IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR TREATING METALS, METALLIC ORES, AND OTHER MINERAL SUBSTANCES
Year: 1866

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Prosser, of 7, York Terrace, St. John's
Wood, in the County of Middlesex, Gentleman, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR TREATING METALS, METALLIC ORES, AND
OTHER MINERAL SUBSTANCES."
Sealed the 6th November 1866, and dated the 11th May 1866..
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Prosser at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 11th
May 1866.
I, WILLIAM PROSSEB, of 7, York Terrace, St. John's Wood, in the
County of Middlesex, Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR TREATING METALS, METALLIC
ORES, AND OTHER MINERAL SUBSTANCES," to be as follows:-
The combination which constitutes my Invention for "Improvements in
Apparatus for Treating Metals, Metallic Ores, and other Mineral Substances,"
consists in adapting certain apparatus to that object, so that the whole process,
or nearly so, from the picking or sorting of the substances treated to the
delivery of the prepared substances for the market is effected without the
intervention, or nearly so, of manual labour. The ore or other substance is
primarily delivered from the pit's mouth, shaft, or adit on to a rotary or
other suitable sorting' or picking table where it undergoes the preliminary

page_text: sorting by hand from which the selected matter for subsequent treatment is
conveyed down an inclined plane or natural slope of the ground from the
sorting table to a set of stamps of improved construction where it is crushed,
water being admitted into the cofer so as to float out such portions as may
have been sufficiently disintegrated. After the crushing has been thereby
effected the contents of the mill are carried forward by means of a continuous
current of water to a rotary washing machine constructed under Robert
Martin Robert's Patent for "Improvements in Apparatus for Treating Metals
and Metallic Ores," dated the Thirteenth of March, 1865, No. 697, with some
slight modification in the shoots and receivers from which the ore in its
separated state passes to an inclined table having a vibrating motion on which
the extraneous matter is still further separated from the metallic portions of
the ore, all of which are distributed by troughs or shoots into suitable recep-
tacles or bins. Those portions of the ore which have not undergone sufficient
disintegration or treatment are delivered to a second series of stamps of
lighter construction than the former, there to be further disintegrated and pul-
verized, from which it is transferred to a second set of vibrating tables which
separate the last portions of the ore from the matrix, the refuse being dis-
charged (as waste) into channels prepared to convey it away, and the ore
removed into store.
The first series of stamps I construct of much greater weight than those
heretofore employed for that purpose, say, from 15 to 20 hundredweight, each
having a fall of about 3 feet, thus giving to them a larger crushing power.
I further propose to lift each stamp by means of a wiper or excentric cam
through the intervention of a lever, instead of, as heretofore, applying the
wiper directly to the stamp stem. I also propose to give a rotary movement
to the stamp heads, which I effect by means of a tangent screw and wheel,
the screw being driven by a small belt pulley on its axis, taking its motion
from the spindle or shaft of the cam or wiper, or by any other convenient
means, so that it may at each stroke change the relative position of its face
with respect to the ore.
"The second series of stamps, though of less weight and power, may be con-
structed and worked upon the same principle as the first series.
The separating tables, which are slightly inclined, I construct of hard non-
absorbent material, as glass, slate, enamelled metal, metallic scoriæ or slag, or
any suitable material by which the friction of the particles of ore and other
matters treated thereon may be a minimum, and are thereby caused to separate
themselves and advance upon the table more readily, being further assisted by

page_text: a slight but sharp percussive action and consequent vibratory motion produced
by a cam movement in conjunction with a current of water till they are
delivered at the lower end of the table into troughs termed "launders," and
from thence deposited in suitable receptacles.
The whole process is carried on with a continuous flow of water commencing
at the first set of stamps and terminating at the conclusion of a series of opera-
tions, thus facilitating the continuous transfer of the matter under treatment
from one machine or part of the apparatus to the other.
In placing the combined apparatus for work; it is desirable that a sloping
ground should be selected as a site for the machinery in order that all the
material may gradually descend from one machine to another without the
aid of manual labour till the whole of the matter to be treated has been effec-:
tually disposed of at the lower level.
The object in view is a more perfect separation of the metals.or metallic
portions of the ore, which induces a considerable saving or recovery of valuable
material from that part which is usually thrown to waste with the refuse.
The yeild of saleable ore is thereby increased and the labour usually expended
in the treating process will be materially lessened, which will have the
effect of returning a larger profit to the miner or of reducing the cost to the
public.
:
"
In applying the apparatus or a part thereof specially to the treatment of
gold ores, I add to the apparatus a mercurial amalgamator and, separator
for taking up the finer portions or flakes of the metal which would otherwise
be carried away to waste with the flowing water and refuse.
The mercurial amalgamator is fitted with moveable slides, agitators, or
triturators for promoting the amalgamation of the mercury with the metallic
portions of the ore which are caused to flow from the stamps with the stream
of water, and having one or more inclined blanket "strakes" attached to it,
and connected to the end of the delivery shoot of the amalgamator upon
which the amalgam is received and allowed to spread with the stream of
water which accompanies it. These blanket "strakes" are strained on frames
fitted on an axis and placed over a tank so that the water and amalgam may
be collected therein, the water flowing over a waste board while the amalgam
falls to the bottom of the tank by its gravity, and is removed at pleasure. The
"**strakes "
are cleansed by immersing them in the water in the tank, which
is done by simply turning the axis (upon which they are fitted) half round so
that one strake is always in operation while the other is being cleansed,
thereby effecting a great economy of space and time in performing the

page_text: operation, and consequently avoiding interruption in the progress of the
working.
In adapting the rotary washing mill to the cleansing of some minerals, as,
coal and the like, which have no metalliferous particles in their composition,
and simply require the earthy matters to be separated from them so as to
leave the pure mineral for the market, I construct the screens or sieves
(when so applied) of metal bars so as to form strong gratings of a mesh suited
to the purpose intended, and with suitable receptacles for receiving the various
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said William Prosser in the Great Seal Patent Office on."
* ..10th November '1866.
the
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
PROSSER, of 7, York Terrace, St. John's Wood, in the County of Middlesex,
Gentleman, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Eleventh day of May, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-six, in the twenty-ninth year of Her'
reign, did, for Herself," Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto,
me, the said William Prosser, Her. special licence that I, the said William
Prosser, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I,
the said William Prosser, 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 "Im-
PROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR TREATING METALS, METALLIC ORES, AND OTHER
MINERAL SUBSTANCES," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said
William Prosser, my executors or administrators, by an instrument in writing
under my, or their, or one of their hands 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 VELT the

page_text: the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement :-
.
The combination which constitutes my Invention for improvements in
apparatus for treating metals, metallic ores, and other mineral substances
consists in adapting certain apparatus to that object so that the whole process
or nearly so from the picking or sorting of the substances to be treated to
the delivery of the same in a prepared state for the market, is effected without
the intervention of manual labour. The ore or other substance is primarily
delivered from the pit's mouth, shaft, or adit on to a rotatory or other sorting
or picking table, where it undergoes the preliminary sorting by hand, and
from whence the selected matter is conveyed for subsequent treatment down
án inclined plane or natural slope of the ground, as the case may be, 'to a set*
of stamps of improved construction, as berein-after described, where the ore
is crushed, water being admitted into the cofer or basin and kept flowing
through it so as to float out such portions of the substance as have been
may
sufficiently disintegrated. After the crushing has been effectually' performed'
the contents of the stamping mill are gradually carried forward by the con-'
tinuous current of water to a rotatory washing machine constructed agreeably
with and under Robert Martin Roberts' Patent for "Improvements in
Apparatus for Treating Metals and Metallic Ores," dated the Thirteenth of
March '1865, 'No. 697, with such slight modifications in the form and direction'
of the shoots and receivers as the particular circumstances of the case may
require. The ore is separated in the 'wshing' machine into grains of uniform'
size irrespective of weight or kind, and in this state' it passes to an inclined
table having a vibratory motion on which the extraneous matter with which
the metallic portion is combined is still further separated from it, and the'
various substances are deposited in troughs or shoots into which the table
discharges them, from whence they are conveyed to suitable receptacles to be
further dealt with. Those portions of the ore which have not undergone. al
sufficient amount of disintegration are delivered to a second series of stamps
of lighter construction than the former; there to be further disintegrated and
pulverized, and from which they are transferred by means of an inclined'
shoot to a second set of vibratory tables similar in construction to the former
which separate the last portions of the ore from the extraneous matters, the
refuse being discharged (as waste) into channels provided' for conveying it
away to any convenient depository.
Ju
The peculiarities of the first series of stamps consist in constructing them of

page_text: much greater weight than those heretofore employed for such a purpose, being
of from 15 to 20 hundredweight each, and having a fall of about 8 feet,
giving to them a much larger crushing power than heretofore used. I
further propose to lift each stamp by means of a wiper or excentric cam
through the intervention of a lever which is so placed with respect to the
cam or wiper and the stamp shaft as to lift the latter vertically, or at least
with a small amount of angular motion, instead of, as heretofore, applying the
wiper or cam directly to the stamp shaft. I also propose to give a slight
circular or rotatory movement to the stamp heads, which I.effect by means of
a tangent screw and wheel, the screw being driven by a small belt pulley on
its axis, taking its motion from the spindle or shaft of the cam or wiper or by
any other convenient means, so that by turning the stamp shaft in a slight
degree at each successive stroke, it may change the relative position of its face
with respect to the ore in the cofer or basin.
The second series of stamps, though of less weight and power (the stamps
not exceeding probably 3 to 5 hundredweight each), may be constructed
and worked upon the same principle as the first series, herein-before
described.
The separating table (upon which the ore is discharged from the washing
machine) is slightly inclined, and is constructed of a hard non-absorbent
material, as glass, slate, enamelled metal, metallic scoria or slag, or any
suitable material having a hard and smooth surface by which the friction of the
particles of ore and other matters treated thereon may be the least possible,
causing them to separate into masses in proportion to their gravity or weight,
and advance upon the table by a slight but sharp percussive action, the
vibratory motion being produced by an intermittent cam movement which in
conjunction with a stream of water constantly flowing with the ore causes the
grains to move progressively down the table at the bottom of which they are
delivered into troughs termed "landers," and from thence conveyed to suitable
receptacles.
The whole process from the delivery of the selected ore at the sorting floor
to the termination of the process is carried on with a continuous flow or
current of water, thus facilitating the continuous transfer of the ore from one
machine or part of the apparatus to the other.
In arranging the combined apparatus for work, it is desirable that a sloping
ground be selected as a site in order that all the materials as they are treated
in the machines successively gradually descend from one machine to another
without the aid of manual labour beyond that of a labourer to prevent adven-

page_text: titious accumulations of the materials which would otherwise obstruct and
impede the regularity of the process.
The primary object of this Invention is to effect a more complete separation
of the metals or metallic portions of the ore, whereby a considerable quantity
of the saleable material is redeemed from a given quantity of ore, and
especially from that portion which is usually thrown away and treated as
waste. The yield of saleble ore will thereby be increased, and the labour
usually expended in the treating process will be materially reduced, having
the effect of either returning a larger profit to the miner or of reducing the
cost to the consumer.
In applying the apparatus or a part thereof specially to the treating of
gold ores; I add to the apparatus a mercurial amalgamator and separator for
taking up the finer portions or flakes of the metal which would otherwise be
carried away to waste with the flowing current of water and refuse.
The mercurial amalgamator which I employ is fitted with moveable slides,
agitators, or triturators, having a to-and-fro movement by means of a crank
or excentric motion for mechanically promoting the amalgamation of the
mercury. with the metallic portions of the ore which are caused to flow with
the stream of water from the stamps. One or more blanket strakes placed at
the end of the delivery shoot of the amalgamator receives the amalgam which
is deposited thereon, and from which the water which accompanies it is drained
into the tank beneath, leaving the flakes of gold or the amalgam adhering to
the strake. These strakes are formed of stout blanket strained on frames.
mounted on an axis and placed in bearings over a tank. The water and
amalgam are together collected in the tank, the water flowing over a waste
board and the amalgam remaining at the bottom of the tank to be removed
at convenience.
When a strake has been fully charged with the amalgam it is cleared by:
immersing it in the water in the tank; this is done by turning the axis (on
which two such strakes are fitted) half round so that one strake is in operation
whilst the other is being cleared in the tank, thereby effecting a great economy
of space and time, and avoiding interruption in the process. It may
probably be found necessary. to remove the amalgam or flakes from the sub-
merged strake
a scraper or brush or other convenient means.
In adapting the rotatory washing machine to the cleaning of some minerals,
as coal and the like, or of metals mixed with earthy matters, it simply
requires to construct the screens or sieves which are arranged on the periphery
of a disc of stout metal bars so as to form strong gratings of a suitable mesh

page_text: for the purpose, and also to attach suitable receptacles in which the minerals
so treated may be deposited.
And in order that my Invention may be more fully understood and ascer
tained, I herewith refer to the accompanying Drawings which are contained
on three Sheets.
:
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Sheet No. 1 contains a general view of the whole apparatus commencing
at the pit's mouth and terminating at the waste pit.
Sheet No. 2 contains sections and plan of the improved vibrating table for
separating the grains of matter into their.different kinds.
Sheet No: 8 contains sections and plan of the amalgamator employed for
the separation of gold ore.
In Sheet No. 1, A is the delivery floor at the pit's mouth; B, an incline
or curved plane down which the ore is delivered at the sorting table C, on to
which the attendant draws it by means of a rake or other convenient means.
The table is caused to rotate slowly by means of a band and pulley, while the
attendant selects those portions of the ore which are fit for treating;. D, an
inclined plane or shoot by which the sorted ore is delivered into the cofer or
basin of the stamps E. A stream of water is allowed to flow into the cofer E,
and as the ore is crushed by the stamps carries the finer portions over the
edge into a shoot F, by which it is conveyed to the rotatory washing machine G,
the peculiar construction of which is fully described in Robert Martin Roberts
Patent of the Thirteenth of March, 1865, No. 697, the disc of which carries
a number of cellular compartments fitted with screens or sieves which suc-
cessively. transfer the ore from one compartment to another until it is finally
deposited in the tank of water H where the ore is delivered of uniform size,
and whence it is elevated to the top of the disc by scoops or buckets I which
discharge into a hopper K, from which the ore is conveyed through a shoot L
into the hopper M; from which the ore and the water is delivered to the
vibrating table, N, where the ore is sorted and separated from the extraneous
matter. which is mixed with it. The ore is delivered into shoots or troughs 1
called "landers" and the useless matter into landers 2 and 3, the ore being
carried to suitable receptacles, the matter in 2 reserved for examination and
that in 3 discharged to waste. Should the overseer find that the material
from No. 2 contains metalliferous particles that portion is again subjected to
a second crushing by, passing it through a second set of stamps O, and finally
over a second vibrating table; it is however not probable that the second

page_text: operation will become necessary. Finally, the ore itself is passed through a
series of to-and-fro channels P, so as to wash away any remaining waste, or
the channels may be so constructed as to pass the,,water, ore, and any,
extraneous matter that may be mixed with them over and under partitions in,
a large tank so as to float away the refuse and leave the ore behind, which
'be removed from the tank as it accumulates therein.
may
In treating gold ore it is found necessary to adopt an amalgamator (at
large in Sheet No. 3) for the purpose of arresting the finer flakes or particles.
of metal, which from their lightness frequently float away on the surface of;
the water used in the washing of it, and it is therefore necessary to employ;
mercury for the purpose of amalgamating with the ore. To facilitate this,
operation. the material is passed through.a shoot R from the lighter stamps.0₁
into the amalgamator, which consists of moveable slides or blocks S, having,
a to-and-fro motion derived from a crank or excentric by which, a triturating:
action is obtained as the ore is floated through the channels by the water; it
at the same time keeps the amalgam in a state of agitation so that the water
carries it on to the blanket strakes T¹ and T%, where. the water is drained off.
into the tank U, and is allowed to flow to waste whilst the amalgam which;
adheres to or collects on the strake. is deposited in the tank by turning it on.,
its axis V, so that it may be submerged in the water contained in the tank.
and the ore or amalgam scraped or brushed off it. In submerging one,
stiake another is presented to the stream of water and amalgam on the oppo- :
site side of the axis, so that the operation is continued on one strake while
the other is being cleared. The tank should have a side shoot through which.,
the amalgam may, be discharged into a suitable receptacle.
,
Sheet No. 2 is an enlarged plan and sections of the vibrating table. ... The
table a is composed of any hard smooth non-absorbent material, as berein-
before described, and may with advantage be subdivided into three or more.
parts (depending on the size of the table) by partitions b; each compartment.,
may be about three feet wide and six or eight feet long; c. are slots,
through which the material falls from the table into the landers d;,d, the,
leaders e, e, directing the three qualities of matter to their respective
landers, the metal or pure ore falling over the edge of the table at f,fif, into,
the lander 9. Each of the qualities of matter may be conducted, to their
final receptacles by suitable shoots h, a bar forming part of the frame of the
table which is caused to move to and fro op, friction wheels i, by the cam k
on an axis l; m is a wedge stop; adjusted by a screw n to regulate, and limit;
the lateral movement of the table. If the table be slightly higher at the end.

page_text: next the wedge m it will have a tendency to fall back on the cam for a
repetition of the stroke; o, p, are feeding shoots through which the ore and
water are delivered on the separate divisions of the table. The table
should be inclined from the shoots p to the landers d, d, g, and should
be adjusted by a wedge at each corner, or at any other convenient part
thereof.
-
Sheet 8 is an enlarged plan and sections shewing the cofer of the second
series of stamps; q is a shoot to convey the water and ore to the amalga-
mator, of which r, s, are chambers containing mercury, and having slides or
agitators t, t, placed therein, so that by means of a crank or excentric a
to-and-fro motion may be given to them in order to triturate and thoroughly
mix the ingredients contained in and passing through the chambers r, s, from
which they are conveyed by a shoot u to the blanket strakes v, v; these are
formed of strong woollen blankets stretched on a wood frame, which is hinged
to the carriage w so that it will admit of their position being altered when
required. Two such strakes are fitted on the axis x, and are connected by a
segment carriage y so that they may be moved simultaneously when required
to be cleared of the matter deposited upon them. The segmental part of the
carriage y may pass through a slot in the axis x and be retained in its position,
as shewn by a pin z. The tank on which the axis is mounted should be
provided with a shoot in a convenient part so as to admit of the whole of the
amalgam being drawn off when required, and for this purpose the bottom
should be made sloping to give the' amalgam a better opportunity of running
off. A drain may be formed, as shewn, at the end of the tank to convey away
the surplus water and waste into which it may be allowed to flow over the
edge of tank.
Having thus described the nature of my said Invention, and in what
manner the same is to be performed, I would have it understood that I do not
confine myself to the precise forms or proportions of the several parts, as they
may obviously be varied to suit the various applications of the Invention ; but
what I do claim as my Invention-
Firstly, the mode of constructing stamps of the increased weight, as
described, and with the mode of lifting them by means of an intermediate
lever between the cam or wiper and the stamp shaft, and giving to the stamp
heads a slight rotatory movement, substantially as described.
Secondly, I claim the mode of constructing vibrating tables for separating
the grains of ore with the surfaces formed of the hard and smooth materials,
and in the manner or substantially as herein described.

page_text: Thirdly, I claim the method of constructing amalgamators for gold ores in
combination with the blanket strakes, substantially as herein described.
Fourthly, I claim the combination of machinery, substantially as herein
described.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Prosser, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this day of November, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-six.
Witness,
AMB. II. RENTON,
5, Whitehall.
W. PROSSER. (L.B.)

page_text: ALTERATION.
Filed 11th October 1867.
In the Matter of the Letters Patent granted to WILLIAM PROSSER,
formerly of 7, York Terrace, St. John's Wood, in the County of
Middlesex, but now of 19, Limerston Street, Chelsea, in the same
County, Gentleman, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
APPARATUS FOR TREATING METALS, METALLIC ORES, AND OTHER
MINERAL SUBSTANCES," bearing date the Eleventh day of May,
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-six, No. 1350.
DISCLAIMER AND MEMORANDUM OF ALTERATION proposed to be
filed by the Patentee, the said William Prosser, in the Great Seal
Patent Office, with the Specification to which the same relates, according
to the Statute in that case made and provided.
WHEREAS since the date of the said Letters Patent, and that of the filing
of the said Specification thereof, I have been advised that certain parts of the
said Invention are not so new as at the time of filing the said Specification I
verily believed them to be, therefore I desire to disclaim some parts of the said
Specification, and to alter the same consistently with such disclaiming, and I
also desire to alter or amend certain slight inaccuracies of an obvious character
which have been introduced into the said Specification, per incuriam.
NOW KNOW YE, that 'I, the said William Prosser, by and with the leave
of Her Majesty's Solicitor General, do hereby disclain the following words :-
"The mode of constructing stamps of the increased weight, as described,.and

page_text: * with the mode of lifting them by means of an intermediate lever between
"the cam or wiper and the stamp shaft, and giving to the stamp heads a
slight rotary movement, substantially as herein described. Secondly, I.
"claim," contained in the said Specification, and occurring in the thirty-second
and four following lines of page ten thereof, as printed by Her Majesty's
Printers.
I hereby alter or amend the said Specification by substituting for the
following words."Thirdly," in the first line, and "Fourthly," in the third line,
both of page eleven of the said Specification printed as aforesaid, the words
." Secondly" and "Thirdly" respectively.
66
And I also hereby alter or amend the said Specification by substituting for the
following words, "cofer, "wshing, excentric, cofer, scorise, cofer, cofer, excentric,
"cofer, excentric," contained respectively in lines fifteen and twenty-four of
page five; in lines four, fourteen, and twenty-one of page six; in lines
eighteen and nineteen of page eight; in line fourteen of page nine; and in
lines seven and ten of page ten the following words respectively, namely,
coffer, wasbing, eccentric, coffer, scoria, coffer, coffer, eccentric, coffer;
"eccentric;" the said words which I hereby thus alter or amend being con-
tained in the said Specification as printed by Her Majesty's Printers, and
certified by clerks in the Great Seal Patent Office. And I also hereby further
alter or amend the said Specification by introducing the word "is" at the
end of the thirty-first line of page ten thereof, as printed and certified as
aforesaid.
And in order that the effect of the present Disclaimer and Memorandum
of Alteration may be clearly shown and understood, I will proceed to recite
(omitting the Preamble and Testing Clause) the said Specification as proposed
to be hereby amended.
66
66
"The combination which constitutes my Invention for improvements in
apparatus for treating metals, metallic ores, and other mineral substances,
"consists in adapting certain apparatus to that object, so that the whole
process, or nearly so, from the picking or sorting of the substances to be
"treated to the delivery of the same in a prepared state for the market is
"effected without the intervention of manual labor. The ore or other sub-
"stance is primarily delivered from the pit's mouth, shaft, or adit on to a
"rotatory or other sorting or picking table where it undergoes the pre-
"liminary sorting by hand, and from whence the selected matter is conveyed
"for subsequent treatment down an inclined plane or natural slope of the
"ground, as the case may be, to a set of stamps of improved construction, as
herein-after described, where the ore is crushed, water being admitted into
66

page_text: 66
"the coffer or basin and kept flowing through it so as to float out such
portions of the substance as may have been sufficiently disintegrated. After
"the crushing has been effectually performed the contents of the stamping
"mill are gradually carried forward by the continuous current of water to a
" rotatory washing machine constructed agreeably with and under Robert
"Martin Robert's Patent for Improvements in Apparatus for Treating
"Metals and Metallic Ores,' dated the Thirteenth day of March, 1865,
"
No. 697, with such slight modifications in the form and direction of the
"shoots and receivers as the particular circumstances of the case may require.
"The ore is separated in the washing machine into grains of uniform size,
"irrespective of weight or kind, and in this state it passes to an inclined
" table having a vibratory motion, on which the extraneous matter, with which
"the metallic portion is combined, is still further separated from it, and the
"various substances are deposited in troughs or shoots into which the table
"discharges them, from whence they are conveyed to suitable receptacles to
"be further dealt with. Those portions of the ore which have not undergone
a sufficient amount of disintegration are delivered to a second series of
"stamps of lighter construction than the former, there to be further dis-
integrated and pulverized, and from which they are transferred by means of
" an inclined shoot to a second set of vibratory tables, similar in construction
" to the former, which separate the last portions of the ore from the extraneous
"matters, the refluse being discharged (as waste) into channels provided for
"conveying it away to any convenient depository.
"
66
"
66
"The peculiarities of the first series of stamps consist in constructing them
"of much greater weight than those heretofore employed for such a purpose,
being of from 15 to 20 hundredweight each, and having a fall of about
feet, giving to them a much larger crushing power than heretofore used.
"I further propose to lift each stamp by means of a wiper or eccentric can
"through the intervention of a lever which is so placed with respect to the
cam or wiper and the stamp shaft as to lift the latter vertically or at least
with a small amount of angular motion instead of, as heretofore, applying
"the wiper or cam directly to the stamp shaft. I also propose to give a slight
circular or rotary movement to the stamp heads, which I effect by means
" of a tangent screw and wheel, the screw being driven by a small belt pulley
"on its axis, taking its motion from the spindle or shaft of the cam or wiper,
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or by any other convenient means, so that by turning the stamp shaft in a
"slight degree at each successive stroke it may change the relative position
"of its face with respect to the ore in the coffer or basin.
"The second series of stamps, though of less weight and power (the stamps

page_text: not exceeding probably 3 to 5 hundredweight each), may be constructed and.
worked upon the same principle as the first series herein-before described.
"The separating table (upon which the ore is discharged from the washing.
machine) is slightly inclined, and is constructed of a hard non-absorbent.
material, as glass, slate, enamelled metal, metallic scoria or slag, or any
suitable material having a hard and smooth surface by which the friction of
the particles of ore and other matters treated thereon may be the least.
possible, causing them to separate into masses in proportion to their gravity
or weight, and advance upon the table by a slight but sharp percussive action,
the vibratory motion being produced by an intermittent cam movement,
which, in conjunction with a stream of water constantly flowing with the
ore, causes the grains to move progressively down the table, at the bottom of.
which they are delivered into troughs termed "landers," and from thence.
'conveyed to suitable receptacles."
"The whole process from the delivery of the selected ore at the sorting
floor to the termination of the process is carried on with a continuous flow.
or current of water, thus facilitating the continuous transfer of the ore from
one machine or part of the apparatus to the other.
"In arranging the combined apparatus for work it is desirable that a sloping.
ground be selected as a site in order that all the materials as they are
treated in the machines successively gradually descend from one machine.
to another without the aid of manual labour beyond that of a labourer to
prevent adventitious accumulations of the materials which would otherwise.
obstruct and impede the regularity of the process.
"The primary object of this Invention is to effect a more complete separation
of the metals or metallic portions of the ore, whereby a considerable quantity
of the saleable material is redeemed from a given quantity of ore and
especially from that portion which is usually thrown away and treated as
waste. The yield of saleable ore will thereby be increased, and the labour
' usually expended in the heating process will be materially reduced, having
"the effect of either returning a larger profit to the miner or of reducing the
cost to the consumer."
"In applying the apparatus, or a part thereof, specially to the treating of
'gold ores, I add to the apparatus a mercurial amalgamator and separtor
for taking up the finer portions or flakes of the metal, which would
otherwise be carried away to waste with the flowing current of water and
-refuse."
"The mercurial amalgamator which I employ is fitted with moveable slides,
agitators, or triturators, having a to-and-fro movement by means of a crank
a

page_text: "or excentric motion for mechanically promoting the amalgamation of the
46 mercury with the metallic portions of the ore which are caused to flow with
"the stream of water from the stamps. One or more blanket strakes placed
"at the end of the delivery shoot of the amalgamator receives the amalgam
"which is deposited thereon, and from which the water which accompanies it
" is drained into the tank beneath leaving the flakes of gold or the amalgamı
"adhering to the strake. These strakes are formed of stout blanket strained
"on frames mounted on an axis and placed in bearings over a tank. The water
"and amalgam are together collected in the tank, the water flowing over a
waste board and the amalgam remaining at the bottom of the tank to be
" removed at convenience."
"
"When a strake has been fully charged with the amalgam it is cleared by
immersing it in the water in the tank; this is done by turning- the axis (on
"which two such strakes are fitted) half-round, so that one strake is in
"operation whilst the other is being cleared in the tank, thereby effecting a
"great economy of space and time, and avoiding interruption in the process.
"It may probably be found necessary to remove the amalgam or flakes from
"the submerged strake by a scraper or brush, or other convenient means.
66
"In adapting the rotatory washing machine to the cleaning of some
"minerals, as coal and the like, or of metals mixed with earthy matters, it
simply requires to construct the screens or sieves, which are arranged on the
periphery, of a disc of stout metal bars so as to form strong gratings of a
"suitable mesh for the purpose, and also to attach suitable receptacles in
"which the minerals so treated may be deposited.
"And in order that my Invention may be more fully understood and
"ascertained, I herewith refer to the accompanying Drawings which are
"contained on three Sheets.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
"Sheet No. 1 contains a general view of the whole apparatus commencing
"at the pit's mouth and terminating at the waste pit."
"Sheet No. 2 contains sections and plan of the improved vibrating table
"for separating the grains of matter into their different kinds."
"Sheet No. 3 contains sections and plan of the amalgamator employed for
"the separation of gold ore."
"In Sheet No. 1, A is the delivery floor at the pit's mouth; B, an incline

page_text: 66
means.
The table is caused to rotate slowly by means of a band and pulley,
"while the attendant selects those portions of the ore which are fit for
heating; D, an inclined plane or shoot by which the sorted ore is delivered
"into the coffer or basin of the stamps E; a stream of water is allowed to
"flow into the coffer E, and as the ore is crushed by the stamps carries the
"finer portions over the edge into a shoot F, by which it is conveyed to the
rotatory washing machine G, the peculiar construction of which is fully
"described in Robert Martin Robert's Patent of the Thirteenth of March,
"1865, No. 697, the disc of which carries a number of cellular compartments
"fitted with screens or sieves, which successively transfer the ore from: one
" compartment to another until it is finally deposited in the tank of water H,
"where the ore is delivered of uniform size, and whence it is elevated.to the
" top of the disc by scoops or buckets I which discharge into a hopper K, from
"which the ore is conveyed through a shoot L into the hopper M, from which
"the ore and the water is delivered to the vibrating table N, where the ore
" is sorted and separated from the extraneous matter which is mixed with it.
"The ore is delivered into shoots or troughs 1 called "landers," and the useless
"matter into landers 2 and 3, the ore being carried to suitable receptacles;
"the matter in 2 reserved for examination and that in 3 discharged to waste.
"Should the overseer find that the material from No. 2 contains metalliferous
"particles that portion is again subjected to a second crushing by passing it
through a second set of stamps O, and finally over a second vibrating table;
"it is, however, not probable that the second operation will become necessary.
Finally, the ore itself is passed through a series of to-and-fro channels P so
" as to wash away any remaining waste, or the channels may be so constructed
" as to pass the water, ore, and any extraneous matter that may be mixed
"with them over and under partitions in a large tank, so as to float away the
"refuse and leave the ore behind, which may be removed from the tank as it
"accumulates therein."
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"In treating gold ore it is found necessary to adopt an amalgamator (at
large in Sheet No. 3) for the purpose of arresting the finer flakes or particles
." of metal, which from their lightness frequently float away on the surface of
"the water used in the washing of it, and it is therefore necessary to employ
mecury for the purpose of amalgamating with the ore. To facilitate this
"operation the material is passed through a shoot R from the lighter stamps O
"into the amalgamator, which consists of moveable slides or blocks S, having
to-and-fro motion derived from a crank or eccentric which a triturating
"action is obtained as the ore is floated through the channels by the water,

page_text: """wood frame which is binged to the carriage w, so that it will admit of
"their position being altered when required. Two such strakes are fitted on
"the axis x and are connected by a segment carriage y, so that they may be
"moved simultaneously when required to be cleared of the matter deposited'
66 upon them. The segmental part of the carriage y may pass through a slot
" in the axis & and be retained in its position as shewn by a pin z. The
"tank on which the axis is mounted should be provided with a shoot in a con-
** venient part so as to admit of the whole of the amalgam being drawn off
" when required, and for this purpose the bottom should be made sloping to
"give the amalgam a better opportunity of running off. A drain may be
formed, as shewn at the end of the tank, to convey away the surplus water
" and, waste, into which it may be allowed to flow over the edge of tank."..
Having thus described the nature of my said 'Invention, and in what
"manner the same is to be performed, I would have it understood that I do
"not confine myself to the precise forms or proportions of the several parts, as
"they may obviously be varied to suit the various applications of the
"Invention; but what I do claim as my Invention" is,―
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'
"Firstly, the mode of constructing vibrating tables for separating the
"grains of ore with the surfaces formed of the hard and smooth materials,
" and in the manner or substantially as herein described."
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: Secondly, I claim the method of constructing amalgamators for gold ores
" in combination with the blanket strakes, substantially as herein described.".
"Thirdly, I claim the combination of machinery, substantially as herein
" described."
And I, the said William Prosser, do hereby further declare that the above
Disclaimer and Memorandum of Alteration are not nor is any part thereof
intended to extend the exclusive right granted by the said Letters Patent, and
that these Presents shall not extend the said exclusive right in any way
whatever.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Prosser, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Thirty-first day of August, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven..

page_text: "it at the same time keeps the amalgam in a state of agitation, so that the
"water carries it on to the blanket strakes T¹ and T where the water is
"drained off into the tank U and is allowed to flow to waste, whilst the amalgami
"which adheres to or collects on the strake is deposited in the tank by turning
"it on its axis V, so that it may be submerged in the water contained in the
" tank and the ore or amalgam scraped or brushed off it. In submerging
one strake another is presented to the stream of water and amalgam ou
"the opposite side of the axis, so that the operation is continued on one
"strake while the other is being cleared. The tank should have a sidè
shoot through which the amalgam may be discharged into a suitable
receptacle."
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$6
"
"Sheet No. 2 is an enlarged plan and sections of the vibrating table. The
"table a is composed of any hard, smooth, non-absorbent material, as herein-
"before described, and may with advantage be subdivided into three or more
parts (depending on the size of the table) by partitions 6; each compart-
ment may be about three feet wide and six or eight feet long; c are slots
"through which the material falls from the table into the landers d, d, the
"leaders e, e, directing the three qualities of matter to their respective landers,
"the metal or pure ore falling over the edge of the table at f,f,f, into the
"lander 9. Each of the qualities of matter may be conducted to their final
"receptacles by suitable shoots h, a bar forming part of the frame of the
"table, which is caused to move to and fro on friction wheels i by the cam *
66 on an axis l; m is a wedge stop adjusted by a screw n to regulate and
"limit the lateral movement of the table. If the table be slightly higher at
"the end next the wedge m it will have a tendency to fall back on the cam
" for a repetition of the stroke; o, p, are feeding shoots, through which the
ore and water are delivered on the separate divisions of the table. The
"table should be inclined from the shoots p to the landers d, d, g, and should
"be adjusted by a wedge at each corner or at any other convenient part
" thereof."
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"Sheet 3 is an enlarged plan and sections shewing the coffer of the second
"series of stamps. 9 is a shoot to convey the water and ore to the amal-
"gamator, of which r, s, are chambers containing mercury and having slides
66
"
or agitators t, t, placed therein, so that by means of a crank or eccentric
a to-and-fro motion may be given to them in order to triturate and
"thoroughly mix the ingredients contained in and passing through the
"chambers r, s, from which they are conveyed by a shoot u to the blanket
strakes v, v, these are formed of strong woollen blankets stretched ou a

page_text: To the Commissioners of Patents for Invention.
I hereby graut my fiat, giving leave to the above-named William Prosser to
file in the Great Seal Patent Office, with the Specification to which the same
relates, the above written Disclaimer and Memorandum of Alteration.