Abstract: A document shredder is disclosed including a paper receptacle for receiving a load of paper and a shredding assembly. A metering assembly is interposed between the paper receptacle and the shredding assembly and is configured to separate a portion of the load of paper from the load of paper and permit the portion of the load of paper to move into the shredding assembly. The metering assembly may include a stop plate secured thereto and defining a lifting portion on a perimeter portion thereof. The lifting portion is configured to engage a lower edge of the portion of the load of paper upon rotation of the stop plate and lift the paper over the stop plate. The lifting portion may include a flange, which may be a portion of a cone, formed on a perimeter portion of the wheel and occupying a sector of the perimeter of less than 60 degrees.

Abstract: A shredder mechanism is disclosed herein including first and second shredder portions positioned opposite one another and defining a slot therebetween. The first and second shredder portions each include a longitudinal support having more upper fins and a plurality of lower fins. each defining a shaft receptacle. A shaft is positioned between the upper and lower fins positioned within the shaft receptacles. A plurality of cutting blades are mounted to the shaft and extend into the slot. Each of the one or more upper fins and the plurality of lower fins extend among the plurality of cutting blades. The longitudinal support includes upper and lower support portions having the one or more upper fins secured to the upper support portion and the plurality of lower fins secured to the lower support portion.