of the compression piston 240 then causes the support plate to flex into a concave shape and be pushed into engagement with the underlying support structure on the vibrating screening machine.

[0153] By confining the compression surfaces of the mounting hole 220 of the support plate 202 to the compression angle 250 of the end of the compression piston 240, a compression force can be applied to the mounting hole 220 that includes a horizontal inward component and a vertical downward component. If the compression piston 240 is mounted 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 compression force. However, even if the compression piston is mounted to move horizontally inward, the angled upper compression surfaces 247 of the end of the compression piston will produce a downward component of the compression force. As noted above, this vertical downward force pushes the support plate 202 into engagement with the underlying gasket 670 of the vibrating screening machine. This vertical downward force also causes the screening assembly to be securely attached to the vibrating screening machine during screening operations when the screening assembly is subjected to significant acceleration forces.

[0154] Furthermore, 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 screen. This ensures that the side edges 206, 208 of the support plate remain engaged with the sealing gasket 670 below the vibrating screen, regardless of the magnitude of the vibration or acceleration force applied to the support plate 202.

[0155] The inward movement of the compression piston 240 also applies a compressive force to the compression surface 222 of the mounting hole 220, which includes a significant horizontal inward component. This inward compressive force causes the support plate 202 to bend 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 screen. Because the inward compressive force is substantially in the plane of the support plate 202 at the side edges, it does not cause the side edges 206, 208 of the support plate 202 to rotate upward away from the underlying sealing gasket 270. This is one of the problems with prior art compression mounting mechanisms where the compressive force is applied to an upwardly extending flange located on the side of the support plate 202.

[0156] In existing compression mounting schemes, when compressive force is applied to the upwardly extending flange, the upwardly extending flange on the side edge of the support plate of the screening assembly does not contain any holes. Therefore, when the material to be screened ends up behind the flange—essentially between the outer surface of the flange and the side wall of the screening machine—it is impossible for the material to re-enter the screening area. Conversely, in the design described above, through-holes 232 are provided in the flange 230, allowing any material accumulated between the outer side of the flange and the side wall of the screening machine to pass through the through-holes 232 and re-enter the screening area. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the upwardly extending flange 230 does not extend the entire length of the support plate or the screening assembly. This means that material trapped behind the upwardly extending flange 230 at its front and rear edges can re-enter the screening area. Figure 7A An example can be seen where the upwardly extending flange 230 does not extend to the full 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 virtually all 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.

[0157] Figure 7A and Figure 7BOne side edge of the support plate 202 of the screening assembly is shown resting against a sealing grommet 670, which is itself mounted to the side wall of the vibrating screening machine by a grommet mount 270. As described above, the compression piston 240 applies a compression force to the mounting hole on the side edge of the support plate 202. The compression force can 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 grommet 670. This helps prevent any screened material from bypassing the side edge of the screening assembly and contaminating material that has passed through the screening assembly.

[0158] Figure 7A The compression piston 240 is shown in a retracted condition, which allows the support plate 202 to be lowered into place on the vibrating screening machine with the side edge of the support plate 202 resting on the sealing grommet 670. Note that the triangular mounting ramp 343 on the side wall of the vibrating screening machine will push the side edge of the support plate 202 inward as the support plate 202 is lowered into place.

[0159] Figure 7B The compression piston 240 is shown moving inward to apply a compression force to the mounting hole on the side edge of the support plate 202. The alignment fingers 244 on the end of the compression piston 240 protrude into corresponding alignment grooves 224 on the mounting hole.

[0160] Figure 8A And Figure 8B An alternative embodiment of a compression piston 440 and corresponding mounting hole of a support plate are shown. In this embodiment, the compression piston 440 includes a triangular alignment finger that includes a first angled side 444a and a second angled side 444b extending from an end face 445. The mounting hole in the support plate includes a triangular alignment slot formed by a first angled side edge 424a and a second angled side edge 424b. The triangular alignment finger is received in the triangular alignment slot as the compression piston 440 moves inward.

[0161] 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 slot. The compression surfaces on the end of the compression piston 440 rest against the compression surfaces 421 on the mounting hole to secure the screening assembly to the vibrating screening machine. The through hole 432 on the upwardly extending side flange 230 is similar in character to the through hole of the previous embodiment.

[0162] Figure 8C And Figure 8DAnother embodiment of the corresponding mounting hole on the support plate of the screening assembly and the compression piston 460 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 a circular alignment slot 465 of the mounting hole.

[0163] The compression piston 460 and the rest of the structure of the mounting hole are 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 slot 465. The compression surfaces of the end of the compression piston 460 abut the compression surfaces 466 on the mounting hole to secure the screening assembly to the vibratory screening machine. The through hole 462 in the upwardly extending side flange 230 is similar in character to the through hole of the previous embodiment.

[0164] Figure 8E and Figure 8F Another embodiment of the corresponding mounting hole on the support plate of the screening assembly and the compression piston 470 is shown. In this embodiment, the through hole in the upwardly extending side flange 230 is formed by two inclined side surfaces 473a, 473b. The portion of the compression piston that passes through the through hole in the upwardly extending side flange 230 has a generally triangular cross-section. The inclined side surfaces 472a, 472b on the end of the compression piston 470 generally mirror the shape and angle of the two inclined side surfaces 473a, 473b of the through hole in the upwardly extending flange 230. The interaction between the inclined side surfaces 473a, 473b of the through hole and the inclined sides 472a, 472b of the compression piston 470 can provide an alignment function that causes the screening assembly to be properly positioned on the vibratory screening machine.

[0165] Because of the alignment function that can be provided as described above, 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, there is no need to form a separate alignment slot 224 in the mounting hole 220 of the support plate 202. The corresponding compression surfaces 476 and 477 of the end of the compression piston 470 abut the single compression surface 475 of the mounting hole to secure the screening assembly to the vibratory screening machine.

[0166] Figure 8G An end of an alternative embodiment of the compression piston 480 is shown having a triangular profile similar to the triangular profile shown in Figure 8E and Figure 8F However, in this embodiment, the end of the compression piston 480 includes an alignment finger 474. Compression surfaces 476, 477 are formed on either side 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. 3.

[0167] Figure 8H The compression pistons 480 are shown engaging the support plate to install the screening assembly onto the vibrating screening machine. As shown in Figure 8G Figure 8H Each through hole in the upwardly extending side flange 230 includes two angled side surfaces, as shown. The compression pistons 480, which have angled sides, extend through the through holes. Alignment fingers 474 on the ends of the compression pistons 480 are received in alignment slots 224 of the mounting holes on the support plate. Two compression surfaces on opposite sides of the alignment fingers 474 abut compression surfaces of the mounting holes to secure the support plate and screening assembly to the vibrating screening machine.

[0168] In the embodiment shown in Figure 8H In the embodiment shown in

[0169] In some embodiments, the through holes in the upwardly extending side flange 230 can be configured large enough so that there is some clearance between the angled side surfaces 473a, 473b of the through holes and the angled sides 472a, 472b of the compression pistons 480. However, even with a substantial amount of clearance, the interaction between the compression pistons 480 and the through holes will provide a general alignment function to ensure that the screening assembly has been installed in approximately the correct position on the vibrating screening machine. Then, when the compression pistons 480 are advanced inwardly, the engagement between the alignment fingers 474 on the compression pistons 480 and the alignment slots 224 on the support plate will provide a fine adjustment to the position of the screening assembly on the vibrating screening machine.

[0170] In prior art machines, such as the machine shown in Figures 2A to 2C In prior art machines, such as the machine shown in

[0171] In contrast, for the embodiments discussed above and shown in FIGS. 3 through Figure 8H ​The mounting mechanism shown, in which the end of the compression piston engages with the mounting hole on the side of the support plate, ensures that the support plate and the screening assembly are correctly positioned on the vibrating screen in the longitudinal or material feed direction. Furthermore, the engagement between the end of the compression piston and the mounting hole prevents the screening assembly from being installed at an angle or with slight rotation, and ensures that each compression piston actually applies the correct type of compressive force to the support plate. All these factors contribute to ensuring that the screening assembly is correctly positioned on the vibrating screen, and that the support plate of the screening assembly is firmly pressed into engagement with the gasket beneath the vibrating screen.

[0172] In addition, in such Figures 2A to 2C In the prior art machine shown, the engagement between the compression piston and the upwardly extending flange can permanently deform the flange of the screening assembly. This can result in the compression piston applying a less-than-expected holding force. Furthermore, if the permanently deformed screening assembly is removed and subsequently reinstalled on the vibrating screen, maintenance personnel may have difficulty noticing the deformation. Therefore, the force applied during reinstallation of the screening assembly may be less than expected. In contrast, for the machine discussed above and shown in Figures 3 to 4... Figure 8H As shown in the compression component, such permanent deformation is unlikely to occur.

[0173] In addition, the screening assembly (Figures 3 to 10) used in conjunction with the installation mechanism discussed above Figure 8H (As shown in the diagram) no upwardly extending flange is required, unlike existing mounting systems (e.g.) Figures 2A to 2C The installation system shown requires an upwardly extending flange. This reduces manufacturing costs, speeds up the assembly process, and makes the screening assembly lighter, thus reducing transportation costs. Furthermore, since there are no side flanges, there is no problem of material getting stuck behind side flanges, thereby improving screening operation efficiency.

[0174] exist Figures 4A to 4D In the illustrated vibrating screen embodiment, 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 is arranged along the length of the screen. This configuration is advantageous because the screening assemblies can be mounted onto the screen using only the compression assembly 322 on one side of the screen.

[0175] For example, the compression assembly of the first side of the sizer can be left in the locked position with the compression piston of the first side extended. The compression assembly of the second side of the sizer is opened so that the compression piston of the second side of the sizer is in the retracted position. A new sifting assembly can then be installed onto the machine by pushing the first side of the sifting assembly down into the base of the sizer so that the mounting holes on the first side edge of the support plate of the sifting assembly are pushed into engagement with the extended compression piston of the first side of the sizer. The second side of the sifting assembly is then pushed down into the base of the sizer. The compression assembly of the second side of the sizer is then actuated so that the compression piston of the second side of the sizer is extended inwardly which pushes the sifting assembly into engagement with the concave support surface of the sizer and secures the sifting assembly to the sizer.

[0176] With this type of sizer configuration, an operator only needs to access one side of the sizer to install a sifting assembly. Also, because compression assemblies are provided on both sides of the sizer, an operator can install a sifting assembly onto the sizer from either side of the sizer. On the other hand, configuring the sizer in this way means that compression assemblies must be provided on both sides of the sizer which increases the cost and complexity of the machine.

[0177] The compression assembly 322 can be provided only on the first side wall of the sizer rather than on both side walls of the sizer. The second side wall can include a fixed stop element that is configured to mate with the end of the compression piston of the compression assembly mounted on the first side wall. With this configuration, an operator will install a sifting assembly from the first side of the sizer where the compression assembly is provided.

[0178] To install a sifting assembly on this type of machine, the sifting assembly will be placed on the machine and the second side of the sifting assembly will be pushed down into place so that the fixed stop element on the second side wall of the sizer aligns with the mounting holes 220 on the second side edge of the support plate 202 of the sifting assembly. The first side of the sifting assembly is then pushed down so that the mounting holes 220 on the first side of the support plate 202 of the sifting assembly align with the end of the movable compression piston 240 of the compression assembly 322 on the first side wall of the sizer. The compression assembly 322 on the first side wall of the sizer is then actuated. Actuation of the compression assembly on the first side of the sizer causes the compression piston to be pushed into engagement with the compression surface 222 of the mounting holes 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 holes 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 flex and be pushed into engagement with the support surface of the sizer.

[0179] 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 degree of flexibility. When the fixed stop surface provides a degree of flexibility, the element simulating the end of a movable compressible piston can move elastically relative to the side wall of the vibrating screen. Figure 9A and Figure 9B An example of a fixed stop element that provides compliance is shown.

[0180] Figure 9A A fixed compression piston assembly 239 is shown, which can be mounted on the exterior of a side wall of a vibrating screen. Bolt holes 269 in a housing 268 of the fixed compression piston assembly 239 are used to attach the assembly to the side wall of the vibrating screen. The fixed compression piston assembly 239 includes a resiliently mounted compression piston 260 extending through a circular hole in the housing 268. When the fixed compression piston assembly 239 is mounted on the exterior of the side wall of the vibrating screen, the end of the compression piston 260 extends through the hole in the side wall into the interior of the vibrating screen.

[0181] like Figure 9B As shown, a compression spring 261 is mounted around the rear of a 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 an external thread 269 that engages with an internal thread on the inner bore of a cylindrical portion 265 of the housing 268. This secures the compression spring 261 within the cylindrical portion 265 of the housing.

[0182] The compression piston 260 can slide inward into the housing 268, which causes the spring 261 to be compressed. Depending on the adjustment of the fixed compression piston assembly 239, when no force is applied to the end of the compression piston 260, the compression spring 261 acting on the collar 262 can push the compression piston 260 outward until the collar 262 rests on the end of the cylindrical portion 265 of the housing 268.

[0183] Nut 266 is screwed onto the threaded rear end of compression piston 260. Nut 266 can be rotated to adjust the position of compression piston 260 within housing 268. Therefore, when no force is applied to the end of compression piston 260, collar 262 can be spaced apart from the end of cylindrical portion 265 of housing.

[0184] Figures 4A to 4D The single-chamber vibrating screen shown may include multiple compression assemblies 322 on the first sidewall and multiple fixed compression piston assemblies (such as...) on the second opposite sidewall. Figure 9A and Figure 9B (As shown). Figure 1A and Figure 1BThe illustrated double-deck vibrating screen machine can include a plurality of compression assemblies mounted on the first and second outer side walls of the screen machine, with fixed compression piston assemblies mounted along both sides of the central stop 316.

[0185] In the foregoing example, the compression assembly 322 with compression pistons is used to mount a screen assembly that includes a support plate and screen elements mounted on top of the support plate. The same basic compression assembly can also be used to mount different types of screen assemblies onto a vibrating screen machine.

[0186] An alternative type of screen assembly is formed from a plurality of individual screen units that are attached to one another to form a complete screen assembly. Each individual screen unit can include a support structure and one or more screen elements mounted on the support structure. Each support structure can include an attachment element for coupling to other support structures so that the plurality of screen units can be attached to one another to form a complete screen assembly. Both the support structures and the screen elements can be formed by injection molding plastic or synthetic material. Examples of such screen 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.

[0187] Figures 10A to 10C It is shown how the compression assembly 322, including the compression pistons 240, is used to mount another type of screen assembly onto the vibrating screen machine, which is formed from screen units that are connected together by injection molded support structures and injection molded screen elements. Figures 10A to 10C Only a portion of the entire screen assembly is shown to help clarify how the mounting process proceeds. In Figures 10A to 10C In the foregoing example, only a portion of the entire screen assembly is depicted by the support elements. The screen elements would be mounted on Figures 10A to 10C the top of the support elements shown in

[0188] Figure 10B It is shown how a portion of the entire screen assembly is formed from a plurality of planar support elements 281 and a plurality of pyramid-shaped support elements 280 that are connected together. Figure 10BAs can be best seen, each support element 280 / 281 includes an attachment member that allows the individual support elements to be attached to one another. The attachment member includes a protruding clip 284 and a clip hole 283. The clip hole 283 on a first support element receives the clip 284 of a second, adjacent support element to connect the support elements together. Figures 10A to 10C A plurality of flat support elements 282 are shown connected end-to-end together to form an elongated strip of two flat support elements 282. A plurality of pyramid-shaped support elements 280 are connected end-to-end together to form an elongated strip of pyramid-shaped support elements 280. The sides of the elongated strip of pyramid-shaped support elements 280 are then connected to the sides of the elongated strip of two flat support elements 281 to form part of a complete screening assembly. As described above, screening elements (not shown) will be mounted on top of the support elements.

[0189] Figures 10A to 10C A binder bar 282 is also shown on the left-hand edge of the screening assembly. The binder bar 282 includes protruding clips and clip holes just like 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 flat support elements 281 that form the left-hand side of the screening assembly. The complete screening assembly will include another binder bar mounted along the opposite side edge of the screening assembly.

[0190] The plurality of attached support elements can form a "support member" of the screening assembly. In some embodiments, the support member can also include a binder bar attached to the sides of the assembled support elements. As described above, screening elements are attached to the top surfaces of the connected support elements to form a complete screening assembly.

[0191] The plurality of attached support elements, and possibly the binder bar, generally correspond to the support plate of the screening assembly in the previous example. In the following description, the terms "support plate" and "support member" can be used interchangeably to refer to the portion of the screening assembly that interacts with the mounting mechanism to secure the screening assembly to the vibratory screening machine.

[0192] As Figure 10CAs shown, mounting holes 284 are formed on the outer side edges of the clamp bar 282. The mounting holes 284 are configured to receive the end of the compression piston 240 of the compression assembly 322 of the vibratory screening machine. To install such a screening assembly onto a vibratory screening machine, the complete screening assembly with clamp bars on the opposite side edges is placed on the machine such that the mounting holes 284 on the clamp bars are aligned with the compression piston 240 of the compression assembly. The compression piston is then moved inwardly into the mounting holes 284 of the clamp bars 282. The end element of the compression piston engages with the surface within the mounting hole in substantially the same manner as the first type of screening assembly described above. This can include the alignment fingers 244 on the compression piston 240 which are received in the alignment slots 285 of the mounting holes 284. The end face of the compression piston can be seated against either or both of the lower compression surface 286 and the upper compression surface 287 of the mounting holes 284. This allows the compression piston 240 to exert a horizontal inward force and a vertical downward force on the clamp bars 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 vibratory screening machine beneath the screening assembly.

[0193] Of course, a compression assembly 322 with a movable compression piston 240 can be provided on the opposite side of the vibratory screening machine such that the movable compression piston 240 engages with the clamp bars on the opposite side of the screening assembly. Alternatively, such a screening assembly can be used with a vibratory screening machine where a fixed compression piston assembly as shown in Figure 9A and Figure 9B is used on one side of the screening assembly.

[0194] In some embodiments, the clamp bars 282 can also be made of synthetic or plastic materials by injection molding or other forming techniques. In alternative embodiments, the clamp bars can be a composite structure which includes some injection molded plastic or synthetic elements as well as reinforcing members made of metal or fiberglass. The reinforcing members would be configured to help distribute the compression forces exerted by the compression piston across the entire side of the screening assembly. In addition, the clamp bars can be formed of metal materials.

[0195] In some embodiments, the mounting holes 284 can be configured to accommodate the same type of compression piston used with other types of screening assemblies, such as the screening assemblies described above that include a metal support plate. In alternative embodiments, the mounting holes 284 can be configured to accommodate the end of a compression piston of a different size and / or shape. For example, the mounting holes 284 of the clamping bar 282 can include larger compression surfaces 286, 287 to allow an amount of compression force to be distributed over a larger area. This can require the use of a compression piston with a different larger surface to mount such a screening assembly on a vibrating screening machine. Alternatively, an end cap with a larger compression surface can be mounted on the end of a compression piston designed to mate with the first type of screening assembly described above. Here, the end cap mounted on the end of the compression piston would also be configured to distribute a certain amount of compression force over a larger area than the first embodiment described above.

[0196] In some embodiments, the clamping bar 282 can be constructed such that the mounting holes 284 are made of a material that is stronger than other portions of the clamping bar 282. This can be achieved by installing a hard plastic or metal insert into the holes on the clamping bar to form the mounting holes 284, or the entire clamping bar 282 can be formed of metal.

[0197] A second type of screening assembly and compression mounting mechanism utilizes a compression mechanism that passes through the mounting holes of the support plate from the underside of the screening elements. Figure 11A And FIG. 1 shows an end view and partial end view of a double-deck screening machine 300 that includes this second type of compression mounting mechanism. As described previously, the double-deck screening machine 300 includes two parallel screening assemblies 320a, 320b (hereafter 320 unless specifically referred to) disposed between the inner surfaces of spaced apart wall members 312a, 312b (hereafter 312 unless specifically referred to). A central member 316 divides the screening machine 300 into two parallel screening areas. Each screening assembly 320 includes a first edge disposed proximate to a wall member 312 and a second edge disposed proximate to the central member 316. A compression assembly 322 compresses each screening assembly against an underlying concave support 314. A gasket 317 (e.g., rubber or other compressible material) can be disposed on the concave upper surface of each support 314. Thus, when the compression assembly 322 compresses the screening assembly 320 into a concave profile, the bottom surface of the screening assembly (e.g., the bottom surface of the support plate 324) can be compressed against the gasket 317 on the upper surface of the concave support 314, thereby forming a seal between the screening assembly and the screening machine. The width of the gasket can allow for sealing the interface between two longitudinally disposed screening assemblies.

[0198] As Figure 11AAs shown, one screening assembly 320b has a screening surface 326 that covers the underlying porous support plate 324, while the other screening assembly 320a does not have a screening surface. In use, each screening assembly will include a screening surface. Although illustrated as an undulating or corrugated surface, it should be understood that the screening surface may have other configurations (e.g., substantially flat). The screening surface may be made of woven mesh materials, metals, and / or synthetic materials, such as, but not limited to, polyurethane, thermoplastic polymers (e.g., polyurethane) and thermosetting polymers. Each screening assembly also includes the underlying porous support plate 324.

[0199] Figures 1A to 1C , FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B An embodiment of the screening machine 300 utilizes a so-called "compression" arrangement to horizontally compress each screening component (e.g., against a central support or a second wall) and vertically downward against a concave support. In the illustrated embodiment of the compression components, the compression component 322 on the wall member 312a includes a movable / actuable pawl 336 that extends through a set of corresponding through compression points 350a disposed near a first edge 340 of the support plate 324 (see, for example...). FIGS. 12B-12C Each pawl 336 typically includes one or more hooks for engaging a support plate 324 of the screening assembly. More specifically, the pawl 336 and its hooks engage 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 a first edge 340 of the support plate 324. When the screening assembly is mounted on the screening machine, the pawl 336 extends from the bottom surface of the support plate 324 through the through compression point 350a 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 vertically downward component applied to the upper surface of the support plate 324. See also FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B These forces may cause the screening components to deflect into a concave shape, while simultaneously securing the screening components to the screening machine.

[0200] It is worth noting that the pawl 336 applies the downward component of the compressive force to the top surface of the support plate 324, which is supported between its side edges 340, 342 before compression (see example). FIG. 15A). In contrast to existing systems that apply a compressive force to the edge of such a screening assembly and require the plate to "bend" to deflect into a concave profile, applying such a force between the supported side edges of the plate can provide a multiplication effect to the downward force. That is, the distance between the plate edges 340 and 342 and the location at which the pawl 336 engages the plate 324 provides a moment arm to the downward applied force.

[0201] Referring again to FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B , a set of fixed hook assemblies 330 (only one shown) are attached to the center member 316 and each has a fixed pawl 336 with one or more hooks that extend through a corresponding set of through compression points 350b disposed near the opposite edge 342 of the support plate 324. See also FIG. 4C . The fixed pawl 336 extends through the through compression points 350b of the support plate 324 from the bottom surface to the upper surface of the support plate 324. Although discussed herein with a fixed pawl on the center member 316 (or second wall in other embodiments), it will be appreciated 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 center member / second wall and the screening machine, thereby omitting the fixed pawl and / or hooks.

[0202] FIG. 12A , 12BFigures 12C and 12C respectively show top views of the screening assembly 320, the screening assembly 320 with a portion of the screening surface 326 removed, and the support plate 324 in the embodiments. In the embodiments, the top surface of the screening assembly 320 may include an optional handle 305 for mounting the screening assembly in a screening machine. As shown, the support plate 324 of the screening assembly 320 is generally rectangular, having a first edge 340, a second edge 342, a first end 344, and a second end 346. These edges and ends collectively define the periphery of the plate. The plate 324 is typically formed of a sheet of metal, but other materials are also possible. The support plate 324 includes a plurality of flow holes 348 that extend through the body of the plate within the support plate defined by the edges and ends (e.g., on its periphery). The flow holes 348 are configured to allow material that is too small to support the screening surface to pass through the support plate 324. Although the flow-through orifice 348 shown in the figure is rectangular, it will be understood that the size, shape, and distribution of the flow-through orifices on the support plate 324 can be varied. Multiple through-compression points 350a, 350b (hereinafter referred to as 350 unless otherwise specified) are arranged along and spaced apart from the first edge 340 and the second edge 342 of the support plate 324. As described above and here, the through-compression points 350 are used to secure the screening assembly to the screening machine. More specifically, 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 surfaces can be positioned substantially vertically (e.g., perpendicular to the upper surface of the support plate 324) or at a predetermined angle. See, for example... FIG. 17G .

[0203] like FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B As shown, the screening surface 326 is depicted as an undulating or corrugated surface. However, it should be understood that the screening surface 326 may have other configurations (e.g., substantially flat). The screening surface 326 may be made of woven mesh material, metal, and / or synthetic materials, such as polyurethane, thermoplastic polymers (e.g., polyurethane), and thermosetting polymers, but is not limited thereto. When using a woven mesh material, the screening surface 326 may comprise one or more layers of woven mesh material. This woven mesh material may be attached to the support plate 324 by gluing, welding, and mechanical fastening. The following is in conjunction with... FIGS. 25A-25EThe discussion of such multi-layer woven screen is provided in the discussion of the molded polyurethane screen described in U.S. Patents 8,584,866, 9,010,539, 9,375,756, 9,403,192, and 9,908,150; the disclosure of each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. For example, thermoset and thermoplastic polymer screen is 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 disclosure of each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0204] In the illustrated embodiment, the through-compression point 350 is generally T-shaped, each having a generally rectangular opening (e.g., first hole portion) with an alignment slot 354 (e.g., second hole portion) extending from the center of the inner edge (e.g., relative to the centerline A-A of the support plate 324). See FIG. 12B 、 12C and 12D. The alignment slot 354 is configured to receive an alignment element or joint of the pawl 336 of the compression assembly or the fixed hook assembly.

[0205] In the illustrated embodiment, the through-compression point 350 is generally T-shaped, each having a generally rectangular opening (e.g., first hole portion) with an alignment slot 354 (e.g., second hole portion) extending from the center of the inner edge (e.g., relative to the centerline A-A of the support plate 324). See FIG. 12E In the illustrated embodiment, the through-compression point 350 is generally T-shaped, each having a generally rectangular opening (e.g., first hole portion) with an alignment slot 354 (e.g., second hole portion) extending from the center of the inner edge (e.g., relative to the centerline A-A of the support plate 324). See FIG. 11B and FIGS. 12B-12E In the illustrated embodiment, the through-compression point 350 is generally T-shaped, each having a generally rectangular opening (e.g., first hole portion) with an alignment slot 354 (e.g., second hole portion) extending from the center of the inner edge (e.g., relative to the centerline A-A of the support plate 324). See

[0206] 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 screen (i.e., along the length of the wall) is necessarily correct, thereby eliminating the need to manually position the screening assembly along the length of the screen as was previously required. Proper positioning of the screening assembly, due to the alignment device, prevents adjacent screening assemblies from jamming together or separating from one another leaving a gap during use. Proper positioning also ensures that the screening assembly is not improperly compressed, which can lead to damage. Furthermore, proper positioning better aligns the screening assembly with the gasket below, thereby providing a better seal. Moreover, the need for full manual positioning of the screening assembly is reduced due to the alignment device, thereby reducing the time required to install a set of screening assemblies.

[0207] The T-shaped through compression point 350 also provides first and second contact or compression surfaces 356a, 356b disposed on either side of the alignment slot 354. In use, this allows the double hooks 332a, 332b of the moveable 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 hooks / pawl, thereby allowing a strong compression force to be applied.

[0208] 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 can include the alignment slot 354 while a second subset of the through compression points 350 does not. The alignment slot 354 is shown as 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 can vary along the length of the through compression point 350. Moreover, it is understood that the alignment slot 354 can extend from an outer edge of the through compression point 350 and / or from the upper and lower ends of the through compression point 350. In this regard, the through compression point 350 can have different shapes (e.g., shapes other than T-shaped). In any configuration, the first portion of the through compression point 350 has a first portion (e.g., a first hole portion) having one or more inner edges (e.g., relative to the centerline AA of the support plate 324) to apply a horizontal and / or vertical compression force to the support plate 324 and a second portion (e.g., a second hole portion) capable of receiving an alignment element. The second portion (e.g., the second hole portion) of the through compression point generally has one or more sidewalls transverse to the inner edges of the first hole portion. Other shapes of through points, such as L-shaped or cross-shaped through points, can also be employed based on similar principles.

[0209] FIGS. 13A-13FAn embodiment of a compression assembly 322 under compression is shown configured to pass the engagement members (e.g., pawls and / or hooks) and alignment members (knuckles) through the bottom of the screening assembly to align the screening assembly with the screening machine and to exert a horizontal force on the side or edge surfaces of the screening assembly and a downward force on the top surface of the screening assembly. More particularly, FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B A first perspective view and a second perspective view of the 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 in an embodiment in retracted and extended configurations, respectively, are shown; FIG. 13E A cross-sectional view of the compression assembly 322 in an embodiment is shown; FIG. 13F An exploded view of the compression assembly 322 in an embodiment is shown.

[0210] As shown in various ways in FIGS. 13A-13F , 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 between them (not shown). The brackets 370, 372 can be bolted together through the wall member. As discussed further below, the compression mounting brackets 370, 372 collectively define an internal actuator rod journal that houses an actuator pin or rod 374 that passes through a hole in the wall member (not shown). The pawls 336 are attached to the front 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 disposed at a downward angle “a” (e.g., an inclination angle) relative to the horizontal (see, e.g., FIG. 13E ). This inclination angle facilitates the application of a downward force to the screening assembly when the pawls 336 of the extended compression assembly are extended. In some embodiments, the inclination angle a is between about 0° and 20°. In some embodiments, the inclination angle a is between about 1° and about 10°.

[0211] In FIGS. 13A-13F , 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, among various other cross-sectional shapes. Moreover, the diameter of the actuator pin or rod 374 can vary along the length of the actuator pin or rod. Accordingly, the description of the actuator pin or rod provided herein should not be considered limiting.

[0212] Actuator bracket 376 is attached to an outer wall compression mount bracket 370. The attachment of actuator bracket 376 can be made by bolts, pins, or other shafts (not shown) extending through alignment holes in actuator bracket 376 and outer compression mount bracket 370. Thus, actuator bracket 376 is rotatable relative to outer compression mount 370 about an axis formed by the bolted connection. Actuator bracket 376 is attached to the rear end of actuator rod 374 by an extension arm 378, which is pivotally engaged with rod 374 by first and second pins 371 fitted into side slots 375 in rod 374. Compression spring 384 is disposed within a journal defined by the compression mount bracket and surrounds actuator rod 374. More specifically, spring 384 is configured to extend between the extension arm 378 of actuator bracket 376 and a collar 377 disposed around actuator rod 374. Spring 384 is configured to hold the actuator rod and the attached pawl in the retracted position when uncompressed.

[0213] The actuator holder 376 also includes a sleeve 379 configured to receive a first end of the handle (see example). FIG. 21A Downward and rotational forces can be applied to such a handle to compress the compression spring 384 via the extension arm 378 and push the actuator rod 374 inward, thereby moving the pawl 336, which can be fixedly attached to the front end of the actuator rod 374, from a retracted position to a compressed or 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 the latch stop 394 formed in the actuator bracket 376. See also FIG. 14E In other words, when the actuator bracket 376 is in the compressed configuration, the locking latch 390 can be rotated downwards to engage the locking piece 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 the handle (not shown) until the locking piece 392 of the latch 390 can rotate freely away from the latch stop 394 of the actuator bracket 376, thereby allowing the compression pawl 336 to retract.

[0214] FIG. 14A Three views of the pawl 336 in 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 interact with... FIGS. 12A-12C The screening assembly shown is used in conjunction with a through compression point 350 having a positioning groove 354 for receiving an alignment joint. The pawl 336 includes a first hook 332a, a second hook 332b, and an alignment joint 338. In the illustrated embodiment, the alignment joint 338 is integrally formed with and disposed between the first hook 332a and the second hook 332b.

[0215] The contact face (e.g., hook face) 337 of each hook 332a, 332b is disposed (e.g., prior to compression) at an acute angle Θ relative to the generally planar upper surface of the screening assembly. The contact face 337 can comprise two or more planar surfaces, each oriented at a different angle relative to the planar upper surface of the screening assembly. The contact face 337 can also be curved or arcuate. In one embodiment, the acute angle Θ is between about 5° and 85°. In another embodiment, the acute angle Θ is between about 15° and 75°. In yet another embodiment, the acute angle Θ is between about 50° and 60°. The acute angle of the contact face 337 of the dog 336 facilitates the application of a downward force on the screening assembly as the dog 336 advances.

[0216] In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second hooks 332a, 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 a mounting element 504. The shape of the bracket 502 allows the contact face 337 of the hooks 332a, 332b to extend above the compression assembly and extend through and engage the upper layer of support plates. The bracket 502 also allows engagement of the through-compression points 350 located near the edges of the support plates 324. While engagement within the interior of the support plates 324 is beneficial, it has been found that excessive spacing between the through-compression points 350 and the edges 340, 342 of the support plates 324 can result in a reduction in compression force along the edges 340, 342 of the support plates 324.

[0217] The mounting element 504 includes a hole 506 for attachment of the dog 336 to the distal end of the actuator rod 374 by an attachment element 381 such as a bolt. See, e.g., Fig. 4. FIG. 13E This attachment allows for easy replacement of the dog 336, which is a component that wears during operation of the machine. Furthermore, because the compression assembly and the dog 336 are located below the screening assembly, these components are removed from the fluid pool at the top of the screening assembly, which helps to further reduce wear on these components.

[0218] In the illustrated embodiment, the joint 338 extends perpendicularly above the double hooks 332a, 332b. In addition, the top inner edge of the joint 338 forms an angled or sloped surface 362. As described above, the joint 338 ensures correct longitudinal positioning of the screening assembly along the length of the side wall of the screening machine when engaged with the alignment slot 354 in the screening assembly. The use of the sloped surface 362 on the joint 338 of the compression assembly and a corresponding sloped surface on the joint 338 of the opposing fixed hook assembly ensures correct lateral positioning between the side walls (or side walls and center member) of the screening machine. More specifically, the support plate 324 can be fixed on the joint 338 of the compression assembly and slide down the sloped surface 362. The same process occurs with the engagement of the joint 338 of the fixed hook 336. Thus, the positioning of the support plate 324 between the wall members or between the side walls and the center member is necessarily correct. This can allow the edges 340, 342 of the support plate 324 to be correctly positioned on the gaskets 319, 329 that cover the support surface that supports the edge surfaces 340, 342 of the support plate 324. See FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B . This positioning can improve the seal between the screening assembly and the screening machine. In addition, the positioning of the screening assembly provided by the alignment device reduces the time required to install a set of screening assemblies.

[0219] FIG. 14B Three views of the inner 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 inner compression mounting bracket 372 includes a base plate 516 configured to attach to the inner wall of the 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 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, a collar 377 disposed around the actuator rod 374 is disposed against the step 512.

[0220] 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 guides 514a, 514b are disposed on opposite sides of the L-shaped bracket 502 of the pawl 336 (see, e.g., FIG. 14A). The guides 514a, 514b provide stability as the pawl 336 moves between the retracted and extended positions. It is further noted that the use of the L-shaped bracket 502 and guides 514a, 514b allows the pawl 336 to engage the sifting assembly closer to its perimeter edge, while the interior portion of the compression assembly is disposed below the pawl 336 and sifting assembly.

[0221] 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 an outer wall of the sifting 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 aperture 522 through which the actuator rod 374 and surrounding spring 384 can pass. When the compression assembly is assembled, a journal bearing or back bearing 524 receives the back end of the actuator rod 374. See also FIG. 5E. The outer bracket 370 also includes a mounting aperture 526 transverse to the base plate aperture 522 and back bearing 524. The mounting aperture 526 provides a location for the actuator bracket 376 to be pivotally attached 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 with an eccentric nut to which the locking latch 390 is attached. It is noted that the addition of the back 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 inner compression mounting bracket 372, while the back end of the actuator rod 374 is supported by the back bearing 524. This reduces the non-linear motion of the actuator rod 374, thereby reducing wear and extending the life of the actuator rod 374.

[0222] FIG. 14D Three views of the eccentric nut in an embodiment are shown, including: (a) a first perspective view; (b) a second perspective view; and (c) a back 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 sized to be received within the corresponding aperture 396 of the locking latch. See also FIG. 5E. The eccentric nut 540 also includes a second cylindrical outer surface 544 that is sized to be received within the corresponding aperture 398 of the locking latch. The second cylindrical outer surface 544 is offset from the first cylindrical outer surface 542. That is, the second cylindrical outer surface 544 is offset from the first cylindrical outer surface 542 by a distance equal to the thickness of the locking latch 390. This allows the locking latch 390 to be attached to the outer compression mounting bracket 370, while the locking latch 390 is attached to the actuator bracket 376. In other words, the eccentric nut 540 allows the locking latch 390 to be attached to the outer compression mounting bracket 370, while the locking latch 390 is attached to the actuator bracket 376. This is accomplished by the offset between the first cylindrical outer surface 542 and the second cylindrical outer surface 544. FIG. 13FWhen assembled, the locking bar 390 rotates around this outer surface. The eccentric nut 540 also includes a second cylindrical outer surface 544 that forms a retaining lip around the first cylindrical surface 542. This retaining lip secures the locking bar 390 in place when the eccentric nut 540 is secured to the outer brace stud 528. 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 brace 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 brace stud 528. The hollow interior portions of the eccentric nut 540 are 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 portions prevent the eccentric nut 540 from rotating. Furthermore, by selecting the orientation of the eccentric nut 540 relative to the stud 528, the position of the outer surface 542 that the locking bar 390 rotates around can be adjusted. This adjustment can allow for fine tuning of the latching and / or spring compression.

[0223] FIG. 14E Four views of the actuator brace 376 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. The actuator brace 376 is attached to the outer compression mounting brace 370 by a bolt or pin that passes through a hole 383 that passes through the first and second extension arms 378a, 378b. As described above, the inner surfaces of the extension arms 378a, 378b include a first and second pin 371a, 371b, respectively, that are configured to pivotally engage the side notches 375 in the actuator lever 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 back end of the spring 384 when the compression assembly is assembled.

[0224] FIG. 14F and FIG. 14G A perspective view and exploded view of the securing hook assembly 330 for attachment to a wall member or center member of a screening machine in an embodiment is shown. The securing hook assembly 330 uses the same pawl 336 (as described previously in connection with FIG. 14A the compression assembly, which includes a joint 338 disposed between two hooks 332a, 332b. Further discussion of the pawl 336 is omitted for brevity. When used with the securing hook assembly 330, the mounting element 504 of the pawl is bolted to a mounting brace 560 that has a plate 562 configured for attachment (e.g., bolting or welding) to a wall or center member of a screening machine.

[0225] In some embodiments, the fixed hook assembly 330 can include a biasing element, such as a spring, similar to the fixed compression piston assembly shown in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B This would allow the fixed hooks 332a, 332b to move slightly when installing the screening assembly. This can also allow for slight adjustment of the resting position of the fixed hooks 332a, 332b.

[0226] FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B shows the movable pawl 336 of the compression assembly 322 in combination with the fixed pawl 336 of the fixed hook assembly 330 compressing the support plate 324 of the screening assembly from a generally flat profile ( FIG. 15A ) to a generally concave profile ( FIG. 15B ). Once the screening assembly is properly positioned such that the hooks of the pawls 336 extend through the through-compression points 350 and the aligned joints 338 are disposed in their corresponding alignment slots 354, the compression assembly 322 can be actuated to move the movable pawls 336 from a retracted position to an extended position. As FIG. 15A shown, the support plate 324 can be generally planar prior to actuation. Upon actuation, the movable pawls 336 of the compression assembly 322 can advance to exert a compression force having a horizontal component applied to the edges of the through-compression points 350 and a vertical downward component applied to the top surface of the support plate 324. See FIG. 15B . This causes the support plate 324 to be pushed against the fixed pawls 336 of the fixed hook assembly 330 that extend through the through-compression points 350 proximate the second edges 342 of the support plate 324. Continued advancement of the movable pawls 336 causes the support plate 324 to deflect into the concave profile of the concave support surface. See FIG. 15B .

[0227] FIG. 15C and FIG. 15D shows a close-up view of the pawls 336a, 336b of the compression assembly 322 and the fixed hook assembly 330 in engagement with the support plate 324 of the screening assembly. The movable 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 is in engagement with the inside edge (e.g., measured from the centerline of the support plate 324) of the through-compression point 350a. See also FIG. 12E . Advancement of the movable pawl 336a pushes the support plate 324 until the inside edge of the opposing through-compression point 350b is in engagement with the contact surface 337b of the fixed pawl 336b. At this point, the support plate 324 is not deflected while being fixed between the opposing pawls 336a, 336b. SeeFIG. 15C After the plate is secured between the pawls 336a, 336b, continued advancement of the moveable pawl 336a, as indicated by force vector "F", causes the support plate 324 to slide down the angled contact surfaces 337a, 337b of the pawls 336a, 336b, as indicated by the downwardly facing movement arrows. Further inward movement of the moveable pawl 336a progressively applies more force to the support plate. Moving down these opposing angled 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, against the underlying support (not shown), and with a greater vertically downward force component.

[0228] Notably, the support plate 324 should not get stuck on the contact surfaces 337a, 337b of the pawls as the inner edge of the through-compression point 540 engages and slides down the contact surfaces 337a, 337b of the pawls. Based on similar principles, it has been found that increasing the hardness of the hook / pawl 336 and / or the contact surfaces 337a, 337b, such that it is higher relative to the hardness of the support plate 324, can prevent such sticking. That is, if the hardness of at least the contact surfaces 337a, 337b is greater than the hardness of the support plate 324, then the support plate 324 will not scratch the contact surfaces 337a, 337b, which can cause the support plate 324 to stick to the contact surfaces 337a, 337b and not slide down the contact surfaces 337a, 337b smoothly. In one embodiment, the hardness of the contact surfaces 337a, 337b is Rockwell C 45. In a further embodiment, the hardness of the contact surfaces 337a, 337b is greater than Rockwell B 100 (HRB 100) or Rockwell C 20 (HRC 20).

[0229] In certain situations, it can be beneficial to adjust the amount of the downward vertical component V of the force applied to the support plate 324. See FIG. 15D That is, if the support plate 324 slides too far down the contact surfaces 337 of the pawls 336, the vertical force V can increase exponentially while the horizontal force H decreases excessively, which can result in too little horizontal force being applied to the plate, which decreases the concave bending of the plate and decreases the engagement of the support plate with the underlying support and / or gasket in its inner region (e.g., near its central line axis).

[0230] 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 down the contact surfaces 337, 339 of the hook 332. As shown, the first contact surface 337 has an included angle between about 5° and about 85° (see also FIG. 14A). In addition, the pawl 336 includes a second contact surface 339 disposed at a different angle than the first contact surface 337. The different angles of the first and second contact surfaces can allow for varying, limiting, or eliminating continued downward movement of the plate along the pawl 336. In an embodiment, the first contact surface 337 can have a first angle that initially applies a primarily downward vertical force component onto the support plate. Once the support plate engages the intersection between the first and second contact surfaces 337, 339, 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 layer of undeflected support plates 324; see, e.g., FIG. 15A ). Alternatively, the second contact surface 339 can form a lip or step (e.g., a surface that is substantially parallel to a horizontal reference plane defined by the upper layer of undeflected support plates 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 mostly 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 can be appreciated that the angles, lengths, and / or positions of the first and second contact surfaces 337, 339 can be selected to apply horizontal and vertical forces of desired magnitudes to the support plate 324. In addition, it can be appreciated that the contact surfaces can be arcuate surfaces in which the vertical and horizontal applied forces vary over the length of the arcuate or other irregular surfaces.

[0231] Referring again to FIG. 15A and FIG. 15BThe moveable pawls 322 of the plurality of compression assemblies proximate 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. Likewise, the plurality of fixed pawls 330 mounted on the center stop or opposing side walls of the vibratory 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 moveable 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 walls on which the compression assemblies are mounted are not perfectly parallel to the opposing side walls or stop on which the fixed pawls are mounted, then the distance between each pair of moveable and fixed pawls can be different. Similarly, if the compression assemblies or fixed pawls change or bend over time, then the distance between each pair of moveable and fixed pawls can be different. When the compression assemblies are actuated to mount the screening assembly to the vibratory screening machine, the difference in spacing between each pair of moveable and fixed pawls can cause undesirable warping or bending of the support plate.

[0232] In view of the slight differences in spacing between each pair of moveable and fixed pawls, one approach is to establish some compliance in the compression assemblies. For example, each compression assembly can be configured such that the compression pistons or moveable pawls in each compression assembly do not need to be advanced inwardly by exactly the same distance before the compression assembly is locked. This can be accomplished by spring mounting the compression pistons or moveable pawls such that their final locked positions can be slightly different.

[0233] In view of the slight differences in spacing between each pair of moveable and fixed pawls, another approach is to establish some compliance in the fixed pawls 330. For example, the mounting brackets 560 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) of the fixed pawls can include spring elements that allow the fixed pawls to move slightly in the inward / outward direction relative to the side walls or stop on which the fixed pawls are mounted. This will allow the fixed pawls to move slightly in the inward / outward direction when the screening assembly is mounted to the vibratory screening machine to account for the slight differences in spacing between the moveable and fixed pawls. FIG. 14F and 14G In view of the slight differences in spacing between each pair of moveable and fixed pawls, another approach is to establish some compliance in the fixed pawls 330. For example, the mounting brackets 560 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) of the fixed pawls can include spring elements that allow the fixed pawls to move slightly in the inward / outward direction relative to the side walls or stop on which the fixed pawls are mounted. This will allow the fixed pawls to move slightly in the inward / outward direction when the screening assembly is mounted to the vibratory screening machine to account for the slight differences in spacing between the moveable and fixed pawls.

[0234] Another benefit of the compression arrangement is that the screening assembly 320 can be mounted in a flatter (e.g., less concave) configuration. That is, by engaging the faceplates between their edges with the support plate and applying a greater downward force on the support plate 324, the screening assembly 320 can be sufficiently secured relative to the screening machine while being secured flatter. FIG. 15FThe radius of curvature R1 of a screening assembly 320 configured to be engaged by a pressure device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 157G shows the radius of curvature R2 of a prior art screening assembly 20 configured to be engaged via an edge surface (e.g., an upward flange 25 extending above the top surface of a support plate 24). In prior art configurations of screening assemblies 20, the radius of curvature R2 is in the range of about 40 to 60 (e.g., in inches), with Figure 15G showing a screening assembly 20 having a radius of curvature of 50 inches. That is, a higher degree of concavity is required to allow the screening assembly 20 to bend sufficiently and seal with the underlying gasket.

[0235] In contrast, the screening assembly 320 configured for use with the pressure-bearing device disclosed herein can form a larger radius of curvature while still maintaining a sufficient seal with the gasket below. For example... FIG. 15F As shown, the screening assembly 320 has a radius of curvature of 100 inches, which is significantly flatter than prior art screening assemblies. Furthermore, the screening assembly 320 used with the pressure device disclosed herein can have a radius of curvature R1 ranging from approximately 60 inches to approximately 140 inches. This ability to provide a flatter screening assembly offers significant advantages to the screening machine. In particular, as material (e.g., a fluid pool) flows through the length of the screening assembly, the fluid pool diffuses a larger portion across the width of the concave screening assembly (between its opposing edge surfaces). This results in a larger portion of the fluid pool contacting the screen surface, thereby increasing the screening capacity of each screening assembly.

[0236] FIG. 15H It shows FIG. 15F The screening assembly is pressed against the base of the pressure screening machine 300A according to this disclosure (see also...) FIG. 1D ). FIG. 15I An end view of the prior art screening assembly 20 of Figure 15G is shown pressed against the base of the prior art screening machine 10A (see also). FIG. 2B ).like FIG. 15H As shown, the compression assembly 322 and the fixing hook assembly 330 each have a pawl 336 that extends through the compression point in the support plate 324 of the screening assembly 320. The support plate 324 is disposed between the first side wall 312a and the second side wall 312b of the single-trough screening machine 300A shown.

[0237] In comparison, such as FIG. 15I As shown, the screening machine utilizes a compression assembly 22 disposed on the first wall 12a of the machine to engage with a vertical flange 28 extending above the edge surface of the plate 24 of the screening assembly, thereby forcing the second edge surface of the screening assembly 20 against the second wall 12b of the machine (e.g., a stop surface). FIG. 15HIn the pressurized machine 300A, the pawl 336 engages the screening assembly 320 at a location inside the support plate 324 (e.g., between the edges of the plate) and is spaced a distance from the sidewalls 312a, 312b. As discussed above, the location of the pawl inside the screening assembly and / or the shape of the hook of the pawl (e.g., the contact surface or hook face) allows the pressurized assembly to apply a greater downward force to the screening assembly than the compression assembly 22 shown in FIG. 15I In the screening machine of FIG. 15I In the machine of FIG. 15I The machine in

[0238] The ability to engage the screening assembly 320 to the top surface of the support plate 320 through the bottom surface also allows for the position of each compression assembly 322 on the outer surface of the wall member of the screening machine 300A to be lowered. That is, the compression assembly 322 can be positioned lower on the outer surface of the wall member of the screening machine 300A than the position of the compression assembly 22 of the screening machine 10A in FIG. 1D and FIG. 15H The position of the compression assembly 322 of the screening machine in FIG. 2B and FIG. 15I The position of the compression assembly 22 of the screening machine 10A in FIG. 1D and FIG. 15H The position of the compression assembly 22 of the screening machine 10A in FIGS. 1A-1C The use of a pressurized device on the double-slot machine 300 of

[0239] In use, the screening assembly 320 can be installed onto the screening machine 300. More particularly, the screening assembly 320 can be disposed between the first wall 312a and the center member 316 of the screening machine 300 (e.g., in a twin slot screening machine). Alternatively, such a screening assembly 320 can be disposed between the first wall and the second wall of a single slot screening machine. Once the screening assembly is disposed between the wall 312a and the center member, the screening assembly can be moved along the length of the screening machine 300 until the pawl 336 and the knuckle 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 knuckle 338 on the center member 316 (or the second wall of a single slot machine) pass through the through compression point 350b near the second edge 342 of the support plate 324. More particularly, the knuckles 338 will be disposed through the aligned slots 354 of the respective through compression points 350, thereby properly positioning the screening assembly 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 exerts a compression force against the through compression point 350a near the first edge 340 of the support plate 324 having a horizontal component and a vertical downward component. The horizontal component of the force pushes the support plate 324 against the fixed pawl 336 of the fixed hook assembly 330 that extends through the through compression point 350b near the second edge of the support plate 324. Continued advancement results in the vertical component of the force exerted by the movable pawl 336 and the fixed pawl 336 compressing the plate into a concave shape (e.g., against the underlying stringers 314). See FIG. 11A .

[0240] FIG. 11B 、 FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B It is also shown that the plate 324 of the screening assembly 320 is compressed against various gaskets that extend around the periphery of the support plate 324. That is, a first gasket 319 can be disposed between the first edge 340 of the support plate 324 and the underlying support surface, a second gasket 329 can be disposed between the second edge 342 of the support plate 324 and the underlying support surface, and third and fourth gaskets 317 (only one shown) can be disposed on the upper surface of the concave support surface 314 beneath 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 an 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 against the gaskets not only improves the seal between the screening assembly and the screening machine, but also extends the useful life of the gaskets because there is less movement (e.g., oscillation) of the screening assembly relative to the gaskets. As a result, there is less material that penetrates between the support plate and the gaskets. The reduced movement of the screening assembly relative to the screening machine also results in improved screening. That is, when each screening assembly is held more tightly to the screening machine, the vibrations provided by the screening machine are better transmitted to the material on top of the screening assembly.

[0241] Another benefit of the disclosed embodiments is that the screening assembly can omit the upward flange located near one or both edges of the screening assembly that was previously used to apply compression force to the screening assembly. Removing this flange eliminates the possibility of material becoming trapped behind the flange. Removing this flange or groove, combined with the increased compression force, reduces or eliminates the phenomenon of material running down the edges of the screening assembly.

[0242] FIGS. 1A-15B The pressurized apparatus of the'1 1 1 application can also produce support plates and screening assemblies that do not have grooves and / or flanges along their edges. That is, the support plates can be formed from flat plates. Because there is no need to attach a specialized edge groove to the edges of the support plates, the plates can be stamped or laser cut. Furthermore, 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 of packaging. Furthermore, eliminating the grooves or flanges from the edges of the support plates provides additional surface area that is available compared to a support plate of the same width that has flanges or grooves for attaching the support plate to the screening machine. This additional available surface area allows for additional screening surface to be covered on the top surface of the support plate, thereby increasing the processing capacity of each screening assembly. See FIG. 12A , noting that the screening surface 326 includes 1 1 undulations peaks across its width. A prior art screening assembly of the same width and including an attached groove and / or flange utilizes a screening surface having ten undulation peaks of the same size. Increasing the additional screening surface undulation peaks on the top surface of the support plate results in an increase in screening area of about 5% to 12%. As a result, the processing capacity of each screening assembly is increased by a similar percentage. In other words, attaching the screening plates to the screening machine using the pressurized apparatus disclosed herein can increase the screening area and screening capacity of the screening machine.

[0243] Another benefit of the pressurized systems disclosed herein is that the components of the compression assembly (except for a small portion of the pawl 336) are all located below the screening assembly. Moreover, all of the internal components of the compression assembly are located below the screening assembly. This reduces the wear of these components (e.g., actuator rod) and lowers the maintenance requirements of the screening machine. In other words, by moving these components below the screening surface, these components are not exposed to the material and fluids (e.g., pool) above the screening surface.

[0244] FIGS. 16A-16C An embodiment of a cross-sectional view of a portion of a screening machine is shown, which will be referred to as screening machine 100 for ease of discussion. The cross-sectional view portion can be a portion of a screening machine similar to screening machine 300 of FIGS. 1A-1C , of course with other variations. As shown, the screening machine 100 includes two screening assemblies 120a, 120b (hereinafter 120 unless specifically mentioned) disposed between the interior surfaces of spaced apart wall members 112a, 112b (hereinafter 112 unless specifically mentioned). A center member 116 divides the screening machine 100 into two screening areas. That is, each screening assembly 120 includes a first edge disposed proximate to a wall member 112 and a second edge disposed proximate to the center member 116. While the screening machine 100 is shown as having two screening assemblies that interface with the center member 116, defining two concave screening areas when the screen is compressed, the screening machine can have one screening assembly that defines a single concave screening area between a first wall and a second wall 312. See, e.g. FIG. 1D .

[0245] The compression assemblies 122 are attached to the exterior surfaces of the wall members 112a, 112b. The compression assemblies 122 each include an extendable and retractable telescoping member. The compression assemblies can be similar to the compression assemblies discussed above with respect to FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B . However, the configuration of the pawl can vary. In use, the compression assemblies 122 interface with the first side of the adjacent screening assembly 120 and push the second side of the screening assembly 120 against the center member 116 (or second wall of a single trough screening machine), simultaneously deforming the screening assembly 120 into a concave profile, pressing against one or more underlying concave support surfaces 114 (e.g., stringers). As described below, in one embodiment, the center member 116 or second wall can have a hook that interfaces with the second side of the screening assembly 120.

[0246] FIG. 16A A screening assembly 120 is shown with a screening surface 126, while FIG. 16B a screening machine 100 is shown with the screening surface 126 removed from the screening assembly 120 to expose the underlying perforated support plate 124 of the screening assembly 120. In FIGS. 19A-19CThe configuration of the screening assembly 120 and the support plate 124 is discussed in more detail in the description. FIG. 16C A screening machine 100 is shown in which one of the screening components 120 is removed to expose a concave support surface 114 extending between the first wall 112a and the central support 116. (e.g., single-tank machine) FIG. 1D A similar concave support extending between the first and second walls can be utilized. As shown, each concave support 114 has a first end attached to a wall member and a second end attached to a central support 116. As shown, the concave supports 114 are evenly spaced and parallel. However, other spacing can also be used. Each support 114 has a concave upper surface 115. Gaskets 117 (e.g., rubber or other compressible material) can be disposed on the concave upper surface 115 of each support 114. Thus, 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 press against the gaskets 117 on the upper surface of the concave supports 114, thereby forming a seal between the screening assembly and the screening machine. The width of the gaskets allows for sealing the interface between two longitudinally arranged screening assemblies (not shown).

[0247] FIGS. 16A-16C An embodiment of the screening machine 100 illustrates a "compression" device that horizontally (e.g., against a central support or a second wall) compresses the screening assembly and vertically downward against a concave support. In the compression embodiment, the compression assembly 122 on the wall member 112 includes movable / actuable hooks or pawls 136 that extend through a set of clamping points or through-compression points 152 disposed along the edge 142 of the support plate 124. See also FIG. 19B and FIG. 19C Pawls 136 (each pawl defining a hook in an 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.

[0248] In one embodiment, a set of fixed fingers or hooks 130 are attached to the central support 116 (or the second wall member in the single-slot machine 10A) and extend through a corresponding set of clamping / penetrating compression points 150 disposed along opposite edges 140 of the support plate 124. See also 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 116 using a mounting mechanism that includes a biasing element (e.g., a spring), similar to... FIG. 9A and FIG. 9BThe fixed compression piston assembly is shown. This allows the fixed finger or hook 130 to move slightly during the installation of the screening assembly. This also allows for slight adjustment of the stopping position of the fixed finger or hook 130.

[0249] When moved to the extended position, pawl 136 applies a compressive force "F" having a horizontal component "H" and a vertically downward component "V". See example 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 causes the plate 124 to move away from the wall member and abut against a retaining hook attached to the center member (or the second wall member in a single-tank 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 use of retaining hooks on the center wall (or the second wall member in a single-tank machine) has been discussed herein, it should be understood that in various embodiments, the opposing edges 140 of the plate may engage stops or stop surfaces 26 (e.g., channels) on the center member / second wall, and the retaining hooks may be omitted. Each of these components will be discussed further herein.

[0250] In the above embodiments, the support plate of the screening assembly is configured to interact with a movable piston, the movable piston contacting a mounting hole on the side edge of the support plate, as shown in Figures 3 to 4. FIG. 8B As shown, or interacting with a pawl extending through the compression point of the support plate, as shown in Figures 11 to 17G. In an alternative embodiment, the support plate of the screening assembly can be configured to interact with both types of mounting devices.

[0251] FIG. 18 A support plate 324 is shown, which includes a mounting hole 220 located on a first side edge 340, the mounting hole 220 being configured to receive [Figures 3 to 4]. FIG. 8B The movable piston of the mounting device shown. 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 pistons shown in Figures 11 to 12. FIG. 17G The mounting device shown has a movable or fixed pawl. FIG. 18 The support plate shown can be used in a vibrating screen, which includes the components shown in Figures 3 to 4. FIG. 8B The compression assembly with a movable piston on one side wall is shown in Figures 6F and 6G, as well as the fixed pawl 330 mounted on the second side wall or center stop of the twin-groove machine. Conversely, the same support plate can be used with a vibrating screen, which includes the components shown in Figures 11 to 12. FIG. 17G The compression assembly with a movable pawl shown herein, and including as shown in Figures 3 to 4, are also included. FIG. 8B The fixed compression piston shown is located on the opposite side wall or central stop of the screening machine.

[0252] FIG. 19A 、 FIG. 19B and FIG. 19C respectively show a plan view of the screening assembly 120, the screening assembly 120 with a portion of the screening surface 126 removed, and the support plate 124 in embodiments. As shown, the screening surface 126 is attached to the upper surface of the support plate 124. The support plate 124 is generally rectangular in shape, having a first edge 140, a second edge 142, a first end 144, and a second end 146. The support plate 124 is typically formed of sheet metal, although other materials are possible. The support plate 124 includes a plurality of flow-through apertures 148 that extend through the body of the support plate 124, defined by the edges and ends, and located within the interior of the support plate. As noted above, the support plate 124 supports the screening surface on its upper surface. Such a screening surface can be attached to the support plate 124 in any suitable manner. The flow-through apertures 148 are configured to allow material passing through the support screening surface to pass through the support plate 124. While the flow-through apertures 148 shown in the figures are rectangular, it will be appreciated that the size, shape, and distribution of the flow-through apertures on the support plate 124 can be varied. As previously noted, a plurality of pinch or through-compression points 150, 152 are disposed along the first edge 140 and the second edge 142 of the support plate 124. In embodiments, the through-compression points 150, 152 can be disposed outside of the flow-through apertures 148 (e.g., relative to the centerline of the plate). In the illustrated embodiments, the through-compression points 150, 152 each include a clamp plate 160, as discussed further below.

[0253] As FIG. 17A and FIG. 17BAs shown, for clarity, half of the screening machine is removed, and retaining hooks 130 are attached to the central member 116 below a support surface 118 located at the upper end of the central member 116. The support surface 118 supports a first edge 140 of a support plate 124. A gasket 119 or other compressible seal may be provided between the first edge 140 of the support plate 124 and the support surface 118. The first end of each retaining hook 130 is attached to the central member 116 and extends away from the support surface 118 (e.g., a cantilever). The free end of each hook 130 extends upward such 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 positioned on the machine such that the retaining hooks 130 of the central member 116 (or the second wall) pass through the through compression point 150 on the first edge 140 of the support plate 124. Alternatively, if the fixing hook is omitted from the center member / second wall, 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 movable hook / pawl 136 located 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 combining the through compression point with at least the pawl on the wall member and / or the fixing hook on the center member (or the second wall member in a single-tank 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, thus eliminating the need for manual positioning of the screen plate along the machine length as before.

[0254] Once the screening assembly 120 is correctly positioned, the hook and pawl extend through the compression point, and the compression assembly 122 can be actuated to move the movable pawl 136 from the retracted position to the extended position. This is in FIG. 17C and FIG. 17D As shown in the image. FIG. 17C As shown, each retaining hook 130 can be positioned via a through compression point 150 (shown in dashed lines) on the first edge 140 of the support plate 124, while each movable pawl 136 can initially be positioned via a through compression point 152 (shown in dashed lines) on the second edge 142 of the support plate 124. At this time, the support plate 124 can be substantially planar. Upon actuation, the movable pawl 136 can advance forward and / or rotate 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 also FIG. 17DThis causes the inboard edge of the through-compression point 150 along the first edge 140 of the support plate 124 to be pushed against the fixed 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, in combination with the angled surfaces of the pawl 136 and hook 130, helps the support plate 124 to deflect into the concave profile.

[0255] To improve the engagement of the hook 130 and pawl 136 with the upper surface of the support plate 124, each of these components can include a recessed contact surface. That is, the contact surfaces of the hook 130 and pawl 136 can be recessed relative to the free tips of these components (e.g., as measured from the centerline axis A-A’ of the plate 124). See, for example, FIG. 17C In particular, the free tip 132 of the hook 130 extends above the contact surface 134 of the hook 130 (i.e., relative to the centerline axis A-A’). Likewise, the free tip 137 of the pawl 136 extends above the contact surface 138 of the pawl 136 (i.e., relative to the centerline axis A-A’). The resulting undercut (e.g., hook surface) of the hook 130 and pawl 136 allows each of these components to better engage the top surface of the support plate 124.

[0256] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 17A-17D and FIGS. 19A-19C , the support plate 124 also includes a cleat 160 attached near the inboard edge (e.g., as 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 matingly engage the pawl 136 and / or hook 130. The cleat 160 can be attached to the support plate 124 in any suitable manner (e.g., adhesively, bolted, riveted, welded, etc.). Alternatively, the cleat 160 can be integrally formed with the support plate 124 (e.g., in a metal plate bending and forming process or a molding process). As shown in FIG. 17C and FIG. 17D , the contact surfaces 132, 138 of the hook 130 and pawl 136, respectively, are angled and configured to contact respective angled contact or compression surfaces 162 of their respective cleats 160 (i.e., once the pawl 136 is advanced to contact its cleat 160). The use of mating angled surfaces on the hook 130 and pawl 130 and the cleat 160 allows for increased compression forces to be transferred to the plate 124.

[0257] In one embodiment, the contact surfaces 132 and / or 138 are disposed at an acute angle Θ relative to the generally planar upper surface of the support plate 124 (i.e., prior to compression). In one embodiment, the included angle Θ is between about 5° and 85°. In another embodiment, the included angle Θ is between about 15° and 75°.

[0258] While the use of the cleats 160 to improve contact between the hooks 130 and the detents 136 is shown in various figures, it will be appreciated that the cleats 160 can be omitted in other embodiments. In such embodiments, the hooks 130 and the detents 136 can directly contact the upper surface of the support plate 124. FIG. 17E and FIG. 17F An alternative embodiment of the movable detents 136 is shown, in which the detents 136 include a contact surface 138 formed as an interior angle below the free tip 137. In such embodiments, the interior angle contact surface 138 can directly engage the interior edge of the compression aperture 152. The hooks (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 support plate.

[0259] FIG. 17G Another alternative embodiment is shown, in which the movable detents 136 engage an angled contact face or compression surface 153 formed in cooperation with the support plate 124. More particularly, the interior edge surface of the support plate 124 (e.g., the interior edge surface of the compression aperture 152 measured from the centerline of the plate) can be formed at an angle Θ2 that corresponds to the angle Θ1 of the contact surface 138 of the detents 136. In one embodiment, the angles are equal. In other embodiments, the angles can be different.

[0260] FIG. 20 A second edge 142 of the support plate 124 is shown disposed proximate to the wall member 112 of the screening machine. As shown, the second edge 142 of the support plate 124 is supported on top of a support surface 128 attached to the interior surface of the wall member 112. In the shown embodiment, the support surface 128 is a horizontal flange of a corner bracket having a vertical member attached to the interior surface of the wall member 112. Other support surface configurations are possible. A gasket or other compressible seal 129 can 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 gasket) can be disposed around the entire perimeter of the support plate 124 of the screening assembly. That is, a first gasket 119 can be disposed between the first edge 140 of the support plate 124 and the support surface 118 (see, e.g., FIG. 1), and a second gasket 129 can be disposed between the second edge 142 of the support plate 124 and the support surface 128. In other embodiments, a single gasket can be disposed around the entire perimeter of the support plate 124. FIG. 17A), a second gasket 129 can 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 can be disposed on the upper surface of the concave support surface 114 beneath the first and second ends 144, 146 of the support plate 124 (see, e.g. FIG. 16C and FIG. 17A ). As the compressive force applied to the support plate 124 increases, the compression on all of the gaskets can be increased. Increasing the pressure on the gaskets not only improves the seal, but also increases the life of the gaskets as there is less movement of the screening assembly relative to the gaskets and less material can penetrate between the support plate 124 and the gaskets.

[0261] Another benefit of the disclosed embodiments is that the screening assembly can omit the upward flanges that were previously used to apply compressive force to the screening assembly. Thus, removing such flanges can eliminate the possibility of material becoming trapped behind the flanges. Another benefit provided by the present embodiments is that the screening area of the upper surface of the screening assembly can be increased by engaging the screening assembly from below. In addition, by moving the hooks and detents below the faceplate and below the screening surface, these elements are not exposed to the material and fluids above the screening surface. This arrangement reduces the wear on these compression system components.

[0262] As previously mentioned, the compression assemblies can be actuated in a variety of ways, including manually, hydraulically, and pneumatically, but are not limited thereto. Various ways for manually actuating the compression assemblies are shown herein. More particularly, FIG. 21A and FIG. 21B compression assembly embodiments are shown that utilize a single removable handle to actuate a single compression assembly, FIG. 21C and FIG. 21D compression assembly embodiments are shown that utilize a single removable handle to actuate two adjacent compression assemblies, FIG. 21E the connection of adjacent compression assemblies to allow for dual actuation using a single handle is shown. FIGS. 21A-21E The reference numbers used are consistent with the components of the screening machine of FIGS. 1A-1C However, it should be understood that these means for actuating the compression assemblies can be used with any of the disclosed screening machines.

[0263] As FIG. 21A and FIG. 21BAs shown, the removable handle 400 can be formed with a first engagement end 402 configured to engage (e.g., be received within) the sleeve 379 of the actuator bracket of the compression assembly 322 and an elongated second end 404. Once the first end 402 is inserted within the sleeve 379 of the actuator bracket, a user can grasp the elongated second end 404 of the handle and use the curved handle 400 between its first and second ends to rotate the actuator bracket, thereby actuating or deactivating the single compression assembly 322. A single handle 400 can be used to actuate and / or deactivate multiple compression assemblies.

[0264] FIG. 21C and FIG. 21D A dual handle 410 is shown that can be used to actuate or deactivate adjacent compression assemblies 322a, 322b on the outer wall 312 of the screening machine 300. As noted above, by lowering the compression assemblies below the screening assembly, it has been found that the compression assemblies can be more evenly spaced along the outer wall of the screening machine. Thus, due to this even spacing, a single handle can be configured to engage two (or more) adjacent compression assemblies to actuate or deactivate those adjacent assemblies. As shown, the handle 410 has two engagement ends 402a, 402b, each configured for receipt within the sleeve 379a or 379b of one of the two adjacent compression assemblies 322a, 322b. A user can grasp the second end 406 of the handle (which can again be curved along its length) to rotate the adjacent actuator brackets, thereby actuating or deactivating the two adjacent compression assemblies 322a, 322b.

[0265] FIG. 21E The two adjacent compression assemblies 322a, 322b are shown as being connected to one another by a clamp bar 412. In this embodiment, the clamp bar 412 extends between and physically couples the actuator brackets 376a, 376b of the two adjacent compression assemblies 322a, 322b. Thus, rotation of one bracket 376a or 376b will result in rotation of the other bracket. Based on similar principles, two compression assemblies can be actuated by a single handle (see, e.g., FIG. 21D ). Although FIG. 21E A single clamp bar 412 is shown as being used to attach two adjacent brackets, it will be appreciated that two clamp bars can also be used to couple three brackets. Further, other ways of connecting compression assemblies for joint operation are possible and within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0266] FIG. 21F and FIG. 21G Another embodiment of a compression assembly 422 is shown that can be used with any of the screening machines disclosed herein. The compression assembly 422 is a fluid-operated compression assembly (pneumatic or hydraulic). The assembly 422 is coupled to the actuator bracket 376 of the compression assembly 322 in the same manner as the compression assembly 320. Thus, the assembly 422 is coupled to the actuator bracket 376 by a sleeve 479 that is received within the sleeve 379 of the actuator bracket 376. The sleeve 479 is configured to receive the assembly 422 and to allow the assembly 422 to be rotated within the sleeve 379. The assembly 422 is configured to be rotated within the sleeve 379 to actuate or deactivate the compression assembly 322. FIGS. 13A-13DThe compression assembly disclosed in the middle shares a common inner wall component. Based on similar principles, the pawl 336 is attached to the end of the actuator rod 374, which passes through an inner housing bracket 372 attached to the inner surface of the wall 312 of the screening machine. Rather than providing a manually operated bracket on the outer surface of the wall, the compression assembly 422 includes a pneumatic / hydraulic actuator 450 (hereinafter referred to as a pneumatic actuator) that 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 that engages 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 can include various seals (e.g., O-rings) to seal the interface between the actuator rod and the journal in the housing through which the actuator rod passes. The housing 452 includes an internal cylinder bore that houses a piston 454 that engages 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, a valve 456 can selectively pressurize the cylinder bore area in front of the piston 454 to retract the piston, actuator rod 374, and pawl 336. A technician can then insert the faceplate into the screening machine. The valve 456 (e.g., a three-way valve) can then release the pressure within the cylinder bore. In this embodiment, a plurality of biasing springs 458 are compressed between the rear surface of the piston and an end cap of the cylinder bore. The biasing springs maintain the actuator rod 374 and pawl 336 in an extended position (e.g., locking the screening assembly to the base of the screening machine) in the absence of applied pneumatic pressure, which would cause the actuator assembly 422 to retract. That is, in the extended position, only spring force, and no pneumatic pressure, is required to maintain the actuator rod 374 and pawl 336 in the extended position. The size and number of springs 458 can be selected to maintain the desired compression force on the screening assembly. However, it should be appreciated that variations are possible. For example, a similar pneumatic or hydraulic compression assembly can utilize pneumatic or hydraulic pressure to extend the actuator rod 374 and pawl 336. In such an arrangement, the pressure can be continuously maintained, or a mechanical lock can lock the actuator rod 374 and pawl 336 in the actuated position.

[0267] FIG. 22A and FIG. 22B Another embodiment of a compression screening assembly 620 is shown. More particularly, FIG. 22A A top perspective view of the screening assembly 620 is shown, FIG. 22BA bottom perspective view of the screening assembly 620 is shown, with a portion of the screening surface 626 removed for ease of illustration. As shown, the screening assembly includes a support plate 624 that is generally rectangular with 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-through holes 648 that extend through the body of the support plate 624 and are located on the interior of the support plate. Unlike the pressure support plates discussed above with respect to FIGS. 12A-12C and FIGS. 19A-19C the screening assembly 620 does not require a through-compression point, although they can be present. Instead, the screening assembly 620 includes a plurality of brackets 650 that interface with the support plate 624 of the screening assembly 620 and allow for attachment to an underlying compression assembly. In one embodiment, each bracket 650 includes a flat portion 652 that is attachable (e.g., adhered, welded, etc.) to the bottom surface of the support plate 624. The bracket 650 also includes a downwardly extending tab 654 having a hole 656 configured to interface with a hook member of a movable pawl or a fixed pawl. In one embodiment, each bracket 650 optionally includes an upward tab 658 that is engageable with an edge surface (e.g., 640 or 642) of the support plate 624. In one embodiment, the length of the upward tabs 658 can allow these tabs to interface with an upward flange formed along the length of the support plate edges 640, 642.

[0268] FIG. 22C A screening assembly 620 is shown disposed and compressed between a compression assembly 322 and a fixed hook assembly 330. The compression assembly 322 and the fixed hook assembly 330 are substantially similar to the compression assemblies described above with respect to FIGS. 13A-13F the compression assembly 322 and the fixed hook assembly 330 can use the improved pawls 636. As shown, the improved pawls 636 do not extend too far above the assemblies 322 and 330. That is, since the improved pawls 636 do not need to pass through the support plate 624, the improved pawls 636 can have a different upward dimension. However, each improved pawl 636 can include a hook 632 and an angled contact surface 637. As shown, the tip of each hook 632 passes through the hole 656 in its corresponding mounting bracket 650. Advancement of the movable pawls 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 pawls 636 of the compression assembly 322 causes the screening assembly 620 to deform and FIG. 15A and FIG. 15BThe variations of the screening assemblies discussed above are substantially similar. Notably, the use of the cradle 650 and the improved pawl 636 can allow existing screening assemblies (e.g., screening assemblies having edge flanges) to be used with the pressurized systems of the present disclosure.

[0269] FIGS. 234A and FIG. 23B Another component that can be incorporated into any of the screening machines discussed in the present disclosure is shown. More particularly, these figures show a segmented deck support 380 that supports the deck rubber / gasket along the edges of the screening assembly as well as the edges of the screening assembly itself. Brief reference is made to FIG. 1 for a brief overview of the components of a typical screening machine. FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B In one embodiment, the edges 340, 342 of the support plate 324 are supported above the first and second gaskets 319, 329, which are themselves supported by the segmented deck supports 380. In existing screening machines, the edges of the screening assembly and the inserted rubber / gasket are typically supported by a single ledge or rail (e.g., angle iron) that extends the length of the screening machine along its sidewalls and / or center member. Such existing rail-style supports are often welded to the machine. Thus, if a portion of the rail is damaged (e.g., bent or worn), the entire rail must be replaced.

[0270] As shown in FIG. 234B, the segmented deck supports 380 can be attached to the interior surface of the sidewalls 312 of the screening machine. Likewise, a plurality of deck supports 380 can be attached to the center member (e.g., in a double-deck machine) or second wall (e.g., in a single-deck machine) of the screening machine. In the present embodiment, the segmented deck supports 380 are disposed above one of the compression assemblies 322, respectively. However, it should be appreciated that the segmented deck supports 380 can have other dimensions. For example, a single deck support 380 can span a plurality of compression assemblies 332, or a fixed hook assembly on an opposing wall / center member. FIG. 23A As shown in FIG. 234B, the segmented deck supports 380 can be attached to the interior surface of the sidewalls 312 of the screening machine. Likewise, a plurality of deck supports 380 can be attached to the center member (e.g., in a double-deck machine) or second wall (e.g., in a single-deck machine) of the screening machine. In the present embodiment, the segmented deck supports 380 are disposed above one of the compression assemblies 322, respectively. However, it should be appreciated that the segmented deck supports 380 can have other dimensions. For example, a single deck support 380 can span a plurality of compression assemblies 332, or a fixed hook assembly on an opposing wall / center member.

[0271] FIG. 23B As shown in FIG. 234B, the segmented deck supports 380 can be attached to the interior surface of the sidewalls 312 of the screening machine. Likewise, a plurality of deck supports 380 can be attached to the center member (e.g., in a double-deck machine) or second wall (e.g., in a single-deck machine) of the screening machine. In the present embodiment, the segmented deck supports 380 are disposed above one of the compression assemblies 322, respectively. However, it should be appreciated that the segmented deck supports 380 can have other dimensions. For example, a single deck support 380 can span a plurality of compression assemblies 332, or a fixed hook assembly on an opposing wall / center member.

[0272] ​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 gasket 670 that is 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 the recessed channel 662 and includes a rear surface / shelf 661 that will rest against the wall of the screening machine and a front surface / shelf 663 that extends into the interior of the screening machine. The press-fit channel 662 can include first and second opposing retention ridges 664 to engage the side edges of the tab of the bottom of the gasket. Once the gasket is press-fit into the channel 662, the resulting interference fit can improve the sealing of the wall / center member of the screening machine.

[0273] FIG. 24A and FIG. 24B The engagement of a piece of base rubber or gasket 670 with a base support 380 that is bolted to the wall 312 of the screening machine is shown. A single or multiple base supports can extend along the entire length of the wall of the machine. The gasket 670 has a generally flat upper surface for engaging the bottom surface of the support plate of the upper deck when the screening assembly is compressed onto the machine. See also the gaskets 319 and 329 and the plate 324 of the upper deck in FIG. 15A and 15B In the illustrated embodiment, the gasket 670 also 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 or trailing edge 674 of the gasket is configured to engage the wall 312 of the screening machine. First, the trailing end of the gasket 670 is inserted FIG. 24A and then tilted so that the trailing edge engages and presses against the sidewall 312. The gasket 670 is then snapped into place with the recess 676 of the bottom of the gasket resting on the front shelf 663 of the base support and the front lip 678 of the gasket covering the front edge / lip of the base support.

[0274] FIG. 24C and FIG. 24D The use of a first base support 380a and a second base support 380b to form an improved corner seal of an existing design is shown. More particularly, the first base support 380a can be bolted to the sidewall 312 of the machine continuously to the corner where the sidewall 312 intersects the end wall 306. A first base rubber or gasket 670a can be press-fit into the first base support 380a. A second base support 380b can be attached to the end wall 306. A base rubber or gasket 670b can be provided in this support and can abut against the first gasket 670a. In any event, the corner between the sidewall 312 and the end wall 306 can be completely sealed, which was a problem in the prior design.

[0275] FIGS. 25A-25E Further embodiments of the screening assembly 320 are shown. As shown, the screening assembly 320 includes a screening surface 326 attached to a perforated metal support plate 324 (e.g., steel or any other suitable metal) having a first pair of opposite side edges 340 and 342 and a second pair of edges / ends 344 and 346 as well as an upper surface and a lower surface. The support plate 324 includes holes 348 defined by elongated metal strip portions or members 347 extending between the edges 340, 342 and shorter strip portions 349 extending longitudinally between the ends 344, 346. The holes 348 can be formed by a stamping operation and are approximately 1 square inch of quadrilateral shape with rounded corners, but they can 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 support plate 324 can have a width of approximately 2.5 feet and a length of approximately 3.5 feet, and its thickness can be approximately 1 / 16 inch. However, it should be understood that the dimensions of the support plate 324 can vary as needed to fit different screening machines. The width of each hole 348 is a fraction of the width of the support plate 324 between the edge 340 and the edge 342. The same is true of the relationship between the height of the holes and the length of the plate between the ends 346 and 348. Although not shown, channel-shaped members can be formed with or attached to one or both of the edges 340, 342 for attaching the support plate 324 to the screening machine. However, embodiments that omit such channel members can provide more screening area on the support plate 324 because the area that would otherwise be covered by the channel members can be covered by additional screening surface.

[0276] As FIG. 25D shown, the screening surface 326 is formed of a plurality of screen meshes bonded face-to-face. Thus, the screening surface 326 includes a coarse support screen 323 that can be between 6 and 20 mesh in size, or any other suitable size. A fine screen 325 is bonded to the coarse support screen 323 that can be between 30 and 325 mesh in size, or any other suitable size. A finer screen 327 is bonded to the fine screen 325 that can be between 40 and 400 mesh in size, or any other suitable size. Preferably, the coarseness of the intermediate fine screen 325 should be two U.S. standard screen size grades coarser than the finer uppermost screen 327. The three layers of screens 323, 325, and 327 are bonded to one another by a fused plastic grid 321 that extends through all three layers of screens. As FIG. 25D shown, the screening surface 326 is in the form of a contoured arc and has ridges 331 and troughs 333. The underside of the troughs 333 at 335 are bonded to the support plate 324 by a suitable adhesive (e.g., epoxy). AsFIG. 25E As shown, this adhesion at 335 occurs on all areas of the underside of the trough 333 that contact the strips 347 and 349. The open end of the ridge 331 can be sealed or blocked by a cap that can be molded in place. The cap can be made of polyurethane or other plastic or synthetic material.

[0277] In the foregoing description, the screening assembly includes a screening surface attached to a top surface of a support plate. The support plate includes a through-compression point that is engaged by a pawl 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 can include multiple layers of wire mesh and / or synthetic mesh, as well as an adhesive or cement.

[0278] In alternative embodiments, the configuration of the screening assembly can be quite different. Rather than attaching a screening surface to a top of a support plate, the screening assembly is formed by connecting together a plurality of screening units formed of synthetic or plastic material to form a screening panel. End bars are then secured at opposite ends of the screening panel, and the end bars have a through-compression point similar to the support plate in the previously described embodiments.

[0279] Various embodiments of synthetic or plastic screening units that are connected together to form a screening panel 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, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0280] The above patents disclose a screening assembly formed by connecting together a plurality of individual screening units. Each screening unit can include a screening element having a screening surface, the screening element being attached to a support subgrid. The subgrid of each screening unit can include an attachment member configured to attach the subgrids together. By attaching the subgrids of the plurality of screening units together, a larger screening panel can be formed. End bars are then attached to the ends of the screening panel to form the screening assembly.

[0281] In some embodiments, the screening elements are formed by injection molding plastic or synthetic material, such as thermoplastic. Each screening element includes a plurality of elongated apertures formed between adjacent elongated screening surface elements. The sub-grid can also be formed by injection molding plastic or synthetic material, such as thermoplastic. However, the sub-grid can be formed of a different material or materials than the screening elements.

[0282] As mentioned above, each screening unit is formed by attaching screening elements to a sub-grid. The screening elements and the attachment members on the sub-grid can be used to attach the screening elements to the sub-grid. For example, the apertures on the screening elements can receive corresponding protrusions on the sub-grid, or vice versa. The screening elements can then be secured to the sub-grid by fusing the protrusions and the recesses together. This can be accomplished by laser welding or other similar means. Of course, the screening elements can be attached to the sub-grid by other means, such as by adhesive or mechanical attachment mechanisms. In some embodiments, multiple screening elements can be mounted on a single sub-grid to form a screening unit.

[0283] The attachment members on the grid configured to attach the sub-grids together can include clips and clip holes. The clips on one sub-grid are received in the clip holes on an adjacent sub-grid to attach two screening units together. Of course, various other means for attaching screening units together can be employed to assemble multiple screening units into a larger screening assembly.

[0284] The screening units can have a variety of different shapes. In some cases, each screening unit can have a flat planar shape. In other cases, the screening elements can be attached to a pyramidal sub-grid to form a pyramidal screening unit. The screening assembly made up of multiple screening units can be made up entirely of screening units of the same type. Alternatively, the screening assembly can be formed from a combination of planar screening units and pyramidal screening units.

[0285] FIG. 26 A screening assembly 700 formed from a combination of planar screening units 702 and pyramidal screening units 704 is shown. FIG. 26 Only one corner of the screening assembly 700 is shown. The larger screening assembly 700 will include multiple rows of planar screening units 702 positioned between the rows of pyramidal screening units 704. Each row of planar screening units is formed from a plurality of planar screening units 702 arranged end-to-end. Likewise, the rows of pyramidal screening units are formed from a plurality of pyramidal screening units 704 arranged end-to-end. The sub-grids of the individual screening units 702, 704 are attached to one another by attachment mechanisms, such as clips and clip holes, to form the larger screening assembly.

[0286] End bars 710 are attached to opposite ends of the assembled planar and pyramid screen units 702, 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.

[0287] In FIG. 26 In the illustrated embodiment, the last row of planar screen units 702 and the last row of pyramid screen units 704 are mounted to the top surface 714 of the receiving base 711 of the end bars 710. The end bars 710 have attachment mechanisms configured to cooperate with corresponding attachment mechanisms of the planar and pyramid screen units 702, 704. For example, attachment protrusions 716 on the distal ends of the receiving bases 711 are configured to cooperate with corresponding holes in the planar and / or pyramid screen units 702, 704. Likewise, clip holes 718 are formed in the inner surface 712 of the end rails 713 of the end bars 710. The clip holes 718 are similar to the clip holes on the sub-grids of the planar and pyramid screen units 702, 704. Thus, the clip holes 718 are configured to cooperate with protrusions already provided on existing screen units 702, 704.

[0288] FIG. 27 The end bars 710 are shown mounted to the assembly of planar and pyramid screen units 702, 704 near the side edges. FIG. 28 The screen assembly is shown after the end bars 710 have been secured to the screen units 702, 704. A similar end bar 710 will be mounted to the other side of the assembly of screen units 702, 704. The resulting screen assembly 700 can then be mounted to a vibrating screen machine having the compression mechanism described previously, in substantially the same manner as the screen assembly formed by the support plates and screen surfaces.

[0289] The compression mechanism will exert compression forces on the inner edges of the through compression points 722 of the end bars. These compression forces will push the end bars 710 of opposite ends of the screen assembly 700 together. Thus, the same compression forces used to secure the screen assembly 700 to the vibrating screen machine are also used to push the individual screen units 702, 704 together, thereby helping the screen assembly 700 maintain structural integrity.

[0290] The end bars 710 can be formed of metal or synthetic materials. Each end bar 710 can also have a composite structure including reinforcing elements such as carbon or glass fibers.

[0291] In the foregoing embodiments, the end bars 710 are attached to the screening units 702, 704 using at least some of the attachment mechanisms on the screening units 702, 704 that are used to attach the screening units 702, 704 to each other. However, alternative or additional attachment means can be used to secure the end bars 710 to the assembly of screening units 702, 704. For example, the end bars 710 can be attached to the screening units 702, 704 by adhesive, welding, fusing, using various different fasteners, or a combination of these attachment means.

[0292] Vibratory screening machines generally have an elongated screening area having an inlet end and an outlet end. A plurality of screening assemblies are mounted along the length of the screening area. In single tank embodiments, each screening assembly extends across the entire width of the interior of the screening machine, and the plurality of screening assemblies are arranged along the length of the screening area. In double tank embodiments, each screening assembly extends across a portion of the width of the screening machine (e.g., half). In such embodiments, sets of parallel screening assemblies are arranged along the length of the screening area.

[0293] Material to be screened is deposited at the input end of the screening area, and the screening assemblies are vibrated to cause the material to travel along the length of the screening area to the outlet end. The screening assemblies mounted on the screening area can be mounted to form a continuous screening surface that is at an angle to the horizontal (e.g., the inlet end is higher than the outlet end). The inclined screening surface can help cause the material to travel from the input end to the output end under the influence of gravity. Other configurations are possible.

[0294] The screening assemblies can be made from a variety of different types of materials. These different materials can impart different characteristics to the screening assemblies. In general, screening assemblies made from plastic or synthetic materials can be more resistant to wear associated with the screening operation than screening assemblies made from woven wire mesh. On the other hand, screening assemblies made from wire mesh can have better screening and dewatering characteristics than screening assemblies made from plastic or synthetic materials.

[0295] Conditions in the screening area of a vibratory screening machine vary along the length of the screening area. The entire quantity and weight of the material to be screened is deposited at the inlet end of the screening area. Accordingly, the screening assemblies or assemblies at the inlet end bear the full weight of all of the input material to be screened, and thus are subject to the most wear. As the material travels along the length of the screening area, fluid and smaller particles fall through the screening assemblies. Accordingly, the quantity and weight of the material traveling along the downstream portion (e.g., second half) of the screening area is not as great as the quantity and weight of the material traveling along the upstream portion (e.g., first half) of the screening area. Accordingly, the screening assemblies mounted along the downstream portion of the screening area are subject to less wear than the screening assemblies mounted along the upstream portion of the screening area.

[0296] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems, devices, and methods that minimize overall wear of a set of screening assemblies installed along the length of a vibrating screening machine while maintaining desired screening and dewatering characteristics of the vibrating screening machine. In one embodiment, a screening system, screening machine, and screening method are provided in which different types of screening assemblies are installed along the length of a 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 an initial portion (e.g., first half) of the length of the screening area. Such a plastic or synthetic screening assembly is better able to withstand the greater loads experienced by the screening assemblies located at the initial or inlet portion of the screening area as compared to screening assemblies made of woven wire mesh. In addition, woven wire mesh screening assemblies are installed along the latter half (e.g., second half) of the length of the screening area. As previously mentioned, screening assemblies installed along the outlet portion of the screening area are not subject to the same amount of wear as screening assemblies installed at the inlet portion of the screening area. Thus, when woven wire mesh screening elements are located at the outlet portion of the screening area, wear is not as much of a factor.

[0297] FIG. 29A and FIG. 29B Front and rear perspective views of a screening machine 300 are shown in which different types of screening assemblies are installed along the length of the screening area of the screening machine. In the illustrated embodiment, the screening machine has two sets of parallel screening assemblies arranged along the length of the screening machine. For ease of discussion, only one set of screening assemblies is described. The parallel set can be substantially identical. In addition, this description also applies to single tank screening machines (e.g., FIG. 1D ) in which a single set of screening assemblies extends along the screening area of the machine.

[0298] As FIG. 29A and FIG. 29BAs shown, the screen machine 800 uses first and second plastic or synthetic screening assemblies 810a, 810b (hereinafter referred to as 810 unless specifically mentioned) that are mounted to the machine between the inlet end 801 of the screening area and extend to the first half of the screening area. In addition, the screen machine 800 uses first and second wire mesh screening assemblies 812a, 812b (hereinafter referred to as 812 unless specifically mentioned) that are disposed between the outlet end 804 of the screening area and the center of the screening area. In this embodiment, the four screening assemblies 810a, 810b, 812a, 812b collectively cover the screening area of each slot of the screen machine. In use, material to be screened is input to the inlet end 801 of the machine onto the upper surface of the first plastic / synthetic screening assembly 812a. Due to the vibration of the machine 800, the material passes over the surface of the first plastic / synthetic screening assembly 810a, the surface of the second plastic / synthetic screening assembly 810b, the surface of the first wire mesh screening assembly 812a, the surface of the second wire mesh screening assembly 812b and out of the outlet end 804 of the machine 800. As previously mentioned, the plastic / synthetic screening assemblies 810 are more resistant to wear at the inlet end of the screening area than the wire mesh screening assemblies 812. In addition, as the material to be screened passes along the screening area, a first portion of the material fluidly passes through the plastic / synthetic screening assemblies 810 while the material to be screened travels along the plastic / synthetic screening assemblies 810. As the material passes over the wire mesh screening assemblies, a second portion of the material fluidly passes through the wire mesh screening assemblies 812.

[0299] The screen machine 800 (e.g., hybrid machine 800) that uses a combination of plastic / synthetic screening assemblies 810 and wire mesh screening assemblies 812 can achieve at least as efficient screening and dewatering as a screen machine that uses a full set of wire mesh screening assemblies. In addition, the rate of wear of the wire mesh screening assemblies 812 of the hybrid screen machine 800 is lower than a screen machine that uses a full set of wire mesh screening assemblies. As a result, the wire mesh screening assemblies 812 of the hybrid machine do not need to be replaced as frequently, thereby further reducing the machine’s downtime and increasing its overall efficiency. In addition, the average screen life is also increased.

[0300] FIG. 29C and 29D are shown in FIG. 29A and 29BFIGS. 8A and 8B are end and partial end views of a screening machine 800. As shown in these figures, the plastic / synthetic screening assembly 810 and the wire mesh screening assembly 812 can also have different physical configurations. As shown, in one embodiment, the plastic / synthetic screening assembly 810 and the wire mesh screening assembly 812 can each utilize a corrugated or wavy screening surface having alternating peaks and valleys. In the illustrated embodiment, the height of the peaks of the plastic / synthetic screening assembly 810 is greater than the height of the peaks of the wire mesh screening assembly 812. However, it is understood that the screening assemblies can have a common configuration. Further, while the screening surfaces of the screening assemblies 810, 812 are each shown as a corrugated or wavy surface, it is understood that the screening surfaces can have other configurations (e.g., substantially flat).

[0301] The plastic / synthetic screening assembly 810 can have a screening surface made of synthetic materials such as polyurethane, thermoplastic polymers (e.g., polyurethane), and thermoset polymers, among others, but is not limited thereto. Molded polyurethane screens are described in U.S. Patent 9,908,150, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Thermoset and thermoplastic polymer screens are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Publication US-20210354173, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0302] The wire mesh screening assembly 812 can include one or more layers of woven mesh material. Such woven mesh material can be attached to an underlying support plate by means of gluing, welding, and mechanical fastening. Exemplary wire mesh screening assemblies are described in U.S. Patent 7,228,971, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0303] FIG. 30AOne arrangement is shown that illustrates a plastic / synthetic screening assembly 820 and a wire mesh screening assembly 830 on a dual screening zone screener, as well as an arrangement for a single screening zone screener. In this arrangement, each machine includes a first synthetic screening assembly 820a disposed at the machine inlet / feed end and a second synthetic screening assembly 820b disposed immediately downstream of the first synthetic screening assembly 820a. A first wire mesh screening assembly 830a is disposed downstream of the second synthetic screening assembly 820b. Finally, a second wire mesh screening assembly 830b is disposed downstream of the first wire mesh screening assembly 830a and proximate the outlet end / drain. In this arrangement, the dual screening zone machine uses two sets of parallel synthetic screening assemblies 820a, 820b and two sets of parallel wire mesh screening assemblies 830a, 830b, while the single screening zone machine uses two synthetic screening assemblies 820a, 820b and two wire mesh screening assemblies 830a, 830b. In this regard, one half of the screening zone (i.e., the inlet / upstream half) is covered by synthetic screening assemblies and one half of the screening zone (i.e., the outlet / downstream half) is covered by wire mesh screening assemblies.

[0304] 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 synthetic screening assemblies 820a, 820b, and 820c and a single wire mesh screening assembly 830a at the outlet end. FIG. 30C An arrangement is shown in which the screener uses one synthetic 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.

[0305] While the above has been discussed primarily in connection with screeners having concave support surfaces (e.g., stringers or bulkheads) in which the screening assemblies are compressed into a concave shape, it should be noted that aspects of the various compression devices can be used with screeners of different configurations. For example, the compression devices can be used with screeners having more flat base portions (e.g., less concave or even flat).

[0306] All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader’s understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the disclosure. As used herein, the phrases “configured to,” “configured for” and similar phrases do not mean that a subject device, apparatus, or system is “designed to,” “is intended to,” or “is adapted to” one or more particular purposes, but rather that the subject device, apparatus, or system is effectively or actually “rendered capable” of performing one or more particular tasks and / or one or more particular functions. Connection terms (e.g., “attached,” “coupled,” “connected,” and / or the like) should be construed in a broad sense and can encompass intermediate members between the elements being connected and relative movement between the elements. Thus, connection terms do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many

[0307] Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, if referred to herein, is only incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for a disciplinary range that it does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material specified in this disclosure. Therefore, the disclosure expressly specified herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated by reference herein, to the extent necessary. Any material or portion thereof, if referred to herein as being incorporated by reference, but which is in conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein, is only incorporated into this document as it exists on the date of the filing of this document and not as it exists on the earlier effective filing date of the material / portion.

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 includes 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 including 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 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 respective ones of the first plurality of mounting holes; and moving the 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 corner, and wherein, as each of the first plurality of compression pistons moves from the retracted position to the extended position, the 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 comes to rest on the compression corner, 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 to be urged into engagement with a concave support surface below the vibrating screening machine.

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

3. The method of claim 1, 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, an alignment finger of each of the first plurality of compression pistons is received in an alignment slot of a respective one of the first plurality of mounting holes as the first plurality of compression pistons move from the retracted position to the extended position.

4. The method of 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 receiving portion of the vibrating screening machine includes sliding the side of the support member along the plurality of mounting ramps, and wherein the side of the support member is urged inward toward a center of the screening receiving portion of the vibrating screening machine as the side of the support member slides along the plurality of mounting ramps.

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 back side, a first side and a second side, a top surface, a bottom surface, a plurality of flow-through apertures, and a first plurality of mounting holes along the first side, each mounting hole including at least one compression surface that is inward 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 the first plurality of compression pistons toward the centerline of the support member, wherein each compression piston of the first plurality of compression pistons has at least one compression surface configured to bear against the 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 surfaces of the first plurality of mounting holes includes a first component that is horizontally oriented toward the centerline of the support member and a second component that is vertically oriented 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 the two sides of the support member, and wherein the resultant compression force causes the support member to be urged into engagement with a concave support surface below the vibrating screening machine.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the compression force applied to the compression surfaces of the first plurality of mounting holes combine to apply a retention force to the screening assembly that urges the screening assembly into engagement with the concave support surface of the vibrating screening machine, wherein the retention force is between 2,000 psi and 4,000 psi.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein advancing the first plurality of compression pistons toward the centerline of the support member includes moving the first plurality of compression pistons both inward toward the centerline of the support member and vertically downward.

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

9. The method of claim 5, wherein, A second plurality of mounting holes are provided on the second side of the support member, wherein a second plurality of compression pistons are provided on the vibrating screening machine, each compression piston of the second plurality of compression pistons being configured to not move inward toward the centerline of the support member, and wherein the 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 urged into engagement with compression surfaces of the second plurality of compression pistons such that the 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 including a first component that is horizontally oriented toward the centerline of the support member and a second component that is vertically oriented downward.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, Each compression piston of the second plurality of compression pistons is movably mounted on the vibratory screening machine, and wherein the second plurality of compression pistons moves relative to the vibratory screening machine when the compression surface of the second plurality of mounting holes is pushed into engagement with the compression surface of the second plurality of compression pistons.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The second plurality of compression pistons moves relative to the vibratory screening machine in a direction away from a center of a screening receiving portion of the vibratory screening machine when the compression surface of the second plurality of mounting holes is pushed into engagement with the compression surface of the second plurality of compression pistons.

12. A screening assembly configured to be mounted on a receiving portion of a vibratory screening machine, the vibratory 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-through holes, and a first plurality of mounting holes positioned along the first side, each mounting hole comprising: at least one compression surface positioned inward 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 as the compression piston is advanced toward the centerline of the support member such that a resultant compression force is exerted on 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 slot configured to receive an alignment finger of the compression piston; and a screening surface 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 positioned 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 member comprises a plurality of support elements connected together, the support elements formed of plastic or synthetic material.

16. The screening assembly of claim 15, wherein, The first plurality of mounting holes comprises holes positioned along the first side of the support member, the holes not extending through an entire height of the support member such that an end face of the compression piston of the compression mechanism is received in the first plurality of mounting holes when the compression piston is advanced toward the centerline of the support member.

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

18. A method of securing a screening assembly to a vibratory 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 back side, a first side and a second side, a top surface, a bottom surface, a plurality of flow-through apertures, and a first plurality of mounting holes positioned along the first side, each mounting hole including a compression surface located inward 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 the first plurality of compression pistons toward the centerline of the support member, wherein each compression piston of the first plurality of compression pistons has at least one compression surface configured to bear against the compression surface of a mounting hole, the at least one compression surface of the compression piston being configured such that when the first plurality of compression pistons are advanced toward the centerline of the support member and bear against the compression surfaces of the first plurality of mounting holes, a resultant compression force applied to the compression surfaces of the first plurality of mounting holes includes 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 the sides of the support member, wherein the resultant compression force causes the support member to be urged into engagement with a concave support surface below the 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 vibrational force having an acceleration of 3G to 9G applied to the screening assembly.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, the compression mechanism is configured such that as the compression pistons move inward toward the centerline of the support member, end faces of the first plurality of compression pistons move downward.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein, the at least one compression surface on each compression piston includes a side compression surface and an upper compression surface that meet at a compression corner.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein as the first plurality of compression pistons are advanced toward the centerline of the support member, the compression surface of each mounting hole of the first plurality of mounting holes slides along the upper compression surface or the side compression surface of the respective compression piston until the compression surface of the mounting hole bears against the compression corner of the compression piston.

22. The method of claim 18, wherein the support member of the screening assembly includes a second plurality of mounting holes positioned along the second side of the support member, and wherein placing the screening assembly on the vibrating screening machine further includes positioning the screening assembly such that a 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 the centerline of the support member when the "advancing” step is performed.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein, 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 such 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 including a first component oriented horizontally toward the centerline of the support member and a second component oriented vertically downward.

24. The method of claim 18, wherein, Each compression piston of the first plurality of compression pistons includes an alignment finger, wherein the first plurality of mounting holes includes an alignment slot, and wherein placing the screening assembly on the vibratory screening machine includes positioning the screening assembly such that the alignment slot of the first plurality of mounting holes is aligned with the alignment finger of a corresponding one of the first plurality of compression pistons.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein, Each compression piston of the first plurality of compression pistons includes a compression surface on opposite sides of the alignment finger, wherein each mounting hole of the first plurality of mounting holes includes a compression surface 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 compression piston of the first plurality of compression pistons engage the corresponding compression surfaces on opposite sides of the alignment slot of the corresponding mounting hole of each mounting hole of the first plurality of mounting holes.

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

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

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

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

30. The method of claim 29, wherein, The first plurality of mounting holes includes holes formed in a first side of the support member, the holes not extending through an entire height or thickness of the support member such that, when the first plurality of compression pistons are advanced toward the centerline of the support member, end faces of the first plurality of compression pistons are received within corresponding ones of the first plurality of mounting holes.

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