Improvements in Ore Concentrators.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 1st Nov., 1897-Accepted, 18th Dec., 1897
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Ore Concentrators.
I, SAMUEL. IRVING HALLETT, a citizen of the United States, residing at Aspen,
in the County of Pitkin and State of Colorado, U.S.A., Mine Superintendent, do
hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to
be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:
My invention relates to ore concentrators, or that class of machines or apparatus
employed for concentrating or separating and grading mineral substances of
different specific gravities, and more particularly to apparatus operating to carry
out the wet process of concentrating ores, whereby ores of various kinds may be
washed and concentrated and the valuable minerals separated and graded with
economy of time and labor.
The invention is especially designed for use in connection with ore con-
centrators of that class in which the crushed ore is distributed upon and caused
to move or flow along a plane surface or table, to which is imparted a combination
of shaking and rocking motions, whereby the concentrates or particles of mineral
settling on the surface of the table are carried along and discharged in different
classes or grades at one end or side of the table, while the gangue and refuse
matter is carried off at the side or end of the table opposite the receiving and
distributing launder.
The primary objects of my invention are to provide simple, inexpensive and
effecient means for separating the ore and for collecting the same in different
grades or classes, so that in treating ores containing minerals of different specific
gravities the different minerals may be separated and collected in their respective
classes or grades.
A further object is to provide a table, the surface of which shall have an affinity
for the particular mineral or metal that it is desired to save or separate from the
ore and other minerals contained therein, so as to insure the complete separation
and collection of a greater quantity of the desired metal than is possible where
tables of the usual construction are employed.
A further object is to provide improved means for distributing the crushed or
pulverized ore and the water with which the ore is washed as it is carried along
the surface of the table by the reciprocatory or tremulous movements imparted to
the table.
A further object is to provide a table which shall efficiently separate and collect.
the finer or lighter and unsized mineral substances or float mineral which, in
the operation of concentrators as heretofore constructed, is either carried off with
the gangue or collected in the form of "middlings" and returned to the feed-
trough for retreatment with the fresh material being fed into the feed-trough,
with consequent loss of energy and waste of valuable metallic substances.
The invention will first be hereinafter more particularly described, with.
reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification,
and then pointed out in the claims at the end of the description.

page_text: Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 represents a top or plan view of an ore
concentrating table and its attachments embodying my invention.
Figure is a side elevation of the same, with parts broken away to show the
construction of parts which would otherwise be concealed from view by the
broken away portions.
Figure 3 is a detail front view of the distributing launder.
Figure 4 is a vertical transverse section taken on the line IV-IV of Figure 1.
Figure is a detail sectional view through a portion of the table; the section
being taken on the line V-V of Figure 1.
Figure 6 is a top or plan view, Figure 7 a side elevation, and Figure 8 an end
view, of the sectional launder or trough for collecting the valuable metals
separated from the gangue or tailings.
a
In the drawings, in which similar letters of reference are used to denote corre-
sponding parts in different views, A denotes the table, which is suitably supported
to adapt it to have imparted thereto by any suitable mechanism in common use,
combination of shaking and rocking motions, or any desired movement for
accomplishing the desired results. As shown it is mounted on posts or legs bb,
the upper ends of which are pivotally connected to the under side of the table,
while the lower ends thereof are pivotally connected with and rest upon suitable
frame-pieces or bars B, which latter may rest upon a suitable support or frame C,
as shown, or in any proper manner; suitable devices, as screws or adjustable
wedges c being interposed between the bars B and frame C for varying the in-
clination of the table. The legs or rocking arms that support the table act not
alone as a support therefor, working on the arc of a circle and giving the ore a
slightly pitching motion, but they also act as a guide for the table, allowing it to
have no side movement whatever, which is a very important consideration in
separating the ore. The surface of the table. A is covered or provided with a
metallic sheet or facing a of metal, having an affinity for the particular metal
contained in the ore under treatment, and which is the more valuable and
desirable to be thoroughly separated, as for instance, lead in treating lead ore, or
a silver sheet or coating in treating gold ore. This metallic surface or covering
is provided with a series of longitudinal grooves, channels, or recesses a¹, which
preferably extend from the rear end of the table toward the front or discharge end
thereof with a slight rearward inclination and terminate a sufficient distance from
the receiving or discharge end or side of the table to leave a clear, unobstructed,
smooth surface extending the length of the table on the side thereof adjacent to
the distributing and receiving launders, as shown more clearly in Figure 1. The
grooves a taper from end to end that is to say, they gradually decrease in depth
from the front or receiving end thereof to their opposite terminals where they
merge into the smooth unobstructed surface of the table top. At or near the
receiving end or side of the table and on that portion thereof on which the crushed
ore or pulp is delivered from the distributing launder, I provide a removable
wearing plate A', which may consist of a sheet-metal or other suitable plate
having one edge or angle thereof secured to the frame-piece or bar a², while the
other portion or edge thereof overlaps and rests upon the surface of the table, as
shown more clearly in Figure 4. By this means, when that portion of the table
which is most subject to wear becomes worn and in need of repairs, the wearing
plate may be removed and a new one substituted in its stead, without necessitating
the renewal of the entire metallic surface of the table, or the substitution of a
new table top, as is usual in using ore concentrators as heretofore constructed.
The distributing launder D may be formed with two or more compartments d, d,
the compartment & being adapted to receive the pulp or crushed ore from a suitable
conduit or pipe E, as indicated in Figures 2 and 4, while the compartment dis
adapted to receive the water for washing the ore, from a suitable conduit or pipe E',
as shown in Figure 2. The ore compartment d of the launder D is provided on
the discharge side thereof with a series of holes or perforations, through which

page_text: At
the pulp or ore mixed with water is permitted to escape onto the surface of the
table: The upper edge of that side of the compartment nearest the table is
preferably notched or serrated, as at da, in order that the water used for washing
the ore, as it passes downward toward the front or lower end of the table, may
be more evenly and smoothly distributed, without splashing or spurting outo the
table in greater volume or with greater force at any one point than at other points
along the table, thus insuring an even distribution and smooth flow of the water
across the table, for the purpose of washing the ore and drawing off the lighter
material and gangue into a water box or trough F, extending along underneath
the edge of the table at that side thereof opposite the distributing launder.
the front or discharge end of the table is placed a sectional trough or launder G
to receive the heavier particles of mineral or valuable metal separated from the
ore. This launder G may be constructed in two, three or more sections, which
are preferably telescopically arranged, so that the material which is separated
may be assorted and graded and collected in different grades or classes as for
instance, lead, iron, and zinc, according to the nature and character of the ore
under treatment and the specific gravities of the minerals contained therein. In
the form shown the launder G, is constructed in three concave or semi-cylindrical
sections g, g, and g³, which are telescopically arranged and supported on the rods
or bars H, which bars extend transversely of the table at the discharge end thereof,
and are rigidly secured at one end to a bracket H', and at their opposite ends to
the frame of the machine. The sections g, g', g² of the launder are provided with
discharge openings or spouts g³, g, and g³, respectively, and are supported, with
capacity for longitudinal adjustment, on the rods H, H, by lateral lugs or hooks g6
resting upon and overlying said rods, so that any one of the sections may be moved
forward or back for the purpose of varying the extent or area of the surface of the
section which is exposed to the discharge end of the table and adapted to receive
the material therefrom, so as to adapt the same for use in treating different kinds
of material, or in classifying the material according to different requirements
Either of said sections may, he removed bodily by simply lifting the same
from the rods, and if desired, any suitable securing device may be employed for
securing the several sections in the positions to which they may be adjusted for
use, and to prevent accidental displacement in use, caused by the jarring or
shaking of the table. From the discharge openings or spouts g³, g, g³, the
material may be discharged into a suitable receptacle, or conducted through a
suitable spout or conveyor to any desired point for further treatment or shipment.
In the operation of the table the ore is fed into the compartment d of receiving
launder or trough D, while the wash-water, which is located further down the.
length of the table, and which is used to wash the ore as it passes downward toward
the discharge end, is fed into the compartment and flows over the top or serrated
edge of said compartment, so as to secure an even distribution and gentle flow
thereof, without spurting. At the same time a reciprocating movement, differential
in its action, with the strength of the longest throw or bump towards the discharge
end of the table, is imparted to the table, by any suitable mechanism connecting
with the pitman or rod I, which may be applied at either end of the table so as to
cause the ore to move along or over the surface of the table towards the discharge
end thereof, whereby as the ore is moved along it is washed all the way at right
angles by the water issuing from the compartment of the launder, thus washing
the lighter material and gangue toward the opposite side of the table and into the
trough or box F, from which the gangue and waste may flow off into any suitable
receptacle or conduit provided therefor. The heavier ore or valueble material to
be recovered remains scattered along the smooth surface of the table, above the
terminals of the inclined grooves or channels a' and is discharged at the end of the
table into the section or compartment g, of the receiving launder G, while the float
lead or
lighter particles of mineral, that are not sized, as is the heavier lead or
particles, is caught in the grooves a¹ and caused to gradually work downward and
backward toward the discharge end of the table, so as to be brought back into
in use.

page_text: the plane of the body of ore or valuable metal which takes a position forward of
an imaginary line running the length of the table outside of the terminals of the
aforesaid grooves or slots, whereby the very fine float lead or or other float mineral
is separated and recovered with the larger particles of like kind, and specific
gravity, instead of being carried over and discharged into a middlings receiver or
receptacle, as heretofore, and conveyed back to the distributing launder to be
again run over the table, with consequent loss resulting from the fact that the
material which is so finely pulverized as to be once discharged and again returned
to the table will seek the same place as before and be run again and again into
the middlings receptacle and returned until worn by attrition so fine that it will
pass off with the dirty water into the waste. The inclined sloping grooves, which
run against the slant of the table, cause the float mineral to be carried back to the
place it should not have left, while allowing the waste to pass over it and off into
the trough or receptacle to receive the same, thus saving the valuable float
material with the heavier ore that lies along the upper line or surface of the table
beyond the terminals of the grooves. I thus avoid all intricate savings and return-
ings and accomplish what has hitherto been attempted to be accomplished by
returning the same ore to be run over two or more times. The mineral of less
specific gravity and of a different class from that which is discharged into the first
compartment or section of the sectional launder, will be carried further across the
table, and will be discharged into the second section or compartment, while the
material of the next or third class will be discharged into the third section or
compartment, thus separating and collecting the different grades or classes of
material into two or more classes, the first of which, for instance, may be lead,
the second iron, and the third zinc, according to the ore under treatment; the
same rule applying to any minerals having different specific gravities.
By constructing the surface of the table of metal having an affinity for the
particular metal it is desired to recover from the ore under treatment, the separa-
tion and collection thereof is greatly facilitated. and a more complete separation
is effected than is possible under the usual conditions.
The desired differential movement or bumping action may be imparted to the
table by any suitable mechanism, such as has heretofore been employed in
devices of a similar character and which it is unnecessary to illustrate or describe
herein, inasmuch as my invention resides in the construction of the table and its
attachments, and not in the mechanism for imparting the desired vibratory or
reciprocating movements thereto.
I may mention, however, as a desirable movement, that which has heretofore
heen employed with what is known as the Rittinger table, made in Germany many
years ago, and which has been in use in this country for many years, in which
there is a side movement or bumping action combined with the transverse washing
of the ore.
It will be understood, of course, that the form and construction of the parts
herein before described may be modified in a number of ways without departing
from the spirit of my invention, and hence I do not desire to be limited to the
exact construction shown and described.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:
1. In an ore concentrator, the table provided with a metallic surface or covering
having an affinity for the valuable metal contained in the ore to be separated,
substantially as described.
2. In an ore concentrator, the table provided with a metallic surface or covering
having an affinity for the valuable metal contained in the ore to be separated:
said surface being formed with a series of channels or grooves which are inclined
backwardly from their receiving ends across the surface of the table to compel

page_text: the float ore settling thereon to gradually move backward as it is moved toward
the discharge end of the table, substantially as described.
3. In an ore concentrator, the table having a series of grooves or channels in the
surface thereof which are inclined backward across the surface of the table from
their receiving ends toward the discharge ends thereof, substantially as described.
4. In an ore concentrator, the table having a series of grooves or channels in
the surface thereof which are inclined backward across the surface of the table
from their receiving ends toward the discharge ends thereof; said grooves
gradually diminishing in depth or tapering from their receiving ends until they
merge into the smooth unobstructed surface of the table, substantially as
described.
5. In an ore concentrator, the combination with the table, of the launder or
receptacle for the separated ore composed of movable sections adapted to be
independently adjusted and secured in various positions relatively to each other,
substantially as described.
6. In an ore concentrator, the combination with the table, of a sectional launder
composed of longitudinally adjustable and removable sections, substantially as
described.
7. In combination with the table, the sectional launder or receptacle composed
of telescopically arranged sliding sections adapted to overlap each other and
removably supported adjacent to the discharge end of the table to adapt the
sections to be adjusted and secured in different positions relatively to each other
and to be readily removed and replaced, substantially as described.
8. A sectional launder comprising a series of concave sections or receptacles
telescopically arranged and adapted to slide longitudinally so as to overlap cach
other, each having lateral supporting fingers or lugs adapted to rest on suitable
supports adjacent thereto, and provided at one end with a discharge opening,
substantially as described.
9. In an ore concentrator, the combination with the table, of the distributing
launder, comprising two or more compartments, for receiving the ore and water,
the ore compartment having suitable apertures therein for the escape of the ore,
and the water compartment having its upper edge at the discharge side thereof
serrated or notched so as to insure an even distribution and flow of the water
onto the table, substantially as described.
10. In an ore concentrator, the combination with the table, of the wearing plate
extending along and overlapping one edge or side of the table underneath the
distributing launder, and alapted to be removed for renewal when worn, sub-
stantially as described.
11. In an ore concentrator, the table mounted on rocking supports adapted to
permit the desired vibratory or forward and back movement of the table while
preventing side movement thereof, substantially as described.
12. In an ore concentrator, the combination with the table, of the sectional
launder comprising a series of concave sections or receptacles telescopically
arranged and adapted to slide longitudinally so as to overlap each other, each
having lateral supporting fingers or lugs adapted to rest on suitable supports
adjacent thereto and provided at one end with a discharge opening, and longi-
tudinally arranged supporting rods or bars on which said sections are supported
and adjustably secured adjacent to said table, substantially as described.
This Tinst day of October 1897
SAMUEL IRVING HALLETT.
W. Lloyd Wise,
46, Lincoln's Inn Fields London, W.C. Chartered Patent Agent.