Importance

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Abstract

A method and machine for the purpose of separating heavy materials from lighter materials by specific gravity. The machine consists of a vertical cylindrical body, supported on legs, and across the top a flexible diaphragm of appropriate material is draped, and fastened at the perimeter. The diaphragm forms a bowl-shaped depression, and is manipulated by a rotating assembly. The assembly having any number of arms, mounted in a fashion in which they are offset from the center of rotation, and extending radially nearly to the perimeter. The assembly is mounted on a vertical shaft which may be turned by a motor, or manually. The force of the arms, acting against the underside of the diaphragm, causes an upward projecting, moving wave in the diaphragm. Raw material is fed through a feed funnel to the center of the diaphragm, forming a conical pile. The pile is agitated by the moving wave, causing the heavier materials to sink down to the upper surface of the diaphragm while the lighter waste moves down and across the pile, and over the edge. The machine operates either with, or without water. The heavy materials, once in contact with the surface of the diaphragm, move down the slope of the diaphragm to the center. The heavy materials are encouraged to move more quickly and positively to the center by the offset nature of the arms, which cause a sweeping action to the materials in contact with the diaphragm. The sweeping action also assists in holding the heavy material at the center, and preventing its return to the waste stream.

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First Claim