Improvements in and relating to methods and apparatus for the manufacture of plastics and products therefrom, including parts and components therefor

Abstract

A plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) comprising: - a housing which has a cylindrical bore; wherein the cylindrical bore includes an internal surface having a series of longitudinal toothed regions (LATRs) comprising a plurality of longitudinally aligned and spaced apart teeth (LATR teeth) projecting inwardly from the internal surface; and - a rotor located in the cylindrical bore, wherein the rotor includes: • a tipped region comprising plurality of circumferentially and longitudinally spaced apart and offset tips; - a motor arrangement which can rotate the rotor so the tip / RTR tooth speed is 6m / s; and - a feed arrangement to deliver plastic beads / shreds to the rotor; and - wherein the gap between the rotor and the cylindrical bore is sufficient to allow for radial acceleration, in-use, of beads / shreds of plastic from the rotor into the inner surface of the cylindrical bore, given the 6 m / s tip speed.

Description

[0001] JAWS Ref: 323359PCT IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF PLASTICS AND PRODUCTS THEREFROM, INCLUDING PARTS AND COMPONENTS THEREFOR TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to improvements in and relating to methods and apparatus for the manufacture of plastics and products therefrom, including parts and components therefor. In particular, the present invention relates to a machine and components therefor together with improved methods, which can melt plastic beads or shreds, via friction, to make products therefrom - without the need for additional heating elements to melt the plastic beads / shreds. The present invention is primarily although not limited to the melting of recycled plastic beads or shreds. BACKGROUND ART Plastic pollution is a major worldwide problem. As many plastics are not biodegradable there is a real need to find ways of recycling and repurposing used plastic. For example, it has previously been estimated around 1.1 to 8.8 million tonnes of plastic waste enters the ocean each year[1]. Plastic is recycled for repurposing in most instances, by first transforming a plastic article into either beads or shreds. Machines for melting plastic beads or shreds are known. However, these machines all require additional heating elements to melt the plastic beads or shreds. This increases the carbon footprint of plastic recycling as it increases the energy required to melt the plastic. Additionally, it increases the costs involved with recycling and re- purposing plastic. These machines are also relatively complicated and thus expensive to manufacture and maintain. It would be useful if there could be provided a machine which could address one or more of these issues, to assist with recycling and re-purposing used plastic. It would also be useful if there could be provided an alternative machine and alternative method for mixing and melting recycled plastic beads or shreds. JAWS Ref: 323359PCT In particular, it would also be useful to provide alternative low-cost processes for recycling and repurposing plastic. It would further be useful if there could be provided a machine or method which could produce molten plastic without the use of heating elements at the same, or preferably an increased rate of production than known methods. It would also be useful if there could be provided a machine or method which did not require sequentially increasing continual compression to melt the plastic / beads. It would also be useful if there could be provided new parts for a melter / mixer which does not require heating elements to heat the plastic. It would also be useful if there could be provided a machine or process which could mix plastic beads or shreds in a more effective way to produce a plastic extrusion which has significantly less air pockets therein than plastic extruded from a conventional extruder for recycling plastic. All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country. Throughout this specification, the word "comprises", or variations thereof such as "comprise" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only. SUMMARY OF INVENTION Rotor According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a rotor for a plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) which comprises: • a tipped region comprising plurality of circumferentially and longitudinally spaced apart and offset tips. JAWS Ref: 323359PCT In some embodiments the rotor may include a rotor toothed region (RTR) including a plurality of RTR teeth. Although, in a preferred embodiment the rotor may solely comprise a tipped region. In embodiments where there is provided both a tipped region and an RTR, the tipped region and RTR may be located at either an upstream or downstream end of the rotor with respect to one another. The RTR of the rotor may include a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart elongate rotor teeth thereon projecting outwardly, the rotor teeth all have a longitudinal axis (rotor tooth axis), wherein said rotor tooth axes may all be substantially parallel to one another. Preferably, the rotor tooth axis may have an angle of substantially 39 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the rotor. The tipped region may include a series of longitudinally spaced apart tip-sections. Each tip section may have a plurality of tips thereon. Preferably, each tip-section of the series may have six tips thereon, and wherein each tip- section may have spirally offset tips with respect to adjacent tip-section(s). Preferably, each tip-section may be in the form of a hex plate mounted to a rotator shaft. Preferably, where there is no RTR on the rotor, the rotor may comprise a plurality of adjacent spirally offset hex plates mounted to the rotator shaft. Preferably, the tips in use may be rotated at a tip speed of 6m / s. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a rotor for a plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) which comprises: - a tipped region; wherein: JAWS Ref: 323359PCT - the tipped region is located at a predominantly: an upstream, midstream, or downstream, position; or - a combination, or partial combination, of said positions; on the rotor; with respect to: - a rotor toothed region (RTR); wherein - the RTR is located at a predominantly: an upstream, midstream, or downstream, position; or - a combination, or partial combination, of said positions; on, the rotor; or - the tipped region and RTR, if both are present on the rotor together, are respectively located, at one of a predominantly: an upstream, midstream or downstream position on the rotor, or other non-overlapping combination of these relative positions. As will be understood from the above paragraphs the inventor has found that the rotor can functionally operate with either a tipped region or a rotor toothed region, or both in combination. The inventor has also found the rotor can functionally operate with both a tipped region and a rotor toothed region. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a rotor and housing arrangement for a plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) wherein there is provided a rotor substantially as described above including a working section, which can, in- use: - radially accelerate shreds or beads towards an internal surface of the cylindrical bore of the housing, wherein the internal surface has a series of longitudinal toothed regions (LATRs) comprising a plurality of longitudinally aligned and spaced apart teeth (LATR teeth) projecting inwardly from the internal surface; JAWS Ref: 323359PCT - drive the shreds or beads forward in a downstream direction and force the plastic shreds or beads through reduced diameter gaps between the tips or RTR teeth on the rotor and the LATR teeth which periodically occur and disappear as a consequence of the rotation of the rotor; - thereby alternating between radial acceleration and the forcing of the plastic shreds or beads during axial travel long the rotor from upstream to downstream; so as to - mix plastic shreds or beads; and / or - melt plastic shreds or beads; wherein the working section comprises: - tipped region; and / or - a rotor toothed region (RTR); and - (optionally) a discharge region. Preferably, the discharge region may be located at an downstream end of the rotor; and wherein the RTR may be adjacent the tipped region, and either the RTR or the tipped region may be adjacent the discharge region. Again, as above the inventor has found that the rotor can functionally operate with either a tipped region or a rotor toothed region. The inventor has also found the rotor can functionally operate with both a tipped region and a rotor toothed region. In one embodiment, the tipped region may be adjacent the discharge region. In another embodiment the toothed region (RTR) may be adjacent the discharge region. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a rotor for an FMMA wherein the discharge region is in the form of: an increased diameter section of the rotator shaft, or a ring-shaped section which is mounted to the rotator shaft, wherein the outer surface of the discharge region when viewed in cross sectional profile is circular in shape. JAWS Ref: 323359PCT Housing According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a housing for a plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) which includes: - a cylindrical bore which in use can house a rotor therein; wherein the internal surface of the cylindrical bore (bore) has a series of longitudinal aligned toothed regions (LATRs), wherein a LATR comprises a plurality of longitudinally aligned and spaced apart teeth (LATR teeth) projecting inwardly from the internal surface. In some embodiments the LATR teeth of the toothed regions may have a longitudinal axis (tooth axis) which is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the bore (bore axis). In alternate embodiments the LATR teeth may have a longitudinal axis which is substantially parallel to the bore axis. In a preferred embodiment the LATR teeth have a tooth axis with an angle of substantially 39 degrees to the bore axis. In one preferred embodiment the LATR teeth may project inwardly 5mm from the internal surface of the bore. A housing substantially as described above wherein the bore has at least one discharge port which is coaxial with cylindrical bore. A housing substantially as described above wherein the bore has a discharge port which provides for radial egress of molten plastic from a downstream end of the bore. A housing substantially as described above wherein the bore has a projection radially extending towards the centre of the bore wherein said projection is adjacent a downstream edge of the port relative the rotational fluid flow of the molten plastic imparted by the rotor. JAWS Ref: 323359PCT Housing and Rotor According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a provided housing and rotor arrangement for a plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) wherein the housing and rotor arrangement includes: - a housing which has a cylindrical bore; wherein the cylindrical bore includes an internal surface having a series of longitudinal toothed regions (LATRs) comprising a plurality of longitudinally aligned and spaced apart teeth (LATR teeth) projecting inwardly from the internal surface; and - a rotor located in the cylindrical bore, wherein the rotor includes: • a tipped region comprising plurality of circumferentially and longitudinally spaced apart and offset tips. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a provided housing and rotor arrangement for a plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) wherein the housing and rotor arrangement includes: • a rotor toothed region (RTR) including a plurality of RTR teeth, instead of, or in combination with a tipped region. In some embodiments the LATR teeth of the toothed regions may have a longitudinal axis (tooth axis) which is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the bore (bore axis). In alternate embodiments the LATR teeth may have a longitudinal axis which is substantially parallel to the bore axis. In a preferred embodiment the LATR teeth have a tooth axis with an angle of substantially 39 degrees to the bore axis. In one preferred embodiment when the beads / shreds at least one width or height dimension greater equal to, or above, 3mm but below 7mmthe LATR teeth may project inwardly 5mm from the internal surface of the bore. JAWS Ref: 323359PCT In another preferred embodiment when the beads / shreds at least one width or height dimension greater equal to, or above, 1mm – 2mm the LATR teeth may project inwardly 6mm from the internal surface of the bore. In a preferred embodiment the rotor may solely comprise a tipped region In an another embodiment, where there is provided both a tipped region and RTR, the tipped region and RTR may be located at either an upstream or downstream end of the rotor with respect to one another. The RTR of the rotor may include a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart elongate rotor teeth thereon projecting outwardly, the rotor teeth all have a longitudinal axis (rotor tooth axis), wherein said rotor tooth axes may all be substantially parallel to one another. Preferably, the rotor tooth axis may have an angle of substantially 39 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the rotor. The tipped region may include a series of longitudinally spaced apart tip-sections. Each tip section may have a plurality of tips thereon. Preferably, each tip-section of the series may have six tips thereon, and wherein each tip- section may have spirally offset tips with respect to adjacent tip-section(s). Preferably, each tip-section may be in the form of a hex plate mounted to a rotator shaft. A housing substantially as described above wherein the bore has at least one discharge port which is co-axial with cylindrical bore. A housing substantially as described above wherein the bore has a discharge port which provides for radial egress of molten plastic from a downstream end of the bore. A housing substantially as described above wherein the bore has a projection radially extending towards the centre of the bore wherein said projection is adjacent downstream most edge of the port relative the rotational fluid flow of the molten plastic imparted by the rotor. JAWS Ref: 323359PCT According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a housing and rotor arrangement for a plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) wherein the housing and rotor arrangement includes: - a cylindrical bore which, in use, can house a rotor therein; and wherein the internal surface of the cylindrical bore (bore) has a series of longitudinal toothed regions (LATRs); and wherein a LATR comprises a plurality of longitudinally aligned and spaced apart teeth (LATR teeth) projecting inwardly from the internal surface; and - a rotor, wherein the rotor includes: - a tipped region; wherein: - the tipped region is located at a predominantly: an upstream, midstream, or downstream, position; or - a combination, or partial combination, of said positions; on the rotor; or - a rotor toothed region (RTR); wherein - the RTR is located at a predominantly: an upstream, midstream, or downstream, position; or - a combination, or partial combination, of said positions; on, the rotor; or - the tipped region and RTR, if both are present on the rotor together, are respectively located, at one of a predominantly: an upstream, midstream or downstream position on the rotor, or other non-overlapping combination of these relative positions. . JAWS Ref: 323359PCT . Preferably, the rotor teeth of the RTR may all have a longitudinal axis (RTR tooth axis) which have the same angle in relation to one another with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rotor (rotor axis). In some embodiments the LATR teeth may all have a longitudinal axis (LATR tooth axis) having the same angle in relation to one another with respect to the longitudinal axis of the bore (rotor axis). In a preferred embodiment the LATR tooth axis may have an angle of substantially 39 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the rotor / bore from either a left to right perspective or a right to left perspective and wherein the RTR tooth axis may have an angle of substantially 39 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the rotor / bore from a right to left perspective or a left to right perspective: provided the respective LATR and RTR axes intersect. Thus, ensuring the respective LATR tooth axis and RTR tooth axis cross over one another. In one embodiment the housing and rotor arrangement for an FMMA the gap between the rotor teeth and the LATR teeth may be substantially 1mm. Scraper According to a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided a housing for a plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus(FMMA) which includes: - a cylindrical bore which in use can house a rotor therein; wherein the cylindrical bore includes an outlet port having a radially directed delivery axis from the bore and located at a downstream end thereof; wherein the cylindrical bore includes a scraper element which projects from the inner surface of the bore and is located adjacent a downstream inner edge of outlet port at an inclined angle relative to outlet port axis. Feed Port According to a still another aspect of the present invention there is provided a feed port for a friction mixer melting apparatus (FMMA) wherein the feed port comprises a plate which has: - a plurality of apertures therein wherein the apertures are circumferentially arranged; or . JAWS Ref: 323359PCT - at least two circumferentially arranged elongate arc profiled apertures (EAPAs) collectively forming a ring-shape; - wherein the inside diameter of ring shape formed via the plurality of apertures or the EAPAs is sized to have the same minimum diameter and / or a greater diameter, in use, than that of an adjacent section of the rotor in the FMMA; such that the feed port can - via the plurality of apertures or the EAPAs - deliver plastic beads or shreds to be mix / melted, from a feed source and feed delivery arrangement, to the outside surface of a rotor forming part of the FMMA. In one preferred embodiment the feed port includes three circumferentially arranged elongate arc profiled apertures (EAPAs) collectively forming a ring shape in the plate. In one further preferred embodiment plate may be substantially circular shaped. Preferably the port is made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (also known by its trade mark TeflonTM) which is at least 5mm to 10mm in thickness. In alternate example the port may be made from steel and the port may be liquid jacketed. In a further alternative example, the port may comprise two layers: - a first layer adjacent the rotor which is steel; - a second layer adjacent the product feed auger which is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). A key function of the port is to provide a thermal barrier between the FMMA and the feed source / delivery arrangement, to prevent premature heat transfer melting incoming beads / shreds and congesting / blocking the apparatus from continuously melting plastic beads / shreds until a clogged feed port is, decongested, or replaced. FMMA According to a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided a plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) comprising: JAWS Ref: 323359PCT - a housing which has a cylindrical bore; wherein the cylindrical bore includes an internal surface having a series of longitudinal toothed regions (LATRs) comprising a plurality of longitudinally aligned and spaced apart teeth (LATR teeth) projecting inwardly from the internal surface; and - a rotor located in the cylindrical bore, wherein the rotor includes: • a tipped region comprising plurality of circumferentially and longitudinally spaced apart and offset tips; and / or • a rotor toothed region (RTR) including a plurality of RTR teeth; - a motor arrangement which can rotate the rotor so the tip / RTR tooth speed is substantially 6m / s; and - a feed arrangement to deliver plastic beads / shreds to the rotor; wherein the gap between the rotor tipped region and the cylindrical bore is sufficient to allow for radial acceleration, in-use, of beads / shreds of plastic from the rotor into the inner surface of the cylindrical bore, given the 6 m / s tip speed. It is to be understood the present invention as described above may operate with either a tipped region alone, or a RTR alone. Alternatively, the present invention as described above may operate with both a tipped region and an RTR. The feed arrangement may be any feed arrangement as known in the art for delivering plastic beads to a conventional rotational melter / extruder apparatus. In preferred embodiments the feed arrangement may include a hopper and auger arrangement. According to a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided a plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) substantially as described above wherein the gap between the rotor and the cylindrical bore is sufficient to allow for radial acceleration, in-use, of beads / shreds of plastic from the rotor into the inner surface of the cylindrical bore, given the 6 m / s tip / RTR tooth speed. JAWS Ref: 323359PCT According to a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided a plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) substantially as described above wherein the gap between the: - tips / RTR teeth; and - the LATR teeth; when both are aligned is significantly less than the gap between the tips and the inner surface of cylindrical bore when the tips and teeth are not aligned. According to a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided a plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) substantially as described above wherein the gap between the tips / RTR teeth and the LATR teeth when both aligned is substantially 400% less than the gap between the rotor and the cylindrical bore. According to a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided a plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) substantially as described above wherein during rotation of the rotor, when the tips are aligned with LATR teeth, there is a radial gap of: • substantially 2.5mm when mixing / melting beads / shreds having at least one width or height dimension greater equal to, or above, 3mm but below 7mm; or • substantially 1.5mm when mixing / melting beads / shreds having at least one width or height dimension greater of around 1mm - 2mm. According to a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided an FMMA substantially as described above wherein during rotation of the rotor, when the tips are positioned intermediate to (i.e., maximally non-aligned therewith) the LATR teeth the radial gap between the tipped region and the LATR teeth is: • substantially 11.5mm when mixing / melting beads / shreds having at least one width or height dimension greater equal to or above 3mm but below 7mm; or • substantially 10.5mmwhen mixing / melting beads / shreds having at least one width or height dimension greater of around 1mm - 2mm. JAWS Ref: 323359PCT In some further embodiments the radial gap between the tips / RTR teeth and aligned LATR teeth may be substantially 1mm for a upstream section of the rotor adjacent where the beads / shreds of plastic are introduced to the cylindrical bore and rotor arrangement before the radial gap between the tips / RTR teeth and aligned LATR teeth increases to substantially 2.5mm to maintain a higher rate of flow of beads / shreds / molten plastic than would occur if a radial gap of 1mm between the tips / RTR teeth and aligned LATR teeth was maintained for the entire length of the rotor / cylinder. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an FMMA substantially as described above wherein during rotation of the rotor, when the tips / RTR teeth are positioned intermediate to (i.e., maximally non-aligned therewith) the LATR teeth the radial gap between the tipped region / RTR and the internal surface of the cylindrical bore may be substantially 10.6mm – 11.5mm. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an FMMA substantially as described above wherein the tipped region of rotor includes a series of longitudinally spaced apart tip-sections, wherein each tip-section of the series has six tips thereon, and wherein each tip-section has spirally offset tips with respect to adjacent tip- section(s). According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an FMMA substantially as described above wherein each tip-section is in the form of a hex plate mounted to a rotor shaft. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an FMMA substantially as described above wherein during rotation of the rotor, when the tips are aligned with the LATR teeth, the radial gap between: - flat sections of a hex plate intermediate the tips; and - the internal surface of the cylindrical bore; is substantially 16.5mm. According to a further aspect there is provided a plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) substantially as described above wherein neither the LATRs nor tipped region, RTRs have mutually engaging profiles. JAWS Ref: 323359PCT In particular, there is no threaded, nor helical, engagement between the LATRs and the tipped region or RTR, such as found in a single or twin screw plastic extruder. Consequently, the tipped region / RTR can rotate freely at any speed - particularly at high revolutions per minute (RPM), for example, those required to achieve a 6m / s tip / RTR tooth speed - without impediment by the LATRs themselves. A problem with threaded / helical engagement is twofold. First, over an extended longitudinal axis at high RPMs the rotor which is essentially a screw fitting into the helical threaded cylindrical aperture of the body will be prone to binding and seizing. This consequence occurring due to the vibrational effect of radial oscillations increasing the longer the longitudinal axis of the rotor. This what could be termed wobble like effect increasing - in terms of radial deviance - the further along the length of the rotor you extend away from the proximal end of the rotor connected to the drive means of the rotor e.g. motor / gear. According to a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided a plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) substantially as described above wherein the rotor has a non-tapered longitudinal diameter. According to a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided a plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) substantially as described above which does not have a mechanical compression section wherein the relative gap distance between the rotor and the internal surface of the cylinder gradually decreases along the axial flow direction so to continually compact the beads / shreds due to the reduced radial area through which the beads / shreds are being forced. According to a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided a plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) substantially as described above which further includes: - a source of plastic beads / shreds (plastic); - a feed arrangement configured to move the plastic from the source to the housing. According to a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided a plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) substantially as described above wherein the FMMA does not include any additional heating elements to melt or assist with melting the plastic. JAWS Ref: 323359PCT The heating elements referred to above not required to be utilised by the present invention may be those heated, directly or indirectly, by steam, electricity, solar or other external source of energy for providing heat. The present invention only requires frictional heat produced from operation of the rotor within the cylinder to provide the heat necessary to melt the plastic. The applicant has also found the arrangement of LATR teeth and tips / RTR teeth are effective at thoroughly mixing the plastic beads and resultant molten plastic. According to a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided a plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) substantially as described above which further includes: - a rotor and cylindrical bore arrangement which together are configured to provide a tortuous path axially along the rotor and cylindrical bore arrangement to the outlet port. It will be appreciated in some embodiments the tortuous path itself will allow for radial acceleration of the beads / shreds and / or resultant plastic. Method A method of melting and mixing plastic shreds or beads comprising the steps of: a) introducing the shreds or beads to a rotor with tips / teeth located within a cylindrical bore provided with internally radially projected obstacles on the inner surface thereof; wherein said cylinder and rotor provide sufficient gap to allow in-use, for radial acceleration of the beads / shreds away from the rotor; b) rotating the rotor so the tips / teeth have a rotational speed of substantially 6m / s; c) radially accelerating the shreds or beads away from the rotor towards the inner surface of the cylinder; wherein during travel along the cylinder / rotor beads / shreds and any molten plastic formed will be radially forced against the internally radially projected obstacles on the inner surface of the cylindrical bore as well as longitudinally forced between the obstacles and tips / teeth of the rotor. JAWS Ref: 323359PCT The internally radially projected obstacles may be in the form of teeth, ridges, castellations, that are circumferentially spaced apart and extend longitudinally along the internal surface of the cylindrical bore. A method substantially as described above wherein the beads / shreds are melted without: - additional heating elements to increase the temperature of the cylinder; nor - sequentially increasing sustained compression during axial travel of the beads / shreds; being required. A method substantially as described above wherein the melting is achieved by rotational speed of the rotor. A method substantially as described above wherein the melting is achieved by a rotational speed of tips / teeth being substantially 6 m / s. A method substantially as described above wherein the resultant plastic created by the mixing and melting process has significantly less air pockets visible by the naked eye. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of melting and mixing plastic shreds or beads via the step of subjecting the beads / shreds to both: a) radial acceleration; and b) a tortuous or semi-tortuous axial path; as part of the melting process; and subjecting the resultant molten plastic to both: a) radial acceleration; and b) a tortuous or semi-tortuous axial path. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a rotor and housing arrangement for a plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) wherein there is provided a working section of a rotor which can, in-use: - radially accelerate shreds or beads towards an internal surface of the cylindrical bore of the housing wherein the internal surface has a series of JAWS Ref: 323359PCT longitudinal toothed regions (LATRs) comprising a plurality of longitudinally aligned and spaced apart teeth (LATR teeth) projecting inwardly from the internal surface; - drive the shreds or beads forward in a downstream direction and force the plastic shreds or beads through reduced diameter gaps between the tips on the rotor and the LATR teeth which periodically align and move away as a consequence of the rotation of the rotor; - thereby alternating between: ▪ radial acceleration (i.e., when the tips and LATR are not substantially aligned and ▪ forcing the plastic shreds or beads through reduced diameter gaps - between the aligned tips and LATR - during axial travel long the rotor from upstream to downstream; so as to: o mix plastic shreds or beads; and / or o melt plastic shreds or beads; wherein the working section comprises: - a tipped region formed by a plurality of adjacent spirally offset hexagonal plates. New Aspects of Latest Machine and Methodology Restrictor - Plate and Outlet Nozzle Assembly According to further aspect of the present invention there is provided an outlet nozzle and restrictor-plate assembly for a plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) which includes: - an outlet nozzle which includes a conical throat leading to a reduced diameter exit port conduit; - a restrictor-plate for an outlet end nozzle assembly of an FMMA which includes: JAWS Ref: 323359PCT - an aperture co-axially aligned in-use with a conical projection extending from the output end of a cylindrical bore; - a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart slots which extend respectively inwardly from the edge of the aperture; said aperture providing a close tolerance gap with outside surface of the conical projection leaving a sufficient distance to allow for free rotation of the conical projection yet still form a restricted circumferential barrier to effectively close the outlet, but for, the close tolerance gap between the aperture and outer surface of the conical projection and the gap provided by circumferentially spaced apart slots which also still allow the passage of at least some material from a melt mix chamber from which the conical projection extends; or wherein the edge of the aperture can in-use also be moved away from the surface of the conical projection (or vice versa) to increase the gap therebetween to effectively open the outlet towards an open position. According to further aspect of the present invention there is provided an outlet nozzle and restrictor plate assembly substantially as described above wherein the close tolerance gap is substantially 1mm – 2mm when the outlet is effectively closed and wherein the gap between the edge of the aperture and the surface of the conical projection is 6mm when the outlet is in the open position. Restrictor Plate According to further aspect of the present invention there is provided a restrictor-plate for a plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) which includes: - an aperture aligned in-use with a conical projection located at the output end of the cylindrical bore; - a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart slots which around the edge of the aperture; JAWS Ref: 323359PCT wherein said aperture has circumferential dimensions such that the edge of the aperture, is larger than, but within a close tolerance of, the outer dimensions of the surface of the conical projection, to allow for free rotation of the conical projection whilst still effectively providing a circumferential barrier to close the outlet size when required, that is otherwise provided by said aperture when in the open position a set distance away from said surface of the conical projection. According to further aspect of the present invention there is provided an outlet nozzle and restrictor plate assembly or restrictor plate substantially as described above wherein, the edge of the aperture, is tapered to correspond to angle of the outer surface of the conical projection. Methods According to further aspect of the present invention there is provided an method of controlling the amount of material in the form of plastic beads / shreds, partially molten beads / shreds or flowable fully molten plastic, which can exit a melting and mixing chamber which includes a rotor, a conical projection extending from said rotor beyond the edge of the melting and mixing chamber towards an outlet nozzle, the method comprising the steps of moving a restrictor plate towards or away from the conical projection (or vice versa) in order to restrict the flow of material exiting or maximise the flow of material exiting. According to further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of controlling the melting and mixing of plastic beads / shreds in a plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) so as to create a flowable molten plastic the method comprising the step of controlling the size of the effective outlet aperture / conduit / orifice via: o movement of a restrictor-plate relative to a conical projection (or vice versa) - at the terminal end of chamber which melts / mixes the plastic beads - to change the size of the effective outlet; or o movement of at least one restrictor plate relative to another restrictor plate both of which include a plurality of separated slots therein which can brought into alignment or out of alignment, or brought into partial alignment. JAWS Ref: 323359PCT According to further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of controlling the melting and mixing of plastic beads / shreds in a plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) - via frictional heat generated from beads / shreds being impacted / compressed via tips of a rotor, and LATR – so as to form a uniformly flowable moldable molten plastic the method comprising the step of retarding the exit of beads / shreds from an outlet ( to achieve an effectively closed position) for a cylindrical bore / rotor arrangement until the molten plastic achieves a molten temperature that will – according to the type of plastic beads / shreds, - achieve a uniform flow of molten plastic from the outlet, at which point the exit of molten plastic from an outlet is increased (to achieve a fully open position). A method substantially as described above wherein if the beads to be melted and mixed are polyethylene (PE) if the temperature to form a uniformly flowable molten plastic is substantially 190C – 210C. According to further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of controlling the heat in a plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) the method comprising the steps of: - increasing the RPM of a feed auger delivering plastic beads / shreds from a hopper to reduce the temperature of the rotor and cylinder / housing, if the temperature of the flowable molten plastic is too hot; - decreasing the RPM of a feed auger delivering plastic beads / shreds from a hopper to increase the temperature of the rotor and cylinder / housing, if just starting the apparatus after a period of non-use or where the temperature of the flowable molten plastic is too cold. DEFINITIONS The use of a “ / ” between the terms ‘tips and RTR teeth’ or grammatical variants thereof, for example ‘tips / RTR teeth’ as used herein merely indicates that either tips may be used on their own, or RTR teeth may be used on their own, or both the tips and RTR teeth may be used together. It therefore also follows that whenever the ‘ / ’ symbol is used between adjacent other terms in the specification, this indicates either: a separate use of a term separated by the ‘ / ’ symbol, or combination where both terms the separated with the ‘ / ’ symbol are used together. The use of a ‘ / ” elsewhere in this specification such as with beads / shreds has the same meaning. The terms ‘tooth’ or “teeth’ when used in relation to the rotor refers to RTR teeth. JAWS Ref: 323359PCT The term ‘RTR teeth’ or ‘RTR tooth’ when used herein refers to a non-continuous discrete projection or ridge or set of projections or ridges which extend away from the outer surface on the rotor as opposed to a continuous projection such as a male or female screw thread. The term ‘LATR teeth’ or ‘LATR tooth’ when used herein refers to a non-continuous discrete projection or ridge; or set of projections or ridges; which extend away from the inner surface of the cylindrical bore as opposed to a continuous projection such as a male or female screw thread. The term ‘tip’ or ‘tips’ when used herein refers to radial points circumferentially spaced apart on the rotor forming an apex having a greater radius than the surfaces leading to the apex. The term ‘feed arrangement’ as used herein refers to a mechanism which can control the (i.e. increase or decrease) the rate at which beads / shreds are provided to the melt mix chamber. The term ‘melt mix chamber’ as used herein refers to the combination of a cylindrical bore and rotor which is used to frictionally melt as well as mix incoming plastic beads / shreds. The term ‘motor arrangement’ as used herein refers to a motor and any associated gears, or other elements, required to provide a rotational drive either a rotor, or auger, at the required number of revolutions per minute (RPM). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a rotor for a plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) in accordance with one aspect of the present invention according to one preferred embodiment thereof; Figure 2 shows side view of the rotor in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a plan view of the rotor in Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 shows an end on view of the rotor in Figures 1 – 3; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a housing in accordance with one aspect of the present invention according to one preferred embodiment thereof; JAWS Ref: 323359PCT Figure 6 shows a plan view of the housing in Figure 5; Figure 7 shows an end on view of the housing in Figures 5 and 6; Figure 8 shows a side view of the housing in Figures 5 – 7; Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a housing and rotor arrangement for a plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) comprising the rotor of Figures 1 - 4 and housing of Figures 5 – 8; Figure 10 shows an end on view of a housing and rotor arrangement for a plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) as shown in Figure 9; Figure 11 shows a plan view of the rotor shown in Figures 9 and 10; Figure 12 shows a plan view of the FMMA shown in Figures 9 – 11 and details various sectional lines: C-C, D-D and E-E used to illustrate further cross-sectional views of the FMMA in the Figures below; Figure 13 shows a cross-sectional view along line C-C in Figure 12; Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view along line D-D in Figure 12; Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional view along line E-E in Figure 12 and shows the RTR within the housing; Figure 16 shows an end view of a hex plate as shown in Figure 14; Figure 17 shows an end view of a feed port in accordance with one aspect of the present invention according to one preferred embodiment thereof; Figure 18 shows of perspective view of the port shown in Figure 17; and Figure 19 shows a side view of the port shown in Figures 17 and 18; Figure 20 shows a cross-sectional side view of a FMMA in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 21 shows a cross-sectional side view of a FMMA in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 22 shows a cross-sectional side view of a FMMA in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 23 shows a perspective view of the feed auger in Figure 22; JAWS Ref: 323359PCT Figure 24 shows a perspective view of the rotor in Figure 22; Figure 25 shows a perspective view of the discharge auger in Figure 22; Figure 26 shows a cross-sectional view of the tipped region and housing of Figure 22 when the tips and LATR teeth are aligned; Figure 27 shows a cross-sectional view of the tipped region and housing of Figure 22 when the tips and LATR teeth are not aligned; Figure 28 shows an enlarged partial view of Figure 22 illustrating the tortuous path of the beads / shreds and resultant molten plastic; Figure 29 is a photograph showing the plastic formed by the machine / process of the present invention and that produced by a prior art extruder; Figure 30 shows a cross-sectional view of an FMMA which has been recently developed and represents one preferred embodiment of the present invention and shows the FMMA with an open outlet position; Figure 30A shows the open outlet position and how achieved in more detail and Figure 30B shows the closed position of the outlet in more detail. Figure 31 is a perspective longitudinal cross-sectional view of Figure 30; Figure 32 is a plan view of the FMMA shown in Figure 30; Figure 33 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in Figures 30-32; Figure 34 is a perspective view of the restrictor plate shown in Figures 30 and 31; Figure 35 is a plan view of the restrictor plate shown in Figure 34; Figure 36 is a perspective view of the rotor shown in Figures 30 – 33 above; Figure 37 is a side view of the rotor shown in Figure 36; Figure 38 is a cross-sectional view of the melting mix chamber shown in Figures 30 -33; Figure 39 is a perspective view of a removable panel used in the housing of the melt mix chamber shown in Figure 38; Figure 40 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the removable panel shown in Figure 39 Figure 41 is perspective cut-away view showing the rotor and conical projection extending from the feed housing; JAWS Ref: 323359PCT Figure 42 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the feed housing and auger and melt mix chamber interface and the thermal breaks therebetween. BESTMODES ANDILLUSTRATIVE ALTERNATE MODES FORCARRYING OUT THEINVENTIONRotor With respect to Figures 1 – 4 there is shown a rotor 100 for a plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) – (not shown) which has a tipped region 101 and a rotor toothed region (RTR) in the form of a ring 102. The rotor 100 tipped region 101 and RTR 102 are all made from mild steel. The RTR 102 is located at the upstream end of the rotor 100 and there is a discharge region 103 in the form of a ring having a central aperture 104 which in use, receives therein, and is attached to, a rotator shaft 104a (which is shown cutaway in Figure 1). The rotator shaft 104a being connected to a motor (not shown). The RTR 102 has a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart elongate rotor teeth 105 thereon. The rotor teeth 105 each have a longitudinal axis (rotor tooth axis) indicated by dashed line X-X see Figure 3. The angle of the rotor tooth axis X-X is substantially 39 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the rotor shaft Z-Z -see Figure 3. As can be seen the rotor tooth axes of the rotor teeth are all parallel relative to one another. The tipped region 101 has a series of longitudinally spaced apart tip-sections in the form of hex plates 106, wherein each tip-section of the series has six tips 107 thereon, and wherein each tip-section 106 has spirally offset tips 107 with respect to adjacent tip-section(s). Corresponding tips 107 on adjacent tip-sections are spirally offset by around 12 degrees see Figure 1. In use, the rotor 100 is rotated so the tips 107 have a speed of 6m / s. Thus, in this particular embodiment the hex plates have a distance of 90mm between non- adjacent opposed tips – see double headed arrow R in Figure 16 - the shaft is rotated at around 1100 rpm. The hex plates 106 also have a central circular aperture for receiving the rotor shaft 104a. JAWS Ref: 323359PCT In the above-described embodiment, the ring 103 of the discharge region of the rotor also has a diameter of around 78mm. Similarly, the diameter of the RTR 102 is also around 78mm. The rotor teeth 105 of the RTR extend above the outer surface of the RTR 102 around 7.5mm. So, the overall diameter of the RTR 102, if you include opposed rotor teeth is 93mm. The discharge region 103, tipped region 101, and RTR 102 are all connected to rotator shaft 104a by a keyway attachment (not shown) utilising a keyseat on the shaft 104a, a keyway on each of the hex plates 106 of the tipped region 101, and the respective rings of the RTR 102 and discharge region 103; into which a key (not shown) is slid into place. This enables the shaft 104a to transmit torque to the rotor 100. Further, the rotor 100 is axially secured to the rotator shaft 104a via a weld at each end thereof (not shown) or a locating bolt or locking key arrangement. Housing With respect to Figures 5 – 8 there is shown a housing 500 for a plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) – (not shown) in the form of a cylinder having a cylindrical bore indicated by arrow 501. In, use the bore 501 houses a rotor such as shown in Figures 1 – 4. In this particular embodiment, the bore 501 has an internal diameter of 105mm. The cylindrical bore (cylinder) 501 has an internal surface 502 which has a series of longitudinally aligned toothed regions (LATRs) as indicated by arrow 503 which have a plurality of longitudinally aligned and spaced apart teeth (LATR teeth) 504 projecting inwardly from the internal surface 502. In this embodiment the LATR teeth are inserted through holes cut into the cylinder of the housing and welded in place or alternately may be machined from solid in two or more pieces. As can be seen in Figure 5 the individual LATR teeth 504 are arranged along longitudinal axes 503 and transverse circumferential axes C. The LATR teeth are all aligned at a set angle to the respective longitudinal or transverse axes. JAWS Ref: 323359PCTWherein all LATR teeth on a longitudinal or transverse axis have the same set angleθLorθT with respect to each axis and thus the teeth located on the same axis are all parallel to one another. The LATR teeth 504 each have a longitudinal axis (cylinder tooth axis) indicated by dashed line Y-Y see Figure 11. The angle of the LATR tooth axis shown by line Y-Y is substantially 39 degrees to the common longitudinal axis of the bore axis and rotor shaft shown by line Z- Z. Thus, the tooth axes Y-Y of the LATR teeth 504 in a series are all parallel relative to each other and circumferentially adjacent LATR teeth also have parallel tooth axes. The LATR teeth 504 project inwardly substantially 5mm from the internal surface 502 of the cylinder 501. The cylinder 501 has a discharge port 505 which allows molten plastic to be discharged in a lateral (i.e. radial) direction shown by arrow LD Fig 6 and 7. Adjacent the port 505, at a downstream edge of the port 505 relative the rotational fluid flow - as shown by arrow C - of the molten plastic imparted by the rotor (not shown) is a projection 506. In use, projection 506 functions as a scraper which directs molten plastic out of the cylinder 501 via port 505. In this embodiment the scraper 506 projects a distance from the inner surface if the cylinder 501 which leaves a gap of substantially 0.25mm -0.5mm from the outer surface of the discharge section 103 of the rotor 100. Rotor and Housing In relation to Figures 9 – 15 there is shown a FMMA housing and rotor arrangement 800 for a plastic mixer frictional melter apparatus (FMMA) shown in Figure 20 below. The FMMA housing and rotor arrangement 800 has a housing 500 with a cylindrical bore (cylinder) 501 in which there is a rotor 100. The cylinder 501 has a discharge port 505 which allows molten plastic to be discharged in a lateral (radial) direction shown by arrow LD. In this preferred embodiment the cylinder 500 shown has an internal diameter of 105mm and the rotor teeth 105 and LATR teeth 504 have a gap of 1mm there between – seen best in Figure 20. JAWS Ref: 323359PCT The FMMA housing and rotor arrangement 800 has an upstream end UE and a downstream end DE – Figure 9. As can be seen in Figure 11 the rotor teeth 105 have a longitudinal axis axes X-X and the LATR teeth 504 have a longitudinal axis Y-Y and the respective X-X and Y-Y axes cross over one another. Both the rotor tooth axes X-X and LATR tooth axes Y-Y intersect the common longitudinal axis Z-Z of the cylinder and rotor shaft, at substantially 39 degrees as shown by Xº and Yº. In Figures 12 to 15 there is shown a FMMA housing and rotor arrangement 800 looking at various cross-sectional views along sectional lines C-C, D-D and E-E shown in Figure 12. In Figure 13 there is shown the discharge region in the form of ring 103 of the rotor 101 inside housing 500 at the downstream end of the FMMA housing and rotor arrangement 800. The ring 103 being connected to rotator shaft 104a. Scraper Figure 13 shows that the horizontal discharge port 505 from bore 501 has a scraper 506 adjacent a lower inner edge thereof. The scraper 506 being downwardly inclined towards said edge of the discharge port 505. so molten plastic can be discharged via the outlet port 505 in the direction of arrow O. Figure 14 shows a hex plate 106 of the tipped region 101 of rotor 100 within housing 500. The hex plate 106 has a central aperture 108 which is connected to rotator shaft 104a. Figure 14 illustrates the size of the gap between the tips 107 of the tipped region 101 (shown in Figure 1) and the LATR teeth 504. In Figure 15, there is shown the RTR 102 which has a central aperture 109 which is connected to rotator shaft 104a. The RTR 102 has rotor teeth 105 projecting therefrom. Similarly, Figure 15 shows the size of the gap between the rotor teeth 105 and the cylinder teeth 504. Figure 16 shows in this embodiment a hex plate 106 as shown in Figure 14 and shows the distance shown by double headed arrow R between opposed tips 107 is 90mm. The hex JAWS Ref: 323359PCT plate 106 has a central aperture 160 into which the shaft 104a (not shown) is slid. The gap between the tips 107 and the LATR teeth 504 is 2.5mm. The passage of plastic beads / shreds moves along the rotor past: - the tips 107 and LATR 504; and / or - the rotor teeth 105 and LATR teeth 504; subjects the plastic beads or plastic shreds to frictional forces and impact and compression forces; and subjects the rotor to frictional forces as it rotates against the mass of the plastic beads / shreds. Together the above forces all act to heat the plastic beads or shreds, as well as the cylinder and rotor. Once the cylinder and rotor become sufficiently heated (e.g. around 220º C), via continual rotation of the rotor and exposure to frictional forces, the cylinder and rotor can then also further melt the plastic beads shreds as they travel to the downstream end of the FMMA. Feed Port In Figures 17 to 19 there is shown a feed port 1200 for a FMMA which is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and which is substantially 10mm in thickness. The feed port 1200 has an upstream surface (side) 1202 and a downstream surface (side) 1203 – Figure19. The feed port 1200 is situated in between an upstream open end of the FMMA housing and rotor arrangement 800 and an auger feed arrangement (see Figure 20). The feed port 1200 has three circumferentially arranged elongate arc profiled apertures (EAPAs) 1204 – Figs.17 and 18. JAWS Ref: 323359PCT The feed port 1200 also has a central aperture 1205 which in use has a first bearing fitted therein (not shown) on the upstream side 1202 for receiving the end of the auger (shown in Figure 20) which feeds the plastic beads or shreds to the FMMA housing and rotor arrangement 800. The auger is attached to a second motor (not shown). In one embodiment the central aperture 1205 also, in use, has a second bearing fitted therein (not shown) on the downstream side 1203 for receiving the end of the rotator shaft 104a (shown in Figure 20) to which the rotor 100 is attached. FMMA In relation to Figure 20 there is provided an FMMA 2000 which has a housing-and-rotor arrangement 800 and a feed arrangement 2001. The housing-and-rotor arrangement 800 and feed arrangement 2001 are separated from one another via a feed port 1200 having EAPAs 1204 (of which only one can be seen). The feed arrangement 2001 has a source of plastic beads or shreds in a hopper (not shown) which provides the beads or shreds to a feed-housing 2002 via inlet port 2003. Within feed-housing 2003 is an auger 2004 which is attached via shaft portion 2005 to the second motor (not shown) as previously mentioned. The rotation of the auger 2004 is such as to move the beads / shreds - in direction shown by arrows D - to the housing and rotor arrangement 800 via EAPAs 1204 (of which only one can be seen. The rotor 100 has a central shaft 104a which is attached to first motor (not shown) at one end thereof and held within a bearing (not shown) located in the feed port 1200 at the other end thereof. The rotor 100 has an RTR 102 with rotor teeth 105 thereon, a tipped region 101, and a discharge region 103. The housing 500 has a bore 501 with LATR teeth 504. In this embodiment of the FMMA 2000 thebore has an internal diameter of 105mm and wherein: JAWS Ref: 323359PCT - the LATR teeth 504 project 5mm, the tips 107 of the tipped region 101 have a radius of 45mm from the centre of the rotator shaft 104a. Thus, the gap between the LATR teeth 504 and tips 107 is 2.5mm; and - the RTR 102 has a 78mm diameter and the rotor teeth 105 project 7.5mm therefrom. Thus, the gap between the rotor teeth 105 and the LATR teeth 504 is 1mm. As detailed above, in use, the rotor 100 rotating within the bore 501 crushes the plastic beads / shreds being fed into the housing-and-rotor arrangement 800 via feed arrangement 2001, which in turn causes the rotor 100 and housing 500 to heat up due to the frictional forces involved with crushing and / or compressing the plastic beads / shreds. The inventor has found that altering the speed of the rotation of the auger to increase the speed at which beads / shreds are fed to the housing-and-rotor arrangement 800 can be used to cool the temperature of the rotor 100 and housing 500. Conversely, decreasing rate of supply of beads / shreds by reducing the speed of the auger can heat up the rotor 100 and housing 500. In other words, the auger speed of rotation depends on the plastics material and what’s happening with the melt on a given day. Generally, the range of rotation speed of the auger is around 120 rpm. The inventor has found when melting polyethylene beads the operating temperature of the FMMA 2000 is around 220ºC. In Figure 21 there is provided an FMMA 20001 which is a further embodiment which does not require bearings in the feed port 12001 as does the embodiment shown in Figure 20. For ease of reference the same reference numerals as used in Figure 20 have been used for like parts. In relation to Figure 21 the discussion will now focus on differences over what is shown in Figure 20. The auger 20041 has a flush downstream end 20041f - see Figure 21 - and lacks the protrusion 2004p which fits within the bearing located in feed port 1200 as shown and described in relation to Figure 20. JAWS Ref: 323359PCT The rotor 1001 also has a flush upstream end 1001f – see Figure 21 – which lacks the shaft 104ap protruding therefrom to locate within a bearing in the feed port 1200 as shown as described in relation to Figure 20. The feed port 12001 in Figure 21 thus does not require aperture 1205 as shown in Figures 17 and 18 which is used to house the respective auger and rotor bearings of the embodiment described in Figure 20. In relation to Figure 22 there is provided an FMMA 22001 which is the preferred embodiment of the present invention. For ease of reference the same reference numerals as used in Figure 20 have been used for like parts. The key component parts of the FMA 22001 in Figure 22 are shown in Figures 23 -25. The FMMA has a housing-and-rotor arrangement 800 and a feed arrangement 2001. The feed arrangement 2001 having a feed-housing 2002 and feed auger 2004. The feed arrangement also has a source of plastic beads or shreds in a hopper (not shown) which provides the beads or shreds to the feed arrangement 2001 via inlet port 2003. The feed auger 2004 is attached via shaft portion 2005 to a first motor (not shown) via a toothed gear 20051. The rotation of the auger 2004 is such as to move the beads / shreds - in direction shown by arrows D - to the housing and rotor arrangement 800. The feed housing 2002 is connected to the housing 500 of the housing-and-rotor arrangement 800 via a thermal break in the form of TEFLONTMring 20090. The rotor 100 has a central shaft 104a which is attached to a second motor (not shown) via toothed gear 20052 at one end thereof. The rotor 100 in the Figure 22 embodiment only comprises a tipped region 101. The tipped region 101 being upstream of a discharge auger 220 and a discharge port 221. The discharge auger has a shaft 222 which is attached via toothed gear 223 to a third motor not shown. The housing 500 has a cylindrical bore 501 with LATR teeth 504. JAWS Ref: 323359PCT In this embodiment of the FMMA 22001 the bore has an internal diameter of 150 mm and wherein: - the LATR teeth 504 project 5mm, - the tips 107 of the tipped region 101 - in the form of a hex plate - have a radius of 67.5mm from the centre of the rotator shaft 104a to which they are attached. Thus, the gap between the LATR teeth 504 and tips 107 when both are circumferentially aligned with one other is 2.5mm see Figure 26. The feed auger 2004 is rotated at a speed of substantially 30 - 40 rpm. The rotor 100 is rotated at a speed of substantially 830 rpm - 850 rpm to provide a tip speed of substantially 6m / s. The discharge auger 220 is rotated at a speed of substantially 30 – 40 rpm. Figures 26 and 27 illustrate how rotation of the rotor 100 in direction Z causes the plastic beads / shreds (not shown) and resultant molten plastic (also not shown) to be substantially radially accelerated towards the inner surface of the cylindrical bore as shown by arrows R. Although not shown the beads / shreds and resultant molten plastic also have a circumferential acceleration caused by rotation of the rotor 100 and tips 107 in the direction shown by arrow Z. In Figure 26 when the tips 107 are aligned with LATR teeth 504 there is a radial gap between the teeth 504 and tips 107 of substantially 2.5mm. In Figure 27 when the tips 107 are positioned intermediate the LATR teeth 504 (i.e. maximally non-aligned) the gap between the tips 107 and the internal surface 502 of the cylindrical bore is 10.6mm – 11.5mm. Figure 28 shows the path of the plastic beads from the auger in the direction of arrow D and then the tortuous path generally shown by arrow X around the tips 107 and the LATR teeth 504. JAWS Ref: 323359PCT Figure 29 shows how the melter / mixer process and apparatus of the present invention described herein produces plastic which has no readily discernible visible air pockets to the naked eye - as can be seen in the end view of a rectangular beam B – taken from a mould into which the apparatus of the present invention directly extruded the molten recycled plastic. As can be seen the rectangular beam B and its lack of air pockets can be usefully compared to the prior art recycled product, in the form of a circular post C, which was made with a conventional plastic extruder (i.e., which uses heating elements to melt the plastic beads). Best Modes Embodiment Figure 30 shows there is provided an FMMA 30001 which is yet a further embodiment of the present invention. For ease of reference where possible the same reference numerals as used in Figures 20 and 21 have been used for like parts. In relation to Figure 30 the discussion will now primarily focus on differences over what is shown in Figures 20 and 21. The FMMA 30001 has a housing-and rotor-arrangement 8001 and a feed arrangement 3001 which has a hopper 3003 and an auger 3004 which are separated by thermal barrier 300 on the rotor and a thermal barrier 300a in the housing made of polytetrafluoroethylene (aka TeflonTM). Both thermal barriers 300 and 300a have ring shaped transverse cross-sectional section profile – see also Figures 41 and 42. The housing-and-rotor arrangement 8001 in-use form a melting and mixing chamber for transforming plastic beads / shreds into flowable uniform molten plastic which can be molded. The feed arrangement 3001 has a feed-housing 3002 and a source of plastic beads or shreds which are held in a hopper 3003 which is connected to an inlet-aperture 3040 in the feed-housing 3002. The auger 3004 is a hollow and is driven by gears of which only gear 3005 connected to the auger is shown and is rotationally supported by bearings 1042. The gear 3005 (and unshown drive shaft gear) are located in a gear-housing 3005a attached to a drive shaft 3006 of a 1.5kW motor 3007. Rotation of the auger 3004 delivers beads / shreds to the housing-and rotor-arrangement 8001. JAWS Ref: 323359PCT The feed arrangement 3001 has an electronically operable valve (not shown) which can moved between open or shut positions to allow / stop delivery of beads / shreds to the auger via the inlet-aperture 3004a. The auger 3004 is connected to the motor 3007 via an arrangement which allows the auger to have a variable speed to control the rate of flow of plastic beads / shreds to the housing-and rotor-arrangement 8001. The rotor 1001 has a hollow drive shaft 1040 which is held within a pair of spaced apart bearings1041 located in the gear housing 3009. The rotor 1001 has a hollow drive shaft 1040 which is driven by gears 3008, 3008a located in a gear-housing 3009 attached to a 15kW motor 3010 via a drive shaft 3011. The rotor 1001 has a hollow drive shaft 1040 which is held within a pair of spaced apart bearings1041 located in the gear housing 3009. The rotor 1001 shown in the Figures 30 – 31 and in greater detail in Figures 36 and 37 comprises a tipped region 1010 formed from 9 hexagonal plates 106 which have a central aperture into which the central drive shaft 1040 can pass. The hexagonal plates 106 are non- rotationally connected to the hollow drive shaft 1040 via a grooved keyway arrangement (not shown) and circlips (not shown). Other ways of connecting as known by those skilled in the art are envisaged. The tipped region 1010 has six tips 107 on each of the hex plates 106. The tips 107 on each adjacent hex plate 106 are longitudinally spaced apart (with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rotor) shown by dashed line A – A. As can be seen the tips on adjacent hex plates 106 are also offset with respect to the tips 107 on adjacent hex plates 106. The tipped region 1010 being upstream of a conical projection 301 and outlet nozzle 305. The conical projection 301 projects out from the rotor beyond the downstream edge of the cylindrical bore 501. The rotor housing 5001 has a cylindrical bore 501 with LATR teeth 504. As mentioned above the rotor housing 5001 has a conical projection 301 which has a solid shaft 302 connected to an electric linear actuator (not shown) situated within actuator- JAWS Ref: 323359PCT housing 3020. The linear actuator enables the conical projection to be moved forward or backward as shown by double headed arrow X. This movement shown by double headed arrow X enables the conical projection to move toward or away from a restrictor plate 303. The conical projection 301 and shaft 302 are co-axially aligned with the aperture 303 of the restrictor plate 303. The restrictor-plate 303 is fixed in a stationary relationship located between a shoulder 304 on an outlet nozzle 305 and the forward edge of the housing 5001. Thus, it is movement of the conical projection 301 toward and away from the restrictor plate as shown by arrow X which effectively opens or closes the outlet from the cylindrical bore 501 leading to the outlet nozzle 305. This is shown more clearly in Figures 30A and 30B. As can be seen the edge of the angle of the tapered aperture 311 of the restrictor plate 303 substantially corresponds to the angle of the outer surface of conical projection 301. In the open position shown in Figures 30 and 30A the conical projection which can move in the direction of double headed arrow X is in a fully retracted position relative to melting mix chamber which is defined by the rotor housing 5001 which comprises the cylindrical bore 501 and tipped region 8001. When the conical projection is in the fully retracted position in Figure 30A (i.e. when the outlet 307 is effectively open position) the distance between the closest edge of aperture 311 and the outer surface 301a of the conical projection 301 is substantially 6mm as shown by double arrow Y. Conversely, when the conical projection is in the fully extended position in Figure 30B (i.e. when the outlet 307 is effectively in a closed position) the distance between the closest edge of aperture 311 and the outer surface 301a of the conical projection 301 is substantially 1mm - 2mm as shown by arrow Z. As can be seen in Figures 30A and 30B the outer surface 301a of the conical surface changes from being angled with respect to the longitudinal axis 302 to become parallel thereto 301b. In the embodiment shown in Figures 30, 30A and 30B, this change in profile of the conical projection at 301b works together with a modified terminal hex nut 106a which has a lipped portion 1060 which in-use projects downstream – see also Figures 36 and 37. JAWS Ref: 323359PCT This combination of the flattened section of the conical projection 301b and the lipped portion 1060 which overlays the flattened section of the conical projection 301b – helps ensure that molten plastic will not get in behind the conical projection and prevent it being retracted. Figures 36 and 37 show in greater detail lipped portion 1060 has a tapered downstream edge 1060T which in-use helps direct molten plastic (not shown) through the aperture and slots of the restrictor plate towards outlet 307. The rotor and tipped region 101 including the terminal hex nut 106a is also shown in Figures 36 and 37. As can be seen in Figures 36 and 37 the tipped region 101 has the tips 107 are offset relative to tips 107 on adjacent hex plates 106 by twisting each upstream hex plate 106 by substantially 10 degrees in a clockwise direction relative to each adjacent downstream hex plate 106. The outlet nozzle 305 has a tapered throat 306 leading to an outlet 307 from which material can exit the rotor and housing assembly. The amount of material exiting the rotor and housing assembly depends on the temperature and / or visual appearance or physical characteristics of the material exiting. This can be generalised as being fully molten plastic with no visible beads but is also more fully described below. When a flowable moldable molten plastic is detected, the outlet is moved to the fully opened position to maximise the flow rate (output of the apparatus). In one example this occurs once a temperature to form a uniformly flowable molten plastic has been achieved. The control of un-melted plastic or partially melted plastic, on the one hand, and the molten plastic, on the other hand, exiting the rotor / housing assembly is controlled by: - the restrictor-plate and controlling its relative proximity to the outer surface of the conical projection; - the temperature of the molten moldable plastic is dependent on the type of plastic beads / shreds being processed (i.e., melt mixed) by the present invention In general, if individual beads, or small groups of partially melted beads, or helical stream of molten plastic, are exiting the outlet 307: instead of, a uniform cylindrical or near cylindrical JAWS Ref: 323359PCT molten stream of plastic, the desired temperature to achieve a uniformly flowable molten moldable plastic has not been achieved. This is generally evident if the molten plastic exiting the melting chamber via outlet 307 has a substantially consistent tube, or tube-like, cross- section. The inventors have observed, if the beads / shreds being melted are polyethylene the desired temperature to achieve a uniformly flowable mouldable molten plastic,, is generally achieved at a temperature between substantially 190C to 210C - in the apparatus of the present invention,. The operation of the FMMA 30001 is controlled by a suitably programmed PLC (not shown). As can be seen in Figures 34 and 35 the restrictor-plate 303 has a central aperture 311 which has a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart slots 312 around the perimeter thereof. The edge 313 of the aperture is tapered to correspond to the angle of the outer surface of the conical projection 301. When the beads have at least one width or height dimension greater equal to, or above, 3mm but below 7mm then the width of the slots 312 in the restrictor plate 303 is substantially 3mm. When the beads have at least one width or height dimension greater equal to, or above, 1mm – 2mm, then the width of the slots 312 in the restrictor plate is substantially 2mm.In Figure 38 there is shown a melt mix chamber having a housing 5001 with a cylindrical bore 501 forming part of an FMMA 30001. The bore 501 has an internal surface 502 with an internal diameter of 150 mm and wherein: - the LATR teeth 504 project 5mm, - the tips 107 of the tipped region 101 - in the form of a hex plate - have a radius of 67.5mm from the centre of the rotator shaft 104a to which they are attached. In the embodiment shown in Figures 31, 32 and 38, the housing 5001 has a hexagonal outer surface profile when viewed in cross-section with removable panels 5002 on each outer surface of the hexagon which provide the LATR teeth 504 on the cylindrical surface 502 of the bore 501. JAWS Ref: 323359PCT The removable panel 5002 is shown in more detail in Figure 39. The feed auger 3004 is rotated at a speed of substantially 5 rpm at start up to substantially 25 rpm when the outlet is in its fully open position. The rotor 100 is rotated at a speed of substantially 857rpm to provide a tip speed of substantially 6m / s. In operation, when the FMMA is first started the restrictor-plate / conical projection remain in its their closed position until at least partially molten plastic is achieved -see Figure 30B. The restrictor-plate / conical projection is then moved to the fully open position when near fully flowable fully molten plastic is achieved - see Figure 30B. In Figures 41 and 42 the thermal break arrangement in place between the feed housing and rotor housing is illustrated in more detail. What is shown in the thermal break in the form of an annular ring of Teflon 300a interfaced between the feed housing 3009 and the rotor housing 5001 and the annular ring of Teflon 300 on the rotor in the interface between the hex plates and the auger. Figure 42 also shows the flow of beads into the melt mix chamber and their longitudinsl direction of travel there along (i.e., not showing any radial acceleration, solely in the interests of clarity and understanding these drawings). DISCUSSION OF THE INVENTION AND ALTERNATE WAYS IT CAN BE IMPLEMENTED Rotor The rotor, rotor teeth and / or parts therefor may generally be made from any metal or metal composite which has the requisite characteristics to make it suitable for: - crushing and compressing plastic shreds or beads; - having a specific heat capacity which enables the rotor to heat up quickly due to the frictional forces of crushing plastic shreds or beads. In one preferred embodiment, the rotor and the parts thereof may be made from stainless steel. JAWS Ref: 323359PCT In another preferred embodiment, the rotor and the parts thereof may be made from mild steel. In some embodiments, the RTR, tipped region and discharge region may all be made from the same material. Alternately, one or more of the RTR, tipped region and discharge region may be made from different materials, provided said materials are suitable for crushing plastic shreds or beads and melting same. The inventor has found that the crushing and melting action of the rotor also imparts a mixing action to the plastic. This is particularly useful when two or more sources of different plastic beads or shreds are being melted by the present invention. For example, if polyethylene beads and polypropylene beads are being mixed. The rotor teeth of the RTR may be angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rotor. In a preferred embodiment the rotor teeth may have their longitudinal axis angled at around 39 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the rotor. In an alternate embodiment, the rotor teeth may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rotor (i.e., not angled with respect to said axis of the rotor). The rotor teeth may preferably be straight (i.e. non- curved - if viewed from directly above). The rotor teeth preferably have a sharp (i.e. non-curved) outer edges. Preferably, the outer edges of the rotor teeth form a right angle. Housing The housing may have a number of different outward profile shapes without departing from the scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, the housing may in the form of cylinder. In some other embodiments the housing may have a rectangular outside profile shape with a cylindrical bore (bore) extending through the middle thereof. In a preferred embodiment the housing may have a hexagonal outside profile with a cylindrical (bore) extending through the middle thereof. Preferably, each face of the hexagon may have a removable section which forms part of the cylindrical bore. The inventors have found this feature enables rapid access to the melting chamber for maintenance, cleaning or for easily replacing parts - if required. JAWS Ref: 323359PCT . In general, the bore may have a substantially circular or circular-like profile in which the rotor can rotate. In embodiments the bore may have an internal profile formed from polygonal shapes with eight or more sides each approximating a circular profile to a greater or lesser degree from octagon through to an aperigon. Thus, it should be appreciated that any profiles approximating the shape of a circle are within the scope of the present invention. In some embodiments the surface of the cylinder or a portion thereof may be grooved. The grooves may have different profiles without departing from the scope of the present invention. In one embodiment the grooves may have a substantially triangular V-shaped profile. In another embodiment the grooves may have a substantially U-shaped profile. In some still further embodiments the internal surface of the bore may include up and down sequential profile patterns thereon. In some embodiments the sequential patterns may be sinusoidal patterns. In other embodiments the sequential patterns may be some form of a corrugated pattern or cross corrugated pattern. In embodiments where the cylinder has grooves it may be formed via roll forming a flat plate once the grooves have been machined in or otherwise formed into the surface of the plate to form the internal surface of the cylinder. In one example, the cylinder may be formed by computer numerical controlled machining from two or more pieces of metal. The tooth axis of the LATR teeth may in some embodiments be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bore (bore axis). In a preferred embodiment the tooth axis of the LATR teeth may have an angle of substantially 39 degrees to the bore axis. Housing and Rotor In general, at least the housing, cylinder (bore) and LATR teeth may all be made from the same material. JAWS Ref: 323359PCT Alternately, one or more of the housing, bore and LATR teeth may all be made from different materials, provided said materials utilised for bore and LATR teeth are suitable for crushing plastic shreds or beads and melting same. As mentioned, the LATR teeth of the housing may generally be made from the same material as the bore. In a preferred embodiment one or more of the housing, bore, and LATR teeth may be made from stainless steel. The series of LATRs may in some embodiments comprise a single tooth. Alternately, there may be a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart LATR teeth in a series. Generally, the longitudinal axis of each tooth in an LATR may be aligned and either parallel, or angled, with respect to the longitudinal axis of the bore of the housing. The LATR teeth preferably have a sharp (i.e. non-curved) outer edges. Preferably, the outer edges of the LATR teeth form a right angle. The surface of the bore may be smooth in one preferred embodiment. Alternately, the surface of the bore may be a series of ridges and grooves which extend in a longitudinal direction. In such embodiments the ridges form the LATR teeth. Scraper The scraper element may generally be in the form of a tongue like projection. In some embodiments the scraper element may be a straight elongate projection substantially rectangular in shape which has a flat cross-sectional profile. In some embodiments the scraper may be a straight elongate projection with an arcuate cross- sectional profile. Discharge port The discharge port may be located at any downstream location of the housing. In some embodiments the discharge port may be substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the bore and / or rotor. JAWS Ref: 323359PCT In a preferred embodiment the discharge port may be substantially orthogonal with respect to the longitudinal axis of the bore and / or rotor, or put another way, radially positioned with respect to the centre axis of the rotor. In such embodiments, the bore may include a projection adjacent the downstream inner edge of the port relative to the rotational flow of the molten plastic. The projection, in use, helps direct, molten plastic into the discharge port and out of the bore / housing. The discharge port may be directly or indirectly in fluid communication with a mould part. Feed Port The feed port may have a number of different shapes dependent on the housing provided it is sufficiently dimensioned in use to cover the bore. In one example the feed port may be substantially rectangular for a rectangular housing. Preferably, the port may be substantially circular in shape. In alternate example the feed port may be made from steel and the port may be liquid jacketed. In a further alternative example, the feed port may comprise one or two layers: - a first layer adjacent the rotor which is steel; and / or - a second layer adjacent the product feed auger which is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The plurality of apertures which are circumferentially arranged may have a number of different shapes without limiting the scope of the present invention. For example, the apertures may have any one of the following shapes: - square; - circular; - rectangular; - oblong. JAWS Ref: 323359PCT However, this list should not be seen as limiting. The plurality of apertures which are circumferentially arranged may also have a number of different layouts on the plate which may also be dependent on the number of apertures. In one embodiment there may be four equidistantly spaced apertures which may be positioned on a common circumference. In another embodiment there may be eight or more apertures which may be positioned on a common circumference and thus form a ring-shape. It will be appreciated the common circumference on which the apertures or elongate arc profiled apertures (EAPAs) may be positioned is larger than the circumference of the portion of the rotor, which in use, will be adjacent the feed port. Thus, enabling plastic beads or shreds to be delivered to the outer surface of the rotor. In a preferred embodiment the feed port may be in the form of an annular space shared between the feed housing and melt mix chamber. Feed Arrangement The feed arrangement may come in a variety of different forms without departing from the scope of the present invention. In one example the feed arrangement may utilise a hopper and an auger arrangement to deliver beads / shreds to the melt mix chamber. In another example the feed arrangement may utilise a hopper in direct communication with the melt mix chamber. Such an arrangement having an orifice which can be varied near real- time to control the amount of shreds / being delivered or not delivered to the melt mix chamber via a gravity feed. FMMA The plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) of the present invention has application to plastic beads or shreds obtained from recycled plastic. JAWS Ref: 323359PCT In some embodiments the recycled plastic beads / shreds may be from a polyethylene plastic product. In other embodiments the plastic beads / shreds may be obtained from polyolefin plastic product. The above examples should not be seen as limiting as in some embodiments the plastic beads / shreds may be from PVC (polyvinyl chloride). It is envisaged that when moving to different plastics or mixtures of plastics or different sizes of beads / shreds routine optimisation of the operating parameters for achieving a flowable molten plastic may be required. The plastic beads / shreds used by the present invention may also include different types or a mixture of different types of plastic. In one example, shredded plastic (shreds) may be sourced from milk bottles. The source of plastic in the FMMA may in one embodiment be in the form of a hopper. The housing may have a number of different external profiles provided it has an internal cylindrical bore for housing the rotor. Said cylindrical bore and rotor being made of a suitable metal as discussed above. The feed arrangement may move the plastic beads / shreds to the housing and rotor arrangement in a horizontal direction which is parallel to the rotor’s axis of rotation. Outlet Nozzle The outlet nozzle may have a variety of different configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention. In one preferred embodiment the outlet nozzle may have a substantially ring-shaped outer body which includes a conical throat leading to an exit port. Restrictor Plate The restrictor plate is used, in conjunction with a conical projection to control the output rate of material from the chamber (e.g. beads / shreds, or partially melted beads / shreds, or partially molten plastic until flowable fully molten plastic is achieved, JAWS Ref: 323359PCT In one embodiment there may be two restrictor plates which may rotationally move with respect to one another, each plate including: - a common central aperture which can accommodate the conical projection; - a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart slots (or other aperture shapes) surrounding the central aperture positioned in the same relative position on each plate so the respective slots on each plate are capable of alignment with one another (to each form a collective aperture); said rotational movement increasing or decreasing the effective size of the collective apertures and thus amount of material that can pass therethrough, or not pass through, if the slots on respective plates are non-aligned. In some embodiments it may be the restrictor plate which moves relative to the conical projection. For example, three or more equi-spaced apart: cams; or linear actuators; may be engaged to move the restrictor plate towards or move away from (if a liner actuator), or allow the restrictor plate to move away from, via the force of molten plastic (when the cams are no engaged), the conical projection. The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features. Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

[0002] JAWS Ref: 323359PCT REFERENCES: 1. Jambeck, Jenna R.; Geyer, Roland; Wilcox, Chris; Siegler, Theodore R.; Perryman, Miriam; Andrady, Anthony; Narayan, Ramani; Law, Kara Lavender (13 February 2015). "Plastic waste inputs from land into the ocean". Science.347 (6223): 768– 771

Claims

JAWS Ref: 323359PCT WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) comprising: - a housing which has a cylindrical bore; wherein the cylindrical bore includes an internal surface having a series of longitudinal toothed regions (LATRs) comprising a plurality of longitudinally aligned and spaced apart teeth (LATR teeth) projecting inwardly from the internal surface; and - a rotor located in the cylindrical bore, wherein the rotor includes a tipped region comprising plurality of circumferentially and longitudinally spaced apart and offset tips; - a motor arrangement which can rotate the rotor so the tip speed is 6m / s; and - a feed arrangement to deliver plastic beads / shreds to the rotor; and wherein the gap between the rotor tipped region and the cylindrical bore - when the tips are not aligned with the LATRs - is sufficient to allow for radial acceleration, in-use, of beads / shreds of plastic from the rotor into the inner surface of the cylindrical bore, given the 6 m / s tip speed.

2. A plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) as claimed in claim 1 above wherein the gap between the: - tips; and - the LATR teeth; when both are aligned is significantly less than the gap between the tips and the inner surface of cylindrical bore when the tips are teeth are not aligned.

3. A plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) as claimed in claim 2 wherein during rotation of the rotor, when the tips are aligned with LATR teeth, there is a radial gap of: • substantially 2.5mm when mixing / melting beads / shreds having at least one width or height dimension greater equal to, or above, 3mm but below 7mm; or • substantially 1.5mm when mixing / melting beads / shreds having at least one width or height dimension greater of around 1mm - 2mm.JAWS Ref: 323359PCT 4. An FMMA as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein during rotation of the rotor, when the tips are positioned intermediate to (i.e., maximally non-aligned therewith) the LATR teeth the radial gap between the tipped region and the LATR teeth is: • substantially 11.5mm when mixing / melting beads / shreds having at least one width or height dimension greater equal to or above 3mm but below 7mm; or • substantially 10.5mmwhen mixing / melting beads / shreds having at least one width or height dimension greater of around 1mm - 2mm.

5. An FMMA as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims wherein the tipped region includes a series of longitudinally spaced apart tip-sections, wherein each tip-section of the series has six tips thereon, and wherein each tip-section has spirally offset tips with respect to any adjacent upstream or downstream tip-section(s).

6. An FMMA as claimed in claim 5 wherein each tip-section is in the form of a hex plate mounted to a rotor shaft.

7. An FMMA as claimed in claim 6 wherein during rotation of the rotor, when the tips are aligned with the LATR teeth, the radial gap between: - flat sections of a hex plate intermediate the tips; and - the internal surface of the cylindrical bore; is substantially 16.5mm.

8. A plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) as claimed in claim 1 wherein neither the LATRs nor tipped region, have mutually engaging profiles.

9. A plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the rotor has a non-tapered longitudinal diameter.

10. A plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims which further includes: - a source of plastic beads / shreds (plastic); - a feed arrangement configured to move the plastic from the source to the housing.JAWS Ref: 323359PCT 11. A plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the FMMA does not include any additional heating elements to melt or assist with melting the plastic.

12. A method of melting and mixing plastic shreds or beads and the resultant molten plastic comprising the steps of: a) introducing the shreds or beads to a rotor with tips / teeth located within a cylinder provided with internally radially projected obstacles on the inner surface thereof; wherein said cylinder and rotor provide sufficient gap to allow, in-use, for radial acceleration of the beads / shreds away from the rotor; b) rotating the rotor so the tips / teeth have a rotational speed of substantially 6m / s; c) radially accelerating the shreds or beads from the rotor towards the inner surface of the cylinder; wherein during travel along the cylinder / rotor beads / shreds and any molten plastic formed will be forced against the obstacles on the inner surface of the cylinder and between the obstacles and tips / teeth of the rotor.

13. A method as claimed in claim 12 wherein the beads / shreds are melted without: - additional heating elements to increase the temperature of the cylinder; nor - sequentially increasing compression during axial travel of the beads / shreds; being required.

14. A method as claimed in claim 13 wherein the melting is achieved by rotational speed of the rotor.

15. A method as claimed in claim 14 wherein the melting is achieved by a rotational speed of tips / teeth being substantially 6 m / s.JAWS Ref: 323359PCT 16. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the resultant plastic creating by the mixing and melting process is substantially free of air pockets visible by the naked eye.

17. A method of melting and mixing plastic shreds or beads comprising the steps of subjecting the beads / shreds to both: a) radial acceleration; and b) a radial tortuous or semi-tortuous, axial path; as part of the melting process; and subjecting the resultant molten plastic to, circumferential, and radial tortuous or semi- tortuous, axial path.

18. A rotor and housing arrangement for a plastic frictional melting mixer apparatus (FMMA) wherein there is provided a working section of a rotor which can, in-use: - radially accelerate shreds or beads towards an internal surface of the cylindrical bore of the housing wherein the internal surface has a series of longitudinal toothed regions (LATRs) comprising a plurality of longitudinally aligned and spaced apart teeth (LATR teeth) projecting inwardly from the internal surface; - drive the shreds or beads forward in a downstream direction and force the plastic shreds or beads through reduced diameter gaps between the tips on the rotor and the LATR teeth which periodically align and move away as a consequence of the rotation of the rotor; - thereby alternating between: ▪ radial acceleration (i.e., when the tips and LATR are not substantially aligned and ▪ forcing the plastic shreds or beads through reduced diameter gaps - between the aligned tips and LATR - during axial travel long the rotor from upstream to downstream; so as to: o mix plastic shreds or beads; and / or o melt plastic shreds or beads;JAWS Ref: 323359PCT wherein the working section comprises: - a tipped region formed by a plurality of adjacent spirally offset hexagonal plates.

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