Abstract: For reducing the specific energy outlay in the grinding-drying of damp initial material, a circulating grinding system including a comminution machine, particularly an impact hammer, which is followed, via a sifter, by a high-pressure roll press operated in accord with the principle of product bed comminution, whereby the product admission of an impact hammer mill is connected to the feed for fresh initial material and the product discharge of a roll press is in communication with a product admission and/or with a product discharge of an impact hammer mill.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotation crusher which treats refuse and seeks to prevent explosions by controlling the volume of steam fed into the crusher to keep the temperature inside a main body of the crusher between about 70.degree. C. to 100.degree. C. so that the steam content may be regulated to exceed a certain value to keep the oxygen content below an explosion preventive critical value, thereby preventing completely explosions inside the crusher.

Abstract: A tub chopper and method of use wherein the tub is mounted at an angle of between 35 degrees and 50 degrees with respect to horizontal. The cylindrical sidewall of the tub is carried by a pair of powered rollers cooperating with a track so that a major component of the weight of the sidewall and material in the tub is applied radially to the rollers. A loading attachment is provided for depositing material in the tub. Chopping apparatus employing rows of conventional sickle sections, each inclined at an angle in at least two different directions from radial, is provided proximal the lower region of the V-shaped cavity between the stationary tub floor and rotatable sidewall. An adjustable curved gauge proximal the chopping apparatus controls the rate of feed of material into the apparatus. Baffle structure adjacent the chopping station directs currents of air to be filtered by chopped material in the material discharge conveyor.

Abstract: A method for producing particles having a controlled particle size from agglomerated material is provided. Agglomerated material is passed through a beater mill and subjected simultaneously to the beating action of a plurality of blades and a vigorous stream of air as the agglomerated material impacts the peripheral screen of the beater mill.

Abstract: A process for preparing a stabilized coal particle suspension which includes the steps of providing an aqueous media substantially free of coal oxidizing constituents, reducing, in a nonoxidizing atmosphere, the particle size of the coal to be suspended to a size sufficiently small to permit suspension thereof in the aqueous media and admixing the coal of reduced particle size with the aqueous media to release into the aqueous media coal stabilizing constituents indigenous to and carried by the reduced coal particles in order to form a stabilized coal particle suspension. The coal stabilizing constituents are effective in a nonoxidizing atmosphere to maintain the coal particle suspension at essentially a neutral or alkaline pH. The coal is ground in a nonoxidizing atmosphere such as an inert gaseous atmosphere to reduce the coal to a sufficient particle size and is admixed with an aqueous media that has been purged of oxygen and acid-forming gases.

Abstract: A process for purifying crude brominated aromatic compounds such as decabromodiphenyl oxide containing impurities. The crude brominated aromatic compound undergoes a single processing step of grinding in the presence of heated air. The temperature is sufficient to effect substantial removal of impurities and yet remains below the melting point of the brominated aromatic compound.

Abstract: A method of comminuting a rare earth metallic alloy powder by impact milling for facilitating formation of an improved rare earth magnet.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for treatment of crystalline, particulate phthalocyanine pigments, and particularly for green shade phthalocyanine blue pigments. To effect development of the pigment tinctorial strength by reduction of the pigment particle size, the pigment particles are repeatedly impacted against relatively fixed impact plates by entrainment in moving air streams. Repeated impacting of the particulate pigment provides significant reduction in its particle size and significant development of the tinctorial strength of the pigment. It is presently preferred that the impacting steps be carried out in conjunction with subsequent viscous grinding of the partially developed pigment. This combination of treatment steps has been found to provide a resultant product of significantly enhanced tinctorial strength, while at the same time affording significant savings in materials, process time, and energy usage.

Abstract: In a method of controlling the pulverization and dryness of a flammable material such as coal, the system is provided with both a push blower upstream from the pulverizer and a pull blower downstream from the pulverizer. The system is controlled so as to maintain the pressure within the pulverizer at an average equal to substantially the atmospheric pressure. In the method for controlling the pulverizing rate, a preset desired differential pressure across the pulverizer is maintained constant while the pulverizing motor speed and the pulverizing material feed rate are modified.

Abstract: A method and mechanical device for recycling thermoplastic scrap that collects the hot excess waste material that is trimmed off the edges of phonograph records immediately after they are pressed in a hydraulic record press. There is provided a tapered vertical shaft, widening at the bottom, which is secured to the base of a grinder. After a phonograph record is pressed flat, the hot excess thermoplastic scrap which extrudes from the edges is trimmed and allowed to drop into the upper opening of the shaft in the form of thirty inch strips. A motor or other means for blowing cold air is attached to an opening in the side of the shaft. The falling hot thermoplastic scrap is allowed to fall onto a horizontal platform surface located approximately twenty inches below the top of the shaft, where it is held and cooled by the blower for approximately twenty-six seconds, corresponding with the time it takes to press a record flat and trim the flash.

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for grinding and drying a solid fuel such as brown coal or lignite to form dust, in a fan type mill, in the presence of a hot drying gas with a low oxygen content, fine components of the fuel in dust form are separated out before the grinding step and dried. The remaining coarser portion of the fuel is introduced into the drying gas before the grinding step, in dependence on the grain size and moisture content of the fuel. The fuel is sifted or sieved before it is introduced into the mill and after the grinding operation, with the components which are not sufficiently fine then being recycled to the grinding operation, the recycled components being introduced into the circuit after the fresh fuel has been introduced.

Abstract: Apparatus for preparing fuel for delivery to a boiler or place where it is burned in which a grinding mill and a particle sizing classifier are operated to deliver fuel of a substantially uniform size, and means to operate the mill and classifier independently of the rate of supply of the fuel but in response to the differential pressure of the fluid bed depth in the mill.

Abstract: A method of improving the utilization of the heat energy produced in a wood grinding process when wood is ground in a grinding space (3) under a pressure exceeding atmospheric pressure, and warm shower water (G) is sprayed into the grinding space. Steam (H) is separated from the groundwood pulp (A) discharged from the grinding space in a steam separator wherein the groundwood pulp is allowed to expand from its inlet pressure to atmospheric pressure in at least two steam separators (11,14) by releasing steam from the groundwood pump in each steam separator by decreasing the pulp pressure. The amount of steam (H1,H2) released in the separate steam separators is adjusted according to the proportions in which steam is needed for utilizations purposes. Thus the heat energy of the pressure grinding process can be recovered in separate steam fractions the amount and pressure of which correspond to the requirements of the utilization purposes.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for composting waste. The waste is deposited in a compost layer of a height of up to 9 m and the base surface dimensions of at least 5 m.times.5 m, preferably at least 10 m.times.30 m. The waste is fed from the compost layer to a rapidly rotating cutting roller which comminutes the waste and, under intermixing and vortex motion, flings it through a conditioning compartment for degasification and aeration, whereafter the waste is discharged and deposited in a new compost layer. The apparatus according to the invention substantially comprises a chassis with a motor, wheels and steering, on which there are mounted a feeding assembly, two feeding screws, a cutting roller between the feeding screws, a conditioning compartment whose bottom preferably consists of a conveyor belt, as well as a discharge assembly which preferably consists of a conveyor belt which is pivotal laterally and vertically.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the introduction of second cohesive powders into an improved fluidized bed blender containing UO.sub.2 powder, and for blending such second cohesive powders with the UO.sub.2 powder in the fluidized bed blender. The apparatus comprises an eductor, an improved pressurized vortec mill, a pneumatic conveying system that operates in turbulent flow, and an improved fluidized bed blender. The method and apparatus provide for injection and uniform dispersion of a second cohesive powdered ingredient or ingredients having hydrophobic, hydrophilic or hygroscopic properties in the fluid bed blender adjacent the bottom of the fluidized bed therein during the blending operation, thereby minimizing entrainment of the second powder mixture and providing a homogeneous blend of powders.

Abstract: This invention is a comminution process for treating coal with a drying gas to form fractures which weaken the structure of the coal and make it easier to disintegrate mechanically, chemically or by fluid force. Another aspect of this invention is a process for treating an underground formation of coal with a dry gas for a time sufficient to form cracks and fractures in a portion of the formation in order to increase the permeability of the coal formation to the flow of fluids therethrough. Processes for in-situ combustion of the coal formation are therefore more efficient since the coal formation is more permeable to the flow of gas therethrough.

Abstract: A method of increasing the temperature of shower water used in a wood grinding process wherein wood is ground in a grinding space (3) under a pressure exceeding atmospheric pressure, and warm shower water (G) is fed into the grinding space for improving the grinding process. In order to compensate losses of shower water replacement water (E) is added to the shower water circulating system. The replacement water is fed into the groundwood pulp (A) after the grinding space but before a steam separator. Thus cooler replacement water can be heated by the heat energy otherwise released from the groundwood pulp in the steam separator, and the temperature of the shower water can be maintained close to 100.degree. C. in spite of the addition of cool replacement water and without using a pressurized steam separator.

Abstract: In a process for the production of powdered sugar, and an apparatus for carrying out the process, refined crystalline sugar is pulverized in a disintegrator positioned above a discharge hopper having filter walls to allow air to escape, the pulverized sugar being passed from a discharge hopper of the disintegrator into a fluidization unit in which the sugar is subjected to fluidization with air. Fluidization is then stopped, and the sugar is discharged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of and apparatus for dry grinding a granular material in a grinding tube mill (1) having a final grinding compartment (2) and one or more preceding grinding compartments (3) containing grinding bodies. The material, after having passed through the preceding compartment or compartments (3), is discharged through openings (6) in the mill (1) and is divided into a fine and a coarse fraction in a separator (9). The coarse fraction is returned to the preceding compartment or compartments (3), and the fine fraction is fed to the final compartment (2). The ground material is discharged by flowing over a dam ring (12) from the final compartment (2). Any grinding bodies carried with the overflow are separated by a sieving diaphragm (13) from the material and returned to the final compartment (2). The invention also relates to the granular material ground according to the method of the invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process and an apparatus for converting lump-size material, particularly scrap, of titanium metal or its alloys, preferably of low oxygen content, into powder-form material, which is useable for forming in a powder-metallurgical way pressings and workpieces, wherein the lump-size material is highly embrittled by charging with hydrogen, the embrittled material is size-reduced by means of size-reducing machines, particularly impeller breakers, impact mills, hammer mills, impact hammer mills or hammer breakers, the size-reduced brittle material preferably having a particle size of less than about 10 mm and more particularly of less than about 6 mm is further size-reduced by means of at least one jet stream by impinging on a baffle plate or an anvil or on the particles of at least one other jet stream for the purpose of conversion into the powder-form material, and the powder-form material is converted into the ductile state by heating, preferably at temperatures above 450.degree. C.

Abstract: A disposal unit for the safe disposal of aerosol containers and the like pressurized containers for inflammable gases or toxic chemicals, in which the containers are punctured or otherwise destroyed, by for example a shredder fed from a sealed hopper, and separated from fluid initially contained therein, in an enclosure through which a stream of air passes to an exhaust outlet but which is otherwise sealed against the egress of gases at normal operating temperatures and pressures. The stream of air passing through the enclosure is made sufficient to dilute the gases released following destruction of the containers to a level below the flash point of the gas/air mixture.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for producing blowing wool from bonded glass fibre material are disclosed in which the glass fibre material is conveyed and cut into strips. These strips are then transversely cut to produce individual cut pieces of the glass fibre material, which are then delaminated in an air stream to produce a blowing wool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for regulation of the temperature of a raw material, particularly ground fodder, which is supplied to a pellet mill by regulating the ratio between the quantity of steam supplied to the raw material and the quantity of raw material supplied to the pellet mill, a quantity of steam being supplied in proportion to the quantity of raw material, so that the proportion is in all essentials constant, whereupon the steam quantity is increased in proportion to the quantity of raw material, until the power consumption of the mill begins to rise, whereafter the quantity of steam is reduced, until the power consumption falls to its minimum, and this new proportion is then maintained during the continued operation. Hereby it is possible to produce forage pellets at the optimum point of the mill, and at the same time it is made sure that no gelatinization takes place. An increase of production of up to 40% over the previously known regulation plants can hereby be achieved.

Abstract: A process is provided for preparing groundwood pulp from debarked pulpwood logs, which comprises grinding the logs in the presence of water under a superatmospheric pressure of a gas selected from the group consisting of steam, air, and steam and air, and forming and discharging a pulp suspension in the resulting aqueous liquor, while continuously supplying water during the grinding in a volume of less than 35 parts per part of bone dry pulp at a rate of addition such that the temperature of the discharged pulp suspension is below 200.degree. C. and preferably below 180.degree. C. and within the range from about 1.5 to about 50, preferably from 2 to 8, times the temperature in .degree.C. of the added water at a pressure within the range from about 8 to about 40 kiloponds/cm.sup.2, preferably from 10 to 30 kiloponds/cm.sup.2, higher than the superatmospheric pressure and at a temperature within the range from about 2 to about 63.degree. C.

Abstract: A metal material, which is capable of reacting with hydrogen to form a metal hydride, is simultaneously granulated and conditioned with hydrogen to activate the metal material to a state in which it is capable of readily reacting with and absorbing hydrogen. The granulation and activation are achieved by heating the metal material to a temperature of at least about 200.degree. F. and treating the heated metal material with hydrogen, while concurrently subjecting the metal material to mechanical impact to reduce the average particle size thereof to less than about 1 centimeter.

Abstract: Described is a process for the treatment of certain toner materials, useful in electrophotographic development, which process in one embodiment involves subjecting an electrically conductive toner material to an attrition process, thus causing the removal to a small portion of the surface of the toner while at the same time exposing the underlying inner portion. By preparing toners in accordance with this process the fusing temperature of the toner is lowered by at least 10.degree. F., thereby resulting in better fixing of the toner and higher quality images when such a toner is used as a developer.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing thermo-mechanical pulp from wood chips and the like in which the chips are first heated in a steaming chamber or preheater to a fiber temperature below the softening point of the lignin of middle lamella section of the wood fibers. The thus heated chips are conveyed in a sealed system to the inlet of a difibrating zone enclosed within a housing in a gaseous atmosphere of superatmospheric pressure, where it is compressed by a screw conveyor into a plug which seals the defibrator housing against blow-back of the pressurized gaseous medium.

Abstract: A method of grinding wood under pressurized conditions in a grinder according to which wood is fed in batches into a pressurized gas-filled grinding chamber provided with a rotary grinding means. The wood batches are fed through a feeding chamber provided with means for sequentially opening and pressure-tightly closing said feeding chamber from two sides in and respectively out of communication with the atmosphere and said grinding chamber respectively. The groundwood stock is discharged from the grinding chamber through a pressure lock formed by the groundwood stock. In this way feeding of the wood batches into the grinding chamber and the discharging of the groundwood stock out from said grinding chamber are carried out as sluicing steps, whereby a continuous pressure can be maintained in the grinding chamber in spite of feeding of new wood batches and discharging of groundwood stock.

Abstract: The production rate of a conventional cryogenic grinding system incorporating an impact mill may be increased by (a) providing means to allow at least 70% of the embrittled material entering the mill to leave the mill before it passes the inlet; and (b) providing means to restrict the flow of the cold gas through the impact mill.The product leaving the impact mill is screened and any oversize is preferably recycled to the impact mill.

Abstract: A method of discharging groundwood stock when grinding wood under pressurized conditions in a grinding chamber, according to which the groundwood is suspended into stock and collected in a tank provided with an outflow for groundwood stock to atmospheric pressure. The surface of the stock in said tank is maintained at such a level above said outflow, that the stock in said tank forms a pressure lock in the communication between the grinding chamber and said outflow. In this way the discharging of the groundwood stock out from said grinding chamber is carried out as a sluicing step, whereby a continuous pressure can be maintained in the grinding chamber in spite of discharging of groundwood stock.

Abstract: A method is provided for inhibiting the occurrence of explosions or puffs in a coal pulverizing mill by introducing a sufficient amount of water vapor into the primary air stream of a coal pulverizing system immediately prior to the introduction of coal at start-up and during stripping at shutdown.

Abstract: Process for forming coal-in-oil fuel mixtures where coal is pulverized in a fluid energy pulverizer by use of a noncombustible carrier gas, with the pulverized coal separated and the spent gas cleaned to remove moisture and residual coal, the cleaned gas compressed, reheated and returned to the pulverizer for re-use as carrier gas therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method in or relating to grinding of vegetable material in a grinding apparatus equipped with discs mounted rotatably relatively one another in a casing, within which a superatmospheric pressure is maintained by steam. This steam is introduced into the casing together with the vegetable material to be ground through a central inlet into an interspace defined by the discs. The material and the steam pass radially outward through said interspace. Immediately on departure from the interspace the ground pulp is received by an atmosphere of a non-condensable gas, the action of which gives the final product desired properties.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is disclosed for dry refining cellulosic pulp wherein the liberated fibers are structurally deformed and twisted without producing unwanted knots or fiber bundles. For the purposes of the invention, a disk refiner is used which is modified to include one or more air jets located at the periphery of the refiner housing. During refining, the refiner is provided with a cooling means, while air is introduced into the housing through the air jets to prevent fibers from becoming trapped between the ends of the refiner disks and the housing walls, thus preventing the formation of knots and fiber bundles.

Abstract: Method of producing mechanical pulp of improved brightness and light-scattering properties in a defibration apparatus in which wood chips are ground between a pair of discs which rotate relative to one another in a pressurized grinding zone. Prior to the defibrating process, the chips are impregnated with a solution of alkali, selected from the group consisting of sodium hydroxide, alkali silicate, alkali carbonate and alkali bicarbonate, and peroxide, surplus impregnating solution is removed from the chips by compression of the chips, the chips are introduced into a pressure vessel which is in communication with the grinding zone and compressed air is introduced into the pressure vessel in an amount sufficient to maintain the chips in the pressure vessel at a temperature below 90.degree. C. and to maintain superatmospheric pressure within the defibrating zone.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for minimizing steam consumption in the production of pulp used for the manufacture of fiberboard and the like, in which chips of cellulosic material are ground in a defibrator or refiner in an environment of saturated steam above 100.degree. C and corresponding steam pressures. The chips are normally presteamed with atmospheric steam separated from the pulp at the discharge end of the defibrating process to a temperature between 90.degree. C and 100.degree. C and compressed and dewatered to a dryness of at least 50% and then passed into a preheater which forms part of the defibrating or refining apparatus, where the compressed and dewatered chips are heated to the desired defibrating or refining temperature, usually ranging between 130.degree. C and 200.degree.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for the preparation of dry-medicament granulation. An apparatus for practicing such process comprises an enclosed-circular mixing chamber containing mixing means with a separate air inlet means and air outlet means, both of which are in flow communication with the chamber. The air outlet means is provided with a collecting means for collecting the dry-fine particles of the medicament granulation and may be equipped with a vibrator or other means for returning them to the mixing chamber. The process provides a one step preparation in a batch process of medicament granulations, whereby the granulation may be directly compressed into solid-dosage forms without further processing.

Abstract: Low temperature embrittlement of materials which otherwise cannot be readily comminuted is carried out by treating the materials, g.g. scraps of synthetic resin containing components which might otherwise be released into the atmosphere, with a circulated cooling gas to cause the embrittlement of the materials. The latter are then conveyed through a mill, e.g. a pin-type attrition mill, in a carrier gas and are comminuted therein. The cooling gas is passed continuously around a closed circulation path so that any released components remain trapped in the circulated gas which, in turn, is cooled to a sufficiently low temperature by a separately displaced cooling fluid passed in indirect heat exchanging relationship with the cooling gas stream along the closed path of the latter.

Abstract: In the continuous production of paper pulp from ligno-cellulose raw material, the raw material is subjected to grinding and/or delignification by passing it in the form of small pieces between interpenetrating helicoidal surfaces driven synchronously in rotation inside a casing. The pitch of the helicoidal surfaces is arranged to provide at least one supply zone in which the material is driven downstream by rotation of the surfaces and at least one braking zone in which the material is braked.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for the simultaneous crushing and drying of materials, such as coal with high moisture content, which includes a hammermill having parallel top inlets for the material and a rapid flow of hot air. The material drops into the impactor circle of the hammermill prior to any substantial mixing with the flow of hot air. The flow of hot air is selectively directed into the crushing chamber, behind the breaker plates or in parallel to both locations, to dry the material during crushing. A substantially unobstructed bottom outlet permits high flow rates through the apparatus. A method of crushing and drying high moisture content material is also disclosed.

Abstract: Raw fibrous material is preheated in a preheater in the presence of steam under a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure and then continuously introduced into a disc refiner, without prior defibration, whereby steam is generated in said disc refiner. The generated steam is continuously conducted away from said disc refiner as subsequent fibrous material is continuously being introduced into the disc refiner in order to obtain a pressure in the disc refiner which is greater than atmospheric pressure but less than the pressure in said preheater.

Abstract: A stream of disintegrated fibrous cellulosic pulp material and steam under pressure is subjected to an instantaneous pressure reduction as said stream and steam pass through a throttling nozzle, in a throttling zone, wherein a liquid solution of a bleaching agent is admixed with said stream and which stream, admixed with bleaching agent, is then passed into an expansion zone ahead of the throttling nozzle resulting in a uniform dispersion of the bleaching agent into the fibers in the stream of fibrous cellulosic pulp material.

Abstract: A process for defibrating cellulosic materials into fluffed materials wherein blocks and at least one strip of cellulosic fibrous materials are continuously fed into a defibration unit where they are simultaneously disintegrated in a dry state upon contact with impact elements which are pivotably mounted on a rotor, fluffed and mixed by the impact elements so as to form a homogeneous mixture of fluffed materials.An apparatus for performing the process which comprises a defibration unit provided with separate feed units for blocks and strips of cellulosic fibrous materials and a rotor having pivotably mounted impact elements which disintegrate, fluff and mix the entering feed materials. The mixture is discharged through a sieve located in the bottom of the defibrating unit.The position of the entering feed blocks on a feed plate is maintained within angle limits to prevent blocks from being uncontrollably pulled into the defibration unit.

Abstract: Scrap tires containing magnetic components and non-magnetic rubber and cord components are cooled in a cryogenic freezer to the embrittlement temperature, comminuted in a comminution device and passed through a series of screening and density classification operations followed by magnetic material separation and further cryogenic size reduction to produce a product rubber crumb having a particle size of about 1/20 inch or less.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating plastic liners from metal closures is disclosed which includes a liquid nitrogen precooler for chilling closures with liners therein, a hammermill for impacting the chilled closures to liberate the liners from the closures, a tumble barrel for separating large pieces of closures from the plastic liners and the small pieces of closures, and a high-tension electrical separator for separating the small pieces of closures from the plastic liners.

Abstract: This invention relates to filled or charged tetrafluorethylene polymers and copolymers useful as molding or extrusion materials and to their use for the production of various products by lubrication extrusion. The filler and polymer or copolymer are mixed by grinding them together at a temperature of about -80.degree. to about +15.degree.C.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing fibrous material into fluff and substantially individual fibers. The apparatus includes a hammermill having an impermeable wall of grid-like configuration against which fibrous material to be fiberized is thrown by impact element rotation. The fibrous material is conveyed through the mill in an air stream which defines a general path for the fibrous material under the influence of impact element rotation. The grid-like wall serves to slow the particles of fiber rebounding from the wall so that the particles are subjected to repeated impacts by the impact elements of the mills. Rings divide the interior of the hammermill to control the fiber flow in the air stream to the outlet. A pair of hammermills in sequence permits pulps which are difficult to defiberize to be readily reduced to fluff.

Abstract: An improved comminuting rolling mill wherein a solid material such as mineralic loose or bulk materials are introduced into a gap between opposed parallel counter rotating comminuting rollers with the material being supplied by a delivery device above the rollers having a discharge slot extending the length of the gap between the rollers and being provided with means for accelerating the charging material to the speed of roller surface travel, with the delivery device having opposed porous walls and having means for supplying a flow of air through said walls for fluidizing the material so that fluidized material flows into the gap between rollers and the device being provided for pressurizing the delivery device so that the material is carried between the rollers at the desired speed.

Abstract: A material reducer for coal, lignite, ore, stone, rock, oil shale and the like which employs rotary hammers, bars or the like not only to crush the material but also to propel the crushed material upwardly along a confined or partially confined path which discharges for example onto an output conveyor or directly to a screen or other processing equipment. The feed-in or input end of the crusher can be at a level sufficiently low to be supplied by the newer more mobile loading units such as front-end loaders, over-the-head loaders, and others. The center of gravity can also be substantially lowered, providing more stability without the normal cumbersome frame and support structure.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for the simultaneous crushing and drying of materials, such as coal with high moisture content, which includes a .[.hammermill.]. .Iadd.crusher .Iaddend.having parallel top inlets for the material and a rapid flow of hot air. The material drops into the .[.impactor.]. .Iadd.impact .Iaddend.circle of the .[.hammermill.]. .Iadd.crusher .Iaddend.prior to any substantial mixing with the flow of hot air. The flow of hot air is selectively directed into the crushing chamber, behind the breaker plates or in parallel to both locations, to dry the material during crushing. A substantially unobstructed bottom outlet permits high flow rates through the apparatus. A method of crushing and drying high moisture content material is also disclosed.