WO2020069553A1

WO2020069553A1 - Screen shield assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2020069553A1
Application number: PCT/AU2019/000122
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bruce Neumann
Original assignee: Bruce Neumann
Priority date: 2018-10-02
Filing date: 2019-09-27
Publication date: 2020-04-09

Abstract

The invention provides a vibrating screen shield assembly, including a shield member having a configurational pattern in or on the shield member between a proximal end and a distal end of the shield member, the pattern facilitating stratification and selective screening during vibration of particulate material delivered to the shield member, and a method of screening a particulate material including the steps of delivering the particulate material on to a shield member of a screen shield assembly that is positioned on a screen of a vibrating screen assembly, the shield member having a configurational pattern in or on the shield member between a proximal end and a distal end of the shield member, the pattern configured to facilitate stratification and selective screening of the particulate material; and collecting the stratified and selectively screened material.

Description

SCREEN SHIELD ASSEMBLY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Various exemplary embodiments of a screen shield assembly, an accessory for the screen shield assembly, a system including the screen shield assembly, and a method of screening are described in this specification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a vibrating screen shield assembly that includes a shield member having a configurational pattern in or on the shield member between a proximal end and a distal end of the shield member, the pattern configured to facilitate stratification and selective screening during vibration of particulate material delivered to the shield member.

In this specification, the term“configurational pattern” is intended to describe some form of three-dimensional repeating characteristic, whether that characteristic is generic, such as a projection or recess of any shape, which could change for each repetition, or is more specific, such as a rectangle, triangle, etc, which remains identical for each repetition.

The shield member may include at least one mat. The, or each, mat may be a length of resilient material. The, or each, mat may be flexible or substantially inflexible.

The shield member may include a number of mats connected consecutively to each other. The number of mats may include a leading mat and at least one trailing mat. The leading mat may have the configurational pattern.

At least one of the trailing mats may have a configurational pattern, identical or different to the leading mat, or may have an uninterrupted surface.

The leading mat and the one or more trailing mats may be connected to one another with articulated connections. The, or each, articulated connection may be a hinged connection of any practicable configuration.

The configurational pattern of the mat may be at or near the proximal end of the mat, or at or near the distal end of the mat.

The configurational pattern may be defined by cut-outs of the mat, providing repeating apertures or gaps through which the particulate material can fall.

The configurational pattern may be defined by grooves in the mat. The configurational pattern may be defined by a combination of cut-outs and grooves in the mat. The grooves may be aligned with the cut-outs.

The screen shield assembly may further include a connector to a feed apparatus at the proximal end.

The connector may be a hinged connector.

The screen shield assembly may further include a barrier configured to control positioning of the shield member on the assembly. The barrier may be positioned anywhere along the length of the shield member or may be positioned at a proximal position of a leading mat, distal to a connector, to a feed apparatus. The barrier may define a slot through which the shield member is fed. The barrier may be mounted on the sides of the screen shield assembly or may be separate from the assembly.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of screening a particulate material, the method including the steps of:

delivering the particulate material on to a shield member of a screen shield assembly that is positioned on a screen of a vibrating screen assembly, the shield member having a configurational pattern in or on the shield member between a proximal end and a distal end of the shield member, the pattern configured to facilitate stratification and selective screening of the particulate material; and

collecting the stratified and selectively screened material.

At least one of the trailing mats may include a configurational pattern, identical or different to the leading mat, or may have an uninterrupted surface.

The configurational pattern may be defined by cut-outs of the mat, providing apertures through which the particulate material can fall. The configurational pattern may be defined by grooves in the mat.

The configurational pattern may be defined by a combination of cut-outs and grooves in the mat.

The screen shield assembly may further include, at the proximal end of the mat, a connector to a feed apparatus.

The connector may be a hinged connector.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a screening apparatus that includes:

a vibrating screen assembly that includes a screen and a vibrating mechanism operable on the screen to cause vibration of the screen, the screen having a particulate delivery end and a discharge end;

a screen shield assembly including:

a shield member having a configurational pattern in or on the shield member between a proximal end and a distal end of the mat, the pattern facilitating stratification and selective screening of particulate material delivered to the mat; the shield member being positioned on the screen and configured to cover part of the screen between the particulate delivery end and a position intermediate the delivery and discharge ends, such that particulate material for screening by the screen can be fed on to the shield member; and

a feed apparatus configured to enable retraction of the shield member from the screen or extension of the shield member onto the screen.

The shield member may include a leading mat in the form of a length of resilient material.

The configurational pattern of the mat may be at or near the proximal end of the mat, or at or near the distal end of the mat. The configurational pattern may be defined by cut-outs of the mat, providing apertures through which the particulate material can fall.

The configurational pattern may be defined by grooves in the mat.

The configurational pattern may be defined by a combination of cut-outs and grooves in the mat. The grooves may be aligned with the cut-outs.

The screen shield assembly may further include, at the proximal end of the mat, a connector configured to permit the mat to be connected to a feed apparatus.

The connector may be a hinged connector.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided an accessory for a screen shield assembly, the accessory including:

a roller assembly for extending or retracting a flexible mat of the screen shield assembly, the roller assembly including:

a rotatable shaft defining an internal circumference of the assembly;

a rolling support structure radially spaced from the shaft to define a support surface for at least the mat; and

the shaft being configured to permit at least one tie that is connected to a proximal end of the mat to be connected to the shaft;

such that, in operation, the shaft can rotate to retract the mat onto the support surface, or can rotate to facilitate unwinding of the mat from the support surface.

At least one connector may be attached to the shaft to facilitate connection of the at least one tie to the shaft.

The rolling support structure may include a cylinder that defines apertures. The apertures enable access to the shaft so that each tie can be connected to the shaft.

The rolling support structure may include a plurality of rods parallel to the shaft.

The rotatable shaft may be operably connected to a control arrangement that controls the roller assembly. The control arrangement may be configured to permit direct control of an extent of extension or retraction of the mat. The control arrangement may include a drive operably connected to the shaft.

The rods may be circumferentially spaced with respect to each other. The rods may be evenly spaced with respect to each other.

The rods may include at least three, preferably six or eight, rods.

Each rod may be connected to the shaft by at least one support member, preferably two or three support members. The, or each, connector and tie may be a strap such as webbing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a top view of an embodiment of a shield member, in accordance with the invention, in the form of a flexible mat.

Figure 2 shows a top view of an embodiment of a shield member, in accordance with the invention, in the form of a flexible mat.

Figure 3 shows a top view of an embodiment of a shield member, in accordance with the invention, in the form of a flexible mat.

Figure 4 shows a top view of an embodiment of a shield member, in accordance with the invention, in the form of a flexible mat.

Figure 5 shows a top view of an embodiment of a shield member, in accordance with the invention, in the form of a flexible mat.

Figure 6 shows a top view of an embodiment of a shield member, in accordance with the invention, in the form of a flexible mat.

Figure 7 shows a top view of an embodiment of a shield member, in accordance with the invention, in the form of a flexible mat.

Figure 8 shows a top view of an embodiment of a shield member, in accordance with the invention, in the form of a flexible mat.

Figure 9 shows a top view of a mat of an embodiment of a shield member in accordance with the invention, including part of an articulated connection.

Figure 10 shows a top view of an embodiment of a screen shield assembly having two mats connected by the articulated connection of figure 9.

Figure 1 1 shows a top view of a mat of a further embodiment of a shield member in accordance with the invention, including part of an articulated connection that is different to the articulated connection shown in figure 9.

Figure 12 shows a top view of an embodiment of a shield member, in accordance with the invention, having two mats connected by the articulated connection of figure 1 1.

Figure 13 shows a top view of an articulated connector of an embodiment of a feed apparatus, in accordance with the invention, for an embodiment of the screen shield assembly.

Figure 14 shows a top view of a mat of the screen shield assembly, connected to the articulated connector of figure 13. Figure 15 shows a top view of a mat of the screen shield assembly connected to one embodiment of a feed apparatus, in accordance with the invention.

Figure 16 shows a top view of two mats of the screen shield assembly, connected to one embodiment of a feed apparatus, in accordance with the invention.

Figure 17 shows a top view of mats of the screen shield assembly, connected to the feed apparatus.

Figure 18 shows a top view of three further mats connected to part of the feed apparatus.

Figure 19 shows a top view of an embodiment of a screen shield assembly in accordance with the invention, including an embodiment of a feed apparatus, in accordance with the invention.

Figure 20 shows a top view of an embodiment of a screen shield assembly, in accordance with the invention, including an embodiment of a feed apparatus in accordance with the invention.

Figure 21 shows an embodiment of a roller assembly of a feed apparatus, for a screen shield assembly, in accordance with the invention.

Figure 22A shows a view of section A-A of figure 21.

Figure 22B shows a winding rod of the accessory of figure 21.

Figure 23 shows a three-dimensional view of another embodiment of a roller assembly for the screen shield assembly, in accordance with the invention.

Figure 24 shows a side view of an embodiment of an accessory for use with the screen shield assembly, in accordance with the invention.

Figure 25 shows a front view of the accessory of figure 24.

Figure 26 shows a top view of an embodiment of a screen shield assembly, in accordance with the invention, including an embodiment of a feed apparatus, in accordance with the invention.

Figure 27 shows a top perspective view of part of an embodiment of a vibrating screen assembly, in accordance with the invention, including two shield members.

Figure 28 shows a top perspective view of part of an embodiment of a vibrating screen assembly, in accordance with the invention, including two shield members.

Figure 29 shows a top perspective view of part of an embodiment of a vibrating screen assembly, in accordance with the invention, including two shield members. Figure 30 shows a top perspective view of a mat of an embodiment of a shield member in accordance with the invention, including part of a connection means.

Figure 31 shows the mat of figure 30, without a crossbar.

Figure 32 shows a top perspective view of an embodiment of a vibrating screen assembly, in accordance with the invention, including two shield members.

Figure 33 shows an exploded, top perspective view of the screen assembly of figure 30.

Figure 34 shows a side view of an embodiment of a vibrating screen assembly, in accordance with the invention, including two shield members.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Figures 1 to 8 show eight examples, generally indicated with reference numerals 10.1 to 10.8 respectively, of shield members, in the form of flexible mats, of a vibrating screen shield assembly of the invention. The mats 10.1 to 10.8 include a configurational pattern that facilitates stratification and selective screening during vibration of particulate material delivered to the mats 10.1 to 10.8. It is envisaged that the mats need not be flexible, depending on the screening application. In each of these embodiments, the configurational pattern facilitates preferential removal of settled fines from the mats 10.1 to 10.8.

The fines settle as a result of a stratification process described in the specification of international application PCT/AU2017/050284 referenced below. The settling of the fines has a number of significant outcomes, some of which are described in the international application. One of these is as a result of the aggregate above a layer of fines serving to drive the fines through the screen. This enhances fines reduction within the layer of the aggregate, which can be advantageous. The various embodiments described herein further serve to provide these outcomes.

The mat 10.1 of figure 1 includes multiple triangular cut-outs (apertures) 12 at a distal end region 14 of the mat 10.1 to present a series of tapered fingers such that the cut-outs widen distally. This can inhibit blocking of spaces between the fingers with aggregate, since the distally widening apertures 12 allow the aggregate to pass between the fingers. However, finer material, or fines, that have settled during the stratification process, are preferentially removed from the particulate material delivered to the mats, via the cut-outs 12. The cut-outs 12 are shown as substantially identical to each other. However, they can be of varying dimensions, if required. The mat 10.2 of figure 2 includes multiple rectangular cut-outs 16 at a distal end region 18 of the mat 10.2. These allow preferential passage of fines and smaller aggregate material, while larger aggregate material passes over the distal end region 18. The cut-outs 16 are shown as substantially identical to each other. However, they can be of varying dimensions, if required.

The mat 10.3 of figure 3 includes multiple rectangular cut-outs or apertures 20 at a proximal region 22 of the mat 10.3, such that a solid bar 23 is at a proximal end 25.1 of the mat 10.3. The mat 10.3 also includes an upwardly curved portion 24 at a central or intermediate portion 26 of the mat 10.3 that terminates at a discharge or distal end 25.2 of the mat 10.3. In use, as the aggregate moves along the mat 10.3, the aggregate is restrained by gravity because of the portion 24. This increases a length of time that the aggregate remains over the apertures 20. An extent of stratification is partially a function of time during which the aggregate experiences vibration. Thus, stratification and resultant discharge of fines from the apertures 20 is amplified above the apertures 20.

The apertures 20 are shown as substantially identical to each other. However, they can be of varying dimensions, if required.

The mat 10.4 of figure 4 includes multiple trapezoidal cut-outs 28 at a distal end region 30 of the mat 10.4, such that the cut-outs widen distally. The mat 10.4 also defines multiple parallel grooves 32 that open into respective cut-outs 28. Thus, as the aggregate moves along the mat 10.4 towards the distal end region 30, stratification results in the grooves filling with fines and other smaller particulates. As a result, a concentration of fines discharged at the cut-outs 28 is greater than would be the case without the grooves 32.

The cut-outs 28 and the grooves 32 are shown as substantially identical to each other. However, they can be of varying dimensions, if required.

The mat 10.5 of figure 5 includes multiple parallel grooves 36 from a proximal end 38 to a distal end 40 of the mat 10.5. These grooves 36 serve the same purpose as the grooves 32. This example illustrates that cut-outs at the distal end are not always necessary. The grooves 36 are shown as substantially identical to each other. However, they can be of varying dimensions, if required.

The mat 10.6 of figure 6 includes multiple rectangular-shaped cut-outs or apertures 42 at a distal portion 44 of the mat 10.6, such that a solid bar 48 remains at the distal end 49 of the mat 10.6. In addition, the mat 10.6 includes multiple parallel grooves 46 from the proximal end 47 to the distal portion 44. The grooves 46 opening to the cut-outs 42. The grooves 46 serve the same purpose as the grooves 36, with the apertures 42 facilitating the discharge of the fines that have collected in a lower layer because of stratification, and smaller aggregate from the grooves 36. The apertures 46 and the grooves 46 are shown as substantially identical to each other. However, they can be of varying dimensions, if required.

The mat 10.7 of figure 7 includes multiple rectangular-shaped cut-outs 50 at the distal end 52 of the mat 10.7. In addition, the mat 10.7 includes multiple parallel grooves 54 from the proximal end 56 to the cut-outs 50. The grooves 54 serve the same purpose as the grooves 32, with the cut-outs 50 in communication with respective grooves 54, so facilitating the discharge of the fines from the grooves 32. The grooves 54 and the cut outs 50 are shown as substantially identical to each other. However, they can be of varying dimensions, if required.

The mat 10.8 of figure 8 includes multiple triangular cut-outs or apertures 58 at a distal portion 60 of the mat 10.8, such that a solid bar 62 remains at the distal end 63 of the mat 10.8. The apertures 58 permit the discharge of fines that have collected in a lower layer because of stratification. The bar 62 provides a distal discharge end for product remaining after stratification. The apertures 58 are shown as substantially identical to each other. However, they can be of varying dimensions, if required.

In the various examples described in the specification, the mat can be of a material similar to that used for conveyor belts, or the like. Such material is elastomeric and resiliently flexible. Furthermore, such material has sufficient structural integrity to permit metal components to be fastened to the mat by crimping, or similar processes.

In use, the shield members in accordance with the invention are positioned above a vibrating screen of a vibrating screen shield assembly. For example, the screen shield assembly of the invention can be used with the screening apparatus of

PCT/AU2017/050284. As described in the specification of PCT/AU2017/050284, a vibrating screen assembly is used to process particulate material received from a processing unit. A crusher delivers particulate material onto a feed conveyor, which delivers the particulate material to a proximal end of a shield member in accordance with the invention (the delivery end). The shield member is positioned on the vibrating screen such that energy generated by the vibrating screen assembly is transferred into reciprocal vibratory motion of the shield member. This can then be imparted to particulate material positioned on the shield member, so that the material is displaced towards the distal, or discharge end, of the assembly. The configurations of the mats which can constitute shield members in accordance with the invention, exemplified in figures 1 to 8, enable selective stratification of multi-sized particulate material. As the particulate travels from the proximal end of a mat towards the distal end of a mat, the vibrations from the vibrating screen assembly cause the fines in the particulate material to migrate to the underside of the coarser component of the particulate material. Selection of a mat of a desired configuration enables control of size, amount and position of material exiting the assembly.

A shield member in accordance with the invention can include a number of mats connected consecutively to each other. The number of mats can include a leading mat and at least one trailing mat. The, or each, trailing mat can include a configurational pattern, identical or different to the leading mat, or can have an uninterrupted surface. Figures 9-12 show examples of connectors and connected mats exemplified in these figures by mats with uninterrupted surfaces.

Figure 9 shows a mat 70 which includes a tongue connector 72 at the distal end 74, and a groove connector 76 at the proximal end 78. The tongue and groove connectors 72, 74 can be connected to the mat 70 in a number of practicable ways. For example, the connectors 72, 74 can be crimped or bolted to the mat 70.

Figure 10 shows a tongue-in-groove articulated connection of two of the mats 70. Tongues of the connector 72 of a leading mat 70.1 are fitted into the grooves of the connector 76 of a trailing mat 70.2. A rod (not shown) is inserted through a common cavity or passageway created by the connection 80, to secure the connector 72 to the connector 76. Because this connection 80 is articulated, the flexible nature of the screen shield assembly is retained. The connection between the two mats 70 can be similar to that currently used for connecting conveyor belts together.

Figures 11 and 12 show an alternative connection system. A mat 90 includes spaced clips 92 at a distal end 94 and a proximal end 96 of the mat 90. Figure 12 shows how the offset spacing of the clips 92 at the proximal and distal ends enables a connection or coupling 100 when the clips 92 of the distal end 94 of a leading mat 90.1 are fitted between the clips 92 of the proximal end 96 of a trailing mat 90.2. A rod (not shown) is inserted through a common cavity or passageway created by the connection 100, to secure the connection or couple the clips 92 together. Because this connection or coupling 100 is articulated, the flexible nature of the screen shield assembly is retained.

Other articulated connection systems which retain the flexible nature of the screen shield assembly are envisaged and applicable. Figures 13, 14 and 15 show a way a shield member of the invention is connected to a mat feed apparatus. Figure 13 shows a tongue connector 102 attached to a bar 104. The tongue connector 102 is similar to the tongue connector 72. Attachment to the bar 104 may be achieved in any practicable way. For example, the bar 104 can be crimped, swaged or bolted to the connector 102.

Figure 14 shows a leading mat 70 connected to the connector 102 with the groove connector 76.

Figure 15 shows the assembly of figure 14 including ties such as webbing or cables 106 secured to the bar 104. The cables 106 can be connected to the bar 104 in any number of ways. For example, fastening assemblies 105 can be swaged to the cables 106. The cables 106 can be connected to a roller assembly, winch assembly or the like to move the mat to a desired position over the vibrating screen on which it may be positioned. The assembly may include any practicable number of cables 106. The cables 106 may be attached to a shield member feed apparatus in accordance the invention, which is discussed in detail below. In an alternative embodiment shown in figures 30 and 31 , the cables 106 can be connected to a bar 107, which is fed through multiple fastening assemblies 108. The fastening assemblies 108 are secured to a leading mat 109 with cables 11 1 which are embedded in, and integral to, the mat 109 (shown in broken lines in figures 30 and 31).

It will be appreciated that the assembly of figure 14 overlies a vibrating screen. The aggregate is fed onto the mat 70. The vibration of the screen encourages movement of the aggregate towards a distal end of the assembly. The movement and weight of the aggregate sets up a tension in the cables 106. Thus, winding and release of the cables 106 can achieve retraction and extension to adjust the position of a discharge end of the assembly.

The connector 72 at the distal end of the mat 70 enables a trailing mat or mats to be connected to the mat 70. Figure 16 shows an example of a trailing mat 70.2 connected to the leading mat 70.1. The leading mat 70.1 is connected to the bar 104, in the manner described above. This enables positioning of the combination of the mats 70.1 and 70.2 at any desired position on the vibrating screen. This can also be used to adjust a length of time that the aggregate is subjected to vibration. The longer the shielding surface presented by the mats 70, the greater the extent of stratification and subsequent downward migration of the fines of the aggregate.

Figure 17 shows another option for combining a right trailing mat 1 10, and a left trailing mat 1 12 with a leading mat 70. The right trailing mat 1 10 has multiple cut-outs 1 14 at the distal end 1 16. The left trailing mat 1 12 has an uninterrupted surface 112 and a continuous distal end. The mats 110 and 1 12 are joined at an interface 1 18 or may be separate but adjacent. It will be appreciated that the mat 1 10 can be replaced by any of the mats shown in figures 1 to 8. This arrangement can be used to achieve a desired fines/aggregate mixture. Any number of combinations can be used to achieve different outcomes.

Figure 18 shows a further option for combining the leading mat 70 with further trailing mats 120 and 122. Connectors 124 and 126 at the distal ends of the trailing mats 120 and 122 enable connection of any of the mats of figures 1 to 8 to this assembly. It will be appreciated that the combinations and arrangements of mats is extensive. The combinations can be used to determine an extent of time that the aggregate is subjected to stratification.

In the drawings, two trailing mats are shown connected to the leading mat 70. However, three or more trailing mats could be connected to the leading mat 70. It will also be appreciated that a single trailing mat could be connected to the leading mat 70.

In each instance, each trailing mat could be a trailing mat as described in figures 1 to 8.

Figures 27, 28 and 29 show a further option for combining shield members for use in the vibrating screen assembly of this invention. Figure 27 shows a stacked shield member assembly 300, which includes a static lower trailing mat 302 and a mobile upper leading mat 304, the upper leading mat 304 being extendable and retractable over all or part of the lower trailing mat 302. In this example, the lower trailing mat 302 may be flexible or inflexible, and includes a triangular cut-out (aperture) 306 at a distal end 308 of the mat 302. The cut-out 306 can regulate, facilitate and direct stratification and selective screening during vibration, of particulate material delivered from the upper leading mat 304 to the lower trailing mat 302. This can allow the passage of

appropriately sized fines and aggregate material, while the remainder of the material passes over the distal end region 312 of the lower trailing mat 302. Retraction and extension of the upper leading mat 304, indicated by arrows 310, can assist with selective and controlled delivery of particulate material to the lower trailing mat 302. Extension and retraction can be effected by any practicable means, including the means disclosed herein. It will be appreciated that extension and retraction of the upper mat 304 can be used to regulate a size of the aperture 306 presented to the particulate material.

Figure 28 shows a stacked shield member assembly 400, which includes a static lower trailing mat 402 and a mobile upper leading mat 404, the upper leading mat 404 being extendable and retractable over all or part of the lower trailing mat 402. In this example, the lower trailing mat 402 may be flexible or inflexible, and includes a rectangular cut-out (aperture) 406 at a distal end 408 of the lower trailing mat 402. The cut-out 406 can regulate, facilitate and direct stratification and selective screening during vibration, of particulate material delivered from the upper leading mat 404 to the lower mat 402. This can allow the passage of appropriately sized fines and aggregate material, while the remainder of the material passes over the distal end region 412 of the lower trailing mat 402. Retraction and extension of the upper leading mat 404, indicated by arrows 410, can assist with selective and controlled delivery of particulate material to the lower trailing mat 402. Extension and retraction can be effected by any practicable means, including the means disclosed herein. It will be appreciated that extension and retraction of the upper mat 404 can be used to regulate a size of the aperture 406 presented to the particulate material.

Figure 29 shows a stacked shield member assembly 500, which includes the static lower trailing mat 402 shown in figure 28, and a mobile upper leading mat 504, the upper leading mat 504 being extendable and retractable over all or part of the lower trailing mat 402. In this example, the upper leading mat 504 includes multiple narrow rectangular-shaped cut-outs 502 at the distal end 508 of the upper mat. The cut-outs 502 can have different shapes, if required. The upper mat cut-outs 502 can be variably positioned over the lower mat cut-out 406 to facilitate the discharge of aggregate material fines firstly through the narrow cut-outs 502 and then through the cut-out 406. The cut-outs 502, 406 can regulate, facilitate and direct stratification and selective screening during vibration, of particulate material delivered from the upper leading mat 504 to the lower trailing mat 402. This can allow the passage of appropriately sized fines and aggregate material, while the remainder of the material passes over the distal end regions 412, 512. Retraction and extension of the upper leading mat 504, indicated by arrows 510, can assist with selective and controlled delivery of particulate material to the lower trailing mat 402. Extension and retraction can be effected by any practicable means, including the means disclosed herein.

Figures 32 and 33 show another stacked shield member assembly 600. The assembly 600 is configured for positioning on a screen member 602 in selected locations. As is known, screen members 602 define a grid of apertures 603 for screening aggregate. The assembly 600 includes a lower trailing mat 606 and an upper leading mat 604. The leading mat 604 and trailing mat 606 can be configured in any practicable manner to be movable and positionally adjustable on the screen member 602, including by means discussed previously for other mats of the invention. In the embodiment illustrated in figures 32 and 33, the leading mat 604 and trailing mat 606 include hooks 608, 610 respectively, at a proximal end of each mat. The hooks 608, 610 hook into any of the apertures 603 of the screen member 602, to facilitate selective positioning of the mats 604 and 606 on the screen member 602, and relative to each other. The mats 604 and 606 can have a uniform uninterrupted surface, as illustrated in figures 30 and 31 , or can each or either include any of the previously described configurational patterns, for example those illustrated in figures 1 to 8.

The mats 604 and 606 can also each or either be connected to further mats, for example by connectors such as those illustrated in figures 10 and 1 1. The mats 604 and 606 can also be joined to each other. In this configuration, an exposed area 612 of the screen member 602, through which particulate matter would be screened, is increased by lifting the distal end 614 of the leading mat 604, unhooking and moving the trailing mat 606 to a new position closer to the proximal end 616 of the leading mat, and hooking the leading mat 604 into the screen member 602 at that desired position. The opposite adjustment can be used to decrease the exposed area 612 of the mesh mat 602. It will be appreciated that the mats 604, 606 can be similar to the mats shown in figures 1 to 8.

Figure 34 shows a sectional side view of another stacked shield member assembly 700. The assembly 700 is configured for positioning on a screen member 702 in selected locations. The assembly 700 includes a lower trailing mat 706 and an upper leading mat 704. The leading mat 704 and trailing mat 706 can be configured in any practicable manner to be movable and positionally adjustable on the screen member 702, including by means discussed previously for other mats of the invention. In the embodiment illustrated in figure 34, the leading mat 704 and trailing mat 706 include hooks 708, 710 respectively, at or near a proximal end of each mat. A single hook 708, 710 is shown in this figure, but further hooks 708, 710 can be arranged along the width of the mats as for the assembly 600 shown in figure 33. In particular in this embodiment of the assembly 700, the hook 708 of the leading mat 704 is positioned at an intermediate distance from the proximal end 709 of the leading mat 704. This is to enable the proximal end 709 to be backed up against the end of the screen assembly wall 71 1. In this way, a gap, through which particulate matter could pass, between the wall 71 1 and proximal end 709 of the leading mat 704 is avoided. The hooks 708, 710 hook into apertures of the screen member 702, to facilitate selective positioning of the mats 704 and 706 on the screen member 702, and relative to each other. The hooks 708, 710 in this embodiment include a shaft 714 attached to each respective mat 704, 706, the shaft 714 extending to a hook arm 716, which is at an angle of from about 45° to about 60° relative to the mats 704, 706. This enables adequate grasping and holding of the screen member 702 by the hooks 708, 710, and inhibits the hooks 708, 710 from being dislodged during vibration of the screen assembly. The hooks 708, 710 can be attached to each mat 704, 706 by any practicable means, which can be the same for both mats 704, 706, or can be different means. In figure 34, the hook 708 on the leading mat 704 is attached by a clamp assembly 718 which includes an upper element 720 and a lower element 722, clamped to the mat 704 by the bolts 724 passing through the mat 704. The hook 708 are attached to the lower element 722. The hook 710 on the trailing mat 706 is attached to a plate 726, which is bolted to the underside of the mat 706.

The mats 704 and 706 can have a uniform uninterrupted surface, as illustrated in figure 30 and 31 , or can each or either include any of the previously described configurational patterns, for example those illustrated in figures 1 to 8.

The mats 704 and 706 can also each comprise more than one adjacent mat, such as those illustrated in figure 17, with adjacent mats 110 and 1 12. The mats 704 and 706 can also be joined to each other. The mats 704, 706 can be of the same or similar thickness, or the trailing mat 706 can be thinner than the leading mat 704 for ease of manual manipulation.

The embodiment of the invention represented in figure 34 can be for use with a single screen deck where it is possible to access the screen assembly from above by climbing in and manually adjusting the position of the trailing mat 706 relative to the leading mat 704 to change the overall shield size.

There can be instances in which a screen member of the invention has bolts or other projections protruding upwards of the screen member, which can interfere with the associated mat or mats. In such cases, an elongate bar can be fastened above the screen member, along the feed direction, to provide a support surface for the mat or mats. More than one such bar can be fastened in parallel.

Figure 19 shows a shield member 150, for illustrative purposes absent a configurational pattern, used together with a barrier 152 at a proximal position of the mat assembly 150. The barrier 152 defines a slot 154 through which the shield member 150 is fed. The barrier 152 can be mounted on the sides of the screen assembly on which the shield member 150 is positioned, or can be free-standing, or secured to a structure separate from the screen assembly. This ensures that the barrier 152 is not subject to the vibrations of the screen assembly. The barrier 152 can be positioned anywhere along the length of the shield member 150, to selectively control the positioning of the shield member 150 on the vibrating screen assembly, and the extent of retraction and extension of the shield member 150 by an attached feed apparatus (not shown). For example, as mentioned above, the weight of the aggregate and the vibration naturally causes the shield member 150 to move in the feed direction of the aggregate, that is, distally.

The slot 154 of the barrier 152 can be of any shape to accommodate a shield member or the screen on which the shield member is positioned, for example the slot 154 can be curved. The slot 154 is dimensioned to permit the shield member to move through the slot 154.

A clamp 156 which is movable along the shield member 150, and fixable by tightening of fasteners 158 at each end of the clamp is arranged on the shield member 150. The clamp 156 is on a proximal side of the barrier 152. The clamp 156 can bear against the barrier 152 to inhibit continued movement of the shield member 150 in the distal direction. Thus, a position of the clamp 156 can determine an extent of extension of the shield member 150. Connectors 159 extend from opposite ends of the clamp 156. The connectors 159 are configured to engage with a suitable pulling mechanism to retract the shield member 150. That retraction could be necessary if the screen assembly is shut down with aggregate still on the shield member 150. In that case, the retraction could be carried out by shifting the clamp and clamping and pulling in a cyclical manner.

Figure 26 shows the shield member 150, for illustrative purposes absent a configurational pattern, used together with the barrier 152 at a proximal position of the shield member 150. The barrier 152 includes a frame 153 supporting the barrier 152, which allows the barrier 152 to be free-standing and not subject to the vibrations of the screen assembly. The frame 153 may be any configuration and material that enables support of the barrier 152. The barrier 152 defines a slot 154 (not visible in this figure) through which the shield member 150 is fed. The slot 154 of the barrier 152 can be any shape to accommodate a shield member or the screen on which a mat is positioned, for example the slot 154 can be curved. The slot 154 is dimensioned to permit the shield member 150 to move through the slot 154.

The barrier 152 and supporting frame 153 can be positioned anywhere along the length of the shield member 150, to selectively control the positioning of the shield member 150 on the vibrating screen assembly. The frame 153 may be connected to a clamp member 157 by means of hydraulic or pneumatic actuators 155 and arms 169, each extending from a side post of the frame 153. Other connectors and actuators are contemplated for this configuration.

This embodiment of the assembly may include a further clamp member 171 , positioned parallel to and distal from the clamp member 157, preferably substantially abutting the slot 154. The clamp members 157, 171 may be tightened or loosened across the shield member 150 with fasteners 173, 175. The fasteners 173, 175 may be manually or automatically manipulated. In use, the actuators 155 and clamp members 157, 171 may be used to fix the position of the mat assembly 150, or enable retraction or extension of the shield member 150, over the screen assembly. For example: loosening of the fasteners 175 and tightening of the fasteners 173 enables the actuators 155 to move the shield member 150 through the slot 154, in either direction over the screen assembly. Tightening of the fasteners 173 enables immobilisation of the shield member 150 in a selected position over the screen assembly. It will be appreciated that a conventional control system can be used to coordinate operation of the fasteners 173, 175 and the actuators 155 to displace the shield member 150 to any extent in a proximal direction. For example, it may be necessary to retract the shield member 150 in its entirety in the case of stoppage of feed, for some reason. Also, during operation, the fasteners 173, 175 can be released to allow the natural movement of the aggregate, as a result of vibration of the screen assembly, to cause extension of the shield member 150.

Figure 20 shows an example of a shield member feed apparatus 140 for use with screen shield assemblies in accordance with the invention. The cables 106 are attached at one end to the shield member 161 , and at the other end to a rotatable bar or shaft 163, which includes two guide discs 165 for each cable 106. The cables 106 are attached such that when the bar 163 is rotatably driven in a take-up direction, the shield member 161 is drawn toward the feed apparatus 140 to cover less of the vibrating screen on which it is positioned. When the apparatus is released the cables 106 unwind due to the movement of the shield member 161 , as described above. The resultant distal movement of the shield member 161 causes more of the vibrating screen to be covered. Thus, the feed apparatus 140 can be operated to adjust a length of time that the aggregate is subjected to stratification.

Figures 21 and 22 show a further example of a shield member feed apparatus in the form of a roller assembly 160 for use with screen shield assemblies in accordance with the invention. Figure 22A shows a cross-section through plane A-A of the roller assembly 160 of figure 21.

Referring to figures 21 and 22, the cables 162, for example, are attached at a first end to a rotatable shaft 164 of the roller assembly and attached at a second end to a shield member in accordance with the invention (not shown, for example the shield member 161). In this exemplification of the invention, a plurality of rods 166, parallel to the shaft 164, and radially spaced from the shaft 164, define a rolling support structure for the cables 162 and the shield member (not shown) attached to the cables 162. To that end, two disc-shaped rod carriers 167 are mounted on, and rotatably fixed to, opposite end portions of the shaft 164. The rods 166 interconnect the carriers 167 in any suitable manner. Thus, the shield member is not required to be wound onto the shaft 164, which could be unfeasible due to the nature of the shield member.

An example of one of the rods 166 is shown in figure 22A. Each rod 166 has a shank 180. The shank 180 has a threaded portion 182 at one end and a head 184 at an opposite end. The carriers 167 each define a series of circumferentially spaced openings 186. The openings 186 in one of the carriers 167 are aligned with the openings 186 in the other of the carriers 167. The shanks 180 pass through respective pairs of aligned openings 186 so that the heads 184 butt against an outside of one of the carriers 167 and the threaded portions 182 extend through the other of the carriers 167. Nuts 188 are threaded onto the threaded portions 182 to clamp the carriers 167 and so to secure the rods 166 in position.

The example of the roller assembly shown here is not to be construed as limiting. The rolling support structure may for example, instead of rods 166, comprise a cylinder surrounding the shaft 164, the cylinder including apertures, the apertures enabling access to the shaft by the, or each, tie or cable. An example is described below.

The rotatable shaft 164 is mounted on bearings 190. A controllable drive arrangement 168 (figure 21) is operatively connected to the shaft 164 to rotate the shaft 164 in a controllable manner. The control arrangement 168 can drive the shaft to rotate in the take-up direction, winding the cables 162 onto the shaft 164 and the shield member onto the rolling support structure defined by the rods 166; or to rotate in a second direction, releasing the shield member 161 from the rolling support structure and onto a vibrating screen assembly. The rotation in the second direction can be in the form of controlled or braked unwinding, due to the movement of the aggregate, as described above.

The cables 162 may be any resilient material, such as synthetic strapping. The rods 166 of the rolling support structure in this example are circumferentially equidistant from each other. There may be any practicable number of rods 166 in the rolling support structure of the invention. Each rod 166 may be connected to the shaft by at least one support member 170.

The roller assembly 160 may be used with any of the shield members described herein, or with other shield members or screen shield assemblies, not described herein.

In figure 23, reference number 200 generally indicates a further roller assembly for use with screen shield assemblies of the invention.

The roller assembly 200 includes a rotatable shaft 210 that extends between and interconnects two, spaced disc-shaped carriers 220. A roller drum 222 interconnects the carriers 220 and defines a rolling support surface 224 onto which the screen shield assembly can be wound. The drum 222 defines a number of apertures 226, that correspond with the number of cables or ties to be connected to the shaft 210. The cables or ties can be connected to the screen shield assembly, as described above. Thus, the cables or ties can be the cables or ties 162. As set out above, the cables or ties can be straps or webbing.

Thus, as with the roller assembly 160, the drum 222 defines a rolling support structure that obviates the need for the shield member assembly to be wound onto the shaft 210.

In both the roller assemblies 160, 200, the diameter of the rolling support structure is such that a length of the ties 162 is taken up within the rolling support structure. It follows that a minimal length of the ties is wound onto the rolling support structure, which inhibits deformation and possible winding issues with the shield member assembly as it is wound onto the support structure.

In figures 24 and 25, reference number 230 generally indicates an accessory for use with a vibrating screen shield assembly, in accordance with the invention. The accessory 230 includes a support 232, and an intermediate portion 234. The support 234 may be placed on the vibrating screen as described herein, such that a shield member 236, as described herein, or a different shield member, not described herein, overlies the accessory 230.

The intermediate portion 234 is configured to tilt the shield member 236 in an upward direction towards a distal end 240 of the shield member in use, to result in a sloped portion 237. This may be achieved by one or more support posts 238 defining the intermediate portion 234. The distal end 240 of the shield member shown in this representation may extend further to a discharge end of the shield member, not shown here.

In use, as the aggregate is delivered to a proximal, or delivery end 242 of the shield member 236, and moves along the shield member 236 towards the distal end 240. The aggregate is restrained by gravity because of the sloped portion 237. This increases a length of time that the aggregate remains on the shield member 236. An extent of stratification is partially a function of time during which the aggregate experiences vibration. Thus, stratification and resultant discharge of fines is amplified after travelling over the sloped portion 237.

It will be appreciated that the shield member 236 can be replaced by any of the shield member shown in figures 1 to 8. This arrangement can be used to achieve a desired fines/aggregate mixture. Any number of combinations can be used to achieve different outcomes.

The accessory 230 can be included in a screen shield assembly in any practicable manner, for example the support 232 may be attached to the assembly in a reversible or permanent manner or may be supported independently of the assembly and reversibly inserted between the assembly and a shield member in use with the assembly.

The accessory 230 can be included at any location along the length of the shield member 236, to achieve a desired stratification result.

The appended claims are to be considered as incorporated into the above description.

Throughout this specification, reference to any advantages, promises, objects or the like should not be regarded as cumulative, composite and/or collective and should be regarded as preferable or desirable rather than stated as a warranty.

In the above description, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified. The use of common reference numerals is not to be regarded as an indication that any components of one embodiment are essential for another

embodiment and is for convenience only.

Throughout this specification, unless otherwise indicated, "comprise,"

"comprises," and "comprising," (and variants thereof) or related terms such as "includes" (and variants thereof)," are used inclusively rather than exclusively, so that a stated integer or group of integers may include one or more other non-stated integers or groups of integers. It is to be understood that the terminology employed above is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The described embodiments are intended to be illustrative of the invention, without limiting the scope thereof. The invention is capable of being practised with various modifications and additions as will readily occur to those skilled in the art.

The term“and/or”, e.g.,“A and/or B” shall be understood to mean either“A and B” or“A or B” and shall be taken to provide explicit support for both meanings or for either meaning.

Words indicating direction or orientation, such as“front”,“rear”,“back”, etc., are used for convenience. The inventor(s) envisages that various embodiments can be used in a non-operative configuration, such as when presented for sale. Thus, such words are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

Claims

1 . A vibrating screen shield assembly, including:

a shield member having a configurational pattern in or on the shield member between a proximal end and a distal end of the shield member, the pattern facilitating stratification and selective screening during vibration of particulate material delivered to the shield member.

2. The vibrating screen shield assembly as claimed in claim 1 , in which the shield member includes at least a leading mat and at least a trailing mat.

3. The vibrating screen shield assembly as claimed in claim 1 , in which the shield member is flexible.

4. The vibrating screen shield assembly as claimed in claim 2, in which the, or each, trailing mat includes a configurational pattern.

5. The vibrating screen shield assembly as claimed in claim 4, in which the

configurational pattern of the, or each trailing mat is identical to the configurational pattern of the, or each, leading mat.

6. The vibrating screen shield assembly as claimed in claim 3, in which the, or each leading mat is connected to the, or each trailing mat by an articulated connection.

7. The vibrating screen shield assembly as claimed in claim 6, in which the articulated connection is a hinged connection.

8. The vibrating screen shield assembly as claimed in claim 1 , in which the

configurational pattern of the mat is at the proximal end of the mat.

9. The vibrating screen shield assembly as claimed in claim 1 , in which the

configurational pattern of the shield member is at the distal end of the mat.

10. The vibrating screen shield assembly as claimed in claim 1 , in which the

configurational pattern is defined by apertures through which the particulate material can fall.

1 1 . The vibrating screen shield assembly as claimed in claim 1 , in which the

configurational pattern is defined by grooves in the mat.

12. The vibrating screen shield assembly as claimed in claim 1 , in which the

configurational pattern is defined by apertures and grooves in the mat.

13. The vibrating screen shield assembly as claimed in claim 1 , further including, at the proximal end, a connector to a feed apparatus.

14. The vibrating screen shield assembly as claimed in claim 1 , further including a barrier configured to control positioning of the mat on the assembly.

15. A method of screening a particulate material including the steps of:

collecting the stratified and selectively screened material.

16. The method as claimed in claim 15, in which the shield member includes at least one mat.

17. The method as claimed in claim 15, in which the shield member includes at least one leading mat connected to at least one trailing mat.

18. The method as claimed in claim 17, in which the, or each leading mat includes a configurational pattern.

19. The method as claimed in claim 18, in which the, or each trailing mat includes a configurational pattern.

20. The method as claimed in claim 17, in which the, or each, leading mat is connected to the, or each, trailing mat with an articulated connection.

21 . The method as claimed in claim 20, in which the articulated connection is a hinged connection.

22. The method as claimed in claim 15, in which the configurational pattern at the proximal end of the shield member.

23. The method as claimed in claim 15, in which the configurational pattern is at the distal end of the shield member.

24. The method as claimed in claim 15, in which the configurational pattern is defined by apertures through which the particulate material can fall.

25. The method as claimed in claim 15, in which the configurational pattern is defined by grooves in the mat.

26. The method as claimed in claim 15, in which the configurational pattern is defined by apertures and grooves in the mat.

27. The method as claimed in any one of claims 15-26, in the screen shield assembly further includes, at the proximal end, a connector to a feed apparatus.

28. The method as claimed in any one of claims 15-26, in the screen shield assembly further includes a barrier configured to control positioning of the mat on the assembly.

29. An accessory of a screen shield assembly, the accessory including:

a rotatable shaft defining an internal circumference of the assembly;

a rolling support structure radially spaced from the shaft to define a rolling support for at least the mat; and

at least one connector attached to the shaft and configured to permit at least one tie to be connected to the shaft at one end and the mat at another end;

such that, in operation, the shaft rotates to accommodate retraction of the mat onto the support surface, or extension of the mat from the support surface of the assembly.

30. The accessory as claimed in claim 29, in which the rolling support structure includes a cylinder that defines apertures, in which the apertures enable access to the shaft by the, or each, tie.

31 . The accessory as claimed in claim 29, in which the rolling support structure includes a plurality of rods parallel to the shaft, in which the rods are spaced circumferentially spaced with respect to each other.

32. The accessory as claimed in claim 29, in which the rotatable shaft is operably connected to a control arrangement that controls the roller assembly.

33. The accessory as claimed in claim 32, in which the control arrangement is configured to permit direct control of an extent of extension or retraction of the mat.

34. The accessory as claimed in claim 32, in which the control arrangement includes a drive operably connected to the shaft.

35. The accessory as claimed in claim 31 , in which the plurality of rods are evenly spaced with respect to each other.

36. The accessory as claimed in claim 31 , in which the plurality of rods includes at least three rods.

37. The accessory as claimed in claim 31 , in which each rod of the plurality of rods is connected to the shaft by at least one support member.

38. The accessory as claimed in claim 29, in which the, or each, tie is a strap.

39. The accessory as claimed in claim 38, in which the, or each, strap is attached to the shaft by a closed loop arranged on the shaft.