GB589052A - Improvements in tumbling method and apparatus for processing articles - Google Patents

Abstract

589,052. Rumbles and tumbling- barrels. LUPO, J. Sept. 7, 1944, No. 17126. [Class 60] A method of processing articles consists in first tumbling them in a completely closed receptacle for a pre-determined length of time, together with a tumbling mixture, said mixture comprising particles of material which may be coated with an abrasive and tumbling elements of larger size than said particles, both the particles and the tumbling elements being of smaller size than the articles to be processed, then, without removing the articles to be processed, continuing the tumbling operation in the same receptacle while simultaneously separating and discharging the particles from the articles and the elements of the tumbling mixture in the receptacle, whereafter tumbling of the articles in said receptacle may be continued with the tumbling elements alone. Apparatus comprises two horizontally mounted tumbling barrels B, selectively driven through clutches E and countershaft D by electric motor C. The barrels are enclosed in a openfronted housing A, having a partition 13 between the barrels, the compartments thus formed being provided with doors J comprising hinged sections 30 and 31. Each barrel has a charging opening 15 which can be closed either by a solid plate 16 or a screen mesh panel 17. Sieves F, G and a trundle box H are provided inside the housing under the barrels. In operation, the door J is opened, and the mixture of articles, tumbling elements and particles introduced into the barrel through the charging opening which is then closed by the solid cover. After tumbling for the required time, the solid cover is removed and replaced by the screen mesh panel. On further rotation of the barrel, the particles escape through the mesh, pass through the sieves, and are collected in the trundle box, tumbling proceeding with the articles and tumbling elements. After completion of this operation, the contents of the barrel are discharged, the articles being retained by the sieve F and the tumbling elements by the sieve G. In a modification the tumbling elements are of two sizes, and two screen meshes are provided, one permitting passage as before of particles, and the other of the smaller tumbling elements.