Electrostatic processor for ores

Claim 1

An electrostatic processor for mineral values from mineral containing ores with the ores in finely divided, dry condition, the processor comprising: a tray support structure including a frame, the frame having side frame members and forward frame members, the side frame members being adjustably engaged on the forward frame members to change the angle of the side frame members relative to the forward frame members; the frame being portable and being supported on ground wheels; a feed hopper for said ores secured to the frame at a location remote from the forward frame members; the side frame members having elongated tray engagement rails secured thereto, said tray engagement rail having vertical leg members and inwardly directed, horizontal foot members; a substantially rectangular open base secured to the foot members of the rails; a pan secured to said open base and underlying the same, said pan having an opening therein with a depending spout; an air supply pump assembly, including an impeller pump and a motor therefor, and having a supply hose extending from said pump and secured to the spout of said pan; clamp means on said frame to releasably engage a tray assembly in the frame; a tray assembly mounted in the frame and engaged by sAid clamp means, the tray assembly including an open base, a core, a plurality of layers of mesh fabric material, outer side rails and a header, and a plurality of transverse rods extending between said outer side rails over said layers of mesh material; and; a core having a plurality of openings formed therein, the openings being enlarged on the face of the core adjacent the layers of material whereby air is expelled from the pan through said openings for propulsion through the mesh resulting in an electrostatic charge in the area of said material.