Abstract: An apparatus and method for abrading the surface of objects are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a chamber, an abrasive surface defining a wall of said chamber and drive means for moving the abrasive surface relative to the chamber. In use, the aforementioned relative movement promotes circulation of the objects within the chamber, wherein the chamber is shaped such that regions of flow stagnation of the objects within the chamber are avoided or minimized. Additionally or alternatively, the chamber may be shaped to approximate the peripheral flow path of the objects within the chamber.

Abstract: Rice or like small objects is milled in a machine comprising a rotating vertical drum having an endless abrasive belt. Chambers are spaced about the drum so that the belt acts as a floor to the chambers with a slight gap in between. The objects are passed vertically downwards and abraded by the belt, surface material removed from the objects passing through the gap and falls out via a subsidiary outlet alongside the main outlet of each chamber.