Rock tumbler
AssigneeIdea Vault Holdings, Inc.
InventorsJoshua J. Gedlick, Bradley Kent Mina
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A rock tumbler apparatus having a dual barrel assembly with energy-absorbing air gaps is provided. The air gaps may be evacuated or back-filled or filled with a sound absorbing gas or other material. The rock tumbler may be operably attached to a programming system, which may include a sound dampening cover. The rock tumbler may be programmed, for example, to tumble during certain times of day, continually, to pause at various time intervals, and to tumble in one direction or another.
Claims20
A rock tumbler comprising:
- a double barrel wheel assembly comprising an outer barrel and an inner barrel wherein said outer barrel and inner surface are configured to create energy absorbing air-gaps therebetween;
- an inner barrel, wherein said inner barrel is shaped, and wherein said inner barrel is a smaller diameter than said outer barrel and is positioned within said outer barrel;
- a removable inner barrel lid;
- a roller assembly that includes a core and an axle, said axle in cooperation with bearings;
- and
- a motor operably coupled to the axle for moving or tumbling the rock tumbler, where said motor is programmable.
A rock tumbler comprising:
- a barrel wheel comprising inner and outer walls for containing and smoothing rocks, wherein the inner and outer barrel walls configured to incorporate one or more sound suppressing air cavities therebetween;
- a housing including a motor and drive belt operably coupled to the barrel wheel for tumbling the barrel wheel;
- and
- a programmable interface for controlling the operation of the motor;
- wherein the inner wall is shaped to facilitate smoothing of the rocks;
- and
- wherein the air gaps are filled or back filled with a sound absorbing material.
A method for abrading, polishing and finishing of at least one irregularly shaped hard object comprising:
- obtaining an irregularly shaped hard object;
- obtaining a programmable rock tumbler including a double barrel assembly comprising an outer barrel, a removable inner barrel lid, and a roller assembly,
- wherein said outer barrel and inner barrel are configured to form one or more air gaps therebetween,
- wherein said inner barrel is formed of a shape to foster smoothing of irregular objects contained therein when the wheel is rotated, and
- wherein said inner barrel is a smaller diameter than said outer barrel and 1s positioned within said outer barrel;
- wherein said roller assembly comprises a core and an axle, said axle in cooperation with bearings;
- a means for moving or tumbling said rock tumbler apparatus,
- wherein said means is operably attached to said rock tumbler,
- wherein said means for moving or tumbling said rock tumbler is programmable;
- and at least one sound absorbing cover;
- placing said at least one irregularly shaped hard object into said inner barrel with water or an aqueous solution and an abrasive powder;
- closing said inner barrel lid;
- closing said sound absorbing cover;
- programming said rock tumbler;
- and
- allowing said rock tumbler to tumble until said at least one irregularly shaped hard object become smooth.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.