Compression apparatuses, systems and methods for screening materials

Abstract

A vibratory screening machine includes replaceable screen assemblies. Compression mechanisms are used to secure replaceable screen assemblies to the vibratory screening machine. Each compression mechanism applies a force to a replaceable screen assembly that includes both a horizontal component and a downward vertical component. Each replaceable screen assembly is typically substantially flat prior to installation on a vibratory screening machine. The force applied to a screen assembly by one or more compression mechanisms causes the screen assembly to be pushed into engagement with underlying concave support members such that the screen assembly itself assumes a concave shape with the center of the screen assembly being lower than the side edges. The vertical downward component of the force helps to secure the screen assembly to the screening machine.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.