Abstract: In continuous operation of agitator mills, in particular when processing abrasive products, which operate with grinding bodies (35) in a grinding area, worn grinding bodies must be replaced. A grinding body feed device (9) which can be used for grinding bodies (35) of different shape and size comprises an intermediate chamber (43) from which the grinding bodies (35) pass from a storage vessel (33) into the grinding area without any material being ground getting into the storage vessel (33). The intermediate chamber (43) can be shut off at its inlet and its outlet in each case by means of a valve (19, 41; 47, 49), one of which is always closed during the introduction of grinding bodies (35) into a product supply pipe (45) leading to the grinding area.

Abstract: An agitator shaft (22) is diposed in a milling body (12) which includes a grinding chamber (18) to be filled at least partly with grinding media (50) and material (52) to be ground and has an inlet for material to be ground and an outlet for crushed material. The agitator shaft (22) has an end portion (38) in which a cavity (40) is formed which is open at the inner shaft end. The end portion (38) comprises recesses (46) all around the cavity (40) to permit grinding media (50) to flow off which entered the cavity (40) through the inner shaft end. A separating means (42) is arranged inside the cavity (40) to permit finished pulverized material (52) to flow out of the grinding chamber (18) to the outlet (30) while it retains grinding media (50). In this manner the separating means (42) is effectively protected from any direct impact of activated grinding media (50). And yet the risk is avoided that the separating means (42) becomes clogged, by virtue of the rotation of the agitator shaft (22).

Abstract: An agitator mill comprising a grinding vessel (3) which encloses a grinding area, a storage vessel (37) which contains grinding bodies (28), and a device (8) for feeding grinding bodies (28) from the storage vessel (37) into the grinding area. This device (8) essentially consists of a housing (11) attached to the grinding vessel (3) and a rotatable worm (13) situated therein. When the worm (13) is rotated, the grinding bodies (28) may be fed trouble-free as required into the grinding area, even if re-used grinding bodies (28) are concerned which have been worn out of true and have varied diameters.

Abstract: An agitator mill for the continuous processing of flowable grinding stock with a bearing housing arranged on a stand, a drive shaft which turns in at least one bearing of the bearing housing with a detachable grinding chamber attached to the bearing housing which is equipped with a grinding stock intake and contains grinding stock as well as grinding bodies and also having a detachable agitator shaft coupled to the bearing housing and reaching into the grinding chamber where it carries at least one agitating element, a discharge chamber situated between the grinding chamber and at least one bearing and a separation system arranged between the grinding chamber and the discharge chamber which is equipped with a separator ring rotating about the agitator shaft and a stationary ring attached to the bearing housing. Between the two is a separation slit which will permit the processed grinding stock to flow through but will retain the grinding bodies.

Abstract: A press tool for production of moulded ceramic articles from powder material includes a lower tool part adapted to be supported on a press table and carrying a lower die. A matrix shell encircles the lower die and is mounted to move up and down relatively to it. An upper tool part is adapted to be connected to the plunger of the press and carries an upper die which on lowering of the plunger of the press projects into the matrix shell. To fill the powder material into the cavity defined by the lower die and the matrix shell, an annular hopper in the form of an funnel encircles the upper die and is mounted to slide axially thereon. The hopper has an annular outlet facing radially inwards and opening into the cavity when the hopper is in its lower position with respect to the upper die but closed by the upper die when the hopper is in a raised position relatively to the upper die.