Paper-making screen apparatus

A paper-making screen apparatus for separating foreign matters from paper-making raw materials is formed of a screen having a first annular end plate located at an end; a second annular end plate located at the other end thereof, having a plurality of openings for male screws; a plurality of interval keeping members secured to the first and second end plates to keep an interval therebetween, and having female screws on the side facing the second end plate; a plurality of male screws engaging the female screws; and a plurality of rod-shaped members connected to the first and second end plates, and annularly arranged parallel to each other at certain intervals. The first and second end plates hold ends of the plurality of rod-shaped members in between, and the second end plate is secured to the interval keeping members by engaging the male screws via the openings for male screws provided in the second end plate with the female screws and tightening the second end plate against the plurality of interval keeping members.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates to a paper-making screen apparatus. More 
particularly, the present invention relates to a paper-making screen 
apparatus having an improved screen, in which the interval between a first 
end plate and a second end plate is kept by interval keeping members, and 
further, ends of rod-shaped members are held by a first and second end 
plates. 
2. Description of the Related Art 
There is available paper-making screen apparatus in which a screen is 
formed by annularly arranging a plurality of rod-shaped members between a 
first annular support member (first end plate) located on one end side and 
a second support member (second end plate) located on the other end side 
(for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,605,234 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 
08/741,718). 
In U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/741,718, an interval keeping member 
is provided between a first annular supporting member and a second annular 
supporting member to keep an interval between the supporting members, and 
further, ends of a plurality of rod-shaped members annularly provided are 
held by and between the first supporting member and the second supporting 
member. An end of the interval keeping member is secured by welding to the 
first supporting member, and the other end of the interval keeping member, 
to the second supporting member, respectively (see FIG. 6 of U.S. patent 
application Ser. No. 08/741,718). 
In a screen disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,605,234, ends of rod-shaped 
members are individually secured by welding (see FIGS. 6 and 9 of U.S. 
patent application Ser. No. 08/741,718; while screws are used in FIG. 9, 
ends of the rod-shaped members are secured by welding to the first 
supporting member and the second supporting member, respectively). 
Particularly when securing by welding, welding is carried out while 
applying a force by a press to ensure a state of firm fixture. This leads 
to a low operability, making it difficult to manufacture the same, and in 
addition, welding strain causes a deformation, and hence deterioration of 
screen performance, not permitting achievement of uniform intervals 
between adjacent rod-shaped members. When replacing damaged rod-shaped 
members after assembly, furthermore, it is necessary to grind off welded 
portions with a grinder, this posing a problem of a very poor operability. 
The present invention has an object to provide a paper-making screen 
apparatus for solving the problems as described above. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
To achieve the foregoing object, the paper-making screen apparatus of the 
invention comprises a screen for separating foreign matter from 
paper-making raw materials via, the screen having a first annular end 
plate located at an end thereof; a second annular end plate located at the 
other end thereof, having a plurality of openings for male screws; a 
plurality of interval keeping members each secured to the first end plate 
and the second end plate, keeping an interval from the first end plate and 
the second end plate, and having female screws on the side facing the 
second end plate; a plurality of male screw engaging the female screws; 
and a plurality of rod-shaped members each having an end in contact with 
the first end plate and the other end in contact with the second end 
plate, and annularly arranged in parallel with each other at certain 
intervals. The first end plate and the second end plate hold the ends of 
the plurality of rod-shaped members in between, and the second end plate 
is secured to the interval keeping members by engaging the male screw via 
the openings for the male screws provided in the second end plate with the 
female screws and tightening the second end plate against the plurality of 
intervals keeping members. 
In the paper-making screen apparatus of the invention, the screen may be 
formed of a first annular end plate located at an end thereof; a second 
annular end plate, located at the other end thereof, having a plurality of 
openings for male screws; an annular intermediate support member, provided 
between the second end plate and the first end plate, and having openings 
for the plurality of interval keeping members and engaging sections for 
the plurality of rod-shaped members provided annularly; the plurality of 
interval keeping members passing through the openings for the interval 
keeping members of the intermediate support member, secured to the first 
end plate and the second end plate, thereby keeping an interval between 
the first end plate and the second end plate, and each having a female 
screw on the side thereof facing the second end plate; a plurality of male 
screws engaging with the female screws; and a first span holding member 
group, located on the outer periphery of each of the interval keeping 
members, provided between the first end plate and the intermediate support 
member, and each being in contact with the first end plate and the 
intermediate support member facing thereto, thereby keeping an interval 
between the first end plate and the intermediate support member facing 
thereto; a second span holding member group, located on the outer 
periphery of each of the interval keeping members, provided between the 
second end plate and the intermediate support member, and each being in 
contact with the second end plate and the intermediate support member 
facing thereto, thereby keeping an interval between the second end plate 
and the intermediate support member facing thereto; and a plurality of 
rod-shaped members each having an end in contact with the first end plate 
and the other end in contact with the second end plate, passing through 
the engaging section for rod-shaped members, and annularly arranged in 
parallel with each other at certain intervals; the first end plate and the 
second end plate holding the ends of the plurality of rod-shaped members 
in between; the rod-shaped members engaging with the engaging sections for 
rod-shaped members being free from regulation in the longitudinal 
direction of the rod-shaped members, and regulated for movement in a 
direction at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped 
members; and the second end plate being secured to the interval keeping 
members by engaging the male screws via the openings for the male screws 
provided in the second end plate with the female screws and tightening the 
second end plate against the plurality of interval keeping members. 
Further, in the paper-making screen apparatus of the invention, the screen 
may be formed of a first annular end plate located at an end thereof; a 
second annular end plate located at the other end thereof, having a 
plurality of openings for male screws; at least two annular intermediate 
support members, provided between the second end plate and the first end 
plate, and having openings for the plurality of interval keeping members 
and engaging sections for the plurality of rod-shaped members provided 
annularly; a plurality of interval keeping members passing through the 
openings for the interval keeping members of the intermediate support 
member, secured to the first end plate and the second end plate, thereby 
keeping an interval between the first end plate and the second end plate, 
and each having a female screw on the side thereof facing the second end 
plate; a plurality of male screws engaging with the female screws; at 
least one middle span holding member group, located on the outer periphery 
of each of the plurality of interval keeping members, provided between two 
opposed intermediate support members, and keeping the interval between the 
opposed intermediate support members by coming into contact with the 
opposed intermediate support members; a first span holding member group, 
located on the outer periphery of each of the interval keeping members, 
provided between the first end plate and the intermediate support member 
closest to the first end plate, and coming into contact with the opposed 
first end plate and the intermediate support member closest to the first 
end plate, thereby holding the interval between the opposed first end 
plate and the intermediate support member closest to the first end plate; 
a second span holding member group, located on the outer periphery of each 
of the interval keeping members, provided between the second end plate and 
the intermediate support member closest to the second end plate, and 
coming into contact with the opposed second end plate and the intermediate 
support member closest to the second end plate, thereby holding the 
interval between the opposed second end plate and the intermediate support 
member closest to the second end plate; and a plurality of rod-shaped 
members each having an end in contact with the first end plate and the 
other end in contact with the second end plate, passing through the 
engaging sections for rod-shaped members, and annularly arranged in 
parallel with each other at certain intervals; the first end plate and the 
second end plate holding the ends of the plurality of rod-shaped members 
in between; the rod-shaped members engaging the engaging sections for 
rod-shaped members being free from regulation in the longitudinal 
direction of the rod-shaped members, and regulated for movement in a 
direction at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped 
members; and the second end plate being secured to the interval keeping 
members by engaging the male screws via the openings for the male screws 
provided in the second end plate with the female screws and tightening the 
second end plate against the plurality of interval keeping members. 
Further, in the paper-making screen apparatus of the invention, the screen 
may be formed of a first annular end plate located at an end thereof; a 
second annular end plate located at the other end thereof, having a 
plurality of openings for male screws; an intermediate support member for 
connection, provided between the second end plate and the first end plate, 
and having openings for interval keeping members; a plurality of interval 
keeping members, passing through the openings for interval keeping 
members, secured to the first end plate and the second end plate, keeping 
an interval between the first end plate and the second end plate, and each 
having female screws on the side thereof facing the second end plate; a 
plurality of male screws engaging with the female screws; a plurality of 
first rod-shaped members annularly arranged in parallel with each other at 
certain intervals between the first end plate and the intermediate support 
member for connection; and a plurality of second rod-shaped members 
annularly arranged in parallel with each other at certain intervals 
between the second end plate and the intermediate support member for 
connection; ends of the plurality of rod-shaped members being held between 
the first end plate and the intermediate support member for connection, 
and ends of the plurality of second rod-shaped members being held between 
the second end plate and the intermediate support member for connection; 
and the second end plate being secured to the interval keeping members by 
engaging the male screws via the openings for the male screws provided in 
the second end plate with the female screws and tightening the second end 
plate against the plurality of interval keeping members. 
In the paper-making screen apparatus, the first end plate may comprise a 
first end plate ring and a first end plate contact member; the first end 
plate contact member is located on the side closer to the second end plate 
than the first end plate ring, is in contact with the first end plate 
ring, and has a plurality of openings for interval keeping members and a 
plurality of engaging sections for rod-shaped members provided annularly; 
the second end plate comprises a second end plate ring and a second end 
plate contact member; the second end plate contact member is located on 
the side closer to the first end plate than the second end plate ring, is 
in contact with the second end plate ring, and has a plurality of openings 
for interval keeping members and a plurality of engaging sections for 
rod-shaped members provided annularly; and the plurality of openings for 
interval keeping members and the plurality of engaging sections for 
rod-shaped members provided annularly of the first end plate contact 
member and the second end plate contact member are formed by cutting with 
a press, a laser beam or a wire cutter. 
In the paper-making screen apparatus, the first end plate may comprise a 
first end plate ring and a first end plate contact member; the first end 
plate contact member is located on the side closer to the second end plate 
than the first end plate ring, is in contact with the first end plate 
ring, and has a plurality of openings for interval keeping members and a 
plurality of engaging sections for rod-shaped members provided annularly; 
the second end plate comprises a second end plate ring and a second end 
plate contact member; the second end plate contact member is located on 
the side closer to the first end plate than the second end plate ring, is 
in contact with the second end plate ring, and has a plurality of openings 
for interval keeping members and a plurality of engaging sections for 
rod-shaped members provided annularly; and the intermediate support 
member, the plurality of openings for interval keeping members and the 
plurality of engaging sections for rod-shaped members provided annularly 
of the first end plate contact member and the second end plate contact 
member are formed by cutting with a press, a laser beam or a wire cutter, 
and the first end plate contact member, the second end plate contact 
member and the intermediate support member are the same parts.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
Now, a paper-making screen apparatus of an embodiment of the invention will 
be described below with reference to the drawings. In FIGS. 1 to 9, 1 is a 
paper-making screen apparatus. The paper-making screen apparatus 1 is to 
separate foreign matters from paper-making raw materials via a screen S. 
As shown in FIG. 1, paper-making raw materials enter into the apparatus 
through a paper-making raw material entry 3 provided in a casing 2, and 
stirred by a stirring member 4. Foreign matters contained in the 
paper-making raw materials cannot pass through the screen S; acceptable 
raw materials pass through meshes of the screen S and are discharged to 
outside the casing 2 through a paper-making raw material exit 5 provided 
in the casing 2. Foreign matters that cannot pass through the meshes of 
the screen S are discharged to outside the casing 2 from a foreign matter 
exit 6 provided in the casing 2. The stirring member 4 is rotated by a 
driving force from a motor not shown transmitted through a belt B, a 
pulley P and a rotating shaft K. 
The screen S has a first annular end plate S.sub.1 located on one end side 
thereof, and a second annular end plate S.sub.2 located on the other side 
thereof so that the first end plate S.sub.1 and the second end plate 
S.sub.2 face each other as shown in FIG. 2. 
A plurality of openings K.sub.n for male screws is annularly provided in 
the second end plate S.sub.2 (the present embodiment has eight openings 
K.sub.n for male screws). The first annular end plate S.sub.1 and the 
second annular end plate S.sub.2 are more specifically, for example, 
rings. 
H.sub.n shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 6 and 9 are interval keeping members. The 
interval keeping members H.sub.n (this embodiment has eight interval 
keeping members) are secured between the first end plate S.sub.1 and the 
second end plate S.sub.2 so as to keep an interval between the first end 
plate S.sub.1 and the second end plate S.sub.2. Female screws M.sub.n 
(this embodiment has eight female screws M.sub.n) are provided on the side 
of the interval keeping members H.sub.n facing the second end plate 
S.sub.2. V.sub.n are male screws engaging with the female screws M.sub.n, 
and there are a plurality of male screws V.sub.n, eight in this 
embodiment. 
B.sub.n shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 are rod-shaped members. An end of a 
rod-shaped member B.sub.n comes into contact with the first end plate 
S.sub.1, and the other end thereof, with the second end plate S2, 
respectively. A plurality of rod-shaped members B.sub.n (in this 
embodiment, for example, about 500) annularly provided at intervals. An 
interval is formed between two adjacent rod-shaped members B.sub.n. The 
rod-shaped members B.sub.n are located outside the interval keeping 
members H.sub.n. The rod-shaped members B.sub.n are formed, for example, 
by drawing, and have substantially a uniform sectional shape. 
The ends of the plurality of rod-shaped members B.sub.n are held between 
the first end plate S.sub.1 and the second end plate S.sub.2 held by the 
plurality of interval keeping members H.sub.n, and an interval T of the 
screen S is formed by adjacent rod-shaped members B.sub.n. In other words, 
the rod-shaped members B.sub.n are adjacent to each other and annularly 
arranged so as to keep an interval T. 
The first end plate S.sub.1 and the interval keeping members H.sub.n are 
secured by welding as shown by welded portions X in FIGS. 2, 3 and 6. The 
second end plate S.sub.2 and the interval keeping members H.sub.n are 
secured in all cases by engaging male screws V.sub.n with female screws 
M.sub.n, via openings K.sub.n for male screws provided in the second end 
plate S.sub.2, thus tightening the second end plate S.sub.2 against the 
plurality of interval keeping members H.sub.n. 
As a result, according to the screen S of the paper-making screen apparatus 
1 of this embodiment, the conventional necessity to weld the first end 
plate and the interval keeping members is eliminated in a state in which 
the first end plate and the second end plate holding the ends of the 
plurality of rod-shaped members in between are pressed by a press or the 
like. It suffices to engage the male screws V.sub.n with the female screws 
M.sub.n, via the openings K.sub.n for male screws provided in the second 
end plate S.sub.2, thus tightening the second end plate S.sub.2 against 
the plurality of interval keeping members H.sub.n. Because at least one 
side of each interval keeping member H.sub.n facing the second end plate 
S.sub.2 is secured not by welding, the secured assembly is free from the 
effect of welding strain, and the interval between adjacent rod-shaped 
members B.sub.n can be kept more uniform than in the conventional art. In 
addition, assembly is very easy, and further, when replacing a damaged 
rod-shaped member after assembly, it suffices to release screw engagement 
of the male screws V.sub.n and the female screws M.sub.n by loosening the 
male screws V.sub.n, since they are not secured by welding as in the 
conventional case, with very easy removal. 
When preparing a screen S, as shown in FIG. 9, assembly is conducted with 
the first end plate S.sub.1 at the bottom and the second end plate S.sub.2 
at the top, and the male screws V.sub.n are engaged with the female screws 
M.sub.n, via the openings K.sub.n for male screws provided in the second 
end plate S.sub.2, thereby tightening the second end plate S.sub.2 against 
the plurality of interval keeping members H.sub.n. In order to incorporate 
the screen S into the paper-making screen apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. 1, 
with the first end plate S.sub.1 at the top and the second end plate 
S.sub.2 at the bottom, the screen S is held by a screen supporting member 
100 to block up the opening of the first end plate S.sub.1. 
The second end plate S.sub.2 on the male screw V.sub.n side is located at 
the bottom with a view to avoiding, when detaching the screen S to 
differentiate it from the male screws (not shown) securing the screen S to 
a screen supporting member 100, operator's erroneous loosening of the male 
screws V.sub.n located on the second end plate S.sub.2 side, which results 
in dismantling of the screen S. 
While the first end plate S.sub.1 may be formed integrally, it may also be 
formed into a configuration, as shown in FIG. 4, for example, in which the 
first end plate S.sub.1 comprises a first end plate ring S.sub.1 ' and a 
ring-shaped first end plate contact member S.sub.1 ": the first end plate 
contact member S.sub.1 " is located closer to the second end plate S.sub.2 
than the first end plate ring S.sub.1 ' and comes into contact with the 
first end plate S.sub.1 ', and the first end plate contact member S.sub.1 
" has a plurality of openings 11 for interval keeping members (see FIGS. 2 
and 3) and a plurality of annularly provided engaging sections 12 for 
rod-shaped members. 
In a state in which the first end plate S.sub.1 is attached to the 
paper-making screen apparatus 1, the opening of the first end plate 
S.sub.1 is blocked up by the ceiling board of the screen supporting member 
100. The first end plate contact member S.sub.1 " is ring-shaped, or more 
specifically, is of a shape of a ring largely opening including the center 
of the first end plate contact member S.sub.1 '. The engaging sections 12 
for the rod-shaped members, although FIG. 2 illustrates only a part of the 
outer periphery of the first end plate contact member S.sub.1 ", are 
annularly provided at prescribed intervals throughout the entire outer 
periphery of the first end plate contact member S.sub.1 " (see FIGS. 3, 4, 
6 and 9). 
While the second end plate S.sub.2 may be formed integrally, it may also be 
formed into a configuration, as shown in FIG. 5 for example, in which the 
second end plate S.sub.2 comprises a second end plate ring S.sub.2 ' and a 
ring-shaped second end plate contact member S.sub.2 ": the second end 
plate contact member S.sub.2 " is located closer to the first end plate 
S.sub.1 than the second end plate ring S.sub.2 ' and comes into contact 
with the second end plate ring S.sub.2 ', and the second end plate contact 
member S.sub.2 " has a plurality of openings 21 for interval keeping 
members and a plurality of annularly provided engaging sections 22 for 
rod-shaped members. The second end plate contact member S.sub.2 " is 
ring-shaped, or more specifically, is of a shape of a ring largely opening 
including the center of the second end plate contact member S.sub.2 ". 
Although FIG. 5 illustrates only a part of the outer periphery of the 
second end plate contact member S.sub.2 ", the engaging sections 22 (see 
FIGS. 2 and 3) for rod-shaped members are annularly provided at prescribed 
intervals throughout the entire outer periphery of the second end plate 
contact member S.sub.2 " (see FIGS. 3, 5, 6 and 9). 
At least two annular intermediate support members N.sub.n (while this 
embodiment has six intermediate support members N.sub.1, N.sub.2, N.sub.3, 
N.sub.4, N.sub.5 and N.sub.6 as shown in FIG. 2, n(n.gtoreq.2) annular 
intermediate support members N.sub.n are used) are provided between the 
first end plate contact member S.sub.1 " and the second end plate contact 
member S.sub.2 ". The annular intermediate support members N.sub.n have a 
plurality of openings N.sub.n 1 for interval keeping members and a 
plurality of engaging sections N.sub.n 2 for annularly provided rod-shaped 
members. The aforesaid annular intermediate support member N.sub.n is 
ring-shaped, or more specifically, is of the shape of a ring largely 
opening including the center of the intermediate support member N.sub.n. 
Although FIG. 2 illustrates only a part of the outer periphery of the 
intermediate support member N.sub.n, the engaging sections N.sub.n 2 for 
rod-shaped members are annularly provided at prescribed intervals 
throughout the entire outer periphery of the engaging sections N.sub.n 2 
for rod-shaped members. 
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the six intermediate support 
members N.sub.1, N.sub.2, N.sub.3, N.sub.4, N.sub.5 and N.sub.6 are 
sequentially arranged from the first end plate contact member S.sub.1 " 
toward the second end plate contact member S.sub.2 ". The intermediate 
support member N.sub.1 has a plurality of openings N.sub.1 1 for interval 
keeping members and a plurality of annularly provided engaging sections 
N.sub.1 2 for rod-shaped members. The intermediate support member N.sub.2 
has a plurality of openings N.sub.2 1 for interval keeping members and a 
plurality of annularly provided engaging sections N.sub.2 2 for rod-shaped 
members. The intermediate support member N.sub.3 has a plurality of 
openings N.sub.3 1 for interval keeping members and a plurality of 
annularly provided engaging sections N.sub.3 2 for rod-shaped members. The 
intermediate support member N.sub.4 has a plurality of openings N.sub.4 1 
for interval keeping members and a plurality of annularly provided 
engaging sections N.sub.4 2 for rod-shaped members. The intermediate 
support member N.sub.5 has a plurality of openings N.sub.5 1 for interval 
keeping members and a plurality of annularly provided engaging sections 
N.sub.5 2 for rod-shaped members. The intermediate support member N.sub.6 
has a plurality of openings N.sub.6 1 for interval keeping members and a 
plurality of annularly provided engaging sections N.sub.6 2 for rod-shaped 
members. 
The plurality of interval keeping members H.sub.n (in this embodiment, 
there are eight interval keeping members H.sub.n) is provided via the 
openings 11 for interval keeping members of the first end plate contact 
member S.sub.1 ", openings for interval keeping members N.sub.1 1, N.sub.2 
1, N.sub.3 1, N.sub.4 1, N.sub.5 1 and N.sub.6 1 of the intermediate 
support members N.sub.1, N.sub.2, N.sub.3, N.sub.4, N.sub.5 and N.sub.6, 
and the openings 21 for interval keeping members of the second end plate 
contact member S.sub.2 ". The interval keeping members H.sub.n and the 
first end plate S.sub.1 are secured, for example, by welding (the welded 
portions is shown by X in FIG. 6), and the interval keeping members 
H.sub.n and the second end plate S.sub.2 are secured, as described above, 
by engaging and tightening the male screws V.sub.n with the female screws 
M.sub.n via the openings K.sub.n for male screws provided in the second 
end plate S.sub.2 on the second end plate S.sub.2 side, thus keeping the 
interval between the first end plate S.sub.1 and the second end plate 
S.sub.2. 
The male screws V.sub.n are tightened with the female screws M.sub.n so as 
to prevent the rod-shaped members B.sub.n from producing a play. A play of 
the rod-shaped member B.sub.n leads to a decrease in performance of the 
screen resulting from a non-uniform interval from the adjacent rod-shaped 
member B.sub.n, or from producing a play of the rod-shaped member B.sub.n 
during rotation of the screen S.sub.1 resulting in dismantling and 
breakage of the screen S. Care should be taken not to cause buckling of 
the rod-shaped members B.sub.n as a result of very strong tightening of 
the male screws V.sub.n. To prevent loosening of the male screws V.sub.n 
after tightening, for example, tops of the male screws V.sub.n and the 
second end plate S.sub.2 may be spot-welded to secure the male screws 
V.sub.n, or an adhesive may be coated onto the tightening portions of the 
male screws V.sub.n and the female screws M.sub.n to secure the male 
screws V.sub.n to the female screws M.sub.n. 
While the interval keeping members H.sub.n and the second end plate S.sub.2 
are secured by welding as shown in FIG. 6, the interval keeping members 
H.sub.n and the first end plate S.sub.1 may as required be connected by 
tightening the first end plate S.sub.1 against the plurality of interval 
keeping members H.sub.n through engagement of the male screws V.sub.n ' 
with the female screws M.sub.n ' provided in the interval keeping members 
H.sub.n on the side facing the first end plate S.sub.1 via the openings 
K.sub.n ' provided in the first end plate S.sub.1, as shown in FIG. 10, in 
all cases. 
With a view to reinforcing the rod-shaped members B.sub.n, at least two 
annular intermediate support members N.sub.n should be provided between 
the first end plate contact member S.sub.1 " and the second end plate 
contact member S.sub.2 ". In this case, it is necessary to provide at 
least one span holding member group SP.sub.n+1 (in this embodiment having 
eight interval keeping members H.sub.n, the span holding member group 
SP.sub.n+1 would contain eight members. Each component of the span holding 
member group SP.sub.n+1 is more specifically a cylindrical member known as 
a collar) located on the outer periphery of each of the plurality of 
interval keeping members H.sub.n (in this embodiment, there are eight 
interval keeping members). The span holding member group SP.sub.n+1 is 
provided between the opposed intermediate support members N.sub.n, in 
contact therewith, thereby keeping an interval between the opposed 
intermediate support members N.sub.n. 
It is necessary to provide at least one span holding member group 
SP.sub.n+1 because if there are two intermediate support members N.sub.n, 
n=2 leads to three span holding member group SP.sub.2, SP.sub.3. In the 
present embodiment with n=6, intermediate support members N.sub.1, 
N.sub.2, N.sub.3, N.sub.4, N.sub.5 and N.sub.6 are sequentially arranged, 
as shown in FIG. 2, from the first end plate contact member S.sub.2 " 
toward the second end plate contact member S.sub.2 ". Seven span holding 
member groups are therefore arranged: a span holding member group SP.sub.2 
between the intermediate support member N.sub.1 and the intermediate 
support member N.sub.2, a span holding member group SP.sub.3 between the 
intermediate support member N.sub.2 and the intermediate support member 
N.sub.3, a span holding member group SP.sub.4 between the intermediate 
support member N.sub.3 and the intermediate support member N.sub.4, a span 
holding member group SP.sub.5 between the intermediate support member 
N.sub.4 and the intermediate support member N.sub.5, and a span holding 
member group SP.sub.6 between the intermediate support member N.sub.5 and 
the intermediate support member N.sub.6. 
The first span holding member group SP.sub.1 is provided between the first 
end plate contact member S.sub.1 " and the intermediate support member 
N.sub.1 on the side closer to the first end plate contact member S.sub.1 
". The first span holding member group SP.sub.1 keeps an interval between 
the opposed first end plate contact member S.sub.1 " and intermediate 
support member N.sub.1 on the side closer to the first end plate contact 
member S.sub.1 " by coming into contact with the opposed first end plate 
contact member S.sub.1 " and intermediate support member N.sub.1 on the 
side closer to the first end plate contact member S.sub.1 ". The first 
span holding member group SP.sub.1 is located on the outer periphery of 
each of the interval keeping members H.sub.n (the present embodiment has 
eight interval keeping members H.sub.n). A member composing the first span 
holding member group SP.sub.1 is more specifically a cylinder used for 
keeping a certain distance between two members, and is a member known as a 
collar. 
The second span holding member group SP.sub.7 is provided between the 
second end plate contact member S.sub.2 " and the intermediate support 
member N.sub.6 on the side closer to the first end plate contact member 
S.sub.1 ". The second span holding member group SP.sub.7 keeps an interval 
between the opposed second end plate contact member S.sub.2 " and 
intermediate support member N.sub.6 on the side closer to the first end 
plate contact member S.sub.1 ". The second span holding member group 
SP.sub.7 is located on the outer periphery of each of the interval keeping 
members H.sub.n (the present embodiment has eight interval keeping members 
H.sub.n). A member composing the second span holding member group SP.sub.7 
is more specifically a cylinder used for keeping a certain distance 
between two members, and is a member known as a collar. 
One side end of each of the plurality of rod-shaped members B.sub.n (there 
are provided, for example, 500 rod-shaped members) having substantially a 
uniform cross-section (the term "cross-section" as used here means a 
surface obtained by cutting in a direction traversing the longitudinal 
direction of the rod-shaped member B.sub.n) contacts the first end plate 
S.sub.1 as shown in FIG. 4 (more specifically, a plurality of engaging 
sections 12 for rod-shaped members provided on the first end plate contact 
member S.sub.1 "), and the other side end, to the second end plate S.sub.2 
(more specifically, a plurality of engaging sections 22 for rod-shaped 
members provided on the second end plate contact member S.sub.2 41 ). The 
middle portions of the rod-shaped members B.sub.n are engaged, 
respectively, with a plurality of engaging sections N.sub.1 2 for 
rod-shaped members provided on the intermediate support member N.sub.1, a 
plurality of engaging sections N.sub.2 2 for rod-shaped members provided 
on the intermediate support member N.sub.2, a plurality of engaging 
sections N.sub.3 2 for rod-shaped members provided on the intermediate 
support member N.sub.3, a plurality of engaging sections N.sub.4 2 for 
rod-shaped members provided on the intermediate support member N.sub.4, a 
plurality of engaging sections N.sub.5 2 for rod-shaped members provided 
on the intermediate support member N.sub.5, and a plurality of engaging 
sections N.sub.6 2 for rod-shaped members provided on the intermediate 
support member N.sub.6. The rod-shaped members B.sub.n and the interval 
keeping members H.sub.n are arranged in parallel with each other. 
The plurality of openings 11 for interval keeping members and the plurality 
of engaging sections 12 for rod-shaped members provided in the first end 
plate contact member S.sub.1 ", the plurality of openings for interval 
keeping members N.sub.1 1, N.sub.2 1, N.sub.3 1, N.sub.4 1, N.sub.5 1 and 
N.sub.6 1 and the plurality of engaging sections for rod-shaped members 
N.sub.1 2, N.sub.2 2, N.sub.3 2, N.sub.4 2, N.sub.5 2 and N.sub.6 2 
provided in the intermediate support members N.sub.1, N.sub.2, N.sub.3, 
N.sub.4, N.sub.5 and N.sub.6, and the plurality of openings 21 for 
interval keeping members and the plurality of engaging sections 22 for 
rod-shaped members provided in the second end plate contact member S.sub.2 
41 are formed by cutting by means, for example, of a press, a laser beam 
or a wire cutter. 
The engaging sections 12 for rod-shaped members, the engaging sections for 
rod-shaped members N.sub.1 2, N.sub.2 2, N.sub.3 2, N.sub.4 2, N.sub.5 2 
and N.sub.6 2, and the engaging sections 22 for rod-shaped members all 
agree with a part of the sectional shape of the rod-shaped member B.sub.n. 
In a state in which these sections engage with the rod-shaped members 
B.sub.n, the rod-shaped members B.sub.n are free from regulation in the 
longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped members B.sub.n, and movement is 
regulated in a direction at right angles to the longitudinal direction of 
the rod-shaped members B.sub.n. Further, in a state in which the 
rod-shaped members B.sub.n are arranged in parallel, an interval T is kept 
between two adjacent rod-shaped members B.sub.n as shown in FIG. 8. 
Particularly because of the common nature between the engaging sections for 
rod-shaped members 12, N.sub.1 2, N.sub.2 2, N.sub.3 2, N.sub.4 2, N.sub.5 
2, N.sub.6 2 and 22 engaging with the rod-shaped members B.sub.n having 
substantially a uniform cross-sectional shape, on the one hand, and the 
opening 11 for interval keeping members, the openings for interval keeping 
members N.sub.1 1, N.sub.2 1, N.sub.3 1, N.sub.4 1, N.sub.5 1 and N.sub.6 
1, and the opening 21 for interval keeping members, at which the interval 
keeping members H.sub.n are located, on the other hand, use of common 
identical parts for the first end plate contact member S.sub.1 ", the 
second end plate contact member S.sub.2 ", and the intermediate support 
members N.sub.1, N.sub.2, N.sub.3, N.sub.4, N.sub.5 and N.sub.6 permits 
production of these products through the same fabrication, leading to a 
higher efficiency, and provides remarkable advantages in repair and other 
maintenance and administering efforts brought about by the possibility of 
using the same parts. 
While at least two intermediate support members N.sub.n have been required 
in the foregoing embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 10), only one intermediate support 
member N.sub.n may suffice in some cases, as shown in FIG. 11. 
This case differs from the foregoing embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 10) in that the 
intermediate support member N is held between the first span holding 
member group SP.sub.1 and the second span holding member group SP.sub.7, 
resulting in the absence of opposed intermediate support members, and 
hence in the absence of a span holding member group for keeping an 
interval between opposed intermediate support members by coming into 
contact therewith. 
In the screen S shown in FIG. 11, one side end of each of the plurality of 
rod-shaped members B.sub.n is in contact with the first end plate S.sub.1, 
and the other side end, with the second end plate S.sub.2, respectively. 
These rod-shaped members B.sub.n are annularly arranged at intervals. Two 
adjacent rod-shaped members B.sub.n form an interval of the screen S, and 
ends of the plurality of rod-shaped members B.sub.n are held between the 
first end plate S.sub.1 and the second end plate S.sub.2. 
The interval keeping members H.sub.n pass through the openings N.sub.1 1 
for interval keeping members of the intermediate support member N, and 
secured to the first end plate S.sub.1 and the second end plate S.sub.2. 
The first span holding member group SP.sub.1 is located on the outer 
periphery of each of the plurality of interval keeping members H.sub.n, 
provided between the first end plate S.sub.1 and the intermediate support 
member N, comes into contact with the opposed first end plate S.sub.1 and 
intermediate support member N, and thus keeps an interval between the 
opposed first end plate S.sub.1 and intermediate support member N. 
The second span holding member group SP.sub.7 is located on the outer 
periphery of each of the plurality of interval keeping members H.sub.n, is 
provided between the second end plate S.sub.2 and the intermediate support 
member N, is in contact with the opposed second end plate S.sub.2 and 
intermediate support member N to keep an interval between the opposed 
second end plate S.sub.2 and intermediate support member N. 
The second end plate S.sub.2 and the interval keeping members H.sub.n are 
secured to each other by tightening the second end plate S.sub.2 against 
the plurality of interval keeping members H.sub.n through engagement of 
the male screws V.sub.n with the female screws M.sub.n via the openings 
for male screws provided in the second end plate S.sub.2 in all cases. The 
other ends of the interval keeping members H.sub.n are secured by welding 
to the first end plate S.sub.1 (welded portions are represented by X). 
In the aforesaid embodiment (FIG. 11), there has been only one intermediate 
support member N.sub.n. In some cases, however, no intermediate support 
member N.sub.n is required, as shown in FIG. 12. 
The case without an intermediate support member N.sub.n differs from the 
foregoing embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 11) in that, because of the absence of an 
intermediate support member, the span holding member group SP.sub.1 for 
keeping an interval between the first end plate S.sub.1 and the second end 
plate S.sub.2 is in contact with the opposed first end plate S.sub.1 and 
second end plate S.sub.2. 
Ends of the plurality of interval keeping members H.sub.n are secured to 
the first end plate S.sub.1 and the second end plate S.sub.2, 
respectively. In order to keep an interval between the first end plate 
S.sub.1 and the second end plate S.sub.2, therefore, it is not always 
necessary to provide a span holding member group SP.sub.1. 
In the screen shown in FIG. 12, one side end of each of the plurality of 
rod-shaped members B.sub.n are in contact with the first end plate 
S.sub.1, and the other side end, to the second end plate S.sub.2, and the 
rod-shaped members B.sub.n are annularly arranged at intervals. Adjacent 
rod-shaped members B.sub.n form meshes of the screen S, and the ends of 
the plurality of rod-shaped members are held between the first end plate 
S.sub.1 and the second end plate S.sub.2. The second end plate S.sub.2 and 
the interval keeping members H.sub.n are secured to each other by 
tightening the second end plate S.sub.2 against the plurality of interval 
keeping members H.sub.n through engagement of the male screws V.sub.n with 
the female screws M.sub.n via the openings K.sub.n for male screws 
provided in the second end plate S.sub.2 in all cases, as in the foregoing 
embodiment. 
In the foregoing embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, engaging sections N.sub.n 
2 for rod-shaped members are provided on the outer periphery of the screen 
S, and the paper-making raw materials are caused to flow from outside to 
inside the screen for concentration by bringing the rod-shaped members 
closer to the stirring member 4. The screen is therefore of the outside 
pressure type (centripetal screen). In the invention, however, the screen 
is not limited to the above, but as shown in FIG. 13, for example, the 
engaging section N.sub.4 2 for rod-shaped members may be provided inside 
the opening for interval keeping member N.sub.4 1 (on the inner periphery 
of the screen S) and the rod-shaped member B.sub.n may be brought closer 
to the stirring member (not shown), thus adopting a screen known as an 
inside pressure type one (centrifugal screen) in which the paper-making 
raw materials are caused to flow from inside to outside the screen S. 
In the foregoing embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 10), the rod-shaped members B.sub.n 
are engaged with the plurality of engaging sections 12 provided on the 
first end plate contact member S.sub.1 " the plurality of engaging 
sections for rod-shaped members N.sub.1 2, N.sub.2 2, N.sub.3 2, N.sub.4 
2, N.sub.5 2 and N.sub.6 2 provided on the intermediate support members 
N.sub.1, N.sub.2, N.sub.3, N.sub.4, N.sub.5 and N.sub.6, and the plurality 
of engaging sections 22 for rod-shaped members provided on the second end 
plate contact member S.sub.2 ". When more intermediate support members 
N.sub.n are provided, therefore, it becomes difficult to position the 
plurality of engaging sections for rod-shaped members 12, N.sub.1 2, 
N.sub.2 2, N.sub.3 2, N.sub.4 2, N.sub.5 2, N.sub.6 2 and 22. When 
conducting engagement, furthermore, the rod-shaped members B.sub.n may be 
damaged, or when the rod-shaped members B.sub.n are long in size, or are 
formed by drawing, the cross-sectional shape cannot be formed uniformly, 
or the interval between two adjacent rod-shaped members cannot be kept 
uniform. 
To solve these inconveniences, the rod-shaped members B.sub.n are divided 
into first rod-shaped members B.sub.n ' and second rod-shaped members 
B.sub.n ", and an intermediate support member for connection N' is 
provided between the first end plate S.sub.1 and the second end plate 
S.sub.2. 
In FIGS. 14 and 15, more particularly, the screen S is used when separating 
foreign matters from paper-making raw materials, as the paper-making 
screen apparatus shown in FIG. 1. The screen S has an intermediate support 
member for connection having an opening N'.sub.1 1 for interval keeping 
members between a first annular end plate S.sub.1 located at an end of the 
screen S and a second annular end plate S.sub.2 located at the other end. 
A plurality of interval keeping members H.sub.n (in this embodiment, there 
are provided eight interval keeping members H.sub.n) passes through the 
opening N'.sub.1 1 for interval keeping members, and is secured to the 
first end plate S.sub.1 and the second end plate S.sub.2 to keep an 
interval between the first end plate S.sub.1 and the second end plate 
S.sub.2. A plurality of first rod-shaped members B.sub.n ' having 
substantially a uniform cross-sectional shape is annularly arranged at 
intervals between the first end plate S.sub.1 and the intermediate support 
member N' for connection. A plurality of second rod-shaped members B.sub.n 
" having substantially a uniform cross-sectional shape is annularly 
arranged at intervals between the second end plate S.sub.2 and the 
intermediate support member N' for connection. 
As a result, a mesh is formed by adjacent first rod-shaped members B.sub.n 
' and adjacent second rod-shaped members B.sub.n ". The ends of the 
plurality of rod-shaped members B.sub.n ' are held between the first end 
plate S.sub.1 and the intermediate support member N' for connection. The 
ends of the second rod-shaped members B.sub.n ' are held between the 
second end plate S.sub.2 and the intermediate support member N' for 
connection. 
On the side of the interval keeping member H.sub.n facing the second end 
plate S.sub.2, as in the foregoing embodiment, the second end plate 
S.sub.2 and the interval keeping members H.sub.n are secured to each other 
by tightening the second end plate S.sub.2 against the plurality of 
interval keeping members H.sub.n through engagement of the male screws 
V.sub.n with the female screws M.sub.n via the openings K.sub.n for male 
screws provided in the second end plate S.sub.2 in all cases. The interval 
keeping members H.sub.n and the first end plate are secured to each other 
by welding (welded portions are represented by X in FIG. 14). 
The ends of the plurality of first rod-shaped members B.sub.n ' are held 
between the first end plate S.sub.1 and the intermediate support member N' 
for connection. The ends of the plurality of second rod-shaped members 
B.sub.n " are held between the second end plate S.sub.2 and the 
intermediate support member N' for connection. A mesh of the screen S is 
formed by adjacent first rod-shaped members B.sub.n ' and adjacent second 
rod-shaped members B.sub.n ". 
As in the foregoing embodiment, the first end plate S.sub.1 may be formed 
integrally. The first end plate S.sub.1 may also comprise a first 
ring-shaped end plate ring S.sub.1 ' and first ring-shaped end plate 
contact member S.sub.1 " A plurality of ring-shaped engaging sections 12 
engaging with the first rod-shaped members B.sub.n ' having substantially 
a uniform cross-sectional shape is formed by cutting by means of a press, 
a laser beam or a wire cutter on the first end plate contact member 
S.sub.1 " in contact with the first end plate ring S.sub.1 ". Similarly, 
on the first intermediate contact member N.sub.1 ' for connection in 
contact with the intermediate support member N' for connection, a 
plurality of ring-shaped engaging sections N.sub.1 '2 engaging with the 
first rod-shaped members B.sub.n ' having substantially a uniform 
cross-sectional shape is formed by cutting by means of a press, a laser 
beam or a wire cutter. 
As in the foregoing embodiment, the second end plate S.sub.2 may be formed 
integrally. The second end plate S.sub.2 may also comprise a second 
ring-shaped end plate ring S.sub.2 ' and second ring-shaped end plate 
contact member S.sub.2 ". A plurality of ring-shaped engaging sections 22 
engaging with the second rod-shaped members B.sub.n " having substantially 
a uniform cross-sectional shape is formed by cutting by means of a press, 
a laser or a wire cutter on the second end plate contact member S.sub.2 41 
in contact with the second end plate ring S.sub.2 '. Similarly, on the 
second intermediate contact member N.sub.1 " for connection in contact 
with the intermediate support member N' for connection, a plurality of 
ring-shaped engaging sections N.sub.1 "2 engaging with the second 
rod-shaped members B.sub.n " having substantially a uniform 
cross-sectional shape is formed by cutting by means of a press, a laser 
beam, or a wire cutter. 
More specifically, an end of the first rod-shaped member B.sub.n ' is in 
contact with the engaging section 12 formed by the first end plate ring 
S.sub.1 ' and the first end plate contact member S.sub.1 ", and other end 
of the first rod-shaped member B.sub.n ' is in contact with, and is 
supported by, the engaging section N.sub.1 '2 formed by the intermediate 
support member N.sub.1 for connection and the first intermediate contact 
member N.sub.1 ' for connection. An end of the second rod-shaped member 
B.sub.n " is in contact with the engaging section 22 formed by the second 
end plate ring S.sub.2 ' and the second end plate contact member S.sub.2 
", and the other end of the second rod-shaped member B.sub.n ' is in 
contact with, and is supported by, the engaging section N.sub.1 "2 formed 
by the intermediate support member N' for connection and the second 
intermediate contact member N.sub.1 ". 
While, in FIG. 14, eight intermediate support members N.sub.1, N.sub.2, 
N.sub.3, N.sub.4, N.sub.5, N.sub.6, N.sub.7 and N.sub.8 are provided 
between the first end plate S.sub.1 and the second end plate S.sub.2, the 
intermediate support member N.sub.n is not always necessary. When 
intermediate support members N.sub.n are provided, the interval between 
the opposed first end plate S.sub.1 and intermediate support member 
N.sub.1 closest to the first end plate S.sub.1 is kept, for example, by 
positioning a first span holding member group SP.sub.1, comprising a 
cylindrical collar used for keeping a distance between two members, on the 
outer periphery of each of the interval keeping members H.sub.n, providing 
the same between the first end plate S.sub.1 and the intermediate support 
member N.sub.1 closest to the first end plate S.sub.1, and bringing the 
same into contact with the opposed first end plate S.sub.1 and 
intermediate support member N.sub.1 closest to the first end plate 
S.sub.1. 
Similarly, the interval between the opposed second end plate S.sub.2 and 
intermediate support member N.sub.8 closest to the second end plate 
S.sub.2 is kept, for example, by positioning a second span holding member 
group SP.sub.10, comprising a cylindrical collar used for keeping a 
distance between two members, on the outer periphery of each of the 
interval keeping members H.sub.n, providing the same between the second 
end plate S.sub.2 and the intermediate support member N.sub.8 closest to 
the second end plate S.sub.2, and bringing the same into contact with the 
opposed second end plate S.sub.2 and intermediate support member N.sub.8 
closest to the second end plate S.sub.2. 
Also similarly, the interval between the opposed members (N.sub.1 and 
N.sub.2), (N.sub.2 and N.sub.3), (N.sub.3 and N.sub.4), (N.sub.4 and 
N.sub.1 '), (N.sub.1 " and N.sub.5), (N.sub.5 and N.sub.6), (N.sub.6 and 
N.sub.7) and (N.sub.7 and N.sub.8) is kept, for example, by positioning 
span holding member groups SP.sub.2 to SP.sub.9, each comprising a 
cylindrical collar used for keeping a distance between two members, on the 
outer periphery of each of the opposed members (N.sub.1 and N.sub.2), 
(N.sub.2 and N.sub.3), (N.sub.3 and N.sub.4), (N.sub.4 and N.sub.1 '), 
(N.sub.1 " and N.sub.5), (N.sub.5 and N.sub.6), (N.sub.6 and N.sub.7) and 
(N.sub.7 and N.sub.8), and bringing the same into contact with the opposed 
members (N.sub.1 and N.sub.2), (N.sub.2 and N.sub.3), (N.sub.3 and 
N.sub.4), (N.sub.4 and N.sub.1 '), (N".sub.1 and N.sub.5), (N.sub.5 and 
N.sub.6), (N.sub.6 and N.sub.7) and (N.sub.7 and N.sub.8). 
In order to cause the interval keeping members H.sub.n to pass through, an 
opening 11 for interval keeping member is provided in the first end plate 
S.sub.1 ; openings for interval keeping members N.sub.1 1, N.sub.2 1, 
N.sub.3 1, N.sub.4 1, N.sub.5 1, N.sub.6 1, N.sub.7 1 and N.sub.8 1 are 
provided in the intermediate support members N.sub.n ; an opening for 
interval keeping member N.sub.1 '.sub.1 1 is provided in the first 
intermediate contact member N.sub.1 ' for connection; an opening for 
interval keeping member N'.sub.1 1 is provided in the intermediate support 
member N' for connection; an opening for interval keeping member and 
N.sub.1 ".sub.1 1 is provided in the second intermediate contact member 
and N.sub.1 " for connection; and an opening 21 for interval keeping 
member is provided in the second end plate S.sub.2. 
According to the paper-making screen apparatus of a first aspect of the 
invention, the second end plate and all the interval keeping members on 
one side of the screen are secured by tightening the second end plate 
against the plurality of interval keeping members through engagement of 
the male screws with the female screws via the openings for male screws 
provided in the second end plate, fixture of at least the side of the 
interval keeping members facing the second end plate being thus secured 
without relying upon welding. As a result, the second members are free 
from the effect of welding strain, and it is possible to keep uniform 
intervals between adjacent rod-shaped members as compared with 
conventional ones. Furthermore, in a state in which the first end plate 
and the second end plate holding the plurality of rod-shaped members in 
between are pressed by a press or the like, it is not necessary to weld 
the second end plate with the interval keeping members. Assembly is very 
easy, and when replacing a damaged rod-shaped member after assembly, 
detaching is very easy since the members are not welded as in the 
conventional art. 
According to the paper-making screen apparatus of a second aspect or a 
third aspect of the invention, it is possible to support the rod-shaped 
members by the intermediate support member and to reinforce the rod-shaped 
members even with long rod-shaped members, in addition to the advantages 
of the invention as derived from the first aspect, respectively described 
above. 
According to the paper-making screen apparatus of a fourth aspect of the 
invention, when long rod-shaped members are formed by drawing, and it is 
consequently impossible to achieve a uniform cross-sectional shape or to 
keep uniform intervals between adjacent rod-shaped members, or when the 
rod-shaped members are too long to keep a strength, it is possible to cope 
with it by dividing the rod-shaped members into first rod-shaped members 
and second rod-shaped members and providing an intermediate support member 
between the first end plate and the second end plate, in addition to the 
advantages of the invention as derived from the first aspect, respectively 
described above. 
According to the paper-making screen apparatus of a fifth aspect of the 
invention, the first end plate is composed of the first end plate ring and 
the first end plate contact member, and the second end plate is composed 
of the second end plate ring and the second end plate contact member. Even 
with the engaging section for rod-shaped members having a complicated 
shape, therefore, it is possible to easily form the engaging sections of 
the first end plate contact member and the second end plate contact member 
by cutting by means of a press, a laser beam or a wire cutter, in addition 
to the advantages of the invention as derived from the first to third 
aspects described above. 
According to the paper-making screen apparatus of a sixth aspect of the 
invention, the first end plate is composed of the first end plate ring and 
the first end plate contact member, and the second end plate is composed 
of the second end plate ring and the second end plate contact member, and 
further, the first end plate contact member, the second end plate contact 
member, and the intermediate support member comprise identical parts. Even 
with the engaging sections for rod-shaped members having a complicated 
shape, therefore, it is possible to easily form the engaging sections for 
rod-shaped members of the first end plate contact member, the second end 
plate contact member, and the intermediate support member by cutting by 
means of a press, a laser beam or a wire cutter, in addition to the 
advantages of the invention as derived from the second and third aspects 
described above.