Abstract: A shredder for shredding material is provided that includes a housing. having a cutting device to shred material. A receptacle is also included and is positioned to receive the shredded material. A detecting device is positioned between the cutting device and the receptacle and emits and detects a beam so that when shredded material occupies a first position within the receptacle the beam is interrupted. Advantageously, the detecting device may be used as a bin full detection device to provide indication that a bin is filled or substantially filled with shredded material.

Abstract: A shredder for shredding material is provided that includes a housing. having a cutting device to shred material. A receptacle is also included and is positioned to receive the shredded material. A detecting device is positioned between the cutting device and the receptacle and emits and detects a beam so that when shredded material occupies a first position within the receptacle the beam is interrupted. Advantageously, the detecting device may be used as a bin full detection device to provide indication that a bin is filled or substantially filled with shredded material.

Abstract: A shredder cylinder that includes a generally circular shaft having a plurality of spaced apart cutting disks arranged along the axis of the cylinder, and a spacer disposed between adjacent disks. The spacer has a diameter greater than the diameter of the shaft and smaller than the diameter of the cutting disks, and a spacer surface wherein the peripheral cross-section of the surface of the spacer has a linear measure greater than the measure of the distance between two disks adjacent the spacer.

Abstract: A cutting cylinder for a paper shredder has a shaft with a first end and a second end. A plurality of spaced-apart cutter discs are arranged on the shaft between the first and second ends of the shaft. Each cutter disc has an inner surface defining an inner diameter. In addition, the shaft has a first outer surface lining the inner surface of at least one cutter disc, and a second outer surface adjacent to at least one cutter disc. The second outer surface has an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the adjacent cutter disc.

Abstract: A shredder having a housing with a first wall and a second wall spaced from the first wall, and a support with a first cradle extending from the first wall and a second cradle opposing the first cradle and extending from the second wall. The shredder also has a motor associated with and disposed between the first and second cradles. Also, the support may have a first cradled rib extending from the first wall and a second cradled rib opposing the first cradled rib and extending from the second wall. The shredder may also have a gear shaft with an end associated with and disposed between the first and second cradled ribs.

Abstract: A shredder has a cutting cylinder with a cutting shaft and a plurality of spaced-apart cutter disks mounted on the cutting shaft. The shredder also has an articulated top blocker rotatably mounted above the center axis of the cutting shaft.

Abstract: A support placed in the cutting path of a multicylinder cutting assembly to prevent the shafts of the cutting cylinders from separating. In the preferred embodiment, the support comprises a base and two arm members extending upward from the base. The invention also includes a shredder comprising at least two cylinders; a plurality of cutting disks arranged on the cylinders; spacers alternatingly arranged on the cylinders between the cutting disks; and at least one support placed under the cylinders for preventing the cylinders from separating.

Abstract: A support integral with a housing for a paper shredder having a plurality of cutting cylinders with cutting shafts. The support has at least one rib extending outward from at least one wall of the housing toward the cutting shafts of the cutting cylinders.

Abstract: A cutting cylinder for a paper shredder has a shaft with a first end and a second end. A plurality of spaced-apart cutter discs are arranged on the shaft between the first and second ends of the shaft. Each cutter disc has an inner surface defining an inner diameter. In addition, the shaft has a first outer surface lining the inner surface of at least one cutter disc, and a second outer surface adjacent to at least one cutter disc. The second outer surface has an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the adjacent cutter disc.

Abstract: A cylindrical cutting disk for use in a shredder having a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth, each tooth having a tapered and angled cutting edge. In a preferred embodiment, the disk includes a spacer located on one side of the disk, the spacer having a smooth outer surface and an inner lining coextensive with the lining of the central aperture of the disk. A plurality of disks may be mounted on a cutting cylinder. The disk can be made by sintering.

Abstract: A plate for connecting gear shafts in a gear assembly, the plate comprising a rigid body having at least one aperture.

Abstract: A stripper for use on a cutting cylinder having a shaft. The stripper comprising a unitary, resilient body and an arcuate recess in the mid-portion of the body adapted to surround at least about 180 degrees of the circumference of the shaft of the cylinder.

Abstract: A paper shredding machine having a top housing unremovably sealed to a lower housing. The top housing has upper teeth integrally formed on its inside surface and the lower housing has bottom teeth integrally formed on its inside such that when the top housing is joined with the lower housing and sealed, the upper teeth are unremovably joined with the lower teeth to define a continuous stripper to strip shredded material from the cutting area of the shredding mechanism. The paper shredder is made by providing a top and bottom housing with the top housing having upper teeth and the bottom housing having lower teeth. The top and bottom housings are joined and passed through an ultrasonic welding apparatus to fuse the top housing to the bottom housing and the upper teeth to the lower teeth.