GB2258176A - Tumbling or mixing machine having polygonal drum - Google Patents

Abstract

A tumbling or mixing machine comprises a smooth-sided polygonal drum together with means of rotating the drum on an inclined axis. The machine has applications in the areas of lapidary and of mixing, e.g. concrete or mortar. The drum may be fitted with a detachable liner, and may be pivotally mounted for movement from an operating position to a discharge position. <IMAGE>

Description

TUMBLING MACHINE FOR POLISHING STONES This invention relates to a machine for the tumbling of stones for the ,purpose of polishing.It should be noted that the operating principle of the machine is such that a suitably-proportioned example would be capable of mixing concrete or mortar.

Tumbling machines -for the polishing of'.-stnnes#.#arewwel lknown-#thermost common form comprising a closed, circular drum rotating on a horizontal axis and driven by a. friction roller.

According to the present invention there is provided a drum of polygonal cross-section, means of supporting the drum so that it can rotate about an axis inclined at a suitable angle and:means of rotating the drum at a suitable speed.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 shows a partly- sectioned view of a machine having the drum mounted directly to the output shaft of a proprietary motor/gear unit.

Figure 2 shows a machine as shown in figure 1 but fitted with an inner drum which may be detached .This arrangement permits an individual drum to be associated with a specific grade of abrasive thus preventing cross-contamination between batches. Inner drum 11 is located by pads 12 and inside of drum 1.

Figure 3 shows amachine as shown in figure 1 but pivotally mounted to a sub base -1#s0that the drum may assume an appropriate attitude for mixing or discharge as may be required. Movement of working parts about pivot 14 is limited by stops 15 (mixing position) and 16 (discharge position).

Referring to the drawing the machine comprises a drum 1 mounted on the output shaft 2 of a.motor/gear unit 3. A pin 4 couples drum 1 rigidly to shaft 2. A base 5 is provided with an angled face 6 to which motor/gear unit 3 is secured by screws 7. A terminal block 8 is provided so that supply cable 9 may be connected to motor lead 10.

The charge 11 consists of work(stones),abrasive and water in suitable proportions.

A In operation the rotation of the drum imparts a 3-dimensional motion to the charge.This results in a vigorous mixing action,exposing each piece of the work to scrubbing by the abrasive. The capability ofthe machine as to mixing cement etc is evident from the above.

The drum is smooth-sided i.e. without paddles or similar features found in the drums of mixers of known design.This unobstructed interior is by its nature easier to clean than known drums.

Claims (3)

1. CLAIMS:

   What I claim is :-1 A machine as described above and illustrated in figure 1 for the abrasive polishing of stones.
2. 2 A machine as described above and shown in figure 2 , fitted with a detachable inner drum for greater convenience of working.
3. 3 Amachine as described above and shown in figure 3,suitably sized to mix a convenient batch of concrete or cement mortar and discharge same by pivotting the drum.