WO2003018205A1

WO2003018205A1 - Apparatus for crushing and storing a substance

Info

Publication number: WO2003018205A1
Application number: PCT/EP2002/010032
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Guy Boden
Original assignee: GLASS COMPACTION SERVICES Ltd
Current assignee: GLASS COMPACTION SERVICES Ltd
Priority date: 2001-08-20
Filing date: 2002-08-20
Publication date: 2003-03-06
Anticipated expiration: 2004-02-20

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for crushing and storing a substance, in particular glass bottles. A first aspect of the invention provides apparatus for crushing bottles and storing the crushed remnant, so that the storage capacity of a bin is optimised. The apparatus includes a hopper for receiving a bottle; and a crusher connected to the hopper that passes crushed remnant into a storage bin. The storage bin fits in a space defined below the crusher. Ideally the storage bin has wheels, which are fitted with brakes. A second aspect of the invention provides a bin having strengthening ribs; which is reinforced, and is capable of carrying a payload in excess of 250 kg; so that the bin weight to fully loaded ratio is ideally 1:5 and preferably 1:6. This optimum ratio provides a total weight of bin and payload of between 300-350 kg. It bas been shown that this weight can be lifted safely by most standard refuse collection wagons.

Description

Apparatus for Crushing and Storing a Substance

Background

This invention relates to an apparatus for crushing and storing a substance, in particular a crushable, frangible or cementatious material, such as glass or ceramic. The invention is particularly, though not exclusively, adapted for crushing items such as glass bottles, jars or other similar containers.

A problem with glass containers is that they are bulky and occupy a relatively large volume when stored.

Prior Art

An example of an existing glass storage arrangement is a large steel bin, which receives different coloured glass items in separate compartments. These bins are heavy and bulky. A disadvantage with the aforementioned bins is that when glass items are dropped into them a loud noise is created. This is especially the case when bins are empty as the noise echoes. The bins also require specialised lifting wagons, such as those which lift skips, in order to remove and replace them.

Another disadvantage of these bins has been that they require emptying quite frequently, even though they may only contain a fraction of the maximum mass of bottles or glass they are capable of holding.

Increasingly environmental and legislative pressures place companies that generate a large amount of bottles, such as pubs and clubs, retailers, hoteliers and manufacturers under obligations to recycle such things as glass and particularly bottles. It is becoming increasingly desirous for outlets such as clubs, bars, hotels and small undertakings to recycle bottles in order to comply with local authority cleansing and waste disposal demands. However, it is not always easy to supply the aforementioned bulky storage bins to all these outlets as access and space is usually restricted.

From the foregoing it is apparent that there is often a compromise between the actual size of a bin (and therefore its capacity) and the maximum payload it is capable of carrying. This compromise is partly due to space and partly due to the fact that bins have never really been able to optimise their potential payload due to the bulky nature of bottles.

The present invention arose in order to overcome the aforementioned problems.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided apparatus for crushing and storing a crushed substance comprising: a hopper for receiving an item to be crushed; a crusher connected to the hopper, the crusher being dimensioned and arranged to crush the item, so that when crushed, the crushed substance passes into a removable storage bin.

The crusher may be in the form of two or more relatively displaceable members arranged to move towards and away from one another so that items are crushed therebetween. Alternatively the crusher may include a rotatable shaft on which one or more crushing elements are disposed. The crushing elements may take the form of immovable portions mounted on the shaft or they may be movable relative to the shaft acting as flails when the shaft rotates.

The hopper may include a hinged cover. This permits a user to have access to the crusher housing and/or hopper interior, for example to facilitate removal of foreign bodies (such as synthetic plastics bottles), which may have accidentally been dropped into the hopper and could cause temporary jamming or stalling of the crusher. When the hopper has this hingeable cover, a cutout switch for automatically isolating electric current to the motor, must be provided in order to comply with relevant safety requirements. Advantageously a safety brake, such as an inertial brake, may also be fitted in order to prevent opening of the hopper cover before the rotor and flail mechanism have stopped rotating.

In an alternative embodiment the hopper may have an inspection window to enable a user to view inside the crusher housing.

Preferably the storage bin is adapted to fit in a space defined below the crusher. The bin may be provided with a viewing window in order for a user to determine when it is full. Alternatively, or in addition to, means may be provided for determining the level of remnant in the bin automatically. The means for determining the depth of remnant may be a mechanical arm with a displaceable member, for example that is connected to a sensor. Alternatively it may comprise a radiation source directed at a suitable region in the bin and a suitable sensor arranged to detect reflected radiation from the surface of Hie remnant.

The sensor can be connected to an alarm, such as an audible warning or a light, which signals to a user that the bin is full. The alarm may also be configured, so that it activates another cut-out switch for switching off the electric current supply, thereby preventing further use of the crusher once the bin is full.

A particular advantage of the invention is that after the item (which is typically glass), has been crushed, it occupies less space. Therefore fewer collections are required to empty storage bins. This saves time and money for outlets such as bars and hotels, which are increasingly required to recycle items such as glass bottles and for waste management or collection companies.

As the bin, in a particularly preferred embodiment, has strengthening ribs and is reinforced, it is capable of carrying a payload in excess of 250 kg; most preferably, the payload is in excess of 300kg. As the bin may typically weigh 50-60 kg the ratio of fully loaded bin is ideally 5:1 and most preferably it is 6:1. This optimum ratio provides a total weight of bin and payload of between 300-360 kg and is realistically the maximum possible that can be lifted (for purposes of emptying) safely by appropriate refuse collection wagons. Ideally the storage bin is located below the crusher. The advantage of this is that the crushed substance falls directly into the bin.

Most preferably there is provided a curtained housing, which is dimensioned and arranged to envelope the bin, so as to contain and retain substantially all crushed remnant. The bin is ideally mounted on wheels, or a wheeled base, and is able to be pushed into an opening defined by the curtained housing. A retaining flap is disposed around a peripheral opening of the curtained housing. The retaining flap is formed from a resiliently deformable strip such as polyurethane rubber or other synthetic plastics material and is fixed or stuck to the wall defining the opening for receiving the bin. The flap ideally has a thicker edge, which is in contact with the wall, and a tapering cross-section. This ensures that its edge, which contacts the bin, conforms to the walls of the bin, fitting like a flange, thereby providing a tight seal against the surface of the bin. This seal is important as it prevents dust and glass particles from escaping from the bin and crusher.

One or more limit switches may be provided which isolate an electrical power supply. A limit switch is ideally positioned on locator bars on the bin. These locator bars assist a user to locate the bin in the correct position below the crusher housing. The, or each, limit switch act(s) as a safety feature to ensure no electrical current is delivered to the crusher upon removal of the storage bin. The, or each, limit switch may operate in conjunction with a handle mechanism, mounted on the storage bin. The handle mechanism preferably has a catch, which is adapted to cooperate with an engagement mechanism, located on the crusher housing, and lock the storage bin in position below the crusher

Means is advantageously provided for preventing crushed debris and substance from being ejected from the hopper. Brushes, some other form of flexible curtain or flaps are preferably provided between the hopper and the crusher. In use the brushes, curtain or flaps prevent the item or crushed substance from being thrown out of the hopper, from where it may injure a user or operator. The hopper also has a U-bend formed therein in order to prevent back scattering of debris. Drive means is provided to the crusher. The drive means may include one or more hydraulic (or pneumatic) actuators arranged to displace the members. An alternative drive means is a motor. The motor may be connected to the drive means directly or by way of a series of gears. The motor may be operated and controlled by direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC).

A particularly advantageous embodiment has been found to comprise a plurality of flagellating members disposed along the length of the rotatable shaft. These members may be chains and are preferably metal, such as steel. An advantage of metal chains is that they are relatively cheap, simple and quick to replace.

It has been found that swaged spheres connected to the chains are particularly effective in the crusher resulting in a reduction in average particle size of the crushed remnant. Swaged spheres or balls can be attached to the shaft by way of rigid or flexible connectors.

A particularly preferred arrangement for crushing has been found to comprise a motor driven shaft on which are connected hammer-like members, hereinafter referred to as hammers. The hammers are ideally demountable, for example being connected to the shaft by way of threaded members into tapped holes. The fact that the hammers are demountable facilitates their repair and/or replacement. The hammers may comprise a portion, which passes through the shaft enabling them to be bolted thereto, using nuts or connected to the shaft using split pins or some other similar connecting system familiar to the skilled person.

The hammers are preferably metal, such as steel. Ideally at least a portion of the surface of the hammers, which impact the item to be crushed, are either case hardened or coated with an impact resistant material such as a strike plate which may itself be detachable and replaceable. So as to achieve effective crushing, a plurality of the hammers are ideally disposed along the length of the shaft. The hammers may be arranged to lie in one or more planes around the shaft so that more than one hammer strikes an item during each rotation of the shaft, thereby enhancing crushing. In a particularly effective arrangement hammers are arranged as flails. That is, they are mounted on the shaft by way of a mounting bracket, which permits the hammers to pivot in a plane orthogonal to the axis of the shaft. This particular construction has been found to be extremely effective at crushing, exhibits very low wear and readily removed for replacement.

Another advantage is that, because they occupy a relatively small solid volume, it has been found that the crusher drive means never stalls. This is due to the fact that even when fully loaded with glass bottles for crushing, when switched on, the motor is always able to commence turning, sufficiently to smash and crush glass items in the housing within which the crusher is disposed.

A controller is connected to the drive means and is adapted to switch the crusher on and off. Means may be provided to alter the speed of the motor, so that its crushing capability is modified. Suitable safety switches and/or sensors are connected to the controller in order to prevent unauthorised usage, for example in the event that the storage bin has been removed. The controller is also capable of restarting the crusher in the unlikely event of it stalling or there being a blockage in the hopper.

As the environment in which the crusher may be located may be damp, an hermetically sealed control box is ideally provided, in which the controller and other electrical components, such as a transformer, fuses, circuit breakers and relays are housed. The transformer provides a low voltage power supply for limit switches and sensors.

Soundproofing is advantageously provided between the crusher and an external environment. Soundproofing may take the form of layers of sound absorbent material and/or baffles arranged to reflect sound into the crusher.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of crushing and storing a glass item, for disposal or otherwise, comprising the steps of: introducing the glass item into a hopper; crushing the glass item in a crusher housing and directing crushed glass to fall into a storage bin; and removing the bin from a housing defined below the crusher so that the crushed glass can be emptied therefrom. The crusher may have a retractable guard and an advantage of this guard is that residual crushed remnant, as well as the crusher itself, is isolated from access from below. This is an added safety feature that protects a user.

Wheels or rollers on a base, which supports the bin, facilitate removal of the storage bin. The base is preferably in the form of a square and is constructed from steel sections. The base is configured so that the bin, with a maximum payload of 300 kg, has a low centre of gravity (this inhibits toppling) whilst still enabling the bin to be lifted using conventional hydraulic lifting equipment found on waste disposal trucks.

Brakes are ideally provided on at least one pair of the wheels so that the storage bin may be locked in position once placed beneath the crusher. In a particularly advantageous arrangement a safety brake is linked to the wheels by way of a sprung lever connected to the wheels with a rod or other stiff member that has to be gripped in order to disengage a braking mechanism

The brake mechanism is ideally a "dead-man's" handle. That is, a handle on which a force needs to be applied in order to maintain the brake in an "off' state. The "dead man's" handle may be connected to a brake on each wheel or only some of tfie wheels.

The bin is ideally equipped with four wheels, two of which can be swivelled, so that it can be steered and moved relatively easily when full. Bins may receive in excess of 250 kilogram (kg) of crushed remnant. A sump may be formed for increasing the capacity of the bin. The bin may also have one or more additional side handles. The bin is thus easily removed from the apparatus and may be readily wheeled and steered for collection or disposal of the crushed contents stored therewithin

Preferably the action of removing the storage bin ensures that the crusher is immobilised so as to prevent any further crushing and isolated so as to prevent any crushed remnant from falling onto the floor. The removable bin is located below the crusher, in a housing, so that it can readily receive falling crushed substance such as remnants, particles and dust. The bin is ideally equipped with a closure mechanism, such as a hinged lid or cover, which closes when the bin is removed for emptying. This closure member may be in the form of a hinged or slidable guard or cover. The guard or cover may be retained by one or more resiliently deformable members, such as springs.

There may also be provided a spout in the body of the bin for directing crushed remnant into a hopper or other storage vehicle, such as a refuse cart or wagon. The spout may be formed integrally with the bin (that is fashioned from the same material as the bin); or the spout may be fitted to the bin.

According to further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a storage bin, comprising the steps of: forming a wall of a bin; joining the wall of the bin to a wheeled base, said base being defined by at least three wheels, the area of the base being substantially larger than an area defined by a plane, parallel to said base, and passing through the centre of gravity of the bin.

The base may be bolted to the bin or welded thereto. Preferably the wall of the bin is welded and bolted to Ihe base. Ribs or fillets are ideally formed or welded to the base and edges of the bin so as to provide additional strength.

The bin may be circular or square in cross-section. The bin is advantageously formed from mild steel and is galvanised so as to provide additional protection against corrosion.

One or more drainage holes may be formed in the base of the bin, for example at the lowest point in the sump, so as to permit excess liquid to drain from the storage bin.

Rounded rubber edges are ideally disposed around the periphery of a base plate so as to minimise impact damage in the event of the storage bin colliding with anything. Brief Description of the Drawings

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the Figures, in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatical overview of one embodiment of a crushing and housing for receiving a storage apparatus;

Figure 2 is an exploded general assembly (showing some hidden detail) of the apparatus shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of Figure 1 and shows a bin equipped with wheels and a handle;

Figure 4a is a front elevation of a control box;

Figure 4b is a view of the inside of the control box of Figure 4a;

Figure 5 is a circuit diagram of control circuitry;

Figures 6a, b and c are various views of a storage bin adapted for use with the crushing apparatus;

Figures 7a, b and c are various views of an alternative embodiment of the bin fitted with a brake and 'dead-man's' handle;

Figure 8 shows an overall view of a preferred embodiment of the bin;

Figure 9a shows a view of an alternative crushing element, in the form of a hammer; and Figure 9b indicates where the hammers are disposed on the rotor shaft.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a glass crushing apparatus 10. Crushing apparatus 10 comprises a hopper 12 and a crusher located inside crusher housing 14. Crushed substance and debris falls into a storage compartment below 1he crusher.

In the preferred embodiment of the crushing apparatus shown in Figures 1 and 2, an item to be crushed such as a glass bottle (not shown in the Figure) is dropped into the hopper 12 in the direction of arrows A. The bottle falls past one or more rubber seals 13 and a non-return flap 16 into a U-bend region of the hopper 12. The U-bend shaped hopper prevents backscattering of debris. Rubber seal 13 and flap 16 are attached to walls of the hopper by way of front 114 and rear 115 fixing straps. Flaps, seals and fixing straps are bolted to the interior walls of the hopper by way of NYLOK (Trade Mark) nuts 1. Non-return flap 16 together with curtain 118 and the overall hopper shape (which is angular), ensure that no debris is ejected from the crusher. The flaps and curtain are formed from a material, which deflects under the weight of a falling bottle, but not smaller pieces of debris or crushed remnant. Curtain 118 is supported by a strap 5, to which it is connected by way of NYLOK (Trade Mark) nuts 7. Curtain 118 has slits formed or cut therein so as to ease the passage of smaller items to be crushed, whilst still preventing backscatter of smaller particles of crushed substance and debris. An inspection cover 44 is fitted to the hopper by way of screws 45. Bottles or items to be crushed then fall into a crusher housing 42.

Motor 14a is housed within a crusher housing 42 on a mounting plate 17. A rotor box 42 defines walls of the crusher housing 42. An adjuster screw 16 facilitates lateral adjustment of the motor 142 with respect to the crusher housing 42. Motor 142 is powered by a standard 240 Volt supply (not shown). Motor 142 is connected to and drives a pulley 18. A second pulley 20 is driven by way of a drive belt 21, which is connected, to pulley 18. The second pulley 20 drives the rotor shaft 11. An adjuster screw 16 achieves tensioning of a drive belt 21, which connects pulleys 18 and 20.

Belt guard 24 surrounds the drive belt 21 so that it is shielded from a user. Suitable guards are provided for guarding other moving parts such as the motor. Flails or hammers 450 are disposed along the length of the rotor shaft 11 and are connected thereto by way of flail screws or nuts 9. The flails 450 may be flexible or comprise a solid member.

Rotor shaft 11 is supported inside the crusher housing 42 by two rotor bearings 43 a and 43b. The rotor bearings 43 a and 42b assist the flail shaft 11 to rotate, even when bottles impinge thereagainst. As the speed of rotation of the flail shaftll increases, flails or hammers impact any item with sufficient energy as to shatter it into small pieces. Shattered pieces of the item (known as crushed debris or remnant) fall from the rotor box 42 into the storage bin, depicted in Figures 6, 7 and 8 below. Figure 9a shows a detailed view of a hammer, which is configured as a flail 450. The flail 450 is connected to rotor shaft 11 by a mounting bracket 452, which is a U-shaped fitting and is formed from stainless steel, adapted to sit in a machined recess on the shaft. Ideally six flails are spaced equally along the length of the shaft. Spacers 454 locate the flail 450 centrally within the mounting bracket by way of a nut 456 and bolt 458. Socket head bolt 460 connects the mounting bracket 452 to the shaft 11 either by way of a blind threaded hole 462 or a nut (not shown) on the opposite side of the shaft 11.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the crusher is supported on a box-like housing having a hinged door. In an alternative embodiment the crusher is located above a removable storage bin, for example of the type shown in Figures 6 to 8. In this preferred embodiment, the housing has an opening which receives a wheeled storage bin (of the type illustrated in Figures 7 and 8). Suitable locking mechanisms (not shown) ensure the storage bin is mechanically locked in place so that it does not move from a location under the crusher. One or more safety switches (T3 and T4 in Figure 5) can only conduct current when the storage bin is securely locked in place. Only then can the crusher be switched on. An advantage of this is that crushed remnant is always collected in the storage bin.

Flanges (not shown) may be disposed around the periphery of the opening, as described below, in order to prevent particles from escaping.

Figure 3 shows a general view of an alternative embodiment of the crushing apparatus. A wheeled bin 70 has a handle 72 enabling it to be pivoted, in the direction of arrow B, and removed from the crushing apparatus. The construction and operation of the crusher are substantially as the arrangement shown in Figures 1 and 2. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 3, wall 70 of the bin effectively becomes the front of cabinet 99 upon location of the storage bin below crusher housing 100. Handle 72 pivots in the direction of arrow B after disengagement of a catch mechanism (not shown).

Use of the crusher and storage bin increase the payload of the refuse collection vehicles by more than 50%. In this case the limit of the maximum payload is that imposed by legislation and safety standards, rather than the volume of the refuse collection vehicles, because the density of the crushed remnant is much greater than uncrushed bottles and jars. Typically an eight tonne payload of a refuse wagon is increased to 12 tonnes.

Control electronics, shown in detail in Figure 5, are provided in controller housing shown in detail in Figure 4.

Referring to Figures 4a and 4b, there is shown a control box 200, a main isolator 202, three status lights 204, 206 and 208; a stop button 210; a start button 212 and an emergency stop button 214. The status lights 204, 206 and 208 are white, red and green respectively. The stop button 210 is red and the start button 212 is green. Status lights 204, 206 and 208 indicate the status of the motor 14a. Emergency stop button 214 isolates all electric current to the motor 142, by way of a relay 219, thereby stopping all moving parts in the event of an emergency.

Figure 4b is a view of the inside of the control box of Figure 4a. Figure 4b shows Live, Neutral and Earth connections to the isolator 216. A transformer 218 provides a stepped down voltage, typically 24 Volts, sufficient for powering lights 204 - 208 and current for the relay 219. Thermal resistors 221 and 223 maintain a steady current in the circuit and are rated to blow in the event of prolonged, severe motor jamming or stalling in order to prevent burnout of the motor. There may also be provided automatic cut-out switches for preventing overheating in the unlikely event of an item jamming in the crusher. Figure 5 is a circuit diagram of control circuitry in which like parts shown in Figures 4a and 4b bear the same reference numerals. A trip switch is 216 is connected to isolator 202. Remote connections 220 and 222 are in series with another limit switch 224. Limit switch 224 is closed, for example by the action of inserting a bin (not shown) so that contacts 220 and 222 connect with contacts T3 and T4 respectively. Emergency stop button 214 trips a relay 215 so as to close contacts 97 and 98; and 95 and 96, with the result that motor trip light 206 is energised and relay 219 is tripped to isolate motor 142. Another limit switch 226 is connected, for example, to a hopper (not shown) and acts to trip the motor 142 as soon as the hopper is opened.

Figures 6a, 6b and 6c show various views of a storage bin 300, which has been adapted for use with the crushing apparatus depicted in Figures 1 and 2. Figures 6 show diagrammatical views of the bin 300 with four wheels 301-304 supported on a rigid, mild steel base plate 305. The base plate 305 is welded onto the cylindrical body of the storage bin. The body of the storage bin is formed by rolling a sheet of mild steel into a right circular cylinder. Several strip welds are then made along the edges of the sheet in order to prevent buckling, as well as provide slots for drainage.

In Figure 6a the lid is not shown. The steel base plate 305 is galvanised and has a rubber edging 306 to cushion accidental impact against walls. Wheels 301 and 302 are fitted with brakes 301a and 301b and the storage bin 300 has an engagement means 309 to enable it to lifted by conventional hydraulic lifts, for example of the type fitted to the rear of refuse collection vehicles. An inspection window 309 is an optional feature and is formed from toughened glass. The window 309 permits a user to look into the storage bin and determine when it is full and needs to be removed for changing or emptying.

Figure 6b shows a side view of the storage bin and depicts its lid 310 and a sump 311 for increasing its storage capacity and for lowering its centre of gravity. The carrying capacity of the storage bin is increased significantly due to the preferred embodiment, which is capable of carrying more weight than existing synthetic plastics bins due to its strengthened sides and recessed base. The base plate 306 and wheels 301-304 can be adapted to be disassembled so as to enable easier storage and transport of the storage bin 300, and to facilitate reassembly in small yards or on premises with limited access. Figure 6c shows a diagrammatical overview of the base 305.

Referring to Figures 7a, 7b and 7c and 8 there is shown an alternative embodiment of a storage bin 400 having brakes 402 and 404 fitted to wheels 406 and 408. A dead- man's handle 410 is connected to the brakes 402 and 404 by way of a solid shaft or rod 412. A resiliently deformable member, such as a helical spring (not shown), ensures the brakes 402 and 404 are always acting to prevent wheels 406 and 408 from rotating, unless a force is applied on handle 410. When the force is sufficient to overcome the force of the resiliently deformable member, the brakes are disengaged and the wheels 406 and 408 may rotate. Thus the dead-man's handle acts as a failsafe mechanism in order to prevent the storage bin from uncontrollable movement.

Spout portion 420 ensures that when the contents of the storage bin are poured, any spillage is niinimised.

The invention has been described by way of exemplary embodiments only. It will be appreciated that variation to the embodiments described herein may be made, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for crushing a glass item comprising: a hopper for receiving the item to be crushed and directing said item to a crusher, the crusher including a displaceable drive means; said crusher being dimensioned and arranged to crush the item, characterised in that crushed remnant passes directly into a removable storage bin.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the drive means includes at least one hydraulic (or pneumatic) member.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the drive means is mounted on a shaft connected to a motor.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein one or more crushing elements are disposed on the shaft.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the crushing elements are movable with respect to the shaft.

6. An apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the crushing elements are chains or flails disposed on the shaft.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the chains or flails have swaged balls disposed thereon.

8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the hopper includes a hinged cover with a cutout switch which isolates the drive means when the hopper is opened.

9. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 7 wherein the hopper is fitted with a safety mechanism, which prevents opening of the hopper before the drive means has been isolated.

10. An apparatus according to any preceding claim has means for preventing crushed remnant from being ejected from the hopper.

11. An apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the means for preventing crushed remnant from being ejected from the hopper includes brushes or flaps located between the hopper and the crusher.

12. An apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the means for preventing crushed remnant from being ejected from the hopper includes a flexible curtain located between the hopper and the crusher.

13. An apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the means for preventing crushed remnant from being ejected from the hopper includes a U-bend formed between the hopper and the crusher.

14. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein an access cover is provided.

15. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein a storage space is defined below the crusher, the space being adapted to receive the storage bin.

16. An apparatus according to claim 15 wherein an inspection window is provided for viewing inside the storage bin.

17. An apparatus according to claim 15 or 16 wherein means is provided for determining the level of remnant in the storage bin automatically.

18. An apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the means for determining the depth of remnant includes a mechanical arm with a displaceable member connected to a sensor.

19. An apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the means for determining the depth of remnant comprises a radiation source directed at a suitable region in the storage bin and a sensor arranged to detect reflected radiation from the surface of the remnant.

20. An apparatus according to claim 17 to 19 wherein the means for determining the depth of remnant is connected to an alarm, such as an audible warning or a light, which signals to a user when the storage bin is full.

21. An apparatus according to any of claims 17 to 20 having an isolating switch which prevents use of the crusher when remnant in the storage bin exceeds a certain level.

22. An apparatus according to claim 15 wherein a retaining flap is disposed around a peripheral opening, the opening defines a volume in which the storage bin is located.

23. An apparatus according to claim 22 wherein the retaining flap is dimensioned and arranged to form a seal with walls of the storage bin, so that, in use, remnant is retained therein.

24. An apparatus according to claim 23 wherein the retaining flap for the storage bin is formed from a resiliently deformable strip such as polyurethane rubber or other synthetic plastics material.

25. An apparatus according to claim 24 wherein the flap has a tapering cross-section, the thicker edge being in contact with the wall, which defines the opening for receiving the storage bin and the thinner edge in use being in contact with a wall of the storage bin.

26. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein at least one limit switch is located in the storage space, which receives the storage bin and is adapted to isolate an electrical power supply when the storage bin is removed from the storage space.

27. An apparatus according to any of claims 15 to 26 wherein locator bars are disposed for assisting a user to locate the storage bin in its correct position in the storage space.

28. An apparatus according to any of claims 3 to 27 wherein a control means is connected to the drive means and is adapted to alter the speed of the motor.

29. An apparatus according to claim 28 wherein the control means is housed in a hermetically sealed control box.

30. An apparatus according to any preceding claim has soundproofing provided between the crusher and an external environment.

31. An apparatus according to claim 30 wherein the soundproofing includes layers of sound absorbent material and/or baffles arranged to reflect sound towards the crusher.

32. A storage bin adapted for use with the apparatus of any of claims 1 to 31.

33. A storage bin according to claim 32 wherein the ratio of the weight of the bin to its payload is greater than 1 :4.

34. A storage bin according to claim 32 wherein the ratio of the weight of the bin to its payload is greater than 1 :5.

35. A storage bin according to claim 32 wherein the ratio of the weight of the bin to its payload is greater than 1:6.

36. A storage bin according to claim 35 wherein the storage bin is mounted on wheels or a wheeled base.

37. A storage bin according to claim 36 wherein the storage bin has at least a pair of lockable wheels so that the storage bin may be immobilised.

38. A storage bin according to any of claims 32 to 36 wherein the weight of the storage bin when empty, is substantially 60kg.

39. A storage bin according to any of claims 32 to 38 has a closure mechanism; such as a hinged lid or cover, which closes when the storage bin is removed from the crusher.

40. A storage bin according to any of claims 32 to 39 has a spout in its body for directing crushed remnant into a container or other vessel, such as a refuse cart or wagon.

41. A storage bin according to any of claims 32 to 40 has a catch arranged to cooperate with an engagement mechanism, the catch and engagement mechanism act as a limit switch in order to enable the crusher to be operable only when the storage bin is positioned below the crusher.

42. A storage bin according to any of claims 32 to 41 wherein the storage bin has a sump for increasing its storage capacity.

43. A storage bin according to any of claims 36 to 42 wherein the storage bin has a safety brake which requires application of a force in order to maintain the brake in an "off' state.

44. A storage bin according to any of claims 40 to 43 wherein the spout is formed integrally with the storage bin.

45. A storage bin according to any of claims 40 to 43 wherein the spout is retrofitted to the bin.

46 A storage bin according to any of claims 32 to 45 formed from steel and is galvanised for providing additional protection against corrosion.

47. A storage bin according to any of claims 32 to 46 having rounded rubber edges disposed around fhe periphery of its base plate.

48. A storage bin according to any of claims 32 to 47 has at least one drainage hole located in a wall or sump of the bin for allowing liquid waste to drain from the storage bin.

49. A method of crushing a glass item and temporarily storing crushed remnant, for disposal or otherwise, comprising the steps of: introducing the glass item into a hopper; crushing the item in a crusher; directing crushed remnant to a storage bin; and removing the storage bin from a housing defined below the crusher so that the crushed glass can be emptied therefrom.

50. A method according to claim 49 further comprises the steps of: emptying the crushed glass by way of a removable storage bin having wheels.

51. A method of manufacturing a storage bin, comprising the steps of: forming a wall of a bin; joining the wall of the bin to a wheeled base, said base being defined by at least three wheels, the area of the base being substantially larger than an area defined by a plane, parallel to said base, and said plane passing through the centre of gravity of the bin

52. A method of manufacturing storage bin according to claim 51 wherein the base may be bolted to the bin or welded thereto.

53. A method of manufacturing storage bin according to claim 51 wherein ribs or fillets are formed or welded to the base and edges of the bin so as to provide additional strength.

54. An apparatus for crushing and storing a crushed substance comprising: a hopper for receiving an item to be crushed; a crusher connected to the hopper, the crusher being dimensioned and arranged to crush the item, so that when crushed, the crushed substance passes into a storage bin which is adapted to fit below the crusher in a storage space so as to receive all crushed remnant from the crusher.

55. An apparatus according to claim 55 wherein the apparatus is disabled upon r rwemmrorøvaall

H biinn.

56. An apparatus for crushing a glass item substantially as herein described with reference to the Figures.

57. A storage bin substantially as herein described with reference to the Figures.

58. An apparatus for crushing and storing a crushed substance substantially as herein described with reference to the Figures.

59. A method of crushing a glass item and temporarily storing crushed remnant, for disposal or otherwise substantially as herein described with reference to the Figures.

60. A method of manufacturing a storage bin substantially as herein described with reference to the Figures.