Screen tensioning device and method for a vibrating screen separator

A method for tensioning a screen relative to a wall of a separator, the method comprising the steps of connecting a housing to the wall, mounting a portion of a bolt in the housing for reciprocal axial movement relative to the housing, connecting one end of the bolt to the screen, threadedly engaging a rotating member with the other end of the bolt so that rotation of the rotating member causes relative movement between the rotating member and the bolt, applying an axial force against the rotating member to resist axial movement of the rotating member along the bolt, rotating the rotating member to cause corresponding relative movement between it and the bolt to apply a tension to the screen, and limiting the amount of the relative movement so that a predetermined tension can be applied to the screen.

A device for applying tension to a screen extending between at least two walls, the device comprising a housing disposed adjacent the wall, a bolt connected to the screen, having a portion disposed in the housing, and adapted for translational movement relative to the housing, a rotating member in threaded engagement with the bolt for receiving torque, spring means for applying an axial force against the rotating member to resist axial movement of the rotating member along the bolt so that rotation of the rotating member causes relative movement between it and the bolt to apply a tension to the screen, and means for limiting the amount of the relative movement so that a predetermined tension can be placed on the screen.