Compression device, system and method for screening material

Abstract

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

Description

This application is a divisional application of the application with application number 202380064839.9, application date July 5, 2023, and invention title "Compression Device, System and Method for Screening Materials". Cross - reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 464,982, filed on May 9, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference and claims its priority. Technical field

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to material screening. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to devices and methods for compressing a screening assembly onto a screening machine. Background art

[0003] Material screening involves the use of vibrating screening machines. A vibrating screening machine can cause the installed screen to vibrate in order to separate the materials placed on the screen to the desired level. Oversized materials are separated from undersized materials. Over time, the screen wears out and needs to be replaced. Therefore, the screen is designed to be replaceable. Brief description of the drawings

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

[0005] Figure 1B Shown in an embodiment Figure 1A A perspective view of a double - deck vibrating screening machine, in which a replaceable screening assembly has been removed.

[0006] Figure 1C Shown in an embodiment Figure 1A A side view of a vibrating screening machine.

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

[0008] Figure 2A An end view of a part of an exemplary double - deck vibrating screening machine in an embodiment is shown.

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

[0010] Figure 2C Shown in an embodiment Figure 2B A close - up of a part of a vibrating screening machine.

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

[0012] Figure 3B Shows a second embodiment of the support plate of the screening assembly.

[0013] Figure 3C Shows a screening assembly including a support plate as Figure 3B shown.

[0014] Figure 4A Is a top perspective view of a single - trough vibrating screening machine, which includes a side compression mounting mechanism for fixing the screening assembly to the machine.

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

[0016] Figure 4C Is Figure 4A A top view of the vibrating screening machine shown.

[0017] Figure 4D Is Figure 4A An enlarged perspective view of a part of the vibrating screening machine shown.

[0018] Figure 4E Is similar to Figure 4A A perspective view of a part of a single - trough vibrating screening machine similar to the single - trough vibrating screening machine shown, in which the support plate of the screening assembly is placed.

[0019] Figure 4F Is similar to Figure 4A An enlarged perspective view of a part of a single - trough vibrating screening machine similar to the single - trough vibrating screening machine shown, in which the support plate of the screening assembly is placed.

[0020] Figures 5A to 5C Shows the steps of the process of installing the support plate of the screening assembly onto a single - trough vibrating screening machine in an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 6A Is a perspective view of an embodiment of the compression mounting assembly.

[0022] Figure 6B Is Figure 6A A top perspective view of an embodiment of the compression piston of the compression mounting assembly shown.

[0023] Figure 6C Is Figure 6A A bottom perspective view of the compression piston shown in

[0024] Figure 7A Is a perspective view showing the support plate of the screening assembly placed in the base of the vibrating screening machine when the compression piston of the mounting assembly is in the retracted position.

[0025] Figure 7B It is a perspective view showing the support plate of the screening assembly placed in the base of the vibrating screen when the compression piston of the mounting assembly is in the extended position.

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

[0027] Figure 8B It is Figure 8A The bottom view of the compression piston and the mounting holes shown.

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

[0029] Figure 8D It is Figure 8C The bottom view of the compression piston and the mounting holes shown.

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

[0031] Figure 8F It is Figure 8E The side perspective view of the compression piston and the mounting holes shown.

[0032] Figure 8G It is Figure 8E and Figure 8F The perspective view of the end of the compression piston similar to the compression piston shown, and further includes alignment fingers at its distal end.

[0033] Figure 8H It is a perspective view showing a part of the support plate of the screening assembly placed in the base of the vibrating screen when the support plate is mounted to the vibrating screen using a compression piston similar to the compression piston shown in Figure 8G .

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

[0035] Figure 9B It is Figure 9A The cross-sectional view of the fixed compression piston assembly shown in

[0036] Figures 10A to 10C It shows how to use the compression assembly with a compression piston to mount the injection-molded screening assembly in the vibrating screen.

[0037] Figure 11A It shows the end view of the vibrating screen in the embodiment.

[0038] Figure 11BShows in an embodiment Figure 11A Partial end view of the vibrating screen machine.

[0039] Figure 12A Perspective view of the screening assembly in an embodiment.

[0040] Figure 12B Shows in an embodiment where a portion of the screening surface has been removed Figure 12A Perspective view of the screening assembly.

[0041] Figure 12C Top view of the support plate of the screening assembly in an embodiment.

[0042] Figure 12D Shows in an embodiment Figure 12C Close-up view of a portion of the support plate.

[0043] Figure 12E Shows in an embodiment Figure 12C Perspective view when a portion of the support plate is engaged by the hook of the actuator assembly.

[0044] Figure 13A And Figure 13B Shows a first perspective view and a second perspective view of the compression assembly in an embodiment.

[0045] Figure 13C And Figure 13D Respectively show in an embodiment Figure 13A And Figure 13B First side view and second side view of the compression assembly in a retracted configuration and an extended configuration.

[0046] Figure 13E Shows in an embodiment Figure 13A And Figure 13B Cross-sectional view of the compression assembly.

[0047] Figure 13F Shows in an embodiment Figure 13A And Figure 13B Exploded view of the compression assembly.

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

[0049] Figure 14B Shows three views of the inner compression mounting bracket in an embodiment, including: (a) cross-sectional side view; (b) front perspective view; and (c) top view.

[0050] Figure 14CShows three views of the external compression mounting bracket in an embodiment, including: (a) side view; (b) perspective view; and (c) bottom view.

[0051] Figure 14D Shows three views of the eccentric nut in an embodiment, including: (a) first perspective view; (b) second perspective view; and (c) rear view.

[0052] Figure 14E Shows four views of the actuator bracket in an embodiment, including: (a) first side view; (b) second side view; (c) perspective view; and (d) top view.

[0053] Figure 14F and Figure 14G Show the perspective view and exploded view of the fixed hook assembly in an embodiment respectively.

[0054] Figure 15A Shows the compression assembly, fixed hook assembly and plate assembly of the vibrating screen in an embodiment where the plate assembly is not compressed.

[0055] Figure 15B Shows in an embodiment where the plate assembly is compressed Figure 15A the compression assembly, fixed hook assembly and plate assembly.

[0056] Figure 15C Shows in an embodiment where the plate assembly is not compressed Figure 15A and Figure 15B partial close-up views of the compression assembly and fixed hook assembly.

[0057] Figure 15D Shows in an embodiment Figure 15A and Figure 15B partial close-up views of the compression assembly and fixed hook assembly compressing the plate assembly of the screening assembly.

[0058] Figure 15E Shows an alternative pawl for the compression assembly and / or fixed hook assembly in an embodiment.

[0059] Figure 15F and Figure 15G Show the radius of curvature of the under-compression screening assembly and the prior art screening assembly in an embodiment respectively.

[0060] Figure 15H Shows in an embodiment Figure 15F end view of the screening assembly pressed against the base of the under-compression screening machine.

[0061] Figure 15I Shows in an embodiment Figure 15GEnd view of the screening assembly pressed against the base of a prior art screening machine.

[0062] Figure 16A Perspective view showing a part of the vibrator in an embodiment.

[0063] Figure 16B Shows in an embodiment where the screening surface has been removed Figure 16A A part of the vibrator.

[0064] Figure 16C Shows in an embodiment where the screening assembly has been removed Figure 16A A part of the vibrator.

[0065] Figure 17A Shows in an embodiment Figure 16A Perspective view of a part of the vibrator.

[0066] Figure 17B Shows in an embodiment Figure 17A Cross-sectional view of a part of the vibrator shown therein.

[0067] Figure 17C Shows in an embodiment before compression Figure 17A The pawl and hook of a part of the vibrator shown therein.

[0068] Figure 17D Shows in an embodiment after compression Figure 17A The pawl and hook of a part of the vibrator shown therein.

[0069] Figure 17E And Figure 17F Show the pawl in the uncompressed position and the compressed position in an embodiment, respectively.

[0070] Figure 17G Shows another pawl and support plate in an embodiment.

[0071] Figure 18 Shows the support plate of the screening assembly that can be used in combination with two different types of mounting assemblies.

[0072] Figure 19A Perspective view of the screening assembly in an embodiment.

[0073] Figure 19B Shows in an embodiment where a part of the screening surface has been removed Figure 12A Perspective view of the screening assembly.

[0074] Figure 19C Top view of the support plate of the screening assembly in an embodiment.

[0075] Figure 20Shows a partial perspective view of a part of the vibrator in the embodiment.

[0076] Figure 21A Shows a detachable handle that can be used to actuate the compression assembly in the embodiment.

[0077] Figure 21B Shows in the embodiment Figure 21A How the shown detachable handle is connected to the compression assembly to actuate the compression assembly.

[0078] Figure 21C Shows a detachable handle that can be used to simultaneously actuate two adjacent compression assemblies in the embodiment.

[0079] Figure 21D Shows in the embodiment Figure 21C How the shown detachable handle is connected to two adjacent compression assemblies to actuate the two compression assemblies.

[0080] Figure 21E Shows how two adjacent compression assemblies are connected in the embodiment to allow dual actuation using a single handle.

[0081] Figure 21F Shows a pneumatic compression assembly in the embodiment.

[0082] Figure 21G Shows in the embodiment Figure 21F A cross-sectional view of the pneumatic compression assembly.

[0083] Figure 22A And Figure 22B Respectively show the top and bottom perspective views of another embodiment of the compression screening assembly in the embodiment.

[0084] Figure 22C Shows the compression of the screening assembly by the compression assembly and the fixed hook assembly pair Figure 22A And Figure 22B In the embodiment.

[0085] Figure 23A Shows that a plurality of segmented base supports form a support track along the wall of the screening machine in the embodiment.

[0086] Figure 23B Shows a segmented base support in the embodiment.

[0087] Figure 24A And Figure 24B Shows the installation of the base rubber or washer into the base support in the embodiment.

[0088] Figure 24C Shows two base supports forming a corner interface.

[0089] Figure 24D Shows two base rubbers or gaskets forming a corner seal in an embodiment.

[0090] Figure 25A Shows a screening assembly in an embodiment.

[0091] Figure 25B Shows a screening assembly in an embodiment where a portion of the screening surface has been removed.

[0092] Figure 25C Shows a top view of the support plate of the screening assembly in an embodiment.

[0093] Figure 25D Shows a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a screening assembly having a multi-layer screening surface in an embodiment.

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

[0095] Figure 26 Is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a synthetic screening assembly having end rods with through compression points.

[0096] Figure 27 Is a perspective view of the synthetic screening assembly of FIG. 17, showing how the end rods are attached to the screening units.

[0097] Figure 28 Is FIG. 17 and Figure 18 A perspective view of the synthetic screening assembly shown after the end rods have been coupled to the screening units.

[0098] Figures 29A to 29D Shows a double-deck vibrating screening machine including various different types of screening assemblies.

[0099] Figures 30A to 30C Shows how different combinations of different types of screening assemblies are installed together on a vibrating screening machine. Detailed Description

[0100] Material screening involves using a vibrating screening machine. The vibrating screening machine is capable of vibrating the installed screen mesh so as to separate the material placed on the screen mesh to the desired level. Oversized materials are separated from undersized materials. Over time, the screen mesh wears and needs to be replaced. Therefore, the screen mesh is designed to be replaceable.

[0101] Vibrating screening machines are widely used in various industries and usually bear large vibration forces, which are transmitted to the screen and screening components to make them vibrate. One industrial application is oil and gas drilling, where the screen attached to the vibrator is subjected to a compressive force of 2 - 4 k psi to fix the screen to the vibrator. Then, drill cuttings, rocks, and drilling mud are poured on top of the screen at high temperatures, and the screen is vibrated with a force of 3G to 9G.

[0102] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to various applications, including wet and dry applications, and can be applied to all walks of life. 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 component according to the present disclosure is designed to withstand high vibration forces (e.g., acceleration in the range of 3 - 9G), abrasive materials (e.g., fluids with abrasive solids ranging from a few percent to up to 65%), and high load requirements (e.g., fluids with a specific gravity of up to 4). The disclosed screening component is also designed to withstand a compressive load of up to 2000 - 4000 pounds at the edge of the screening component, as described, for example, in U.S. Patents 7,578,394 and 9,027,760, the entire disclosure of each patent being incorporated herein by reference.

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

[0104] Various methods can be used to fix the screen or component to the vibrating screening machine, including clamping, tension mounting, etc. The disclosed compression devices, systems, and methods are designed such that the screening component can be firmly attached to the screening machine under operating conditions including the above-mentioned compressive loads, high vibration forces, and the presence of heavy fluids.

[0105] One method of installing the screening component to the screening machine is to place the screen or component in a compressed state to fix the screen or screening component in place. The screen or screening component can be placed in the vibrating screening machine such that one side abuts a part of the vibrating screening machine while the other side faces the compression component. Then, the compression component can be used to apply a compressive force to the screen or component. The compression component can be electric or manual.

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

[0107] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a compression assembly that can be used to compressively mount a screen and / or screening assembly to a vibrating screen machine. In some embodiments, the compression mounting mechanism can include a compression piston that bears 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 in which one or more hook members pass through the screening assembly and apply a horizontal force to a side surface or edge surface of the screening assembly, and a downward force to 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 screen machine and / or improving the seal between the screening assembly and the screen machine.

[0108] In a compression embodiment, a set of fixed hooks (e.g., wall members or central members) attached to the screen machine extend through a corresponding set of through-compression points (e.g., holes) that extend through the screening assembly inside the screening assembly (e.g., within the perimeter of a support plate of the screening assembly and spaced from a first edge of the support plate). Such fixed hooks can extend from a bottom surface through the screening assembly to an upper surface.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0116] In Figures 1A to 1C the illustrated screener 300, a center member 316 is disposed between the wall members 312 such that the screener has two parallel flow paths (e.g., a double-trough design). As shown, each screening assembly 320 includes a first edge disposed adjacent to the first wall member 312a or the second wall member 312b and a second edge disposed adjacent to the center member 316, the first and second edges forming an abutment surface of the screening assembly. In a single-trough embodiment utilizing a single screening assembly, the center member is omitted such that a single set of screening assemblies extends between the first and second walls of the screener 300A. In this arrangement, one wall can include the compression assembly while the other wall can form the abutment surface. In an alternative embodiment, compression assemblies are provided on both walls. In either arrangement, the compression assembly 322 presses the screening assembly 320 against the concave support 314 to deflect the screening assembly 320 into a concave profile.

[0117] Figure 1B The screener 300 is shown with one screening assembly removed and the screening surface removed from another screening assembly to expose the underlying porous support plate 324. The configuration of the screening assembly 320 and its support plate 324 will be discussed more fully in the following description. As Figure 1B shown, a plurality of concave support surfaces 314 extend 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-trough machine (e.g., Figure 1D)Similar concave supports extending between the first and second walls can be utilized. As shown, each concave support 314 has a first end attached to the wall member and a second end attached to the central support 316. As shown, the concave supports 314 are evenly spaced and parallel. However, other spacings can also be used.

[0118] The compression assembly of the vibrating screen is typically attached to the outer surface of the wall member and includes a telescoping member that extends and contracts to apply pressure to the screening assembly supported on the base of the screen. The telescoping member can advance and contract in response to manually applied force, pneumatic force, hydraulic force, electric force, and spring force. Figure 2A A partial end view of a prior art double - slot screen 10 is shown. The double - slot screen 10 utilizes a compression assembly 22 attached to the first wall 12 of the machine 10 to compress a screening assembly 20 located between the first wall 12 and the central member 16 of the machine. The compression assembly 20 applies a compressive force to a vertical flange 28 extending above the top surface of the screening assembly 20 using a telescoping member 32 (illustrated as a pin). Compression of the vertical flange 28 near the first edge of the screening assembly causes the second edge of the screening assembly to press against the central member 16 (or the second wall of a single - slot screen) 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 deforms from a generally flat, undeformed profile (not shown) into Figure 2A the deflected concave profile shown.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0125] In addition, a compression piston in contact with the side edges of the support plate can apply a greater vertically downward force to the edges of the support plate. In fact, the compression surface of the compression piston abuts against the side edges of the support plate of the screening assembly, such that the compression piston provides a vertical restraint that prevents the side edges of the support plate from moving upward even under the action of high vibration acceleration forces. All these factors contribute to firmly attaching the screening assembly to the support elements of the vibrating screen and help ensure a good seal is formed between the bottom surface of the support plate and the gasket or flange below the screen to prevent any material from bypassing the screening surface and contaminating the screened material.

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

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

[0128] Figure 3B An alternative embodiment of the support plate 202 is shown, which includes a flange 230 extending upward on the side of the support plate 202. Through holes 232 are formed in the upwardly extending flange 230 to allow the compression piston to move inward and engage with the mounting holes 220. The upwardly extending flange 230 can provide the benefits discussed below.

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

[0130] The number and distribution of the mounting holes 220 can be adjusted to achieve various purposes. The 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 machine.

[0131] Figures 4A to 4D A single-tank vibrating screen machine is shown, which includes a first embodiment of a compression mounting mechanism for fixing the screening component to the screen machine. Figure 4A A first perspective view showing a plurality of concave support surfaces 314 is provided, where each concave support surface 314 extends from the first side member 312a to the second side member 312b. The concave support surfaces are arranged from the input end 311 to the output end 313. One or more vibrating motors 18 are mounted on the machine to apply a vibrating force to the machine and ultimately to the screening component mounted on the machine.

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

[0133] Each compression component includes a compression piston 240 that extends through the side member 312a / 312b on which the compression component is mounted. The compression component 322 is capable of causing the compression piston 240 to extend inwardly towards the center of the screen machine and is capable of retracting it backward, away from the center of the screen machine.

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

[0135] As Figure 4EAs 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 cause the compression pistons to extend inwardly towards the center of the screening machine to mount and secure the support plate 202 of the screening assembly to the screening machine. The four compression pistons will interact with the corresponding mounting holes 220 of the support plate (as shown in Figure 3).

[0136] Figure 4F is an enlarged view that provides more details of the support plate 202. As Figure 4F shown, in this embodiment, an upwardly extending flange 230 is provided on the side edge of the support plate 202. However, through holes 232 corresponding to the mounting holes 220 of the support plate 202 are provided in the upwardly extending flange 230. The through holes 232 allow the compression pistons of the compression assemblies 322 to be pushed inwardly so that they can bear 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 assemblies 322 do not bear against the upwardly extending flange 230 as in the mechanism shown in Figures 2A to 2C . Figure 4F shows the temporary position of the support plate 202 before it is pushed downward during the mounting operation to align with the compression pistons of the compression assemblies 322.

[0137] Figures 5A to 5C shows the screening assembly mounting operation. To assist in explaining the mounting operation, Figures 5A to 5B only shows the support plate 202 of the screening assembly. It should be understood that the actual screening assembly will include a screening surface fixed to the top of the support plate 202.

[0138] The triangular mounting ramp 343 (as shown in Figure 4E and Figures 5A to 5Cas shown) are disposed on the side walls 312a, 312b of the vibrating screen. When the screening assembly is installed on the vibrating screen, the installation ramp 343 abuts against the outside of the upwardly extending flange 230 on the side edge of the support plate 220 (if such an upwardly extending flange 230 is provided). If there is no upwardly extending flange 230 on the support plate 202, the installation ramp 343 only abuts against the side edges 206, 208 of the support plate 202. The installation ramp 343 is used to push the side edges 206, 208 of the support plate inward, so that the installation holes 220 are located inside 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 ramp 343 also causes the support plate 202 to bend into a concave shape. Once the support plate 202 assumes a concave shape, the compression piston can more easily cause the support plate 202 to further bend to press the support plate 202 into the installation position. The pre-bending of the support plate 202 can also ensure that when the compression piston engages with the side edge of the support plate, the support plate will continue to bend in the concave direction. In other words, the support plate 202 is pre-bent into a concave shape to eliminate the possibility that the compression piston causes the support plate to bend into a convex shape (where the center of the support plate is away from the vibrating screen).

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

[0140] As Figure 5B shown, then the left side of the screening assembly is pushed downward, so that the left edge of the support plate 202 is also lowered downward, so that the installation hole 220 on the left side of the support plate 202 is aligned and registered with the compression piston 240 of the compression assembly 322 on the left side wall 312b of the vibrating screen. This involves moving the upwardly extending flange 230 on the left edge of the support plate 202 downward along the installation ramp 343 on the left side wall 312b of the vibrating screen. As a result, the support plate 202 changes from the Figure 5A substantially planar shape shown in to the Figure 5B bent shape shown in.

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

[0142] In the final installation step, the compression piston 240 of the compression assembly 322 moves inward. The inward movement of the compression piston 240 causes the compression surface 246 of the compression piston 240 to engage with the compression surface 222 of the mounting hole 220 on the support plate 202. As Figure 5C shown, the further inward movement of the compression piston 240 exerts a force on the compression surface 222 of the mounting hole 220, causing the support plate 202 to bend further and be pushed into engagement with the concave support surface 314 below the vibrating screen. Figure 7B shows the state in which the compression piston 240 moves inward and engages with the compression surface 222 of the mounting hole 220 on the support plate 202. Figure 7B It also shows that the alignment fingers 244 at the ends of each compression piston 240 move into the alignment slots 224 of the corresponding mounting holes 220 on the support plate 202.

[0143] Figure 6A shows a perspective view of some elements of an embodiment of a compression assembly 322 for mounting a screening assembly to a vibrating screen. Figure 6A It also shows portions of the support structure below the vibrating screen that support the side edges of the screening assembly.

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

[0145] As Figures 4A to 4D shown, the housing 351 includes a mounting bracket 328 configured to be bolted to the side wall of the vibrating screen. The side wall of the vibrating screen is not shown in FIG. 6 so that the elements of the compression assembly 322 can be clearly depicted.

[0146] The ends of the compression pistons are configured to extend from the side wall (not shown) of the vibrating screen and extend above the top of a washer 670 mounted on a base support 380. This allows the ends of the compression pistons 240 to bear against the mounting holes at the side edges of the support plate of the screening assembly. The side edges of the support plate of the screening assembly will rest on the washer 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 washer 670 so as to form a seal between the bottom surface of the support plate and the top surface of the washer 670.

[0147] To actuate the compression assembly 322, a rod can be inserted into the sleeve 341 and the sleeve 341 and the attached pivot arm 352 can be pivoted about the shaft bolt 353. This causes the rear end of the spring 245 to move inward, which in turn causes the front end of the spring 245 to apply an inward force to the shoulder 245 of the compression piston 240, thereby urging the compression piston to move inward. This causes the end of the compression piston 240 to bear against the mounting hole of the support plate of the screening assembly (described in more detail below) and apply a compressive force to the support plate. Once the pivot arm 352 and the sleeve 341 have rotated about the shaft bolt 353 by a sufficient amount, the locking rod 334 can be rotated downward to rest in the locking groove on the pivot arm 352, thereby preventing the pivot arm 352 from rotating in the reverse direction and releasing the pressure applied to the compression piston 240. This arrangement causes the end of the compression piston 240 to apply a compressive force to the support plate. However, the end of the compression piston 240 can remain in various different positions relative to the housing 351 and the side wall to which the housing 351 is attached.

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

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

[0150] As Figure 6C shown, a flat bottom surface 248 is provided on the bottom face of the compression piston 240. Two portions of material are removed from the bottom of the end face 242 to form a center alignment finger 244. The portions removed on either side of the alignment finger 244 each include a side compression surface 246 and an upper compression surface 247, which intersect at a compression angle 250. In some embodiments, the side compression surface 246 does not form a perpendicular angle relative to the central longitudinal axis of the compression piston 240, but slopes downward and forward towards the end of the compression piston. Similarly, in some embodiments, the upper compression surface 247 is 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.

[0151] When the end of the compression piston 240 engages the mounting hole 220 on the side edge of the support plate 202 of the screening assembly, the alignment fingers 244 extend into the alignment slots 224 of the mounting hole 220. The compression surface 222 of the mounting hole 240 may initially contact the side compression surface 246 or the upper compression surface 247. As the compression piston 240 continues to move inward, the compression surface 222 of the mounting hole 220 will move along whichever surface they initially engaged until the compression surface 222 comes to rest within the compression angle 250. Further inward movement of the compression piston 240 then causes the support plate to bend into a concave shape and be pushed into engagement with the underlying support structure on the vibrating screen.

[0152] By confining the compression surface of the mounting hole 220 of the support plate 202 within the compression angle 250 at the end of the compression piston 240, a compressive 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 sidewall 312 of the vibrating screen such 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 generate a downward component of the compressive force. However, even if the compression piston is mounted to move horizontally inward, the angled upper compression surface 247 at the end of the compression piston will still generate a downward component of the compressive force. As described above, this vertical downward force pushes the support plate 202 into engagement with the underlying sealing gasket 670 on the vibrating screen. During screening operation, when the screening assembly is subject to significant acceleration forces, this vertical downward force can also cause the screening assembly to be firmly attached to the vibrating screen.

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

[0154] The inward movement of the compression piston 240 also applies a compressive force to the compression surface 222 of the mounting hole 220 that 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. Since the inward compressive force is substantially in the plane of the support plate 202 at the side edges, the inward compressive force also does not cause the side edges 206, 208 of the support plate 202 to rotate upward away from the 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.

[0155] In existing compression installation schemes, when a 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. Thus, when the material to be screened finally lies behind the flange - essentially between the outer surface of the flange and the side wall of the screening machine - it is not possible for the material to re-enter the screening area. In contrast, in the above design, through holes 232 are provided in the flange 230, and any material accumulating between the outside of the flange and the side wall of the screening machine can pass through the through holes 232 and re-enter the screening area. Additionally, 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 at the front and rear edges of the upwardly extending flange 230, the material remaining behind the upwardly extending flange 230 can re-enter the screening area. In Figure 7A instances can be seen where the upwardly extending flange 230 does not extend the entire length of the side edge of the support plate 202 but terminates before the front edge of the support plate 202. These design features help ensure that substantially all the material deposited on the screening assembly is screened and help prevent material accumulation between the flange 230 and the side wall of the screening machine.

[0156] Figure 7A and Figure 7B shows one side edge of the support plate 202 of the screening assembly abutted against a sealing gasket 670, while the sealing gasket 670 itself is mounted on the side wall of the vibrating screening machine through a gasket support 270. As described above, the compression piston 240 applies a compressive force to the mounting hole on the side edge of the support plate 202. The compressive force can include a horizontally inward component and a vertically downward component. The vertically downward component pushes the bottom surface of the support plate 202 into engagement with the top surface of the sealing gasket 670. This helps prevent any screened material from bypassing the side edge of the screening assembly and bypassing the screening assembly, thus contaminating the material that has passed through the screening assembly.

[0157] Figure 7A shows the situation where the compression piston 240 is in the retracted state, which allows the support plate 202 to be lowered to the appropriate position on the vibrating screening machine, where the side edge of the support plate 202 rests on the sealing gasket 670. Note that when the support plate 202 is lowered to the appropriate position, 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.

[0158] Figure 7B shows the situation where the compression piston 240 moves inward to apply a compressive 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 project into the corresponding alignment grooves 224 on the mounting hole.

[0159] Figure 8A andFigure 8B An alternative embodiment of the compression piston 440 and the corresponding mounting holes in the support plate are shown. In this embodiment, the compression piston 440 includes triangular alignment fingers that include a first inclined side surface 444a and a second inclined side surface 444b extending from the end face 445. The mounting holes in the support plate include triangular alignment slots formed by a first inclined side edge 424a and a second inclined side edge 424b. When the compression piston 440 moves inwards, the triangular alignment fingers are received in the triangular alignment slots.

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

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

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

[0163] Figure 8E and Figure 8F Another embodiment of the compression piston 470 and the corresponding mounting holes in the support plate of the screening assembly 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 passing through the through hole in the upwardly extending side flange 230 has a generally triangular cross-section. The inclined side surfaces 472a, 472b at the end of the compression piston 470 generally reflect 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, which enables the screening assembly to be correctly positioned on the vibrating screen.

[0164] Since the alignment function as described above can be provided, the mounting holes 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 groove 224 in the mounting hole 220 of the support plate 202. The corresponding compression surfaces 476 and 477 at the ends of the compression piston 470 abut against the single compression surface 475 of the mounting hole to fix the screening assembly to the vibrating screen.

[0165] Figure 8G The end of an alternative embodiment of the compression piston 480 is shown, which has 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 alignment fingers 474. Compression surfaces 476 and 477 are formed on both sides of the alignment fingers 474. The alignment fingers 474 are configured to be received in the alignment grooves 224 of the mounting holes 220 of the support plate 202, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0166] Figure 8H Shown is Figure 8G how the compression piston 480 shown in Figure 8H engages with the support plate to mount the screening assembly to the vibrating screen. As

[0167] In Figure 8H the embodiment shown, the alignment function can be jointly performed in the following ways: (1) the inclined sides 472a, 472b of the compression piston 480 interact with the inclined side surfaces 473a, 473b of the through holes; and (2) the engagement between the alignment fingers 474 on the compression piston 480 and the alignment grooves 224 of the mounting holes on the support plate of the screening assembly.

[0168] In some embodiments, the through-holes in the upwardly extending side flanges 230 may be configured to be large enough such that there is some clearance between the inclined side surfaces 473a, 473b of the through-holes and the inclined sides 472a, 472b of the compression piston 480. However, even with a substantial clearance, the interaction between the compression piston 480 and the through-holes will provide a rough alignment function to ensure that the screening assembly is installed in a nearly correct position on the vibratory screening machine. Then, when the compression piston 480 is pushed inward, the engagement between the alignment fingers 474 on the compression piston 480 and the alignment slots 224 on the support plate will provide fine adjustment to the position of the screening assembly on the vibratory screening machine.

[0169] In prior art machines (such as Figures 2A to 2C the machine shown therein), where the compression piston abuts against an upwardly extending flange on the side of the support plate of the screening assembly, the screening assembly may be installed in the wrong position on the vibratory screening machine in the length direction or the material feed direction. The screen may also be tilted or slightly misaligned, which may result in some compression pistons applying little or no compression force to the upwardly extending flange, thereby weakening the holding force. Additionally, when the screening assembly is installed in a tilted or slightly misaligned manner, the screening assembly will not present the correct concave shape, and the bottom of the screening assembly is unlikely to form an effective seal with the lower gasket on the vibratory screening machine.

[0170] In contrast, for the mounting mechanism discussed above and shown in FIGS. 3 to Figure 8H the engagement of the end of the compression piston with the mounting holes on the side of the support plate ensures that the support plate and the screening assembly are correctly positioned on the vibratory screening machine in the length direction or the material feed direction. Additionally, the engagement between the end of the compression piston and the mounting holes prevents the screening assembly from being installed in a tilted or slightly misaligned manner and ensures that each compression piston actually applies the correct type of compression force to the support plate. All these factors contribute to ensuring that the screening assembly is correctly positioned on the vibratory screening machine and that the support plate of the screening assembly is firmly pressed into engagement with the lower gasket of the vibratory screening machine.

[0171] Furthermore, in prior art machines such as Figures 2A to 2C shown therein, the engagement between the compression piston and the upwardly extending flange may cause permanent deformation of the flange of the screening assembly. This may result in the holding force applied by the compression piston being less than expected. Additionally, if the permanently deformed screening assembly is removed and then reinstalled on the vibratory screening machine, it is difficult for maintenance personnel to notice the deformation. Therefore, the force during reinstallation of the screening assembly may be less than expected. In contrast, for the compression assembly discussed above and shown in FIGS. 3 to Figure 8H such permanent deformation is less likely to occur.

[0172] Furthermore, the screening assembly used in conjunction with the mounting mechanism discussed above (FIGS. 3 toFigure 8H shown) does not require an upwardly extending flange, while the mounting systems of the prior art (such as Figures 2A to 2C the mounting system shown in ) require an upwardly extending flange. This reduces the manufacturing cost, speeds up the assembly process, and makes the screening assembly lighter, thus reducing the transportation cost. In addition, since there are no side flanges, there will be no problem of materials being trapped behind the side flanges, thus improving the screening operation efficiency.

[0173] In Figures 4A to 4D the illustrated vibrating screening machine embodiment, the screening machine has a single trough, and the compression assembly 322 is located on two side walls of the screening machine. In this type of screening machine, 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 screening machine. This configuration is advantageous in that only the compression assembly 322 on one side of the screening machine is used to mount the screening assembly to the screening machine.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0181] The compression piston 260 can slide inwardly into the housing 268, which causes the spring 261 to be compressed. Depending on how the fixed compression piston assembly 239 is adjusted, when no force is acting on 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.

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

[0183] Figures 4A to 4D The single-slot vibrating screen machine shown may include a plurality of compression assemblies 322 on the first sidewall and a plurality of fixed compression piston assemblies (as Figure 9A and Figure 9B shown) on the second opposite sidewall. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The double-slot vibrating screen machine shown may include a plurality of compression assemblies mounted on the first and second outer sidewalls of the screen machine, wherein the fixed compression piston assemblies are mounted on both sides of the central stop 316.

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

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

[0186] Figures 10A to 10C Illustrates how to use a compression assembly 322 (including a compression piston 240) to mount another screening assembly on a vibrating screen, the other screening assembly being formed by connecting together screening units formed of an injection-molded support structure and injection-molded screening elements. Figures 10A to 10C Only a part of the entire screening assembly is shown to help clearly describe how the installation process proceeds. In Figures 10A to 10C only the support elements of a part of the entire screening assembly are depicted. The screening elements will be mounted on top of the support elements shown in Figures 10A to 10C In.

[0187] Figure 10B Illustrates that a part of the entire screening assembly is formed by connecting together a plurality of planar support elements 281 and a plurality of pyramidal support elements 280. Figure 10B As best shown in, each support element 280 / 281 includes an attachment member that allows the individual support elements to be attached to each other. The attachment member includes a projecting clip 284 and a clip hole 283. The clip hole 283 on the first support element receives the clip 284 of the second adjacent support element to connect the support elements together. Figures 10A to 10C Illustrates that a plurality of flat support elements 282 are connected end to end to form an elongate strip of two flat support elements 282. A plurality of pyramidal support elements 280 are connected end to end to form an elongate strip of pyramidal support elements 280. Then, the sides of the elongate strip of pyramidal support elements 280 are connected to the sides of the elongate strip of two flat support elements 281 to form a part of the complete screening assembly. As described above, the screening elements (not shown) will be mounted on top of the support elements.

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

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

[0190] Multiple support elements attached together, along with possible clamping bars, roughly correspond to the support plates of the screening assembly in the previous example. In the following description, the terms "support plate" and "support member" are used interchangeably to refer to the part of the screening assembly that interacts with the mounting mechanism to secure the screening assembly to the vibrating screen.

[0191] As Figure 10C shown, mounting holes 284 are formed on the outer edge of the clamping bar 282. The mounting holes 284 are configured to receive the end of the compression piston 240 of the compression assembly 322 of the vibrating screen. To mount such a screening assembly onto the vibrating screen, the complete screening assembly with clamping bars on opposite side edges is placed on the machine such that the mounting holes 284 in the clamping bars are aligned with the compression piston 240 of the compression assembly. Then the compression piston is moved inward into the mounting holes 284 of the clamping bar 282. The way the end element of the compression piston engages with the inner surface of the mounting hole is substantially the same as the way of connecting the first type of screening assembly described above. This can include alignment fingers 244 on the compression piston 240 that are received in alignment slots 285 of the mounting holes 284. The end face of the compression piston can abut against either or both of the lower compression surface 286 and the upper compression surface 287 of the mounting hole 284. This allows the compression piston 240 to exert a horizontal inward force and a vertical downward force on the clamping bar 282 and the rest of the screening assembly. These forces push the bottom surface of the screening assembly into engagement with the support structure of the vibrating screen below the screening assembly.

[0192] Of course, compression assemblies 322 with movable compression pistons 240 can be provided on opposite sides of the vibrating screen such that the movable compression pistons 240 engage with the clamping bars on the opposite sides of the screening assembly. Alternatively, such a screening assembly can be used with a vibrating screen where a fixed compression piston assembly as Figure 9A and Figure 9B shown is used on one side of the screening assembly.

[0193] In some embodiments, the clamping bar 282 can also be made of a synthetic material or a plastic material by injection molding or other forming techniques. In alternative embodiments, the clamping bar can be a composite structure that includes some injection molded plastic or synthetic elements and strengthening members made of metal or glass fiber. The strengthening members will be configured to help distribute the compression force applied by the compression piston over the entire side of the screening assembly. Additionally, the clamping bar can be formed of a metal material.

[0194] In some embodiments, the mounting holes 284 may be configured to receive the same type of compression pistons that are used with other types of screening assemblies (such as the screening assembly including the metal support plate described above). In alternative embodiments, the mounting holes 284 may be configured to receive the ends of compression pistons of different sizes and / or shapes. For example, the mounting holes 284 of the clamping strip 282 may include larger compression surfaces 286, 287 to allow a certain amount of compression force to be distributed over a larger area. This may require the use of compression pistons with different larger surfaces to mount such screening assemblies on the vibratory screening machine. Alternatively, an end cap with a larger compression surface may be mounted on the end of the compression piston designed to be used with the first type of screening assembly described above. Here, the end cap mounted on the end of the compression piston will also be configured to distribute a certain amount of compression force over a larger area than in the first embodiment described above.

[0195] In some embodiments, the clamping strip 282 may be constructed such that the mounting holes 284 are made of a material that is stronger than the other parts of the clamping strip 282. This can be achieved by inserting a hard plastic or metal insert into the holes in the clamping strip to form the mounting holes 284, or the entire clamping strip 282 may be formed of metal.

[0196] The second type of screening assembly and compression mounting mechanism utilize a compression mechanism that passes through the mounting holes in the support plate from the underside of the screening element. Figure 11A FIG. 8 shows an end view and a partial end view of a double-slot screening machine 300 including this second type of compression mounting mechanism. As previously described, the double-slot screening machine 300 includes two parallel screening assemblies 320a, 320b (hereinafter referred to as 320 unless otherwise specifically mentioned), which are disposed between the inner surfaces of spaced-apart wall members 312a, 312b (hereinafter referred to as 312 unless otherwise specifically mentioned). The central member 316 divides the screening machine 300 into two parallel screening regions. Each screening assembly 320 includes a first edge disposed adjacent to the wall member 312 and a second edge disposed adjacent to the central member 316. A compression assembly 322 presses each screening assembly against the underlying concave support 314. A gasket 317 (e.g., rubber or other compressible material) may 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) may bear 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 may allow the interface between the two longitudinally disposed screening assemblies to be sealed.

[0197] As Figure 11AAs shown, one of the screening assemblies 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 a undulating or corrugated surface, it should be understood that the screening surface can have other configurations (e.g., substantially flat). The screening surface can 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. Each screening assembly also includes an underlying porous support plate 324.

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

[0199] It is noted that the pawl 336 applies a downward component of the compression force to the top surface of the support plate 324, which is supported between its side edges 340, 342 before compression (see, e.g., Figure 15A)。Applying such a force between the support side edges of the plate provides a multiplying effect for the downward force as compared to existing systems that apply compressive force to the edges of such a screening assembly and require the plate to "bend" to deflect into a concave profile. That is, the distance between plate edges 340 and 342 and the location where pawl 336 engages plate 324 provide a moment arm for the downward applied force.

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

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

[0202] like Figure 12A and Figure 12B As shown, the screening surface 326 is shown as an undulating or corrugated surface. However, it should be understood that the screening surface 326 can have other configurations (e.g., substantially flat). The screening surface 326 can be made of a woven mesh material, metal, and / or a synthetic material, such as polyurethane, a thermoplastic polymer (e.g., polyurethane), and a thermosetting polymer, but is not limited thereto. When a woven mesh material is used, the screening surface 326 can include one or more layers of woven mesh material. Such a woven mesh material can be attached to the support plate 324 by gluing, welding, and mechanical fastening. The following description will be made in conjunction with Figures 25A to 25EThe discussion of such multi-layer woven wire screens is provided by the discussion in

[0203] In the illustrated embodiment, the through-compression point 350 is generally T-shaped, and each through-compression point has a generally rectangular opening (e.g., a first hole portion) that has an alignment slot 354 (e.g., a 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 Figure 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.

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

[0205] The joint alignment slots 354 and the alignment joints 338 provide a positive positioning system for the screening assembly 320. That is, once the joint 338 is positioned through the alignment slot 354 in the screening assembly, the position of the screening assembly 320 along the longitudinal length of the screening machine (i.e., along the length of the wall) is necessarily correct, thus eliminating the need to manually position the screening assembly along the length of the screening machine as in the past. Due to the alignment device, the correct positioning of the screening assembly can prevent adjacent screening assemblies from jamming together or separating from each other during use, leaving a gap. The correct positioning also ensures that the screening assembly is not inappropriately compressed, which may cause damage. In addition, the correct positioning can better align the screening assembly with the gasket below, thus providing a better seal. Moreover, since the alignment device reduces the need for fully manual positioning of the screening assembly, the time required to install a set of screening assemblies is shortened.

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

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

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

[0209] As Figures 13A to 13F shown in various ways, the compression assembly 322 has an outer compression mounting bracket 370 configured to be attached to the outer surface of the wall member of the vibrating screen. The compression assembly 322 further includes an inner compression mounting bracket 372 configured to be attached to the inner surface of the wall member of the vibrating screen. The brackets 370, 372 are designed to be mounted face-to-face with the wall member located therebetween (not shown). The brackets 370, 372 can be bolted together through the wall member. As further discussed below, the compression mounting brackets 370, 372 together 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 pawl 336 is attached to the front end or distal end of the actuator rod 374. As shown, when the assembly 322 is mounted to the vibrating screen, the actuator rod 374 is arranged at a downward angle "α" (e.g., an inclination angle) with respect to the horizontal plane (see, for example, Figure 13E ). This inclination angle facilitates applying a downward force to the screening assembly when the pawl 336 of the compression assembly is extended. In some embodiments, the inclination angle α is between about 0° and 20°. In some embodiments, the inclination angle α is between about 1° and 10°.

[0210] In Figures 13A to 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, as well as various other cross-sectional shapes. Additionally, 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.

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

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

[0213] Figure 14A Three views of the pawl 336 in an embodiment are shown, including: (a) a rear perspective view; (b) a front perspective view; and (c) a side view. The pawl 336 is configured for use in conjunction with Figures 12A to 12C a screening assembly shown that includes a through-compression point 350 that has a positioning slot 354 for receiving an alignment joint. The pawl 336 includes a first hook 332a and a second hook 332b and an alignment joint 338. In the embodiment shown, the alignment joint 338 is integrally formed with and disposed between the first hook 332a and the second hook 332b.

[0214] The contact surfaces (e.g., hook surfaces) 337 of each of the hooks 332a, 332b are arranged at an acute angle Θ relative to the generally flat upper surface of the screening assembly (e.g., prior to compression). The contact surface 337 may include two or more flat surfaces, each flat surface being oriented at a different angle relative to the flat upper surface of the screening assembly. The contact surface 337 may also be curved or arcuate. 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°. In yet another embodiment, the included angle Θ is between about 50° and 60°. The acute angle of the contact surface 337 of the pawl 336 facilitates applying a downward force on the screening assembly as the pawl 336 advances.

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

[0216] The mounting element 504 includes a hole 506 for attaching the pawl 336 to the distal end of the actuator rod 374 via an attachment element 381 such as a bolt. See, for example Figure 13E .. This attachment allows for easy replacement of the pawl 336, which is a component that wears during machine operation. Additionally, since the compression assembly and the pawl 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 the wear of these components.

[0217] In the illustrated embodiment, joint 338 extends vertically above double hooks 332a, 332b. Additionally, the top inner edge of joint 338 forms an angled or inclined surface 362. As described above, joint 338 ensures correct longitudinal positioning of the screening assembly along the length of the sidewall of the screening machine when engaged with alignment slot 354 in the screening assembly. The use of inclined surface 362 on compression assembly joint 338 and corresponding inclined surfaces on joint 338 of the relatively fixed hook assembly ensures correct lateral positioning between the sidewalls (or sidewall and central member) of the screening machine. More specifically, support plate 324 may be fixed to compression assembly joint 338 and slide downward along inclined surface 362. The same process occurs for the engagement of joint 338 of fixed hook 336. Thus, the positioning of support plate 324 between the wall members or between the sidewall and central member is necessarily correct. This may allow edges 340, 342 of support plate 324 to be correctly positioned on gaskets 319, 329 that cover the support surfaces supporting the edge surfaces 340, 342 of support plate 324. See Figure 15A and Figure 15B . This positioning can improve the seal between the screening assembly and the screening machine. Additionally, the positioning of the screening assembly provided by the alignment means reduces the time required to install a set of screening assemblies.

[0218] Figure 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. Inner compression mounting bracket 372 includes a base plate 516 configured to be attached to the inner wall of the screening machine. A hollow journal housing 518 extends from base plate 516. The size of the hollow interior 510 of journal housing 518 is designed to accommodate actuator rod 374 and surrounding spring 384. See also Figure 13E . The hollow interior 510 of journal housing 518 includes a stepped portion 512 with a reduced diameter. When assembling the actuator assembly, a collar 377 disposed around actuator rod 374 abuts against stepped portion 512.

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

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

[0221] Figure 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 rear view. The eccentric nut 540 is configured to attach the locking latch 390 to the stud 528 of the outer compression mounting bracket 370. The eccentric nut 540 includes a first cylindrical outer surface 542 sized to fit within the corresponding hole 396 of the locking latch. See also Figure 13F. During assembly, the locking latch 390 rotates about its 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. When the eccentric nut 540 is fixed to the outer bracket stud 528, this retaining lip holds the locking latch 390 in place. The eccentric nut 540 includes two hollow inner portions, a circular portion 546, and a hexagonal portion 548. The circular portion 546 of the nut 540 is configured to fit over and around the circular portion 530 of the outer bracket stud 528, while the hexagonal portion 548 of the eccentric nut 540 is configured to fit over and around the hexagonal portion 532 of the outer bracket stud 528. The hollow inner portion of the eccentric nut 540 is offset from the central axis of the outer cylindrical surface of the nut 540. When the eccentric nut 540 engages with the stud 528 (see Figure 14C ), the mating hexagonal portions prevent the eccentric nut 540 from rotating. Additionally, by selecting the orientation of the eccentric nut 540 relative to the stud 528, the position of the outer surface 542 about which the locking latch 390 rotates can be adjusted. This adjustment can allow for fine-tuning of the latch and / or spring compression.

[0222] Figure 14E Four views of the actuator bracket 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 bracket 376 is attached to the outer compression mounting bracket 370 by bolts or pins passing through holes 383 that pass through the first extension arm 378a and the second extension arm 378b. As described above, the inner surfaces of the extension arms 378a, 378b respectively include a first pin 371a and a second pin 371b, which are configured to pivotally engage side notches 375 in the actuator rod 374. See also Figure 13E and Figure 13F . The distal tips 385a, 385b of the forked extension arms 378a, 378b are configured to engage the rear end of the spring 384 during assembly of the compression assembly.

[0223] Figure 14F and Figure 14G A perspective view and an exploded view of a fixed hook assembly 330 for attaching to a wall member or a central member of a screening machine in an embodiment are shown. The fixed hook assembly 330 uses the same pawl 336 as that used with the compression assembly (as described above in connection with Figure 14A ), which includes a joint 338 disposed between two hooks 332a, 332b. For the sake of brevity, further discussion of the pawl 336 is omitted. When used with the fixed hook assembly 330, the mounting element 504 of the pawl is bolted to a mounting bracket 560, which has a plate 562 configured for attachment to (e.g., bolting or welding) a wall or a central member of the screening machine.

[0224] In some embodiments, the fixed hook assembly 330 may include a biasing element, such as a spring, similar to the fixed compression piston assembly shown in Figure 9A and Figure 9B . This will allow the fixed hooks 332a, 332b to move slightly when installing the screening assembly. This can also allow for a slight adjustment of the resting position of the fixed hooks 332a, 332b.

[0225] Figure 15A and Figure 15B show the movable pawl 336 of the compression assembly 322 engaging with the fixed pawl 336 of the fixed hook assembly 330 to compress the support plate 324 of the screening assembly from a generally flat profile ( Figure 15A ) into a generally concave profile ( Figure 15B ). Once the screening assembly is properly positioned such that the hooks of the pawls 336 extend through the through-compression point 350 and the alignment joint 338 is set in its corresponding alignment slot 354, the compression assembly 322 can be actuated to move the movable pawl 336 from the retracted position to the extended position. As shown in Figure 15A , the support plate 324 can be generally planar before actuation. Upon actuation, the movable pawl 336 of the compression assembly 322 can advance to apply a compressive force that has a horizontal component applied to the edge of the through-compression point 350 and a vertically downward component applied to the top surface of the support plate 324. See Figure 15B . This causes the support plate 324 to be pushed toward the fixed pawl 336 of the fixed hook assembly 330, which extends through the through-compression point 350 near the second edge 342 of the support plate 324. The continued advancement of the movable pawl 336 causes the support plate 324 to deflect into a concave profile against the concave support surface. See Figure 15B .

[0226] Figure 15C and Figure 15D show partial close-up views of the pawls 336a, 336b of the compression assembly 322 and the fixed hook assembly 330 engaging with the support plate 324 of the screening assembly. The movable pawl or actuating pawl of the compression assembly is referred to as pawl 336a, while the fixed pawl of the fixed hook assembly 330 is referred to as pawl 336b. Initially, the movable pawl 336a of the compression assembly 322 advances to a position such that the hook contact surface 337a of the movable pawl 336a engages with the inner edge of the through-compression point 350a (e.g., measured from the centerline of the support plate 324). See also Figure 12E . The advancement of the movable pawl 336a pushes the support plate 324 until the inner edge of the opposite through-compression point 350b engages with the contact surface 337b of the fixed pawl 336b. At this time, the support plate 324 is not deflected and is held between the opposing pawls 336a, 336b. SeeFigure 15C After the plate is fixed between the pawls 336a, 336b, the continued advancement of the movable pawl 336a as shown by the force vector "F" causes the support plate 324 to slide downward along the inclined contact surfaces 337a, 337b of the pawls 336a, 336b, as indicated by the downward movement arrow along the pawl face. The further inward movement of the movable pawl 336a gradually applies a greater force to the support plate. The downward movement along these opposing inclined contact surfaces 337a, 337b causes the vertical component "V" of the force vector applied to the support plate 324 to increase more than the horizontal component "H" of the force vector. As a result, the support plate 324 is compressed into a concave profile against the underlying support (not shown) and has a large vertically downward force component.

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

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

[0229] Figure 15E A partial view of the pawl 336 is shown, and the pawl 336 has two contact surfaces that can change or limit the movement of the support plate 324 sliding down along the contact surfaces 337, 339 of the hook 332. As shown, the first contact surface 337 has an included angle between approximately 5° and approximately 85° (see also Figure 14A)。In addition, the pawl 336 includes a second contact surface 339 that is disposed at an angle different from the first contact surface 337. The different angles of the first and second contact surfaces may allow for altering, restricting, or eliminating the continued downward movement of the plate along the pawl 336. In an embodiment, the first contact surface 337 may have a first angle that initially applies a primarily downward vertical force component to the support plate. Once the support plate engages the intersection between the first and second contact surfaces 337, 339, additional downward vertical force may be reduced while more horizontal force is applied to the plate. In another embodiment, the second contact surface 339 may be substantially vertical (e.g., perpendicular to the horizontal reference plane defined by the non-deflected support plate 324 of the upper layer; see, e.g., Figure 15A )。Alternatively, the second contact surface 339 may form a lip or step (e.g., a surface substantially parallel to the horizontal reference plane defined by the non-deflected support plate 324 of the upper layer). In such an embodiment, the second contact surface 339 restricts 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 an additional horizontal force being applied to the support plate 324. It will be appreciated that the angles, lengths, and / or positions of the first contact surface 337 and the second contact surface 339 may be selected to apply horizontal and vertical forces of a desired magnitude to the support plate 324. Additionally, it will be understood that the contact surfaces may be arcuate surfaces where the vertically and horizontally applied forces vary along the length of the arcuate or other irregular surface.

[0230] Referring again to Figure 15A and Figure 15B, the movable pawls 322 of the plurality of compression assemblies near the first side edge 340 of the support plate 324 are designed to engage with one of the corresponding through-compression points 350a along the first side edge 340 of the support plate 324. Similarly, the plurality of fixed pawls 330 mounted on the central stop or opposite side wall of the vibrating screen are configured to engage with one of the corresponding through-compression points 350b on the second side edge 342 of the support plate 324. Ideally, the movable pawls 322 should all be aligned with each other, and the fixed pawls 330 should all be aligned with each other. However, if the side wall on which the compression assembly is mounted is not exactly parallel to the opposite side wall or stop on which the fixed pawl is mounted, the distance between each pair of movable and fixed pawls may be different. Similarly, if the compression assembly or the fixed pawl changes or bends over time, the distance between each pair of movable and fixed pawls may be different. When actuating the compression assembly to install the screening assembly onto the vibrating screen, the spacing differences between each pair of movable and fixed pawls may cause undesirable warping or bending of the support plate.

[0231] Given the small differences in the spacing between each pair of movable and fixed pawls, one approach is to build a certain degree of compliance into the compression assembly. For example, each compression assembly can be configured such that, before the compression assembly locks, the compression pistons or movable pawls within each compression assembly do not need to be pushed inwards by exactly the same distance. This can be achieved by spring-mounting the compression pistons or movable pawls such that their final locked positions can vary slightly.

[0232] Given the small differences in the spacing between each pair of movable and fixed pawls, another approach is to build a certain degree of compliance into the fixed pawls 330. For example, the mounting bracket 560 of the fixed pawl (see Figure 14F and 14G ) can include spring elements that allow the fixed pawl to move slightly in the inwards / outwards direction relative to the side wall or stop to which the fixed pawl is mounted. When the screening assembly is installed onto the vibrating screen, this will allow the fixed pawl to move slightly in the inwards / outwards direction to account for the small differences in the spacing between the movable and fixed pawls.

[0233] Another benefit of the compression device is that the screening assembly 320 can be installed in a flatter (e.g., less recessed) configuration. That is, by joining the panel between its edges through the support plate and applying a greater downward force on the support plate 324, the screening assembly 320 can be adequately fixed relative to the screening machine while being fixed flatter. Figure 15FShows the radius of curvature R1 of the screening assembly 320 configured to be engaged by a compression device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 157G shows the radius of curvature R2 of a prior art screening assembly 20 configured to be engaged through an edge surface (e.g., an upward flange 25 extending above the top surface of the support plate 24). In the configuration of the prior art screening assembly 20, the radius of curvature R2 is in the range of between about 40 and 60 (e.g., in inches), where Figure 15G shows a screening assembly 20 having a radius of curvature of 50 inches. That is, a relatively high concavity is required to allow the screening assembly 20 to bend sufficiently and seal against the underlying gasket.

[0234] In contrast, the screening assembly 320 configured for use with the compression devices disclosed herein can form a greater radius of curvature while still sealing adequately against the underlying gasket. As Figure 15F shown, the screening assembly 320 has a radius of curvature of 100 inches and is significantly flatter compared to the prior art screening assembly. Additionally, the screening assembly 320 configured for use with the compression devices disclosed herein can have a radius of curvature R1 in the range of from about 60 inches to about 140 inches. The ability to provide a flatter screening assembly provides significant advantages for the screening machine. In particular, when material (e.g., a fluid pool) flows along the length of the screening assembly, the fluid pool spreads out a greater portion across the width (between its opposing edge surfaces) of the concave screening assembly. This results in the fluid pool contacting a greater portion of the screen surface, thereby increasing the screening capacity of each screening assembly.

[0235] Figure 15H shows Figure 15F a front view of the screening assembly being pressed against the base of the compression screening machine 300A according to the present disclosure (see also Figure 1D ). Figure 15I shows Figure 15G a front view of the prior art screening assembly 20 being pressed against the base of the prior art screening machine 10A (see also Figure 2B ). As Figure 15H shown, the compression assembly 322 and the fixed hook assembly 330 each have a pawl 336 that extends through a through-compression point in the support plate 324 of the screening assembly 320, the support plate 324 being disposed between the first sidewall 312a and the second sidewall 312b of the illustrated single-groove screening machine 300A.

[0236] In contrast, as Figure 15I shown, the screening machine utilizes a compression assembly 22 disposed on the first wall 12a of the machine to engage a vertical flange 28 extending above the edge surface of the plate 24 of the screening assembly to force the second edge surface of the screening assembly 20 against the second wall 12b (e.g., a stop surface) of the machine. InFigure 15H In the compression machine 300A, the pawl 336 engages the screening assembly 320 at a position inside the support plate 324 (e.g., between the edges of the plate) and is spaced apart from the side walls 312a, 312b. As described above, compared with the compression assembly 22 shown in Figure 15I , the position of the pawl inside the screening assembly and / or the shape of the hook of the pawl (e.g., the contact surface or the hook surface) allow the compression assembly to apply a greater downward force to the screening assembly. In Figure 15I 's screening machine, the compression assembly 22 applies a force to the edge of the screening assembly, causing most of the downward force to be used to bend the plate 24 of the screening assembly 20. In addition, Figure 15I 's machine cannot benefit from the shape of the pawl / hook as a force multiplier in contact with the plate.

[0237] The ability to engage the screening assembly 320 to the top surface of the support plate 320 through the bottom surface also allows reducing the position of each compression assembly 322 on the outer surface of the wall member of the screening machine 300A. That is, Figure 1D and Figure 15H the position of the compression assembly 322 of the screening machine may be lower than Figure 2B and Figure 15I the position of the compression assembly 22 of the screening machine 10A in Figure 1D and Figure 15H , where the compression assembly 22 engages an upper surface or a vertical flange extending above the screening assembly. Reducing the position of the compression assembly can eliminate the interference between the compression assembly and the struts on the outer wall of the screening machine. This can also allow the compression assemblies to be more evenly spaced along the length of the screening machine, thereby providing more uniform compression of the screening assembly. Although the reduction of the compression assembly on the single-slot machine in Figures 1A to 1C is discussed, it should be understood that using the compression device on the double-slot machine 300 in Figures 1A to 1C can also allow reducing the compression assemblies on the outer wall of the machine.

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

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

[0240] Another benefit of the disclosed embodiments is that the screening assembly can omit the upward flanges located near one or both edges of the screening assembly, which were previously used to apply compressive force to the screening assembly. Removing this flange eliminates the possibility of material getting trapped behind the flange. Removing such a flange or groove, along with the increased compressive force, can reduce or eliminate the phenomenon of material flowing down along the edges of the screening assembly.

[0241] Figures 1A to 15B The compression device can also produce support plates and screening assemblies without grooves and / or flanges at the edges. That is, the support plate can be formed from a flat plate. Since there is no need to attach specialized edge grooves to the edges of the support plate, the plate can be stamped or laser cut. Additionally, the screening assemblies can be thinner because they do not include grooves along their edges. This can allow more screening assemblies to be packaged in a given size package. Furthermore, eliminating the grooves or flanges from the edges of the support plate provides additional available surface area compared to a support plate of the same width with flanges or grooves for attaching the support plate to the screening machine. This additional available surface area allows an additional screening surface to be covered on the upper surface of the support plate, thus increasing the processing capacity of each screening assembly. See Figure 12A , note that the screening surface 326 includes 11 corrugated peaks in its width. Screening assemblies of the prior art have the same width and include attachment grooves and / or flanges and utilize a screening surface with ten corrugated peaks of the same size. Adding additional screening surface corrugated peaks on the top surface of the support plate results in an increase in the screening area of approximately 5% to 12%. Therefore, the processing capacity of each screening assembly increases by a similar percentage. In other words, attaching the screening plate to the screening machine using the compression device disclosed herein can increase the screening area and screening capacity of the screening machine.

[0242] Another benefit of the compression system 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. Additionally, all internal components of the compression assembly are located below the screening assembly. This reduces wear on these components (e.g., the 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 materials and fluids (e.g., ponds) above the screening surface.

[0243] Figures 16A to 16C An embodiment of a cross-sectional view of a portion of a screening machine is shown and, for ease of discussion, is referred to as screening machine 100. The cross-sectional portion can be a portion of a screening machine similar to screening machine 300 of Figures 1A to 1C , although other variations are possible, of course. As shown, screening machine 100 includes two screening assemblies 120a, 120b (hereinafter referred to as 120 unless otherwise noted), which are disposed between the inner surfaces of spaced-apart wall members 112a, 112b (hereinafter referred to as 112 unless otherwise noted). A central member 116 divides screening machine 100 into two screening regions. That is, each screening assembly 120 includes a first edge disposed adjacent to wall member 112 and a second edge disposed adjacent to central member 116. Although screening machine 100 is shown as having two screening assemblies that engage central member 116 and that define two concave screening regions when the screen is compressed, the screening machine can have one screening assembly that defines a single concave screening region between a first wall and a second wall 312. See, for example, Figure 1D .

[0244] Compression assemblies 122 are attached to the outer surfaces of wall members 112a, 112b. Each compression assembly 122 includes a stretchable and contractible telescoping member. The compression assemblies can be similar to the compression assemblies discussed above with respect to Figure 13A and Figure 13B . However, the configuration of the pawls can vary. In use, compression assemblies 122 engage a first side of an adjacent screening assembly 120 and push a second side of screening assembly 120 against central member 116 (or the second wall of a single-chamber screening machine), while deforming screening assembly 120 into a concave profile and pressing it against one or more underlying concave support surfaces 114 (e.g., girders). As described below, in one embodiment, central member 116 or the second wall can have hooks that engage the second side of screening assembly 120.

[0245] Figure 16A A screening assembly 120 with a screening surface 126 is shown, while Figure 16B shows screening machine 100 with the screening surface 126 removed from screening assembly 120 to expose the underlying porous support plate 124 of screening assembly 120. In Figures 19A to 19CThe configuration of the screening assembly 120 and the support plate 124 is discussed in more detail in the description. Figure 16C A screening machine 100 is shown in which one of the screening assemblies 120 has been removed to expose a concave support surface 114 that extends between the first wall 112a and the central support 116. A single-trough machine (e.g., Figure 1D ) can utilize a similar concave support member that extends between the first and second walls. As shown, each concave support member 114 has a first end attached to the wall member and a second end attached to the central support 116. As shown, the concave support members 114 are evenly spaced and parallel. However, other spacings can also be used. Each support member 114 has a concave upper surface 115. A washer 117 (e.g., rubber or other compressible material) can be disposed on the concave upper surface 115 of each support member 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 bear against the washer 117 on the upper surface of the concave support member 114, thereby forming a seal between the screening assembly and the screening machine. The width of the washer can allow sealing of the interface between two longitudinally arranged screening assemblies (not shown).

[0246] Figures 16A to 16C An embodiment of the screening machine 100 is shown with a "pressurized" device that compresses the screening assembly horizontally (e.g., against the central support or the second wall) and presses vertically downward against the concave support member. In the pressurized embodiment, the compression assembly 122 on the wall member 112 includes movable / actuating hooks or pawls 136 that extend through a set of compression points or through-compression points 152 disposed along the edge 142 of the support plate 124. See Figure 19B and Figure 19C . The pawls 136 (each pawl defining a hook in the embodiment) extend from the bottom surface of the plate through the support plate 124 to the upper surface of the plate. Actuation of the compression assembly 122 causes the pawls 136 to move between a first position (e.g., retracted) and a second position (e.g., extended), in which the pawls contact the compression surface of the support plate 124.

[0247] In one embodiment, a set of fixed fingers or hooks 130 are attached to the central support 116 (or the second wall member in the single-trough machine 10A) and extend through a corresponding set of compression / through-compression points 150 disposed along the opposite edge 140 of the support plate 124. See Figure 17A 、 Figure 17B and Figure 19C . The fixed hooks 130 extend from the bottom surface of the support plate 124 to the upper surface of the support plate 124. The fixed hooks can be installed on the central support 116 with a mounting mechanism that includes a biasing element (e.g., a spring), similar to Figure 9A and Figure 9BThe fixed compression piston assembly shown in

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

[0249] In the above embodiment, the support plate of the screening assembly is configured to interact with a movable piston that contacts the mounting holes on the side edges of the support plate, as shown in FIGS. 3 to Figure 8B shown, or interact with a pawl extending through the through-compression points of the support plate, as shown in FIGS. 11 to 17G. In an alternative embodiment, the support plate of the screening assembly may be configured to interact with two types of mounting devices.

[0250] Figure 18 A support plate 324 is shown, which includes mounting holes 220 located on the first side edge 340, and the mounting holes 220 are configured to accommodate the movable piston of the mounting device shown in FIGS. 3 to Figure 8B . The support plate 324 further includes a plurality of through-compression points 350b located inside the second side edge 342, and the plurality of through-compression points are configured to accommodate the movable pawl or fixed pawl of the mounting device shown in FIGS. 11 to Figure 17G shown. Figure 18 The support plate shown in Figure 8B can be used in a vibrating screening machine, which includes a compression assembly having a movable piston on one side wall as shown in FIGS. 3 to Figure 17G , and a fixed pawl 330 mounted on the second side wall or the central stop of a double-groove machine as shown in FIGS. 6F and 6G. Conversely, the same support plate can be used with a vibrating screening machine that includes a compression assembly having a movable pawl as shown in FIGS. 11 to Figure 8B shown and a fixed compression piston located on the opposite side wall or the central stop of the screening machine as shown in FIGS. 3 to

[0251] Figure 19A , Figure 19B and Figure 19C respectively show top views of the screening assembly 120 in the embodiment, the screening assembly 120 with a portion of the screening surface 126 removed, and the support plate 124. As shown, the screening surface 126 is attached to the upper surface of the support plate 124. The support plate 124 is generally rectangular and has 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 a metal sheet, but other materials are possible. The support plate 124 includes a plurality of flow holes 148 that extend through the body of the support plate 124 and are located inside the support plate, the body being defined by the edges and ends. As described 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 holes 148 are configured to allow the material passing through the supported screening surface to pass through the support plate 124. Although the flow holes 148 shown in the figure are rectangular, it is understood that the size, shape, and distribution of the flow holes on the support plate 124 can be diverse. As previously mentioned, a plurality of clamping or through-compression points 150, 152 are arranged along the first edge 140 and the second edge 142 of the support plate 124. In the embodiment, the through-compression points 150, 152 can be arranged outside the flow holes 148 (e.g., relative to the centerline of the plate). In the illustrated embodiment, each of the through-compression points 150, 152 includes a clamping plate 160, as further discussed below.

[0252] As Figure 17A and Figure 17BAs shown, for clarity, half of the sieve machine is removed, and the fixing hook 130 is attached to the central member 116 below the support surface 118 provided at the upper end of the central member 116. The support surface 118 supports the first edge 140 of the support plate 124. A washer 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 the fixing hook 130 is attached to the central member 116 and extends away from the support surface 118 (e.g., 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 the through-compression point near the first edge 140 of the sieve assembly 120. During installation, the sieve assembly 120 can be placed on the machine such that the fixing 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 central member / second wall omits the fixing hooks, the first edge 140 of the support plate 124 can be placed against a stop or a stop surface. Then the sieve assembly 120 can be lowered, allowing the movable hook / ratchet 136 provided near the wall member 112 to pass through the through-compression point 152 on the second edge 142 of the support plate 124. It is worth noting that the use of through-compression points in combination with at least the ratchets on the wall members and / or the fixing hooks on the central member (or the second wall member in a single-slot machine) can improve the positioning of the sieve assembly along the length of the sieve machine. That is, once the hooks 130, 136 are positioned through the sieve assembly, the position of the sieve assembly along the length of the sieve machine is necessarily correct, thus eliminating the need to manually position the sieve plate along the length of the machine as before.

[0253] Once the sieve assembly 120 is correctly positioned and the hooks and ratchets extend through the through-compression points, the compression assembly 122 can be actuated to move the movable ratchet 136 from the retracted position to the extended position. This is shown in Figure 17C and Figure 17D As shown in Figure 17C each fixing hook 130 can be provided through the through-compression point 150 (shown in dashed lines) on the first edge 140 of the support plate 124, while each movable ratchet 136 can initially be provided through the 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. When actuated, the movable ratchet 136 can be advanced and / or rotated to apply a horizontal force to the support plate 124 (e.g., the side edge of the through-compression point 152) and a downward force to the top surface of the support plate 124. See Figure 17DThis causes the inner edge of the through-compression point 150 along the first edge 140 of the support plate 124 to be pushed towards the fixing hook 130 extending through the through-compression point 150. The continuous 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 Figure 17B and Figure 19B The downward angle of the compression rod of the compression assembly 122, in combination with the inclined surfaces of the pawl 136 and the hook 130, helps the support plate 124 to deflect into a concave profile.

[0254] To improve the engagement of the hook 130 and the pawl 136 with the upper surface of the support plate 124, each of these components may include a recessed contact surface. That is, the contact surfaces of the hook 130 and the pawl 136 may be recessed relative to the free tips of these components (e.g., measured from the centerline axis A-A' of the plate 124). See, for example, Figure 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'). Similarly, 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 undercuts (e.g., hook surfaces) of the hook 130 and the pawl 136 allow each of these components to better engage the top surface of the support plate 124.

[0255] In Figures 17A - 17D and Figures 19A - 19C In the illustrated embodiment, the support plate 124 further includes splints 160 attached near the inner edges (e.g., measured from the centerline axis A-A') of each through-compression point 150, 152. In this embodiment, the splints 160 extend above the upper surface of the support plate 124 and are shaped to fit and engage with the pawl 136 and / or the hook 130. The splints 160 may be attached to the support plate 124 in any suitable manner (e.g., adhesively, bolted, riveted, welded, etc.). Alternatively, the splints 160 may be integrally formed with the support plate 124 (e.g., in a metal sheet bending and forming process or a molding process). As Figure 17C and Figure 17D shown, the contact surfaces 132, 138 of the hook 130 and the pawl 136 are angled and configured to contact the respective angled contact or compression surfaces 162 of their respective splints 160 (i.e., once the pawl 136 is advanced to contact its splint 160). The use of mating inclined surfaces on the hook 130 and the pawl 130 and the splints 160 allows an increase in the compression force transmitted to the plate 124.

[0256] In one embodiment, the contact surfaces 132 and / or 138 are arranged at an acute angle Θ with respect to the generally flat upper surface of the support plate 124 (i.e., before 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°.

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

[0258] Figure 17G Another alternative embodiment is shown where the movable pawl 136 engages an angled contact surface or compression surface 153 formed on the support plate 124 for mating. More particularly, the inner edge surface of the support plate 124 (e.g., the inner edge surface of the through-compression point 152 measured from the centerline of the plate) may be formed at an angle Θ2 that corresponds to the angle Θ1 of the contact surface 138 of the pawl 136. In one embodiment, these angles are equal. In other embodiments, these angles may be different.

[0259] Figure 20 A second edge 142 of the support plate 124 is shown, which is disposed near 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 inner surface of the wall member 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the support surface 128 is a horizontal flange of an angle bracket that has a vertical member attached to the inner surface of the wall member 112. Other support surface configurations are possible. A washer or other compressible seal 129 may be disposed between the second edge 142 of the support plate 124 and the support surface 128. In this regard, washers / compressible seals (hereinafter referred to as washers) may be disposed around the entire perimeter of the support plate 124 of the screening assembly. That is, a first washer 119 may be disposed between the first edge 140 of the support plate 124 and the support surface 118 (see, for example Figure 17A), a second washer 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 washers 117 can be disposed on the upper surface of the concave support surface 114 below the first and second ends 144, 146 of the support plate 124 (see, for example Figure 16C and Figure 17A ). As the compressive force applied to the support plate 124 increases, the compression of all washers can be increased. Increasing the pressure on the washers not only improves the seal but also increases the washer life because there is less movement of the screening assembly relative to the washers and less material that can penetrate between the support plate 124 and the washers.

[0260] Another benefit of the disclosed embodiments is that the screening assembly can omit the upward flange previously used to apply a compressive force to the screening assembly. Thus, removing such a flange eliminates the possibility of material becoming trapped behind the flange. By engaging the screening assembly from below, another benefit provided by this embodiment is that the screening area of the upper surface of the screening assembly can be increased. Additionally, by moving the hooks and pawls below the panel and below the screening surface, these elements are not exposed to the materials and fluids above the screening surface. This arrangement reduces wear on these compression system components.

[0261] As previously described, the compression assembly can be actuated in various ways, including manually, hydraulically, and pneumatically, but not limited thereto. Various ways for manually actuating the compression assembly are shown herein. More particularly, Figure 21A and Figure 21B show embodiments of compression assemblies that utilize a single detachable handle to actuate a single compression assembly, Figure 21C and Figure 21D show embodiments of compression assemblies that utilize a single detachable handle to actuate two adjacent compression assemblies, Figure 21E shows the connection of adjacent compression assemblies to allow for dual actuation using a single handle. Figures 21A - 21E The reference numerals used are consistent with the Figures 1A - 1C components of the screening machine. However, it should be understood that these means for activating the compression assembly can be used with any of the disclosed screening machines.

[0262] As Figure 21A and Figure 21BAs shown, the detachable handle 400 may be formed with a first engagement end 402 and an elongated second end 404. The first engagement end 402 is configured to engage (e.g., be received within) the sleeve 379 of the actuator bracket of the compression assembly 322. Once the first end 402 is inserted into the sleeve 379 of the actuator bracket, the user can grasp the elongated second end 404 of the handle and use the handle 400, which is bent between its first and second ends, to rotate the actuator bracket, thereby actuating or deactivating a single compression assembly 322. A single handle 400 can be used to actuate and / or deactivate multiple compression assemblies.

[0263] Figure 21C and Figure 21D A two-handle 410 is shown, which can be used to actuate or deactivate adjacent compression assemblies 322a, 322b on the outer wall 312 of the sieve machine 300. As described above, by lowering the compression assemblies below the sieve assembly, it has been found that the compression assemblies can be more evenly spaced along the outer wall of the sieve 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 these adjacent assemblies. As shown, the handle 410 has two engagement ends 402a, 402b, each configured to be received within one of the sleeves 379a or 379b of two adjacent compression assemblies 322a, 322b. The user can grasp the second end 406 of the handle (which can again be bent along its length) to rotate the adjacent actuator brackets, thereby actuating or deactivating the two adjacent compression assemblies 322a, 322b.

[0264] Figure 21E Two adjacent compression assemblies 322a, 322b are shown interconnected by a clamping bar 412. In this embodiment, the clamping bar 412 extends between and physically couples the actuator brackets 376a, 376b of the two adjacent compression assemblies 322a, 322b. Thus, rotation of one of the brackets 376a or 376b will cause rotation of the other bracket. Based on a similar principle, two compression assemblies can be actuated by a single handle (e.g., see Figure 21D ). Although Figure 21E a single clamping bar 412 is shown for attaching two adjacent brackets, it is understood that two clamping bars can also be used to couple three brackets. Additionally, other ways of connecting the compression assemblies for coordinated operation are possible and are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0265] Figure 21F and Figure 21G Another embodiment of a compression assembly 422 is shown, which can be used with any of the sieve machines disclosed herein. The compression assembly 422 is a fluid-operated compression assembly (pneumatic or hydraulic). The assembly 422 is associated with Figures 13A - 13DThe compression assemblies disclosed in [reference] share a common inner wall member. Based on a similar principle, a pawl 336 is attached to the end of an actuator rod 374 that passes through an inner housing bracket 372 attached to the inner surface of the wall 312 of the sieve. Instead of 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 area of the cylinder bore in front of the piston 454 to retract the piston, the actuator rod 374, and the pawl 336. Then, a technician can insert a panel into the sieve. Then, the valve 456 (e.g., a three-way valve) can 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 the end cap of the cylinder bore. The biasing springs hold the actuator rod 374 and the pawl 336 in the extended position (e.g., locking the sieve assembly to the base of the sieve) in the absence of applied pneumatic pressure, which causes the actuator assembly 422 to retract. That is, in the extended position, only spring force and no pneumatic pressure are required to hold the actuator rod 374 and the pawl 336 in the extended position. The size and number of the springs 458 can be selected to maintain the desired compression force on the sieve assembly. However, it should be understood 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 the pawl 336. In such an arrangement, pressure can be continuously maintained, or a mechanical lock can lock the actuator rod 374 and the pawl 336 in the actuated position.

[0266] Figure 22A and Figure 22B Another embodiment of a compressed sieve assembly 620 is shown. More particularly, Figure 22A a top perspective view of the sieve assembly 620 is shown, Figure 22BA bottom perspective view of the screening assembly 620 is shown, and for ease of illustration, a portion of the screening surface 626 is removed in each view. As shown, the screening assembly includes a support plate 624 that is generally rectangular and has a first edge 640, a second edge 642, a first end 644, and a second end 646. The support plate 624 includes a plurality of flow holes 648 that extend through the body of the support plate 624 and are located inside the support plate. However, unlike the compressed support plates discussed above with respect to Figures 12A - 12C and Figures 19A - 19C the screening assembly 620 does not require a through compression point, although they may exist. Instead, the screening assembly 620 includes a plurality of brackets 650 that engage the support plate 624 of the screening assembly 620 and allow attachment to the compression assembly below. In one embodiment, each bracket 650 includes a flat portion 652 that can be attached (e.g., glued, welded, etc.) to the bottom surface of the support plate 624. The bracket 650 also includes a tab 654 that extends downward and has a hole 656 configured to engage a hook member of a movable pawl or a fixed pawl. In one embodiment, each bracket 650 optionally includes an upward tab 658 that can engage an edge surface (e.g., 640 or 642) of the support plate 624. In one embodiment, the length of the upward tab 658 can allow these tabs to engage an upward flange formed along the length of the support plate edges 640, 642.

[0267] Figure 22C A view shows the screening assembly 620 disposed and compressed between the compression assembly 322 and the fixed hook assembly 330. The compression assembly 322 and the fixed hook assembly 330 are substantially similar to the compression assemblies described above with respect to Figures 13A - 13F except that these components can use an improved pawl 636. As shown, the improved pawl 636 does not extend too far above the components 322 and 330. That is, since the improved pawl 636 does not need to pass through the support plate 624, the improved pawl 636 can have different upward dimensions. 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. The advancement of the movable pawl 636 of the compression assembly 322 causes the screening assembly 620 to move until the perimeter of the bracket hole 656 contacts the contact surface 637 of the opposing pawl 636. The continued advancement of the movable pawl 636 of the compression assembly 322 causes the deformation of the screening assembly 620 to be the same as Figure 15A and Figure 15BThe variations of the screening assemblies discussed in [reference] are substantially similar. Notably, the use of the bracket 650 and the improved pawl 636 can allow an existing screening assembly (e.g., a screening assembly having an edge flange) to be used with the compression system of the present disclosure.

[0268] Figures 234A and Figure 23B illustrate another component that can be incorporated into any screening machine discussed in the present disclosure. More particularly, these figures illustrate a segmented base support 380 that supports the base rubber / gasket along the edges of the screening assembly as well as the edges of the screening assembly itself. Briefly referring Figure 15A and Figure 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 base support 380. In existing screening machines, the edges of the screening assembly and the inserted rubber / gasket are typically supported by a single ledge or track (e.g., angle iron) that extends the length of the screening machine along its sidewalls and / or central member. Such existing track-type supports are often welded to the machine. Thus, if a portion of the track is damaged (e.g., bent or worn), the entire track must be replaced.

[0269] As Figure 23A shown, a plurality of segmented base supports 380 can be attached to the inner surface of the sidewall 312 of the screening machine. Similarly, a plurality of base supports 380 can be attached to the central member of the screening machine (e.g., in a double-trough machine) or a second wall (e.g., in a single-trough machine). In the present embodiment, the segmented base supports 380 are respectively disposed above one of the compression assemblies 322. However, it should be understood that the segmented base supports 380 can have other dimensions. For example, a single base support 380 can span multiple compression assemblies 332, or span fixed hook assemblies on opposite walls / central members.

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

[0271] In the illustrated embodiment, the upper surface 660 of the base support 380 includes an optional recessed press-fit channel 662 for receiving a correspondingly shaped tab 672 formed on the bottom surface of the gasket 670, which gasket 670 is supported on the upper surface 660 of the base support. See, for example Figure 24A and Figure 24B . In this arrangement, the top surface is separated by the recessed channel 662 and includes a rear surface / shelf 661 that will abut against the wall surface of the sieve machine and a front surface / shelf 663 that extends into the interior of the sieve machine. The press-fit channel 662 may include first and second opposing retaining ridges 664 to engage the side edges of the tabs at the bottom of the gasket. Once the gasket is press-fitted into the channel 662, the resulting interference fit can improve the sealing between the wall / central member of the sieve machine.

[0272] Figure 24A and Figure 24B Illustrated is the engagement of a piece of base rubber or gasket 670 with the base support 380, which base support 380 is bolted to the wall 312 of the sieve machine. A single or multiple base supports may 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 upper support plate when the sieve assembly is compressed onto the machine. See also Figure 15A and 15B for gaskets 319 and 329 and the upper plate 324 therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the gasket 670 also includes a tab 672 formed on its bottom surface, which tab 672 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 sieve machine. First, the tail of the gasket 670 ( Figure 24A ) is inserted first, and then tilted so that the trailing edge engages and presses against the side wall 312. Then the gasket 670 is snapped into place, with the groove 676 at the bottom of the gasket placed on the front shelf 663 of the base support, causing the front lip 678 of the gasket to cover the front edge / lip of the base support.

[0273] Figure 24C and Figure 24D Illustrated is the use of a first base support 380a and a second base support 380b to form an improved corner seal for an existing design. More particularly, the first base support 380a can be continuously bolted to the side wall 312 of the machine to the corner where the side wall 312 intersects the end wall 306. A first base rubber or gasket 670a can be press-fitted into the first base support 380a. The 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 be held tightly against the first gasket 670a. In any case, the corner between the side wall 312 and the end wall 306 can be fully sealed, which was a problem in previous designs.

[0274] Figures 25A - 25E A further embodiment of the screening assembly 320 is shown. As shown, the screening assembly 320 includes a screening surface 326 that is attached to a porous metal support plate 324 (such as steel or any other suitable metal), the porous metal support plate 324 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 that are defined by elongated metal strip-like portions or members 347 extending between the edges 340, 342 and shorter strip-like portions 349 extending longitudinally between the ends 344, 346. The holes 348 can be formed by a stamping operation and are approximately square-shaped with rounded corners and about 1 square inch in size, but they can also be any other desired shape or size. The strip-like 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 about 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 edges 340 and 342. The same is true for the relationship between the height of the hole and the length of the plate between the ends 346 and 348. Although not shown, channel-shaped members can be formed 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-shaped members can provide more screening area on the support plate 324 because the areas originally covered by the channel members can be covered by additional screening surfaces.

[0275] As Figure 25D shown, the screening surface 326 is formed by a plurality of screens bonded face to face. Thus, the screening surface 326 includes a coarse screen 323 that serves as a support, and its size can be between 6 mesh and 20 mesh, or any other suitable size. A fine screen 325 is bonded to the coarse support screen 323, and its mesh size can be between 30 mesh and 325 mesh, or any other suitable size. An even finer screen 327 is bonded to the fine screen 325, and its mesh size can be between 40 mesh and 400 mesh, or any other suitable size. Preferably, the roughness of the intermediate fine screen 325 should be two levels coarser than the finest uppermost screen 327 according to the American Standard Screen Sizes. The three-layer screens 323, 325, and 327 are bonded to each other by a molten plastic grid 321 that passes through all three layers of the screens. As Figure 25D shown, the screening surface 326 is in a wavy arc shape and has ridges 331 and grooves 333. The lower side of the groove 333 at 335 is bonded to the support plate 324 by a suitable adhesive (such as epoxy resin). AsFigure 25E As shown, this adhesion at 335 occurs in all areas where the lower side of the groove 333 contacts the strips 347 and 349. The open end of the ridge 331 can be sealed or blocked by a lid that can be molded in place. The lid can be made of polyurethane or other plastic or synthetic materials.

[0276] In the foregoing description, the screening assembly includes a screening surface attached to the top surface of a support plate. The support plate includes a through-compression point that is engaged by a pawl of a compression mechanism to attach the screening assembly to a vibrating screen. 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 adhesives or binders.

[0277] In an alternative embodiment, the configuration of the screening assembly can be quite different. Instead of attaching the screening surface to the top of the support plate, the screening assembly is formed by connecting together a plurality of screening units formed of synthetic or plastic materials to form a screening panel. End rods are then fixed to opposite ends of the screening panel, and the end rods have through-compression points similar to those of the support plate in the previously described embodiments.

[0278] 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.

[0279] The above patents disclose screening assemblies formed by connecting together a plurality of individual screening units. Each screening unit can include a screening element having a screening surface, and the screening element is attached to a support sub-grid. The sub-grid of each screening unit can include attachment members configured to attach the sub-grids together. By attaching the sub-grids of a plurality of screening units together, a larger screening panel can be formed. End rods are then attached to the ends of the screening panel to form the screening assembly.

[0280] In some embodiments, the screening element is formed by injection molding of plastic or synthetic material (such as thermoplastic). Each screening element includes a plurality of elongated holes formed between adjacent elongated screening surface elements. The sub-grid can also be formed by injection molding of plastic or synthetic material (such as thermoplastic). However, the sub-grid can be formed of one or more materials different from the screening element.

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

[0282] Attachment members configured to attach sub-grids together on the grid can include clips and clip holes. Clips on one sub-grid are received in clip holes on an adjacent sub-grid to attach two screening units together. Of course, various other devices for attaching screening units together can also be employed to assemble multiple screening units into a larger screening assembly.

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

[0284] Figure 26 A screening assembly 700 formed by a combination of a planar screening unit 702 and a pyramidal screening unit 704 is shown. Figure 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 located between rows of pyramidal screening units 704. Each row of planar screening units is formed by a plurality of planar screening units 702 arranged end to end. Similarly, the row of pyramidal screening units is formed by a plurality of pyramidal screening units 704 arranged end to end. The sub-grids of the respective screening units 702, 704 are attached to each other by an attachment mechanism (such as clips and clip holes) to form a larger screening assembly.

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

[0286] In Figure 26 the illustrated embodiment, the last row of the planar screening unit 702 and the last row of the pyramidal screening unit 704 are mounted on the top surface 714 of the receiving base 711 of the end rod 710. The end rod 710 has an attachment mechanism configured to cooperate with the corresponding attachment mechanisms of the planar screening unit 702 and the pyramidal screening unit 704. For example, the attachment protrusions 716 on the distal end of the receiving base 711 are configured to cooperate with the corresponding holes in the planar screening unit 702 and / or the pyramidal screening unit 704. Similarly, clamping holes 718 are formed in the inner surface 712 of the end rail 713 of the end rod 710. The clamping holes 718 are similar to the clamping holes on the sub-grids of the planar screening unit 702 and the pyramidal screening unit 704. Thus, the clamping holes 718 are configured to cooperate with the protrusions already provided on the existing screening units 702 / 704.

[0287] Figure 27 It is shown that the end rod 710 is mounted near the side edges of the assembly of the planar screening unit 702 and the pyramidal screening unit 704. Figure 28 It is shown the screening assembly after the end rod 710 is fixed to the screening units 702, 704. Similar end rods 710 will be mounted on the other side of the assembly of the screening units 702, 704. Then the resulting screening assembly 700 can be mounted on a vibrating screen having the compression mechanism described previously, in a manner substantially the same as the mounting manner of the screening assembly formed by the support plates and the screening surface.

[0288] The compression mechanism will apply a compressive force to the inner edges of the through-compression points 722 of the end rod. These compressive forces will push the end rods 710 at the opposite ends of the screening assembly 700 together. Thus, the same compressive force used to fix the screening assembly 700 to the vibrating screen is also used to push the individual screening units 702, 704 together, thereby helping the screening assembly 700 to maintain its structural integrity.

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

[0290] In the foregoing embodiment, the end rod 710 is attached to 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 may be used to secure the end rod 710 to components of the screening units 702, 704. For example, the end rod 710 may be attached to the screening units 702, 704 by adhesive, welding, fusing, using various different fasteners, or a combination of these attachment means.

[0291] Vibrating screening machines typically have an elongated screening area that has an inlet end and an outlet end. A plurality of screening components are mounted along the length of the screening area. In a single-slot embodiment, each screening component extends across the entire width inside the screening machine, and the plurality of screening components are arranged along the length of the screening area. In a double-slot embodiment, each screening component extends across a portion (e.g., half) of the width of the screening machine. In such an embodiment, groups of parallel screening components are arranged along the length of the screening area.

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

[0293] The screening components can be made of a variety of different types of materials. These different materials can impart different characteristics to the screening components. Generally, screening components made of plastic or synthetic materials may be more resistant to wear associated with the screening operation than screening components made of woven wire mesh. On the other hand, screening components made of wire mesh may have better screening and dewatering characteristics than screening components made of plastic or synthetic materials.

[0294] The conditions in the screening area of a vibrating screening machine vary along the length of the screening area. The entire quantity and weight of the material to be screened are deposited at the inlet end of the screening area. Thus, the screening component or components at the inlet end bear the entire weight of all the input material to be screened and thus experience the greatest wear. As the material travels along the length of the screening area, fluids and smaller particles pass through the screening components and fall. Thus, the quantity and weight of the material traveling along the downstream portion (e.g., the second half) of the screening area are not as great as the quantity and weight of the material traveling along the upstream portion (e.g., the first half) of the screening area. Therefore, the screening components mounted along the downstream portion of the screening area experience less wear than the screening units mounted along the upstream portion of the screening area.

[0295] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems, devices, and methods for minimizing overall wear of a set of screening components installed along the length of a vibrating screen while maintaining the desired screening and dewatering characteristics of the vibrating screen. In one embodiment, a screening system, a screening machine, and a screening method are provided in which different types of screening components are installed along the length of a screening zone of the screening machine. In one embodiment, plastic or synthetic screening components are installed at the inlet end of the screening zone and along an initial portion (e.g., the first half) of the length of the screening zone. Such plastic or synthetic screening components are better able to withstand the greater loads experienced by the screening components located at the initial or inlet portion of the screening zone as compared to screening components made of woven wire mesh. Additionally, woven wire mesh screening components are installed along the second half (e.g., the second half) of the length of the screening zone. As previously mentioned, the screening components installed at the outlet portion of the screening zone are not worn as much as the screening components installed at the inlet portion of the screening zone. Thus, wear is not a primary factor when the woven wire mesh screen elements are located at the outlet portion of the screening zone.

[0296] Figure 29A and Figure 29B Front and rear perspective views of a screening machine 300 are shown in which different types of screening components are installed along the length of a screening zone of the screening machine. In the illustrated embodiment, the screening machine has two sets of parallel screening components arranged along the length of the screening machine. For ease of discussion, only one set of screening components is described. The parallel sets may be substantially the same. Additionally, this description also applies to single-trough screening machines (e.g., Figure 1D ), in which a single set of screening components extends along the screening zone of the machine.

[0297] As Figure 29A and Figure 29BAs shown, the screening machine 800 uses first and second plastic or synthetic screening components 810a, 810b (referred to as 810 hereinafter unless otherwise specifically mentioned), which are installed on the machine between the inlet ends 801 of the screening area and extend to the first half of the screening area. In addition, the screening machine 800 uses first and second wire mesh screening components 812a, 812b (referred to as 812 hereinafter unless otherwise specifically mentioned), which are arranged between the outlet end 4 of the screening area and the center of the screening area. In this embodiment, the four screening components 810a, 810b, 812a, 812b together cover the screening area of each trough of the screening machine. In use, the material to be screened is input into the inlet end 801 of the machine and enters the upper surface of the first plastic / synthetic screening component 812a. Due to the vibration of the machine 800, the material passes through the surfaces of the first plastic / synthetic screening component 810a, the second plastic / synthetic screening component 810b, the first wire mesh screen 812a, the second wire mesh screening component 812b and flows out from the outlet end 804 of the machine 800. As mentioned above, the plastic / synthetic screening component 810 is more resistant to wear at the inlet end of the screening area than the wire mesh screening component 812. In addition, when the material to be screened passes along the screening area, the first part of the fluid in the material passes through the plastic / synthetic screening component 810 while the material to be screened travels along the plastic / synthetic screening component 810. When the material passes through the wire mesh screening component, the second part of the fluid in the material passes through the wire mesh screening component 812.

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

[0299] Figure 29C and 29D respectively show Figure 29A and 29BEnd views 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 undulating or corrugated screening surface, where the screening surface has 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 can be understood that the screening assemblies can have a common configuration. Additionally, although the screening surfaces of the screening assemblies 810, 812 are each shown as undulating or corrugated surfaces, it can be understood that the screening surfaces can have other configurations (e.g., substantially flat).

[0300] The plastic / synthetic screening assembly 810 can have a screening surface made of synthetic materials such as polyurethane, thermoplastic polymers (such as polyurethane), and thermosetting polymers, but is not limited thereto. Molded polyurethane screens are described in U.S. Patent No. 9,908,150, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. For example, thermosetting and thermoplastic polymer screens are described in U.S. Patent Publication No. US-20210354173, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

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

[0302] Figure 30AIllustrated is an arrangement of plastic / synthetic screening assemblies 820 and wire mesh screening assemblies 830 on a dual screening zone screener, as well as an arrangement of 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 near the outlet end / discharge. 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.

[0303] Figure 30B and Figure 30C An alternative screening assembly arrangement is shown. More particularly, Figure 30B shown is an arrangement in which the screener uses three synthetic screening assemblies 820a, 820b and 820c and a single wire mesh screening assembly 830a located at the outlet end. Figure 30C Shown is an arrangement in which the screener uses one synthetic screening assembly 820a located at the inlet end and three wire mesh screening assemblies 830a, 830b and 830c. Other variations are possible for machines with different numbers of screening assemblies.

[0304] Although the above has been discussed primarily in connection with a screener having a concave support surface (such as stringers or partitions) into which the screening assemblies are compressed, it should be noted that aspects of various compression devices can be used with screeners of different configurations. For example, a compression device can be used with a screener having a flatter base portion (e.g., less concave or even flat).

[0305] All directional references (e.g., positive, negative, up, down, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are for identification purposes only to assist the reader in understanding the present disclosure and do not create a limitation, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of any aspect of the present disclosure. As used herein, the phrases "configured to," "configured for," and similar phrases mean that the subject device, apparatus, or system is designed and / or constructed (e.g., by appropriate hardware, software, and / or components) to achieve one or more particular objective purposes, rather than that the subject device, apparatus, or system is merely capable of performing the objective purposes. Connecting terms (e.g., "attached," "coupled," "connected," etc.) shall be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between elements and relative movement between elements. Thus, the connecting terms do not necessarily infer that the two elements are directly connected and fixed to each other. All content included in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be construed as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in details or structure may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

[0306] Any patent, publication, or other publicly available material, if mentioned as being incorporated herein by reference, is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with the existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. Accordingly, to the extent necessary, the disclosure set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material or portion of material that is said to be incorporated herein by reference but conflicts with the existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material in this document is incorporated into this document only to the extent that there is no conflict between the incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

Claims

1. A method for screening materials using a vibrating screening machine, comprising: Placing a screening assembly on a screening receiving portion of a vibrating screening machine, the vibrating screening machine including a first plurality of compression pistons arranged along a first side of the screening receiving portion, wherein the screening assembly includes a support member and a screening surface mounted on the support member, the support member including a front edge and a rear edge and a first side edge and a second side edge, and wherein, on the first side edge of the support member, there is provided a first plurality of mounting holes, each mounting hole including at least one compression surface; Moving the first plurality of compression pistons from a retracted position to an extended position, the extended position being closer to the center line of the support member than the retracted position, such that each compression piston of the first plurality of compression pistons applies a compression force to a corresponding one of the compression surfaces of the support member, and such that the compression force applied to the compression surface presses the screening assembly into engagement with the screening receiving portion of the vibrating screening machine; Depositing the material to be screened on the top surface of the screening assembly; and Vibrating the screening assembly such that the fluid and small particles in the material to be screened pass through the screening assembly, and such that the larger particles that cannot pass through the screening assembly move along the top surface of the screening assembly and eventually leave the rear of the screening assembly.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first plurality of mounting holes on the first side edge of the support member extend inwardly from the first side edge towards the center line of the support member, and wherein, Placing the screening assembly on the screening receiving portion of the vibrating screening machine includes positioning the screening assembly such that the first plurality of compression pistons of the vibrating screening machine are aligned with a corresponding one of the first plurality of mounting holes.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein at least one compression surface of each of the first plurality of mounting holes is located inside a first side edge of the support member, and wherein, Moving the first plurality of compression pistons from a retracted position to an extended position causes the end faces of the first plurality of compression pistons to move towards the inside of the first side of the support element.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein each mounting hole of the first plurality of mounting holes further comprises an alignment groove extending from at least one compression surface of the mounting hole inwardly towards the centerline of the support member, wherein each compression piston of the first plurality of compression pistons comprises an alignment finger extending from the compression piston, and wherein, Moving the first plurality of compression pistons from a retracted position to an extended position includes engaging the alignment fingers of each compression piston with a corresponding alignment groove of the mounting hole.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein each of the first plurality of compression pistons includes a first compression surface and a second compression surface that meet at a compression angle, and wherein, When each compression piston of the first plurality of compression pistons moves from a retracted position to an extended position, each compression piston engages a compression surface of one of the first plurality of mounting holes on the first side edge of the support member, such that the 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 compression surface of the mounting hole docks on the compression angle of the compression piston.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of mounting ramps are provided on at least one side wall of the vibrating sieve, wherein, Placing the screening assembly on the screening receiving portion of the vibrating screening machine includes sliding one side of the support member along the plurality of mounting ramps, and wherein, when one side of the support member slides along the plurality of mounting ramps, one side of the support member is pushed inwards towards the center of the screening receiving portion of the vibrating screening machine.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the support member of the screening assembly includes a first upwardly extending flange located on a first side edge of the support member, wherein the first plurality of mounting holes extend into the first upwardly extending flange, wherein at least one compression surface of each of the first plurality of mounting holes includes a bottom edge portion of one of the first plurality of holes, and wherein, Moving the first plurality of compression pistons from a retracted position to an extended position includes extending each compression piston of the first plurality of compression pistons through one of the first plurality of holes.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein at least one compression surface of each of the first plurality of mounting holes is located inside a first side edge of the support member, and wherein, Moving the first plurality of compression pistons from a retracted position to an extended position causes the end face of each compression piston of the first plurality of compression pistons to move through a corresponding one of the first plurality of holes to a position located inside the first side edge of the support member.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the support member comprises a plurality of support elements connected together, the support elements being formed of plastic or synthetic material.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the first plurality of mounting holes comprises holes positioned along a first side of the support member, the holes not extending through the entire height of the support member such that when the first plurality of compression pistons move from a retracted position to an extended position, end faces of the first plurality of compression pistons are received within the first plurality of mounting holes.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the support member comprises a clamping strip coupled to the plurality of support elements and forming the first side of the support member, the first plurality of mounting holes being formed in the clamping strip.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the support member of the screening assembly includes a second plurality of mounting holes arranged along a second side of the support member, each mounting hole of the second plurality of mounting holes including at least one compression surface, wherein the vibrating screen includes a second plurality of compression pistons that are aligned with a corresponding one of the second plurality of mounting holes when the screening assembly is located on the screening receiving portion of the vibrating screen, and wherein, When the first plurality of compression pistons move from a retracted position to an extended position, at least one compression surface of each of the second plurality of mounting holes is pushed into engagement with the second plurality of compression pistons.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein when the first plurality of compression pistons move from a retracted position to an extended position, the second plurality of compression pistons are not configured to move inwardly towards the centerline of the support member.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein moving the first plurality of compression pistons from a retracted position to an extended position such that at least one compression surface of each of the second plurality of mounting holes is pushed into engagement with the second plurality of compression pistons, thereby applying a resultant compressive force to the compression surfaces of the second plurality of mounting holes, the resultant compressive force applied to the compression surfaces of the second plurality of mounting holes comprising a first component oriented horizontally towards the centerline of the support member and a second component oriented vertically downward.

15. A method of screening material using a vibrating screen, comprising: placing a screening assembly on a screening receiving portion of a vibrating screen, the vibrating screen comprising a first plurality of compression pistons arranged along a first side of the screening receiving portion and a second plurality of compression pistons arranged along a second side of the screening receiving portion, wherein the screening assembly comprises a support member and a screening surface mounted on the support member, the support member comprising a front edge and a rear edge and a first side edge and a second side edge, the first plurality of mounting holes being located at the first side edge and the second plurality of mounting holes being located at the second side edge; moving the first plurality of compression pistons inwardly towards the centerline of the support member such that each of the first plurality of compression pistons applies a compressive force to a corresponding one of the first plurality of mounting holes and such that each of the second plurality of compression pistons applies a pressure to a corresponding one of the second plurality of mounting holes, wherein the compressive forces applied to the first plurality of mounting holes and the second plurality of mounting holes press the screening assembly into engagement with the screening receiving portion of the vibrating screen; depositing the material to be screened on a top surface of the screening assembly; and Vibrate the screening assembly such that fluid and small particles in the material to be screened pass through the screening assembly and such that larger particles that cannot pass through the screening assembly move along the top surface of the screening assembly and ultimately exit the rear of the screening assembly.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the compressive force applied to each of the first plurality of mounting holes and the second plurality of mounting holes includes a first component directed inwardly toward the centerline of the support member and a second component directed downwardly.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the compressive force applied to the first plurality of mounting holes and the second plurality of mounting holes causes the screening assembly to bend into a concave shape, wherein the center of the screening assembly is lower than the first side edge and the second side edge of the screening assembly.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein when the first plurality of compression pistons move inwardly toward the centerline of the support member, the second plurality of pressure pistons are not configured to move inwardly toward the centerline of the support member.

19. The method according to claim 15, further comprising moving the second plurality of compression pistons inwardly toward the centerline of the support member such that each compression piston in the second plurality of compression pistons applies a compressive force to a corresponding one of the second mounting holes.

20. The method according to claim 15, wherein when the screening assembly is subjected to a vibratory force having an acceleration of 3G to 9G applied to the screening assembly, the compressive force applied to the first plurality of mounting holes and the second plurality of mounting holes is sufficient to hold the screening assembly on the screening receiving portion of the vibrating screen.

21. A method of screening material with a vibrating screen, comprising: Placing a screening assembly on a screening receiving portion of a vibrating screen, the vibrating screen including a first plurality of compression pistons disposed along a first side of the screening receiving portion and a second plurality of compression pistons disposed along a second side of the screening receiving portion, the first plurality of compression pistons being configured to move inwardly toward the centerline of the screening receiving portion, the second plurality of pressure pistons not being configured to move inwardly toward the centerline of the screening receiving portion, wherein the screening assembly includes a support member and a screening surface mounted on the support member, the support member including a front edge and a rear edge and a first side edge and a second side edge, the first plurality of mounting holes being located at the first side edge and the second plurality of mounting holes being located at the second side edge; Moving the first plurality of compression pistons inwardly toward the centerline of the screening receiving portion such that each compression piston in the first plurality of compression pistons applies a compressive force to a corresponding one of the first plurality of mounting holes and such that each compression piston in the second plurality of compression pistons applies a pressure to a corresponding one of the second plurality of mounting holes, wherein the compressive force applied to the first plurality of mounting holes and the second plurality of mounting holes presses the screening assembly into engagement with the screening receiving portion of the vibrating screen; Depositing the material to be screened on the top surface of the screening assembly; And Vibrate the screening assembly so that fluid and small particles in the material to be screened pass through the screening assembly, and so that larger particles that cannot pass through the screening assembly move along the top surface of the screening assembly and eventually exit the rear of the screening assembly.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the compressive force applied to each of the first plurality of mounting holes and the second plurality of mounting holes includes a first component directed inwardly toward the centerline of the support member and a second component directed downwardly.

23. The method according to claim 21, wherein when the screening assembly is subjected to a vibratory force having an acceleration of 3G to 9G applied to the screening assembly, the compressive force applied to the first plurality of mounting holes and the second plurality of mounting holes is sufficient to hold the screening assembly on the screening receiving portion of the vibratory screening machine.

24. The method according to claim 21, wherein an end face of each of the first plurality of compression pistons includes a first compression surface and a second compression surface intersecting at a compression angle, and wherein, When each of the first plurality of compression pistons moves inwardly toward the centerline of the screening receiving portion, each of the first plurality of compression pistons engages an edge of a corresponding mounting hole on the first side edge of the support member such that the edge of the mounting hole moves along one of the first compression surface and the second compression surface of the compression piston until the edge of the mounting hole abuts against the compression angle of the compression piston.

25. The method according to claim 21, wherein the support member of the screening assembly includes a first upwardly extending flange located on a first side edge of the support member, wherein each of the first plurality of mounting holes extends upwardly into the first upwardly extending flange, and wherein, When the first plurality of pistons move inwardly toward the centerline of the screening receiving portion, the end faces of the first plurality of compression pistons extend through corresponding ones of the mounting holes in the first upwardly extending flange to a position inside the first side edge of the support member.

26. A method of screening material with a vibratory screening machine, comprising: Placing a screening assembly on a screening receiving portion of a vibratory screening machine, the vibratory screening machine including a first plurality of compression pistons disposed along a first side of the screening receiving portion, wherein the screening assembly has a front edge and a rear edge and a first side edge and a second side edge, the screening assembly includes a screening surface formed of plastic or synthetic material and having a plurality of screening openings, and wherein a first plurality of mounting holes are provided at recessed locations within the first side edge of the screening assembly; Moving the first plurality of compression pistons inwardly toward the centerline of the screening assembly such that the end face of each of the first plurality of compression pistons extends into the first side edge of the screening assembly and applies a compressive force to a corresponding one of the first plurality of mounting holes, wherein the compressive force applied to the first plurality of mounting holes presses the screening assembly into engagement with the screening receiving portion of the vibratory screening machine; Depositing the material to be screened on the top surface of the screening assembly; And Vibrate the screening assembly so that fluid and small particles in the material to be screened pass through the screening assembly, and so that larger particles that cannot pass through the screening assembly move along the top surface of the screening assembly and eventually exit the rear of the screening assembly.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein each of the first plurality of mounting holes further comprises an alignment groove, wherein an end face of each of the first plurality of compression pistons comprises an alignment finger, and wherein, When the first plurality of compression pistons move inwardly toward the centerline of the screening assembly, the alignment fingers of each compression piston are received in the alignment slots of a corresponding one of the first plurality of mounting holes.

28. The method according to claim 26, wherein the compressive force applied by the first plurality of compression pistons to the first plurality of mounting holes causes the screening assembly to bend into a concave shape, wherein the center of the screening assembly is lower than the first and second side edges of the screening assembly.

29. The method according to claim 26, wherein the vibrating sieve further comprises a second plurality of compression pistons arranged along a second side of the screening receiving portion, wherein the screening assembly further comprises a second plurality of mounting holes provided at recessed positions within a second side edge of the screening assembly, and wherein, When the first plurality of compression pistons move inwardly towards the centerline of the screening assembly, the second plurality of pressure pistons are not configured to move inwardly towards the centerline of the screening assembly.

30. The method according to claim 26, wherein the screening assembly includes a first compression strip and a second compression strip respectively located on a first side edge and a second side edge of the screening assembly, and wherein, The first plurality of mounting holes are provided in the first compression strip.

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