Abstract: The present invention provides a method for sorting post-consumed bottles exactly and efficiently and an apparatus for carrying out the method. The sorting apparatus comprises a supply section, a separating section, a detecting section comprising a first image pickup camera for detecting the size and contour of each post-consumed bottle and a second image pickup camera for high speed detection of color by a defined image pickup utilizing data from the first image pickup camera, a sorting section for sorting and discharging only post-consumed bottles already classified to sorting containers preliminarily placed in accordance with data received from the detecting section, and a control section for controlling a series of operations timely. Since the scope of the image pickup for detecting color of the post-consumed bottles is defined in accordance with the data from the detecting section, picture processing at a high speed is achieved resulting in remarkable sorting performance.

Abstract: A continuous kneading machine capable of achieving selfcleaning, improvement in kneading efficiency, and reduction in abrasion of paddles is provided. This continuous kneading machine is characterized in that sectional shape of one paddle in a section perpendicular to a rotation shaft is formed of n (where n is an integer, and n.gtoreq.2) pairs of major radius parts and minor radius parts which are alternately arranged with equal angle and formed by a gentle curve, and that sectional shape of another paddle is formed of m (where m is an integer, m.gtoreq.2, and n.noteq.m) pairs of major radius parts and minor radius parts which are formed by an escribed envelope curve drawn by rotation in cooperation with the one paddle, and in which rotation of another paddle is performed in a direction different from the one paddle at a different ratio of rotation frequency.