ROCK TUMBLER

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.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/909,025, filed Oct. 1, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Rock tumblers are devices that provide a way to smooth and polish irregularly shaped hard objects, such as stones. A grinding medium, sometimes comprising an aqueous solution of water and an abrasive, are enclosed in a container, such as a barrel, along with the irregularly shaped hard objects. As the apparatus tumbles or is agitated, the abrasive makes repeated contact with the hard objects and over time, smooths and polishes the objects.

The foregoing examples of related art and limitations related therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive, and they do not imply any limitations to what is described herein. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings.

SUMMARY

The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods, which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope.

One embodiment comprises a noise reducing programmable rock tumbler apparatus composed of a double barrel wheel assembly comprising an outer barrel and inner barrel, wherein said wherein said inner barrel is a smaller diameter than said outer barrel and is positioned within said outer barrel to create energy absorbing air spaces between the inner wall of the outer barrel and the outer wall of the inner barrel; a removable inner barrel lid; a roller assembly, wherein said roller assembly comprises a core and an axle, said axle in cooperation with bearings; and a means for moving or tumbling said rock tumbler apparatus, wherein said means is operably attached to said rock tumbler, and wherein said means for moving or tumbling said rock tumbler is programmable. The rock tumbler may further comprise at least one sound absorbing cover that also includes an air gap to further mitigate noise transmission therefrom.

Another embodiment may comprise 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, wherein said rock tumbler comprises a wheel in the form of a double barrel assembly comprising an outer barrel and an inner barrel, wherein said outer barrel is separated from the inner barrel by energy absorbing air-spaces; an inner barrel, wherein said inner barrel is a polygon or other shape, 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, 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, and 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 becomes smooth.

In addition to the example, aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by study of the following descriptions. The summary above is a list of example implementations, not a limiting statement of the scope of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate some, but not the only or exclusive, example embodiments and/or features. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than limiting.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a rock tumbler comprising a tumbler wheel assembly with “V” shaped rollers according to some embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the rock tumbler of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the rock tumbler with “V” shaped rollers of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the “V” shaped rollers in a tray basin, in which one of the rollers is rotated using a motor attached to a roller pulley via a drive belt;

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the “V” shaped rollers, motor and drive belt of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of an exemplary double barrel tumbler wheel assembly having front, rear and side air gaps;

FIG. 7 is another cross-sectional view of the tumbler wheel of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of a single barrel tumbler wheel assembly having front and rear air gaps according to an alternate embodiment;

FIG. 9 is an exemplary embodiment of the internal polygon shaped tumbling wall of the double barrel wheel of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a front view of a double barrel wheel assembly having a round interior wall;

FIG. 11 is a front view of a double barrel wheel assembly having an interior wall with protruding arms;

FIG. 12 is a front view of a double barrel wheel assembly having a straight finger;

FIG. 13 is a front view of a double barrel wheel assembly having an interior wall in the shape of waves;

FIG. 14 is a front view of a double barrel wheel assembly having an interior wall in the shape of a straight oval;

FIG. 15A is a front view of a double barrel wheel assembly having an interior wall insert, FIG. 15B is a side view shaped with a polygonal shape and FIG. 15C is a side view of a round shape;

FIG. 16A is a front view of a double barrel wheel assembly having an interior wall insert shaped as a spiral finger, FIG. 16B is a side view;

FIG. 17A is a front view of a double barrel wheel assembly having an interior wall insert shaped as a spiral oval, FIG. 17B is a side view;

FIG. 18 is a side view of an exemplary tumbler wheel on a “V” shaped roller;

FIG. 19 is a side view of an exemplary tumbler wheel on a “dual V” shaped roller;

FIG. 20 is a side view of an exemplary tumbler wheel on a beveled shaped roller;

FIG. 21 is a side view of an exemplary tumbler wheel on a dome shaped roller;

FIG. 22 is a side view of an exemplary tumbler wheel on a dual dome shaped wheel;

FIG. 23 is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary wheel assembly on a round cylindrical-shaped roller;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a rock tumbler having a tumbler wheel assembly having a “tweet” sound suppression layer and “V” shaped rollers according to some embodiments of the present technology;

FIG. 25 is a cross section of the front perspective view shown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a front perspective view of the rock tumbler with the sound dampening cover closed in accordance with various embodiments of the present technology;

FIG. 27 is a front perspective view of the rock tumbler with the sound dampening cover open according to some embodiments of the present technology;

FIG. 28 is a front perspective view of the double barrel assembly with “tweet” sound suppression that may be used in some embodiments of the present technology;

FIG. 29 is a front view of the programming unit that may be used in various embodiments of the present technology; and

FIG. 30 is a front perspective view of the programing unit according to one or more embodiments of the present technology.

The drawings have not necessarily been drawn to scale. Similarly, some components and/or operations may be separated into different blocks or combined into a single block for the purposes of discussion of some of the embodiments of the present technology. Moreover, while the technology is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. The intention, however, is not to limit the technology to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the technology is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the technology as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide a rock tumbler apparatus. As will be discussed in more detail, the rock tumbler apparatus functions to smooth and polish irregularly shaped hard objects. 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.

Some embodiments include a scheduling feature that allows the tumbling action to be paused or activated during certain times of the day. For example, a user could program the rock tumbler to tumble during the day when people are out of the house. As another example, the user could program the rock tumbler to tumble at night when people are sleeping. Some embodiments use a barrel wheel having inner and outer walls with energy absorbing air gaps disposed therebetween. The air gaps serve to dampen sound waves from the crashing rocks inside the barrel to mitigate transmission of the sound waves to the rest of the tumbler base.

Some embodiments may use metal, plastic or foam rollers. The driving rollers may be made or lined with thick foam or rubber-like material in some embodiments. The rollers can also provide sound reduction as the sound waves from the barrel will be absorbed through the foam/rubber roller and not transmit to the rest of the tumbler base. In some embodiments a sound dampening cover may be present. Some embodiments may use a dual- or vacuum-sealed cover that will limit sound of the tumbler. In some embodiments, the cover may be a single wall cover, a dual wall cover, a dual wall cover that is vacuum-sealed, and/or other variation.

Some embodiments may operate in a continual mode that when the tumbler is paused or completed, it will tumble or tum the barrel a few revolutions at a certain time frequency (e.g., every 30 minutes). This can be beneficial if you leave a barrel full of rocks and water and grit over a long period of time (e.g., 3+ weeks) the water and grit will start to harden not unlike concrete. But having a continual movement can avoid that result. Some embodiments may also include an agitate mode that would cause the tumbler to spin in one direction for a short time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) and then switch to the opposite direction for equal time, and back again. This mode could be used for quieter tumbling (however it would take a lot longer), or used on softer rocks, or if you want to keep the rocks more whole during the process (normally the rocks will shard off and make smaller rocks during normal tumbling processing). This mode of operation may provide an overall sound that is quieter and more pleasant and could be used to tumble softer rocks. That would normally not work in traditional tumblers because they would become too small over time. Using this for all stages will take longer, but is quieter and gentler on tumbling. Thus, the user will get less rock fracturing, keeping your rocks larger than traditional tumbling.

Various embodiments of the present technology provide for a wide range of technical effects, advantages, and/or improvements. For example, various embodiments include one or more of the following technical effects, advantages, and/or improvements: 1) rock tumbler with multiple operating modes of operation; 2) integrated use of sound dampening features and operational modes to create a quieter rock tumbler; 3) use of unconventional and non-routine computer operations to allow for customized rock tumbling experience; and/or 4) dynamic user interface system allowing user to set operational modes and tumbling restrictions, as well as to provide a speaker with music or a noise cancelling microphone to further reduce noise.

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present technology. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present technology may be practiced without some of these specific details.

The techniques introduced here can be embodied as special-purpose hardware (e.g., circuitry), as programmable circuitry appropriately programmed with software and/or firmware, or as a combination of special-purpose and programmable circuitry. Hence, embodiments may include a machine-readable medium having stored thereon instructions which may be used to program a computer (or other electronic devices) to perform a process. The machine-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, floppy diskettes, optical disks, compact disc read-only memories (CD-ROMs), magneto-optical disks, ROMs, random access memories (RAMs), erasable programmable read-only memories (EPROMs), electrically erasable programmable read- only memories (EEPROMs), magnetic or optical cards, flash memory, or other type of media/ machine-readable medium suitable for storing electronic instructions.

The phrases “in some embodiments,” “according to some embodiments,” “in the embodiments shown,” “in other embodiments,” and the like generally mean the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase is included in at least one implementation of the present technology, and may be included in more than one implementation. In addition, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments or different embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, an exemplary rock tumbler includes a tumbler wheel 8 disposed on a roller assembly 10 for agitating or rotating the wheel. The wheel includes a generally cylindrical-shaped outer barrel 12, an inner barrel 13 having a lid 14 with a spin texture 16 and an outer rim and grip handle 18. The outer barrel further includes an outer rolling surface 20 formed with a protruding “V” shape ridge 22. A roller assembly 10 for supporting and rotating the wheel includes first and second rollers 24, 26. The individual rollers include a “V” shaped indentation 28 for engaging the “V” shaped ridge, and a center axle 30 that is rotated in any conventional manner.

The barrel 12 may be made of a soft, flexible material such as rubber, thermoplastic rubber (TPR), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), silicone or plastic with a rubber liner. The rollers 24, 26 may be made of rubber, TPU. TPR, EVA, PU or other conventional foam, plastic or metal. The center axles 30 may be made of any suitable material, such as plastic, steel, aluminum or other metal.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the rock tumbler further includes a tray basin 30 in which the rollers 24, 26 are disposed. The tray basin may capture fluid or other debris that escapes from the tumbler wheel. A conventional motor 32 attached to the exterior of the basin is coupled by a drive belt 34 to a roller pully 36 attached to an outer edge of an axle 30 of one of the rollers. In conventional operation the motor is actuated to rotate the roller, which in turn rotates the barrel to tumble the rocks contained therein.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, an exemplary barrel includes an outer barrel 12 and inner barrel 40 having a diameter smaller than the outer barrel, in which the outer and inner sidewalls are configured to fit together to create energy absorbing air gaps 42, 44, 46 therebetween. The outer barrel includes side walls 48, 50 and lengthwise wall 52. The inner barrel includes side walls 53, 54 and lengthwise wall 56 opposite an open top portion 54. The outer barrel side walls 42, 44 may be shaped and integrally molded with inner barrel sidewalls 48, 50 at connection points 57, 59. The inner barrel sidewalls 53, 54 may be integrally formed with the inner barrel lengthwise wall 56. The outer barrel lengthwise wall 52 may be glued, snap-fit, press fit, bonded or attached in any suitable manner to the edges of inner barrel wall 53, 54, 56 and to outer barrel sidewalls 48, 50 to create a rear air gap 46.

In an alternate embodiment the air gaps are sealed and airtight and filled or back-filled with an energy absorbing gas, foam, vinyl, bonded cotton, fiberglass, rubber, gel, coating or other sound absorbing or suppressing material. The material may be contained within the walls of the cavities or gaps or in membranes or other structures disposed within the cavities or gaps.

The lid 14 may further be configured with threads 57 configured to screw onto corresponding threads 58 contained at the edge of the inner barrel sidewalls. The lid may be further be configured with first and second lid surfaces 60, 62 that are spaced apart to define air gaps 64, 66 on opposite sides of the lid handle. The interior walls 59 of the tumbler wheel may be formed in a polygonal shape.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of a single barrel tumbler wheel assembly having front and rear air gaps according to an alternate exemplary embodiment. The barrel includes side walls 72, 74 integrally molded to a rear wall 76. The junction of the side walls and rear wall defines a shoulder and rim 78 on which an end cap 80 is placed. The end wall and rear cap define a rear air gap 82. A front cover 83 is also molded to define a cover air gap 84.

FIGS. 9-14 show various embodiments of double barreled tumble wheel in which the interior walls are configured in different shapes. FIG. 9 is an exemplary embodiment of the internal polygon shaped tumbling wall 70 of the double barrel wheel of FIG. 7. FIG. 10 is a front view of a double barrel wheel assembly having a round interior wall 85. FIG. 11 is a front view of a double barrel wheel assembly having an interior wall with protruding arms 86. FIG. 12 is a front view of a double barrel wheel assembly having a straight finger 87. FIG. 13 is a front view of a double barrel wheel assembly having an interior wall in the shape of waves 88. FIG. 14 is a front view of a double barrel wheel assembly having an interior wall in the shape of a straight oval 89.

FIGS. 15A-17B illustrate alternate embodiments in which the interior wall of the tumbler wheel is formed as a removable and interchangeable interior wall inserts that are press fit into the interior cavity of the wheel. FIG. 15A is a front view of a double barrel wheel assembly having an interior wall insert 90 shaped with a polygonal shape 91 (FIG. 15B) and a round shape 92 (FIG. 15C). FIG. 16A is a front view of a double barrel wheel assembly having an interior wall insert shaped as a spiral finger 93, FIG. 16B is a side view. FIG. 17A is a front view of a double barrel wheel assembly having an interior wall insert shaped as a spiral oval 94, FIG. 17B is a side view;

FIGS. 18-22 show exemplary embodiments of various shaped rollers in which the outer rolling surface of the tumbler wheel is formed of a corresponding shape to operably engage the roller. FIG. 18 is a side view of a “V” shaped roller 95A and rolling surface having a corresponding shape 95B. FIG. 19 is a side view of a “dual V” shaped roller 96A and wheel rolling surface having a corresponding shape 96B. FIG. 20 is a side cross-sectional view of a round cylindrical-shaped roller with beveled edges 97A and a wheel rolling surface having a corresponding shape 97B to engage the bevels. FIG. 21 is a side view of a dome shaped roller 98A and a wheel rolling surface having a corresponding shape 98B. FIG. 22 is a side view of a dual dome shaped roller 99A and a wheel rolling surface having a corresponding shape 99B.

FIG. 23 shows a cross-section of exemplary rollers having washers, bearing and bearing caps. The centering washers may be made of plastic UHMW or other slippery material or other plastic, brass or bronze or another metal. The ball bearings may be formed of metal or plastic. The bearings may be made of plastic such as Nylon or metal or other conventional bearing material.

Referring to FIG. 24, a front perspective view of a rock tumbler 100 includes a tumbler wheel and rollers. The rock tumbler device 100 comprises a cylindrical outer barrel 101 having a tweel design comprising ribs 107. As used herein “tweel” refers to a series of energy and sound-absorbing spokes or ribs 107 that extend inward from the inner surface of the outer barrel 101 at approximately a 45-degree angle, however they may extend at any angle from between approximately 45 degrees to 90 degrees. The tweel design comprises 36 ribs 107, but as will be understood by one skilled in the art the outer barrel 101 may comprise any number of ribs 107 depending on the size of the barrel 101. The ribs 107 as shown extend approximately one inch towards the inner barrel, however depending on the size and function of the rock tumbler the ribs 107 may extend more or less than one inch.

In one embodiment, the outer barrel may be made from a soft, flexible material, such as rubber, but may also be made from silicone, nitrile, vinyl, or any similar elastomeric material. The rock tumbler 100 further comprises an inner barrel having a lid with a spin texture 109 and outer rim and grip handle 103 and a bottom roller assembly 105.

Referring to FIG. 25, in an alternate embodiment, a cross section of the front perspective view of the tumbler includes a tumbler wheel 200. The lid of the inner barrel 207 comprises a threaded insert 201 which is co-molded with the tweel as well as a seal 203 that provides sound-dampening air-space and further support to prevent the lid from buckling or inverting. The threaded insert 201 may be made of polycarbonate or acrylic or similar material. The seal 203 may be made of soft, flexible material, such as rubber, but may also be made from silicone, nitrile, vinyl, or any similar elastomeric material. The inner barrel 207 consists of a 12-sided polygon. However, other embodiments may include other shapes (e.g., circles) or other polygons (e.g., a pentagon, hexagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon, undecagon, or the like). The inner barrel 207 fits within the outer barrel 101 and is adjacent to the ribs 107 of the tweel design. The rock tumbler may further comprise a back roller 209 having a core 211 and an axle 213.

The back roller 209 may be made of or lined with a compressible material, such as a thick foam or rubber like material. However, any other compressible material may be used. The bottom roller assembly 105 may comprise a plastic core, or a core made of similar material, and a metal axle in cooperation with ball bearings.

Referring to FIG. 26, a front perspective view of the rock tumbler shows the sound dampening cover 301 closed and a programming unit 303 on the front face. The programming unit is operably attached to a means for moving or tumbling the rock tumbler, such as a motor (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 27, a front perspective view of the rock tumbler shows the sound dampening cover open 400. FIGS. 5 and 6 show a front view of the rock tumbler with the sound dampening cover open 500 and closed 600, respectively.

The sound dampening cover may be dual- or vacuum-sealable to limit the sound of the tumbler. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, the sound dampening cover may comprise, for example, one or more single panes of glass, polycarbonate, acrylic, or equivalent materials thereof.

FIG. 28 is a front perspective view of the double barrel assembly 700 with the inner barrel 207 nestled inside the outer tweel barrel 101.

FIG. 29 is a front view of the programming unit 800. The programming unit 303 is a means to program and/or control the means for moving or tumbling the rock tumbler. The programming unit 303 may comprises a dial 801 to access a menu 803. A contextual text display 805 displays the time, 807, for example in hours and minutes or days and hours. The programming unit 303 may also comprise a display to show the time remaining 809, the speed 811, and a pause/play option 813. The programming unit 800 may also comprise a finger lift divot and lip 815. The rock tumbler may also include noise cancelling speakers or microphones incorporating music or background noise to further inhibit or reduce the perception of sound emanating from the smoothing of the rocks or other irregularly shaped objects.

FIG. 30 shows a front perspective view of a programming unit 900, which may further comprise a dial divot detail 901 on the dial 801. The programming unit 303 may be operably attached to the sound dampening cover 301 creating an enclosed space for the rock tumbler double barrel assembly, which may further comprise sound absorption feet 903 so that the entire apparatus may rest quietly on a table top, floor, or other flat surface.

In accordance with various embodiments, a variety of materials may be used for different parts of the tumbler. The materials may be selected based on a number of different factors (e.g., strength, durability, color, etc.). For example, in some embodiments, the materials for the cover may be clear, while in other embodiments the materials for the cover may be opaque (e.g., black). In addition, the sizes and shapes of various components may vary depending on the specific embodiment. For example, the size shape and configuration of the “tweel” ribs are noted. However, other configurations are possible including, but not limited to those shown in the Appendices. For example, in some embodiments, the shape of the ribs may be straight, V-shaped, waved, hexed, or the like with varying frequency patterns and rib thickness to those illustrated herein.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are provided to illustrate further the various applications of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit beyond the limitations set forth in the appended claims.

Example 1

The rock tumbler as disclosed herein may be used to smooth and polish irregularly shaped hard objects, such as stones. A grinding medium, sometimes comprising an aqueous solution of water and an abrasive, may be added to the inner barrel, along with the irregularly shaped hard objects. As the rock tumbler is agitated or tumbles, the abrasive makes repeated contact with the hard objects and over time, smooths and polishes the objects. The programming unit 303 allows the user to schedule the rock tumbler to operate, for example, during a certain time of day or night.

Example 2

In one example, the user may program the rock tumbler to operate in a continual mode. This is a mode that when the tumbler is paused or the program has completed, it will tumble or tum the barrel a few revolutions at a certain time frequency, for example, every 30 minutes. This prevents the composition inside the barrel, for example rocks, water, and grit, from hardening. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, the time frequency and length of tumbles or turns in this mode will vary depending on the composition inside the rock tumbler.

Example 3

In another example, the user may program the rock tumbler to operate in an agitate mode. In this mode the rock tumbler would spin in one direction for a short period of time (example 0.5 second) and then switch to the opposite direction for equal time, and back again. This mode would provide quieter tumbling, and may be used on softer rocks, or to keep the rocks from breaking into smaller pieces during the tumbling process. Thus there is less rock fracturing, keeping the rocks larger than traditional rock tumbling.

The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed, and other modifications and variations may be possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the disclosed rock tumbler in various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include other alternative embodiments except insofar as limited by the prior art.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variant thereof means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word “or,” in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

The above Detailed Description of examples of the technology is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise form disclosed above. While specific examples for the technology are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the technology, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while processes or blocks are presented in a given order, alternative implementations may perform routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified to provide alternative or subcombinations. Each of these processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed in series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed or implemented in parallel, or may be performed at different times. Further any specific numbers noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing values or ranges.

The teachings of the technology provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various examples described above can be combined to provide further implementations of the technology. Some alternative implementations of the technology may include not only additional elements to those implementations noted above, but also may include fewer elements.

These and other changes can be made to the technology in light of the above Detailed Description. While the above description describes certain examples of the technology, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the technology can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its specific implementation, while still being encompassed by the technology disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the technology should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the technology with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the technology to the specific examples disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the technology encompasses not only the disclosed examples, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the technology under the claims.

Claims

1. 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.

2. The rock tumbler of claim 1 further comprising a sound dampening cover.

3. The rock tumbler of claim 2, wherein said sound dampening cover comprises one or more panes of glass, polycarbonate, acrylic, or equivalents thereof.

4. The rock tumbler of claim 2, wherein said sound dampening cover is vacuum sealable.

5. The rock tumbler of claim 1 further comprising a programming unit.

6. The rock tumbler of claim 5, wherein said programming unit is operably attached to a sound dampening cover.

7. The rock tumbler of claim 1, wherein said air gaps are filled with a sound absorbing material.

8. The rock tumbler of claim 7, wherein said sound absorbing material comprises a sound absorbing gas.

9. The rock tumbler of claim 1, wherein the inner barrel includes a shaped insert to facilitate smoothing of irregularly shaped objects.

10. The rock tumbler of claim 1, wherein the inner barrel comprises a polygon shape.

11. The rock tumbler of claim 1, wherein the inner and outer barrels are configured to provide a plurality of air gaps for absorbing sound.

12. The rock tumbler of claim 1 further comprising speakers for incorporating sounds that cancel or distract from the sound of the smoothing of the irregularly shaped objects.

13. 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.

14. The rock tumbler of claim 13 further comprising a sound dampening cover.

15. The rock tumbler of claim 14, wherein said sound dampening cover comprises one or more panes of glass, polycarbonate, acrylic, or equivalents thereof.

16. The rock tumbler of claim 14, wherein said sound dampening cover is vacuum sealable.

17. The rock tumbler of claim 13, wherein said air gaps are filled with a sound absorbing material.

18. The rock tumbler of claim 17, wherein said sound absorbing material comprises a sound absorbing gas.

19. The rock tumbler of claim 13, wherein the inner barrel comprises a polygon shape.

20. 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.