Abstract: A sifter comprising an upper part and a lower part which are engaged one into the other, the lower part fixedly carrying the gauze of the sifter, characterized in that the lower part is in one piece, being formed by a central portion having a U-shaped cross-section and receiving the edge of the gauze, said central portion being terminated by two cylindrical or conical portions. The lower end of the upper part, bears against the gauze to hold it in a tensioned condition.

Abstract: An improved vibratory separator screen in which a wire mesh having least a first pair of opposed end portions each comprising a reinforced edge strip tensioned to a surrounding frame comprises a reinforcing spline member located adjacent each of the opposed end portions with the spline adjacent opposed ends portions being completely encapsulated, such as with cured vulcanized rubber, to fixedly secure the spline member to the adjacent opposed end portion with the mesh at a desired tautness for providing a substantially evenly tensioned mesh when tensioned to the surrounding frame. The completely encapsulated spline adjacent opposed end portions comprise the reinforced edge strips which each have sealed end points.

Abstract: A new and improved nonadjustable self-cleaning dewatering screen panel assembly suited to vibratory dewatering of fluid slurries containing fine particulate solid material is comprised of a rigid frame member and a substantially planar screen panel mounted within the frame and secured thereto under tension in both planar directions. The screen panel is a unitary one piece elastomeric sheet consisting of a plurality of pulsator portions and integral bordering stabilizer portions. The pulsator portions of the elastomeric panel are comprised of a multitude of substantially identical diaphram elements arranged in intimate, aligned and confronting relationship so as to present a smooth top screening surface.

Abstract: A clamping device adapted to tighten a screen bottom onto a screen frame in a screening apparatus. The clamping device is provided with means disposed on one side of the screen frame for pneumatically tightening one side of the screen bottom to that side of the screen frame, the opposite side of the screen bottom being attached to the opposite side of the screen frame. The pneumatic tightening means is provided with a flexible inflatable hose and a compressed air source connected to the hose for inflating and deflating the hose.