IMPROVEMENTS IN DRESSING, CRUSHING, AND AMALGAMATING METALLIC ORES, AND IN APPARATUS EMPLOYED FOR THESE PURPOSES
Year: 1870

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Boyns, of St. Just, in the County of
Cornwall, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN DRESSING, CRUSHING,
AND AMALGAMATING METALLIC ORES, AND IN APPARATUS EMPLOYED FOR
THESE PURPOSES.”
Sealed the 7th March 1871, and dated the 10th December 1870.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Boyns at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
10th December 1870.
I, JOHN BOYNS, of St. Just, in the County of Cornwall, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN DRESSING,
CRUSHING, AND AMALGAMATING METALLIC ORES, AND IN APPARATUS EMPLOYED FOR
THESE PURPOSES," to be as follows:-
In working metallic mines ores are often found scattered in minute
particles through the lodes or veins. The tin ores from the numerous
mines in Cornwall give an average produce of from two to three per
cent. of black tin, to extract which a large quantity of waste matter has
to be disposed of.
The modes of dressing or cleaning hitherto adopted have entailed very
considerable expense, besides involving in the process a loss of a greater

page_text: or less quantity of the ore which it was the object to save, but which it
has been found impossible to separate entirely from the refuse, as much
as one-twelfth or one-thirteenth of the ore often being allowed to escape.
The most modern improvement adopted in tin dressing is that called
"the round buddle" (concave or convex), which receives the orey
matter from the stamping mill and deposits it upon a circular inclined
plane. The inclination of the surface of the buddle being so arranged
that the mineral being the heaviest commodity might be deposited at
the highest part, while the lighter refuse is taken off by the water or
deposited at the lower part of the buddle, but it is found in practice
that this mode of dressing does not effect the separation of the different
sizes of the ore being treated, but while what is saved is found con-
gregated altogether at the higher part, some ore contained either in the
larger particles (in Cornwall called "roughs") and the very finest of the
tin contained in the finest portion of the material under treatment (in
Cornwall called "slimes") has of necessity been permitted to escape
with the refuse, the consequence. being that the rough and the fine
material (in Cornish tin mines termed "tin stuff") remain mixed
together with a great part of the waste matter. When the operation of
"buddling" has been continued for a time and the buddle becomes
sufficiently full the "stuff" has to be removed by hand labor, being
divided into the different qualities (which in Cornwall are called " crop
crese and "slimes". This operation of buddling is then repeated as often
as is considered necessary, the ore being washed over and over until the
greater part of the waste matter is separated from it, each washing or
buddling necessitating the removal by manual labor of the ore from
one buddle into a receptacle from which to be washed into the next
buddle, thus causing great and needless expense. These round buddles
are worked by machinery, and have proved to be much less expensive
in operation than the "hand buddles," "flat trunks,'
" "hand frames,"
and such like formerly in use, and which required constant superin-
tendence. At the same time they secure much greater expedition.
When the ore and waste are deposited together in the buddles the
' slimey" water (mud, in fact,) unites the waste with the ore. From
the above it will be seen that while the present mode of dressing with
the round buddle is (except in mines where the ore is very clean and
requires little dressing and some cases in which the whole of the ore is
in extremely fine particles) a great improvement on former methods,
66

page_text: there has up to the present time been no plan adopted for separating the
different classes of tin ore, or an efficient mode of preventing portions of
the ore in the "slimes" and "roughs" being carried off with the waste.
In addition to the above difficulties in connection with the "round
buddles", now in use it is found that they all require careful watching
and looking after to prevent the water containing the orey matter from
forming channels in the deposited stuff (in Cornwall called "stripping"),
and thus allowing the ore to get washed away at the end of the buddle
with the refuse. To obviate these defects and generally to improve the
methods and appliances at present in use I adopt the machinery, modes,
methods, and appliances herein-after specified for dressing and saving
metallic ores. I do not propose to supersede the present mode of breaking,
crushing, stamping, or pulverising the ores in the stone as raised from
the mine, but my intentions are merely to deal with the ores after they
have been reduced by stamping or otherwise to a proper size, except that
I adopt a new mode herein-after described for pulverising sand or gravel
(in Cornish tin mines called "roughs" and "burnt leavings"). Metallic
ores are more easily separated from the waste or matrix with which they
are combined when newly crushed or pulverised than at any other time.
While the ore is held in suspension in the water newly broken fresh
streams of clear water should be immediately brought into action upon
it to separate it from the waste, and also to separate the different size
ore before it is allowed to deposit or settle down, and means should
afterwards be applied for the proper and efficient treatment of the
various classes of ores.
1. SEPARATING OR SIZING MACHINERY. SHEET 1.
I separate the ores as they come from the stamping mill, crusher, or
pulveriser into different sizes by means of a funnel-shaped pit or cistern
(marked A, B, C, in the plan) with a revolving receptacle in the centre
) (D, E). This pit or cistern to be deep, as the nature of the ground and
other circumstances will permit, or, if practicable, it may be raised above
the ground, which in some instances will be found necessary that the
requisite fall may be made available. The stream of water that contains
the ore is conducted by means of a pipe, launder, shoot, or conduit (F)
6 into a receptacle at the top of the machine; such receptacle may be
supplied or fitted with blades of iron, wood, or other material, so that
the water as it enters it shall make it revolve, or, if it be preferred, the
revolutions may be produced by machinery with a shaft at the top of
A

page_text: the axis driven by any available power.
In revolving the heavier
particles of ore subside to the bottom, and are let out through an open-
ing (H) made for the purpose around the centre axis, while the fine
powdered ore and the light refuse are let out continually through holes
at various distances or heights from the bottom (I, J,) thus dividing the
ores into the requisite number of sizes, and to a considerable extent in
this first operation separating it into different qualities. Each of these
outlets is provided with a pipe, launder, shoot, or conduit (K, L, M,) and
each of these pipes, launders, shoots, or conduits, is fitted with a ball
stop valve (M, N,) to regulate the quantity of matter escaping, or this
may be done by an ordinary flushet. Each size is then taken over
separate washing machinery adapted to the quality of the ore to be
treated until the washing is complete. Where the situation of the dressing
floors will not admit of an incline sufficient for a pit or cistern there
should be a large triangular launder (P, Q,) commonly called a saddle
backed or the launder, or a deep narrow gutter with openings (R, S, T,) in
the bottom, through which the ore carried on by the stream might
escape. The heavier particles passed through the first opening to supply
the first washing machine herein-after described or the ordinary dressing
machinery now in use. Particles less heavy pass through the next
opening, and the lightest escape through the last.
Either of the above-described machines may be adopted, and the
subsequent washing done by means of the present dressing appliances,
which however it would be best to have so placed as to permit of
the water containing the ore being conducted to them before being
deposited, and where the nature of the ground or other circumstances
will not permit of this, cup wheels or other lifting appliances might be
used.
But for the more effective and less expensive process I adopt and
recommend the adoption of the following mode of washing, which forms
a portion of my Invention, and which moreover may be used without
the above-mentioned separating machinery, but in the place or instead of
or where thought advisable in conjunction with the present modes of
dressing or any part or parts thereof.
ML
2. WASHING MACHINERY.
SHEET 2.
chinou maniere the one that comes from the contine

page_text: ing, crushing, or pulverising machinery, or at any stage of the present
method of dressing. The ore is washed by a machine with two circular
inclines (A, B, and C, D,) convex or concave (the former I recommend),
the inner one of such a size as may be found practicable; but I recom-
mend about fourteen feet diameter, the outer one of a size in proportion
to the inner one, but I recommend a diameter of twenty-four feet in
conjunction with the inner one of fourteen feet, or in that proportion or
as near thereto as practicable. The inclination of the incline will depend
to a great extent upon the size and quality of the matter being treated.
I recommend one inch to four feet, or thereabout, as suitable for ordinary
tin stuff, the inclination of the outer inclined plane or circle (C, D,) to
be a little more than the inner one (A, B,) as very nearly the same
quantity of orey matter suspended in water will have to flow over a
larger surface. There must be a sudden drop over the sharp outer edge
(E and F) of each circle to permit of the orey deposit being washed off
into the outer conduit or launder of the larger or outer circle (C, D,)
and into the only conduit or launder (H) round the smaller or inner
circle (the position of such conduits or launders being next herein-after
described) by the application of clear water, and to prevent its "running.
or trickling down, as it will continue to do into the inner conduit at
all times, except when being subjected to the stream of clear water. The
drop at the outer edge of each circle is arranged to permit of the
The smaller inner
discharge of the water, as herein-after mentioned.
incline or circle (A, B,) is surrounded by a conduit or what is called in
Cornwall launder" (H) fixed under its outer edge to carry off the ore,
but leaving a sufficient space between the edge of the inner circle and
the conduit or launder to permit of the tin stuff in the water running
or trickling down at all times except when the stream of clear water
is brought to bear on it. The larger outer incline or circle (C, D,) is
surrounded by two narrow conduits, launders, or gutters (G and I);
the outer one (G) to carry off the ore, and the inner one (I) the
refuse, the outer one being placed similarly to the launder around
the inner circle. Standing up in the centre is a hollow iron pipe (J)
which serves as an axis. Fixed to this is an iron pan (K) which
receives the ore from the stamping mill, crusher, or pulveriser (or by
any other means) suspended in water, and lets it out again around
the centre axis over an inclined plate of iron (L) of a size in pro-
portion to the other parts of the machine; but I recommend a diameter
6
"

page_text: of about four feet as suitable to the sizes of fourteen and twenty-four
feet respectively, as mentioned above. This inclined iron plate is made
to revolve slowly with the axis and pan (J and K) by means of a worm
screw or other available machinery or appliance (M) on the top of the
axis, or by such other means as may be thought practicable and advisable.
When there is a want of other motive power this machinery may be
moved by means of weights or springs similar to those used in clocks.
This plate is divided by narrow ribs to separate the stream that the
water may flow regularly over the whole surface of the machine at the
same time, or there may be a stationary pan or cistern instead of the pan
(K) and the iron plate (L), this pan to be kept as low as possible and to be
from four or five feet in diameter and six or eight inches deep, and
provided with a number of small holes (T, T,) to let the orey matter out
over the machine in a regular quantity, and the better to secure a steady
supply from all parts of the pan at the same time I recommend that
the bottom of the pan or cistern shall be provided with a well (U) in the
centre, into which the water containing the orey matter shall fall from
the launder or shoot, and from thence it shall overflow towards the sides
of the pan or cistern when the holes will let it out over the machine
but when the stream into the pan or cistern can be kept regular this will
be found immaterial. The lighter matter (the refuse) is carried off
continuously by the water into the first narrow gutter or channel (I)`
around its outer edge (F). Where the quality of the "stuff" contained in
the water continuously running off or escaping is sufficiently good it can be
conducted to another machine to be rewashed, or if containing no ore, or
ore of a low quality, it may be allowed to escape altogether. While the
ore is deposited on its surface in two qualities No. 1 on the inner incline
(A, B,) and No. 2 on the outer (C, D). The ore deposited on the two
inclines is then washed off into separate launders (H and G.) fixed
around the edge of each incline; this is effected by means of streams of
clear water conducted from the iron pipe in the centre (J) out over
the two inclines (A, B, and C, D,) by four smaller pipes (N and O)
fixed to it near the bottom, which moving slowly around with the plate
(L) and axis (J) gradually and uniformly operate on the whole of the
surface and wash the deposit into the condeyts (G and H). The surface
of the inner and outer inclines or circles (A, B, and C, D,) is composed
of wood (planed or unplaned according to the description of the stuff
under treatment) divided into small sections, strips, or frames about six

page_text: -
or eight inches wide tapering towards the centre. These sections, strips,
or frames at the outer end of the larger incline or circle are narrowed by
the introduction of small wood slips or wedges in order that the stream:
may be sufficiently concentrated to obtain force enough to wash off the
deposited ore. It is important that the surface of each section or strip
is perfectly level or true. These strips or sections of wood are divided
from each other by thin pieces of iron or copper or other suitable
material. The divisions in large machines may be made of wood in the
shape of wedges, so that these sections, strips, or frames may be of equal
breadth or nearly so from the top to the bottom; this will be found desir-
able for some ores, but in most cases it will be best to let the water
spread as it runs down. By means of this division the stream of clean
water is brought to bear upon only a section of the inclined plane at one
time. Arrangements must be made by tap, flushet, or small pipes or
other available appliances in connection with the apparatus for conduct-
ing the stream of clear water over the machine and for regulating the
quantity; one pipe only washes off the ore, the other carries off the refuse.
To secure this the outlets in one pipe are placed at a greater distance
from the axis than the other. The height at which the water can be
brought into the centre axis will determine the amount of water necessary.
Arrangements must always be made to secure a sufficient supply, and
so arranged as to displace the matter deposited on the sections, strips, or
frames and wash it off with such an amount of force that when brought
to bear upon one section at a time it will wash off the ore and other
matter found upon it at such a speed or velocity at its outer edge (G
and H) that it will pass over the first narrow gutter (I) of the outer
circle (C, D,) and be received in the outer ones (G and H) for a further
washing or not as the case may require. The sections, strips, or frames
of the inner incline are not narrowed at the outer end but allowed to
radiate from the top except where from want of sufficient water or the
extra size of the machine or from other peculiar circumstances it
be
considered necessary to make the same provision as mentioned for the
outer circle. The ore from the inner circle may be conducted into the
launder by a wide spout attached to the pipe that carries the water to
wash off the ore and will thus rotate together. By the adoption of this
plan of washing ores a series of small dead frames are made available, a
constant supply of water containing the ore is allowed to flow over them,
while by means of the pipe conveying the stream of clear water the
refuse and ores are properly separated and removed to their respective
may

page_text: receptacles without the intervention of any manual labor (in itself a
great saving of expense) while a great deal of time is saved, so that less
machinery and water will be required.
3. WASHING MACHINERY.
SHEET 3.
In some cases, if preferred and found more practicable, the bed (A, B,) |
divided into sections, strips, or frames instead of being fixed may be
made to rotate, and the pipes that carry the clear water to wash off the
ore instead of rotating may be fixed, but the surface in either case must
be divided into sections as described. The rotating table (A, B,) may be
of any size that may be found convenient, but I recommend about
eighteen feet in diameter made of wood fixed to an upright iron shaft
or axle (C, D,) in the centre and caused to rotate slowly by means of
worm gear or other driving machinery fixed on the top of the axis. It is
inclined outward from the centre the inclination may vary from one inch
to a quarter of an inch in a foot to suit the different size ore to be treated,
its surface is divided into small sections by thin pieces of iron, copper,
zinc, lead, or other material, each section is about eight or nine inches
wide at the outer edge and narrows as it goes towards the centre. The
slimy water is carried into a receptacle or round cistern fixed in the
centre of the table and provided with small holes, as described in the
Number 2 machine, from which the orey matter is allowed to flow into
the different sections. The refuse being the lightest is carried off its
outer edge (E) by the water into a narrow gutter (F) fixed round the
table. The fine powdered ore is left on the face of the table and is
washed off continuously one section at a time by means of an iron
pipe (G) fixed over the face of the table on one side with several small
holes in it letting out streams of clear water with such force as to wash
off all the fine powdered ore that is deposited thereon into a launder
provided for the purpose.

page_text: former ones and taper towards the centre (B), working round the centre
axis. (C, D,) is another axis (E, F,) with an iron pan (G) fixed to it
with holes and pipes leading from it, attached to which are long spouts
(H) to distribute the water containing the ore to the outer part of the
circle. This pan with the spouts or arms makes four or five revolutions
per minute, and is worked by a shaft and driving gear on the top of the
axis. The centre axis (O, D,) makes one revolution in three or four
minutes, as may be required. The speed at which both the centre and
outer axis work must depend to a considerable degree on the size of the
machine, the number of spouts or arms, and to a certain extent on the
quality of the stuff. This is worked by worm or other applicable driving
gear fixed to a shaft near the top or bottom of the axis. Attached to
this pan are one, two, three, or more spouts, arms, or pipes (I) to carry
the clear water over, and it is so arranged with holes in the spouts, arms,
or pipes to permit of its falling on the whole surface one division at a
time and consecutively one after the other in order to wash off the ore
deposited into a receptacle (K) in the centre, around which and between
it and the bed of the sections there is a narrow channel (L) to carry off
the refuse, which, as in the machines described as Numbers 2 and 3, will
until washed off violently by the rush of the clear water continue to run
or trickle into the narrow refuse channel, but if from want of
proper and
sufficient levels or want of sufficient clear water to fall pipes may conduct
the water to the upper end of the sections, divisions, or frames so as to
wash off the deposit by means of letting a sudden influx of clear water
run down the inclines of the various sections. As the water is at its
weakest point at the extremity of the circle the heaviest particles of ore
are deposited at once, while the refuse is carried off by the water which
in consequence of the narrowing of the channels) gathers strength as it
flows toward the centre into the channel (L) prepared for it.
5.-WASHING MACHINERY.
SHEET 5.
I adopt the following machinery for the treatment of light ores or
roughs which may be carried off with the refuse from the machines
already in use, those herein previously described, or any other kind of
light ores. I wash them by means of a buddle, which may be of any
size to suit locality, but where practicable I recommend about twenty-five
feet in diameter inclined outward from the centre. To suit a buddle of
twenty-five feet diameter a raised centre (A, B,) four feet in diameter
made of wood, I reccommend that proportion or near thereto for any

page_text: size buddle. The bottom (C, D,) of the buddle is level with the floor,
and around its outer edge is a gutter (E) six or eight inches wide and
about eighteen inches deep under the level of the floor. Against the
inner side of the gutter is fitted an iron ring (F) about one foot deep
and about one-eighth of an inch thick, which is gradually raised by
means of eight or ten screws (G) (more or less as may be required for the
size and weight) as the buddle fills. The screws may be fixed on iron
or wood pillars at equal distances on the inner side of the gutter or
trench, or the iron ring may be lifted by pulleys and chains fixed to
beams or other supports above. The water that holds the ore in sus-
pension is delivered by means of spouts, pipes, or launders (H) from an
iron pan (I) fixed to the centre axis (J) with two receptacles in it, one
to receive the water holding the ore in suspension, and the other clear
water to carry off the refuse. Attached to the iron pan are also radial.
arms (K) to carry wipers &c. (L) which rotate altogether with the axis
and tend to keep a true and smooth surface to the buddle. As the slimey
or muddy water holding the ore in suspension is delivered by the spouts
on the raised centre other spouts are distributing streams of clear water
at intervals as it is required to separate the refuse from the ore and carry
it off continuously over the iron ring into the gutter at the outer edge.
In some cases it may be convenient to use, as shewn on Sheet 6, a small
circle about fifteen feet in diameter, without a raised centre or revolving
spouts. The water containing the ore is carried to the centre of the
circle in a launder, and is let out through a hole in the bottom at such
force as to make a well or boil in the centre, from thence it flows
regularly over the circle. Its surface is prevented from stripping by means
of two iron rings, one at the outer edge is about one foot deep, and the
other is about half the distance from the centre of the buddle to the
outer ring, and is about one and a half inches deep, and a quarter of an
inch thick; these rings are caused to rise slowly as the buddle fills with
the deposited ore by means of two horizontal shafts attached to the
motive power, revolving very slowly one on each side rising the rings by
four sets of worm gear, as shown in the plan. The refuse flows con-
tinuously over the outer ring, and is then carried off by the water and
done with

page_text: usually put under the stampers a second time to reduce them to a
smaller size for further washing. I cause the roughs to be crushed to a
proper size for dressing by means of one or more circular trough or
trench (A, B,) which may be of any size, but I recommend from nine
to eighteen feet. The bottom of the trough or trench is made of iron,
steel, or some other very hard material, and may be either square or
circular, I recommend the latter. In this trough or trench I place a
number (which number will depend on the size of the trough) of strong
and heavy wheels (C) to suit the bottom of the trough- or trench. If a
double trough is used of course there will be a double set of wheels
which are connected with proper driving gear by means of strong arms
(D) of wood or iron, I recommend the former. Over each wheel
is placed in a box (E) or otherwise attached to the arms a weight.
I arrange that the weight of all the machinery and driving gear
(except where a span beam is used), shall rest on the wheels so as to
increase their crushing or grinding power. The rough ore suspended in
water is delivered by means of pipes or spouts (F) attached to an iron
pan in the centre and conducting it to the inner side of the trench, and
these pipes or spouts being caused to rotate together with the wheels are
so arranged as to supply a steady and sufficient quantity before each
wheel. As the ore is crushed to its proper size it is allowed to flow from
the trough on the outer side, which is made a little lower than the
inside, and is provided with a conduit or launder (G) to convey the
water and finely crushed ores to where it may be required for further
washing. Where there is machinery working horizontally forth and
back wheels may be attached to it to work in a straight trough with
proper means of inlet and outlet. When the rough ores require to be
reduced to a very fine powder, I do it by bruising or grinding it between.
two slabs (A, B,) of iron, steel, stone, or some very hard material by
means of a crank (C) which may be fixed at the end of a stamp, axle,
or any other working shaft with a sweep rod (D) attached to it, at the
end of this sweep rod is a slab of iron, steel, or some other material
arranged to work forward and backward in a trough made to fit it (E).
This slab is fixed by means of a wrought-iron pin to the iron rod con-
nected with the crank, which as it rotates the slab of iron goes forwards
and backwards. (The length of the trough depends on the length of
the crank, and the length of the slab of iron that is to work in it.)
The slab of iron also rises and falls a little with the motion of the crank,
and to secure this motion the slab must take its motion direct from the

page_text: crank as stated above; when it rises the water carries the roughs under
it, and as it falls and goes forth and back it grinds the rough ore to a
fine powder. The roughs are carried into the trough at one end (F) by
the water, and when reduced to a proper size are allowed to run out
at the opposite end (G) for further washing, Sheet 8. Very hard rough
ores or sand I cause to be heated in a furnace (A, B,) by means of an iron
tube (C, D,) passing through the fire-place and flue leading from the
fire-place to the stack (E) with a little inclination, the end in the fire-
place the lowest, and caused to rotate slowly by bevil gear fixed to.
the upper or lower end of the tube in the flue, as shewn in Drawing.
The rough ore is carried into the upper end of the tube by a small pipe
(F) passing through the back of the flue, and as the tube rotates the
roughs are heated in passing from the higher to the lower end of the
tube. The heat softens the hard particles of ore, and when hot it is
carried by an iron spout (G) from the lower end of the tube in the
fire-place to the crushing or grinding machinery and easily reduced to a
proper size for saving the ore by further washing.
I also adopt the above-described machines and each of them (that
is those described under the head Number 6) for the purposes of the
amalgamation processes of gold and silver ores, or either of them, or
of any other ores that are now or may hereafter be submitted to that
process.
7. PACKING MACHINERY. SHEET 9.
"
The operation which is termed in Cornwall (in tin dressing) "packing"
has hitherto been effected by means of large round tubs made with staves
and hooped like a barrel in Cornwall termed "keives." When the
"tin stuff" has been washed and rewashed by means of the buddles or
apparatus herein-before described it is placed in these "keives with
water; the whole is then stirred up and kept in motion for some time;
while it is settling the "keive" is being continually knocked or rapped
with a hammer or bar worked either by hand or machinery. The
vibrations caused by the knocking or rapping separates the tin ore from
any earthy matter that may still be in contact with it, the tin readily
falling to the bottom, while the refuse being lighter rises to the top and
while the shaking is continued remains in suspension and is sub-
sequently skimmed off (hence called "skimmings" in Cornwall), leaving
the residue of fine tin ore ready for smelting. In order to effect this
"packing" on a more efficient and expeditious and less expensive

page_text: manner I adopt the following machinery, which I term a packing buddle,
which may be of any size, but I recommend where practicable about
twenty-four feet diameter with a raised centre (A, B,) in diameter about
one-third that of the whole buddle. The surface (E, F, C, D,) of the whole
of the buddle (which is made of wood) may be quite level or slightly
inclined, except in cases where the ore and the refuse is very easily
separated, I recommend the latter as permitting a subsequent division of
the matter under treatment, if it might be thought desirable to still
further improve the quality of any part by further dressing. The surface
of the centre or head (A, B,) must be inclined from the centre outwards
to permit of the regular flow of the orey matter. The outer circle of the
buddle may be equally divided into two parts which permits of two
classes or qualities of ores being buddled or packed at the same time, and
where the buddle can be made sufficiently large allows a large quantity
to be under treatment at the same time without injuriously affecting the
operation. Where practicable I recommend the division which may be
made by means of a fixed upright (G) of wood or other material slightly
inclined on the outer side, and where any washing machinery described
under head Number 2 is in use the ore from the inner and outer machine
may then be packed in this buddle at the same time, but where there is
only one quality ore one incline is sufficient, in which case I recommend
a larger raised centre for the better regulating of the supply of ore
which is distributed by means of spouts or shoots (H) from a large iron
pan (I) fixed to the centre axis, where the outer circle of the buddle is
divided into two parts, the ore in suspension in water will be supplied
from a pan attached to the axis which is divided into three parts; the
inner one (K) receives and distributes the best quality ore for the
inner (C, D,) part of the buddle, the middle one (L) receives it for the
outer part (E, F,) and the outer pan (M) receives clear water for
washing off the waste matter. If there is no such division of the buddle
then the pan will only be divided into two parts, the one for the orey
matter, the other for clear water, but when there is such a division there
will be two spouts or shoots from the clear water pan, one of greater
length than the other to carry clear water to the outer circle. Attached
to this pan or the axis are radial arms (N) carrying aprons or brushes (O)
of material sufficiently stiff to a keep true and smooth surface to the heavy
deposit of ore at the bottom. Around the outside of the buddle will be
placed a narrow trench or drain (P) to take away the water holding the

page_text: lighter portions of the orey matter, which are still held in suspension, and
which in most cases will be of such a quality as to be worth a fresh
dressing. The waste from the inner circle where there are two will flow.
over the division (G) into the outer one, and thence with the other refuse
into the outside trench. The whole of this packing buddle is fixed to
and on two strong beams (Q) of wood, or more if requisite) (which
question will depend on the size and depth of the buddle and also on the
weight of the metal under treatment); these beams should cross each
other directly under its centre or be so connected that they shall of necessity
move or vibrate with the centre of the buddle. These beams rest on
their extremities only, and the middle is consequently suspended, a
vibrating motion is then given to the buddle resting upon them by
causing a hammer (R) to continue striking on the top of an axis shaft or
rod (S) fixed on or connected firmly with the centre of the beams or
their connections. The hammer is made to give its blows (about forty-
five to fifty-five per minute, the rapidity of the blows however and the
weight or force of the blow will depend very much on the quality and
quantity of the stuff under treatment) by means of lifters in Cornwall
called "cams," or other suitable machinery which will raise the hammers
and let them give the axis shaft or rod a blow in falling, or they may be
so attached to the machinery so as to give their blows direct. If the
machinery is applicable to it the vibrating, jerking, or shaking motion
requisite to the proper developement of this operation may be given by
hammers underneath the beams, but I recommend its being applied on
the top in order the better to avail of the spring of the beams, although
I do not recommend its being used where the necessary motion can be
obtained by the means above described. I also adopt the following method
of giving the vibrating, jerking, or shaking motion, viz., the ends of the
beams may be attached by chains or other suitable connection to the
end of a lever similar to the Cornish "jigging machine," or to any other
machinery that can be made to give it a quick vibrating, jerking, or
shaking motion. And in addition to this the buddle may be so arranged
that each time it is so raised it will drop suddenly on its supports and
hence receive an extra beneficial effect from the percussion. By means of
this packing buddle the ore will be deposited and settled, and the refuse
will come to the surface and be carried off and disposed of altogether, or
saved for re-dressing as the case may require. Or in place of the packing
buddle above described it may be preferred to have, as shewn at Sheet 10,

page_text: a smaller buddle about fifteen feet in diameter with a bar of iron fixed
upright in the centre for the hammer to strike on. The orey water is
carried to the centre of the buddle by a launder, and as it flows out
through a hole in the bottom around the bar of iron it makes a well or
boil in the centre, and from thence flows regularly over the surface. In
this buddle the revolving spouts are not necessary as the packing process
itself prevents the surface from stripping.
=
The above-described machines with their adjuncts form a complete set
of apparatus for dressing or saving the ores of gold, silver, tin, lead, and
other metals, such apparatus being adapted to treat the various ores. in
all their stages from the stamping, crushing, or pulverizing machinery
to fit them for smelting or market, but while I strongly recommend
their use in conjunction, I claim each separately as a machine adapted of
itself to perform a distinct and separate part of dressing, saving, or
cleaning ores.
It will be seen that by the adoption of the above-described machinery
the ore is not only divided into different qualities or sizes at the
commencement, but the whole of the orey matter is principally held in
suspension in the water until separated from the particles of ore. The
ore is therefore not so likely to be lost as when the refuse is deposited
with the ore in buddles to be removed by hand labor and subsequently
divided into different qualities or sizes by the system of "mixing" or
toazing" now in use. There is also a great saving of expence in the
first laying out of dressing floors, as the machinery being more ex-
peditious and efficacious less is required, and as it is always at work
dressing the ore during the process of stamping less water is required
than is at present used, and as it wants but little motive power the water
that contains the ore will usually be found sufficient to work the washing
machinery by each having an undershot wheel similar to those used
at Great Wheal Vor United Mines in Cornwall, or the whole may
be attached to other machinery either worked by steam or water power.
As there is no danger of what in Cornwall is called "stripping," to
which all modes of dressing have hitherto been found to be prone, there
will be much less liability to loss from want of proper attention than has
been the case formerly. The machinery being well adjusted it will
require but little attention to work it continuously and successfully.
The water must be so regulated as to flow in right quantities, and the
machinery must be made to make in a specified time a proper number of

page_text: revolutions, and it will then undoubtedly save the ore that usually
steals away from boys and girls in the present mode of dressing, and also
make a great saving in the expence of dressing the ore.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said John Boyns in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 9th June 1871.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOHN
BOYNS, of St. Just, in the County of Cornwall, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Tenth day of December, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy, in the thirty-
fourth year of Her reign, did for Herself, Her heirs and successors,
give and grant unto me, the said John Boyns, Her special license that
I, the said John Boyns, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or
such others as I, the said John Boyns, my executors, administrators,
and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time
to time and at all times thereafter during the term therein expressed,
should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands,
and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN DRESSING, CRUSHING,
AND AMALGAMATING METALLIC ORES, AND IN APPARATUS EMPLOYED FOR THESE
PURPOSES," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said John
Boyns, my executors or administrators, by an instrument in writing
under my, or their, or one of their bands and seals, should particularly
describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what
manner the same was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed
in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and
immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said John Boyns, do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention and in what manner the same is to be;
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement thereof, that is to say :-
In working metallic mines ores are often found scattered in minute
particles through the lodes or veins. The tin ores from the numerous.

page_text: mines in Cornwall give an average produce of from two to three per cent.
of black tin, to extract which a large quantity of waste matter has to be
disposed of.
The modes of dressing or cleaning hitherto adopted have entailed
very considerable expense, besides involving in the process a loss of a
greater or less quantity of the ore which it was the object to save,
but which it has been found impossible to separate entirely from the
refuse as much as 1/12th or 1/13th of the ore often being allowed to
escape.
The most modern improvement adopted in tin dressing is that called
"the round buddle" (concave or convex), which receives the orey.
matter from the stamping mill, and deposits it upon a circular inclined
plane, the inclination of the surface of the buddle being so arranged
that the mineral being the heaviest commodity might be deposited at the
highest part, while the lighter refuse is taken off by the water or
deposited at the lower part of the buddle; but it is found in practice
that this mode of dressing does not effect the separation of the different
sizes of the ore being treated, but while what is saved is found con-
gregated altogether at the higher part, some ore contained either in the
larger particles (in Cornwall called "roughs") and the very finest of
the tin contained in the finest portion of the material under treatment
(in Cornwall called "alimes") has of necessity been permitted to escape
with the refuse, the consequence being that the rough and the fine
material (in Cornish tin mines termed "tin stuff") remain mixed
together with a great part of the waste matter. When the operation
of "buddling" has been continued for a time and the buddle becomes
sufficiently full, the "stuff" has to be removed by hand labour. This
operation of "buddling" is then repeated as often as is considered
necessary, the ore being washed over and over until the greater part of
the waste matter is separated from it, each washing or buddling
necessitating the removal by manual labour of the ore from one buddle
into a receptacle, from which to be washed into the next buddle, thus
causing great and needless expense. These round buddles are worked by
machinery, and have proved to be much less expensive in operation than
the "hand buddles," "flat trunks," "hand frames," and such like formerly
in use, and which required constant superintendence; at the same time
they secure much greater expedition. When the ore and waste are
T

page_text: deposited together in the buddles the "slimey" water (mud, in fact,)
unites the waste with the ore.
methods.
From the above it will be seen that while the present mode of dressing
with the round buddle is (except in mines where the ore is very clean
and requires little dressing, and some cases in which the whole of the
ore is in extremely fine particles) a great saving of expense on former
There has up to the present time been no plan adopted
for separating the different classes of tin ore, or an efficient mode of
preventing portions of the ore in the "slimes" and "roughs" being
carried off with the waste. In addition to the above difficulties in
connection with the "round buddles "now in use, it is found that 'they
all require careful watching and looking after to prevent the water'
containing the orey matter from forming channels in the deposited stuff:
(in Cornwall called "stripping") and thus allowing the ore to get washed
away at the end of the buddle with the refuse. To obviate these defects.
and generally to improve the methods and appliances at present in use,
I adopt the machinery, modes, methods, and appliances herein-after
specified for dressing and saving metallic ores. I do not propose to
supercede the present mode of breaking, crushing, stamping, or pul-
verizing the ores in the stone as raised from the mine, but my intentions
are merely to deal with the ores after they have been reduced by
stamping or otherwise to a proper size, except that I adopt a new mode
herein-after described for pulverizing sand or gravel (in Cornish tin
mines called "talings," "roughs," and "burnt leavings"). Metallic
ores are more easily separated from the waste or matrix with which they
are combined when newly crushed or pulverised than at any other time.
While the ore is held in suspension in the water newly broken fresh
streams of clear water should be immediately brought into action upon
it to separate it from the waste, and also to separate the different size ore
before it is allowed to deposit or settle down, and means should after-
wards be applied for the proper and efficient treatment of the various
classes of ores.
.
1. SEPARATING OR SIZING MACHINERY.

page_text: of the ore may require, or if practicable it may be raised above the
ground, which in some instances will be found necessary that the requisite
fall may be made available. The stream of water that contains the
ore as it is delivered from the crushing or stamping mills is conducted
by means of a pipe, launder, shoot, or conduit into a receptacle F fixed
over the funnel-shaped pit or cistern. The bottom of the receptacle is
full of small holes to cause the ore suspended in the water to flow into
the cistern as still as possible for sizing it. In the centre of the cistern
is an axis with a small tube in the centre with any suitable number of
blades attached to it, and caused to rotate fast or slow just as the nature
of the ore requires by a belt G or gear from the rotating machinery so
as to keep the ore suspended in water until a separation is effected of
the different sizes. The heaviest particles sink to the bottom and are
let out through a hole by a plug lifted up and down through the tube in
the centre of the axis by means of cams from the horizontal shaft H or
any other appliances. By lifting this plug little or much at a time or
working it fast or slow the supply to the washing machinery is governed.
The next size ore is let out through an opening a little above the middle
of the cistern on the opposite side from which it entered, and the finest
size or lightest ore flows over the top; each size is then carried by the
water over separate washing machinery adapted for saving it. To effect
a good separation or sizing of the ore a stream of clear water is let down
through the tube in the centre to free the rough ore from slime, &c.
The depth and size of the cistern depends on the quantity and quality of
the ore to be treated, and on the incline of the dressing floors. Where
the situation of the dressing floors will not admit of an incline sufficient
for a pit or cistern there should be a large triangular launder commonly
called a saddle backed or V launder, or a deep narrow gutter with
openings in the bottom through which the ore carried on by the stream
might escape. The heavier particles pass through the first opening to
supply the first washing machine herein-after described or the ordinary
dressing machinery now in use. Particles less heavy pass through the
next opening and the lightest escape through the last. Either of the
above described machines may be adopted and the subsequent washing
done by means of the present dressing appliances, which however it
would be best to have so placed as to permit of the water containing the
ore being conducted to them before being deposited, and where the
nature of the ground or other circumstances will not permit of this cup
wheels, screws, or other lifting appliances, might be used. But for the

page_text: adoption of the following mode of washing which forms a portion of my
Invention, and which moreover may be used without the above-mentioned
separating machinery, but in the place or instead of or where thought
advisable in conjunction with the present modes of dressing or any part
or parts thereof.
2. WASHING MACHINERY. See FIGURES 2 and 2*.
The washing machinery receives the ore that comes from the separating
machinery, or when thought practicable and advisable from the stamp-
ing, crushing, or pulverizing machinery, or at any stage of the present
method of dressing. The ore is washed by a machine with by preference
two circular inclines (A, B, and C, D,) but one incline only might be
employed. The inclines are convex or concave (the former I recommend),
and when two inclines are used the inner one is made of such a size
as may be found practicable; but I recommend about fourteen feet
diameter, the outer one of a size in proportion to the inner one, but I
recommend a diameter of twenty-four feet in conjunction with the inner
one of fourteen feet, or in that proportion, or as near thereto as practic-
able. The inclination of the incline will depend to a great extent upon
the size and quality of the matter being treated. I recommend one inch
to four feet or thereabouts as suitable for very fine ore of low quality;
rough ores of better quality will require very much more. The inclina-
tion of the outer inclined plane or circle (C, D,) should be a little more
than the inner one (A, B,) as very nearly the same quantity of orey
matter suspended in water will have to flow over a larger surface. There
must be a sudden drop over the sharp outer edge (E and F) of each
circle to permit of the orey deposit being washed off into the outer
conduit or launder of the larger or outer circle (C, D,) and into the
only conduit or launder (H) round the smaller or inner circle (the
position of such conduits or launders being next herein-after described)
by the application of clear water, and to prevent its running or
"trickling" down as it will continue to do into the inner conduit at all
times, except when being subjected to the stream of clear water. The
drop at the outer edge of each circle is arranged to permit of the
discharge of the water as herein-after mentioned. The smaller inner
incline or circle (A, B,) is surrounded by a conduit, or what is called in
Cornwall "launder" (H) fixed under its outer edge to carry off the
ore, but leaving a sufficient space between the edge of the inner circle

page_text: and the conduit or launder to permit of the tin stuff in the water
running or trickling down at all times, except when the stream of clear
water is brought to bear on it. The larger outer incline or circle (C,D,)
is surrounded by two narrow conduits, launders, or gutters (G and I),
the outer one (G) to carry off the ore, and, the inner one (I) the refuse,.
the outer one being placed similarly to the launder around the inner
circle. Standing up in the centre is a hollow iron pipe (J), which
serves as an axis. Fixed to this is an iron pan (K), which receives the
ore from the stamping mill, crusher, or pulverizer (or by any other
means) suspended in water and lets it out again around the centre axis
over an inclined plate of iron (L) of a size in proportion to the other
parts of the machine, but I recommend a diameter of about four feet as
suitable to the sizes of fourteen and twenty-four feet respectively, as
mentioned above. This inclined iron plate may be stationary, with a
well in its centre, as shewn at Figure 2*, or made to revolve slowly with
the axis and pan (J and K), as shewn at Figures 2, by means of a worm
screw or other available machinery or appliance (M) on the top of the
axis, or by such other means as may be thought practicable and
advisable. When there is a want of other motive power this machinery
may be moved by means of weights or springs similar to those used in
clocks. The rotating plate is divided by narrow ribs to separate the
stream that the water may flow regularly over the whole surface of the
machine at the same time, or there may be a stationary pan or cistern
instead of the pan (K) and the iron plate (L), this pan to be kept as low
as possible, and to be from four or five feet in diameter and six or eight
inches deep, and provided with a number of small holes (T, T,) to let
the orey matter out over the machine in a regular quantity, and the
better to secure a steady supply from all parts of the pan at the same
time I recommend that the bottom of the pan or cistern shall be pro-
vided with a well (U) in the centre, into which the water containing
the orey matter shall fall from the launder or shoot, and from thence it.
shall overflow towards the sides of the pan or cistern, when the holes
will let it out over the machine, but when the stream into the
cistern can be kept regular this will be found immaterial. The lighter
matter (the refuse) is carried off continuously by the water into the
first narrow gutter or channel (I) around its outer edge (F). Where
the quality of the "stuff" contained in the water continuously running
off or escaping is sufficiently good it can be conducted to another
machine to be rewashed, or if containing no are, or ore of a low quality,
pan or

page_text: it may be allowed to escape altogether, while the ore is deposited on its
surface in two qualities, No. 1 on the inner incline (A, B,) and No. 2
on the outer (C, D). The ore deposited on the two inclines is then
washed off into separate launders (H and G) fixed around the edge of
each incline. This is effected by means of streams of clear water con-
ducted from the iron pipe in the centre (J) out over the two inclines,
(A, B, and C, D,) by four smaller pipes (N and O) fixed to it near the
bottom, which moving slowly around with the plate (L) and axis (J)
gradually and uniformly operate on the whole of the surface, and
wash the deposit into the conduits (G and H). The surface of the
inner and outer inclines or circles (A, B, and C, D,) is composed of
wood (planed or unplaned according to the description of the stuff
under treatment) divided into small sections, strips, or frames about
six or eight inches wide tapering towards the centre. These sections,
strips, or frames at the outer end of the larger incline or circle
are narrowed by the introduction of small wood slips or wedges, in order
that the stream may be sufficiently concentrated to obtain force enough
to wash off the deposited ore. It is important that the surface of
each section or strip is perfectly level or true. These strips or sections
of wood are divided from each other by thin pieces of iron or
copper or other suitable material. The divisions in large machines
may be made of wood in the shape of wedges, so that these sections,
strips, or frames may be of equal breadth or nearly so from the top to
the bottom. This will be found desirable for some ores, but in most
cases it will be best to let the water spread as it runs down. By means
of this division the stream of clear water is brought to bear upon only
à section of the inclined plane at one time. Arrangements must be
made by tap, flushet, or small pipes, or other available appliances in con-
nection with the apparatus for conducting the stream of clear water
over the machine, and for regulating the quantity and also for carrying
off any surplus supply; one pipe only washes off the ore, the other
carries off the refuse. To secure this the outlets in one pipe are placed
at a greater distance from the axis than the other. The height at which
the water can be brought into the centre axis will determine the amount
of water necessary. Arrangements must always be made to secure a
sufficient supply, and so arranged as to displace the matter deposited
on the sections, strips, or frames, and wash it off with such an amount
of force that when brought to bear upon one section at a time it will
wash off the ore and other matter found upon it at such a speed or

page_text: velocity at its outer edge (G and H), that it will pass over the first
narrow gutter (I) of the outer circle (0, D,) and be received in the
outer ones (G and H) for a further washing or not, as the case may
require. The ore from the inner circle may be conducted into the
launder by a wide spout attached to the pipe that carries the water to
wash off the ore, and will thus rotate together. By the adoption of this
plan of washing ores a series of small dead frames are made available,
a constant supply of water containing the ore is allowed to flow over
them while by means of the pipe conveying the stream of clear water
the refuse and ores are properly separated, and removed to their respec-
tive receptacles without the intervention of any manual labor (in itself
a great saving of expense), while a great deal of time is saved, so that
less machinery and water will be required. As before stated the
machine may be made with one incline only. Such a machine is shewn
in section at Figure 2**.
3.-WASHING MACHINERY. (See FIGURES 3.)
In some cases if preferred and found more practicable the bed (A, B,)
divided into sections, strips, or frames instead of being fixed may be
made to rotate, and the pipes that carry the clear water to wash off the
ore instead of rotating may be fixed. But the surface in either case
must be divided into sections as described.
•
The rotating table (A, B,) may be of any size that may be found
convenient, but I recommend about eighteen feet in diameter made of
wood fixed to an upright iron shaft or axle (C, D,) in the centre, and
3 caused to rotate slowly by means of worm gear or other driving
machinery fixed on the top of the axis; it is inclined outward from the
centre, the inclination may vary from one inch to a quarter of an inch
in a foot to suit the different size ore to be treated; its surface is divided
into small sections by thin pieces of iron, copper, zinc, lead, or other
material; each section is about eight or nine inches wide at the outer edge
and narrows as it goes towards the centre. The slimey water is carried
into a receptacle or round cistern fixed in the centre of the table, and
provided with small holes as described in the Number 2 machine, from
which the orey matter is allowed to flow into the different sections.
The refuse being the lightest is carried off its outer edge (E) by the
water into a narrow gutter (F) fixed round the table. The fine powdered
ore is left on the face of the table and is washed off continuously one
section at a time, by means of an iron pipe (4) fixed over the face of

page_text: the table on one side with several small holes in it letting out streams
of clear water with such force as to wash off all the fine powdered ore
that is deposited thereon into a launder provided for the purpose.
4.
WASHING MACHINERY. (See FIGURES 4.)
For saving the very poor and light ore I adopt concave machinery
instead of convex.
In this machine, like that described as Figure 3, I
recommend only one circle of sections, divisions, or frames, although
two or more may be employed where water and space is no object. The
surface (A, B,) of this concave circle is divided into sections, strips, or
frames in the same manner as those described in Numbers 2 and 3, but
these sections are wider at the outer edge (A) of the circle than the
former ones, and taper towards the centre (B) working round the centre
axis. (C,D,) is another axis (E, F,) with an iron pan (G) fixed to it
with holes and pipes leading from it, attached to which are long
spouts (H) to distribute the water containing the ore to the outer part
of the circle. This pan with the spouts or arms makes four or five
revolutions per minute, and is worked by a shaft and driving gear on
the top of the axis. The centre axis (C, D,) makes one revolution in
three or four minutes, as may be required. The speed at which both the
centre and outer axis work must depend to a considerable degree on the
size of the machine, the number of spouts or arms, and to a certain
extent on the quality of the stuff. This is worked by worm or other
applicable driving gear fixed to a shaft near the top or bottom of the
axis. Attached to this pan are one, two, three, or more spouts, arms,
or pipes (I) to carry the clear water over, and it is so arranged with
holes in the spouts, arms, or pipes to permit of its falling on the whole
surface one division at a time, and consecutively one after the other, in
order to wash off the ore deposited into a receptacle (K) in the centre,
around which and between it and the bed of the sections there is a
narrow channel (L) to carry off the refuse which, as in the machines
described as Numbers 2 and 3, will, until washed off violently by the
rush of the clear water, continue to run or trickle into the narrow refuse
channel. But if from want of proper and sufficient levels or want of
sufficient clear water to fall pipes may conduct the water to the upper
end of the sections, divisions, or frames, so as to wash off the deposit by
means of letting a sudden influx of clear water run down the inclines of
the various sections. As the water is. at its weakest point at the
extremity of the circle the heaviest particles of ore are deposited at once,.

page_text: whilst the refuse is carried off by the water which (in consequence of
the narrowing of the channels) gathers strength as it flows toward the
centre into the channel (L) prepared for it.
5.-WASHING MACHINERY. See FIGURES 5.
•
I adopt the following machinery for the treatment of light ores or
roughs which may be carried off with the refuse from the machines
already in use, those herein previously described, or any other kind of
light ores. I wash them by means of a buddle, which may be of any
size to suit locality, but where practicable I recommend about twenty-
five feet in diameter inclined outward from the centre. To suit a buddle
of twenty-five feet diameter a raised centre (A, B,) fourteen feet in
diameter made of wood. I recommend that proportion or near thereto
for any size buddle; the bottom (C, D,) of the buddle is level with the
floor, and around its outer edge is a gutter (E) six or eight inches wide
and about eighteen inches deep under the level of the floor. Against
the inner side of the gutter is fitted an iron ring (F) about one foot deep
and about one-eighth of an inch thick, which is gradually raised by
means of eight or ten screws (G) (more or less as may be required for
the size and weight) as the buddle fills, These screws may be fixed on
iron or wood pillars at equal distances on the inner side of the gutter or
trench, or the iron ring may be lifted by pulleys and chains fixed to
beams or other supports above. The water that holds the ore in suspen-
sion is delivered by means of spouts, pipes, or launders (H) from an iron
pan (I) fixed to the centre axis (J) with two receptacles in it, one to
receive the water holding the ore in suspension, and the other clear
water to carry off the refuse. Attached to the iron pan are also radial
arms (K) to carry wipers, &c. (L) which rotate altogether with the
axis, and tend to keep a true and smooth surface to the buddle. As
the slimey or muddy water holding the ore in suspension is delivered by
the spouts on the raised centre other spouts are distributing streams of
clear water at intervals as it is required to separate the refuse from the
ore, and carry
it off continuously over the iron ring into the gutter at
the outer edge.
a
In some cases it may be convenient to use, as shewn at Figures 5*,
small circle about 15 feet in diameter without a raised centre or revolving
spouts. The water containing the ore is carried to the centre of the
circle in a launder, and is let out through a hole in the bottom at such
force as to make a well or boil in the centre, from thence it flows

page_text: regularly over the circle; its surface is prevented from stripping by
means of two iron rings; one at the outer edge is about one foot deep,
and the other is about half the distance from the centre of the buddle to
the outer ring, and is about one and a half inches deep and a quarter of
an inch thick. These rings are caused to rise slowly as the buddle fills
with the deposited ore by means of two horizontal shafts attached to
the motive power revolving very slowly, one on each side, raising the
rings by four sets of worm gear, as shewn on the plan. The refuse
flows continuously over the outer ring, and is then carried off by the
water and done with.
CRUSHING OR PULVERIZING MACHINERY. See FIGURES 6.
I adopt the following method for crushing or pulverizing the roughs
(large particles that contain a small portion of ore), and which are
usually put under the stampers a second time to reduce them to a
smaller size for further washing. I cause the roughs to be crushed to
a proper size for dressing by means of one or more circular troughs or
trenches (A, B,) which may be of any size, but I recommend from nine
to eighteen feet. The bottom of each trough or trench is made of iron,
steel, or some other vory hard material, and may be either square or
circular, I recommend the latter. In each trough or trench I place a
number (which number will depend on the size of the trough) of strong
and heavy wheels (C) to suit the bottom of the trough or trench, if a
double trough is used of course there will be a double set of wheels,
which are connected with proper driving gear by means of strong arms
(D) of wood or iron as shewn, I recommend the former. I arrange that
the weight of all the machinery and driving gear shall rest on the
wheels, so as to increase their crushing or grinding power; weights may
also be placed over the several wheels to still further increase their
power. The rough ore suspended in water is supplied into an iron pan
in the centre, and by it delivered to the centre of an inclined bed (X),
over which it flows to the inner side of the trench. As the ore is
crushed to its proper size it is allowed to flow from the trough on the
outer side, which is made a little lower than the inside, and is provided
with a conduit or launder (G) to convey the water and finely crushed
ores to where it may be required for further washing. Where there is
machinery working horizontally forth and back, wheels may be attached
to it to work in a straight trough with proper means of inlet and outlet.
When the rough ores require to be-reduced to a very fine powder I do

page_text: it, as shewn at Figure 6*, by bruising or grinding it between two slabs
(A, B,) of iron, steel, stone, or some very hard material by means of a crank
(C), which may be fixed at the end of a stamp axle or any other working
shaft with a sweep rod (D) attached to it; at the end of this sweep
rod
is a slab of iron, steel, or some other material arranged to work forward
and backward in a trough made to fit it (E). This slab is fixed by
means of a wrought-iron pin to the iron rod connected with the crank,
which, as it rotates, the slab of iron goes forwards and backwards.
(The length of the trough depends on the length of the crank and the
length of the slab of iron that is to. work in it.) The slab of iron also
rises and falls a little with the motion of the crank, and to secure this
motion the slab must take its motion direct from the crank as stated
above. When it rises the water carries the roughs under it, and as it falls
and goes forth and back and also from side to side by a separate motion
it grinds the rough ore to a fine powder. The roughs are carried into
a trough at one end (F) by the water, and when reduced to a proper
size are allowed to run out at the opposite end (G) for further washing.
Very hard rough ores or sand I cause to be heated in a furnace (A, B,)
shewn at Figures 7, by means of an iron tube (C, D,) passing through
the fire-place and flue, leading from the fire-place to the stack (E) with a
little inclination, the end in the fire-place the lowest, and caused to
rotate slowly by bevel gear fixed to the upper or lower end of the tube
in the flue, as shown in Drawing. The rough ore is carried into the upper
end of the tube by a small pipe (F) passing through the back of the flue,
and as the tube rotates the roughs are heated in passing from the higher
to the lower end of the tube. The heat softens the hard particles of
ore, and when hot it is carried by an iron spout (G) from the lower end
of the tube in the fire-place to the crushing or grinding machinery, and
easily reduced to a proper size for saving the ore by further washing.
I also adopt the above-described pulverizing machines and each of them
(that is, those described under the head Number 6) for the purposes of the
amalgamation processes of gold and silver ores, or either of them, or of
any other ores that are now or may hereafter be submitted to that process.
7. PACKING MACHINERY. See FIGURES 8.
The operation which is termed in Cornwall (in tin dressing) "packing"
has hitherto been effected by means of large round tubs made with
staves and hooped like a barrel, in Cornwall termed "keives." When
the tin stuff" has been washed and rewashed by means of the buddles
86

page_text: "
or apparatus herein-before described it is placed in these "keives"
with water, the whole is then stirred up and kept in motion for some
time, while it is settling the "keive" is being continually knocked or
rapped with a hammer or bar worked either by hand or machinery. The
vibrations caused by the knocking or rapping separates the tin ore from
any earthy matter that may still be in contact with it, the tin readily
falling to the bottom, while the refuse being lighter rises to the top, and
while the shaking is continued remains in suspension and is subsequently
skimmed off (hence called "skimmings" in Cornwall), leaving the residue
of fine tin ore ready for smelting. In order to effect this "packing
on a more efficient and expeditious and less expensive manner I adopt
the following machinery, shewn at Figure 8, which I term a packing
buddle which may be of any size, but I recommend where practicable
about twenty-four feet diameter with a raised centre (A, B,) in diameter
about one-third that of the whole buddle. The surface (E, F, C, D,) of
the whole of the buddle (which is made of wood) may be quite level or
slightly inclined except in cases where the ore and the refuse is very
easily separated, I recommend the latter as permitting a subsequent
division of the matter under treatment if it might be thought desirable
to still further improve the quality of any part by further dressing.
The surface of the centre or head (A, B,) must be inclined from the
centre outwards to permit of the regular flow of the orey matter. The
outer circle of the buddle may be equally divided into two parts, which
permits of two classes or qualities of ores being buddled or packed at the
same time, and where the buddle can be made sufficiently large allows
a large quantity to be under treatment at the same time without
injuriously affecting the operation.. Where practicable I recommend the
division which may be made by means of a fixed upright (G) of wood
or other material slightly inclined on the outer side, and where any
washing machinery described under head Number 2 is in use the ore
from the inner and outer machine may then be packed in this buddle at
the same time, but where there is only one quality ore one. incline is
sufficient, in which case I recommend a larger raised centre for the
better regulating of the supply of ore, which is distributed by means of
spouts or shoots (H) from a large iron pan (I) fixed to the centre axis.
Where the outer circle of the buddle is divided into two parts, the ore in
suspension in water will be supplied from a pan attached to. the axis
which is divided into three parts, the inner one (K) receives and dis-.
tributes the best quality ore for the inner (C, D,) part of the buddle,

page_text: the middle one (L) receives it for the outer part (E, F,) and the outer
pan (M) receives clear water for washing off the waste matter. If there
is no such division of the buddle then the pan will only be divided into
two parts, the one for the orey matter, the other for clear water, but
when there is such a division there will be two spouts or shoots from the
clear water pan, one of greater length than the other to carry clear
water to the outer circle. Attached to this pan or the axis are radial
arms (N) carrying aprons or brushes (O) of material sufficiently stiff to
keep a true and smooth surface to the heavy deposit of ore at the bottom.
Around the outside of the buddle will be placed a. narrow trench or
drain (P) to take away the water holding the lighter portions of the orey
matter which are still held in suspension, and which in most cases will be
of such a quality as to be worth a fresh dressing. The waste from the
inner circle where there are two will flow over the division (G) into the
outer one, and thence with the other refuse into the outside trench. The
whole of this packing buddle is fixed to and on two strong beams (Q) of
wood or more if requisite (which question will depend on the size and
depth of the buddle, and also on the weight of the metal under treatment);
these beams should cross each other directly under its centre, or be so
connected that they shall of necessity move or vibrate with the centre of
the buddle. These beams rest on their extremities only, and the middle
is consequently suspended, a vibrating motion is then given to the
buddle resting upon them by causing a hammer (R) to continue striking
on the top of an axis shaft or rod (S) fixed on or connected firmly with
the centre of the beams or their connections. The hammer is made
to give its blows (about forty-five to fifty-five per minute, the rapidity
of the blows however and the weight or force of the blow will depend
very much on the quality and quantity of the stuff under treatment)
by means of lifters in Cornwall called “ cams,' or other suitable
machinery which will raise the hammers and let them give the axis shaft
or rod a blow in falling, or they may be so attached to the machinery
so as to give their blows direct. If the machinery is applicable to.it
the vibrating, jerking, or shaking motion requisite to the proper develope-
ment of this operation may be given by hammers underneath the
beams; but I recommend its being applied on the top in order the
better to avail of the spring of the beams. Although I do not
recommend its being used where the necessary motion can be obtained
by the means above described, I also adopt the following method
:
""

page_text: of giving the vibrating, jerking, or shaking motion, viz., the ends
of the beams may be attached by chains or other suitable connection
to the end of a lever similar to the Cornish "jigging machine," or
to any other machinery that can be made to give it a quick vibrating,
jerking, or shaking motion. And in addition to this the buddle may
be so arranged that each time it is so raised it will drop suddenly on
its supports, and hence' receive an extra beneficial effect from the per-
cussion. By means of this packing buddle the ore will be deposited
and settled, and the refuse will come to the surface and be carried off
and disposed of altogether, or saved for re-dressing, as the case may
require. Or in place of the packing buddle above described it may
be preferred to have, as shewn at Figures 8*, a smaller buddle about
fifteen feet in diameter with a bar of iron fixed upright in the centre
for the hammer to strike on. The orey water is carried to the centre
of the buddle by a launder, and as it flows out through a hole in
'the bottom around the bar of iron it makes a well or boil in the
centre, and from thence flows regularly over the surface. In this buddle
the revolving spouts are not necessary as the packing process itself
prevents the surface from stripping.
The above described machines with their adjuncts form a complete set
of apparatus for dressing or saving the ores of gold, silver, tin, lead, and
other metals, such apparatus being adapted to treat the various ores in
all their stages from the stamping, crushing, or pulverizing machinery,
to fit them for smelting or market, but while I strongly recommend
their use in conjunction, I claim each separately as a machine adapted
of itself to perform a distinct and separate part of dressing, saving, or
cleaning ores.
The
It will be seen that by the adoption of the above-described machinery
the ore is not only divided into different qualities or sizes at the com-
mencement, but the whole of the orey matter is principally held in
suspension in the water until separated from the particles of ore.
ore is therefore not so likely to be lost as when the refuse is deposited
with the ore in buddles to be removed by hand labour, and subsequently
divided into different qualities or sizes by the system of "mixing" or
"toazing" now in use. There is also a great saving of expense in the
first laying out of dressing floors as the machinery being more expeditious
and efficacious less is required, and as it is always at work dressing the ore
66

page_text: during the process of stamping less water is required than is at
present used, and as it wants but little motive power the water that
contains the ore will usually be found sufficient to work the washing
machinery by each having an under shot water wheel, similar to those
used at Great Wheal Vor United Mines in Cornwall, or the whole may be
attached to other machinery either worked by steam or water power.
As there is no danger of what in Cornwall is called “ stripping," to which
most modes of dressing have hitherto been found to be prone, there will
be much less liability to loss from want of proper attention than has
been the case formerly. The machinery being well adjusted it will
require but little attention to work it continuously and successfully.
The water must be so regulated as to flow in right quantities, and the
machinery must be made to make in a specified time a proper number
of revolutions, and it will then undoubtedly save the ore that usually
steals away from boys and girls in the present mode of dressing, and also
make a great saving in the expense of dressing the ore.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Boyns, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Seventh day of June, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and seventy-one.