Abstract: An installation is provided which has a press-through surface containing openings (13) and pressure elements (14) for pressing goods through the openings (13). According to the invention, the size of the openings (13) is variable in the installation. Preferably, this is effected in that opposite edges of the openings (13) are movable with respect to one another counter to the action of restoring elements (19). In this context the size of the openings (13) can be determined by the pressure exerted by the pressure elements (14). Preferably the press-through surface (12) is made up of segments (17), which delimit the openings (13).

Abstract: In a device for producing granules or tablets from fluid materials, the material is fed to the press-slot between a rotative hollow cylinder with an inner toothing and a press-cylinder with an outer toothing that engages the inner toothing. Bores extend from the bottom of the teeth of the inner toothing of the hollow cylinder up to its outer side. The material is pressed through these bores when the hollow cylinder engages the press-cylinder and is laid as tablets or granules on a cooling surface. At least one part of the outer circumference of the hollow cylinder remote from the cooling surface is surrounded by a heating shell. Outside the heating shell and spaced apart from it is arranged another shell in such a way that, between the heating shell and the other shell, a waste gas shaft is formed in communication with a suction nozzle for withdrawing the gases that emanate from the deposited material as it cools.

Abstract: A metering apparatus for the metered delivery of flowable or fluent material masses comprises a drum member rotatable about a substantially horizontal lengthwise axis. A cylindrical shell of such drum member contains a multiplicity of openings. A cell wheel is rotatably arranged within the drum member. The lengthwise axis of the cell wheel and the lengthwise axis of the drum member are arranged parallel and eccentric to one another and, optionally, these lengthwise axes can be moved relative to one another. Beneath the drum member there is arranged a transport device for receiving metered portions of the material mass. The cell wheel is provided with lamellae cooperating with an inner surface or wall of the drum member, and such drum member, while leaving free or unobstructed a lower region, is surrounded by a container for the material mass.

Abstract: A radial die densifier is disclosed having a means for regulating the rate of material flow. Material passes through a feed cylinder in which is disposed a distributor cone. The feed cylinder may be moved toward and away from the cone so as to vary the width of a flow passage way formed between the end of the feed cylinder and the distributor cone. Also disclosed is a method for producing fuel pellets, logs, or the like, by densifying paper coated with a moisture resistant material in which the coating acts as a binder and a combustibility enhancing agent.

Abstract: A pelleting line incorporates a flash dryer in order to permit processing of coarsely ground particulate feed material under optimum conditions at all stages of processing. By conditioning using steam having higher than normally optimum moisture content and temperature, an increased gradient of moisture and temperature can be maintained from surface of the feed material particle to its center. The conditioning can be accomplished in approximately the same time as that required for finely ground feed material. Thus starch conversion, salmonella destruction, and shear strength adjustment are each optimized for the pellet production process. Because it permits processing of coarsely ground feed material, incorporation of the flash dryer in the pelleting line reduces grinding costs and eliminates down time of the pelleting line caused by plugging of the pelletizing mill and/or the necessity to purge the feed material conditioner.

Abstract: An apparatus provides separate coarse rate and fine rate adjustability of spacing between extrusion rolls and a surrounding extrusion die in a pellet mill, including a roller tire, for each extrusion roll, mounted on bearings which are supported on a hollow shaft having a cylindrical eccentric bore; a solid axle shaft disposed within each hollow shaft and having eccentric bearing-journaled extensions and an axial length greater than that of the hollow shaft; a rigidly mounted front roller support plate having a bore for supporting said bearing-journaled eccentric extension at a front end of said solid axle shaft for each said roll, the bore being aligned with a matching bore for supporting a bearing-journaled eccentric extension at a rear end of each solid axle shaft for each said roll. Attached to each hollow shaft is a provision for rotating the hollow shaft to adjust a spacing distance between the roller tire and the extrusion die and for holding the shaft in a desired rotated position.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for producing granules or pastils from a flowable material of varying viscosity wherein material is supplied to a pressing nip between a rotating hollow roll (1) having internal teeth and an externally toothed ejection roll (2) in engagement with said hollow roll. Provided in the hollow roll (1) are bores (5) which extend from the respective teeth bottoms of the internal toothing to the outer side of the hollow roll (1) and through which the material is expelled on engagement of the ejection roll (2) and deposited in the form of pastils or granules on a cooling surface (13). On the outer periphery of the hollow roll (1) a jacket tube (3) may be positioned the jacket tube having bores which align with the bores (5) of the hollow roll (1), the jacket bores also having a reduced cross-section compared with the bores of the hollow roll to permit adaption of the apparatus to the viscosity of the flowable material to be processed.

Abstract: The agglomerator includes a disk-shaped annular chamber which is confined on its periphery by an annular perforated die, the outside of which is swept by knives. The annular chamber narrows towards its periphery, and at least one pressing blade rotates in the chamber. The blade has an active flank which forms, with the perforated inside wall of the perforated die, a revolving plasticizing chamber which narrows in the direction opposite to that of revolution. Plastics wastes in the form of chips, flakes or a fleece, resulting from precomminution, are fed axially into the annular chamber and are precompacted by the pressing blade in the revolving plasticizing chamber. The wastes are degassed and plasticized by autogenously controlled pressure and temperature conditions and are forced through the perforated die. The narrowing of the chamber toward the periphery results in increased throughput capacity without causing thermal damage to the material.

Abstract: An apparatus for quantatively extruding food material is provided. In this apparatus the material is introduced into a space formed between the periphery of a drum and the side wall of a housing. The space is divided into sections defined by flanges, and thus the material is divided into portions and introduced into each section. The drum has an inner chamber between its inner wall and the periphery of a cam. Blades are inserted into slits in the drum periphery, and adjacent pairs of blades form compartments in the sections in the outside of the drum as well as in the inner chamber.The apparatus has a plurality of exit ports communicating with the respective sections. Since the dimensions of the compartments in each section decrease toward the exit ports, while the dimensions of the compartment in the inner chamber increased, the pressure in the outer compartments becomes higher than that of the inner chamber.

Abstract: A pressure roller for cooperative drive relation with an inner annular surface of an annular rotative extrusion die of a pellet mill is provided. The pressure roller includes a substantially circular ring having a substantially circular cross-section, a circumferential outer surface and a longitudinal axis. The circular ring includes air relief mechanism, including an air relief channel, in the outer surface for channeling air escaping from particulate feed material compressed between the roller and the inner surface of the extrusion die. The channel extends at an angle with respect to a line parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A pellet mill comprises a perforated annular pellet die having an axis of rotation and first and second ends; and a die carrier rotatable about an axis of rotation and having an annular recess for receiving the first end of the annular pellet die. Fixing devices are secured to the first end of the die and cooperating fixing devices are provided in the annular recess in the die carrier. The fixing devices and the cooperating fixing devices have a first position relative to one another permitting insertion of the first end into the annular recess by relative axial movement of the die and die carrier and a second relative position permitting the transmission of force between the fixing devices and the cooperating fixing devices to draw the die towards the die carrier into a clamped position. Various different devices are provided for generating the force. In addition centering devices are provided which are effective on drawing of the die towards the die carrier to center the die relative to the die carrier.

Abstract: A granulating apparatus includes a hollow roll equipped on its internal circumference with axially extending toothed ledges and a co-rotating contact pressure roll, equipped with corresponding axial toothed ledges on its outer circumference, and engaging in the hollow roll in the lower area of the latter. The hollow roll is provided with axially extending rows of holes between its toothed ledges. The toothed ledges of the hollow roll and pressure roll intermesh to form a tapering nip zone therebetween. The material to be granulated is fed into the hollow roll and into the nip zone. By means of the cooperation of the toothed ledges, the material is pressed out forcibly and volumetrically in the downward direction. The drops being formed fall onto a cooling conveyor and are allowed to solidify thereon. The mass is extruded forcibly and with a defined volume. By virtue of the cooperation of rotating parts, high production rates are possible.

Abstract: A pellet mill includes a conditioning section which mixes dry material, moisture in the form of water, and heat provided by a hot air system for the creation of a mash suitable for pelleting without the use of steam. The hot air section inputs heat by utilizing a blower which pressurizes air across a heat exchanger and into a plenum which interconnects an air duct with the conditioner. Moisture is input to the conditioner with a hot water system which modulates the flow of water and temperature of the water as it is sprayed onto the dry material. An automatic controller controls the process in accordance with temperature measurements made at various points in the pellet mill to select a desired operating temperature or in accordance with other control parameters previously developed.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for a pelletizer having hydraulically adjustable pressing rolls. Specifically, each pressing roll is mounted in two bearing journals and is eccentrically located with respect thereto. The pelletizer includes a hydraulically actuated device for adjusting the position of the outer surface of the pressing rolls relative to the inner surface of the mold, wherein this device utilizes at least one hydraulic cylinder having an end that is connected to a bearing journal which is, in turn, attached to a shaft of a pressing roll. In addition, the pelletizer also includes a hydraulically actuated device for clamping the rolls into a desired position. Oil supply and discharge pipes for each hydraulic cylinder extend through a main shaft of the pelletizer. Through this apparatus, the position of the pressing rolls can be controllably adjusted while the pelletizer is operating, i.e. while the annular press mold is rotating.

Abstract: In accordance with the subject invention an apparatus is provided which is capable of directly pelletizing a nonparticularized material without substantially destroying the fibrous nature of the material during pellet formation. The apparatus comprises a pair of horizontally-extending cylindrical dies, mounted in parallel planar relation for rotation in opposite directions. The dies are spaced closely apart to form a finely spaced intermeshing nip therebetween, for compressively pelletizing the nonparticularized material. The dies are rotated at a predetermined rate of rotation. Each die includes a horizontally-extending hollow central interior chamber for receiving the compacted pellets. Passageways radially-extend from the hollow central interior chamber to the outer circumference of the dies.

Abstract: A housing for receiving a working amount of dough, a shaft mounted on a central axis within the housing, a first wall, curved on a radius from the central axis and having a plurality of apertures formed through it. A feed cylinder mounted on the shaft, the cylinder having a surface eccentric about the central axis with the highest point of eccentricity approximately equal to but less than that of the radius, so that as it is rotated it traverses the apertures with the highest eccentricity in intimate association with them, for separating portions of dough from the working amount. For dough of heavy consistency, spring means is included for urging touching contact between the cylinder and the curved wall, and a cut-off edge may be provided on the cylinder at its highest point of eccentricity.

Abstract: Attached to the eccentric studs (25) for supporting and positioning press rollers (b 20) relative to an inner surface of the die (21) of a pellet mill are levers (30). Linked to the levers (30) is a cylinder/piston unit (31) that is provided with a position controller (47) whose position measuring means is constructed as part of the adjusting means (31) for the position of the press rollers (20). In this fashion, the gaps between press rollers (20) and die (21) can be regulated very exactly from the outside.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for extrusion of plastic or pulverulent materials having been prepared for the purpose for obtaining an extrudate in the form of rod shaped bodies, whereby the apparatus comprises an annular perforated screen (8), a rotor (10) being rotably arranged on the inside of said perforated screen (8), The rotor (10) is provided with a number of compression surfaces (14) working in close rotation to said perforated screen (8), which surfaces (14) are arranged with an acute angle with said perforated screen (8) in their rotational direction.

Abstract: A depositor is provided for the feeding or distribution of particulate food pieces, as for example, raisins, nutmeats, etc. The depositor includes a pair of superposed screws positioned in a hopper over an outlet screen member. By oscillating rotational movement of the screws, the particulates are fed from the hopper through the screen onto a dough sheet or the like under the depositor.

Abstract: A fat injection process for a pellet mill includes a plurality of nozzles mounted within the pelleting chamber and adjacent the die and rollers with a steam and fat line connected to each nozzle for mixing fat with steam and spraying the mixture onto the pellets immediately as they are formed.

Abstract: A pellet mill comprises a die which may rotatably be driven by a suitable drive. At least one press roller engages the inner surface of this die, and material to be pelleted is fed to this press roller by means of a deflector blade situated before. This deflector blade is arranged at least 45.degree. before the related press roller--as seen in the direction of the rotation of the die--so that a free space of at least 45.degree. will result therebetween. Within this free space, the centrifugal force due to the rotation of the die becomes effective and contributes to a better distribution of the material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a matrix for the production of pellets from powdered, granular, fibrous or pre-compressed loose material, said matrix having a plurality of pressure canals passing therethrough through which the loose material is forced and having cutting means which divides up the pressed material emerging from the pressure canals into pellets of predetermined length, wherein, on the exit side of the matrix, there are present flanges running between the pressure canals with a constant distance from one another, between which flanges sections of the cutting means extend up to the exit ends of the pressure canals.

Abstract: A fat injection system for a pellet mill includes a plurality of nozzles mounted within the pelleting chamber and adjacent the die and rollers with a steam and fat line connected to each nozzle for mixing fat with steam and spraying the mixture onto the pellets immediately as they are formed.

Abstract: Apparatus for compacting powdered and fibrous raw materials to a pellet product, comprising a mixing chamber with an inlet, a driven mixing shaft coaxially with respect to the mixing cylinder and which is provided with radially projecting blades. A pelletizer is connected directly to the mixing cylinder, and comprises a cylindrical mold coaxially inside a cylindrical jacket part and provided with radial holes, and inside which are arranged one or more freely rotatable pressure rollers as a result of which, when the apparatus is working, the compacted mixture is pressed through the holes, while the jacket part of the pelletizer is provided with an outlet for the compressed product. The mixing shaft is designed as a cylinder, rotatable coaxially with respect to a fixed supporting shaft.

Abstract: Press for producing pellets from bulk material with an annular perforated die rotatable about its axis and with a non-rotatable holder, arranged coaxially therein, of press rollers which virtually touch the die with their circumference, while a wheel which is attached to the shaft of the die exhibits on its circumference projections which can be engaged in each case by a hydraulically slidable ram mounted in the housing of the press and movable counter to a spring force.

Abstract: A machine for densifying and pelletizing extrudable material is disclosed. The machine includes, in combination, a flat horizontal die plate and pressure exerting means overlying the die plate, the pressure exerting means having various, alternative forms such as a continuous chain means carrying a plurality of spaced pressure members or a reciprocating frame carrying roller means.

Abstract: A compaction mill 10 comprises a rotary die plate 12 and a plurality of compaction rollers 14 spaced circumferentially along the inside of the die plate. Sprockets and chains provide a positive drive connection between the die plate 12 and the compaction rollers 14, ensuring that, in operation, there is substantially no relative slip between the outer peripheries of the rollers and the inner periphery of the die plate, where they are closest together. Guides 44 cooperating with sliding blocks 38, 40 constrain the rollers 14 against rotation about the axis of rotation of the die plate, whilst permitting guided displacement of the rollers in a radial direction with respect to said axis. Wedge members 46, 48, a screw threaded rod 50, and nuts 52 are provided to permit adjustment of the gap between the rollers and the die plate, and to make radial displacement of the individual rollers interdependent.

Abstract: Die for granulation presses, particularly for the manufacture of feed granulates, consisting of a cylindrical, cross-sectionally circular center element (1) having a plurality of granulating bores and connecting flanges (2,3) formed on the two ends of the center element, whereby the center element (1) and the connecting flanges (2,3) consist of separate elements. The center element (1) is made of wear-resistant steel and the flanges (2,3) are made of a highly durable steel. The connecting flanges (2,3) are heat shrunk onto the ends of the center element (1).

Abstract: An extrusion die wherein extrusion passageways are provided with a working section having a smooth wall, and a controlled relief section having a rippled wall of similar effective diameter as the working section in order to control pellet expansion and other factors.

Abstract: An insert for use as a void space filler in a pellet mill die cavity is disclosed. Use of the insert improves die capacity and minimizes blockage.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a dust-free blend of additives for use in plastic manufacture wherein the materials are extruded through apertures in a thin die plate supported by a strong die plate support, the apertures in the die plate being larger at their inlet ends than at their outlet ends, and apertures in the die plate support being larger than the die plate apertures, and the product being strand-like pellets of the additive materials.

Abstract: A cylindrical housing and auger drum assembly is mounted to extend from the side of a cubing machine of the type having an annular die assembly, a circular die cavity on the inner periphery of the die assembly, and at least one press wheel that is received in the die cavity. The auger drum carries a rigid blade that forms an auger flight, and which terminates a short distance from the outer end of the drum. A flexible, resilient tip is mounted on the outer end of the rigid blade, and substantially fills the space provided between the auger drum, the housing and the die cavity, the outer edge of the tip being positioned at the die cavity. The tip functions to supply an optimum flow of feed stock to the die cavity, but will flex to allow bypassing when plugging or jamming conditions exist.

Abstract: An improved pellet mill die is disclosed which has improved production efficiency without a corresponding loss in pellet quality or durability. The die comprises a compression side, a discharge side, and a plurality of die holes extending through the die. The die holes have a countersink on the compression side, and preferably at least a portion of die holes have a relief section to thereby define a working section of the die hole where the pellet is formed, and an effective thickness for the die holes which is preferably less than the distance between the compression and discharge side of the die. The die has a ratio of effective thickness to countersink diameter of at least about 1.8 to 1 wherein the countersink diameter is at least about 137% and preferably between about 137-159% of the working section diameter.

Abstract: Apparatus for extracting precious metals from their ores in which the ore is particulated and mixed with a binding agent to form a paste. The paste material is discharged into a rotary drum at an extruding station where it is pelletized by forcing it through a perforated sidewall of the drum. The pellets are discharged onto a conveyor belt and are transported to a spray station where they are wetted with a lixiviant solution. The lixiviant coated pellets are then dried by exposure to a heated air stream at a drying station as they are transported to an open air curing stockpile. The cured pellets are heaped in a pile and are then washed with a water spray to yield a pregnant solution of a precious metal salt.

Abstract: The invention is relating to a press for compressing a powdery material to grains comprising a loosely arranged, rotatable annular, perforated mould supported and guided by a rotatable mould holder and by an axially displaceable supporting member which supports the mould at the end remote from the mould holder, the side face of a mould engaging the mould holder being urged by the supporting member with a given force against the mould holder in the operational position of the press in a manner such that during the operation of the press the mould is caught along by the mould holder owing to the force produced between the mould holder and the mould, whilst a rotatable roller is arranged in the mould whereby an uninterrupted channel is provided at least at the level of the side face of the mould engaging the drivable mould holder.

Abstract: An improved pellet mill die is disclosed which has improved production efficiency without a corresponding loss in pellet quality or durability. The die comprises a compression side, a discharge side, and a plurality of die holes extending through the die. The die holes have a countersink on the compression side, and preferably at least a portion of die holes have a relief section to thereby define a working section of the die hole where the pellet is formed, and an effective thickness for the die holes which is preferably less than the distance between the compression and discharge side of the die. The die has a ratio of effective thickness to countersink diameter of at least about 1.8 to 1 wherein the countersink diameter is at least about 137% and preferably between about 137-159% of the working section diameter.

Abstract: Method for extracting precious metals from their ores in which the ore is particulated and mixed with a binding agent to form a paste. The paste material is discharged into a rotary drum at an extruding station where it is pelletized by forcing it through a perforated sidewall of the drum. The pellets are discharged onto a conveyor belt and are transported to a spray station where they are wetted with a lixiviant solution. The lixiviant coated pellets are then dried by exposure to a heated air stream at a drying station as they are transported to an open air curing stockpile. The cured pellets are heaped in a pile and are then washed with a water spray to yield a pregnant solution of a precious metal salt.

Abstract: A composite extrusion die wherein large extrusion passageways are provided opening to the compression side of the die. Disposed within the extrusion passages towards the discharge side of the die are inserts having a plurality of smaller die passages. The construction provides for effective use of materials for both strength and wear resistance, provides a generous precompaction chamber and allows the concentration of heat buildup to occur locally in the die passage. The construction permits the use of readily formed ceramic or sintered metal inserts which may be mass produced and are readily interchangeable within the die matrix.

Abstract: An annular die for a pelletizing machine, having a multiplicity of radial bores (12) through which in one direction or the other, material is extruded to form pellets, each radial bore (12) having a portion (A) of constant cross-sectional area and a portion (B) of gradually increasing cross-sectional area, the latter extending to the peripheral surface (14) of the die to which material to be extruded is supplied, the transition between the portion (B) of increasing cross-sectional area and the portion (A) of constant cross-sectional area being entirely smooth such that there is no break in the profile of the internal wall surface of the bore (12).

Abstract: An apparatus for producing particles of essentially uniform size from plastic materials is provided comprising two oppositely rotating drums positioned parallel and adjacent one another to form a nip, one drum being hollow and having uniformly distributed perforations over a portion of its surface area; a scraper assembly which is located inside the hollow perforated drum; and a discharge means which ejects particles from the interior of the hollow drum.

Abstract: A pelletizing press wherein an annular die having material extrusion bores therethrough has its inner periphery operatively engaging freely rotatable pelletizing rollers. The die is carried by a tubular rotor and the tubular rotor is driven by at least two motors, each drive connected separately to a common endless flexible driving member also drive connected to said die.

Abstract: An apparatus forming hay pellets from bales of hay is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a rotatable pellet die having a plurality of axially extending pellet forming holes. The cutter knife disc is secured to one face of the pellet die and carries a plurality of cutter knives aligned with each pellet forming hole. The cutter disc further has openings beneath each cutter knife aligned with each pellet forming hole allowing hay to be urged through each pellet forming hole after it is cut. Means urges a bale of hay into the cutter knife disc such that as the pellet die and cutter knife disc rotate, the bale of hay is cut and urged through the openings in the cutter knife disc into each pellet forming hole for compaction into hay pellets. Means aligned with each pellet forming hole controls the moisture in each hay pellet as it is urged through each pellet forming hole.

Abstract: A press for compressing powdery material in which a single roller is rotatably mounted eccentrically within a perforated annular mould. This permits a single roller of relatively large diameter to be employed to apply pressure to the powdery material.

Abstract: A pellet mill with first and second side-by-side rollers disposed in respective first and second hemispheres of rotation of a vertical rotatable cylindrical pellet die member divided along a vertical center line. Pelletizable material is fed in independent first and second conduits for each roller. The first conduit deposits the pelletizable material in the first hemisphere above the first roller; while the second conduit supplies the pelletizable material also in the first hemisphere of rotation below the first roller. Thus, such material is initially deposited on the die member from the conduit and is carried during rotation by centrifugal force to the second roller. Gravity assists retention of the material during rotation to the bottom of the die.

Abstract: An improved pelletizing press for producing pressed feed products and the like, of the type comprising a radially perforated die with at least two pressing rollers oppositely mounted therein and driven by frictional engagement with the rotary die. The improvement provided by the invention consists of a large principal pressing roller providing increased pellet production with equal specific energy comsumption of the pelletizing press and at least one oppositely mounted auxiliary pressing roller which has a considerably smaller diameter than said principal pressing roller, and is mounted in opposed relation thereto so as to function as a compensating roller while providing a minor pressing action.

Abstract: Method and various embodiments of apparatus for producing granulates from pulverulent, granular, doughy or similar material. Material to be granulated is continuously fed into the apparatus and formed into a skin of the material in the nip space between two adjacent and cooperating rotating curved surfaces. The skin and material progresses axially of the rotating surfaces and is periodically and repeatedly kneaded as it is conveyed by the rotating surfaces towards and forced through outlet apertures whereupon it is divided up into granulates. The apparatus can be in various embodiments which use paired, skinforming rotating curved surfaces and can be the surfaces of rollers or of at least one roller cooperating with the internal surface of a drum. The rolling surfaces can be cylindrical or combinations which include one or more cylindrical, tapered or axial contoured surfaces. Single or opposed helical lands or grooves can be incorporated in one or both of the paired rotating surfaces.

Abstract: Method and various embodiments of apparatus for producing granulates from pulverulent, granular, doughy or similar material. Material to be granulated is continuously fed into the apparatus and formed into a skin of the material in the nip spaces between adjacent and cooperating rotating curved surfaces. The skin and material alternately progresses and is moved backwards axially of the rotating surfaces and is periodically and repeatedly kneaded as it is conveyed by the rotating surfaces towards and away from and finally forced through outlet apertures whereupon it is divided up into granulates. The apparatus can be in various embodiments which use paired, skinforming rotating curved surfaces and can be the surfaces of rollers or of at least two rollers cooperating with the internal surface of a drum. Helical lands or grooves can be incorporated in one or a combination of the paired rotating surfaces.

Abstract: Organic waste materials are mixed and batches are separately brought into the form of a coherent substantially homogeneous pulp with a moisture content between 50 and 55% by weight, by heating with exhaust gases, drying in an oven, admixing dry material, and spraying dry material with liquid manure recuperated from the waste materials. The pulp is chopped and immediately thereafter extruded to form frangible strands, sections of which are allowed to break off, without cutting, and to further break by dropping onto a conveyor. Breakage into pellets is completed, without the use of a conventional pelletizing drum involving compression of the pellets, in a vibrated fluidized bed where the pellets are superficially dried to a non-tacky state, drying being completed in further non-vibrated fluidized beds.

Abstract: A press of the kind for the preparation of pellets of cattle feed or other pelletizable material and comprising an annular die having a plurality of radial bores therein, which is mounted on a driving rim for rotation around a stationary support fitted with a number of pressure rollers, each freely rotatable on a stationary shaft and in closely spaced relationship with the interior surface of the die, the arrangement being such that material fed into the interior of the die is forced through the bores therein by the action of said pressure rollers, characterized in that the die and driving rim therefor are provided with circumferential complementary mating male and female conical surfaces, and in that screw means is provided for clamping the die to the driving rim such that said mating surfaces are brought into pressurised engagement.

Abstract: A press of the kind for the preparation of pellets of cattle feed or other pelletizable material and comprising an annular die having a plurality of radial bores therein, which is mounted on a driving rim for rotation around a stationary support fitted with a number of pressure rollers, each freely rotatable on a stationary shaft and in closely spaced relationship with the interior surface of the die, the arrangement being such that material fed into the interior of the die is forced through the bores therein by the action of said pressure rollers, characterized in that the die and driving rim therefor are provided with complementary circumferential mating male and female frusto-conical surfaces, there being wedge means on one part engagable with ramp means on the other part such that transmission of torque from the driving rim to the die causes said ramp and wedge means to cooperate to bring said mating surfaces into pressurized engagement.