GB491839A - Improvements in or relating to apparatus for use in separating and sorting materials - Google Patents

Abstract

491,839. Separating solid materials. WITHERS, J. S. (Battelle Memorial Institute) March 4, 1937, No. 14346/38. Divided out of 491,791. [Class 82 (ii)] Apparatus for separating materials such as coal and ore has wedge shaped pockets into which the materials are caused to flow and to become compacted by adjustment of the apical angles of the pockets, means being also provided for adjusting the apical outlets from the pockets. In Fig. 1, a launder is formed of a series of units comprising a base 1 and end walls 2, 3, with rearwardly and upwardly inclined extensions 4, 5. Screen plates 7, 6, extend forwardly from extension 5, and upward currents of water, which may vary, are supplied in compartments 8 below the screens by independently regulated pipes 9 with gauges 10 ; inclined floors 12 of the compartments lead to drain cocks 11. Each unit has an outlet 13 controlled by an angularly adjustable gate 14, with holding means 14b and an adjustable plate 16, and by a plate 17, with adjustable extension 19, oscillated by an eccentric 22 and adjustable crank 20 ; a rubber apron 17a may prevent material falling behind the plate 17. Material discharged from each or several outlets 13 passes to an inclined pipe 26 containing a screw conveyer and extending above the level of the material, or below the level if a flow of liquid is desired in outlet 13. Transparent wall sections 62 facilitate control. The material to be sorted and a minimum of water are supplied at the upper end of the launder, and the lighter material is discharged at the lower end of the launder into the boot of an elevator. The launder may be supported at its ends on adjustable means to vary its slope, or further means may be provided intermediately to give different slopes at different parts of the launder. In Fig. 6, the oscillating plate 17 is replaced by a vaned wheel 50 rotated step by step by ratchet means 52, 53, 54, and housed between a fixed plate 55 and a plate 57 pivoted at 60 and provided with a counterweight 61. Overflow gates may be provided at intervals along the launder. The units may be spaced and connected by launder sections which may be provided with upward currents of water. Specification 491,791 is referred to.