Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical powder grinder comprising a casing supporting a first rotating grinding member and a second grinding member fixed relative to the casing, each of said first and second members being made of an electrically conductive material. According to the invention, the grinder includes an electrical control circuit providing at least one primary electrical connection between the first and second grinding members, and comprising at least one device for measuring an electrical parameter of said circuit. The grinder further comprises a processing device configured to detect an additional connection between the two grinding members, in particular due to the presence of a foreign body between said members, on the basis of the measured value of said parameter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for transferring product, particularly in a vacuum processing chamber, said transfer system comprising: a body defining a cavity, and a transfer wheel accommodated in said cavity and provided with at least one pocket at its periphery, the wheel being adapted to rotate so as to feed product from said intake zone to said distribution zone, wherein the transfer wheel and the body co-operate to form a substantially air-tight barrier between the two zones. The invention also relates to a processing system including such a transfer system and a corresponding processing method.