Rotex, Inc.

Rotex Global, LLC

Brady P Ballman

Stephen Craig Mitchell

Scott Bailey

Nicholas P Gardner

James G Potter

Jeff Pielage

Daniel Ferris

Anthony J Yanka

Christopher J Nawalaniec

William W Heyob

A screening machine of the type used to separate or classify mixtures of solid particles of different sizes includes a fixed base and a perforate screen mounted for movement relative to the base during a screening operation. The screens are pre-tensioned and mounted in a perimeter frame for separating various granular and particulate material. The frame is slid into the side of the machine in a direction parallel with two opposing bevel lips at the ends of the frame which mate in the screening machine with a complementary channel such that when the screen is raised into sealing contact in the screening machine, the bevel ends of the screen panel frame align the screen panel in the machine. The bevels on the screen panel frame provide a positive sealing surface for contact with the adjacent portions of the channel to prevent product from escaping off of the screen during use.

Screening machine and associated screen panel

A screening machine of the type used to separate or classify mixtures of solid particles of different sizes includes a machine frame and a perforate screen panel mounted for movement relative to the machine frame during a screening operation. The screen panels are pre-tensioned mesh screen material mounted in a peripheral rim for separating various granular and particulate materials. The screen panel is slid into the side of the machine frame in a direction orthogonal to the direction particulate matter moves when the screening machine is operating. The screen panel peripheral rim has a shaped or other cross section adapted to hold a large seal member that provides a positive sealing surface for contact with the machine frame to prevent particulate matter from escaping off of the screen panel during use.

A screening machine of the type used to separate or classify mixtures of solid particles of different sizes includes a fixed base and a perforate screen deck mounted for movement relative to the base during a screening operation. Leaf springs connect the tail end of the screen deck to the fixed base so that the leaf springs support the tail end of screen deck for movement relative to the base. The leaf springs are oriented horizontally to avoid introducing vertical movement to the screen deck as it moves to and from the head and tail ends. The leaf springs are offset or deflected when the machine is at rest or in the neutral mid-point of its stroke. This arrangement advantageously utilizes the bias of the leaf springs to accelerate, assist or enhance movement of the screen deck during portions of its stroke and likewise to decelerate, hinder or retard the movement during other portions of its stroke. With an appropriate offset, an increase in the effectiveness of the screening process (i.e., fewer defective particles passing through the screen deck) while a decrease in the screening time is attained.

Screening machine with acceleration modification

A clamp for securing a removable cover on a screening machine is an over-center mechanical clamp which includes two distinct clamping force adjustment mechanisms. A first clamping force adjustment mechanism includes a plurality of clamping positions on a support bracket mounted on the cover. The clamp handle assembly is selectively positioned in one of the clamping positions on the support bracket to provide incrementally different clamping force levels. Additionally, irrespective of the clamping position, rotation of a threaded rod of the clamp adjusts the clamping force. A force level indicator is provided on the clamp to indicate the clamping force produced by the clamp.

Adjustable clamp and force level indicator for screening machine cover

A screen frame and screen are secured into sealing engagement within a screening machine by a screen frame sealing mechanism and method which allows the user to simultaneously raise an entire side of the screen frame into sealing engagement. Advantageously, the entire screen frame can be raised into sealing engagement to prevent the escape of fine material being screened and avoid metal-to-metal contact during the screening process from a single location.

Sealing mechanism and method for screening machines

A mounting structure for a screen frame and/or a top cover to a vibratory frame of a screening machine requires only an initial one time adjustment and includes a pair of elastomeric restraints each including a compressible bumpers on a head-end of the screen frame or top cover and a pair of compressible rollers on a foot-end of the screen frame or top cover. The screening machine mounting structure accounts for the manufacturing tolerances between the screen frame or top cover and the vibratory box frame to provide a snug fit. The rollers allow for easy screen frame or top cover installation and removal and prevent metal-to-metal contact between the respective components which generates wear and noise during operation. Further, the mounting structure according to this invention can be retrofittable into existing screening machines as well as being original equipment and is useful for securing other components of the screening machine in addition to the screen frame and top cover.

Growing community of inventors

Loveland, OH, United States of America

Brady P Ballman