Separating apparatus

Apparatus for separating solid materials from mixtures having said solid materials therein including a wire mesh screen two opposing edges of which are retained by preformed elongated rigid retainer assemblies against which oppositely directed forces may be applied for placing said screen in tension, said rigid retainer assemblies comprising:

• a first rigid retainer member preformed to include an elongated flat base portion having a free distal edge and a proximal edge from which upwardly projects a curved rib portion providing an elongated arcuate convex surface facing away from said distal edge of said base portion;
• a second rigid retainer member preformed to include an elongated base portion having a free distal edge and a proximal edge from which upwardly projects a curved rib portion providing an elongated arcuate concave surface facing toward said distal edge of said base portion;
• a third rigid retainer member preformed to include a flat elongated base portion for sandwiching between said flat base portions of said first and second retainer members and from one edge of which upwardly projects a rib portion for disposition between said elongated arcuate convex surface of said first retainer member and said elongated arcuate concave surface of said second retainer member;
• said opposing edge of said wire mesh screen lying against one side of said flat base portion of said third retainer member and bent to lie against both sides of said third retainer member rib portion for engagement by both said elongated arcuate convex surface of said first retainer member and said elongated arcuate concave surface of said second retainer member.