US750227A - Gold-saving apparatus - Google Patents

Description

PATBNTBD JAN-l 191904. L. sACHsB. GOLD SAYINGV A'APPAnims.

' APPLICATION FILED DEO. 13 1901. N0 MODEL. l 4.8HEETS-SHEET 1` wlllll Y www l c. YH: Nol-mls Pirins La. Faomunu.. WASHINGTON, n

No. 750,227. PATBNTED JAN. 19,1904. L. sAoHsB. GOLD SAVING APPARATUS.

APPLIUATION FILED DEO. 13, 1901. N0 MODEL. 4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

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PATENTED JAN. 19, 1904.

L. SACHSE.

GOLD SAVING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED DEO. 13, 1901. l

. 4 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

u No MODEL.

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PATENTED JAN. 19, 1904.

L. SAGHSB. GOLD SAV-ING APPARATUS.

No MODEL. APPLICATION FILEDVDBO. 13, 1 901.

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Patented January 19, 1904.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

LOUIS SAOHSE, OF LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA.

GoLD-sAvlNel APPARATUS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent N o. 750,227, dated January 19, 1904.

Application filed December 13, 1901. Serial No. 85,843. (No model.)

To a/ZZ whom t may concern,.-

Be it known that I, Loms SAcHsE, a citizen l of the United States, residing at Los Angeles,

in the county of Los Angeles and State of Oalifornia, have invented a new and useful Gold- Saving Apparatus, of which the following is a specification.

The object ofv this invention is .to save lioatgold from the waters in which it occurs-for example, from the tailings of placer-mines or from the waters of rivers, such as the Snake river, Colorado river, and like rivers which contain lioat-gold.

In carrying out my invention I provide for bringing the tailings or gold-carrying waters forcibly into contact with amalgamating-surfaces, and I employ a body of liquid mercury in an amalgamating-box, together with amal- .gamating-plates which are arranged above the body of mercury in said box and are arranged alternately with less and greater passages beneath these, respectively, so that the waters will iiow both over and under one of the amalgamating-plates and will be forced to vflow under a succeeding amalgamating-plate, between such plate and the body of mercury, andv then over and under another amalgamating-plate, and then, preferably, under another amalgamating-plate and up over an inclined Hoor and out of the box through an outlet, which is controlled and restricted to correspond with the volume oflwaters passing through the apparatus, so as to cause the water to rise above and flow over the amalgamating-plates, as above stated, at a considerable depth to cause the liquid to impinge forcibly on the surface of the mercury. I also may provide means at the surface of the mercury to break up the current of liquid at that place and cause the same to contact with the mercury and to keep the mercury surface free' and bright. Preferably such means consists in one or more amalgamating-rollers and'means to positively rotate the same. The rollers may be held in the mercury at a required .depth by suitable means. I also make provision for precipitating and separating from the flowing waters or tailings and the silica carried thereby all of the iron sands before said waters or tailings reach the amalgamating-box.

Athe combinations and parts thereof herein described and claimed, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate the invention in a form which I deem most advisable. l

Figure I is a longitudinal mid-section of my newly-invented gold-saving apparatus in operation and partly in longitudinal mid-section on line IV, Figs. II and III. A fragment of a sluice-box is also shown. of the apparatus and the fragment of the sluicebox. 'Ihe mechanical means for regulating the depth of the yrollers in the mercury are omitted from Figs. I and II to avoid confusion. Fig. III is an enlarged plan of the amalgamating-box and devices at the tail of the apparatus. Fig. IV is an end elevation of the tank looking left from line IV IV, Figs. I, II, and III. Fig. V is an elevation, partly in longiytudinal mid-section, on line indicated by IV,

Figs. II, III. and VII. Figs. V1 and Vb are fragmental views illustrating the roller-depressing devices. Fig. VI is a fragmental detail in elevation viewed from the right of Fig. V. Fig. VII is a section on line VII VII, Figs. I and II, looking in the direction of the arrow. Fig. VIII is an elevation, in enlarged tions being broken away to contract the View. A fragment of the precipitating-tank with sector thereon is also shown. Fig. IX is a sectional elevation of the same on line IX IX, Fig. VIII, looking to the right. Fig. Xis an elevation, in enlarged scale, of one of the amalgamating frames and a plate thereon. Fragments are broken away to contract the view. Fig. XI is a section on line XI XI, Fig. X, looking right. Fig. XII is an axial section of one of the amalgamating-rollers. Fig. XIII is a cross-section on line XIII XIII, Fig. XII. Fig. XIV is a longitudinal section on line XIV XIV, Fig. XV, showing a modi- Fig. II is a plan 8s scale, of the precipitating-frame detached,por

lication of the amalgamating-pan designed for usingless mercury than is required in the form shown in the other views. Fig. XV is a sectional detail of the modified amalgamating-pan on line XV XV, Fig. XIV, looking right.

a designates a tank to receive the sluice-tail ings or other float-gold, carrying water at one end and furnished with upper and lower eompartments l 2, communicating with each other through an opening 3 in the floor 185 of the upper compartment at the receiving end or head of the tank. The compartment l consti tutes the passage for the water or tailings, the opening 3 extends transversely of said passage, and the compartment 2 constitutes a receptacle to hold a body of water approximately still to allow the black sands to precipitate.

designates a precipitating-frame pivoted in the tank on a horizontal axis c above the rear edge of said opening 3. d designates flats pivoted in said frame by pivots e to deiect the current upward, to thereby precipitate black sands which may be carried in the current. `Said slats serve as a defiector in the passage vertically above the opening' 3 to cause the black sand to be removed from the tailings, while the silica is carried along in and through the passage.

Means are provided for adjusting the slats d. Such means may consists in a rod f, pivoted by pivots g to the slats d, respectively. Any suitable means may be provided for adjusting the inclination of the frame. /L designates a handle fastened to the frame for this purpose, and z' a latch and sector to fix the handle when the frame has been approximately adjusted.

et designates a rearwardly and upwardly sloping' partition in the lower compartmentQ of the tank below and rearwardly of the opening 3 to direct any black sands which may settle thereon down to the front of the tank, where they may be conveyed out of the tank by the screw conveyer 9A into an elevatorbox 25, whence they may be elevated by the elevator 55, and thereby discharged through the spout 56.

5 designates a contracted passage in an upper compartment of the tank between the re-V ceiving and dischargelends 6 7 of the tank.

rlhis passage 5 is preferably in the form of as V-shape trough extending lengthwise a por-vv An outlet 8 is provided at` outlet 8, which may preferably extend entirely across the end of the outlet-compartment 7 in front of the narrow bottom portion of the V-shape passage 5, so that onlya small area of said outlet will be in the direct course of the liquid flowing through said passage. By this arrangement the heavier particles contained in the liquid flowing through the passage 5 will be allowed to settle to the bottom of said passage. 22 designates a test-pipe near the tail end of said passage,through which the operator may draw ofl'l the material from the bottom of the passage 5, thus to determine whether or no any black sands are pass ing through the precipitating-tankdesignates an amalgamating-box to receive the discharge from the outlet 8. m designates a charge of mercury in a mercuryreservoir 9 in said amalgamating-box. The purpose of this body of mercury is threefoldmviz., it serves an essential yielding ele ment of the apparatus for forcing the water into contact with the amalgamating-surfaces, it also serves to yieldingly support an amalgamating-roller, and it also serves asa solvent collector and carrier for the precious metals. lt is the mercury which coiiperates with the plates to modify the flow of water and tailings and which raises and lowers the rollers. It forms the bearing of the rollers. ln these respects the mercury performs functions different from that of the mercury in the ordi-v nary forms of amalgamators, in which it serves simply as a solvent for the precious metals. ln this apparatus it, in effect, serves the function of a concrete mechanical element in supporting the rollers, &c. 'n designates the lirst amalgamating-plate, arranged to form a vertical partition across said :box above the charge of mercury. o designates an amalgamating-roller floating in and partially immersed in the mercury behind and below said first amalgamatingplate'71 to obstruct the flow of the tailings. rl`he lower edge of the plate a is suliciently close to the surface of the mercury to restrict the passage to a less cross-sectional area than the outlet 8, so as to force a portion of said tailings to flow over the top of said amalgamating-plate, which is below the top of the amalgamating-box, aA

passage being thus provided both above and below said plate. An open space or passage p is left between the top of the roller o and the bottom of the plate fn. to allow water or i tailings to pass between the plateA and roller. A second amalgamating-plate g is provided, forming a vertical partition across the amalgamating-box and extending above the level of the top of the first amalgamating-plate, an open space fr being left between saidv second amalgamating-plate q and the mercury to, al-

low the water or tailings to pass below said plate.v .v designates a third amalgamatingplate, which is arranged like the lirst plate with relation to the mercury and to an amal- IOO IIO

gamating-roller t, provided behind and below the edge of the third amalgamating-plate s in a manner similar to that in which the roller is mounted. u designates a fourth amalgamating-plate, arranged like the second amalgamating-plate g.

o designates a rearwardly and upwardly sloping partition or floor at the rear portion of the amalgamating-box to separate the rear end of the mercury-chamber 9 and the outletpassage 10 and to relieve the surface of the mercury at the rear end of the box from the pressure of the liquid in the box, so that the body of mercury will be lively and free to pulsate under the varying pressures exerted on the mercury by the liquid flowing through the box as the same increases and decreases in depth.

w designates a rear water-retaining wall extending across the amalgamating-box above the passage 1 O. af designates adjustablemeans at the lower edge of said wall for regulating the size of the passage 10. Said means may comprise a plate 11, set aslant at the same general inclination as the partition or floor o, so that the water which flows from the amalgamating-plates must pass upward along the slanting floor o and underneath the slanting plate 11. By adjusting the appliance a' appropriately the level of the water in the amalgamating-box can be regulated.

y designates an apron extending rearwardly from the sloping floor c and furnished with zigzag riflies z to collect any mercury which may be forced over the sloping floor o. 12 designates outlets leading downward from the upper side of said rilfles to conduct the mercury into a conduit 18, from which it flows into a swinging trough 14, closed at one end,

and the bottom of which slopes downward to said closed end, thereby-to allow any mercury to collect at the closed end, while the water flows off at the open e'nd. rl`he trough 14 is suspended by loose links 15 15. 16 designates an arm fixed to the trough and extending upward therefrom.

17 is a current-wheel to be driven by the water escaping at the tail of the machine. l

18 designates a pitman driven by the current-wheel and connected with the arm 16 to move the trough 14 longitudinally.

19 designates a cock at the closed end of the trough, through which the mercury which settles in the trough 14 can be ,drawn off from time to time into a receptacle 2O therefor.

21 designates an outlet from the mercuryreservoir 9 above the lnormal level of the mercury in said reservoir to allow mercury to escape from the reservoir `9 in case of any overcharge from the mercury supplied to the amalgamating-plates.

The plates may be of the usual character and of any desired form, plain or corrugated; but corrugated plates are preferred, as shown in the drawings, for the reason that this form gives more surface for holding the mercury 185 of the passage 5 is desirably level, so that the current will not be strong along the same. Near the outlet 8 therefrom a valved test-pipe 22, having an open mouth at said floor and extending downward therefrom, is arranged to receive black sands if any precipitate through the slowly-liowing water.

In practical operation the cock 28 of the test-pipe 22 will be normally left open sufficiently to allow the operator to constantly inspect the tailings or other waters which are flowing at the bottom of the trough 5, which is V shape in cross-section, thus to direct the heaviest material in a path directly over the open upper end of the pipe 22, so that the tailings thus brought to the inspection of the operator will show the heaviest products which are escaping from the precipitating appliances at the head of the tank. When the attendant observes that iron sands are flowing out through the test-pipe 22, he will adjust the slats d at a sharper angle, so as to direct the iron sands downward more positively. If he finds that silica is carried out by the elevator 55 and that no iron sands are flowing out through the pipe 22, he will reduce the inclination of the slats.

26 designates slats or sh utters above the upper edges of the amalgamating-plates n and s, respectively. By adjusting these slats at a greater or less inclination the flow of water over the tops of the amalgamating-plates n and s can be increased or diminished, and consequently the flow of water under said amalgamating-plates and the pressure thereof on the mercury surface decreased or increased, as the case may be. v

The rollers 0 and t are designed to rotate slowly in the mercury-bath in order to always present to the liowing water a fresh bright face of mercury. The surface of these rollers is of copper, and means are provided for causing the slow rotation of the rollers. These rollers may ordinarily be furnished with plates or blades 27, radiating from the rollers, as detailed in Fig. XIII, and which 'may consist of copper plates strung on wires 28, which are IOO IIO

IIS

drawn around the roller and fastened together at the ends 29 by any suitable means. The current of water will strike upon the roller and the blades at the upper side of the roller as the roller rotates slowly in the mercury, and the surfaces of the roller and blades emerging from the mercury and freshly coated thereby will receive the float-gold and amalgamate the same.

The tendency of the roller to rise in the mercury will increase and diminish as the depth of water above the mercury increases and decreases, and a roller made of copper will not be sufliciently heavy to submerge the shaft 30 of the roller in the mercury when the water rises above a certain height. depending upon the diameter of the roller. For example,with a two-inch copper roller having a shaft liveleighths of an inch in diameter the roller would rise too far out of the mercury when the water is two feet deep above the mercury. V here a greater depth than this of water in the amalgamating-boX is desired, the roller may be made of a hollow shell or shells 31, lled with a lilling 32 of lead or mercury, as required, depending upon the depth of water which it is desired. to maintain above the surface of the mercury in the chamber 9.

33 designates a cock constituting means for drawing ofi' mercury from the lower part of the mercury-reservoir 9. This cock opens from the lower end of a sloping gutter 34 in the bottom of the reservoir 9. 35 designates an apron arranged above said gutter at the outlet end thereof, being at the inlet end of the amalgamating-boX. This apron extends toward the discharge end of said box and terminates at a line substantially under the first amalgamating-plate. lts purpose is to prevent the mercury from dropping from the top of the reservoir to supply the discharge through the outlet 33 when the same is open. 'll he tloor of the reservoir is preferably slanted from each side towardpthe middle to cause the heavier mercury charged with gold to flow into the gutter, along' which it will flow down to the discharge outlet or cock 33. In practical operation the gold-charged mercury will seek the lowest level, so that when the outlet 33 is opened such mercury will flow out. The apron 35 serves to separate the gold-charged mercury in the gutter from the uncharged mercury at the top of the reservoir.

VIn practical operation the gold-charged mercury will be drawn oflA in slnall quantities.

36 designates a pipe at the tail of the amalgamating-box, through which pure mercury will be supplied to the mercuryreservoir from time to time as the charge is drawn oli" through the outlet The amalgamating-rollers n and are preferably provided with annular channels 37 in order to give greater surface, and since the rollers are arranged to partially extend above the level of the mercury and in the path of the gold-carrying waters said waters flow into the channels 37, and are thus impinged upon the surfaces of the walls of such channels. Preferably the amalgamating-roller is formed in sections, as indicated by the cases 81 and lillings 32 in Fig. X11, and these sections are separated from each other by suitable means, such as the rings 38, to form the channels 3T. rl`he walls of these channels are preferably of a conical form, so that the channels extend obliquely relative to the axis of the roller. The action of the water will keep the channels free from clogging; but the heavy material will be directed downward onto the mercury in which the rollers are partially submerged. By this construction and arrangement a very extensive amalgamating-surface is provided with a determined diameter of roller, and the action thereon of the liquid passing into and out of such channels is such as to increase the effectiveness with which the gold comes into contact with the amalgamating-surface.

3S) designates vertical ways in which the ends of the axle 30 of the roller moves up and down. r1`he weight of the rollers can be adj usted so to maintain a certain level of sul mersion. The roller will rise and fall with the level of the mercury. If the rollers are made suiiiciently light, they will float upon the mercury and allow the water to pass underneath the roller-shaft between such shaft and the mercury.

4() designates ways in which the frames 41 of the anialgamatingplates may be secured.

42I designates rods which may be applied extending across the frame 41 and against which the amalgamating-plates may be placed to thereby be supported against pressure of the flowing water, so that the. weight of the water will not bulge the plates. lf thick heavy plates are used, the rods may be dispensed with.

43 designates a gutter at the lower end ol the amalgamating-plate frame 41, into which gutter the mercury and amalgam from the amalgamating-plates will flow.

44 designates pipes, which may be of greater or less number, arranged across the frame 41, leading downward from the gutter 43 to discharge the mercury into the mercury-reservoir 9. 45 designates outlets opening' rearwardly and downwardly from said pipes 44, thereby to prevent any clogging' of said pipes with sand. .ln a frame three feet wide l prefer to place about live of the pipes 44, arranged at equal distances apart.

4G designates a box at the end of the `[lume 47 to direct the water downwardly under pressure toward the current-impeding appliances or gates 48 designates a screen to impede the water as it-ilows from the down wardly-directed opening 184, so as to allow the heavy particles to precipitate over the opening 3. The opening 3 extends transversely of the passage, and the means for sumilying the water or tailings to the apparatus are arranged to supply the same to the tank vertically above said opening, and the deflector is desirably arranged vertically over the opening, so that eddies are formed directly above such openings, and the black sand will fall unimpeded and undisturbed into IOO IIO

v in the lower' compartment.

the lower receptacle 2, across the entire front end thereof, while the silica is upborne by the current and carried on through the passage 1.

The means for rotating either of the rollers 0 or t may comprise a worm-gear 49, driven by a shaft and a pulley 51 on said shaft, a belt 52, leading from said pulley and driven by any suitable mechanism-such,` for instance, as the wheel 17 and the intermediate connections 71. i y

53 designates a step for the lower end of the worm-shaft 50. Vhen the level of the mercury changes, the gear-wheel of the wormgear moves freely on the worm of Asuch gear, because the roller is free to turn.

Bythe construction and arrangement shown it is possible to rotate the rollers at the lower part of the box 46 and to allow said rollers to rise and fall with the movement of the surface of the mercury.

Where it is desirable that the tailings shall pass between the aXle and the mercury, the spaces between the sections of the roller will be increased to lighten the roller and to allow afree passage of the tailings between the sections.A It is to be understood that the form of the sections can be changed at the pleasure of the constructor.

54 designates relief-wellsl opening upward from the lower compartment 2 of the tank ct at the sides of the V-shaped passage or trough 5v to relieve the upward pressure of the water The water will rise and fall in Asaid wellsin reponse to the rise and fall of the water in the upper compartment of the tank. y

designates tackle for raisingand lowering the amalgamating-plates.

61 designates a water-wheel to be turned by the water in the iiume 47 to operate the elevator 55.

A62 designates an overflow from the tank a to prevent the water from rising above the walls of the V-shaped passage 5, with which said overflow communicates.

63 designates an overliow to allow the escape of the water from the amalgamating-box without overflowing the top of said boX.

64 designates a grate on the top of the sloping floor e to intercept any mercury which otherwise might be `carried up said floor.

65 designates a iioating weight, ofany suitable material, in the mercury-bath 9, beneath the iioor fu. The purpose of this weight is to occupy space in the mercury-bath which would otherwise be filled with mercury.

In the modification shown in Figs. XIV and XV an extension 91 of the mercury-reservoir 9 is made at the side of said reservoir instead of underneath the sloping floor e. Said extension connects with a main reservoir through apipe 92. Said extension may be air-tight and furnished with a valved overflow 93, which is above the level of the inlet or connecting pipe 92, so that when the'valved overiiow is closed the mercury rising in the reservoir will compress the air therein, which will thus `form an air-cushion against the surface of the mercury. The body of' mercury in the extension serves to allow the pulsations of mercury in the mercury-bath 9. The size of the extension for the mercury may be varied within the judgment of the constructor, and it may be found desirable to provide an eX- tension on either side of the mercury reservoir 9.

The grating 64 may be made of metal bars fastened together by bolts 66-and are provided with notches 67 at the lower edge to allow any mercury collected thereby to flow down the floor into the mercury-reservoir.

68 designates bolts by which the amalgamating-box is secured against the end of the precipitating-tank.

69 designates slides in which the pivots o of the frame of the precipitating deflectors are journaled. These slides are made to enter grooves 70 in the walls of the tank, so that the frame may readily be removed and replaced.

77 designates a manhole in the wall of the lower compartment 2, through which the sedimentary deposits may be removed from the lower compartment from time to time as the same may accumulate.

7 3 designates cross-bars in which the wormgear shafts 50 are journaled, respectively.

It may be preferable to provide mechanical means for regulating the depth to which the rollers will be sunk in the mercury. A form of such means is shown in the drawings, being omitted, however, from Figs. I and II on account of the small size of said figures. In such form a follower 80 rests upon the top of the journal 30 of the rollers 0 and t, respectively, and suitable means are employed to yieldingly hold the follower 8() down. The weight of the follower may be regulated to serve the required purpose, and the pressure may be increased by a spring 82, resting on a shoulder 83 of the follower. i

The force applied to sink the rollers in the mercury may be regulated by adjusting either the weight of the follower or the tension of the spring 82. This may usually be done at the time of manufacture, when the specific gravity of the roller may be determined, and the parts may be proportionedfor performing the work under determined conditions.

84 designates a case for the follower and spring. n

85 designates hooks, and 86 eyes or staples, by means of which the case 84 is held in the amalgaInating-boXrc.

87 designates a bracket projectingfrom the case 84 and furnished with a slot 88, through which may pass a staple 89, that is fastened in and'projects upward from the top of the amalgamating-boX a.

IOO

IIO

90 designates a pin passed through the staple to hold the bracket down.

94 designates a valved outlet from the lower compartment 2 of the tank a for the purpose of emptying said tank when desired.

The body or' mercury andthe copper rollers in their ,sectionalform are the main amalgamforming factors.

The amalgamating-plates above the rollers are really or' secondary consideration as gold producers, but positively necessary to bring in forcible contact with mercury all free amalgamating floating' metals and chlorids.

The body of mercury in the box does not fluctuate much, because the overflow at the upper part of the box prohibits irregular weight uponthe surface of the mercury. The box is always full and overflows at that outlet.

The lower gate is set for a clear wash to the sloping grate only. The tailings are not supposed to contain gold after they reach theV end of the amalgamating-box.

The weig'ht of the fluid displaces equal weight of mercury and; forces it underneath the sloping apron to a higher level, which, in conjunction with the inlowing impinging lluid, gives that pulsating motion I lay such high claim upon.

That I claim, and desire ,to secure by Letters Patent of the United States,.is-

1. In a gold-saving apparatus, the combination with a tank having upper and lower compartments arranged oneabove the level of the other and having a Hoor between them, and communicating withl each other through an opening' in said oor, of means for supplying gold-carrying water to said tank vertically above said opening; means for restricting the Voutflow from the upper compartment; and means vertically over the opening, adapted and arranged to intercept the iniowing liquid and to direct the precipitants from such liquid through the opening'into the lower compartment.

2. In a gold saving apparatus, the combination with a tank having upper and lower cornpartments arranged one above the level of the other and having a floor between them, and communicating with each other through an opening' in said floor; of means for supplying gold-carrying water to said tank vertically above said opening; means for restricting the outflow from the upper compartment, and adjustable means vertically over the opening adapted and arranged to intercept the inflowing liquid and to direct the precipitants from such liquid through the openinginto the lower compartment.

3. In a gold-saving' apparatus, means for separating black sands from water or tailings comprising a receptacle constructed to hold a body ot' water approximately still; a passage for water or tailings arranged above said receptacle, and communicating therewith through an opening at the inlet end otl the passage, said receptacle being' closed throughout except at said opening' at the inlet end ot the passage; and means vertically over said opening for delecting the current over said opening at the inlet end of the passage.

4. In a gold-saving' apparatus, means for separating black sands from water or tailings comprising a receptacle constructed to hold a body of water approximately still; a passage for water or tailings arranged above said receptacle and communicating therewith through an opening; said opening' extending' transversely of the' passage; means for discharging liquid under pressure into said passage vertically above the opening; and means vertically over said opening fordeflectingthe current above said opening'.

5. In a gold-saving apparatus, means for separating black sands from water or tailings and silica carried thereby, comprising' a receptacle constructed and arranged to hold a body of water approximately still; a passage forv water or tailings arranged above said receptacle and communicating' therewith through an opening at the intaking end only; means vertically above said opening for directing water or tailings downward toward said opening; and adjustable means vertically above said opening for deecting' the current and directing the same upward again vertically above said opening.

6. In a gold-saving apparatus, means for separating black sands from water or tailing's and silica carried thereby, comprising a receptacle constructed and arranged to hold a body of water approximately still; a passage for water or tailing's arranged above said receptacle and communicating therewith through an opening; and a vertical series of adjustable deflectors arranged in said passage vertically above the opening' to deflect the current above said opening.

7. In a gold-saving apparatus, means for separating black sands from water or tailings and silica carried thereby, comprising' a receptacle constructed and arranged to hold a body of water approximately still; a passage arranged above said receptacle and communicating therewith through an opening; means vertically above the opening for directing liquid under pressure downward into said passage above the opening, and an adjustable delector in the passage to deflect the current above said opening.

8. In a gold-saving apparatus, means for separating black sands from water or tailings and silica carried thereby comprising a receptacle constructed to hold a body or' water approximately still; a passage for water or tail ings arranged above said receptacle and communicating' therewith through an opening; means for directing liquid downward into said passage and toward said opening; pivoted dc- IOO flectors constructed to deflect the current upwardly above said opening; and means for adjusting the inclination of said deiiectors.

9. In a gold-saving apparatus, means for separating black sands from water or tailings and silica carried thereby comprising a receptacle constructed to hold a body of water approximately still; a passage for water or tailings arranged above said receptacle and communicating therewith through an opening; an adjustableframe in said passage; and a plurality of deflectors in said frame above said opening.

10. In a gold-saving apparatus, means for separating black sands from water or tailings and silica carried thereby comprising a receptacle constructed to hold a body of water approximately still; a passage arranged above said receptacle and communicating therewith through an opening; means for directing liquid downward into said passage andtoward said opening; an adjustable frame in said passage, and a plurality of deflectors in said frame above said opening. y

11. In a gold-saving apparatus, means for separating black sands from water or tailings comprising a receptacle constructed to hold a body oi' water approximately still; a passage for water or tailings arranged above said receptacle and communicating therewith through an opening; a frame pivoted in said passage; delectors pivoted in said frame above said opening; means for adjusting the inclination of the frame; and vmeans for adjusting the inclination of the deflectors in the frame.

12. In a gold-saving apparatus, the combi- 'nation o1' a receptacle constructed to hold a body of water approximately still; a passage for water or tailings arranged above said receptacle and communicating therewith through an opening; means for directing water or tailings downward above said opening;

Aa screen extending' downward above said opening to retard the flow of water toward said passage; and a dreiiector above said opening to receive the water or tailings and deflect the same upward after they have passed the 13. In a gold-saving apparatus, means for current above said opening; a side opening in the receptacle; a screw conveyer extending across the receptacle to convey the black sands through said side opening; a wheel on the end o1' said screw; a box covering said side opening and extending upward therefrom and containing said wheel; a power-wheel at the upper end ofthe box; and anelevator-belt driven by said Apower-wheel and constructed to drive nished with a passage havinga level iioor and a receptacle below the level of said iioor; means at the upper end of said passage for precipitating black sand into said receptacle below said floor; and a valved test-pipe opening downward directly from said iioor of the passage to allow the operator to test for black sands passing through the passage.

15. In a gold-saving apparatus, the combination o1' a passage V shape in cross-section and approximately horizontal; a receptacle below the level o1' the floor of said passage means for precipitating black sand at the upper end of such passage; and a test-pipe having its mouth at the level o1' the floor and opening down directly from the bottom of the V-shape passage to test the presence oi' black sand in said passage.

16. In a gold-saving apparatus, a tank furnished with a compartment constructed to hold a body o1' water approximately still; means for supplying water to the tank; a passage arranged above saidcompartment and communicating with said compartment through an opening beneath such means; means .for deiiecting the current above said opening; the upper portion of said tank being furnished with acontracted passage; means at the lower end of said passage for restricting the flow therethrough; and a pressure-regulating.well connected with the compartment.

17. In a gold-saving apparatus, a tank furnished with a compartment constructed to hold a body o1l water approximately still; means for supplying water to the tank; a passage arranged above said compartment and communicating with the compartment through an opening beneath such means; means for deflecting the current above said opening, the upper portion of said tank being furnished with a contracted passage; meansat the lower end of said passage for restricting the iiow therethrough; a relief-well connected with the compartment; and an overiiow-outlet communicating with said passage below the top o1l said well.

18. A gold-saving apparatus comprising an.

amalgamating-box adapted to contain a body y of liquid mercury; means for supplying goldbearing water or tailings to said box under pressure; means for restricting the discharge from said box; upright amalgamating-plates arranged above the mercury-level and close thereto providing between said mercury-level and the lower edge of said plates a passage of smaller area than the outlet, thereby to bring said water or tailings into forcible contact with the mercury.

19. A gold-saving apparatus comprising an amalgamating-box adapted to contain a body of liquid mercury; means for supplying gold- IOO IIO

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bearing water or tailings to said box; adjustableA means for restricting' the discharge from and producing pressure in said box; and amalgamating-plates arranged above the mercurylevel with their lower edges close thereto and providing a passage between said mercury and the lower edge of said plates.

20. A gold-saving apparatus comprising an amalgamating-box having an outlet; means for supplying' gold-bearing' water or tailings to said box; adjustable means-for restricting the discharge from said box; a body of liquid mercury in the box; amalgamating-plates arranged above said mercury and providing' a passage between said mercury and the lower edge of said plates; a roller or rollers iioating in the mercury between said plates; and means for rotating said rollers.

21. The combination oi' an amalgamatingbox; means for supplying' gold-bearing water or tailings to said box; a restricted outlet from said box; a body of liquid mercury in said box; an amalgamating-plate extending across said box above said mercury, providing a passage under said plate of less area than said outlet; a roller iioating in the mercury behind said plate; and means for rotating said roller.

2Q. In a gold-saving apparatus, a box, an amalgamating-plate arranged upright in said box; a frame carrying said amalgamatingplate and provided at its lower end with a trough below the lower edge ot the plate and with an outlet or outlets through the bottom of said trough.

23. The combination of an amalgamatingbox, adapted to contain a body of liquid mercury; an amalgamating-plate therein; a trough at the lower edge of said plate; and a pipe or pipes and open at one side to prevent clogging with sand extending' from said trough to the mercary-chamber.

24. In an amalgamating-box having' a restricted outlet adapted to contain a body of liquid mercury, the comliination o'f a frame; an amalgamating-plate at the lower portion o't' said frame; a passage being provided between the mercury-level and the plate; a passage being provided in the box above said plate; and adjustable shutters in the latter passage.

The combination of an amalgamatingbox; a body ot' liquid mercury in said box; an amalgamating-roller floating freely in said mercury; ways in which the roller may move up and down; and a worm-gear for rotating said roller.

26. The combination of an amalgamatingbox furnished with an outlet; a body oi' liquid mercury in said box; an amalgamatilig-roller iioating freely in said, mercury; ways in which the roller may move up and down; worm-gear for rotating said roller; means for supplying water or tailings to the amalgamating-box under pressure; said box being furnished with an outlet; a water-wheel at said outlet; and means connecting the water-wheel with said worm to rotate said roller.

QT. The combination of an amalgamatingbox adapted to contain a body of liquid mercury in said box; amalgamatingdevices above said mercury-level; means for supplying' water or tailings to the box; the outlet leading from said box and furnished with an upwardly and outwardly sloping iioor; and a grating over said iioor.

Q8. An amalgamator having openings through the floor of its outlet; rilles to conduct material to said openings; a trough,closed at one end and open to discharge at the other end and having its bottom sloping toward the closed end, and an outlet at the lower portion or' said bottom, and means to conduct the material which flows through the openings in said iioor to said trough whereby any escaped mercury maybe collected.

29. An amalgamator having openings through the floor ot' its outlet; riiiies to conduct material to said openings; a trough, closed at one end and open to discharge at the other end and having its bottom slopingI toward the closed end, and a valved outlet at the lower portion of-said bottom; means to conduct the material which flows through the openings in said ioor to said trough, whereby any escaped mercury may be collected; and means 'for shaking the trough.

30. A iloat-gold-saving apparatus comprising a precipitating-tank arranged to receive the sluice-tailings at one end and provided with means i'or separating the iron sands from such tailings by gravity, said tank being also provided at the other end with means for restricting the diseharg'e of the tailings from said tank; an amalgamating apparatus which receives the tailings from the precil'iitating-tank and adapted to contain a body of liquid mercury below the level of the discharge from said tank and furnished with vertically-staggered amalgamating-plates, the lower edges oi' which are arranged at such a'distanee from the mercury-level that a portion oi' said liquid will thereby be forced to impinge on the mercury; and means for controlling the discharge of the tailings from said amalgamating apparatus.

31. The combination of a tank to receive the sluice-tailings at one end and Jfurnished with upper and lower compartments communicating with each other through an opening' at the receiving end of the tank; a :frame pivoted in the tank on a horizontal axis above the rear edge of said opening; slats pivotcd in said frame; means for adjusting said slats; means for adjusting the inclination of the iframe; a partition in the lower compartment rearwardly of said opening', a contracted passage being provided `in the upper con'ipartment of said tank between the receiving and discharging' endso'f the tank, andan outlet being provided IOO IIO

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at the discharge end of the tank; a gate for controlling the flow from said outlet; an amalgamating-box to receive the discharge from sald outlet; a charge of mercury 1n said amal- Agamating box; an amalgamating plate arranged to form a vertical partition across said f box above the charge of mercury; 'an'amalga- 'space being left between said amalgamatingplate and the mercury; another amalgamatingplate forming a vertical partition across the amalgamating-box; an amalgamating-roller partially immersed in the mercury below said last-named amalgamating-plate, an open space being between the top of vthe roller and the bottom of said amalgamating-plate, and a passage being provided above said amalgamatingplate; another amalgamating-plate forming a vertical partition across the amalgamatingbox above the mercury, a passage being provided for the tailings between the lower edge of said plate and the surface of the mercury; a partition separating the rear of the amalgamating-box into upper and 'lower compartments, each of which extends above and below the surface of the mercury; and means for controlling the discharge of tailings over said partition.

32. In a iioat-gold-saving apparatus, an amalgamating-box furnished with` a mercuryreservoir and adapted to contain a body of liquid mercury; a plurality of amalgamatingplates forming partitions in the box, each with -its lower edge directly above said mercury,

one of said .plates being arranged close to the lmercury and adapted to cause the gold-containing water to pass both over and undersaid plate, thereby to force a portion of the mineral into contact with the mercury, a succeeding plate being adapted and arranged to allow the water to pass under said plate and being located close to the mercury and adapted to force the flowing material into contact with the mercury; means for supplying the floatgold-carrying water or tailings to the amalgamating-box; and `means for retarding the discharge of water from said box to maintain a level of water in the box above the firstnamed amalgamating-plate.

33. In a floatgoldsavingy apparatus, an amalgamating-box furnished with a mercuryreservoir; a body of liquid mercury in said reservoir; an amalgamating-plate extending above the reservoir to form a partition across the box; an amalgamating-roller extending across the reservoir and partially submerged in the mercury; means for rotating the roller; a passage for the gold-carrying water or tailings being provided between the roller and the lower edge of the amalgamating-plate; and means for causing gold-carrying water or tailv ings-to flow under pressure over the surface of the mercury in the amalgamatingbox.

34. In a ioat-gold-saving apparatus, the combination of an amalgamatingbox; means for supplying gold-carrying water or tailings to said box; a mercury-reservoir in said box adapted to contain a body of liquid mercury; an amalgamating-plate forming a partition across the box above the mercury-level and arranged to leave a passage between the mercury and the lower edge of said plate, the upper edge of said plate terminating below the top of the box; devices arranged above the amalgamatingeplate to impede the iow of water or tailings above said plate; another amalgamating-plate arranged in said box to receive the water which flows over the first-named plate, and to leave a passage between its lower edge and the mercury-level; and means for` regulating the discharge of the tailings from the box.

35. In an amalgamator, the combination of an amalgamating-box furnished with a mercury-reservoir; a body of liquid mercury in said reservoir; a roller furnished. with a copper surface and partially immersed-in and floating in the mercury and being raised and lowered thereby; blades on the roller; means for supplying gold-carrying water or tailings to the head of the-box and for directing such water or tailings against the blades of the rollers; and means to turn said rollers.

36. In an amalgamator, anjamalgamatingbox; a body of liquid mercury therein; an amal gamating-roller partially submerged in and floating in said mercury and being raised and lowered thereby; copper plates fastened to the roller, and arranged radiating from said roller; and means for directing gold-carrying water or tailings onto the surface of the mercury and onto said copper plates.

37. rlhe combination of an amalgamatingbox; a body of liquid mercury in said box; an amalgamating-roller Hoating in and extending above said mercury and being raised and lowered thereby; vertical ways forming guides for said roller; means for supplying gold-carrying water or tailings to the box; means for directing said water or tailings against said roller; and means for rotating said roller.

38. An amalgamating-roller for partial submersion in liquid mercury under iloating water or tailings; comprising a shaft; hollow copper cases on said shaft; a filling of metal in said cases, having greater specific gravity than copper; and means for holding said cases spaced apart endwise.

39. An amalgamating-roller having a copper surface and furnished with circumferential channels, the surfaces of which are likewise of copper and are conical.

40. In an amalgamator, the combination of IOO IIO

an amalgamatingbox adapted to contain a body of liquid mercury; means for supplying gold-carrying water or tailings t said boX at one end thereof; ways above the mercury; removable `frames to slide in said ways and furnished with an amalgamatingplate set on edge and with means at the lower edge of such plate to receive mercury from said plate and to direct it downward; and means for regulating the How or' the water or tailings through the box.

il. ln an amalgamator, an amalgamatingbox Jfurnished with upright ways; a frame in said ways Jfurnished with an amalgamatingplate set on edge and with a gutter to receive mercury from the lower edge of said plate, and with an outlet from said gutter.

a2. ln an amalgamator, the combination of a tank furnished at one end with a currentdef'lector; a box with outlet to direct water or tailings downward into the tank above the current-deiiector; a partition below the currentdeficctor separating' the tank into upper and lower compartments with a passage through such partition below the outlet or' said box; a passage being provided extending lengthwise of the tank in the upper compartment; a gate at the tail 'of the tank; and a reliefwell opening upward from the lower compartment.

4?). YIn an amalgamator, the combination with an ama]gamating-box; of a body of liquid mercury in saidibox; aroller havingacopper surface partially submerged in the mercury and furnished with journals; vertical ways inside the box in which said journals move up and down; and yielding-mechanical means constructed and arranged for regulating the depth to which the roller will be sunk in the mercury.

44C. 1n an amalgamator, the combination with an amalgamating-box; of a body of liquid mercury in said box; a roller having' a copper surface partially submerged in the mercury and Jfurnished with journals; vertical ways inside the box in which said journals move up and down; followers of said journals, respectively, eonstructed and arranged to hold the roller at a determined ldepth in the mercury and yielding means for controlling said followers.

45. In an amalgamator, the combination with an amalgamating-l)0X; of a body of liquid mercury in said box; a roller having a copper surface partially submerged in the mercury and furnished with journals; ways in which said journals move up and down; followers on said journals, respectively, to hold the roller at a determined depth in the mercury; and springs for said followers, respectively.

1n testimony whereof l have signed my name to this specification, in the presence ot' two subscribing witnesses, at Los Angeles, California, this (th day of December, 1901.

LOUIS SACHSE.

fitncssesr JAMES R. 'l`owNsmNn, JULIA TowNsuND.

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