A mill is formed by a plastic rotating part, a high-hardness rotating part, a high-hardness stationary gear, and a plastic stationary part, such that the high-hardness rotating part and the high-hardness stationary gear are provided with a plurality of teeth complementary to one another for the grinding function. The high-hardness gear and the plastic stationary part advantageously have locking means enabling an automatic assembly of the mill, since the mentioned elements are able to easily rest relative to one another in the suitable position and fit together effortlessly.

A method and an apparatus are described to grind a product, for example a product in grain form, which provide to compare a value of estimated weight (pk*) with a predefined quantity (pTARGET) that has to be delivered in a delivery cycle, and that has been set by the user. The value of estimated weight (pk*) is calculated by adding a weight (pk) detected at successive instants (tk) of the delivery cycle with a suitable correction factor (C).

A method and an apparatus are described to grind a product, for example a product in grain form, which provide to compare a value of estimated weight (pk*) with a predefined quantity (pTARGET) that has to be delivered in a delivery cycle, and that has been set by the user. The value of estimated weight (pk*) is calculated by adding a weight (pk) detected at successive instants (tk) of the delivery cycle with a suitable correction factor (C).

Coffee grinder for grinding coffee beans, comprising a container or supply element for coffee beans and a grinding device for grinding the coffee beans. The grinding device comprises a first and a second grinding element between which the coffee beans are ground, the distance between the two grinding elements in the grinding process determining the degree of grinding of the ground coffee, and at least one grinding element being driven by a motor. An adjusting element is provided, with which the distance between the two grinding elements can be adjusted by rotating an adjusting element, and a magnetic rotational position sensor, which directly or indirectly determines the absolute rotational position of this adjusting element as a measure of the distance and provides it for the further control of the coffee grinder.

Coffee grinder for grinding coffee beans, comprising a container or supply element for coffee beans and a grinding device for grinding the coffee beans. The grinding device comprises a first and a second grinding element between which the coffee beans are ground, the distance between the two grinding elements in the grinding process determining the degree of grinding of the ground coffee, and at least one grinding element being driven by a motor. An adjusting element is provided, with which the distance between the two grinding elements can be adjusted by rotating an adjusting element, and a magnetic rotational position sensor, which directly or indirectly determines the absolute rotational position of this adjusting element as a measure of the distance and provides it for the further control of the coffee grinder.

Actuators and interchangeable cartridges that achieve a grinding or grating different substances without cross-contamination. The actuators and cartridges are disclosed are uniquely designed for ready push-on, push-off mounting in a manner that affords proper alignment of the cartridge in the actuator. The cartridges may include a container portion and a mount portion, each with a grinding element arranged at an output thereof. As the container and mount portions move relative to one another, their respective grinding elements move, achieving a grinding or grating of substances in the container. Various embodiments and variations are disclosed.

Actuators and interchangeable cartridges that achieve a grinding or grating different substances without cross-contamination. The actuators and cartridges are disclosed are uniquely designed for ready push-on, push-off mounting in a manner that affords proper alignment of the cartridge in the actuator. The cartridges may include a container portion and a mount portion, each with a grinding element arranged at an output thereof. As the container and mount portions move relative to one another, their respective grinding elements move, achieving a grinding or grating of substances in the container. Various embodiments and variations are disclosed.

A grinding device for grindable products includes movable and fixed grinding assemblies. The movable grinding assembly includes a rotationally integral casing and a grinder including a grinding cone with a grinding surface. The fixed grinding assembly includes a counter-grinder and a coupling member. The casing includes a cylindrical jacket and is closed at one end, including openings for dispensing a ground product. The counter-grinder has a hollow cylindrical body with an inner grinding surface. The grinder is inserted into the hollow cylindrical body of the counter-grinder to allow the respective grinding surfaces to cooperate. The coupling member includes an open ended cylindrical body connecting with the container and an adjustment portion cooperating with the casing for adjusting the movable grinding assembly with respect to the fixed grinding assembly. The grinder and the counter-grinder are substantially rigid, and the casing and the coupling member are substantially flexible.

A grinding device for grindable products includes movable and fixed grinding assemblies. The movable grinding assembly includes a rotationally integral casing and a grinder including a grinding cone with a grinding surface. The fixed grinding assembly includes a counter-grinder and a coupling member. The casing includes a cylindrical jacket and is closed at one end, including openings for dispensing a ground product. The counter-grinder has a hollow cylindrical body with an inner grinding surface. The grinder is inserted into the hollow cylindrical body of the counter-grinder to allow the respective grinding surfaces to cooperate. The coupling member includes an open ended cylindrical body connecting with the container and an adjustment portion cooperating with the casing for adjusting the movable grinding assembly with respect to the fixed grinding assembly. The grinder and the counter-grinder are substantially rigid, and the casing and the coupling member are substantially flexible.

A grinder assembly which minimizes deviations in the path of ground material as well as other interfering structure is provided. A receiving chamber is disposed above a grinding mechanism and provides for direct transfer of material to be ground from the outlet aperture of the receiving chamber to the grinding mechanism. The grinding mechanism is driven from above and, therefore, no other structure necessary which may interfere with the ejection of grounds from the grinder assembly. A vacuum-stabilized base plate may also be provided in order to securely and removably mount the grinder assembly to a surface.