Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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METHOD AND APPARATUSES FOR SCREENING
5, CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present invention claims benefit of U.S. Potent Application Serial
No. 13/853,887, entitled "Method and Apparatuses for Screening", filed on
=
October 17, 2012, which is related to U.S. Patent Application. =
. . . Serial No. 12/460,200, entitled "Methbd and Apparatus for
Screening," filed on
. 11) July 15, 2009, which is. related to U.S. -potent S.
. .
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Application Serial No. 11/726,589, now U.S. Patent No. 7,578,394.
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
= 15 The present invention relates generally to material
screening. More
particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatuses for
screening.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
20 Material screening includes the'use of vibratory
screening. machines..
Vibratory screening machines provide the capability to excite an installed
screen such that materials placed upon the screen may be separated to a
desired level. Oversized materials are separated from undersized materials.
Over time, sareens, wear and require replacement. As such, screens are .
=
25 designed to be replaceable.
Vibratory screening machines and their replaceable screens have =
=
severe drawbacks that limit .their productivity and use. In vibratory
screening
machines, the material to be separated is pieced on. flat or corrugated
replaceable screens. The replaceable screens are tensioned over a surface
30 of the vibratory screening Machine such that the replaceable
screen tightly fits .
on the machine. A tensioning arrangement is provided with the machine and
is used to provide a tensioning force on the screen. Several techniques are
=
=
== used to tension screens on vibratory screening machines. One
technique
== = Includes the use of special attachment hooks .that grip the
sides of the screen
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and pull it onto a surface of the machine. Replaceable screens have a
substantially planar screen area and material often builds up at the screen
edges causing maintenance and contamination problems.
SUMMARY
In an example embodiment of the present invention, a vibratory
screening machine is provided that simplifies the process of securing a
replaceable screen to the machine. The vibratory screening machine and
replaceable screen prevent materials to be separated from flowing over the
sides of the screen. The replaceable screen is designed to be cost effective
and can be quickly installed on the vibratory screening machine.
According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a
vibratory screen machine includes: wall members, a concave support surface,
a central member attached to the support surface, a screen assembly, a
compression assembly and an acceleration arrangement. The screen
assembly includes a frame having a plurality of side members and a screen
supported by the frame. The screen includes a semi-rigid support place and a
woven mesh material on a surface of the support plat. The compression
assembly is attached to an exterior surface of a wall member. The
compression assembly includes a retractable member that advances and
contracts. The acceleration arrangement is configured to impart an
acceleration to the screen. As the retractable member advances it pushes the
frame against the central member forming the screen assembly into a
concave shape against the concave mating surface. The top surface of the
screen assembly forms a concave screening surface.
According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a
vibratory screen machine includes: a screen assembly; and a compression
assembly. The compression assembly deforms a top surface of the screen
assembly into a concave shape.
The screen assembly may include a frame having a plurality of side
members and a screen supported by the frame. At least one side member
may be at least one of a tube member, a formed box member and a formed
flange.
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The vibratory screen machine may include an acceleration or vibration
compression assembly may be attached to at least one wall member and may
be positioned on an exterior of a wall member.
The vibratory screen machine may include an acceleration or vibration
arrangement configured to impart an acceleration to the screen assembly.
The vibratory screen machine may include a support surface wherein the
screen assembly forms a concave shape against the support surface.
The vibratory screen machine may include a central member. The
screen assemblies may be arranged between the central member and wall
members. The central member may be attached to the support surface. The
central member may include at least one angled surface configured to urge
the screen assembly into a concave shape in accordance with the
deformation of the screen assembly by the compression assembly. A side
member may be in contact with the central member and another side member
may be in contact with the compression assembly.
The vibratory screen may include at least one additional screen
assembly having a second frame having a plurality of second side members
and a second screen supported by the second frame. A second side member
of the additional screen assembly may be in contact with the central member
and a side member of the screen assembly may be in contact with the
compression assembly. The top surfaced of the at least two screen
assemblies may be formed into a concave shape.
The vibratory screen machine may include a second compression
assembly and a second screen assembly including a plurality of second side
members. A second side member may be in contact with the central member
and another second side member may be in contact with the second
compression assembly.
The vibratory screen machine may include a mating surface configured
to contact the screen assembly. The mating surface may include at least one
of rubber, aluminum and steel. The mating surface may be a concave
surface.
The at least one compression assembly may include a pre-
compressed spring that is configured to assert a force against the screen
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assembly. The pre-compressed spring may assert a force against at least
one side of the frame.
The compression assembly may include a mechanism, configured to
adjust the amount of deflection imparted to the screen assembly. The amount
of deflection imparted to the screen may be adjusted by a user selectable
force calibration.
The compression assembly may include a retractable member that
advances and contracts. The retractable member may advance and contract
by at least one of a manual force, a hydraulic force and a pneumatic force.
The vibratory screen machine may include at least one additional
compression assembly. The compression assemblies may be configured to
provide a force in the same direction.
According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a
screen assembly for a vibratory screen machine includes: a frame including a
plurality of side members and a screen supported by the frame. The screen
assembly may be configured to form a predetermined concave shape when
placed in the vibratory screening machine and subjected to a compression
force by a compression assembly of the vibratory screening machine against
at least one side member of the screen assembly. The predetermined
concave shape may be determined by a surface of the vibratory screening
machine.
At least two side members may be at least one of tube members, box
members and formed flanges.
The screen assembly may include a mating surface configured to
interact with a surface of the vibratory screening machine. The mating
surface may include at least one of rubber, aluminum and steel.
The screen may include a woven mesh material and the frame may
include formed flanges on at least two sides.
The frame may include a perforated semi-rigid support plate and the
screen may include a woven mesh material. The woven mesh material may
be attached to the support plate by at least one of gluing, welding and
mechanical fastening.
The screen may include at least two layers of woven mesh material.
The frame may include a semi-rigid perforated support plate and the screen
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may include at least two layers of a woven mesh material in an undulating
shape. The at least two layers of a woven mesh material may be attached to
the support plate by at least one of gluing, welding and mechanical fastening.
The plate may include a semi-rigid perforated support plate and the
screen may include at least three layers of a woven mesh material in an
undulating shape. The at least three layers of woven mesh material may be
attached to the support plate by at least one of gluing, welding and
mechanical fastening.
According to an example embodiment of the present invention a
method for screening materials includes: attaching a screen assembly to a
vibratory screen machine and forming a top screening surface of the screen
assembly into a concave shape. The method may also include accelerating
the screen assembly. The method may also include returning the screen
assembly to and original shape, replacing the screen assembly with another
screen assembly and performing the attaching and forming steps on another
screen assembly.
According to an example embodiment of the present invention a
vibratory screen machine, includes: a wall member; a guide assembly
attached to the wall member and having at least one mating surface; a
concave support surface; a central member; a screen assembly including a
frame having a plurality of side members and a screen supported by the
frame, the screen including a semi rigid support plate and a woven mesh
material on a surface of the support plate, a portion of the screen assembly
forming a screen assembly mating surface configured to mate with the at least
one mating surface of the guide assembly; a compression assembly attached
to an exterior surface of the wall member, the compression assembly
including a retractable member that advances and contracts; and an
acceleration arrangement configured to impart an acceleration to the screen
assembly, wherein as the retractable member advances it pushes the frame
against the central member forming the screen assembly into a concave
shape against the concave mating surface, the top surface of the screen
assembly forming a concave screening surface.
According to an example embodiment of the present invention a
vibratory screen machine includes: a wall member; a guide assembly
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attached to the wall member and having at least one mating surface; a screen
assembly having a screen assembly mating surface configured to mate with
the at least one mating surface of the guide assembly; and a compression
assembly, wherein the compression assembly deforms a top surface of the
screen assembly into a concave shape.
According to an example embodiment of the present invention a screen
assembly for a vibratory screening machine includes: a frame including a
plurality of side members and having a mating surface; and a screen
supported by the frame, wherein the screen assembly is configured to form a
predetermined concave shape when subjected to a compression force by a
compression assembly of the vibratory screening machine against at least
one side member of the screen assembly when placed in the vibratory
screening machine, wherein the screen assembly mating surface is
configured to interface with a mating surface of the vibratory screening
machine such that the screen is guided into a fixed position on the vibratory
screening machine.
According to an example embodiment of the present invention a screen
assembly for a vibratory screening machine includes: a frame including a
plurality of side members; and a screen supported by the frame, wherein the
frame has a convex shape configured to mate with a concave surface of the
vibratory screening machine, the frame held in place by a force of a
compression assembly of the vibratory screening machine against at least
one side member of the screen assembly when placed in the vibratory
screening machine.
According to an example embodiment of the present invention a
method for screening materials includes: attaching a screen assembly to a
vibratory screening machine screening machine using a guide assembly to
position the screen assembly in place; and forming a top screening surface of
the screen assembly into a concave shape.
According to an example embodiment of the present invention a screen
assembly for a vibratory screening machine is provided having a frame with
an arched bottom contact support surface and a screen supported by the
frame. The frame is rigid and the arched bottom contact support surface
interfaces with a fixed concave support surface of the vibratory screening
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machine such that vibrations from the vibratory screening machine are
transmitted to the screen. The screen assembly may have a plurality of side
members. The screen assembly may be secured to the vibratory screening
machine by a compression assembly. The compression assembly may force
the screen assembly against at least one of a wall member of the vibratory
screening machine and a central stop of the vibratory screening machine.
The screen assembly may be secured to the vibratory screening machine by
at least one clamp.
The screen assembly may include a mating surface attached on the
bottom contact surface. The mating surface may be at least one of rubber,
aluminum, steel and a composite material or any other suitable material,
including other metals and polymers.
The frame may include a frame mating surface configured to interface
with a mating surface of the vibratory screening machine such that the screen
assembly may be guided into a fixed position on the vibratory screening
machine. The frame mating surface may be a notch formed in the corner of
the frame or formed generally centrally in a side member of the frame. The
frame mating surface may be configured to mate with a guide assembly of the
vibratory screening machine. The guide assembly may include a guide
assembly mating surface that may interface with the frame mating surface
and may position the screen assembly within the vibratory screening machine.
The frame may be at least one of aluminum and steel. The frame may
include subgrids secured together to form the frame. The subgrids may be
thermoplastic injection molded. The screen may include a woven mesh
material. The screen may include at least one screen element secured to a
top surface of at least one subgrid. The screen elements may be
thermoplastic injection molded. The screen may have at least one of a flat
configuration, a pyramidal configuration, and an undulating configuration. The
guide assembly may be formed as part of the vibratory screening machine.
According to an example embodiment of the present invention a screen
assembly for a vibratory screening machine is provided having a frame with a
bottom surface forming an arc across the width of the frame and a screen
supported by the frame. The frame is rigid and the arc of the frame interfaces
with a fixed concave support surface of the vibratory screening machine. The
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screen assembly may include a mating surface attached on the bottom surface.
The
mating surface may be at least one of rubber, aluminum and steel. The screen
assembly may be secured to the vibratory screening machine by a compression
assembly.
According to an example embodiment of the present invention a screen
assembly for a vibratory screening machine is provided having a frame with a
bottom
contact surface and a screen supported by the frame. The frame is rigid and
the
bottom contact surface is configured to have a predetermined non-flat shape
such
that it interfaces with a fixed support surface of the vibratory screening
machine
without the application of a compression force. The predetermined shape of the
bottom contact surface of the frame may be at least one of arched, concave,
convex,
undulating, angled, and triangular. The fixed support surface of the vibratory
screening machine may have a shape configured to mate with the bottom contact
surface of the frame.
The screen assembly may include a mating surface attached on the
bottom contact surface. The mating surface may be at least one of rubber,
aluminum
and steel. The frame may be at least one of aluminum and steel. The frame may
comprise subgrids secured together to form the frame. The subgrids may be
thermoplastic injection molded. The screen may include a woven mesh material.
The
screen may include at least one screen element secured to a top surface of at
least
one subgrid. The screen elements may be thermoplastic injection molded.
According to an example embodiment of the present invention there is
provided a screen assembly for a vibratory screening machine, comprising: a
frame
having an arched convex bottom contact support surface; and a screen supported
by
the frame; wherein the frame is rigid and the arched bottom contact support
surface
interfaces with a fixed concave support surface of the vibratory screening
machine
such that vibrations from the vibratory screening machine are transmitted to
the
screen, wherein the frame comprises subgrids secured together to form the
frame.
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According to an example embodiment of the present invention there is
provided a screen assembly for a vibratory screening machine, comprising: a
frame
having a bottom surface forming an convex arc across the width of the frame;
and a
screen supported by the frame; wherein the frame is rigid and the arc of the
frame
interfaces with a fixed concave support surface of the vibratory screening
machine,
wherein the frame comprises subgrids secured together to form the frame.
According to an example embodiment of the present invention there is
provided a system for screening materials, comprising: a vibratory screening
machine
and a screen assembly, wherein the screen assembly includes a rigid frame
having a
convex bottom surface that interfaces with a fixed concave support surface of
the
vibratory screening machine, wherein the frame comprises subgrids secured
together
to form the frame.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a vibratory screen machine with
installed replaceable screens assemblies according to an example embodiment of
the present invention.
Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the vibratory screen machine
shown in Figure 1.
Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a vibratory screen machine
with replaceable screen assemblies prior to final installation according to an
example
embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a replaceable screen assembly
according to an example embodiment of the present invention.
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Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a replaceable screen assembly
according to an example embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a vibratory screen
machine with a pre-compressed spring compression assembly with a pin in an
extended position according to an example embodiment of the present
invention.
Figure 7 shows a cross sectional view of the vibratory screen machine
shown in Figure 6 with the pin in a retracted position.
Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a vibratory screen machine
according to an example embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the vibratory screening
machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a vibratory screen machine
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a guide assembly according to
an example embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 12 shows a bottom view of the guide assembly shown in Figure
11.
Figure 13 shows an end view of the guide assembly shown in Figure
11.
Figure 14 shows a top view of the guide assembly shown in Figure 11.
Figure 15 shows a top view of a replaceable screen assembly
according to an example embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 16 shows an end view of the screen assembly shown in Figure
15.
Figure 17 shows a perspective view of a vibratory screen machine
according to an example embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 18 shows a cross-section view of a vibratory screen machine
according to an example embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 19 and 20 show perspective views of a frame of a pretension
screen assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
Figures 21 and 22 show perspective views of pretension screen
assemblies according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
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Figure 23 shows a perspective view of a vibratory screen machine
according to an example embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 24 shows a perspective view of a portion of vibratory screening
machine according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 25 is a front view of a vibratory machine having a preformed flat
screen assembly installed thereon according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention.
Figure 25A is a front view of a vibratory machine having a preformed
undulating screen assembly installed thereon according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 26 is a front view of a vibratory screening machine having two
separate screening surfaces with preformed screen assemblies installed upon
the vibratory screening machine according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention.
Figure 27 is a front view of a vibratory screening machine having a
single screening surface with a preformed screen assembly installed upon the
vibratory screening machine according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
Figure 28 is a front view of a vibratory screening machine having two
preformed screen assemblies with flat screening surfaces installed thereon
where the screen assemblies include pyramidal shaped subgrids according to
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 29 is a front view of a vibratory screening machine having a
single preformed screen assembly with a flat screening surface installed
thereon where the screen assembly includes pyramidal shaped subgrids
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Like reference characters denote like parts in the drawings.
Figure 1 shows vibratory screening machine 10 with installed
replaceable screening assemblies 20. Material is fed into a feed hopper 100
and is then directed onto a top surface 110 of the screen assemblies 20. The
material travels in flow direction 120 toward the vibratory screening machine
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end 130. the material flowing in direction 120 is contained within the
concave configuration provided by the screen assemblies 20. The material is
prevented from exiting the sides of screen assemblies 20. Material that is
undersized and/or fluid passes through screen assemblies 20 onto a separate
5 discharge material flow path 140 for further processing. Materials that
are
oversized exit end 130. The material screen may be dry, a slurry, etc. and the
screen assemblies 20 may be pitched downwardly from the hopper 100
toward an opposite end in the direction 120 to assist with the feeding of the
material.
10 Vibratory screen machine 10 includes wall members 12, concave
support surfaces 14, a central member 16, an acceleration arrangement 18,
screen assemblies 20 and compression assemblies 22. Central member 16
divides vibratory screening machine 10 into two concave screening areas.
Compression assemblies 22 are attached to an exterior surface of wall
members 12. Vibratory screening machines 10 may, however, have one
concave screening area with compression assemblies 22 arranged on one
wall member. See, for example, Figure 10. Such an arrangement may be
desirable where space is limited and maintenance and operational personnel
only have access to one side of the vibratory screening machine. Also,
multiple screening areas may be provided. While vibratory screening
machine 10 is shown with multiple longitudinally oriented screen assemblies
creating to parallel concave material pathways, screen assemblies 20 are not
limited to such a configuration and may be otherwise oriented. Additionally,
multiple screening assemblies 20 may be provided to form a concave
screening surface.
Screen assemblies 20 include frames 24 and screens 26. Frames 24
include side members 28. Side members 28 are formed as flanges but may
be formed of any elongated member such as tubes, formed box members,
channels, plates, beams, pipes, etc. Screens 26 may include a semi-rigid
perforated support plate 80 and a woven mesh material 82 on a surface 84 of
the support plate 80 (see, e.g., Figure 4). Support plate 80 need not be
perforated but may be configured in any manner suitable for the material
screening application. The woven mesh material may have two or more
layers. The layers of a woven mesh material may be in an undulating shape.
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The woven mesh material may be attached to the semi-rigid support plate by
gluing, welding, mechanical fastening, etc. Screens 26 are supported by
frames 24. In an alternate embodiment, screen assembly 20 includes a rigid
frame 24 having a preformed bottom contact support surface wherein the
bottom contact support surface is configured to interface with a fixed support
surface of the vibratory screening machine. The bottom contact support
surface may be convex, concave or any other shape configured to interface
with the support surface of the vibratory screening machine. A mating surface
may be attached to the bottom contact support surface, which mating surface
may be one of rubber, aluminum, steel or composite material.
As discussed above, compression assemblies 22 are attached to an
exterior surface of wall members 12. Compression assemblies 22 include a
retractable member 32 (see e.g., Figure 2) that extends and contracts.
Retractable member 32 is a pin, but may be any member configured to exert
a compressive force against frame 24 to urge side members 28 toward each
other to deform screen assemblies 20 into a concave profile. As set forth
below, retractable members 32 advance and contract by a pneumatic and
spring forces but may also advance and contract by manual forces, hydraulic
forces, etc. Also as set forth below, compression assembly 22 may be
configured as pre-compressed springs (see, e.g., Figures 6 to 8).
Compression assembly 22 may be a bar member hinged to an exterior
surface of wall member 12 configured to assert a force against screen
assembly 20 when the bar member is rotated along a hinge point.
Compression assemblies 22 may also be provided in other configurations
suitable for providing a force against screen assemblies 20.
As shown in Figure 1, compression assemblies 22 include retractable
members 32, which are illustrated in Figure 1 in an extended position
asserting a force against frames 24. Frames 24 are pushed against central
member 16 causing screen assemblies 20 to form a concave shape against
support surfaces 14. Central member 16 is attached to support surface 14
and includes angled surfaces 36 (see, e.g., Figures 2 and 3) that prevent
frames 24 from deflecting upward when they are compressed. Alternatively,
surface 36 may be a ridge or stepped surface that urges screen assembly 20
into a concave shape. In an alternate embodiment, frame 24 may be
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substantially rigid such that it does not deflect into a concave surface under
compression. Screen assembly 20 may include a bottom contact support
surface preformed to interface with support surface 14 of the vibratory
screening machine. Support surfaces 14 have a concave shape and include
mating surfaces 30. Support surfaces 14 may, however, have different
shapes. A mating surface may be attached to the bottom contact support
surface, which mating surface may be one of rubber, aluminum, steel or
composite material. In the embodiment having a rigid, preformed frame
configured to interface with the support surface 14, the bottom contact
support
surface of said screen assembly is configured to mate with the shape of
support surface 14. Also, central member 16 need not be attached to support
surface 14. Additionally, vibratory screening machine 10 may be provided
without support surfaces. Screen assemblies may also include mating
surfaces that interact with the mating surfaces 30 of support surface 14. The
mating surfaces of screen assemblies 20 and/or the mating surfaces 30 may
be made of rubber, aluminum, steel or other materials suitable for mating.
Acceleration arrangement 18 is attached to vibratory screening
machine 10. Acceleration arrangement 18 includes a vibrator motor that
causes screen assemblies 20 to vibrate.
Figure 2 shows the side walls 12, screen assemblies 20, compression
assemblies 22 and support members 14 of the vibratory screening machine
10 shown in figure 1. Frames 24 of screen assemblies 20 include side
members 28. The side members 28 form flanges.
As described above, compression assemblies 22 are mounted to wall
members 12. Retractable members 32 are shown holding screen assemblies
20 in a concave shape. Materials to be separated are placed directly on the
top surfaces of screen assemblies 20. Also as described above, the bottom
surfaces of screen assemblies may include mating surfaces. The bottom
surfaces of screen assemblies 20 interact directly with the mating surfaces 30
of concave support surfaces 14 such that screen assemblies 20 are subjected
to vibrations form acceleration arrangement 18 via e.g., concave support
surfaces 14.
The placement of the top surfaces of screen assemblies 20 into a
concave shape provides for the capturing and centering of materials. The
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centering of the material stream on screen assemblies 20 prevents the
materials from exiting the screening surface and potentially contaminating
previously segregated materials and/or creating maintenance concerns. For
larger material flow volumes, the screen assemblies 20 may be placed in
greater compression, thereby increasing the amount of arc in the top surface
and bottom surface. The greater the amount of arc in the screen assemblies
20 allows for greater retaining capability of material by the screen
assemblies
20 and prevention of over spilling of material off the edges of the screen
assemblies 20.
Figure 3 shows screen assemblies 20 in an undeformed state.
Retractable members 32 are in a retraced position. When retractable
members 32 are in the retracted position, screen assemblies 20 may be
readily replaced. Screen assemblies 10 are placed in the vibratory screening
machine 10 such that side members 28 contact angled surfaces 36 of central
member 16. While the replaceable screen assemblies 20 are in the
undeformed state, the retractable members 32 are brought into contact with
screen assemblies 20. The angled surface 36 prevents side members 28
from deflecting in an upward direction. When compression arrangement 22 is
actuated, retractable members 32 extend from the compression assembly 22
causing the overall horizontal distance between the retractable members and
angled surfaces 36 to decrease. As the total horizontal distance decreases,
the individual screen assemblies 20 deflect in a downward direction 29
contacting supporting surfaces 30 (as shown in Figure 2). Angled surfaces 36
are also provided so that the screen assemblies 20 are installed in the
vibrating screening machine 10 at a proper arc configuration. Different arc
configurations may be provided based on the degree of extension of
retractable members 32. Alternatively, screen assembly 20 may include a
rigid frame such that it does not deform under compression force. The
extension of retractable members 32 is accomplished through constant spring
pressure against the body of compression arrangement 22. The retraction of
retractable members 32 is accomplished by mechanical actuation, electro
mechanical actuation, pneumatic pressure or hydraulic pressure compressing
the contained spring thereby retracting the retractable member 32 into the
compression arrangement 22. Other extension and retractions arrangements
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may be used including arrangements configured for manual operation, etc.
(see, e.g., Figures 6 to 8). The compression assembly 22 may also include a
mechanism for adjusting the amount of deflection imparted to the screen
assemblies 20. Additionally, the amount of deflection imparted to the screen
assemblies 20 may be adjusted by a user selectable force calibration.
Figure 4 shows a replaceable screen assembly 20. Screen assembly
20 includes frame 24 and screen 26. Frame 24 includes side members 28.
Frame 24 includes a semi-rigid perforated support plate 80 and screen 26
includes a woven mesh material 82 on a surface of the support plate 80.
Screen 26 is supported by frame 24. Screen assembly 20 is configured to
form a predetermined concave shape when placed in a vibratory screening
machine and subjected to appropriate forces.
Figure 5 shows a replaceable screen assembly 21. Screen assembly
21 includes frame 25 and an undulating screen 27. Frame 25 includes side
members 29 and a semi-rigid perforated support plate 81. Undulating screen
27 includes a woven mesh material 83 on a surface of the support plate 81.
Undulating screen 27 is supported by frame 25. Screen assembly 21 is
configured to form a predetermined concave shape when placed in a vibratory
screening machine and subjected to appropriate forces.
Figures 6 to 8 show a pre-compressed spring compression assembly
23. Pre-compressed spring compression assembly 23 may be used in place
of or in conjunction with compression assembly 22. Pre-compressed spring
compression assembly includes a spring 86, a retractor 88, a fulcrum plate 90
and a pin 92. Pre-compressed spring compression assembly 23 is attached
to wall member 12 of vibratory screen machine 10.
In Figure 6, pre-compressed spring compression assembly 23 is shown
with pin 92 in an extended position. In this position, pin 92 asserts a force
against a screen assembly such that the screen assembly forms a concave
shape. Alternatively, pin 92 asserts a force against a screen assembly
securing the screen assembly into the vibratory screening machine but does
not deform or deflect the screen assembly.
In Figure 7, pin 92 is shown in a retracted position. To retract pin 92 a
push handle 34 is inserted into an aperture in retractor 88 and pressed
against fulcrum plate 90 in direction 96. The force on retractor 88 causes
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spring 86 to deflect and 92 to retract. A surface may be provided to secure
pre-compressed spring compression assembly 23 in the retracted position.
Although a simple lever retracting system is shown, alternative arrangements
and systems may be utilized.
In Figure 8, vibratory screen machine is shown with multiple pre-
compressed spring compression assemblies 23. Each compression
assembly may correspondence to a respective screen assembly 20 so that
installation and replacement of screen assembly 20 requires retraction of a
single corresponding compression assembly 23. Multiple pins 92 may be
provided in each of pre-compressed spring compression assemblies 23. As
set forth above, other mechanical compression assemblies may be utilized.
Figure 9 shows vibratory screening machine 10 with multiple screen
assemblies 20 forming a concave surface. The first screen assembly 20 has
one side member 28 in contact with pin members 32 and another side
member 28 in contact with side member 28 of a second screen assembly 20.
The second screen assembly 20 has another side member 28 in contact with
central member 16. As shown, pin members 32 are in the extended position
and screen assembles 20 and formed into a concave shape. The force
asserted by pin members 32 cause screen assemblies 20 to push against
each other and central member 16. As a result, the screen assemblies deflect
into a single concave shape. In an alternate embodiment, the screen
assemblies include rigid frames that do not deflect under compression force.
The screen assembly may include a bottom contact support surface
preformed to interface with the support surface of the screening machine
without deflection of the screen assembly. The side members 28 that are in
contact with each other may include brackets or other securing mechanisms
configured to secure the screen assemblies 20 together. Although two screen
assemblies are shown, multiple screen assemblies may be provided in similar
configurations. The use of multiple screen assemblies may provide for
reduced weight in handling individual screen assemblies as well as limiting
the amount of screening area that needs to be replaced when a screen
assembly becomes damaged or worn.
Figure 10 shows vibratory screen machine 10 without a central
member. Vibratory screen machine 10 includes at least two compression
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assemblies 22 that have retractable members 32 that extend toward each
other. Retractable members 32, which are illustrated in the extended position,
assert a force against side members 28 of screen assemblies 20 causing
screen assemblies 20 to form a concave shape and replacing the screen
assembly with another screen assembly.
Figures 11 to 14 show a guide assembly 200. Guide assembly 200
may be attached to wall 12 of vibratory screening machine 10 and includes
mating surfaces or guide surfaces 202, 204 that are configured to guide
replaceable screen assembly 220 into position on vibratory screening
machine 10. See, for example, Figure 19. Guide assembly 200 is configured
such that an operator may easily and consistently position or slide
replaceable
screen assembly 220 into a desired location on vibratory screening machine
10. In guiding sceen assembly 220 into position, mating surfaces 202, 204 of
guide assembly 200 interface with a corresponding mating surface 240 of
screen assembly 220. Guide assemblies 200 prevent screen assembly 220
from moving to unwanted positions and act to easily secure screen assembly
220 into place so that compression assemblies 22, as described herein, may
properly act on screen assembly 220. Guide assembly 200 may have any
shape suitable for positioning screen assembly 220 into place, including, but
not limited to, triangular shapes, circular shapes, square shapes, arched
shapes, etc. Likewise, screen assembly 220 may include a portion (see, for
example, notch 230 in Figure 15) with a corresponding shape configured to
interface with and/or mate with a corresponding guide assembly.
As shown in Figures 11 to 14, guide assembly 200 is an elongated
member having a first end 206 with angled surfaces 208, a second end 210, a
back surface 212, mating surfaces 202, 204 and a central column 214, the
back surface 212 may be attached to wall 12 and may include tabs 216 and
raised portion 218 to facilitate attachment to wall 12 such that guide
assembly
200 is in a generally vertical position with the first end 206 facing up and
the
second end 210 facing down. See, for example, Figure 23. As shown in
Figures 11 to 14, mating surfaces 202, 204 slope towards the central column
214 and meet on side surfaces of central column 214. As can be seen in
Figure 13 central column 214 extends beyond mating surfaces 202 and 204
and may serve to locate and/or separate two separate replaceable screen
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assemblies, the first screen assembly having a surface that interfaces with
mating surface 202 and the second screen assembly having a surface that
interfaces with mating surface 204. As shown in this example embodiment,
mating surfaces 202, 204 form a generally triangular shape where one of
mating surfaces interfaces 202, 204 mates with a mating surface of the
screen assembly 220 such that during insertion of the screen assembly 220
into the screening machine 10, the screen assembly 220 is guidable along
one of mating surfaces 202, 204 to a fixed position so that the retractable
members 32 may push against a frame 228 of screen assembly 220. See
Figures 15 and 23. Angled surfaces 208 of first end 206 have a generally
sloped shape so that the mating surface of screen assembly 220 will not catch
and will easily slide onto guide assembly 200. Guide assembly 200 may be
attached to wall 12 in any way such that it is secured into a desired
position.
For example it may be welded into place, secured with an adhesive or have a
mechanism such as a tab that locks it into place. Moreover, guide assembly
200 may be configured to be removable from wall 12 so that it can be easily
relocated, for example, using tabs and slots, along wall 12 to accommodate
multiple or different sized screen assemblies.
Figures 15 to 16 show replaceable screen assembly 220. Replaceable
screen assembly 220 includes a frame 228 and screens 222. Screen
assembly 220 may be identical or similar to screen assemblies 20 as
described herein and include all the features of screen assemblies 20 (frame
configurations, screen configurations, etc.) as described herein. Screen
assembly 220 includes notches 230 configured to receive guide assembly
200. Notches 230 include mating surfaces 240 that mate with or interface
with mating surfaces 202, 204 of guide assembly 200. Although notches 230
are shown as an angular cut out of a corner of screen assembly 220 they may
take any shape that receives guide assembly 200 and locates screen
assembly 220 into a desired position on screening machine 10. Moreover,
mating surfaces 240 may take any shape necessary to guide screen
assembly 220 into a desired position.
Figure 17 shows vibratory screen machine 10 with guide assemblies
200 and preformed screen assembly 250. Preformed screen assembly 250 is
shown positioned in place by the first guide assembly 200. Preformed screen
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assembly 250 includes a frame 252 and a screening surface 254. Frame 252
has a convex bottom contact surface configured to form fit to the concave bed
of screening machine 10. Although frame 252 of screen assembly 250 is
shown to have an arched bottom contact surface configured to mate with a
concave support surface of the vibratory screening machine, alternate
embodiments are possible, including a bottom contact surface that is arched,
concave, convex, undulated, angled or triangular. The bottom contact surface
is shaped such that it mates with the support surface of the vibratory
screening machine. A mating surface may be attached to the bottom contact
support surface, which mating surface may be one of rubber, aluminum, steel
or composite material. Preformed screen assembly 250 has the benefit of
securely mating to the support surface of the vibratory screening machine
without requiring deformation from a compression force. Frame 252 is
substantially rigid and resists deformation upon application of a force.
Screen
assembly 250 simplifies the installation process of replacement screens.
Additionally, screen assembly 250, having a rigid frame prevents deformation
of the screening surface 254 under compression force, ensuring precise and
consistent screening properties when the screen assembly is installed upon
the vibratory screening machine.
As shown, screening surface 254 is flat with an undulating screen.
Screening surface 254 may also be preformed into a concave or convex
shape. Compression members 22 act to hold preformed screen assembly
250 in place (by pushing it against central member 16) without substantially
deforming the top surface of screen assembly 250 into a concave shape.
Similar to screen assemblies 220 discussed above, preformed screen
assembly 250 includes notches configured to receive guide assembly 200.
The notches include mating surfaces that mate with or interface with mating
surfaces 202, 204 of guide assembly 200. Although the notches are shown
as an angular cut out of a corner of preformed screen assembly 250 they may
take any shape that receives guide assembly 200 and locates preformed
screen assembly 250 into a desired position on screening machine 10.
Moreover, the mating surfaces of the preformed screen assemblies may take
any shape necessary to guide preformed screen assembly 250 into a desired
position. Multiple guide assemblies and screens may be included with
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screening machine 10. Preformed screen assembly 250 may also be
configured without notches so that it fits a vibratory screening machine that
does not have guide assemblies.
Figure 18 shows screening machine 10 with preformed screen
assemblies 260, 270. Preformed screen assemblies 260, 270 include the
same features as pretension screen assembly 250 as described herein.
Screen assembly 260 is shown with frame 262 and flat screening surface 264.
Screen assembly 270 is shown with frame 272 and undulating screening
surface 274. Preformed screen assemblies 260, 270 do not substantially
deflect or deform under compression force when installed upon vibratory
screening machine 10 maintaining substantially uniform screening surfaces
264, 274. Similar to screen assemblies 250 discussed above, preformed
screen assemblies 260, 270 include notches configured to receive guide
assembly 200. Preformed screen assemblies 260, 270 may also be
configured without notches so that they fit a vibratory screening machine that
does not have guide assemblies.
Figures 19 and 20 show frame 252 of preformed screen assembly 250.
Frame 252 is substantially rigid and resists deflection or deformation under
compression forces. Frame 252 may be aluminum, steel, thermoplastic
injection molded or composite material configured to be substantially rigid.
Frame 252 includes screen support surface 255 and cross support members
256 that have convex arches for mating with and being supported by a
concave support surface of vibratory screening machine 10. In other
embodiments, cross support members 256 may be concave, undulating,
angled or triangular. Cross support members 256 may be any shape
configured to mate with a support surface of a vibratory screening machine.
Figure 21 shows preformed screen assembly 270 with undulating
screen surface 274 attached to frame 272. Frame 272 may be identical or
similar to frame 252 as described herein and includes all the features of
frame
252 as described herein.
Figure 22 shows preformed screen assembly 260 with flat screen
surface 264 attached to frame 262. Frame 262 may be identical or similar to
frame 252 as described herein and includes all the features of frame 252 as
described herein.
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Figure 23 shows a vibratory screen machine 10 with multiple screen
assemblies 220 positioned using guide assemblies 200. As shown, the
central screen assembly 220 is positioned on screening machine 10 by first
placing an edge of frame 222 against central member 36 and then lowering it
into place using guide assemblies 200.
Figure 24 shows a close-up of a portion of a vibratory screening
machine that includes a guide block (or guide assembly) and screen
assemblies according to an example embodiment of the present invention.
According to another example embodiment of the present invention a
method is provided that includes attaching a screen assembly to a vibratory
screening machine screening machine using a guide assembly to position the
screen assembly in place and forming a top screening surface of the screen
assembly into a concave shape. An operator may position the screen
assembly into place by first pushing an edge of the frame of the screen
assembly against a central member of the screening machine and then
lowering the screen assembly into place using the guide assemblies to guide,
locate and/or fix the screen assembly into a desired position so that the top
screening surface may then be formed into a concave shape.
Figure 25 shows a vibratory screen machine with preformed screen
assembly 1250 installed thereon. The vibratory screening machine includes a
first wall member 1012, a second wall member 1014 and an acceleration
arrangement 1016. Screen assembly 1250 may be identical or similar to
screen assembly 250 as described herein and includes all the features of
screen assembly 250 (frame configurations, screen configurations, etc.) as
described herein. Preformed screen assembly 1250 includes a frame and a
screening surface 1264. The frame has a convex bottom shape configured to
form fit to the concave support surface 1018 of the screening machine.
Alternatively, the frame of screen assembly 1250 may have a convex,
undulating, angled or triangular bottom shape, or any other bottom shape,
such that it is configured to mate with a corresponding matching shape of
support surface 1018. As shown, screening surface 1264 is flat. Screening
surface 1264 may also be preformed into a concave or convex shape.
Compression member 1024 may hold preformed screen assembly 1250 in
place (by pushing it against the second wall member) without substantially
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deforming top surface 1264 of screen assembly 1250. Similar to screen
assemblies 250 discussed above, preformed screen assembly 1250 may
include notches configured to receive a guide assembly. The notches include
mating surfaces that mate with or interface a guide assembly mating surface
of the guide assembly. Multiple guide assemblies and screens may be
included with the screening machine. Preformed screen assembly 1250 may
also be configured without notches so that it fits a vibratory screening
machine that does not have guide assemblies.
Figure 25A shows a screening machine with preformed undulating
screen assembly 1260 installed thereon. The vibratory screening machine
includes a first wall member 1012, a second wall member 1014 and an
acceleration arrangement 1016. Screen assembly 1260 may be identical or
similar to screen assembly 270 as described herein and includes all the
features of screen assembly 270 (frame configurations, screen configurations,
etc.) as described herein. Preformed undulating assembly 1260 may include
the same features as preformed screen assembly 1250 as described herein.
Preformed undulating screen assembly 1260 is shown with a frame and
undulating screening surface 1274. Preformed undulating screen assembly
1260 may be configured with notches so that it fits a vibratory screening
machine that has guide assemblies.
Figure 26 is a front view of screen assemblies 2052 installed upon a
vibratory screening machine having two screening surfaces, according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Screen assembly 2052 is an
alternate embodiment where the screen assembly has been formed from
individual subgrid units secured together to form a frame and screen elements
attached to top surfaces of the subgrid units to form a screening surface. The
screening surface of screen assembly 2052 may be substantially flat, concave
or convex. Screen assembly 2052 may be held into place by applying a
compression force to a side member of screen assembly 2052. A bottom
portion of screen assembly 2052 may be preformed to mate with a mating
surface of the vibratory screening machine. Screen assembly 2052 does not
deflect under a compression force from the vibratory screening machine.
Screen assembly 2052 may be designed to fit into any vibratory screening
machine having a screen assembly mating surface of any shape, whether
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curved or in some other configuration. Figure 27 is a front view of screen
assembly 2052 installed upon a vibratory screening machine having a single
screening surface, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
Figure 28 is a front view of screen assemblies 2082 installed upon a
vibratory screening machine having two screening surfaces, according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Screen assembly 2082 is an
alternate embodiment where the screen assembly is formed from both
pyramidal shaped subgrid units and flat subgrid units. The screening surface
of screen assembly 2082 has increased surface area over a similar sized
screen assembly 2052. The pyramidal shaped subgrid units increase the
number of screen elements and the screening surface area. Similar to screen
assembly 2052, screen assembly 2082 may be held into place by applying a
compression force to a side member of screen assembly 2082. A bottom
portion of screen assembly 2082 may be preformed to mate with a mating
surface of the vibratory screening machine.
Figure 29 is a front view of screen assembly 2082 installed upon a
vibratory screening machine having a single screening surface, according to
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
According to another example embodiment of the present invention a
method for screening material is provided that includes attaching a screen
assembly to a vibratory screening machine having a first wall member, a
second wall member and a concave support surface located between the first
and second wall members. The screen assembly includes a frame having a
bottom surface forming an arc and a screen is supported by the frame. The
frame is rigid and the arc of the bottom surface of the frame mates with the
concave support surface of the vibratory screening machine. The screen
assembly is secured to the vibratory screening machine forcing the screen
assembly into the second wall member and against the concave support
surface. According to this embodiment, the screen assembly may be
replaced with another screen assembly, which is attached and secured to the
vibratory screening machine for material screening. The method may include
using a guide assembly to position the screen assembly in a location in the
vibratory screening machine.
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Embodiments of the present invention may include screen assemblies,
screen elements, subgrid structures and other technologies as described in
U.S.
Patent Application No. 61/714,882.
Embodiments of the present invention may also include technologies as
described in U.S. Patent Application No. 13/653,162.
In the foregoing example embodiments are described. It will, however,
be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereunto
without
departing from the scope hereof. The specification and drawings are
accordingly to
be regarded in an illustrative rather than in a restrictive sense.
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