US1423130A - Ore concentrator - Google Patents

Ore concentrator Download PDF

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US1423130A
US1423130A US193230A US19323017A US1423130A US 1423130 A US1423130 A US 1423130A US 193230 A US193230 A US 193230A US 19323017 A US19323017 A US 19323017A US 1423130 A US1423130 A US 1423130A
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ore
movement
barriers
valve
belt
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William C Mccoy
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    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B03SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
    • B03BSEPARATING SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS
    • B03B5/00Washing granular, powdered or lumpy materials; Wet separating
    • B03B5/68Washing granular, powdered or lumpy materials; Wet separating by water impulse
    • B03B5/70Washing granular, powdered or lumpy materials; Wet separating by water impulse on tables or strakes
    • B03B5/72Washing granular, powdered or lumpy materials; Wet separating by water impulse on tables or strakes which are movable

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  • My invention relates to ore-classifying machines and particularly to machines em ploying an oscillatable table for separating ores in accordance with their specific gravities.
  • One object of my invention is to provide a portable machine of the above-designated character which shall be very compact, have a large capacity, and shall require but little power for its operation.
  • Another object is to ellect the greatest economy of water in the separation of the ores.
  • Another object of my invention is to provide such a movement of the ore-carrying parts of the machine that the most complete separation of the valuable metal-tearing particles of the ore from the worthless gangue may be eiiected.
  • a further object of my invention to provide means tor adjusting both the amplitude and period of vibration of the abovedescribed movement through a wide range and also to adjust the natural period of vibration of the oscillated part.
  • a further object oi? my invention is to provide means for disturbing; a substantially greater depth of the ore pulp at one end of the table than at the other.
  • a further object of my'invention is to provide an engine for operating my device which will give the proper adjust: ble movement.
  • Such ore-classifying machines of the above-designated class s have heretofore been proposed have been or? the so'callcl lVilfley class. which move the ore pulp along the surface of the concentration table by inertia; and oi the Vanner type. in which the mineral is caused to settle by rea-- son of its superior specific gravity and is caught on a moving belt or surface.
  • the VVilfiey tables give a very accurate separation of the various mineral-bearing ores in clearly stratilied zones.
  • The'capacity of such tables is. however. relatively limited by reason of the necessity of moving each particle of mineral-bearing ore across the entire table by a succession of quick jolts or blows in order to eiiect the separation.
  • the ore-classifying table has heretofore been oscillated by some form of drive in which the speed of vibration is determined by the source of power and therefore is forced and out of harmony with the natural period of vibration of the table
  • this form of jolting motion is very efiective where the movement of the ore particles is effected by the successive jarring or jolting of such particles
  • a jolting or jarring motion of the table disturbs the ore particles to such a degree that a thorough and effective separation of the ore from the gangue is very di'fficult to effect.
  • This forced movement furthermore gives rise to very rapid and destructive wearing away of the moving parts, an undue consumption of power, and difficulties in maintaining the concentration belt in its proper position. on the drivingpulleys.
  • 1 provide means for imparting a harmonic oscillation to the ore-carrying table which is controlled by the movement oi the table and is of substantially the same period as the natural time of vibration of the table. Such a motion tendsto lubricate the particles of material to be treated by partially suspending the same in the imn'lersing tluid without greatly disturbing the fluid and thereby insures a thorough and complete separation of the heavier mineralized particles from the lighter weight gangue;
  • I furthermore contemplate the use of a resilient device for connecting the operating motors to the oscillated table in order to minimize the transmission of sudden jars or disturbing impulses to the table.
  • FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings is a perspective vieW, with certain parts broken away and other parts shown diagrammat1- Patented July 18, 15922.
  • Fig. 2 is a side elevational view shown in section. of a concentrator diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. 1';
  • Fig. 3 is a sectional end view of the concentrator taken substantially on the line 3-8 of Fig. 2;
  • Fig. l is a sectional view of one of the fluid motors for operating the concentrator;
  • lfig. a is a detail plan view of. a relay embodied in the concentrator;
  • Fig. 6 is a sectional end view of the general arrangement of parts ot a modification of the con centrator shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3;
  • FIG. 7 is sectional view of the modified term of operating mechanism for controlling; the movement of the concentrator shown in Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is a bottom plan view of the valve shown in Fig. 7'; Fig. 9 is a side-sectional view of the valve shown in Fig. 7 Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic assembled view of the valve and the operating mechanism therefor; Fig. 11 is a side elevational view, shown partially in section of the valve gear illusra'ted in Fig. 10; Fig. 12 is a view on the line XXL-IX. 0t 11; Fig. 13 is a plan view of a portion of the ore-receiving surface: and Fig. 14 is a sectional view on the line XI-XI of 13.
  • my invention comprises a tank 1 that is adapted to contain water, or other liquid, an ore-receiving table 2, that is oscillatably mounted within said tank and is adapted to be partially or wholly submerged in said liquid.
  • a hopper 3 that is ad opted to supply material to the surface of the table 2, a conveyor elfor removingr the gang ue from the tank of the concentrator, and a hopper 14'.- that is adapted to collect the inmoral-hearing ore.
  • the ore-carrying table 2 which I propose to employ embodies a frame which is mounted upon two vertical springs (3 by means ot' bolted clamps 7, and which carries a plurality of drums 8 that are rotatably mounted at the respective ends of the frame 5. an d a belt 9 that extends around the drums 8.
  • the term table 2 will hereinafter refer to the assembled trame 5 and the belt 9 as a unitary device.
  • rigid framework l9 extends around the in terior oi. the concentrator tank 1, to which it is rigidly secured, and provides saddles 1i tor securing the bottoms of the vertical springs (i and a base upon which to mount fluid motors l or oscillating; the ore-receiving; table 2 by swinging the upper ends of the vertical springs 7 from side to side.
  • The. upper ends of the springs 6 connected by a rigid strut 13 to which the op erati. motors 12 are COI11lCt'C.. .
  • the hopper fl. only a part of which is shown. is adapted to receive and distribute the material to be treated across the surface of the belt 9.
  • the belt 9 has a plurality of riltles, or orecollecting pockets as illustrated in Fig. 13 and which will be described later in detail, and is adapted to be driven in the direction oi the arrow by some suitable driving connection. preferably through one of the drums 8, rich for instance as the worm gear mechanism 15. or equivalent means.
  • the table 2 is, furthermore provided with a plurality of longitudinally positioned strips or barriers 16 that are pivotally secured at their upper ends to a bracket 16 that is rigidly mounted on the sides of the tank and secured at their lower ends to the oscillatable table.
  • a plurality of similar barriers 17 extend longitudinally along the belt 9 and are adapted to be vibrated therewith by means of suitable connections 18 and 19.
  • he strips 16 are each pivotally mounted upon to laterally extending support 20 which is. in turn, secured to the tank 1, thus providing a plurality of barriers which vibrate w' 'h the belt 9 at their lower ends and which pivotally mounted on the rigid support 20 at their upper ends.
  • the barriers 17 are spaced more widely apart at their lower ends in order that the gangue carried by the table will not become lodged between the barriers. These latter barriers provide a means for disturbing a substantially greater Zone of the submerging liquid over that portion at the table 2 which carries the greatestdepth of ore.
  • the motors '12 for oscillating the tab e are protcrably of a diaphragm type in order that 'l'rictionally engaging parts may be avoided.
  • Each oi the motors comprises a metal bowl 21 to which a concentrically corrugated diaphra.. 'm .22 secured.
  • the bowls 21 are securely mounted upon the framework it) and have fluid-supyfly pipes 23 and 2 5" communicating therewith.
  • the diaphragrms are operatively connected to the strut l3 l means of the arms 24: and 2st which are secured to said strut by means of bolts that respectively extend through a slot in the arms 2% in order to adjust the distance between the points 0'? connection to the diaphra rnis.
  • the oscillating motion for the table 2 is obtained by swing ing the upper ends ot the vertical springs 9 in order to avoid. to as grreat a degree as possible.
  • the transmission of blows or iolts to the oscillated table 2 which might result it the operating; motors 12 were rigiidlv cornected to the table.
  • This relation of the motors and the table gives rise to a diflerence in the phase of vibration of the motors 12 and the table 2 which must be compensated for in order to definitely control the moveme t oi the table and to maintain the motion uni'z orm an without excessive joltingj.
  • valve 26 which is shown in diagrammatic sectional view in Fig. 1, that operates to admit fluid under pressure to one of the motors while exhausting the fluid from the other motor.
  • the operation of the valve part is controlled by a magnet coil 3st that is energized from a battery in accordance with the operation of a relay
  • the structure of the relay 36 is shown in substantially full size in Fig A.
  • light metal frame 37 is provided with a pair of cars 88 in which a screw 39 is rota- .tably mounted and is adapted to be turned by the knurled head 40.
  • the adjustable stops ell are engaged by the screw 39 and are moved equal distances in opposite direc tions by the operation of the head 40. This movement is the result of threading the halves of the screw 89 in opposite directions;
  • the frame 37 is also provided with a spring 42, the function of which will be later described.
  • the frame 37 is adapted to slide upon a support 43.
  • a contact arm 4.4 is pivotally mounted on the support 43 by a pin 45 and is adapted to engage a contact member 46 to energize the coil 34.
  • a leaf spring 47 is secured to the arm 4d by means or the members 48 and is adapted to engage the stops 41 in order to openand close the contact members d4: and 46.
  • a stop a9 is provided for limiting the movement of the contact arm 44.
  • a steel wire 50, which is held taut by a spring 51 is connected to the movable table 2 and the frame 37 and serves to transmit the movement of the table 2 to the frame oi the relay 36.
  • the spring 42 frictionally engages the contact arm 44; and drags the contact arm in the direction of movement of the frame 37.
  • Fig. 5 shows the relay 36 substantially at the center oi its down stroke. Since the frame 27 is moving downwardly durin the correspomling direction of movement of the table the spring 4-ifrictionally engages the contact arm to drag the arm downward against the stop 4-9 and thus maintain the contact open and the valve 26in the position to supply compressed air or steam to the right hand fluid motor 92. Then'ioven'ient of the table toward the left, as viewed in Fig; 1, continues until the stop l1 engages the end of lea-t spring 47 which moves the arm set in opposition to the frictional drag ot. spring 42, to close the contact betwee the contact arm and contact member 46. l l hen this contact is made.
  • valve 26 is energized and the fluid meters 22 swin the top of the supporting springs to the right.
  • These springs therefore oppose further movement of the table in the left hand direction but do not instantly stop such motion since the momentum of the table and the resiliency of the supporting springs permit the table to swing slightly beyond the point of reversal of the motors. Any continued motion of the table, however, merely flexes the spring 47 of the relay to more definitely hold the contact points together.
  • the reverse movement of the table begins in response to the flexed supporting springs 6 the tops of which were swung to the right when the valve 26 was energized, the movement of the relay frame 3'? is also reversed and the drag of the spring 42 maintains the contact points together during the return swing of the table.
  • the fluid pressure may be increased by adjusting the throttle valve
  • the adjustment of this valve governs, to a limited degree the period of vibration of: the table 2, by forcing the same slightly from its natural period of vibration.
  • a set of adjustable blocks 53 are provided which change the efi'cctive length of the springs 6 to alter the natural period of vibration oi the table.
  • the tank 1 In order to operate my concentrator, the tank 1 is first filled with sul'licient water to submerge the greater portion of the table 2.
  • the belt is slowly operated in the direction 01 the arrow by the worm gear 1.5, and the table is oscillated from side to side by opening the throttle valve 52- which admits com pressed air or steam to the motors 12.
  • the material to be treated is then fed into the hopper 3 at a prescribed rate.
  • the smooth and uniform swinging motion of. the table tends to maintain the particles of mineral in suspension within the submerging liquid, and thereby permits a very complete stratiiication of the treatedparticles in accordance with their specific gravities.
  • the completeness of this separation depends upon the smoothness of movement of the concentrator table 2 since any irregularity or" movement of undue disturbance of the immeising llqllltl causes the gangue and heavier 1* ineral-lgiearing ores to become mixed to ther and thus to defeat the purpose of the machine.
  • the osUlation oi the concentrator table in accord nce with its natural period of vibration never before been employed in com'entrarors of this type and it has been toum'l by actual operation of such a device that the peculiar wave action resulting from this harmonic vibration or the c mcentrator table, proihices a very eliective separation oi? the hea ier particles of ore from the lighter particles.
  • the change in the character of separation that is ell'ected by adopting this harmonic vib atiou oi? the table may be caused.
  • i-rttention should, at this point, he directed to the ba'liles 17 that are positioned over the lower portion of the belt to which the gangue gradually settles and which is covered to a much reate ⁇ : depth with the material being treated than the upper portion oi the belt.
  • the ballles l7 serve to disturb a greater Zone of the immersing liquid over this portion of the belt.
  • the barriers 16 give a greater or less degree oi disturbance to the liquid imme diately over the belt 9, in accordance with their -reas and their distance from the sur "tare oi? the belt, by confining die disturbance oi the liquid to a relatively small zone. This serves to tlun'ougnly wash the concentrates before they are deposited within the hopper 14-.
  • FIG. 10 A special "term or” rillle, which has been found to give satistaction. is shown in Fig. 10.
  • the novel “feature of this time is that the points or of the crescent extend upwardly a much greater distance than the base 56 oi the pocket. thereby creating a greater disturbance oi the immersing liquid at a point where the most gangue would he caught with the concentrates and to reduce, as much as possible, the disturbance at the place of repose oi? the heavier particles, which. is at the base 56 of the pocket.
  • the table 2 may be moved pivotally around the bolt 7 by loosening the same in order to provide means for changing the angle of inclination of the table for materialsizivlng diii'erent angles of repose.
  • An arm 57 and the so companying rack 58 provides means tor assisting in the adjustment of the inclination of the table. It is essential, however, that the table 2 be rigidly secured to the springs 6 by tighteijiing the bolts T after adjustment is once made, in order to avoid all irregularity of movement.
  • FIG. 1 The remaining figures of the drawings illustrate a modification of my invention wherein the fluid-controlling valve is directly connected to the moving table in order to avoid the use of the electromagnetic valve shown in Fig. 1.
  • I provide a slide valve 60 which is shown in detail in Figs. 7 to 10 inclusive, and which is adapted to alternately connect the passagewavs S0 and S1, which respectively extend to the fluid motors to the supply pipe 82 in accordance with the. position of the valve.
  • the passageways 80 and 81 are also alternately connected to exhaust ports 83 by the movement ot the valve. .he movement of the valve (34) is limited to the smallest movement of the table that is desired by means of stops (ll.
  • the valve 60 is turthern'iore provided with clutches 62 for :trictioually engaging one arm of a rod 63 for a purpose to be hereinat'ter described.
  • a toggle joint 6% is provided for imparting; a motion to the vertically extending rod 65 that is an equivalent of the motion oi? the table 2 in both amplitude and period of vibration.
  • a link (36, which is pivotally mounted at a. point (37.. is connected to the valve 60 by means of a pin and slot arrangement 68 and is provided at its other end with a spring 69, which is gripped within a saddle '70 and which surrounds the other arm oi the rod 65.
  • Fig. 11 illustrates, in greater detail, the device for adjusting the position of the steps 71.
  • the upper portion oi this arm of the rod 65 is hollow and is provided with a longitiulinal slot '52 through which a tongue Ill, that is provided on the stops Fl, extends and engage; a sorew-threzuled rod ii that is rotatably mounted within the hollow portion of the rod 65 and is adapted to be turned b 7 a hand wheel T5.
  • the upper and lower portions or" the screw 7a are threaded in opposite directions in order to simultaneously move the stops '71 equal distances, in opposite directions, relative to the neutral position.
  • a turnbuckle 76 is interposed in the rod 65 for adjusting the position of the stops 71 in accordance with the position of the table 2 when the same is at rest.
  • a gravity ore-classifying machine comprising a liquid-containing tank, a unitormly oscillatable table mounted within the tank and partially submerged in said liquid, a device for imparting uniform osernin the amplitude oi said inoven'ient.
  • a gravity ore-classifyingmachine comprising a liquid-containing tank, an oscillatable table mounted within said tank and partially submerged in said liquid, an ore conveying belt mounted on said table and provided with a plurality of riltles, a hopper for supplying ore to said belt, means for moving said belt continuously in a longitudinal direction, means for imparting Jateral oscillations to said belt,-and a plurality of longitudinally extending barriers disposed on edge and assembled in fan-like formation from the point of discharge of said hopper, said barriers being adapted to oscillate with said table.
  • a relay for controlling the operation of said device comprising a frame adapted to move in accordance with the movement of said body, a pivotally mounted contact arm having limited movement, a contact member engaged by said arm, a part of. said frame being adapted to frictionally engage said con tact arm for actuating the same, a plurality of stops adapted to move with said frame, a portion of said contact arm adapted to engage said stops for moving saic arm in the opposite direction from said frictional movement.
  • a relay for controlling the operation of said device comprising a slidably mounted frame moved by said body, a plurality of stops sccured to said frame, a contact member, a movable contact member adapted to engage said first contact member, member con nected to said frame for frictionally engaging said movable contact member for actuating the same, said movable contact member having means for engaging said stops for actuating said movable contact member against the frictional engagement of said.
  • said :iitops being adapted to engage said member to move the same in the opposite direction from said lirstnamed movement.
  • a relay comprising a movable member having a plurality of stops, :1 pivotally mormted contact arm, a member secured to said arm and adapted to engage said stops, and a member connected to said movable member and adapted to frictionally engage said contact arm for actuating the sinus.
  • An ore-treating device conn nising an (we-receiving table adapted to be partially sulnnerged, and a. plurality of relatively long flat barriers placed on edge and extending substantially parallel with the surface of said table and slightly spaced therefrom.
  • An ore-treating device comprising an oscillated table. and a plurality of relatively long narrow barriers spaced from. and mounted on edge above said table, certain of said barriers being adapted to be oscillated with said table.

Description

W. C. McCOY.
ORE CONCE'NTRATOR.
APPLICATION FILED SEPTJG, 1917.
1,423, 1 30. Patented? y 18, 1922'.
4 SHEETS-SHEET I.
q Fig. I,
INVENTOR WITNESSES W. C. McCOY.
ORE CONCENTRATOR. APPLICATILON FILED szrnzs, 1911.
Patented July 18, 1922;
v 4 SHEETSSHEET 2- INVENTOR WITNESSES ATTORNEY Patented July 18, 1922 4 SHEETS-SHEET 3.
W. C McCOY.
ORE CONCENTRATOR.
APPLICATION FILED szrmzs, 1917.
Pabented July 18, 1922.,
'4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.
r. E n.1,.
UNETEHE STATES WILLIAM C. MCCOY, OE WILKINSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA.
one oononnraa'ron.
Specification of Letters Patent.
Application filed September 26, 1917. Serial No. 193,230..
To all 10 710m it may concern Be it known that l. Vi us/mar C. McCoy. a citizen of the United tit-ates, and a resident of lVilkinslmrg, in the county of Allegheny and State of Pennsylvania, have invented a newand useful Improvement in Ore Goncentrators, of which the following is a specification.
My invention relates to ore-classifying machines and particularly to machines em ploying an oscillatable table for separating ores in accordance with their specific gravities.
One object of my invention is to provide a portable machine of the above-designated character which shall be very compact, have a large capacity, and shall require but little power for its operation.
Another object is to ellect the greatest economy of water in the separation of the ores.
Another object of my invention is to provide such a movement of the ore-carrying parts of the machine that the most complete separation of the valuable metal-tearing particles of the ore from the worthless gangue may be eiiected.
A further object of my invention to provide means tor adjusting both the amplitude and period of vibration of the abovedescribed movement through a wide range and also to adjust the natural period of vibration of the oscillated part.
A further object oi? my invention is to provide means for disturbing; a substantially greater depth of the ore pulp at one end of the table than at the other.
A further object of my'invention is to provide an engine for operating my device which will give the proper adjust: ble movement.
Such ore-classifying machines of the above-designated class s have heretofore been proposed have been or? the so'callcl lVilfley class. which move the ore pulp along the surface of the concentration table by inertia; and oi the Vanner type. in which the mineral is caused to settle by rea-- son of its superior specific gravity and is caught on a moving belt or surface. The VVilfiey tables give a very accurate separation of the various mineral-bearing ores in clearly stratilied zones. The'capacity of such tables is. however. relatively limited by reason of the necessity of moving each particle of mineral-bearing ore across the entire table by a succession of quick jolts or blows in order to eiiect the separation. Whereas in concentrators of the Vanner type, to which the'present invention belongs, the materials, of a specific gravity greater than a certain value, settle and are collected upon the moving belt or table and, since each particle must settle only a distance of two or three inches, the capacity retically very large in comparison with the Vi ilfley class of table.
In both of these classes of concentrators, the ore-classifying table has heretofore been oscillated by some form of drive in which the speed of vibration is determined by the source of power and therefore is forced and out of harmony with the natural period of vibration of the table Although this form of jolting motion is very efiective where the movement of the ore particles is effected by the successive jarring or jolting of such particles, in concentrator tables of the Vanner class a jolting or jarring motion of the tabledisturbs the ore particles to such a degree that a thorough and effective separation of the ore from the gangue is very di'fficult to effect. This forced movement furthermore gives rise to very rapid and destructive wearing away of the moving parts, an undue consumption of power, and difficulties in maintaining the concentration belt in its proper position. on the drivingpulleys.
In accordance with my invention, 1 provide means for imparting a harmonic oscillation to the ore-carrying table which is controlled by the movement oi the table and is of substantially the same period as the natural time of vibration of the table. Such a motion tendsto lubricate the particles of material to be treated by partially suspending the same in the imn'lersing tluid without greatly disturbing the fluid and thereby insures a thorough and complete separation of the heavier mineralized particles from the lighter weight gangue;
I furthermore contemplate the use of a resilient device for connecting the operating motors to the oscillated table in order to minimize the transmission of sudden jars or disturbing impulses to the table.
I have also found it necessary to provide a new form of operating engine in order to obtain the desired adjustable movement.
Fig. 1 of the accompanying drawings is a perspective vieW, with certain parts broken away and other parts shown diagrammat1- Patented July 18, 15922.
'65 of this type of machine should be theocally, ot on orev concentrator embodying my invention; Fig. 2 is a side elevational view shown in section. of a concentrator diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. 1'; Fig. 3 is a sectional end view of the concentrator taken substantially on the line 3-8 of Fig. 2; Fig. lis a sectional view of one of the fluid motors for operating the concentrator; lfig. a is a detail plan view of. a relay embodied in the concentrator; Fig. 6 is a sectional end view of the general arrangement of parts ot a modification of the con centrator shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3; Fig. 7 is sectional view of the modified term of operating mechanism for controlling; the movement of the concentrator shown in Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is a bottom plan view of the valve shown in Fig. 7'; Fig. 9 is a side-sectional view of the valve shown in Fig. 7 Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic assembled view of the valve and the operating mechanism therefor; Fig. 11 is a side elevational view, shown partially in section of the valve gear illusra'ted in Fig. 10; Fig. 12 is a view on the line XXL-IX. 0t 11; Fig. 13 is a plan view of a portion of the ore-receiving surface: and Fig. 14 is a sectional view on the line XI-XI of 13.
Referring particularly to Figs. 1 2 and 8 ot the drawings. my invention comprises a tank 1 that is adapted to contain water, or other liquid, an ore-receiving table 2, that is oscillatably mounted within said tank and is adapted to be partially or wholly submerged in said liquid. a hopper 3 that is ad opted to supply material to the surface of the table 2, a conveyor elfor removingr the gang ue from the tank of the concentrator, and a hopper 14'.- that is adapted to collect the inmoral-hearing ore.
The ore-carrying table 2, which I propose to employ embodies a frame which is mounted upon two vertical springs (3 by means ot' bolted clamps 7, and which carries a plurality of drums 8 that are rotatably mounted at the respective ends of the frame 5. an d a belt 9 that extends around the drums 8. The term table 2 will hereinafter refer to the assembled trame 5 and the belt 9 as a unitary device.
rigid framework l9 extends around the in terior oi. the concentrator tank 1, to which it is rigidly secured, and provides saddles 1i tor securing the bottoms of the vertical springs (i and a base upon which to mount fluid motors l or oscillating; the ore-receiving; table 2 by swinging the upper ends of the vertical springs 7 from side to side. The. upper ends of the springs 6 connected by a rigid strut 13 to which the op erati. motors 12 are COI11lCt'C.. .The hopper fl. only a part of which is shown. is adapted to receive and distribute the material to be treated across the surface of the belt 9.
The belt 9 has a plurality of riltles, or orecollecting pockets as illustrated in Fig. 13 and which will be described later in detail, and is adapted to be driven in the direction oi the arrow by some suitable driving connection. preferably through one of the drums 8, rich for instance as the worm gear mechanism 15. or equivalent means. The table 2 is, furthermore provided with a plurality of longitudinally positioned strips or barriers 16 that are pivotally secured at their upper ends to a bracket 16 that is rigidly mounted on the sides of the tank and secured at their lower ends to the oscillatable table. A plurality of similar barriers 17 extend longitudinally along the belt 9 and are adapted to be vibrated therewith by means of suitable connections 18 and 19. he strips 16 are each pivotally mounted upon to laterally extending support 20 which is. in turn, secured to the tank 1, thus providing a plurality of barriers which vibrate w' 'h the belt 9 at their lower ends and which pivotally mounted on the rigid support 20 at their upper ends. The barriers 17 are spaced more widely apart at their lower ends in order that the gangue carried by the table will not become lodged between the barriers. These latter barriers provide a means for disturbing a substantially greater Zone of the submerging liquid over that portion at the table 2 which carries the greatestdepth of ore.
The motors '12 for oscillating the tab e are protcrably of a diaphragm type in order that 'l'rictionally engaging parts may be avoided. Each oi the motors comprises a metal bowl 21 to which a concentrically corrugated diaphra.. 'm .22 secured. The bowls 21 are securely mounted upon the framework it) and have fluid- supyfly pipes 23 and 2 5" communicating therewith. The diaphragrms are operatively connected to the strut l3 l means of the arms 24: and 2st which are secured to said strut by means of bolts that respectively extend through a slot in the arms 2% in order to adjust the distance between the points 0'? connection to the diaphra rnis.
It should here be noted that the oscillating motion for the table 2 is obtained by swing ing the upper ends ot the vertical springs 9 in order to avoid. to as grreat a degree as possible. the transmission of blows or iolts to the oscillated table 2 which might result it the operating; motors 12 were rigiidlv cornected to the table. This relation of the motors and the table however. gives rise to a diflerence in the phase of vibration of the motors 12 and the table 2 which must be compensated for in order to definitely control the moveme t oi the table and to maintain the motion uni'z orm an without excessive joltingj. In order to effect this compensation and to control the operation of the motors 12 in accordance with the period of vibration of the table 2, I provide a valve 26, which is shown in diagrammatic sectional view in Fig. 1, that operates to admit fluid under pressure to one of the motors while exhausting the fluid from the other motor. The passageways 29 and extend respectively to the right and lefthand motors, and the passageways 31 and 32 respectively constitute supply and exhaust ports which are alternately connected to the passageways 29 and 30 by the movement of the valve part 33. The operation of the valve part is controlled by a magnet coil 3st that is energized from a battery in accordance with the operation of a relay The structure of the relay 36 is shown in substantially full size in Fig A. light metal frame 37 is provided with a pair of cars 88 in which a screw 39 is rota- .tably mounted and is adapted to be turned by the knurled head 40. The adjustable stops ell are engaged by the screw 39 and are moved equal distances in opposite direc tions by the operation of the head 40. This movement is the result of threading the halves of the screw 89 in opposite directions; The frame 37 is also provided with a spring 42, the function of which will be later described. The frame 37 is adapted to slide upon a support 43. A contact arm 4.4: is pivotally mounted on the support 43 by a pin 45 and is adapted to engage a contact member 46 to energize the coil 34. A leaf spring 47 is secured to the arm 4d by means or the members 48 and is adapted to engage the stops 41 in order to openand close the contact members d4: and 46. A stop a9 is provided for limiting the movement of the contact arm 44. A steel wire 50, which is held taut by a spring 51 is connected to the movable table 2 and the frame 37 and serves to transmit the movement of the table 2 to the frame oi the relay 36. The spring 42 frictionally engages the contact arm 44; and drags the contact arm in the direction of movement of the frame 37.
Fig. 5 shows the relay 36 substantially at the center oi its down stroke. Since the frame 27 is moving downwardly durin the correspomling direction of movement of the table the spring 4-ifrictionally engages the contact arm to drag the arm downward against the stop 4-9 and thus maintain the contact open and the valve 26in the position to supply compressed air or steam to the right hand fluid motor 92. Then'ioven'ient of the table toward the left, as viewed in Fig; 1, continues until the stop l1 engages the end of lea-t spring 47 which moves the arm set in opposition to the frictional drag ot. spring 42, to close the contact betwee the contact arm and contact member 46. l l hen this contact is made. the valve 26 is energized and the fluid meters 22 swin the top of the supporting springs to the right. These springs therefore oppose further movement of the table in the left hand direction but do not instantly stop such motion since the momentum of the table and the resiliency of the supporting springs permit the table to swing slightly beyond the point of reversal of the motors. Any continued motion of the table, however, merely flexes the spring 47 of the relay to more definitely hold the contact points together. When the reverse movement of the table begins in response to the flexed supporting springs 6 the tops of which were swung to the right when the valve 26 was energized, the movement of the relay frame 3'? is also reversed and the drag of the spring 42 maintains the contact points together during the return swing of the table. When the table reaches a predetermined point in its return swing, the lower stop 4i engages the spring 47 to open the relay and thus deenergize the valve 26. This operates the motors to again swing the tops of the springs to the left. The operation of the motors therefore maintains an extremely uniform swinging oi the table from side to side.
Since the stops 4-1 engage the spring 47 of the relay when the table occupies a predetermined position, the movement of the table can be accurately controlled. It an increased period of vibration is required for the treatment of a specific type of ore, the fluid pressure may be increased by adjusting the throttle valve The adjustment of this valve governs, to a limited degree the period of vibration of: the table 2, by forcing the same slightly from its natural period of vibration. To eii ect a greater change in the period of vibration than can be obtained by the adjustment oi. the valve 52., a set of adjustable blocks 53 are provided which change the efi'cctive length of the springs 6 to alter the natural period of vibration oi the table.
In order to operate my concentrator, the tank 1 is first filled with sul'licient water to submerge the greater portion of the table 2. The belt is slowly operated in the direction 01 the arrow by the worm gear 1.5, and the table is oscillated from side to side by opening the throttle valve 52- which admits com pressed air or steam to the motors 12.
The material to be treated is then fed into the hopper 3 at a prescribed rate. The smooth and uniform swinging motion of. the table tends to maintain the particles of mineral in suspension within the submerging liquid, and thereby permits a very complete stratiiication of the treatedparticles in accordance with their specific gravities. The completeness of this separation depends upon the smoothness of movement of the concentrator table 2 since any irregularity or" movement of undue disturbance of the immeising llqllltl causes the gangue and heavier 1* ineral-lgiearing ores to become mixed to ther and thus to defeat the purpose of the machine.
The osUlation oi the concentrator table in accord nce with its natural period of vibration never before been employed in com'entrarors of this type and it has been toum'l by actual operation of such a device that the peculiar wave action resulting from this harmonic vibration or the c mcentrator table, proihices a very eliective separation oi? the hea ier particles of ore from the lighter particles. The change in the character of separation that is ell'ected by adopting this harmonic vib atiou oi? the table may be caused. by a peculiar wave action ot the water on the submerged ore when the table is oscillated, or itmay be that the total absence of jolting or jarring ot the ore table and the e on uniform oscillation or lateral swinging ot the table maintains the ore particles treely suspended in the submerging water and thus allows the heavier particles a greater treedom to settle to the bottom of the mass oft ore being treated.
i-rttention should, at this point, he directed to the ba'liles 17 that are positioned over the lower portion of the belt to which the gangue gradually settles and which is covered to a much reate}: depth with the material being treated than the upper portion oi the belt. The ballles l7 serve to disturb a greater Zone of the immersing liquid over this portion of the belt. The barriers 16 give a greater or less degree oi disturbance to the liquid imme diately over the belt 9, in accordance with their -reas and their distance from the sur "tare oi? the belt, by confining die disturbance oi the liquid to a relatively small zone. This serves to tlun'ougnly wash the concentrates before they are deposited within the hopper 14-.
A special "term or" rillle, which has been found to give satistaction. is shown in Fig. 10. The novel "feature of this time is that the points or of the crescent extend upwardly a much greater distance than the base 56 oi the pocket. thereby creating a greater disturbance oi the immersing liquid at a point where the most gangue would he caught with the concentrates and to reduce, as much as possible, the disturbance at the place of repose oi? the heavier particles, which. is at the base 56 of the pocket.
For certain ores, a greater or less degree of severity of motion is required in order to effect the suspension ot the material to be treated within the liquid. This may, at times, even approach a forced vibration, although the actuation of the table must at all times be maintained inaccordance with the movement of the table in order to avoid churning; or mixing of the material to be concentrated. Such an action is secured by increasing the pressure of the fluid or steam that is supplied to the motors 12 by means of the throttle valve 52, or by changing the natural period of vibration of the table 2 by changing the position of the adjustable blocks 53, as hereinbeitore described. By means of the latter adjustment, a very large chr in the period of vibration of the table 2 may be effected. T he wheel lO provides a very sensitive and accurate means for adjusting the amplitude of vibration.
It should also be noted that the table 2 may be moved pivotally around the bolt 7 by loosening the same in order to provide means for changing the angle of inclination of the table for materials luivlng diii'erent angles of repose. An arm 57 and the so companying rack 58 provides means tor assisting in the adjustment of the inclination of the table. It is essential, however, that the table 2 be rigidly secured to the springs 6 by tighteijiing the bolts T after adjustment is once made, in order to avoid all irregularity of movement.
The remaining figures of the drawings illustrate a modification of my invention wherein the fluid-controlling valve is directly connected to the moving table in order to avoid the use of the electromagnetic valve shown in Fig. 1. For this modification of my invention, I provide a slide valve 60 which is shown in detail in Figs. 7 to 10 inclusive, and which is adapted to alternately connect the passagewavs S0 and S1, which respectively extend to the fluid motors to the supply pipe 82 in accordance with the. position of the valve. The passageways 80 and 81 are also alternately connected to exhaust ports 83 by the movement ot the valve. .he movement of the valve (34) is limited to the smallest movement of the table that is desired by means of stops (ll. The valve 60 is turthern'iore provided with clutches 62 for :trictioually engaging one arm of a rod 63 for a purpose to be hereinat'ter described. A toggle joint 6% is provided for imparting; a motion to the vertically extending rod 65 that is an equivalent of the motion oi? the table 2 in both amplitude and period of vibration. A link (36, which is pivotally mounted at a. point (37.. is connected to the valve 60 by means of a pin and slot arrangement 68 and is provided at its other end with a spring 69, which is gripped within a saddle '70 and which surrounds the other arm oi the rod 65. A. plurality of adjustable stops 71 are provided for engaging the respective ends of the spring 69 and actuating the valve 60 against its frictional engagement with the rod 65 to the reversed position when the rod 65 travels farther than a predet rmined distance. By this means, the distance of travel, or amplitude of the swinging table 2, can be accurately adjusted and controlled during the operation of the machine. Fig. 11 illustrates, in greater detail, the device for adjusting the position of the steps 71. The upper portion oi this arm of the rod 65 is hollow and is provided with a longitiulinal slot '52 through which a tongue Ill, that is provided on the stops Fl, extends and engage; a sorew-threzuled rod ii that is rotatably mounted within the hollow portion of the rod 65 and is adapted to be turned b 7 a hand wheel T5. The upper and lower portions or" the screw 7a are threaded in opposite directions in order to simultaneously move the stops '71 equal distances, in opposite directions, relative to the neutral position. A turnbuckle 76, is interposed in the rod 65 for adjusting the position of the stops 71 in accordance with the position of the table 2 when the same is at rest.
Although I have illustrated my invention as applied to a machine for separating mineral-bearing ores from gangue under a body of substantially stationary liquid, it should be understood that the exact type of concentrator, with which my invention is employed, may be altered without departing from the spirit and scope 01 my invention. I desire, therefore, that only such limitations shall be imposed as are indicated in the ap pended claims. The worm gear mechanism 15 and the table adjusting arm and racks 57 and 58 form no part oi my present invention and are, therefore, specifically disclaimed as a portion of this invention.
I claim as my invention:
1. In an ore-classifying machine, the combination with an ore carrying table, a tank for containing fluid in which said table is adapted to be submerged, of a device for oscillating said table relative to the tank, and means for controlling the oscillating impulses from said device in accordance with the movement of said table.
2. In an ore-classifying machine,the combination with a freely swingable ore carrying table, of a motor device actuated in accordance with the movement of the table for oscillating the table, the oscillating movement of said table being substantially the same in each direction and substantially free from jolts and.
In an ore-classifying machine,the combination with a freely swingable ore carrying table, of a motor device actuated in accordance with the movement of the table for oscillating the table, the oscillating movement of said table being substantially the same in each direction and substantially free from jolts and jars, andmeans for adjusting the amplitude of said motion.
4. A gravity ore-classifying machine comprising a liquid-containing tank, a unitormly oscillatable table mounted within the tank and partially submerged in said liquid, a device for imparting uniform osernin the amplitude oi said inoven'ient.
gravity ore-classitying machine com- 'liipiid-containing tank, an oscilli table mounted within the tank and partially submerged in said liquid, a device for imparting uniform oscillating impulses to said table, said impulses being controlled by the movement of said table, and means for independently controlling the period and amplitude of said oscillation.
6. In an ore-classifying machine, the con bination with a freely swingable table, of a device for uniformly oscillating said table, resilient means for mechanically connecting said device to said table, and means for controlling .the impulses from said device in accordance with the movement of said table.
7. In an ore-classifying machine, the combination with a freely swingable ore-carrying table, of a spring having one end secured to a support and having the other end free to be moved from side to side, said table being mounted intermediate the ends of the spring, and means for swinging the free end of said spring to uniformly oscillate the table.
8. In an ore-classifying machine, thecombination with a partially submerged orereceiving table, and a hopper for supplying ore to said table, of a plurality of barriers disposed on edge and assembled in tan-like formation adjacent the discharge opening of said hopper, said barriers being spaced from said table.
9. A gravity ore-classifyingmachine comprising a liquid-containing tank, an oscillatable table mounted within said tank and partially submerged in said liquid, an ore conveying belt mounted on said table and provided with a plurality of riltles, a hopper for supplying ore to said belt, means for moving said belt continuously in a longitudinal direction, means for imparting Jateral oscillations to said belt,-and a plurality of longitudinally extending barriers disposed on edge and assembled in fan-like formation from the point of discharge of said hopper, said barriers being adapted to oscillate with said table. I
10. In an ore-classifying machine, the combination with an endless ore-carrying belt and means for moving the belt continuously in a longitudinal direction, of a plurality of barriers extending longitudinally of the belt, and means for laterally oscillating said barriers, said barriers being mounted adjacent the surface of the belt,
11. In an ore-classifying machine, the combination with an ore-carrying member adapted to be uniformly oscillated laterally, of a plurality of barriers mounted above and extending longitudinally of said member, and means for laterally oscillating said barriers, said barriers being slightly removed from the surface of said member.
12. In an ore-classifying machine, the combination with an ore-carrying member adapted to be simultaneously moved in a longitudinal and in a lateral direction, of a plurality of longitudinal barriers adapted to move only in a lateral direction and spaced adjacent the surface of said member.
13. In an ore-classifying machine, the combination with a liquid containing tank, and an ore-carrying member adapted to be partially submerged in said tank, the surface of said member being provided with a plurality of rill'les, of a device for longitudinally moving said member, a device for laterally oscillating said member, and a plurality of barriers separated from, and mounted above, said member.
1 1-. The combination with a freely swingable body, of a motor for uniformly oscillating said body, and resilient means connecting said motor to said body, means for controlling the impulses from said motor in accordance with the movement of said body, the reversal of said motor being adapted to substantially precede each reversal of move ment of said body in each direction.
15. The combination with a movable body and a device for moving said body, of a relay for controlling the operation of said device comprising a frame adapted to move in accordance with the movement of said body, a pivotally mounted contact arm having limited movement, a contact member engaged by said arm, a part of. said frame being adapted to frictionally engage said con tact arm for actuating the same, a plurality of stops adapted to move with said frame, a portion of said contact arm adapted to engage said stops for moving saic arm in the opposite direction from said frictional movement.
16. The combination with a movable body, and a device for moving said body. of a relay for controlling the operation of said device comprising a slidably mounted frame moved by said body, a plurality of stops sccured to said frame, a contact member, a movable contact member adapted to engage said first contact member, member con nected to said frame for frictionally engaging said movable contact member for actuating the same, said movable contact member having means for engaging said stops for actuating said movable contact member against the frictional engagement of said. first-named member.
17. The combination with. a contact member having a limited movement, of a moving part for actuating said member, said moving part being adapted to frictionally engage said member for actuating the same, a.
plurality of stops on said moving part, said :iitops being adapted to engage said member to move the same in the opposite direction from said lirstnamed movement.
18. The combination with a contact mem ber having a limited movement, of a moving part for actuating said member, said moving part having substantially greatermovement than said member, said moving part being adapted to 'lrict-ionally engage said member for actuating the same, a pluraliliy of stops on said moving part, and resilient means for enabling said stops to yieldingly move said contact member in a direction opposite that of the moving part.
19. The combination with a stationary contact member, and a piv lali v mounted contact arm, of a moving part for actuating said arm, a plurality of stops on said mov ing part, frictional means for engaging said arm, and resilient means secured to said armfor engaging said steps.
20. A relay comprising a movable member having a plurality of stops, :1 pivotally mormted contact arm, a member secured to said arm and adapted to engage said stops, and a member connected to said movable member and adapted to frictionally engage said contact arm for actuating the sinus.
21. The combination with a freely swing able body, of a motor for uniformly swing ing said body, means for yieldingly connecting said motor to said body, and mechanism for reversing the operation of said motor before the reversal of said body for each swing of said body, the amplitude of movement of said body being adjustable.
22. The combination with a freely swingable body, of a motor for actuating said body, yielding means for connecting said motor to said body, governing ll'lQOl'itUllSlTi for controlling the operation of said motor in accordance with the movement of said body, the movement'of said body and the impulse from said motor being materially out of phase, and means for adjusting the phase relation between the movement of said body and the impulses from said motor.
23. An ore-treating device conn nising an (we-receiving table adapted to be partially sulnnerged, and a. plurality of relatively long flat barriers placed on edge and extending substantially parallel with the surface of said table and slightly spaced therefrom.
24k. An ore-treating device comprising an oscillated table. and a plurality of relatively long narrow barriers spaced from. and mounted on edge above said table, certain of said barriers being adapted to be oscillated with said table.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name this 12th day ofv Sept, 1917.
l l lliliitlil C. MGCOY.
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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3976567A (en) * 1975-03-03 1976-08-24 Macelvain Robert C Material concentrator
US4204291A (en) * 1979-02-28 1980-05-27 Leo Chooljian Apparatus for removing mold and other detritus from raisins and the like
US4584098A (en) * 1983-09-26 1986-04-22 Winston Wright Ore concentrator

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3976567A (en) * 1975-03-03 1976-08-24 Macelvain Robert C Material concentrator
US4204291A (en) * 1979-02-28 1980-05-27 Leo Chooljian Apparatus for removing mold and other detritus from raisins and the like
US4584098A (en) * 1983-09-26 1986-04-22 Winston Wright Ore concentrator

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