Improved Means for Concentrating Ores or other Substances.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 2nd Feb., 1895
Complete Specification Left, 4th Mar., 1895-Accepted, 20th Apr., 1895
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improved Means for Concentrating Ores or other Substances.
1, ALEXANDER MELVILLE CLARK, of the Firm of A. M. and Wm. Clark, of
53, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex, Fellow of the Chartered Institute
of Patent Agents, do hereby declare the nature of this invention (a communication
to me by Walter John Hammond, of 361 Broadway, New York City, United
States of America and John Gordon, of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, South America,)
to be as follows:-
This invention relates to concentrators, such as shewn and described in the Letters
Patent of the United States of America, No. 450,013 granted to Walter John
Hammond and John Gordon, dated April 7th, 1891.
The object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved apparatus
for mechanically separating lighter and heavier particles of ore and other substances,
in the same manner as is now done by a skilled hand in "panning."
-In order fully to understand the method which is carried out by means of the
improved apparatus, it is necessary to state the principles on which the invention is
based. As is well known, heavy materials which will sink in water when the
latter is at rest will float in and be carried by the same water when it is in motion.
If this motion is slow, only light substances will be lifted and carried, and if the
motion is rapid, heavier materials will be caught up; in fact, there is a direct
relation between the specific gravity of a body and velocity required to lift and
carry it.
In consequence of this relation, if a mixture of substances of different
specific gravities be put into a fluid, say water, to which is gradually imparted an
increasing velocity, then the fluid will begin by picking up the lighter particles
first and then, as the velocity increases, the heavier particles in regular order until
finally, if a high enough velocity is given, all the particles, light and heavy, will be
kept in suspension. If now the velocity is slowly diminished, the particles will
begin to deposit themselves but in a reverse order; that is to say the heavier particles
will come down first, the lighter settling the last of all. If at any time the velocity
is allowed to continue constant, a certain part of the substances will be deposited and
the rest will remain indefinitely in suspension; that is so long as the velocity
remains constant so long will the bodies held up continue in suspension. It is,
therefore, evident that to effect a separation of the mixed bodies it is only necessary
to increase the velocity until all are in suspension and then to decrease it again,
stopping the change at that point when the lightest particles only are suspended,
then removing these lightest particles, repeating the operation to get rid of or to
eliminate the next lightest, and so on until finally the heaviest particles remain
alone.
The operation is greatly facilitated by giving little shakes or jigs to the mass of
water and suspended material, or by suddenly and temporarily checking the motion
of the water, not only because such jigs, by nomentarily changing the velocity of
the fluid, produce in a minor degree the same effects as the more apparent changes
of motion described above, but also because they help to prevent the accumulation
of particles into lumps and groups, enabling the individual particle to free itself
from contact with others and so follow freely in its own course. For example, a
heavy particle may be prevented from falling by a number of light ones adhering
to it, while a light particle may be held down in a similar manner by heavier ones.

page_text: A quick jerk or jig frees them all, and it is evident that as in the process of sifting
any material the more varied the jigs or jerks are in force and direction the more
quickly and easily will the particles be freed from each other.
In order to obtain the above described result and to carry the method into effect,
the concentrator is provided with a suitably constructed frame on which is journalled
in suitable bearings and steps a vertically disposed shaft provided with a pulley
connected by a belt with suitable machinery for imparting a rotary motion to the
said shaft, the motion being preferably varying in speed. It is understood,
however, that other suitable means may be employed for imparting a rotary motion
of any kind to the shaft. On the upper end of the shaft is secured a socket
provided with two bearings in which is fitted to slide the diametrical arm or spoke
of a wheel disposed horizontally and carrying on the upper surface of its rim a
ring provided with an inwardly-extending flange engaged by a flanged ring bolted
or otherwise secured to the rim of the wheel. The outermost face of the
ring abuts on an annular flange formed on the rim of the wheel so that
the ring is free to turn on the rim of the wheel but is prevented by its
flange engaged by the flanged ring from moving upward out of its bearing. If
desired, the flange may be formed exteriorly. From opposing sides of the ring
extend upward and outward brackets provided with bearings in which are mounted
to turn trunnions bolted or otherwise secured to the outer face of the vessel
preferably made conical in shape, the apex of the vessel being in vertical
alignment with the centre of the ring. The ring is provided with a handle having
an extension extending outwardly parallel to and below the trunnion. The apex
of the vessel is preferably made in the shape of a block which may either have a
conical recess or be straight or convexed on its upper surface. Each of the blocks
is secured in place by a bolt and nut, and the varying forms are necessary according
to the material to be treated. The apex is exteriorly removable so that the
concentrates accumulating in the apex of the pan can from time to time be removed
without disturbing the other solid matter in the other part of the pan. The base
or top of the vessel is preferably provided with a separate and upwardly and
inwardly curved annular rim to prevent splashing of the material under treatment
over the upper edge of the vessel. In this rim is arranged a gate serving to
discharge part of the contents of the vessel when the latter is tilted as hereinafter
more fully described. From the under side of the rim of the wheel depends a bracket
in which is journalled a screw rod directly under and parallel to the arm, said screw
being provided on its outer end with a wheel and having its inner threaded end
screwing in a nut attached to one of the bearings of the socket. Now, by turning
the wheel in one direction the wheel, and consequently the ring and vessel, are
caused to slide inward as the arm is fitted to slide in the bearings of the socket.
By turning the wheel in the other direction the said wheel is fitted to slide in the
opposite direction, carrying the ring and the vessel with it. The screw rod is
located directly under the arm so that the centre of the wheel may be made to
coincide with the shaft, if desired, but in order to successfully operate the machine
the centre of the wheel must be held eccentric to the shaft.
In order to automatically impart the forward and backward motion to the wheel
on the screw rod, above described, to move the centre of the wheel nearer to or
farther from the centre of the shaft the following device is provided. On the
handle extending from the ring is fitted to slide vertically a frame provided with
brake or friction shoes located opposite each other and arranged in such manner
as to engage either the top or bottom of the wheel on each revolution of the
shaft whenever the said wheel passes between the said shoes. By shifting the
frame downward the shoe will be engaged by the wheel as the latter passes
between the two shoes but the lowermost shoe will then be out of contact with the
said wheel and consequently the latter is turned in one direction as long as it is in
contact with and rolls off on the upper shoe. Now when the frame is moved upward,
then the wheel in passing between the brake shoes will roll off on the one brake shoe
and be out of contact with the other brake shoe, and as the said first brake shoe engages

page_text: the wheel at the bottom the said wheel will be turned in an opposite direction. If
desired, the frame may be moved into an intermediate position so that the wheel
will engage neither of the shoes and no feeding of the screw in either direction will
take place but the said screw will remain at a standstill.
In order to shift the frame in the manner above described it is provided with an
elongated aperture engaged by a pin on an arm held on a shaft extending
transversely and mounted to turn in the handle previously described. On the latter
shaft is secured a second arm standing approximately at right angles to the arm and
pivotally connected with a rod having a handle adapted to be taken hold of by the
operator to move the said rod forward or backward to impart a swinging motion to
the shaft and the arm to raise or lower the frame for the purpose above described.
On the handle rod is arranged a pin adapted to engage one of a series of notches
arranged on an extension forming part of the handle previously mentioned. The
operator after shifting the rod to move the frame into the desired position, engages
the lug in the corresponding notch to lock the said rod and consequently the frame in
position until it is desired to change the motion of the screw rod as above described.
The extension of the handle has a bearing in a fixed board and for this purpose the
latter is provided with an opening having bevelled sides so as to permit a sidewise
swinging of the handle and also to permit a forward and backward sliding of the
handle in the said board. The handle may be pivotally connected at its outer end
with a cross head or block fitted to slide longitudinally in suitable fixed guideways.
In order to impart a jerking motion occasionally to the vessel the following
device is provided:-On the outer end of the trunnion is secured a horizontally-
extending tube parallel with the handle. Into the said tube extends a rod
provided with a series of annular ridges placed at suitable distances apart. The
extreme outer end of the rod is normally mounted to slide and to turn in a universal
joint supported from the board previously mentioned as long as jerks are not
desired, but when the jerks are required the rod is fastened by a pin or other device
to the universal joint so that a longitudinal motion of the rod is prevented but it is
free to follow the gyrating motion of the vessel. The rod between its ridges is
engaged by two oppositely arranged plungers mounted to slide in suitable bearings
secured on the outer end of the tube. The plungers are pressed in contact with
the rod by springs held in the said bearings. Now when motion is given to the
apparatus the tube is caused to slide so that the plungers held in the bearings of
the said tube ride over the ridges on the rod, thus imparting certain jerks or shakes
to the vessel. In order to keep the vessel trembling slightly between successive
jerks springs are interposed between the bearings respectively and the vessel.
In order to tilt the vessel to remove the separated lighter particles, a tilting
device is provided. The trunnion is provided with a key engaging a slot in a
sleeve mounted to turn in a bearing formed on the bracket in alignment with the
bearing. On the outer end of this sleeve is keyed or otherwise secured an arm
extending downward and formed with a forked end in which are journalled the
trunnions of a nut in which screws a screw rod formed with a ball mounted to
turn in a ball bearing secured on brackets of which the one bracket is bolted
to an arm extending from the bearing and the other bracket is bolted to the
bracket.
On the extreme outer end of the screw rod is secured a handle or crank arm
adapted to be turned by the operator to screw the screw rod forward or backward
in the nut to exert a pull or push on the arm to turn the sleeve and consequently
the trunnion so that a tilting motion is given to the vessel. By turning the
crank arm in an opposite direction the vessel is returned to its normal horizontal
position.
In order to give additional jerks to the vessel the latter is provided with an
outwardly-extending arm formed at its under side with angularly extending ridges
adapted to ride over a pin held on a post set at the rear of the machine in the
ground or floor. In order to hold the brake shoes normally out of contact with
the wheel the said shoes may have their supporting frame formed with a rod fitted

page_text: to slide in the handle, the upper end of the said rod having pivotal connection
with a shifting lever in place of the rod before mentioned. A spring is coiled on
the rod and rests with one end on the handle pressing with its other end on the
shifting lever so as to hold the latter and the frame in such a position that the
brake shoes do not engage the wheel as the latter passes between the shoes and
only when the lever is pressed or raised do the shoes engage the wheel either on
the top or bottom. The frame may be lifted or dropped by a screw and nut
wheel the said wheel being worked by a chain under the control of the operator.
The shoes may also be mounted yieldingly on the frame to ensure proper contact
with the wheel.
The operation is as follows:-A charge of gravel, sand, earth, or crushed ore,
consisting of particles of different specific gravities, is put into the vessel and
enough water, the amount of which is determined by experience, is added to the
material and after establishing the proper distance between the centre of motion
and the centre of the vessel the machine is started by revolving the shaft in the
manner above described, which causes the socket to move the wheel around
eccentrically to the shaft and as the ring is mounted to turn in the rim of the said
wheel and is connected by the handle with the slot in the board the said bar
serves as a handle to turn the ring in its bearing in the rim of the wheel so that
an elliptical motion is given to the vessel the handle at its extension sliding in and
out of the slot and moving sidewise therein. Such a velocity is gradually imparted
to the vessel that all the materials, or nearly all, rise and remain in suspension.
The motion is then gradually slowed until a top skin or an upper layer of the
lightest materials present is left in suspension. The increasing velocity and the
subsequent decreasing velocity is given to the vessel by the operator varying
the motion of the main driving shaft or manipulating the frame so as to move
either of the brake shoes in engagement with the wheel as the latter comes around
on each side of the shaft. When the upper layer or top skin seems quite free
from heavier particles the vessel is slowly tilted or tipped over by the operator
turning the crank arm as above described. The top skin still floats in the
revolving water and gradually passes with the water to the lower side of the vessel
and is finally thrown over the edge of the latter by the force of the moving water.
The vessel is now again righted by the operator turning the crank arm in the
opposite direction, as above described, some water is added and another skin
separated and eliminated until finally a button or lump of the heaviest substances
present in the material remains in the bottom of the vessel. It depends on the
particular material to be separated out whether the skins or the buttons or lumps
are saved. The machine is principally employed, however, for separating gold
from gravel, and sulphurets from quartz, but apatite or phosphate of lime can also
be separated from heavier, less valuable, material.
It is understood that the tilting of the vessel takes place while the latter is in
motion, as above described, so that the water in motion carries the top skin with
it over the lower.edge of the tilted vessel; although it can be tilted, if necessary,
in a state of rest. It will also be seen that as the vessel approaches in its motion
the fixed board which forms the varying fulcrum for the sliding handle a push is
given to the said vessel and when it recedes a pull is given to the same, both due to
the friction of the handle in the slot of the board. The sides of the slot are
bevelled as previously described, to permit an oscillating motion of the vessel about
its own centre. It is apparent that this oscillating motion is a progressive one, as
one complete oscillation of the vessel on its own axis is made in the same time that
one revolution is made around the central shaft.
The peculiar motion given to the vessel causes each point of the vessel to
describe an ellipse on each full revolution of the shaft and the position of the
ellipses and their size vary according to the revolution of the respective point;
that is to say, the point nearest to the slot described a smaller ellipse than that
farthest from the slot. Furthermore, the position of the ellipses varies, owing to
the eccentric position of the wheel relative to the shaft and the friction caused by

page_text: the ring in its bearings on the top surface of the rim of the said wheel. The form
of the ellipse also varies whenever jerks are given to the vessel, each ellipse then
having protuberances.
It is understood that the bar and fixed pin give a vertical jig to the vessel only
when the latter is in a horizontal position and the frequency of the said jig given
by the plungers and the ridged rod to the vessel depends on the rapidity of the
motion of the main shaft. It is evident, however, that the frequency of jerks can
be altered by giving an independent reciprocating motion to the ridged rod
inside the tube either when the machine is in motion or more especially when
it is at rest. This independent reciprocating motion may be given by hand or by
mechanical means.
Dated this 2nd day of February 1895.
A. M. & WM. CLARK.
53, Chancery Lane, London, Chartered Patent Agents.
improve
I ALEXANDER MELVILLE CLARK, of the Firm of A. M. & Wm. Clark, of
53 Chancery Lane London Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Patent Agents,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention (a communication to me by
Walter John Hammond of 361 Broadway, New York City, United States of
America and John Gordon, of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, South America) and in
what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement:-
This invention relates to concentrators such as shown and described in the
Letters Patent of the United States of America, granted to Walter Johu
Hammond and John Gordon, dated April 7th 1891, No. 450,013.
The object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved apparatus
for mechanically separating lighter and heavier particles of ore and other substances,
in the same manner as is now done by a skilled hand in "panning."
The apparatus consists principally of a vessel preferably made conical_and
mechanism for imparting to it a varying motion around a fixed centre and an
Oscillating motion around its own centre, the latter being eccentric to the centre
of the reciprocal motion.
The invention also consists of certain parts and details and combinations of the
same; as will be hereinafter described and then pointed out in the claims.
Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this
Specification, in which similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in
all the figures.
Figure 1 is a sectional side elevation of the improvement ;
Figure 2 is a plan view of the same with parts in section on the line 2-2
of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional side view of a modified form of the apex of the
conical vessel, the section being taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 1 ;
Figure 4 is a similar view of another modified form of the same;
Figure 5 is a like view of another form of the same;
Figure 6 is a plan view of a modified form of bearing for the handle of the pan;
Figure 7 is an enlarged side elevation, with part in section, of the tilting
mechanism;
Figure 8 is a partly sectional side elevation of a modified form of the device for
varying the throw of the vessel;
Figure 9 is a diagrammatical view of the motion of the vessel;

page_text: Figure 10 is a sectional side elevation of a modified form of ring; and
Figure 11 is a side elevation of a modified form of shoe.
In order fully to understand the method which is carried out by means of the
improved apparatus, it is necessary to state the principles on which the invention is
'based. As is well known, heavy materials which will sink in water when the latter
is at rest, will float in and be carried by the same water when it is in motion. If
this motion is slow, only light substances will be lifted and carried, and if the
motion is rapid, heavier materials will be caught up; in fact, there is a direct
relation between the specific gravity of a body and the velocity required to lift and
carry it. In consequence of this relation, if a mixture of substances of different
specific gravities be put into a fluid, say water, to which is gradually imparted an
increasing velocity, the fluid will begin by picking up the lighter particles first and
then, as the velocity increases, the heavier particles in regular order, until finally,
if a high enough velocity is given, all the particles, light and heavy, will be kept
in suspension. If now the velocity is slowly diminished, the particles will begin to
deposit themselves, but in a reverse order; that is to say, the heavier particles will
come down first, the lighter settling the last of all.
If at any time the velocity is allowed to continue constant, a certain part of
the substances will be deposited and the rest will remain indefinitely in suspension;
that is so long as the velocity remains constant, so long will the bodies held up
continue in suspension. It is therefore evident that to effect a separation of the
mixed bodies, it is only necessary to increase the velocity until all are in suspension
and then to decrease it again, stopping the change at that point when the lightest
particles only are suspended, then removing these lightest particles, repeating the
operation to get rid of or to eliminate the next lightest, and so on, until finally the
heaviest particles remain alone.
The operation is greatly facilitated by giving little shakes or jigs to the mass of
water and suspended material, or by suddenly and temporarily checking the motion
of the water, not only because such jigs by momentarily changing the velocity of
the fluid produce in a minor degree the same effects as the more apparent changes
of motion described above, but also because they help to prevent the accumulation
of particles into lumps and groups, enabling the individual particle to free itself
from contact with others and so follow freely in its own course. For example, a
heavy particle may be prevented from falling by a number of light ones adhering
to it, while a light particle may be held down in a similar manner by heavier ones.
A quick jerk or jig frees them all, and it is evident that as in the process of sifting
any material, the more varied the jigs or jerks are in force and direction, the more
quickly and easily will the particles be freed from each other.
In order to obtain the above described result and to carry the method into
-effect, the apparatus shown in the drawings and presently to be described is
employed.
The concentrator is provided with a suitably constructed frame A, on which is
journaled in suitable bearings and steps the vertically disposed shaft B provided
with a pulley B¹ connected by a belt with suitable machinery for imparting a rotary
motion to the said shaft B, the motion being preferably varying in speed. It is
understood, however, that other suitable means may be employed for imparting a
rotary motion of any kind to the shaft. On the upper end of the shaft B is secured
a socket C, provided with two bearings C, in which is fitted to slide the diametrical
arm or spoke D' of a wheel D, disposed horizontally and carrying on the upper
surface of its rim a ring E, provided with an inwardly-extending flange E', engaged
by a flanged ring D³, bolted or otherwise secured to the rim of the wheel D, as is
plainly illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. The outermost face of the ring E abuts on
an annular flange D³, formed on the rim of the wheel D, so that the ring E is free
to turn on the rim of the wheel D, but is prevented by its flange E' engaged by the
flanged ring D³ from moving upward out of its bearing. If desired, the flange E
may be formed exteriorly as shown in Figure 10.
From opposing sides of the ring E extend upward and outward, the brackets E

page_text: and E3, provided with bearings E' and E' respectively, in which are mounted to
turn the trunnions F and F¹ respectively, bolted or otherwise secured to the outer
face of the vessel G, preferably made conical in shape as is plainly illustrated in
Figure 1, the apex of the vessel being in vertical alignment with the centre of the
ring E. The ring E is provided with a handle E having an extension E extending
outwardly parallel to and below the trunnion F', as will be readily understood by
reference to Figure 1. The apex of the vessel G is preferably made in the shape
of a block, having either the form shown in Figure 1, or that, of G2 or G³, shown
in Figures 3 and 4. The lock G, has a conical recess, while the block G is
straight, and the block G³, convexed, on its upper surface. Each of the blocks is
secured in place by a bolt and nut, as is plainly shown in the said figures, and the
varying forms are necessary according to the material to be treated.
As illustrated in Figure 5, the apex G4 is exteriorly removable so that the
concentrates accumulating in the apex of the pan, can from time to time be
removed without disturbing the other solid matter in the other part of the pau.
The base or top of the vessel G is preferably provided with a separate and
upwardly and inwardly curved annular rim G', to prevent splashing of the material
under treatment over the upper edge of the vessel. In this rim G' is arranged a
gate G, of any approved construction and serving to discharge part of the
contents of the vessel when the latter is tilted as hereinafter more fully
described.
From the under side of the rim of the wheel D depends a bracket D', in which
is journaled a screw rod H, directly under and parallel to the arm D', said screw
being provided on its outer end with a wheel H¹, and having its inner threaded
end screwing in a nut C2 attached to one of the bearings C₁ of the socket C.
Now, by turning the wheel H' in one direction the wheel D, and consequently the
ring E and vessel G, are caused to slide inward, as the arm D₁ is fitted to slide
in the bearings C of the socket C. By turning the wheel H in the other direction
the said wheel D is fitted to slide in the opposite direction, carrying the ring E and
the vessel G with it. The screw rod H is located directly under the arm D, so
that the centre of the wheel D may be made to coincide with the shaft B if desired,
but in order to successfully operate the machine the centre of the wheel D must be
held eccentric to the shaft B.
In order to automatically impart the forward and backward motion to the
wheel H above described, to move the centre of the wheel D nearer to or farther
from the centre of the shaft B, the following device is provided. On the handle E
extending from the ring E is fitted to slide vertically a frame I, provided with
brake or friction shoes and 1' located opposite each other, and arranged in such
manner as to engage either the top or bottom of the wheel H¹ on each revolution
of the shaft B, whenever the said wheel passes between the said shoes.
By shifting the frame 12 downward into the position shown in Figure 1, the
shoe I will be engaged by the wheel H', as the latter passes between the two
shoes, but the lowermost shoe I¹ will then be out of contact with the said wheel,
and consequently the latter will be turned in one direction as long as it is in
contact with and rolls off on the upper shoe I. Now, when the frame I² is moved
upward, the wheel H₁, in passing between the brake shoes, will roll off on the
brake shoe I and be out of contact with the brake shoe I, and as the said brake
shoe engages the wheel H' at the bottom, the said wheel will be turned in an
opposite direction. If desired, the frame 12 may be moved into an intermediate
position, so that the wheel Hi will engage neither of the shoes I nor I' and no
feeding of the screw H in either direction will take place, but the said screw will
remain at a standstill.
In order to shift the frame I' in the manner above described, it is provided with
au elongated aperture 13 engaged by a pin on an arm I held on a shaft I,
extending transversely and mounted to turn in the handle Ee previously described.
On the shaft 1 is secured a second arm I standing approximately at right angles
to the arm I' and pivotally connected with a rod 1' having a handle I³, adapted.

page_text: to be taken hold of by the operator to move the said rod forward or backward, to
impart a swinging motion to the shaft 15 and the arm 1 to raise or lower the
frame 12 for the purpose above described. On the rod I', near the handle I³, is
arranged a pin 1° adapted to engage one of a series of notches E' arranged on an
extension E forming part of the handle E previously mentioned. The operator,
after shifting the rod 17 to move the frame 12 into the desired position, engages
the lug 1 in the corresponding notch E7 to lock the said rod and consequently the
frame 12 in position until it is desired. to change the motion of the screw rod H as
above described. The extension E8 of the handle E has a bearing in a fixed
board J, and for this purpose, the latter is provided with an opening J having
beveled sides (see Fig. 2) so as to permit a sidewise swinging of the handle, and
also to permit a forward and backward sliding of the handle in the said board.
As illustrated in Figure 6 the handle E may be pivotally connected at its
outer end with a cross head or block E15 fitted to slide longitudinally in suitable
fixed guideways E¹º.
In order to impart a jerking motion occasionally to the vessel G, the following
device is provided: On the outer end of the trunnion F¹ is secured the
horizontally-extending tube K, parallel with the handle E. Into the said tube
extends a rod L provided with a series of annular ridges L', placed at suitable
distances apart, as is plainly shown in Figure 1. The extreme outer end of the
rod L is normally mounted to slide and to turn in a universal joint N supported
from the board previously mentioned, as long as jerks are not desired; but when
the jerks are required, the rod L is fastened by a pin N1 or other device to the
universal joint N, so that a longitudinal motion of the rod L is prevented but it is
free to follow the gyrating motion of the vessel G. The rod L, between its
ridges L', is engaged by two oppositely-arranged plungers O, mounted to slide in
suitable bearings K₁ secured on the outer end of the tube K. The plungers O
are pressed in contact with the rod L by springs O' held in the said bearings K',
as is plainly shown in Figure 1. Now, when motion is given to the apparatus,
the tube K is caused to slide so that the plungers O held in the bearings K₁ of
the said tube ride over the ridges L' on the rod L, thus imparting certain jerks
or shakes to the vessel. In order to keep the vessel G trembling slightly between
successive jerks, springs F2 and F3 are interposed between the bearings E* E'
respectively and the vessel G, as is plainly shown in Figure 1.
In order to tilt the vessel G to remove the separated lighter particles, a tilting
device is provided which is shown fully in Figures 1 and 7. The trunnion F is
provided with a key F engaging a slot in a sleeve P mounted to turn in a
bearing E formed on the bracket E2 in alignment with the bearing E. On the
outer end of this sleeve P is keyed or otherwise secured an arm PI extending
downward and formed with a forked end P2 in which are journaled the trunnions Q
of a nut Q in which screws a screw rod R formed with a ball R' mounted to turn
in a ball bearing E" secured on brackets E and E¹³, of which the bracket E2 is
bolted to an arm E¼ extending from the bearing E, and the other bracket E¹³ is
bolted to the bracket E2. On the extreme outer end of the screw rod R is secured
a handle or crank arm R2 adapted to be turned by the operator to screw the
screw rod R. forward or backward in the nut Q, to exert a pull or push on the
arm P, to turn the sleeve P, and consequently the trunnion F, so that a tilting
motion is given to the vessel G. By turning the crank arm R2 in an opposite
direction the vessel G is. returned to its normal horizontal position.
In order to give additional jerks to the vessel G, the latter is provided with an
outwardly-extending arm T formed at its under side with angularly extending
ridges T adapted to ride over a pin U on a post U¹ set at the rear of the machine
in the ground or floor, as is plainly shown in Figures 1 and
In order to hold the shoes I and I¹ normally out of contact with the wheel H¹,
the device shown in Figure 8 may be provided, the said shoes having their
supporting frame 12 formed with a rod S¹ fitted to slide in the handle E, the
upper end of the said rod being pivotally-connected with a shifting lever S² which

page_text: takes the place of the rod 17. A spring S is coiled on the rod S¹ and rests with
one end on the handle E, pressing with its other end on the lever S' so as to hold
the latter and the frame I in such a position that the shoes I and I do not
engage the wheel H¹ as the latter passes between the shoes, and only when the
lever S' is pressed or raised do the shoes I and I engage the wheel either on the
top or bottom. The frame I may be raised or lowered by a screw and nut wheel
as shown in Figure 11; the said wheel being worked by a chain under the control
of the operator. The shoes I and 1' may also be mounted yieldingly on the
frame as shown in the said Figure 11 to insure proper contact with the
wheel H.
The operation is as follows:
A charge of gravel, sand, earth or crushed ore consisting of particles of different.
specific gravities, is put into the vessel G and enough water, the amount of which
is determined by experience, is added to the material, and after establishing
the proper distance between the centre of motion and the centre of the vessel G the
machine is started by revolving the shaft B in the manner above described. The
revolving of the shaft B causes the socket C to move the wheel D around,
eccentrically to the shaft B, and as the ring E is mounted to turn in the rim of
the said wheel and is connected by the bar E with the slot J' in the board J, the
said bar serves as a handle to turn the ring in its bearing in the rim of the
wheel D, so that an elliptical motion is given to the vessel G, the handle E at
its extension E sliding in and out of the slot J¹ and moving sidewise therein.
Such a velocity is gradually imparted to the vessel G that all the materials, or
nearly all, rise and remain in suspension. The motion is then gradually slowed
until a top skin or an upper layer of the lightest materials present is left in
suspension. The increasing velocity and the subsequent decreasing velocity is
given to the vessel G by the operator varying the motion of the main driving.
shaft or manipulating the frame 12 so as to move either of the brake shoes I or II
in engagement with the wheel H', as the latter comes around on each side of the
shaft B. When the upper layer or top skin seems quite free from heavier
particles, the vessel G is slowly tilted or tipped over by the operator turning the
crank arm R2 as above described. The top skin still floats in the revolving water
and gradually passes with the water to the lower side of the vessel, and is finally
thrown over the edge of the latter by the force of the moving water. The
vessel G is now again righted by the operator turning the crank arm R2 in the
opposite direction, as above described, some water is added, and another skin
separated and eliminated, until finally a button or lump of the heaviest substances
present in the material remains in the bottom of the vessel G. It depends on the
particular material to be separated out whether the skins or the buttons or lumps
are saved. The machine is principally employed, however, for separating gold
from gravel, and sulphurets from quartz, but apatite or phosphate of lime can also
be separated from heavier, less valuable material.
It is understood that the tilting of the vessel G takes place while the latter
is in motion, as above described, so that the water in motion carries the top
skin with it over the lower edge of the tilted vessel; although it can be tilted,
if necessary, in a state of rest. It will also be seen that as the vessel G
approaches in its motion the fixed board J, which forms the varying fulcrum
for the sliding handle E6, a push is given to the said vessel, and when it
recedes a pull is given to the same, both due to the friction of the handle E
in the slot J of the board J. The sides of the slot J' are beveled, as previously
described, to permit an oscillating motion of the vessel G about its own centre.
It is apparent that this oscillating motion is a progressive one, as one complete
oscillation of the vessel on its own axis is made in the same time that one
revolution is made around the central shaft B.
By reference to Figure 9, it will be seen that the peculiar motion given to
the vessel G causes each point of the vessel to describe an ellipse on each full
revolution of the shaft B, and the position of the ellipses and their size vary
B

page_text: according to the revolution of the respective point; that is to say, the point
nearest the slot J' describes a smaller ellipse than that farthest from the slot.
Furthermore, the position of the ellipses varies, owing to the eccentric position of
the wheel D relative to the shaft B, and the friction caused by the ring E in its
bearings on the top surface of the rim of the said wheel D. The form of the
ellipse also varies whenever jerks are given to the vessel, each ellipse then having
protuberances as shown in one of the ellipses in the said Figure 9.
It is understood that the bar T and fixed pin U give a vertical jig to the
vessel G, only when the latter is in a horizontal position, and the frequency of
the said jig given by the plungers O and the ridged rod L to the vessel G depends
on the rapidity of the motion of the main shaft B. It is evident, however, that the
frequency of jerks can be altered by giving an independent reciprocating motion
to the ridged rod Linside the tube K, either when the machine is in motion or
more especially when it is at rest. This independent reciprocating motion may be
given by hand or by mechanical means.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is,
1. A concentrator, comprising a revoluble shaft, a disk or wheel eccentrically
mounted thereon, and a vessel-carrying ring mounted to turn on the said wheel and
provided with an extension or handle having guided movement in a fixed bearing,
substantially as described.
2. A concentrator comprising a revoluble shaft, a disk or wheel eccentrically
mounted thereon, a vessel-carrying ring mounted on the disk to turn relatively
thereto, and provided with an extension or handle, and a fixed bearing in which
the said extension has guided movement, to impart to the ring and vessel a gyrating
motion about the centre of the shaft, and an oscillating motion about the vessel's
own centre, substantially as described.
3. A concentrator, comprising a revoluble shaft carrying bearings, a wheel fitted
to slide in said bearings, a ring mounted to turn on the said wheel, a vessel carried
by the said ring, and means for causing the ring to oscillate relatively to the wheel,
substantially as described.
4. A concentrator, comprising a revoluble shaft, a ring mounted on the shaft and
constructed to slide toward and from the centre thereof, a vessel carried by the
said ring and means for causing the vessel to oscillate relatively to the wheel, and
means for adjusting the said ring to vary its eccentricity and the range of its
gyratory motion, substantially as described.
5. A concentrator, comprising a revoluble shaft, a ring mounted on the shaft
and constructed to slide toward and from the centre thereof, a vessel carried by
the said ring, means for causing the vessel to oscillate relatively to the wheel, an
adjusting screw for moving the said ring to vary the eccentricity thereof, said
screw being provided with a wheel, and a shoe arranged to engage the said wheel
as the screw revolves with the shaft, to rotate the screw and move the vessel-
carrying ring in an essentially radial direction, substantially as described.
6. The combination of a revoluble shaft, a vessel carrying ring mounted on the
shaft and constructed to slide toward and from the centre thereof, a vessel carried
by the said ring, means for causing the vessel to oscillate relatively to the wheel,
an adjusting screw for moving the said ring to vary the eccentricity thereof, said
screw being provided with a wheel, and a movable frame provided with shoes
adapted to engage the said wheel as the screw revolves with the shaft, to rotate
the screw and move the vessel-carrying ring inward or outward, substantially as
described.
7. A concentrator, comprising a vessel provided with trunnions, a ring or
support provided with bearings to receive the said trunnions, and means for
imparting a gyratory motion to the ring, substantially as described.
• 8. A concentrator, comprising a vessel having trunnions mounted to slide in

page_text: suitable bearings, a sleeve in which one of the trunnions has sliding movement,.
and with which the said trunnion is held to turn, and means for turning the sleeve
to tilt the vessel, substantially as described.
9. A concentrator, comprising a revoluble shaft carrying a socket having
bearings, a wheel fitted to slide horizontally in the said bearings, a ring mounted
to turn on the rim of the said wheel, and a vessel having trunnions journaled in
bearings supported on the said ring, substantially as shown and described.
10. A concentrator, comprising a revoluble shaft carrying a socket having
bearings, a wheel fitted to slide horizontally in the said bearings, a ring mounted
to turn on the rim of the said wheel, a vessel having trunnions journaled in
bearings supported on the said ring, and a handle extending from the said ring and
guided in fixed bearings, substantially as shown and described.
11. A. concentrator, comprising a revoluble shaft carrying a socket having
bearings, a wheel fitted to slide horizontally in the said bearings, a ring mounted
to turn on the rim of the said wheel, a vessel having trunnions journaled in.
bearings supported on the said ring, a handle extending from the said ring and
guided on fixed bearings, a screw rod screwing in the said wheel and engaging a
nut in the said socket, a wheel held on said screw rod, and a frame fitted to slide
and carrying two shoes adapted to engage the top and bottom of the said wheel,
substantially as shown and described.
12. A concentrator, comprising a revoluble shaft carrying a socket having
bearings, a wheel fitted to slide horizontally in the said bearings, a ring mounted to
turn on the rim of the said wheel, a vessel having trunnions journaled in bearings
supported on said ring, and a handle extending from the said ring and guided
in fixed bearings, a screw rod screwing in the said wheel and engaging a nut in
the said socket, a wheel held on said screw rod, a frame fitted to slide and carrying
two shoes adapted to engage the top and bottom of the said wheel, and a
mechanism for imparting a sliding motion to the said frame, as set forth.
13. A concentrator, comprising a vessel having trunnions mounted to slide in
suitable bearings, a sleeve turning with one of the said trunnions, and permitting
the latter to slide in the sleeve, an arm secured on the said sleeve, a nut mounted
to turn in the said arm, and a screw rod screwing in the said nut and journaled in
fixed bearings, substantially as shown and described.
14. A concentrator, comprising a vessel having trunnions, a ring having bearings
engaged by the said trunnions, a tube extending from one of the said trunnions and
carrying spring-pressed plungers, a rod having ridges extending into the said tube
and adapted to engage or be engaged by the said plungers, and a fixed support
with which the said rod is adapted to be connected, the vessel being adapted to
move toward and from the said support, substantially as shown and described.
15. A concentrator, comprising a vessel having trunnions, a ring having bearings
engaged by the said trunnions, a tube extending from one of the said trunnions
and carrying spring-pressed plungers, a rod having ridges and extending into the
said tube and adapted to engage or be engaged by the said plungers, a stationary
universal joint for carrying the outer end of the said rod, the vessel having move-
ment toward and from the said joint, and means for preventing longitudinal
movement of the rod in the said joint, substantially as shown and described.
16. A concentrator, comprising a revoluble shaft, a vessel-carrying ring eccen-
trically mounted on the shaft to turn relatively thereto, and provided with an
extension or handle, and a fixed bearing in which the said extension has guided
movement, to impart to the ring and vessel a gyrating motion about the centre of
the shaft, and an oscillating motion about the vessel's own centre, substantially as
described.
17. A concentrator, comprising a suitable vessel, means for imparting a gyrating
motion thereto, and an extension or handle connected to the vessel and having
guided movement in a fixed bearing to cause the vessel to oscillate about its centre,
as and for the purpose set forth.
18. A concentrator, comprising a revoluble shaft carrying bearings, a wheel

page_text: fitted to slide in said bearings, and a vessel-carrying ring mounted to turn on the
said wheel, substantially as described.
19. A concentrator, comprising a revoluble shaft, a vessel-carrying ring mounted
on the shaft and constructed to slide toward and from the centre thereof, and means
for adjusting the said ring to vary its eccentricity and the range of its gyratory
motion, substantially as described.
20. A concentrator, comprising a revoluble shaft, a vessel-carrying ring mounted
on the shaft and constructed to slide toward and from the centre thereof, an
adjusting screw for moving the said ring to vary the eccentricity thereof, said
screw being provided with a wheel, and a shoe arranged to engage the said wheel
as the screw revolves with the shaft, to rotate the screw and move the vessel-
carrying ring in an essentially radial direction, substantially as described.
21. The herein before described construction and arrangement of parts, consti-
tuting the improved concentrator, substantially as set forth with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
Dated this 4th day of March 1895.
A. M. & WM. CLARK,
53, Chancery Lane, London, Chartered Patent Agents.
A. M. & WM. CLARK,
53, Chancery Lane, London, Chartered Patent Agents.