CN114945430A - Apparatus, method and system for vibratory screening - Google Patents

Abstract

The disclosed embodiments include removable support structures (414,424,1706, 1902a, 1902b, 2320a, 2320b, 2402, 2502,2602) for a vibratory screening machine (100). The removable support structure is a unitary structure comprising one or more of plastic, metal, and composite materials, and may be configured to provide mechanical support to one or more screening assemblies (409,419,1702,1802,2008,2206,2220) of the vibratory screening machine. The removable support structure may also be configured to be removably secured to the vibratory screening machine. The removable support structure may be a single thermoplastic injection molded piece or may be a single injection molded piece comprising nylon, carbon, and graphite. The removable support structure may have a concave shape configured to mechanically support screen assemblies held in compression, or may have a convex shape configured to mechanically support screen assemblies held in tension. The disclosed wear protection cover (2502) made of a flexible material provides wear protection for the removable support structure.

Description

Apparatus, method and system for vibratory screening

Cross-reference to related applications:

this application claims priority to us patent application 16/460,496 filed on 2.7.2019, which is a continuation-in-part application of us patent application no 15/785,141, which relates to and claims the benefit of us provisional patent application nos. 62/408,514 filed on 14.10.2016 and 62/488,293 filed on 21.4.4.2017. The disclosure of each of these applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective side view of a vibratory screening machine according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective top view of the vibratory screening machine shown in FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a front view of the vibratory screen machine shown in figures 1 and 2 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 4 is a rear view of the vibratory screen machine shown in figures 1, 2, and 3 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 5 is an isometric view of a screen deck assembly with a screen assembly mounted thereon according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 6 is an enlarged partial isometric view of the screen deck assembly of figure 5 without a screen assembly installed thereon, incorporated into the vibratory screening machine of figures 1, 2, 3, and 4 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged side view of a wash tray according to one or more embodiments of the present invention that may be incorporated into the screen plate assembly shown in fig. 5 and 6.

Fig. 8 is an isometric view of a tensioning device having a ratchet mechanism according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 9A is a side view of the screen deck assembly of fig. 5, 6 and 7 with the ratchet mechanism of fig. 8 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9B is an enlarged view of the ratchet mechanism of FIG. 9A, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 10 is an enlarged partial isometric view of the attachment of the feeder assembly and screen assembly of figures 5, 6, and 7 to the vibratory screen machine of figures 1, 2, 3, and 4 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11A is an isometric bottom view of an undersized material discharge assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 11B is an isometric top view of the small-scale material evacuation assembly shown in fig. 11A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 12A is an isometric bottom view of an oversized material-discharge chute in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 12B is an isometric top view of the oversized material discharge chute shown in fig. 12A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 13A is an isometric top view of an oversized material discharge chute in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 13B is an isometric bottom view of the oversized material discharge chute shown in FIG. 13A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

Figure 14 is a cross-sectional side view of a screen deck assembly having material flowing through the screen deck assembly and having an impingement zone of a screen assembly incorporated into the screen deck assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 15 is a side view of a tray according to one or more embodiments of the invention showing material to be filtered falling on the impact region of the filter element.

Figure 16A is a front perspective view of a screen assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 16B is a side view of a screen filter according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

Figure 17 is an isometric view of a screen deck assembly with a screen assembly mounted thereon according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 18 shows a perspective view of a vibratory screening machine with installed replaceable screen assemblies having dual concave screening areas according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 19 shows a perspective view of a partially assembled vibratory screening machine according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 20 shows a perspective view of a vibratory screening machine with an installed replaceable screen assembly having a single concave screening area according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 21A shows a perspective view of a partially assembled vibratory screening machine according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 21B illustrates an enlarged view of one of the stringers and ribs shown in fig. 21A, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 22 illustrates a perspective view of a vibratory screening machine with replaceable screen assemblies and pre-screen assemblies installed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 23 illustrates the vibratory screen machine shown in figure 22 without a feeder and an installed screen assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 24 illustrates a portion of a vibratory screen machine with an interchangeable support structure having a wear shield according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 25 shows a portion of a vibratory screening machine with a replaceable support structure with wear shields with one of the wear shields removed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a portion of a vibratory screening machine with replaceable support structures with wear hoods, with one of the wear hoods removed exposing an uncovered support structure according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 illustrates an enlarged view of the uncovered support structure shown in FIG. 26, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 28 illustrates a top perspective view of an uncovered insulated stringer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 29 illustrates a side perspective view of an uncovered barrier stringer having a convex shape in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 30 illustrates a bottom perspective view of an uncovered barrier stringer having a convex shape according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 31 shows a top perspective view of a wear resistant protective covering for a stringer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 32 shows a side perspective view of a wear cover for a stringer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 33 shows a bottom perspective view of a wear-resistant covering for a stringer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 34 illustrates a side perspective view of an uncovered separator stringer having a concave shape in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 35 illustrates a bottom perspective view of an uncovered insulated stringer having a concave shape in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 36 illustrates a side perspective view of an uncovered insulation stringer having a straight shape in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 37 shows a bottom perspective view of an uncovered insulated stringer having a straight shape in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The disclosed embodiments relate generally to methods and apparatus for screening materials and for separating materials of different sizes. The disclosed embodiments include screening systems, vibratory screening machines, and apparatuses for vibratory screening machines and screen assemblies for separating different sized materials.

Vibratory screening systems are disclosed, for example, in U.S. patent nos. 6, 431, 366B2 and 6, 820, 748B 2, which are incorporated herein by reference. Advantages over previous systems include greater screening capabilities for separating materials without an associated increase in machine size. Embodiments include improved features, such as: a screen deck assembly having a first screen and a second screen; a tensioning device that tensions each screen in a fore-and-aft direction (i.e., in the direction of flow of the material being screened); a wash tray positioned between the first screen and the second screen; a feed chute configured to be directly connected to a feed system mounted above (e.g., the feed system described in U.S. patent No. 9, 18, 008, which is incorporated herein by reference); a centralized discharge assembly that collects undersized and oversized material; a replaceable screen assembly configured for fore and aft tensioning and impact zones to flow material onto the screen assembly.

These features, as well as others described herein, provide a compact design configured to receive material from a direct overhead feed system having increased screening capacity and a reduced footprint. In addition, the disclosed front-to-back tensioned multiple screen assemblies provide improved flow characteristics and efficiency with wash trays and impingement zones on the screen assemblies between the screen assemblies. The improved tensioning arrangement provides for quick and easy replacement of the screen assembly. The improved drain assembly is configured for optimal or near optimal flow characteristics and provides a greatly reduced footprint.

Disclosed embodiments include vibratory screening machines configured to separate materials of different sizes. In some embodiments, a vibratory screening machine includes a frame assembly, a plurality of screen assemblies attached to the frame assembly, a small size material discharge assembly, and a large size material discharge assembly. The frame assembly includes an inner frame mounted to an outer frame. A plurality of screen deck assemblies are mounted to the inner frame and arranged in a stacked and staggered relationship. Each screen assembly includes a first screen assembly, a second screen assembly, a wash tray extending between the first screen assembly and the second screen assembly, and a tension assembly. The vibratory motor may be attached to the inner frame and/or the screen deck assembly. A small size material discharge assembly and a large size material discharge assembly, each of which may include at least one vibratory motor, may be configured to communicate with each screen deck assembly and may be configured to receive small size and large size screen material, respectively, from the screen deck assembly.

In one embodiment, a vibratory screening machine includes an outer frame, an inner frame connected to the outer frame, and a vibratory motor assembly secured to the inner frame for vibrating the inner frame. A plurality of screen assemblies are attached to the inner frame in a stacked arrangement, each screen assembly being configured for receiving a replaceable screen assembly. The screen assembly is secured to the screen assembly by tensioning the screen assembly in the direction of flow of material to be screened through the screen assembly. The undersized material discharge assembly is configured to receive material passing through the screen assembly and the oversized material discharge assembly is configured to receive material passing over a top surface of the screen assembly. The undersized material discharge assembly includes an undersized chute assembly in communication with each screen deck assembly and the oversized material discharge assembly includes an oversized chute assembly in communication with each screen deck assembly.

The oversized chute assembly can include a first oversized chute assembly and a second oversized chute assembly. An undersized chute assembly, a first oversized chute assembly, and a second oversized chute assembly may be positioned below the plurality of screen deck assemblies, and the undersized chute assembly may be positioned between the first oversized chute assembly and the second oversized chute assembly. At least one of the plurality of screen deck assemblies may be replaceable. Each screen assembly may include a first screen assembly and a second screen assembly. The wash tray may be located between the first screen assembly and the second screen assembly. The trough may be located between the first screen assembly and the second screen assembly. The trough may include a curved weir structure.

Vibratory screen machines may include a screen tensioning system including tension rods extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of flow of the material being screened. The tension rod may be configured to engage a portion of the screen assembly and tension the screen assembly when rotated. The screen tensioning system may include a ratchet assembly configured to rotate the tensioning rod such that it moves between a first open screen assembly receiving position to a second closed and fixed screen assembly tensioning position.

Vibratory screening machines may include a vibratory motor coupled to an oversized chute assembly. Vibratory screen machines may include a plurality of feeder assembly units, each of which is located substantially directly below a respective discharge channel of the flow diverter. Vibratory screening machines may include at least 8 screen deck assemblies. Other embodiments may include a greater or lesser number of screen deck assemblies.

The oversized chute assembly may include a bifurcated chute for receiving material that does not pass through the screen assembly and is conveyed over the discharge end of the screen assembly. A first portion of the furcation slots may feed a first oversized slider assembly and a second portion of the furcation slots may feed a second oversized slider assembly.

In one embodiment, a screen assembly includes a first screen assembly for receiving a first screen assembly and a second screen assembly for receiving a second screen assembly downstream of the first screen assembly; and a trough positioned between the first screen assembly and the second screen assembly, wherein the first screen assembly is to receive material to be screened and the trough is configured to collect the material to be screened before the material to be screened reaches the second screen assembly.

The trough may include at least one of a curved weir and a wash tray. The screen deck assembly may include a first screen tensioning system and a second screen tensioning system, each screen tensioning system having tension bars extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of flow of material to be screened. The first tensioning bar may be configured to engage a first portion of the first screen assembly when rotated, and the second tensioning bar may be configured to engage a second portion of the second screen assembly when rotated.

The first screen tensioning system may include a first ratchet assembly configured to rotate the first tensioning bar such that the first tensioning bar moves between a first open screen assembly receiving position to a second closed and fixed screen assembly tensioning position. The second screen tensioning system may include a second ratchet assembly configured to rotate the second tensioning rod such that the second tensioning rod moves between the first open screen assembly receiving position to the second closed and fixed screen assembly tensioning position.

In one embodiment, a method of screening material includes: feeding material on a vibratory screening machine having a plurality of screen deck assemblies configured in a stacked arrangement, each screen deck assembly for receiving a replaceable screen deck assembly, securing the screen deck assembly to the screen deck assembly by tensioning the screen deck assembly in a direction of material flow through the screen deck assembly; and screening the material such that undersized material passing through the screen assembly flows into an undersized material discharge assembly and oversized material flows over the end of the screen assembly into an oversized material discharge assembly. The undersized material discharge assembly includes an undersized chute assembly in communication with each screen deck assembly and the oversized material discharge assembly includes an oversized chute assembly in communication with each screen deck assembly.

The oversized slide assembly may include first and second oversized slide assemblies. The small-sized chute and the first and second large-sized chute assemblies may be located below the plurality of screen deck assemblies, and the small-sized chute may be located between the first and second large-sized chute assemblies.

At least one of the plurality of screen assemblies may be replaceable. Each screen assembly may include a first screen assembly and a second screen assembly. The trough may be located between the first screen assembly and the second screen assembly. The trough may include a curved weir structure.

A screen tensioning system may be included having tensioning rods extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of flow of the screened material. The tension rod may be configured to engage a portion of the screen assembly and tension the screen assembly when rotated.

Figures 1 through 4 illustrate vibratory screening machine 100. Vibratory screen machine 100 includes a frame assembly having an outer frame 110 and an inner frame 120 (see, e.g., figure 2), a feed assembly 130, a plurality of screen deck assemblies 400, a top vibratory assembly 150, a small size material collection assembly 160, and a large size material collection assembly 170.

Figure 1 shows a side perspective view of vibratory screening machine 100. FIG. 2 shows a top perspective view of vibratory screening machine 100, shown from the opposite side of vibratory screening machine 100 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the opposite side of vibratory screening machine 100 includes mirror image components of outer frame 110, as shown in FIG. 1. The mirrored outer frame components are indicated by the addition of a prime (') at the end of the corresponding component reference numeral.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the outer frame 110 includes a longitudinal set of base supports 111 and 118, a transverse set of base supports 112 and 112', and two sets of upright channels 113 and 113' and 114 '. The upright channels 113 and 113 'and 114' each have first end portions 113A and 113'A and 114' A, respectively, intermediate portions 113B and 113'B and 114' B, respectively, and second end portions 113C and 113'C and 114' C, respectively. Each of the first end portions 113A and 113'a and 114' a is elevated relative to the second end portion 113C, and 113'C and 114' C, wherein the intermediate portions 113B and 113'B and 114' B, respectively, extend the length between the first and second end portions. The outer frame 110 also includes upper angled channels 115 and 115 'and lower angled channels 116 and 116'. The upper angled channels 115 and 115 'and the lower angled channels 116 and 116' each have a first end 115A and 116A, a middle portion 115B and 116B, and a second end 115C and 116C, respectively. The first ends 115A and 116A are raised relative to the second ends 115C and 116C, and the intermediate portions 115B and 116B extend the length between the first ends 115A and 116A and the second ends 115C and 116C, respectively. The outer frame 110 also includes three sets of drop channels: 117 and 117', 118 and 118', and 119 '. Each declined channel has a first end 117A, 118A, and 119A, the first ends 117A, 118A, and 119A being elevated relative to their respective second ends 117B, 118B, 119B.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, opposite ends of the longitudinal base supports 111 and 111 are connected to opposite ends of the lateral base supports 112 and 112, such that the four base supports form a rectangular shape. The second end 113C and 113'C and 114' C of each respective upright channel are attached to the four corners of the base channels 111 and 111 'that intersect the base channels 112 and 112'. The intermediate portions 113B and 113' B of the upright channel 113 are attached to the first end 119A of the declined channel 119. The second end 119B of declined channel 119 rests above longitudinal base support 111. The first end 113A of the upright channel 113 is attached to the middle portion 115B of the upper angled channel 115 and the first end 118A of the declined channel 118. The first end 115A of the upper angled channel 115 is attached to the first end 117A of the declined channel 117. A second end 117B of the lower inclined passage 117 is connected to a middle portion 116B of the lower inclined passage 116 toward the first end 116A. The second end 118B of the lower inclined channel 118 is connected to the middle portion 116B of the lower inclined channel 116 toward the second end 116C. The second end 116C of the lower angled passage 116 is attached to the second end 119B of the declined passage 119 and terminates at the second end 119B of the declined passage 119.

Referring to fig. 2, the outer frame 110 further includes a rear slot 109 having opposite ends, the rear slot 109 being connected to each of the intermediate portions 113B and 113B' of the upright slots 113. Additional rear channels 108 extend parallel to the rear channels 109, with the opposite end of each rear channel 108 being attached to the lower angled channel 116 and its corresponding lower angled channel 116' from the middle portion 116B toward the second end 116C to provide structural support to the outer frame 110.

As shown in fig. 2, the inner frame 120 mounts the top vibratory assembly 150 and the screen assembly 400 by fixing mechanisms such as bolts. The inner frame 120 includes upper angled channels 125 and 125', lower angled channels 126 and 126', upper declined channels 127 and 127', and lower declined channels 128 and 128'. The upper and lower inclined channels 125 and 126 of the inner frame 120 extend parallel to the upper and lower inclined channels 115 and 116 on the inner side of the outer frame 110. The upper and lower inclined channels 127 and 128 of the inner frame 120 extend parallel to the inclined channels 117 and 118 on the inner side of the outer frame 110. Although not shown in fig. 1 and 2, the inner frame 120 may be mounted to the outer frame 110 with elastomeric mounts or other similar mounts that allow the inner frame 120 to maintain vibratory motion while suppressing the effects of vibration on the structural integrity of the fixed outer frame 110. In one embodiment, the elastomeric mount is made of a composite material including rubber and has female threads that receive male bolts from the inner and outer frames. The elastomeric mount may be a replaceable component. Although the outer frame 110 is shown in the particular configuration described, it may have a different configuration as long as it provides the structural support required for the inner frame 120. In an embodiment, vibratory screen machine 100 may have an outer frame that includes legs for attachment to existing structures.

In some embodiments, the top vibration assembly 150 includes side plates 153 and 153', a first vibration motor 151A, and a second vibration motor 151B. Side plates 153 and 153' have top angled edges 154, bottom edges 155, and outer surfaces 156. The bottom edges 155 of the side plates 153 are secured to the side channels 430 of the screen deck assembly 400 by a securing mechanism, such as bolts. The outer surface 156 includes ribs 157 that provide structural support for the top vibration assembly 150. Opposite sides of the vibration motor 151A and the second vibration motor 151B are mounted to the top angled edges 154 of the side plates 153 and 153'. The first and second vibratory motors 151A and 151B are configured such that they can vibrate all of the screen deck assemblies 400 mounted to the inner frame 120. Although shown in a particular configuration in fig. 1 and 2, it should be noted that top vibration assembly 150 may have other arrangements that maintain the functionality described herein.

As shown in FIG. 2, vibratory screening machine 100 includes a feeder assembly 130. The feed assembly 130 includes a support frame 134, a plurality of vertical supports 136, a feed inlet conduit 131, a mounting arm 132, and a feed outlet conduit 133. The mounting arm 132 is secured to the support frames 134 and 134' by a securing mechanism, such as a bolt. The support frames 134 and 134 'are positioned above and parallel to the inclined channels 117 and 117' of the outer frame 110. The vertical supports 136 fix the support frames 134 and 134 'to the inclined channels 117 and 117' of the outer frame 110 such that the feeding assembly 130 is fixed with respect to the vibrating inner frame 120. The inlet conduit 131 is used to receive the flow of slurry from the splitter device, such as shown in U.S. patent No. 9,718,008, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other embodiments may incorporate other material flow components. Material entering the diverter device may be fed to the outlet conduit 133. The outlet ducts 133 are located above the elevated side of the screen deck assembly 400 such that each outlet duct 133 is configured to discharge a material flow 500 to each screen deck assembly 400. Earlier systems had hoses one layer above the vibrating machine, while in the assembly of the present disclosure, the configuration of the inlet on the vibrating machine provided a substantially distributed flow drop and greatly reduced the height of the machine. This is an important space saving feature of at least some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 3 shows a front view of vibratory screening machine 100. Figure 4 shows a rear view of vibratory screening machine 100. As shown in fig. 3 and 4, vibratory screening machine 100 includes a small material collection assembly 160 and a large material collection assembly 170. Referring to fig. 3, the small-size material collection assembly 160 includes a plurality of collection pans 161 fixed to an underside of each screen deck assembly 400, a plurality of conduits 162 in communication with the collection pans 161, and a small-size material collection trough 166. The large-size material collection assembly 170 includes a plurality of large-size material collection tanks 171 mounted to the lower end plate 428 of each screen deck assembly 400, and two oversized material collection tanks 176 and 176' in communication with the large-size material collection tanks 171. As shown in fig. 4, the oversized-material collection tanks 176 and 176 'include vibration motors 179 and 179'. As shown in fig. 3 and 4, the small-size material collection trough 166 extends between the large-size material collection trough 171 and the oversized material collection troughs 176 and 176' under the screen deck assembly 400 of the vibratory screening machine 100. Although shown in a particular configuration, the oversized material collection slots 176 and 176' and the vibratory motors 179 and 179' may have different arrangements that facilitate transporting oversized materials 500 discharged from the screen deck assembly through the oversized material collection slots 176 and 176 '.

Figures 5 to 10 show various views of the screen deck assembly 400. Fig. 5 shows an enlarged isometric perspective view of the screen deck assembly 400. The screen assembly 400 includes a first screen assembly 410, a second screen assembly 420, side channels 430 and 430', a wash tray 440, and a tensioning device 450. As shown in fig. 5, the first screen assembly 410 and the second screen assembly 420 are covered by a first screen assembly 409 and a second screen assembly 419, respectively. The first screen assembly 409 and the second screen assembly 419 are replaceable screen assemblies that are attached to the first screen assembly 410 and the second screen assembly 420. In operation, material 500 to be screened by vibratory screening machine 100 is discharged from feed outlet conduit 133 of feed assembly 130 along feed end 409A of first screen assembly 409 to an elevated side of first screen assembly 409 and vibrated through first screen assembly 409 of first screen assembly 410, over discharge end 409B of first screen assembly 409, and into washing tray 440.

The vibration conveys the material 500 onto a wash tray 440 where the material passes through the feed end 419A of the second screen assembly 419. As described herein, the material 500 impacts the second screen assembly 419 in the screen impact zone 448, then vibrates through the second screen assembly 419 of the second screen assembly 420, and passes over the discharge end 419B of the second screen assembly 419 along the lower end plate 428. The first and second screen assemblies 409,419 are configured such that undersized material falls through the first and second screen assemblies 409,419 into undersized material collection pan 161 and is collected via conduit 162 into undersized material collection pan 166. Oversized material does not pass through screen assemblies 409 and 419 but instead is vibrated away from lower end plate 428 and is collected by oversized material collection troughs 171 and 171 'into oversized collection troughs 176 and 176'. The direction of material flow is indicated by the large arrow.

Although shown in this particular configuration in the figures, the large size material collection troughs 171 and 171 'and the oversized material collection troughs 176 and 176' may have different arrangements to receive oversized material discharged from each screen deck assembly and provide the functions as described herein. The flow of material through the separate large size material collection troughs 171, 176 and the central undistributed small size material collection trough 166 allows for efficient flow in a reduced space. The configuration of the collection troughs 166, 171, 176 reduces the footprint of the machine 100 while providing direct and efficient flow.

The first screen assembly 410 includes an upper end plate 416 and a lower end plate 418. The second screen assembly 420 includes an upper endplate 426 and a lower endplate 428. The opposite sides of the first screen deck assembly 410 and the second screen deck assembly 420 are secured to the intermediate sides of the side channels 430 and 430' by a securing mechanism (e.g., bolts or welds). The lateral sides of the side channels 430 and 430' include a plurality of angled plates 432. The angled plate 432 includes apertures through which a securing mechanism, such as bolts, may extend to secure the side channels 430 and 430' to the tilt up and down channels 127 and 127' and the tilt down channels 128 and 128' of the inner frame 120. Although shown in this particular arrangement, the side channels 430 and 430' and the angled plate 432 may have different configurations that allow the screen deck assembly 400 to vibrate such that different sized materials 500 are separated as desired.

Fig. 6 shows a partial side perspective view of a portion of the screen deck assemblies 410 and 420, wash tray 440, side channel 430 and tensioner 450. As shown in fig. 6, the flexible material 405 covers the outlet conduit 133 of the feeding assembly 130. Flexible material 405 is used to control the flow of material from outlet duct 133 to screen assembly 400 such that the flow of material is evenly distributed over screen assembly 400, thereby maximizing the efficiency of vibratory screening machine 100. As shown in fig. 6, the first and second screen assemblies 410 and 420 do not include the screen assemblies 409 and 419, but it should be understood that when the vibratory screening machine 100 is used to separate different sized materials, the first and second screen assemblies 410 and 420 are covered by the screen assemblies 409 and 419 and, as described herein, the first and second screen assemblies 410 and 420 may be replaced when worn or damaged.

Referring to fig. 6, a first screen deck assembly 410 includes ribs 412, stringers 414 (e.g., support structures), an upper end plate 416, and a lower end plate 418. The second screen deck assembly 420 includes ribs 422, stringers 424, upper end plates 426 and lower end plates 428. Opposite ends of the ribs 412 and 422 extend from the side channels 430 and 430' at each midpoint between the upper end plate 416 (see, e.g., fig. 5) and the lower end plate 418 of the first screen deck assembly 410 and between the upper end plate 426 and the lower end plate 428 (see, e.g., fig. 5) of the second screen deck assembly 420, respectively. A plurality of stringers 414 and 424 extend from upper end plates 416 and 426 to lower end plates 418 and 428, respectively. A midpoint 415 of each stringer 414 and a midpoint 425 of each stringer 424 traverse the top surface of ribs 412 and 422. The midpoints 415 and 425 are raised relative to opposite ends of the stringers 414 and 424 such that the stringers 414 and 424 form a "crown" or curvature on the first screen deck assembly 410 and the second screen deck assembly 420.

Although the first screen assembly 410 and the second screen assembly 420 are shown with a single rib 412 and 422, respectively, it should be understood that the first screen assembly 410 and the second screen assembly 420 may include other configurations. The first screen assembly 410 and the second screen assembly 420 may include a first plurality of ribs and a second plurality of ribs, respectively, so long as the additional ribs provide the functionality as described herein. In some embodiments, at least one (or in some embodiments, each) of the first and second plurality of ribs may be assembled similarly to ribs 412 or ribs 422.

Unlike the screen assemblies of other systems, such as those disclosed in U.S. patent No.6,431,366, the stringers 414,424 may be replaceable units and may be fastened to the ribs 412,422 rather than welded to the ribs 412,422. Stringers 414 and 424 may be fastened to ribs 412 and 422 using various fasteners (e.g., bolts). This configuration eliminates the closely spaced weld joints between the ribs 412 and 422 and stringers 414 and 424 that are common in welded screen deck assemblies. This arrangement eliminates the shrinkage, thermal distortion and degradation associated with closely spaced weld joints and enables quick replacement of worn or damaged stringers 414 and 424 in the field. The replaceable stringers 414 and 424 may comprise plastic, metal, and/or composite materials and may be constructed by casting and/or injection molding. Although not shown in fig. 6, the screen deck assemblies 410 and 420 are configured to support screen assemblies 409 and 419 (see, e.g., fig. 5), with the screen assemblies 409 and 419 extending through the surfaces of the first screen deck assembly 410 and the second screen deck assembly 420, covering the ribs 412 and 422 and the stringers 414 and 424, respectively, as shown in fig. 5.

With further reference to fig. 6, an upper endplate 416 (see, e.g., fig. 5) of the first screen deck assembly 410 is elevated relative to a lower endplate 418. Similarly, the upper endplate 426 of the second screen deck assembly 420 is elevated relative to the lower endplate 428 (see, e.g., fig. 5). The wash tray 440 extends between the lower endplate 418 of the first frit assembly 410 and the upper endplate 426 of the second frit assembly 420. The first frit assembly 410, the wash tray 440, and the second frit assembly 420 are configured such that the flow of material from the outlet duct 133 (see, e.g., fig. 2) and the flexible material 405 of the feed assembly 130 pass through the first frit assembly 410 and the wash tray 440 before passing through the second frit assembly 420. This configuration enables the flow of material to be efficiently separated by increasing the surface area over which the flow of material is screened to large material collection assembly 170 (see, e.g., figure 3) and small material collection assembly 160 (see, e.g., figure 3) without increasing the footprint of vibratory screening machine 100 (see, e.g., figures 1 and 2).

Fig. 7 shows an isometric side view of a wash tray 440 connected to a first frit assembly 410 and a second frit assembly 420. As shown in fig. 7, the wash tray 440 includes an upper member 442 having a top 442A and a bottom 442B, a lower member 444 having a first end 444A and a second end 444B, and a curved side member 446 including a first end 446A and a second end 446B. The curved side member 446 includes an S-shaped curve called "curved shape" (Ogee), discussed in more detail below. The top 442A of the upper side member 442 is connected to the lower end plate 418 of the first screen deck assembly 410. The bottom 442B of the upper member 442 is connected to the first end 444A of the lower member 444. The second end 444B of the lower member 444 is connected to the first end 446A of the curved side member 446. The second end 446B of the curved side member 446 is curved over the upper endplate 426 of the second screen deck assembly 420.

The resulting configuration of the wash tray 440 creates a weir 447, which is a trough or depression that provides a structure for collecting the liquid or slurry stream 500 to be screened. The embodiment of the wash tray 440 with a curved weir structure is functionally significant in the field of fluid dynamics. The curved weir structure is generally described as rising slightly from the base of the weir and reaching a maximum rise 449 at the top of the S-shaped curve of the curved weir structure. At or after the maximum rise point 449 is reached, the fluid falls in a parabolic fashion on the hyperbolic structure. The flow equation of the curved weir is:

as shown in fig. 7, the combination of the wash tray 440 with the curved weir bend side member 446 between the first screen assembly 410 and the second screen assembly 420 of the screen assembly 400 may direct the material flow screened by the first screen assembly 410 onto a desired impact point or area 448 near the upper end plate 426 of the second screen assembly 420, or another desired location, such that the discharge flow impacts a downstream screen assembly at a predetermined wear surface, rather than unevenly impacting a downstream screen assembly surface, such as a screen assembly opening. In this configuration, the point of impact/region 448 may remain constant despite changes in fluid parameters (e.g., flow rate and/or viscosity). Incorporating the curved weir-shaped curved side members 446 into the wash tray 440 improves screening efficiency and consistency and reduces wear on the second screen deck assembly 420. The flow of material after impact is indicated by large arrows in fig. 7.

Fig. 8, 9A and 9B show a tensioner 450. Fig. 8 shows an isometric perspective view of the tensioning device 450. The tensioner 450 includes a tension bar 451, brackets 454 and 454', and ratchet mechanisms 456 and 456'. Fig. 9A shows a partial side view of two ratchet mechanisms 456 and two brackets 454 mounted to a side channel 430 of a screen deck assembly 400. Fig. 9B shows an enlarged view of one of the two ratchet mechanisms 456 and the bracket 454 shown in fig. 9A. As described in more detail below, each screen deck assembly 400 includes two tensioning devices 450, one tensioning device 450 configured to tension the first screen assembly 409 of the first screen deck assembly 410 and the other tensioning device 450 configured to tension the second screen assembly 419 of the second screen deck assembly 420.

Referring to fig. 8, the tensioner 450 includes a tension bar 451, brackets 454 and 454', and ratchet mechanisms 456 and 456'. The tensioning bar 451 includes opposite mirrored ends 452 and 452, a tubular middle portion 453, and a tensioning strap 455. The opposite ends 452 and 452 'of the tensioning bar 451 extend through apertures 457 and 457' in the ratcheting mechanisms 456 and 456', respectively, and are secured to the ratcheting mechanisms 456 and 456' by a securing mechanism, such as a bolt. The ratchet mechanisms 456 and 456 'are secured to the brackets 454 and 454', which brackets 454 and 454 'are in turn secured to the side channels 430 and 430', respectively, of the screen deck assembly 400 by a securing mechanism (e.g., bolts), as shown in fig. 9A and 9B.

Although not shown in fig. 8, the tubular middle portion 453 of the tensioning bar 451 extends the width of the screen assembly 400 from the side channel 430 to the side channel 430'. The tensioning rods 451 of each tensioning device 450 are located below the upper end plate 416 of the first screen assembly 410 and the upper end plate 426 of the second screen assembly 420. The tubular middle section 453 and the tensioning strap 455 of the tensioning device 450 are used to accommodate the ends of the screen assemblies 409 and/or 419. The opposite ends 452 of the tensioning bar 451, the tubular intermediate portions 453 and the tensioning strips 455 are arranged such that when the opposite ends 452 and the tubular intermediate portions 453 are rotated in a counter-clockwise direction, the tensioning strips 455 are rotated in a clockwise direction, thereby pulling the screen assembly 409 and/or 419 towards the upper end plate 416 of the first screen assembly 410 and/or the upper end plate 426 of the second screen assembly 420. Although shown in fig. 8 as having a tubular middle portion 453 and a tension bar 455, the tension device 450 may include other components for receiving ends of the screen assemblies 409 and/or 419 and connected to the ratchet mechanism 456 to allow the ratchet mechanism 456 to rotate the tension rod 451 and pull the screen assemblies 409 and/or 419 toward the upper end plates 416 and/or 426.

Fig. 9A shows a partial side view of two ratchet mechanisms 456 and two brackets 454 mounted to two tensioners 450 of a side channel 430 of a screen deck assembly 400. Fig. 9B shows an enlarged view of the ratchet mechanism 456 and the support 454. Although not shown, the tensioning bar 451 extends from each ratchet mechanism 456 on the side channel 430 of the screen deck assembly 400 to each ratchet mechanism 456 'on the opposite side channel 430' below the upper end plates 416 and 426 of the screen deck assembly 400.

Fig. 10 shows an enlarged partial perspective view of the ratchet mechanism 456 mounted on the side channel 430 below the first screen deck assembly 410. A first frit assembly 410 is shown coupled to the feed assembly 130 and the flexible flow control material 405. As shown in fig. 10, the ratchet mechanism 456 includes an upper portion 458 and a lower portion 460. The upper portion 458 includes a locking bar 459 that engages a plurality of teeth 461 on the lower portion 460. The lower portion 460 includes an actuation point 462, and the second end 452 of the tensioning bar 451 extends through the aperture 457 of the ratchet mechanism 456 at the actuation point 462. Referring to fig. 10, a wrench 463 is configured to rotate the actuation point 462 of the ratchet mechanism 456. In response to applying a counterclockwise rotational force to the wrench 463, the actuation point 462 and the tubular intermediate portion 453 of the tensioning bar 451 are configured to rotate in a counterclockwise direction and the tensioning strap 455 is configured to rotate in a clockwise direction such that the tensioning device 450 pulls the end of the screen assembly 409 toward the upper end plate 416.

In response to rotation of the wrench 463 and the actuation point 462 of the ratchet mechanism 456, the locking bar 459 of the upper portion 458 and the teeth 461 of the lower portion 460 are configured to lock the tensioner in place and maintain tension. Conventional tensioning devices used in vibratory screening machines apply tension in the side-to-side direction or toward side channels 430 and 430' relative to vibratory screening machine 100, while tensioning devices 450 disclosed herein apply tension in the fore-aft direction or toward upper and lower end plates 416 and 418 of first screen deck assembly 410 and/or upper and lower end plates 426 and 428 of second screen deck assembly 420 relative to vibratory screening machine 100. Unlike conventional tensioning devices, the fore-aft direction of tension provided by tensioning device 450 corresponds to the direction of flow of material (e.g., slurry) through the first and second screen assemblies as the material is separated by vibratory screening machine 100. Although a wrench 463 is shown in fig. 10, other tools may be employed to rotate the actuation point 462 of the ratchet mechanism 456 to provide the functionality as described herein.

Fig. 11A and 11B illustrate an embodiment of a small-sized material collection assembly 160. The small-sized material collection assembly 160 includes a plurality of collection trays

A plurality of conduits 162 communicate with the collection pan 161 and a small size material collection trough 166. As shown in fig. 11A and 11B, small-size material collection chute 166 includes a mounting end 167 that may be secured to the outer frame 110 of vibratory screening machine 100 by a securing mechanism (e.g., bolts), a top surface 168 that extends the length of small-size collection chute 166, and a discharge outlet 169. Each conduit 162 includes an inlet 163, a chamber 164, and an outlet 165. The inlet 163 of each conduit 162 is configured to receive undersized material from the collection pan 161 and funnel the material through the chamber 164 of the conduit 162 to the outlet 165.

Each outlet 165 communicates with a portion of the top surface 168 of the small-sized collection trough 166, such that material discharged from the outlet 165 of the conduit 162 enters the small-sized collection trough 166 and exits through a discharge outlet 169. The undersized material feeder may be configured to receive undersized material discharged from discharge port 169. Although not shown, the inlet 163 of the duct 162 may include a radial gap to accommodate vibratory movement from the collection pan 161 (see fig. 3 and 4), the collection pan 161 being mounted to the screen assembly 400, and the inlet 163 of the duct 162 may include a radial gap to accommodate vibratory movement of the collection pan 161.

The pipe 162 and the small-sized collection groove 166 are mounted to the fixed outer frame 110. Placing the small size material collection trough directly below conduit 162 increases the efficiency of vibratory screening machine 100 and saves space by concentrating all of the undersized material flow into the central passage.

Fig. 12A to 13B show a large-sized material collection assembly 170. The large-size material collection assembly 170 includes a plurality of large-size material collection tanks 171 mounted to the lower end plate 428 of each screen deck assembly 400, and two oversized material collection tanks 176 and 176' (see, e.g., fig. 3 and 4) in communication with the large-size material collection tanks 171. Fig. 12A and 12B show an example of a large-sized material collection tank 171. Fig. 13A and 13B illustrate an embodiment of an oversized-material collection bin 176. Refer to fig. 6.

Referring to fig. 12A and 12B, each large-size material collection tank 171 includes a first side 172 and a second side 172' that is a mirror image of first side 172, both having an inlet 173 with a mounting arm 173A, a chamber 174, and an outlet 175. The mounting arm 173A of each large-size material collection trough 171 is secured to each lower end plate 428 of the screen assembly 400 by a securing mechanism (e.g., a bolt) such that material that does not pass through the screen assemblies 409 and/or 419 to an undersized discharge assembly rolls from the lower end plate 428 of the screen assembly 400 into the inlet 173 of the large-size material collection trough 171 (see, e.g., fig. 3-4). Upon or after entering the inlet 173, oversized material collects through the chamber 174 and discharges from the outlet 175 into an oversized material collection tank 176. Although shown as having a trapezoidal shape, it should be understood that the large-sized material collection tank 171 is not limited to this configuration. The oversized-material-collection chute 171 may have other arrangements as long as such chutes can receive oversized material from the lower end plate 428 of the screen deck assembly 400 and can transfer the oversized material to one of the oversized-material-collection chutes 176 and 176'.

Referring to fig. 13A and 13B, the oversized-material collection tank 176 includes a mounting end plate 177, a rear surface 178, an outlet 180, and a passage 181. The mounting end plate 177 is fixed to the rear channel 129 of the inner frame 120 by a fixing mechanism such as a bolt (see, for example, fig. 3 and 4). A passage 181 extends from the mounting end plate 177 to an outlet 180 below each outlet 175 of the oversized-material collection trough 171, so that oversized materials discharged from each oversized-material collection trough 171 fall into the passage 181 of the oversized-material collection trough 176. A vibratory motor 179 is mounted to a rear surface 178 of the oversized material collection trough 176 by a securing mechanism (e.g., bolts) to increase the rate at which oversized material passes through a passage 181 to an outlet 180, thereby increasing the volume of material that can be handled by the vibratory screening machine 100 as a whole. Although not shown, the oversized material feeder may be configured to receive oversized material discharged from the outlet 180 of the oversized material collection tank 176.

Fig. 14 is a side view of the screen deck assembly 400 similar to fig. 7, showing details of the tensioning assembly 450 tensioning the second screen assembly 419 along the second screen deck assembly 420. As shown in fig. 14, material 500 to be screened flows through the first screen assembly 409 toward the discharge end 409B of the first screen assembly 409 via vibration. During passage, appropriately sized particles of the material 500 pass through the openings or apertures 488A of the first screen assembly 409. After passing discharge end 409B of first screen assembly 409B, material 500 enters wash tray 440 and passes through curved side member 446 and maximum rise 449. After passing through maximum rise 449, the material 500 falls onto an impact zone 448 of the second tray 419 and then vibrates through the second screen assembly 419, passing from the input end 419A to the discharge end 419B where appropriately sized particles of the material 500 follow a path through the second screen assembly 419. The screen assemblies 409,419 are selectively secured to the screen deck assemblies 410, 420 via the screen deck assembly clamps 455B of the screen deck assemblies 410, 420 and the tensioning bars 455 of the tensioning devices 450 in a manner described in more detail below.

As can be appreciated from fig. 14, and as explained in further detail below, the discharge ends 409B, 419B of the screen assemblies 409,419 are connected to a fixed screen deck assembly clamp 455B, while the opposite input ends 409A, 419A are connected to tensioning belts 455 of a tensioning device 450. As the tensioning belt 455 rotates, the screen assemblies 409,419 are tensioned back and forth through the associated screen deck assemblies 410, 420 in the same direction as the material to be screened flows through the screen deck assembly 400. This is an improvement over earlier systems in which the screen assemblies were tensioned from the side, leaving crowns perpendicular to the flow of material to be screened, creating valleys and inefficiencies in the flow.

Fig. 15 is a side perspective view of the screen deck assembly 400 (see also, e.g., fig. 5, 6, and 10) showing additional details of the first and second screen assemblies 409,419 tensioned against the first and second screen deck assemblies 410, 420, respectively. In fig. 15, portions of the screen assemblies 409,419 have been cut away to show aspects of the underlying screen deck assemblies 410, 420 (including removable and replaceable stringers as described above with reference to fig. 6 and 10). Material 500 is shown passing through a wash tray 440 and falling onto an impingement zone 448 of second filter 419.

Figures 16A and 16B show views of a second screen assembly 419 used with vibratory screening machine 100 and screen deck assembly 400 described above. While the following description of the embodiment depicted in fig. 16A and 16B is made with reference to the second screen assembly 419, it should be noted that the discussion is equally applicable to the first screen assembly 409; the first screen assembly 409 may be generally identical to the second screen assembly 419, but may alternatively have different sizes and configurations, such as different sized impingement zones 448 (smaller or larger), different sized opening configurations, combinations thereof, and the like.

Fig. 16A is a front perspective view of a second screen assembly 419 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. The second screen assembly 419 is configured to be removably secured under tension to the screen assembly 420 in the manner described herein. The second screen assembly 419 includes a feed end 419A and an opposite discharge end 419B. The second screen assembly 419 has a width dimension between ends 419A and 419B and a length dimension between opposite side edges 483. The filtering area 488 is defined by a plurality of individual openings or apertures 488A that extend substantially across the surface of the second screen assembly 419. Opening 488A has a selected dimension, such as a dimension determined by a side length having a corresponding size in a range from about 20 microns to about 100 microns. In some embodiments, opening 488A may be rectangular in shape and may have a substantially uniform width or substantially uniform thickness in a range between about 43 microns to about 100 microns and a substantially uniform length in a range between about 43 microns to about 2000 microns.

In the embodiment of FIG. 16A, the filtration zone 488 is comprised of an impingement zone 448 formed along the feed end 419A, strips 486 formed along the discharge end 419B, and opposing side strips 484 formed along the respective side edges 483. The impact zones 448, the straps 486, and the ends of the side bars 484 are integrally joined together at abutting points and together provide structural support to the filter region 488, preventing tearing and the like during placement and use on the machine 100. Referring to fig. 14, as material 500 flows past the curved members 446 of the wash tray 440, the material 500 falls onto an impingement zone 448. The impact regions 448 protect the integrity of the respective openings 488A and prevent or reduce the likelihood of large particles from becoming lodged in the openings 488A. As shown in FIG. 14, particles of the appropriately sized material 500 pass through openings 488A as the material 500 flows from the feed end 419A to the discharge end 419B. The impingement zones 448 can be of different sizes and configurations depending on the screening application and the desired flow characteristics.

As shown in fig. 16A and 16B, a first adhesive strip 481A is disposed along the infeed end 419A, and a second adhesive strip 481B is disposed along the outfeed end 419B. Each adhesive strip 481A, 481B may be a generally U-shaped metal strip that is integrated into the feed end 419A, 419B substantially along the length of each respective end 419A, 419B. The adhesive strips 481A, 481B may be attached to the second screen assembly 419, although alternative means of attaching the adhesive strips 481A, 481B to the second screen assembly 419 may be used.

481B are configured to withstand substantial forces during operation of the vibratory screening machine 100 without becoming separated from the second screen assembly 419 or otherwise allowing the second screen assembly 419 to loosen from the screen deck assembly 420.

Figure 16B is a side view of a screen assembly 419 for use in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The second screen assembly 419 presents a thin profile when viewed from the side as shown in fig. 16B. As shown in fig. 16B, the second screen assembly 419 includes a material input surface 485A on an upper side and a material output surface 485B on an opposite lower side thereof. Each screen aperture 488A extends from an input side 485A to an output side 485B such that during vibratory screening, each particle passes through screen area 488. In the embodiment shown in fig. 16B, a first adhesive strip 481A and a second adhesive strip 481B extend downwardly from the underside of the second screen assembly 419. Each adhesive strip 481A, 481B is bent back towards the center of the second screen assembly 419, for example in an L-shape or C-shape.

The screen assemblies 409,419 are sized to match the size of the screen deck assemblies 410, 420. In some embodiments, the screen assemblies 409,419 may have a length of about 56cm, a width of about 30cm, and a thickness of about 0.25 cm. The impact zone 448 is about 3cm wide; a narrower or wider impact region 448 may be used, the former reducing protection and the latter reducing the number of openings 488A. The width of the straps 486 and side straps 484 is approximately 1 cm. The screen assemblies 409,419 may be made of polyurethane or Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU). While an exemplary embodiment of a second screen assembly 419 is shown in figures 16A and 16B for use with vibratory screening machines 100 as described herein, it should be understood that machine 100 may be configured for use with alternative configurations of screens, screen materials, and screen characteristics (openings/apertures, attachment mechanisms, etc.). Examples of screens, screen materials, and screen characteristics that may be incorporated into the screen assemblies 409,419 for use with the machine 100 are described in applicant's U.S. patent nos. 10, 046, 363; 9, 409, 209; and 9, 884, 344; the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The method of attaching the screen assemblies 409,419 to the screen deck assemblies 410, 420 is described below. As shown in fig. 14, the screen assembly clamps 455B are secured adjacent the respective output ends 410B, 420B of the screen assemblies 410, 420. The screen assembly clip 455B is sized and configured to attach the output end 409B, 419B of the screen assembly 409,419 to the screen assembly 410, 420. In one embodiment, the screen assembly clamp 455B extends substantially along the length of the discharge end 410B, 420B in a manner similar to the adhesive strips 481A, 481B extending along the length of the screen assembly 409, 419. In fig. 14, the screen panel assembly clip has an L-shaped aspect when viewed in side profile, but other engagement configurations, such as a curved C-shaped aspect, may also be used. As can be appreciated from fig. 14, the second adhesive strip 481B along the discharge end 409B, 419B of the screen assembly 409,419 is joined to the screen assembly clip 455B such that the L-shaped or C-shaped appearance of the adhesive strip 481B interdigitates with the L-shaped or C-shaped appearance of the screen assembly clip 455B. Tension is applied to expand the screen assembly 409,419 across the screen panel assembly 410, 420 toward the input end 410A, 420A such that the binder clip 481B remains interconnected with the screen panel assembly clip 455B. With the screen assembly 409,419 expanded across the screen deck assembly 410, 420, the first adhesive strip 481A of the screen assembly 409,419 is then joined to the tension strip 455 of the tensioner 450 such that the L-shaped or C-shaped appearance of the tension strip 455 is interconnected with the first adhesive strip 481A. Tension is then applied to the screen assemblies 409,419 by the tensioning device 450, selectively locking the first adhesive strip 481a to the tensioning strip 455, whereby the filters 409,419 are tensioned along the screen deck assemblies 410, 420 for screening particles of the material 500 during operation of the machine 100.

After a period of use, the screen assemblies 409,419 may be selectively removed from the screen deck assemblies 410, 420 for replacement with new screen assemblies 409, 419. In the method of removing the screen, the tensioner 450 is used to release the tensioned strap 455 from the first strap 481A. The screen assembly 409,419 is then pulled or slid toward the discharge end 410A, 420A of the screen assembly 410, 420 to release the second adhesive strip 481B from the screen assembly clip 455B.

Fig. 17 is an isometric view of a screen deck assembly 1700 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, the screen deck assembly 1700 having a screen assembly 1702 mounted thereon. In this embodiment, the screen deck assembly 1700 may employ a tensioning mechanism that retains the screen assembly 1702 by providing side-to-side tensioning as opposed to the above-described embodiment that provides fore-and-aft tensioning as shown, for example, in fig. 5 and 15. In this example, the tensioning mechanism provides tension to the screen assembly 1702 from above, as described in more detail in U.S. patent No. 9, 010, 539, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The tensioning mechanism in the screen deck assembly 1700, in which tension is applied from above, is also in contrast to the embodiment of figures 5 and 15, in which tension is applied from below.

The screen deck assembly 1700 includes a screen assembly 1702 in a first screening portion of the screen deck assembly 1700. The second screening portion of the screen assembly 1700 is shown without a screen assembly to expose a plurality of ribs 1704 that provide structural support for a plurality of stringers 1706. The stringers 1706 provide structural support to the screen assembly (e.g., screen assembly 1702) as described above with reference to figure 6. In this example, the ribs 1704 extend between the side channels 1708a and 1708 b. Stringer 1706 extends from end plate 1710a to 1710 b. The midpoint 1712 of each stringer 1706 traverses the top surface of the center rib of the ribs 1704. In this example, the midpoint 1712 is elevated relative to the opposite ends of the stringers 1706 such that the stringers 1706 create a "crown" or convex curvature on the screening portion of the screen panel assembly 1700.

As with the example of fig. 6, the stringers 1706 may be replaceable units, and may be fastened to the ribs 1704 rather than welded to the ribs 1704, as described above. The stringers 1706 may be fastened to the ribs 1704 using various fasteners, such as bolts. This configuration eliminates the closely spaced weld joints between the ribs 1704 and stringers 1706 that are typically found in welded screen deck assemblies. This arrangement eliminates shrinkage, thermal distortion and degradation associated with closely spaced weld joints and enables quick replacement of worn or damaged stringers 1706 in the field. The replaceable stringers 1706 may comprise plastic, metal, and/or composite materials and may be constructed by casting and/or injection molding. Other embodiments of screening systems may include removable and replaceable stringers, as described in the examples below.

Figure 18 shows a perspective view of vibratory screen machine 1800 with attached replaceable screen assemblies 1802 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Vibratory screening machine 1800 is described in more detail in, for example, U.S. patent No.7, 578, 394, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. In this example, material is fed into a feeder 1804 to be directed onto a top surface 1806 of a screen assembly 1802. Material travels in flow direction 1808 toward end 1810 of vibratory screening machine 1800. Material flowing in the direction 1808 is contained within the concave configuration provided by the screen assembly 1802 and is prevented from exiting the sides of the screen assembly 1802.

Undersized material and/or fluid flows through the screen assembly 1802 onto a separate exhaust material flow path 1812 for further processing by another vibratory screening machine, centrifuge, or the like. Oversized material exits end 1810. The material to be screened may be dry, slurry, etc., and the screen assembly 1802 may be inclined downwardly in a direction 1808 from the feeder 1804 toward the opposite end 1810 to assist in the feeding of the material. In further embodiments, the screen assembly 1802 may be angled upward from the feeder 1804, and/or the feeder 1804 may provide material at different locations along the screen assembly 1802. For example, in other embodiments, the feeder 1804 may be positioned to deposit material in a middle portion of the screen assembly 1802, or in another location on the screen assembly 1802.

In this example, vibratory screening machine 1800 includes wall members 1814, concave support surfaces 1816, central member 1818, vibratory motor 1820, and compression assembly 1822. The support surface 1816 may have a concave shape and may include a similarly shaped mating surface 1824. A compression assembly 1822, which in this example is attached to the outer surface of the wall member 1814, may apply a compressive force to the screen assembly 1802, thereby holding the screen assembly 1802 in place in contact with the support surface 1816. The vibratory motor 1820 may impart vibratory motion to the screen assembly 1802 that is used to enhance the screening process. Center member 1818 divides vibratory screening machine 1800 into two concave screening areas. In other embodiments, vibratory screening machine 1800 may have a concave screening area with compression assemblies 1822 disposed on a wall member, as shown in figure 20 and described in more detail below.

Figure 19 shows a perspective view of a partially assembled vibratory screening machine 1900 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this example, vibratory motor 1820, feeder 1804, and most screen assemblies 1802 have been removed from vibratory screening machine 1800 to create a view of the partially assembled vibratory screening machine 1900 shown in FIG. 19. This view shows details of the mating surface 1824 mentioned above with reference to fig. 18. As shown, the mating surface 1824 includes a plurality of stringers 1902a, 1902 b. In this manner, stringers 1902a and 1902b provide a plurality of mating surfaces 1824, the mating surfaces 1824 forming the concave support surface 1816 mentioned above with reference to fig. 18. In this example, stringer 1902a is supported by a plurality of ribs 1904a, while stringer 1902b is supported by a similar plurality of ribs 1904 b. Stringer 1902a extends between a wall member 1814a and a central member 1818, and stringer 1902b extends between a wall member 1814b and a central member 1818. As shown in fig. 19, the ribs are positioned parallel to wall members 1814a and 1814 b. In this example, stringers 1902a and 1902b have a concave shape to provide a concave support surface 1816 that supports screen assembly 1802 under the compressive force provided by compression assembly 1822, as described above with reference to fig. 18.

As with the example of fig. 6 and 17 described above, stringers 1902a and 1902b may be replaceable units and may be fastened to ribs 1904a and 1904b, respectively, rather than being welded to ribs 1904a and 1904 b. Various fasteners, such as bolts, may be used. This is

This configuration eliminates closely spaced weld joints between ribs 1904a, 1904b and stringers 1902a, 1902b, thereby eliminating shrinkage, thermal distortion, and degradation associated with closely spaced weld joints. The replaceable stringers 1902a, 1902b may comprise plastic, metal, and/or composite materials, and may be constructed by casting and/or injection molding.

Figure 20 shows a perspective view of vibratory screening machine 2000 with installed replaceable screen assemblies having a single concave screening area according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Vibratory screening machine 2000 is described in more detail in, for example, U.S. patent No. 9, 027, 760, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The material 2002 to be screened may be fed into a feeder 2004, the feeder 2004 directing the material onto a top surface 2006 of a screen assembly 2008.

Material deposited by feeder 2004 travels in flow direction 2010 toward end 2012 of vibratory screening machine 2000. As described in more detail below, material is prevented from exiting the sides of the screen assembly 2008 by the concave shape of the screen assembly 2008 and the wall member 2016.

Undersized material and/or fluid passes through the screen assembly 2008 to a separate discharge material flow path 2014 for further processing. Oversized material may exit end 2012. The material to be screened may be dry, pulp, etc., and the screen assembly 2008 may slope downward in a direction 2010 from the feeder 2004 toward the opposite end 2012 to assist in the feeding of the material. In further embodiments, the screen assembly 2008 may be angled upward from the feeder 2004, and/or the feeder 2004 may provide material at different locations along the screen assembly 2008. For example, in other embodiments, the feeder 2004 may be positioned to deposit material in a middle portion of the screen assembly 2008 or in another location on the screen assembly 2008.

Vibratory screening machine 2000 includes a first wall member 2016, a second wall member 2018, a concave support surface 2020, a vibratory motor 2022, a screen assembly 2008, and a compression assembly 2026. The support surface 2020 has a concave shape and includes a mating surface 2024. A compression assembly 2026, which in this example is attached to the outer surface of the wall member 2016, may apply a compressive force to the screen assembly 2008, thereby holding the screen assembly 2008 in a position in contact with the mating surface 2024 of the support surface 2020.

The vibration motor 2022 may be configured to vibrate the screen assembly 2008 to strengthen the screen. The compression assembly 2026 may be attached to the outer surface of the first wall member 2016 or the second wall member 2018. As shown in fig. 20, vibratory screening machine 2000 has a single concave screening area. In further embodiments, vibratory screening machines may have a plurality of concave screening areas. Although vibratory screening machine 2000 is shown with a plurality of longitudinally oriented screen assemblies 2008 forming concave material channels, screen assemblies 2008 are not limited to such a configuration and may be otherwise oriented. Additionally, a plurality of screen assemblies 2008 may be provided to form a concave screening surface, as shown in fig. 18 and described above.

Figure 21A shows a perspective view of a partially assembled vibratory screening machine 2100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this example, a portion of screen assembly 2008 has been removed from vibratory screening machine 2000 to create a view of partially assembled vibratory screening machine 2100 shown in fig. 21A.

In this view, the concave bearing surface 2020 with mating surface 2024 mentioned above with reference to fig. 20 is provided by a plurality of stringers 2102. As in the previous example, the stringer 2102 is supported by a plurality of ribs 2104.

Fig. 21B shows an enlarged view of the longitudinal beam 2102 and one of the plurality of ribs 2104. Longitudinal beam 2102 extends between first wall member 2016 and second wall member 2019, and rib 2104 is configured to be positioned parallel to first wall member 2016 and second wall member 2019.

In this example, the stringers 2102 have a concave shape to provide a concave support surface 2020 that supports the screen assembly 2008 under the compressive force provided by the compression assembly 2026, as described above with reference to fig. 20. As with the example of fig. 6 and 19 described above, the stringers 2102 may be replaceable units and may be fastened (e.g., bolted) to the ribs 2104, respectively, rather than welded to the ribs 2104. This configuration eliminates closely spaced weld joints between the ribs 2104 and the stringers 2102, thereby eliminating shrinkage, thermal distortion, and degradation associated with closely spaced weld joints.

The replaceable stringers 2102 may comprise plastic, metal, and/or composite materials, and may be constructed by casting and/or injection molding.

Further embodiments may be configured for use with a variety of vibratory screening machines and components thereof, including machines designed for wet and dry applications, machines having multiple layers of screen assemblies and/or multiple baskets, and machines having various screen attachment arrangements such as tensioning mechanisms (e.g., under-and over-mounted tensioning mechanisms), compression mechanisms, clamping mechanisms, magnetic mechanisms, and the like. For example, embodiments may include, for example, the following embodiments as described in U.S. patent nos. 7, 578, 394; 6, 820, 748; 6,669, 027; 6,431, 366; and 5, 332, 101.

The screen assembly may include: a side or binding bar comprising a U-shaped member configured to receive an upper-mount type tensioning member such as described in U.S. patent No.5,332,101; a side or binding bar including a finger receiving aperture configured to receive a bottom-mount type tension, for example, as described in U.S. patent No.6, 669, 027; side members or tie bars for compression loading, for example, as described in U.S. patent No.7, 578, 394; or may be configured for attachment and loading on a multi-level machine, such as the machine described in U.S. patent No.6,431,366. The screen assembly and/or screen element may also be configured to include the features described in U.S. patent No.8,443,984, including the guide assembly techniques described therein and the preformed panel techniques described therein. The screen assembly and screen elements may also be configured to be incorporated into embodiments that include pre-screening technology that is compatible with the mounting structures and screen configurations described in U.S. patent No.5,699,046.

U.S. patent nos. 8, 439, 984; 8,439,203; 7,578, 394; 7,228, 971; 6, 820, 748; 6,669, 027; 6,431, 366; 5, 332, 101; 4,882, 054; and 4, 857, 176, and the patents and patent applications cited in these documents are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. Various other sizers may be included in other embodiments, as desired for a particular application.

Figure 22 shows a perspective view of vibratory screening machine 2200 with replaceable screen assemblies and pre-screen assemblies 2202 installed in vibratory screening machine 2200 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Vibratory screening machine 2200 is described in more detail in, for example, U.S. patent No.8,439,203, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In this example, material is fed into a feeder 2204 and then directed onto a concave screening surface 2208 of a pre-screen assembly 2202. The screen assembly 2206 forms a concave screen surface 2208. Undersized material passes through the screening surface 2208 and onto the primary screening surface 2210. Oversized material is discharged from end 2212 of pre-screen assembly 2202. The material travels toward end 2214 of vibratory screening machine 2200. Material flowing within the pre-screen assembly 2202 is contained within the concave screening surface 2208. The material may be dry, slurry, etc.

Vibratory screening machine 2200 includes wall members 2216a and 2216b, a central member 2218, and an acceleration apparatus 2220. The center piece 2218 divides the vibratory screening machine 2200 into two screening zones. Vibratory screening machine 2200, however, can have one or more concave screening areas.

Figure 23 shows vibratory screening machine 2200 shown in figure 22 without feeder 2204 and installed screen assemblies 2206 and 2210. The pre-screen assembly 2202 comprises a frame 2302 that includes a central spine 2304, ribs 2306, horizontal portions 2308, vertical portions 2310, and rods 2312. The frame 2302 has a general hull type shape, but may be configured in other arrangements suitable for pre-screening materials. The frame 2302 is configured to provide a generally concave surface to support the screen assembly 2206. The pre-screen assembly 2202 also includes a screen assembly attachment apparatus 2314 configured to secure the screen assembly 2206 to the frame 2302. The screen assembly attachment 2314 may include pre-tensioned spring clips but may also include other screen securing mechanisms such as mechanical, electromechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic systems.

Vibratory screening machine 2200 may also include a first plurality of longitudinal beams 2320a and a second plurality of longitudinal beams 2320 b. The stringers 2320a and 2320b may be used for similar purposes to the stringers 1902a and 1902b described above with reference to fig. 19. In this regard, the stringers 2320a and 2320b may provide mechanical support for the screen assembly 2210, which may be held in place under compression.

In this example, the stringers 2320a and 2320b have a concave shape to provide a concave support surface for the screen assembly 2210 under a compressive force, as described above with reference to fig. 18. As with the examples of fig. 6, 19, and 21 described above, the stringers 2320a and 2320b may be replaceable units and may be fastened (e.g., bolted) to support ribs (not shown in this example). As described above, the use of such replaceable stringers 2320a and 2320b eliminates the need to weld the stringers to the ribs. Thus, closely spaced weld joints between the ribs and stringers are eliminated. The replaceable stringers 2320a and 2320b may comprise plastic, metal, and/or composite materials, and may be constructed by casting and/or injection molding. In further embodiments, other structures such as the pre-screen assembly 2202 may include replaceable elements such as a frame 2302, a central spine 2304, ribs 2306, horizontal portions 2308, vertical portions 2310, and rods 2312. Such elements may comprise, and may be constructed by casting and/or injection molding, of plastic, metal, and/or composite materials.

Figure 24 shows a portion 2400 of a vibratory screening machine with replaceable stringers 2402 according to an example embodiment of the invention. In this example, stringer 2402 is shown with a flexible wear protection cap, which is described in further detail below. Stringer 2402 is secured to support structures 2404a, 2404b and 2404 c. In this example, each of stringers 2402 may be fastened (e.g., bolted) to support structures 2404a, 2404b, and 2404 c. Stringer 2402 may have a shape suitable for a given application. For example, as described above, stringers 2402 may have a convex shape for supporting a screen assembly (not shown) held in tension. In other embodiments, stringers 2402 may have a concave shape when the screen assembly is held under compression. In other embodiments, stringers 2402 may have a substantially straight shape. Stringer 2402 may be configured to have a conical or pyramidal cross-sectional shape providing a mating surface 2406 having an area that is smaller than a base area of stringer 2402, as described in more detail below with reference to fig. 26. Other embodiments may include stringers 2402 having other shapes, including stringers having a circular cross-section, triangular cross-section, rectangular cross-section, square cross-section, hexagonal cross-section, etc., as desired for a given application.

Figure 25 illustrates a portion 2500 of a vibratory screening machine having replaceable stringers with wear shields 2502 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The wear-resistant covering 2502 may be made of a flexible plastic or rubber material, which may be configured to provide wear protection for removable and replaceable stringers (e.g., as shown in fig. 26). In this example, the wear-resistant cover 2502 can be easily removed by grasping the wear-resistant cover 2502 at a point 2504 along the length of the wear-resistant cover 2502 and applying a force to the wear-resistant cover 2502 to remove the wear-resistant cover 2502. For example, a wear-resistant covering 2502 removed in this manner is shown in fig. 26.

FIG. 26 shows a portion 2600 of a vibratory screening machine having replaceable stringers 2602, stringers 2602 having wear shields 2502 with one of the wear shields 2502 removed, according to an example embodiment of the invention. In this example, the wearable cover 2502 is made of a flexible material that can be easily removed by grasping and pulling the wearable cover 2502, as described above with reference to fig. 25. Wear-resistant covering 2502 may be made of a material that provides wear resistance to the stringers (e.g., stringer 2602). As such, the wear-resistant covering 2502 can be made of a material having a predetermined scratch resistance, tear resistance, puncture resistance, and the like. As described above, the wear resistant covering 2502 may be configured to have a shape that conforms to the shape of the respective stringer 2602. In this example, the stringers 2602 may have a conical or pyramidal cross-sectional shape, providing a mating surface 2604 with a smaller area than a base region of the stringers 2602. Other embodiments may include stringers 2602 having other shapes, including stringers having a circular cross-section, a triangular cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, a square cross-section, a hexagonal cross-section, etc., as desired for a given application.

Fig. 27 shows an enlarged view 2700 of uncovered stringer 2602 shown in fig. 26, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. As described above, longitudinal beam 2602 may be fastened (e.g., bolted) to support structures 2404a, 2404b, and 2404c at respective points 2702a, 2702b, and 2702c along the length of longitudinal beam 2602. Stringers 2602 may be made of plastic, metal, and/or composite materials and may be constructed by casting and/or injection molding. For example, stringer 2602 may be a single injection molded piece made of nylon or reinforced nylon. For example, stringers 2602 may include fiberglass reinforced material, such as nylon or other materials having similar properties.

As described above, the use of such replaceable stringers 2602 eliminates the need to weld the stringers to the ribs. Thus, closely spaced weld joints between the ribs and stringers are eliminated. Avoiding welding eliminates the mechanical problems associated with welding. For example, conventional stringers welded to ribs (e.g., support structures 2404a, 2404b, and 2404c shown in fig. 27) exhibit mechanical deformation caused by the welding process. This deformation results in alignment errors that reduce the quality of the seal formed between the stringer and the screen mounted to the stringer. The use of injection molded stringers 2602 and wear resistant covers 2502 (see, e.g., fig. 25) provides a more accurate shape of the mating surfaces on which the screen assembly may be mounted. In this way, a tighter, more precise seal can be formed between the screen and the mating surface. The use of injection molding allows for the manufacture of nearly ideal shapes for stringer 2602 and wear resistant covering 2502. Various concave, convex, and straight shapes may be created as desired for various embodiments.

In addition to the thermoplastic injection molded materials (e.g., nylon and reinforced nylon) used to make stringer 2602 (e.g., see fig. 27), other thermoplastic materials, such as Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), may have advantageous properties for wear resistant covering 2502 (e.g., see fig. 25). The TPU material may be polyester-based or polyether-based. In contrast to thermoset polymers, which typically comprise a liquid material that chemically reacts and solidifies at temperature, the use of thermoplastics is generally simpler and can be provided, for example, by melting a homogeneous material (typically in the form of solid particles) and then injection molding the melted material. Not only are the physical properties of thermoplastics desirable for vibratory screening applications, but the use of thermoplastic liquids provides for easier manufacturing processes. The use of thermoplastic materials provides excellent flexural and bending fatigue strength. Such materials are ideal for components subjected to intermittent heavy loads or constant heavy loads, such as those encountered with vibratory screens used on vibratory screening machines.

The low coefficient of friction of the thermoplastic injection molding material provides the desired wear characteristics as the vibratory screening machine moves. In fact, certain thermoplastics have abrasion resistance superior to many metals. The use of thermoplastics also provides resistance to stress cracking, aging, and extreme weathering. The heat distortion temperature of the thermoplastic is about 200 ° F. With the addition of glass fibers, the temperature may be increased to about 250 ° F, about 300 ° F, or more. The glass fibers may further add stiffness characterized by a flexural modulus, from about 400,000 PSI to over about 1,000,000 PSI. These properties are desirable for the environments encountered when using vibratory screens on vibratory screening machines under the harsh conditions encountered in the field. In further embodiments, other (e.g., synthetic) materials may be used for the wear-resistant covering 2502 (e.g., see fig. 25) as long as the materials are hydrophobic and include other desired properties, such as wear resistance, puncture/tear resistance, and abrasion resistance.

Fig. 28 illustrates a top perspective view of an uncovered spacer stringer 2602 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Longitudinal beams 2602 are shown as a single structure that is removed from the vibratory screening machine described above with reference to figures 24 through 27. As shown, longitudinal beam 2602 may include housing structures 2702a, 2702b, and 2702c, and housing structures 2702a, 2702b, and 2702c may be configured to receive fasteners, such as bolts or screws, as described in more detail below with reference to fig. 30. As noted above, the stringers may be constructed of a variety of materials, including nylon, fiber (e.g., carbon fiber, glass fiber) reinforced nylon, and other thermoplastics.

Fig. 29 shows a side perspective view of an uncovered barrier stringer 2602 having a convex shape according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 28, longitudinal beams 2602 are a single structure that may be removed from the vibratory screening machine shown in FIGS. 24-27. As described above (and further described below with reference to fig. 30), housing structures 2702a, 2702b, and 2702c can be configured to receive fasteners, such as bolts or screws. Stringer 2602 is shown with convexly curved support structures 2902. Such a convex curved support structure 2902 may be configured to support a screen structure under tension. In this example, support structures 2902 may have a conical or pyramidal cross-sectional shape, providing a mating surface having a smaller area than a base region of stringers 2602 (see, e.g., fig. 28). Other stringer configurations may also include other support structure shapes, such as straight, concave, and the like. Other embodiments may include stringers 2602 having other shapes, including stringers having circular cross-sections, triangular cross-sections, rectangular cross-sections, square cross-sections, hexagonal cross-sections, and the like, as desired for a given application.

Fig. 30 shows a bottom perspective view of an uncovered barrier stringer 2602 having a convex shape according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. This figure shows flat bottom surfaces 3002 of longitudinal beams 2602, which may be configured to be mounted on corresponding flat support structures of a vibratory screening machine, such as rib structures, as described in more detail above. In other embodiments, surface 3002 may have other shapes, including a curved shape that may be concave or convex. Fig. 30 also shows holes 3004a, 3004b, and 3004c, which may be configured to receive fasteners such as screws or bolts. For example, holes 3004a, 3004b, and 3004c may be threaded and may pass through bottom surface 3002 of stringer 2602 into housing structures 2702a, 2702b, and 2702c, thereby providing structural support for fasteners that may be installed into holes 3004a, 3004b, and 3004 c.

Fig. 31 shows a top perspective view of a wear-resistant covering 2502 of a stringer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Wear-resistant covering 2502 is shown as a single structure that is removed from longitudinal beams 2602 of the vibratory screening machine described above with reference to fig. 24-27. The wear resistant covering 2502 is shown as having a curved surface 3102, the curved surface 3102 being configured to cover and protect the convex curved support structure 2902 of the above-described stringer 2602. As described above, wear-resistant covering 2502 is configured to snap onto stringer 2602 and conform closely to the shape of stringer 2602 to reduce or eliminate any vibration or relative movement between stringer 2602 and wear-resistant covering 2502. In this manner, the wear resistant covering 2502 forms a wear resistant covering on which a screen or screen assembly may be mounted. Such a wear-resistant covering 2502 may be replaceable and may provide a desired shape for mounting a screen or screen assembly.

Fig. 32 shows a side perspective view of a wear resistant covering 2502 of a stringer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the wear-resistant covering 2502 includes the curved surface 3102 described above. The wear-resistant covering 2502 also includes a flat edge portion 3202 and a flat bottom portion 3204. Each of features 3102, 3202, and 3204 mirrors similar features of stringer 2602 described above with reference to fig. 28-30. In addition, wear-resistant covering 2502 is made of a wear-resistant flexible material that can be configured to be easily mounted on stringer 2602 and demounted from stringer 2602.

Fig. 33 shows a bottom perspective view of a wear-resistant covering 2502 for a stringer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown, wear-resistant covering 2502 includes a linear groove and three voids 3304a, 3304b, and 3304 c. The linear cavity 3302 may be configured to receive and fit over the curved surface 3102 of the stringer 2602 described above with reference to fig. 28-30. Further, voids 3304a, 3304b, and 3304c may be configured to receive and fit over housing structures 2702a, 2702b, and 2702 c. In this manner, wear-resistant covering 2502 may be configured to fit over stringer 2602 (see, e.g., fig. 28-30) and closely conform to the structural features of stringer 2602. In this manner, wear-resistant covering 2502 may remain in place and resist movement/vibration relative to longitudinal beams 2602 during operation of the vibratory screening machine. Thus, wear cover 2502 provides wear and scratch resistance to removable stringer 2602 during operation of the vibratory screening machine. As noted above, the wear-resistant covering 2502 may also be periodically replaced as needed due to routine wear.

Figure 34 illustrates a side perspective view of an uncovered insulated stringer 3400 having a concave shape in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in the figure.

Referring to fig. 28, 29, and 30, stringer 3400 is shown as a single structure removed from the vibratory screening machine described above with reference to fig. 24-27. As described above (and further described below with reference to fig. 35), the housing structures 2702a, 2702b, and 2702c can be configured to receive fasteners, such as bolts or screws. Stringer 3400 is shown having a concave curved support structure 3402. Such concave curved support structures 3402 may be configured to support a screen structure under compression. In this example, support structure 3402 may have a conical or pyramidal cross-sectional shape, providing a mating surface having an area that is less than the base area of stringer 3400. Other stringer configurations may also include other support structure shapes, such as straight, etc. Other embodiments may include stringers 3400 having other shapes, including stringers having a circular cross-section, a triangular cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, a square cross-section, a hexagonal cross-section, etc., as desired for a given application.

Figure 35 illustrates a bottom perspective view of an uncovered insulated stringer 3400 having a concave shape in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. This figure shows a flat bottom surface 3502 of stringer 3400, which may be configured to be mounted on a corresponding flat support structure, such as a rib structure, of a vibratory screening machine, as described in more detail above. In other embodiments, the surface 3502 may have other shapes, including a curved shape that may be concave or convex. Fig. 35 also shows holes 3504a, 3504b, and 3504c, which may be configured to receive fasteners such as screws or bolts. For example, holes 3504a, 3504b, and 3504c may be threaded and may pass through bottom surface 3502 of stringer 3400 into housing structures 2702a, 2702b, and 2702c, thereby possibly providing structural support for fasteners that may be installed into holes 3504a, 3504b, and 3504 c.

Fig. 36 shows a side perspective view of an uncovered stringer 3600 having a straight shape according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As with fig. 28-35, stringer 3600 is shown as a single structure that may be removed from the vibratory screening machine shown in fig. 24-27. As described above (and with further reference to fig. 37 below), the housing structures 2702a, 2702b, and 2702c can be configured to receive fasteners, such as bolts or screws. Stringer 3600 is shown with a straight curvilinear support structure 3602. Such a straight support structure 3602 may be configured to support the screen structure in tension, compression, or in a relaxed configuration without tension or compression. In this example, support structure 3602 may have a conical or pyramidal cross-sectional shape providing a mating surface with an area that is smaller than the base area of stringers 3600. Other stringer configurations may also include other support structure shapes. Other embodiments may include stringers 3600 having other shapes, including stringers having a circular cross-section, a triangular cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, a square cross-section, a hexagonal cross-section, etc., as desired for a given application.

Fig. 37 shows a bottom perspective view of an uncovered insulated stringer 3600 having a straight shape according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. This figure shows flat bottom surfaces 3702 of stringers 3600, which may be configured to mount to a corresponding flat support structure, such as a rib structure, of a vibratory screening machine, as described in more detail above. In other embodiments, surface 3702 can have other shapes, including a curved shape that can be concave or convex. Fig. 37 also shows holes 3704a, 3704b, and 3704c, which may be configured to receive fasteners such as screws or bolts. For example, holes 3704a, 3704b, and 3704c may be threaded and may pass through bottom surface 3702 of stringer 3600 into housing structures 2702a, 2702b, and 2702c, which may provide structural support for fasteners that may be installed into holes 3704a, 3704b, and 3704 c.

Each of stringers 3400 and 3600, respectively, described above with reference to fig. 34-37, may also be provided with a wear resistant covering, as described above with reference to fig. 31 and 32. In each case, a corresponding wear-resistant covering may be provided, having a shape conforming to the corresponding stringer. For example, stringers 3400 having a concave shape may be provided with wear resistant coverings (not shown) having a corresponding concave shape. Similarly, stringers 3600 having a straight shape may be provided with wear resistant coverings (not shown) having a corresponding straight shape.

Conditional language such as "can," "might," or "may" is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments may include, while other embodiments may include, unless specifically stated otherwise or otherwise understood in the context of usage: embodiments do not include certain features, elements, and/or operations. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or operations are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether such features, elements, and/or operations are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

While embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with reference to various embodiments, it should be noted that these embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the disclosed features are possible. Accordingly, various modifications may be made to the disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit thereof. Additionally or alternatively, other embodiments of the disclosure may be apparent from consideration of the specification and drawings and practice of the disclosure as presented herein. The examples set forth in the specification and drawings are illustrative and not restrictive. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims (35)

1. A vibratory screening machine, comprising: one or more screen assemblies;

and a plurality of injection molded detachable support structures configured to provide mechanical support to the one or more screen assemblies;

and a plurality of removable wear resistant covers configured to be mounted on respective support structures and to provide wear resistance and wear resistance to the detachable support structures.

2. The vibratory screen machine according to claim 1, wherein the removable support structure includes one or more of plastic, metal, and a composite material.

3. The vibratory screen machine according to claim 1, wherein the removable support structure includes nylon.

4. The vibratory screen machine according to claim 3, wherein the removable support structure includes fiber reinforced nylon.

5. The vibratory screen machine according to claim 4, wherein the removable support structure includes carbon or graphite.

6. The vibratory screen machine according to claim 1, wherein the removable support structure has a concave shape and is configured to mechanically support a screen assembly held in a compressed state.

7. The vibratory screen machine according to claim 1, wherein the removable support structure has a convex shape and is configured to mechanically support the screen assembly under tension.

8. The vibratory screen machine according to claim 1, wherein the removable support structure is configured to be removably secured to the screen machine.

9. The vibratory screen machine according to claim 1, wherein the wear protection cover structure includes Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU).

10. The vibratory screen machine according to claim 9, wherein the wear resistant cover structure is shaped to conform to the shape of the removable support structure.

11. The vibratory screen machine according to claim 10, wherein the wear resistant protective cover and the removable support structure each have a cross-sectional shape that is conical or pyramidal.

12. The vibratory screen machine according to claim 1, wherein the wear protective covering structure is made from a flexible material that provides scratch, tear, and puncture resistance.

13. A removable support structure for a vibratory screening machine comprising a single structure; the single structure comprises one or more of plastic, metal, and composite material; wherein the removable support structure is removably securable to the vibratory screening machine and provides mechanical support to one or more screen assemblies of the vibratory screening machine.

14. The removable support structure of claim 13, further comprising a thermoplastic injection molded material.

15. The detachable support structure of claim 13, further comprising one or more of nylon, carbon, and graphite.

16. The removable support structure of claim 13, further comprising a concave shape configured to mechanically support a screen assembly held under compression.

17. The removable support structure of claim 13, further comprising a convex shape configured to mechanically support a screen assembly held under tension.

18. A method of manufacturing a removable support structure for a vibratory screening machine, the method comprising:

injection molding the detachable support structure into a single structure;

wherein the removable support structure is removably secured to the vibratory screening machine and provides mechanical support for one or more screen assemblies of the vibratory screening machine.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the detachable support structure further comprises one or more of a thermoplastic, nylon, carbon, and graphite.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the detachable support structure comprises a concave or convex shape configured to mechanically support a screen assembly held in compression or tension, respectively.

21. A removable support structure for a vibratory screening machine, comprising:

a single support structure; the single support structure comprises one or more of plastic, metal, and composite material;

and a protective cover, a worn protective cover;

wherein the removable support structure is removably secured to the vibratory screening machine and provides mechanical support for one or more screen assemblies of the vibratory screening machine, an

Wherein the wear resistant covering provides wear resistance to the support structure and is configured to be removably mounted on the support structure.

22. The support structure of claim 21, wherein the detachable support structure further comprises one or more of a thermoplastic, nylon, carbon, and graphite.

23. The support structure of claim 22, wherein the detachable support structure further comprises fiberglass or carbon fiber reinforced nylon.

24. The support structure of claim 21, wherein the detachable support structure comprises a concave or convex shape configured to mechanically support a screen assembly held in compression or tension, respectively.

25. The support structure of claim 22, wherein the wear resistant covering further comprises a hydrophobic wear resistant material.

26. The support structure of claim 22, wherein the wear resistant covering further comprises Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU).

27. The support structure of claim 22, wherein the wear resistant covering is configured to snap onto the support structure and closely conform to an outer shape of the support structure.

28. A method of screening a material, the method comprising:

a detachable supporting structure is arranged on the vibrating screening machine;

installing a wear-resistant protective cover on the support structure;

mounting a screen assembly on a vibratory screening machine such that the screen assembly is supported by a covered removable support structure;

and screening the material.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein each removable support structure is a single injection molded piece.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein the detachable support structure further comprises one or more of a thermoplastic, nylon, carbon, and graphite.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the detachable support structure further comprises fiberglass or carbon fiber reinforced nylon.

32. The method of claim 28, wherein the detachable support structure comprises a concave or convex shape configured to mechanically support a screen assembly held in compression or tension, respectively.

33. The method of claim 28, wherein the wear resistant covering further comprises a hydrophobic wear resistant material.

34. The support structure of claim 33, wherein the wear resistant covering further comprises Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU).

35. The support structure of claim 28, wherein the wear resistant covering is configured to snap onto the support structure and closely conform to an outer shape of the support structure.

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