Abstract:
A machine including a shredder formed by at least two parallel series of contrarotating knives, alternating with counter-knives; the knives are carried by shafts; the edge of each counter-knife facing the opposite knife associated thereto comprises an arcuate portion. At least one counter-knife has a portion extending above the axis of the shaft and forming an arcuate edge centered on the axis of the other shaft of the shredder, this arcuate edge completing said arcuate portion; said arcuate portion has a notch formed on it, opening into the arcuate edge formed by this arcuate portion, and forming a tip oriented toward the upstream side of the counter-knife.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of International Patent Application No. PCT/IB2015/051058, filed Feb. 12, 2015, now pending, which claims foreign priority to French Patent Application No. FR 14 51178, filed Feb. 14, 2014, the disclosure of which are herein wholly incorporated by reference. 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a machine for treating infectious waste, in particular medical waste. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The law requires that infectious waste, in particular medical waste, be shredded such that it is not recognizable or reusable, and above all such that it can be highly sterilized. To that end, it is known to use a shredding and sterilizing machine for such waste, comprising an upper hopper for receiving waste, a median shredding compartment, and a lower tub for receiving, sterilizing and discharging shredded waste. 
         [0004]    The median shredding compartment includes a shredder formed from a parallel series of contrarotating knives, the knives in one series alternating with counter-knives. The knives in one series cooperate with the counter-knives in another, adjacent series, and vice versa. 
         [0005]    The existing machines of this type are globally satisfactory, but may nevertheless still be perfected. 
         [0006]    Indeed, a drawback of such a machine is the fact that shredding efficiency of this machine is not perfect. The result is frequently that fragments of waste remain too large in consideration of what is required. A calibration grid or similar means must therefore be provided between the shredding chamber and the lower chamber, which has a tendency to clog when waste is wet, making the shredder inoperative. 
       OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The invention&#39;s main objective is to overcome this major disadvantage. 
         [0008]    The Utility Model application No. DE 93 12 163 U1 discloses a waste shredder for shredding waste such as cans, tires, plastic containers, oil filters, including two sets of contrarotating knives and including inserts forming counter-knifes. In the version of this shredder shown in  FIG. 5  of this document, it is indicated that the counter-knifes include projections arranged at the cutting plates. These projections form arcuate portions near which passes the teeth of the knives; each projection has a limited length, is situated downstream of the plane passing by the axes of the series of knives and counter-knife, and is preceded by a portion of counter-knife located remotely from the teeth of the corresponding knife, so that there exists, between the projection and said portion of the counter-knife, a slight and shallow step, having a very opened “V” shape. 
         [0009]    The machine described in this prior document is considered as not suitable for required shredding of medical waste, and as being unable to overcome the aforementioned drawback. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The machine concerned by the invention comprises a waste charging receptacle and a shredding assembly for shredding said waste, including a shredder, this shredder being formed by at least two parallel series of contrarotating knives, the knives of one series alternating with counter-knives of that same series, and the knives of a first series cooperating with the counter-knives of another adjacent series, and vice versa; the knives are carried by shafts for driving these knives to rotate, and the counter-knifes of one series are engaged around these shafts; the edge of each counter-knife facing the opposite knife associated thereto comprises an arcuate portion located on the downstream side of the shredder relative to the direction of passage of waste material between the series of knives and counter-knives, and said opposite knife comprises teeth that pass in the immediate vicinity of that arcuate portion;
       at least one counter-knife of one series has a portion extending above the axis of the shaft of the same series, so that this counter-knife forms a closed bearing traversed by this shaft, this portion of the counter-knife forming an arcuate edge centered on the axis of another shaft of the shredder, this arcuate edge completing said arcuate portion and making the arcuate edges of said portions extend not only below the plane defined by the axis of the shafts but also above this plan;   said arcuate portion has a notch formed on it, opening into the arcuate edge formed by this portion, and forming a tip oriented toward the upstream side of the counter-knife.       
 
         [0013]    It will be understood by “in the immediate vicinity”, it is defined a very short distance, corresponding to the sufficient clearance for the passage of the teeth of the corresponding knife, i.e. about a millimeter at most. 
         [0014]    All the characteristics above makes it possible to constitute an extended area of passage of the teeth of the opposite knife near the arcuate edges of the counter-knife, and said tip formed by said notch constitutes a catching zone for a fragment of waste present between the knife and the counter-knife. This tip makes it possible to retain this fragment until passage of the consecutive tooth of the knife facing said tip, which makes it possible to perform additional shearing or shredding of that fragment. 
         [0015]    When the set of counter-knives comprised by the shredder has such a notch, and therefore such a tip, the shredder not only comprises a first shearing zone at the teeth of the knives and a second shearing zone between the edges of the teeth of the knives and the upper edges of the counter-knives, but also a third shearing zone between said tips and said consecutive teeth of the knives as well as a fourth active zone, made up of the alternating arrangement of said tips of one counter-knife and of one adjacent counter-knife. These tips make up calibration zones in the form of a sort of comb, which allow the shredded waste to be driven again into the aforementioned shearing zones if this waste has dimensions larger than the dimensions of the passage zone initially defined. 
         [0016]    The effectiveness of the obtained shredding is thus greatly improved and makes it possible to eliminate any need for calibration downstream from the shredder. 
         [0017]    Preferably, the edges of said arcuate portion and of said portion of the counter-knife jointly form a circular arcuate zone extending over an arc of approximately thirty degrees, preferably of thirty degrees. 
         [0018]    Preferably, said notch is delimited on its side closest to the axis of the shaft crossing said counter-knife, by a straight edge of the counter-knife, directed perpendicularly to the plane defined by the axes of said shafts, and, on its side opposite from this axis, by an oblique edge. 
         [0019]    This notch shape is particularly efficient. 
         [0020]    Preferably, said straight edge and said oblique edge are rectilinear and form between them an angle of about forty degrees, preferably of forty degrees. 
         [0021]    According to another aspect of the invention,
       the receptacle for loading waste has a constant cross-section between a waste loading opening and a communication opening with the shredder; and   the machine comprises a pushing means making it possible to push the waste toward the shredder, this pushing means being a plate translatable in the waste loading receptacle, parallel to the axis along which this receptacle has said constant cross-section, this plate having dimensions such that only an interstice exists between the edge wall of the plate and the walls defining said waste loading receptacle; the plate is movable between a withdrawn position, in which it is able to be freed from said waste loading opening, and an end-of-travel position, in which it is situated near said communication opening.       
 
         [0024]    The plate makes it possible, through its movement, to push all of the waste toward the shredding compartment, without requiring repeated actuation by an operator as with a shaft according to the prior art. The interstice formed by this plate with the walls of the receptacle eliminates the risk of waste, or fragments of waste, rising up the shredder, passing above it. In said end-of-travel position, there is no longer a risk of fragments of shredded waste becoming jammed between the plate and the walls of the receptacle, and the machine does not comprise any hollow seat in which such fragments may accumulate. 
         [0025]    Furthermore, the seal makes it possible to temporarily separate the receptacle and the shredding compartment, to disinfect and sterilize the shredding compartment under conditions not required for said receptacle. The assembly makes it possible for the waste loading receptacle to be disinfected and sterilized by the same disinfection and sterilization means as those disinfecting and sterilizing the shredding compartment and, when the machine comprises one, the lower receiving tub, sterilizing and discharging the shredded waste. 
         [0026]    Preferably, the machine comprises a sealing gasket movable between a retracted position, in which this sealing gasket does not hinder the mobility of the plate in the waste loading receptacle, and a sealing position, in which the sealing gasket produces, in said end-of-travel position of the plate, sealing between the plate and the walls of said receptacle. 
         [0027]    The risk of fragments of waste rising up in the waste charging receptacle is thus eliminated. Furthermore, this sealing gasket is used to momentarily separate the receptacle and the shredder assembly, for the production of a disinfection and sterilization of the shredder assembly at conditions not required for said receptacle. 
         [0028]    The sealing gasket may in particular be inflatable, such that the passage of this sealing gasket from said retracted position to said sealing position is done by inflating this sealing gasket and, conversely, the passage of this sealing gasket from said sealing position to said retracting position is done by deflating this sealing gasket. 
         [0029]    According to one possibility, the sealing gasket is housed in a seat arranged in the walls defining the waste loading receptacle. In said sealing position, this sealing gasket then presses on the edge wall of said plate, this edge being smooth. 
         [0030]    According to another possibility, the sealing gasket is housed in a seat arranged in the edge wall of said plate and then presses, in said sealing position, on the walls defining the waste loading receptacle. These walls are then smooth, such that there is no risk of accumulation of waste fragments. The sealing gasket may, in the retracted position, rub slightly against the walls of the receptacle and thus form a means for scraping these walls. 
         [0031]    The machine may comprise means for blocking the plate in said end-of-travel position, in particular in the form of at least one latch engaging the plate and at least one of the walls defining said waste loading receptacle. 
         [0032]    These blocking means immobilize the plate in this end-of-travel position and greatly reduce or eliminate the exertion of wearing forces on the sealing gasket. 
         [0033]    Preferably, in said withdrawn position, the plate is completely housed in a cover comprised by the machine, this cover being movable between a position covering said waste loading opening, in which it closes that opening, and a retracted position, in which it does not hinder the loading of waste in said receptacle. 
         [0034]    The plate can thus be completely freed from this opening, which allows easy loading of the waste. 
         [0035]    Preferably, the means for actuating the plate comprise at least two series of crossed-bars pivotally connected to one another, on two opposite sides of the plate. 
         [0036]    Such crossed-bars allow perfect guidance of the plate between its aforementioned withdrawn and end-of-travel positions. 
         [0037]    According to another aspect of the invention,
       the shredder is housed in a moving drawer sliding inside a receiving compartment comprised by the structure of the machine, this receiving compartment being defined by side walls and a rear wall, which comprises an opening;   the drawer has a distal boss able, in the fully engaged position of this drawer in said receiving compartment, to be engaged in an adjusted manner in said opening comprised by said rear wall;   the machine comprises a cap able to envelop the part of the distal boss that protrudes past said rear wall in the fully engaged position of the drawer in said receiving compartment, this cap being provided with a flange intended to be bolted on said rear wall, this flange having, at its inner edge, a beveled surface, and   the machine comprises a seal able to be engaged in an adjusted manner around said part of the distal boss that protrudes past said rear wall in the fully engaged position of the drawer in said receiving compartment, until it comes into contact with said rear wall and is pressed by said beveled surface of the cap when this cap is bolted to said rear wall.       
 
         [0042]    The assembly of the shredder in the machine is thus done by engaging the drawer that contains the shredder in the shredding compartment, until said distal boss is engaged in an adjusted manner through said opening comprised by said rear wall. The seal is next placed around this boss until it is in contact with this rear wall, then the cap is placed on the boss and is bolted to this rear wall so as to press the seal. 
         [0043]    The invention therefore consists of providing two structures around the shredder, said drawer and said receiving compartment, and providing a very strong distal connection of this drawer to this receiving compartment, by pressing of said seal over its entire periphery. This connection makes it possible to create sealing between the inside and the outside of the tub. Furthermore, this connection makes it possible to produce isostatic mechanical blocking of said two structures, which makes it possible, if the geometry of the shredder or the tub is not perfect (which may happen, given that some of these parts are made by mechanized welding), to react the excessive play that would then exist between the rear part of the shredder and said opening. This same isostatic mechanical blocking also makes it possible to react a perpendicularity or parallelism flaw between the bearing face against the seal and said boss. In other words, when the seal is pressed, it will not create stresses on the shredder and will simply be placed plastically around said boss comprised by the shredder. 
         [0044]    According to still another aspect of the invention,
       the shredder is formed by at least two parallel series of contrarotating knives, the knives of one series alternating with the counter-knives of that same series, and the knives of a first series cooperating with the counter-knives of another adjacent series, and vice versa, and   at least one knife comprises at least one cell emerging in at least one of its faces turned toward the adjacent counter-knife, or at least one counter-knife comprises at least one cell emerging in at least one of its faces turned toward the adjacent knife, this cell being intended to be filled with lubricating grease and to thus form a grease reserve.       
 
         [0047]    Thus, when a series of sterilization and disinfection cycles implementing a hot fluid, in particular steam, tends to reduce or even eliminate the quantity of grease present in the interface between a knife and the adjacent counter-knife, the subsequent rotation of the knife relative to the adjacent counter-knife causes a withdrawal of grease in that cell due to the viscosity of said grease, and therefore recharging of that interface with grease. As a result, the interruptions of the machine to recharge the interfaces of the knives and counter-knives with grease can be significantly spaced out. 
         [0048]    Such a cell may emerge in only one of the faces of a knife or a counter-knife; preferably, however, this cell emerges in both faces of a knife or a counter-knife. 
         [0049]    Preferably, a cell is arranged in each counter-knife and emerges in both faces of said counter-knife. 
         [0050]    The invention will be well understood, and other features and advantages thereof will appear, in reference to the appended diagrammatic drawing, showing, as a non-limiting example, one preferred embodiment of the machine in question. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0051]    In this drawing, 
           [0052]      FIG. 1  is a side view of this machine, in longitudinal cross-section, a pressing plate comprised by this machine being in a withdrawn position; 
           [0053]      FIG. 2  is a view of the machine similar to  FIG. 1 , said pressing plate being in a lowering end-of-travel position; 
           [0054]      FIG. 3  is a very enlarged view of the machine situated at this end-of-travel position, said pressing plate not being in this same position; 
           [0055]      FIG. 4  is a view similar to  FIG. 3 , said pressing plate being in said end-of-travel position; 
           [0056]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a shredding assembly and a lower tub for receiving shredded waste, comprised by the machine; 
           [0057]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of this shredding assembly; 
           [0058]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of various members making up the shredder comprised by the machine; 
           [0059]      FIG. 8  is a view of the shredding compartment similar to  FIG. 6 , in longitudinal section passing through one of the shafts comprised by the shredder; 
           [0060]      FIG. 9  is a sectional front view of a knife and a counter-knife comprised by the shredder; 
           [0061]      FIG. 10  is a side view of this machine, in longitudinal section, according to one alternative embodiment of a sealing gasket comprised by said pressing plate, and 
           [0062]      FIG. 11  is an enlarged view of a detail appearing in this  FIG. 10 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0063]      FIGS. 1 and 2  show a machine  1  for treating infectious waste, in particular medical waste, essentially comprising a waste loading receptacle  2 , a shredding assembly  3  for shredding this waste and a lower tub  4  for receiving, sterilizing and discharging the shredded waste. The other elements visible in these figures (electrical cabinet, steam generating unit, etc.) are well known in themselves and are not part of the invention; they will therefore not be described more specifically. 
         [0064]    The receptacle  2  has a constant cross-section between an upper waste loading opening and a lower communication opening with a shredding compartment, including a shredder  5 , comprised by the shredding assembly  3 . 
         [0065]    In the version of the machine shown in  FIGS. 1 to 4 , the receptacle  2  comprises, slightly withdrawn from this lower opening, a hollow seat  6  (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) in which an inflatable seal  7  is placed. This seal  7  defines a closed inner chamber that is connected to a pressurized fluid source (not shown). Supplying this chamber with this fluid makes it possible to expand the seal  7 , causing it to go from a retracted position, shown in  FIG. 3 , in which this seal does not protrude from the seat  6 , to a sealing position, shown in  FIG. 4 , in which this seal protrudes from the seat  6  and is pressed against the edge walls of a pressing plate  10 , described later, thus producing sealing between this plate  10  and the walls of this receptacle  2 . 
         [0066]    In the alternative embodiment of the machine  1  shown in  FIG. 10 , the seat  6 , containing the seal  7 , is arranged in the edge walls of the plate  10  and the portions of the walls of the receptacle  2  situated slightly withdrawn from said lower opening are smooth and in the continuation of the rest of the walls of the receptacle  2 . 
         [0067]    In association with the receptacle  2 , the machine comprises a pressing assembly for the waste in this receptacle, and an upper sliding cover  11 . 
         [0068]    The waste pressing assembly comprises said pressing plate  10 , two series of pivotally-linked cross bars  12  and structures  13  connecting these series of cross bars  12  to the plate  10  on the one hand, and to the cover  11  on the other hand. 
         [0069]    As shown in  FIGS. 1, 2 and 10 , the pressing plate  10  has dimensions such that only an interstice exists between its edge walls and the walls defining the receptacle  2 . This plate  10  is translatable in the receptacle  2 , through the unfolding/folding of the crossed-bars  12 , parallel to the axis along which this receptacle  2  has said constant cross-section. This mobility occurs between an upper withdrawn position, shown in  FIG. 1 , in which it is completely retracted in the cover  11 , and a lower end-of-travel position, shown in  FIG. 2 , in which it is situated near said communication opening, and in which the seal  7  is able to perform the aforementioned sealing. 
         [0070]    The cover  11  is inwardly hollow, so as to house the plate  10 , the series of crossed-bars  12 , said connecting structures  13  and a jack for actuating the crossed-bars  12 . It is movable by sliding between the illustrated position completely covering the waste loading opening, in which it closes that opening tightly, and a lateral withdrawn position, in which it completely frees said opening and therefore does not hinder the loading of waste in the receptacle  2 . 
         [0071]    Said connecting structures  13  are formed from frames made of corner profiles; the walls on which the branches of the respective crossed-bars  12  are mounted comprise apertures making it possible for the pivot point of one branch of the corresponding crossed-bar  12  to come closer to and further from the pivot point of the other branch of that same crossed-bar. 
         [0072]    The machine  1  also comprises latches  14  mounted on two opposite walls of the receptacle  2 , both of which are, in said lower end-of-travel position, received in corresponding strikes arranged in the frames forming said connecting structures  13 . 
         [0073]    In reference to  FIGS. 5 to 8 , it appears that the waste shredding assembly  3  essentially comprises the shredder  5 , formed from two parallel shafts  15  each including a series of knives  16  and alternating counter-knives  17 , a shredding compartment  18  housing this shredder  5 , and an actuating assembly for actuating these shafts  15  in a contrarotating manner. 
         [0074]    The knives  16  in one series cooperate with the counter-knives  17  in the other series, and vice versa, as particularly shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0075]    In reference to this  FIG. 9 , it appears that the shafts  15  have a hexagonal section and that each knife  16  has a central opening formed by the superposition of two hexagonal apertures, offset from one another by 30°, the dimensions of these apertures being such that they allow the adjusted engagement, and wedging, of the knives  16  on the shafts  15 . As particularly shown in  FIG. 8 , the successive knives  16  of a same series are offset by 30 degrees, from one knife to an adjacent knife in the same series. 
         [0076]    Each knife  16  has five protruding teeth, forming cutting edges. 
         [0077]    Each counter-knife  17  is engaged on the corresponding shaft  15  and comprises a circular opening in which a sliding ring  20  with a hexagonal opening and circular periphery is housed, this sliding ring  20  being mounted on the shaft  15 . The counter-knife  17  is thus not movable in the compartment  18  when the corresponding shaft  15  is rotated. 
         [0078]    On the side opposite the counter-knife  17  relative to the knife  16 , the shredder  5  has an additional counter-knife  19 . 
         [0079]    The counter-knife  17  has an arc of circle edge turned toward the associated knife  16 , along which the teeth travel comprised by that knife  16 , and has a notch  21  arranged in it, emerging in this same arc of circle edge, and situated on the downstream side of the shredder  5  relative to the passage direction of the waste between the series of knives  16  and counter-knives  17 . This notch  21  thus forms a tip  22  oriented on the upstream side of the counter-knife  17 . 
         [0080]    The counter-knife  17  also comprises a cell  23  emerging in both faces of the counter-knife  17  turned toward the knives  16  that are adjacent to said counter-knife  17  in the same series of knives and counter-knives. This cell  23  is filled with lubricating grease and thus forms a grease reserve, as explained later. 
         [0081]    The counter-knife  19  also has an arc of circle edge turned toward the associated knife  16 , along which the teeth travel comprised by that knife  16 . It is fastened on a wall  25  laterally defining the shredding compartment  18 . 
         [0082]    In reference to  FIGS. 5 to 8 , it appears that this compartment  18  is defined by a forward wall  24 , two side walls  25  and a rear wall  26  including a distal boss  27 . In the assembled state, the assembly forms a drawer that is placed in a receiving compartment  28  having dimensions adjusted to those of the drawer, the walls defining this receiving compartment  28  forming a body with the tub  4 . This receiving compartment  28  is in particular defined by a rear wall  29  that comprises an opening able to receive the boss  27  in an adjusted manner in the fully engaged position of the drawer, and also comprises a series of threaded rods fastened to it around this opening. 
         [0083]    The machine  1  also comprises a cap  30  and a seal  31 . 
         [0084]    The cap  30  is dimensioned to envelop the boss  27  in an adjusted manner and is provided with a flange intended to be engaged on the threaded rods secured to the wall  29  and to be bolted to the latter. As shown in  FIG. 11  in particular, this flange has, at its inner edge, a beveled surface  32 . 
         [0085]    The seal  31  is in the form of a ring and is dimensioned to be engaged in an adjusted manner around the boss  27  until it comes into contact with said rear wall  29 . When the cap  30  is bolted to the latter, said beveled surface  32  presses this seal  31  over its entire periphery, as shown more particularly in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0086]    The actuating assembly of the shredder  5  includes a motor  35  acting on one of the shafts  15 , and two pinions  36 , wedged on the shafts  15  and meshing with one another such that the driving of one shaft  15  generated by the motor  35  is transmitted to the other shaft  15 . 
         [0087]    The tub  4  has a longitudinal opening  40  through which the shredded waste can be removed from it. This opening  40  is closed by a sliding cover  41 , movable between a tight closing position of this opening and a withdrawn position, in which this cover  41  completely frees that opening. 
         [0088]    As will be understood, the plate  10  makes it possible, through its movement, to push all of the waste toward the shredding compartment  18 , without requiring repeated actuation by an operator as with a shaft according to the prior art. The interstice formed by this plate  10  with the walls of the receptacle  2  eliminates, jointly with the sealing made possible by the seal  7 , any risk of waste, or fragments of waste, rising up the shredder  5  and passing above this plate  10 , or of such waste or fragments accumulating in a hollow seat. The crossed-bars  12  allow perfect guidance of the plate  10  between its withdrawn and end-of-travel positions, preventing any risk of jamming of this plate in this receptacle. 
         [0089]    The plate  10  and the seal  7  further make it possible to temporarily separate the receptacle and the shredding compartment  18 , to disinfect and sterilize the shredding compartment under conditions not required for the receptacle  2 . The latches  14  immobilize the plate  10  in this end-of-travel position, which protects the seal  7  from the wearing forces generated by this disinfection and sterilization. 
         [0090]    The assembly of the shredder  5  in the machine  1  is done by engaging the drawer that contains the shredder in the receiving compartment  28 , until the boss  27  is engaged through the passage opening arranged in the rear wall  29 . The seal  31  is next placed around this boss  27  until it is in contact with this rear wall  29 , then the cap  30  is placed in an adjusted manner on the boss  27  and is bolted to this rear wall  29  so as to press the seal  31  via the beveled wall  32 . 
         [0091]    Two structures are thus provided around the shredder  5 , said drawer  25  and said receiving compartment  28 , and the pressing of the seal  31  over its entire periphery, by the cap  30 , makes it possible to produce a very strong and isostatic distal connection of this drawer to this receiving compartment. This connection is perfectly able to withstand repeated forces experienced by the shredder  5 , while allowing easy disassembly of the shredder, by simple disassembly of the cap  30  and removal of the seal  31  from around the boss  27 . 
         [0092]    Each cell  23  allows a recharge of the interface between a counter-knife  17  and the two adjacent knives  16  when a series of sterilization and disinfection cycles implementing steam tends to reduce or even eliminate the quantity of grease present in these interfaces. As a result, the interruptions in the use of the machine  1  to recharge the interfaces of the knives  16  and counter-knives  17  with grease can be significantly spaced out. 
         [0093]    Furthermore, the tip  22  constitutes a catching zone for a fragment of waste present between a knife  16  and a counter-knife  17  and makes it possible to retain that fragment until passage of the consecutive tooth of the knife  16  across from that tip  22 , which makes it possible to perform shearing or additional shredding of that fragment. The effectiveness of the obtained shredding is greatly improved and makes it possible to eliminate any need for sieving downstream from the shredder  5 . 
         [0094]    As appears from the preceding, the invention provides a machine  1  having the aforementioned decisive advantages relative to the similar machines of the prior art. 
         [0095]    Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above as an example, but encompasses all embodiments covered by the appended claims.