Abstract: A digit wheel assembly for use in connection with a variable imprinting device comprises a plurality of digit wheels rotatably mounted on a common fixed digit wheel shaft, each of said digit wheels having raised printing indicia spaced along the circumference thereof; a plurality of thumbwheels rotatably mounted on a common fixed thumbwheel shaft, said thumbwheels being equal in number to said plurality of digit wheels; a first plurality of sprockets equal in number to said plurality of digit wheels, each of said first plurality of sprockets being operatively associated with one of said digit wheels so as to rotate therewith; a second plurality of sprockets equal in number to said plurality of digit wheels, each of said second plurality of sprockets being operatively associated with one of said thumbwheels so as to rotate therewith; and endless flexible drive means connecting each of said first plurality of sprockets to one of said second plurality of sprockets, whereby the rotational position of a given one

Abstract: A material shredder (20) includes a cutting chamber (40) having a pair of counterrotatable cutter units (42, 44) for shredding material fed therebetween. A hopper (30) leads to the cutting chamber for directing material to be shredded thereto. A gate structure (130) includes a barrier plate (138) movable from a first position adjacent one wall of the hopper to a second position at least partially blocking the passageway between the hopper and the cutting chamber. Control structure is provided for exerting a selectable pressure on the barrier plate (138) urging the plate into its second position against any material in its path of movement from its first position to its second position. The plate acts to support the material thereabove, as well as compress the material in its path causing a head of material to be supported above the plate.