Patent ID: 7918346
Filing Date: 2011-04-05
Classification: B07B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A screen tensioning apparatus for tensioning a screen in a vibrating screen separator of the type having a box structure defined by two opposing spaced-apart upright side walls separated by at least one screen bed support structure, the tensioning apparatus comprising: an actuator support mounted to an exterior surface of a side wall of a box structure; an actuator having a stationary end pivotally linked to the actuator support, and a movable end that is cyclically movable from a first releasing position, to a second engaging position; a clamp rail assembly fixed to the movable end of the actuator, the clamp rail assembly adapted to extend from the movable end of the actuator, through an opening formed in the side wall, into the box structure adjacent a screen having a screen hook disposed on the edge thereof; a track disposed adjacent the exterior surface of the sidewall; a track follower extending from the clamp rail assembly for sliding engagement with the track responsive to movement of the movable end of the actuator; and wherein a portion of the track is inclined from the side wall to vary the distance of the track from the sidewall along the track so that as the movable end of the actuator is moved from the first releasing position to the second engaging position, the track follower is urged in a transverse direction, as it slides along the track, away from the side wall, to induce transverse movement of the clamp rail assembly for engagement with the screen to urge the same toward the side wall for tensioning the screen across the screen bed support structure.