Abstract: A paper shredder includes a housing, cutters positioned in the housing, and a feeder base adapted to support a stack of paper. The feeder base includes a feeder slot. A pressure plate is mounted for movement above the feeder base. The pressure plate is mounted to a bottom surface of a feeder door that substantially covers the entire feeder base and is pivoted about an axis at one end of the feeder door. The pressure plate is a one-piece member that spans the feeder slot.

Abstract: A system for dosing coffee beans, comprising a coffee bean package provided with at least one wall which at least partly encloses an inner space for multiple dosages of coffee beans, and a coffee bean outlet for delivering coffee beans, and an apparatus provided with a coffee bean grinder, a coffee bean inlet for supplying coffee beans from the coffee bean package to the grinder, a connecting device for connecting the coffee bean package to the apparatus, so that the coffee bean outlet can be connected to the coffee bean inlet, and a dosing device provided with a dosing space which is arranged for feeding-through one predetermined dose of coffee beans from the coffee bean outlet to the coffee bean inlet.

Abstract: A shredder including a housing having a throat for receiving articles to be shredded, a shredder mechanism, a blocking member, and an electrically powered motor and cutter elements. A thickness detector comprises a contact member extending into the throat. The shredder includes an actuator for moving the blocking member between a retracted position and an extended position. The actuator and the thickness detector are coupled to enable the actuator to move the blocking member from the retracted position to the extended position responsive to the movement of the contact member by insertion into the throat of the at least one article above a predetermined maximum thickness threshold. The blocking member is configured such that in the extended position the blocking member prevents further insertion of the at least one article into the throat, and in the retracted position the blocking member permits further insertion thereof into the throat.

Abstract: Devices for application of lubricant to the cutting mechanism of paper shredders. Maintenance and lubrication can be performed by applying lubrication agents to the cutting mechanism of a paper shredder without requiring disassembly of the paper shredder. The agents can also include scented agents and decomposing agents or a combination thereof. Lubrication sheets are configured to apply agents to the cutting mechanism of paper shredders. A holder can be positioned on a housing of a paper shredder for retaining one or more lubrication sheets within proximity of the shredding mechanism of the paper shredder. Paper shredders may include means for identifying when lubrication is needed and/or when the cutting mechanism of the paper shredder has been lubricated by a lubrication sheet.

Abstract: Systems and processes for tracking the status of an item are disclosed. Systems and processes for decommissioning identifying information from pharmaceutical product containers are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shredder including a detector having a first contact member on one side of the shredder's throat and a second contact member on the other side. The contact members extend into the throat and are independently moveable relative to one another to enable insertion of an article into the throat. The article can move the contact members relative to one another by a combined amount. The shredder may prevent its motor from driving its cutter elements if it determines that the combined amount of independent relative movement correlates to a thickness that is equal to or greater than a predetermined maximum thickness. In an embodiment, the contact members may include binary switches. The contact members aid in controlling and/or reducing flutter and wrinkles when articles are fed into the shredder.

Abstract: An anti-jam assembly for incorporation in an article destroying appliance includes a fixed core mount assembly including a first support member spaced apart from a second support member. At least one moveable cutter shaft is disposed between and rotatably mounted to the first and second support members. A third elongate member extends in parallel relationship to the at least one cutter shaft. This third support member is moveable from a first position to at least a second position. The first and the at least second position correspond to a variable width of a feed path directing an article toward the at least one cutter. An arm is affixed to the elongate member and pivotal at a mounting surface when the elongate member moves toward the second position. A sensor activates when it detects movement of the arm. The arm and the sensor are removed from a proximity of the at least one cutter or the feed path.

Abstract: A shredder includes a housing having a throat for receiving at least one article to be shredded, and a shredder mechanism received in the housing and including an electrically powered motor and cutter elements. The shredder also includes a detector that is configured to detect a thickness of the at least one article being received by the throat, and a controller that is configured to operate the motor to drive the cutter elements to shred the at least one article and to set a flutter threshold higher than the predetermined maximum thickness threshold, if the detected thickness is less than a predetermined maximum thickness threshold. The controller is also configured to thereafter continuously detect the thickness of the at least one article being inserted into a throat of the shredder; and to perform a predetermined operation responsive to the thickness detector detecting that the thickness of the at least one article is greater than the flutter threshold.

Abstract: A thickness detecting system for a paper shredder having a lever arm extending into the shredder's throat. One or more sensors may be in communication with the lever arm and configured to measure the rotation of the lever. A first maximum thickness and second maximum thickness may correspond to the paper inserted into the throat before and during shredder, respectively. Circuitry may reverse the motor when the thickness is exceeded to ease the removal of the paper and to prevent further shredding. A touch structure and the preferential power supply switch may be used to engagingly interact with each other, so that the motor can be switched off when the plate is selectively positioned to close the paper feed opening, can be switched on when the plate is selectively positioned to open the feed opening, and can be switched off when unexpected items are introduced into the feed opening.

Abstract: An extractor device for coffee grounds that substantially consists of a tubular frame (10), inside which is a casing (11) fixed to the frame (10) and comprising a gear motor (12) preferably the low-voltage type, the lower part of the tubular frame (10) being open to allow the possibility of attaching a container bag (13) to collect the coffee grounds from above, the motor (12), positioned inside the casing (11) whose upper part terminates with a conical shape (11?), comprising a shaft (14) attached to the extraction device (15) which substantially consists of a blade (16) with two or more sectors.

Abstract: An electric grinder includes a bottle, a housing, a grinding assembly and a driving device mounted inside the housing, wherein, the housing detachably connected to the bottle, the grinding assembly has a female grinding head and a male grinding head, the driving device has an output engaged to a central driving rod, and the central driving rod passes through the grinding cavity and drives the male grinding head. As the constancy overall volume of the grinder, the storage amount of condiments is relatively larger, the electric grinder has well-arranged and aesthetically-designed components and is reliable in use, with uniform electric grinding and uniform discharging.

Abstract: An under-sink waste processing appliance includes a waste separator which extracts liquid from organic waste and passes such extracted liquid to a residential drain line. The remaining solid, in the form of organic pulp, is dried in a dryer and deposited in a removable collection receptacle.

Abstract: A shredder includes a housing having a throat for receiving at least one article to be shredded, and a shredder mechanism having a motor and cutter elements. The shredder also includes a detector that is configured to detect a thickness of the at least one article being received by the throat, and a controller that is configured to operate the motor to drive the cutter elements to shred the at least one article and to set a flutter threshold higher than the predetermined maximum thickness threshold, if the detected thickness is less than a predetermined maximum thickness threshold. The controller is also configured to thereafter continuously detect the thickness of the at least one article being inserted into a throat of the shredder; and to perform a predetermined operation responsive to the thickness detector detecting that the thickness of the at least one article is greater than the flutter threshold.

Abstract: A food processor includes a base and a bowl with a removable lid. Food items are advanced into the bowl through a feed tube formed in the lid where they are cut by a cutting assembly driven by a motor. The cutting assembly is adjustable to vary the thickness of the cut food items. The food processor includes an adjustment assembly that is operable to adjust the cutting thickness of the cutting assembly while the cutting assembly is driven by the motor.

Abstract: A thickness detecting system for a paper shredder having a lever arm extending into the shredder's throat. One or more sensors may be in communication with the lever arm and configured to measure the rotation of the lever. A first maximum thickness and second maximum thickness may correspond to the paper inserted into the throat before and during shredder, respectively. Circuitry may reverse the motor when the thickness is exceeded to ease the removal of the paper and to prevent further shredding. A touch structure and the preferential power supply switch may be used to engagingly interact with each other, so that the motor can be switched off when the plate is selectively positioned to close the paper feed opening, can be switched on when the plate is selectively positioned to open the feed opening, and can be switched off when unexpected items are introduced into the feed opening.

Abstract: A paper clearing device for a shredder includes a frame, a motor, a gear set, a first rotary shaft, and a second rotary shaft. The first rotary shaft and the second rotary shaft are mounted with several cutting blades and paper guides. The paper guides on at least one rotary shaft are half paper guides. When paper jams in the shredder, the user only needs to issue a paper back command, which causes the rotary shafts to rotate in a reverse direction, causing paper to back away from the cutting region between the cutting blades and instead pass over the respective shaft with the half paper guides, optionally with the assistance of a paper clearing driver, and through an opening at the back, non-cutting side of the respective shaft to fall into a trash bin from which the jammed paper can be readily removed.

Abstract: A shredder includes a housing having a throat for receiving at least one article to be shredded, a shredder mechanism received in the housing and including a powered motor and cutter elements used to shred the at least one article, a detector configured to detect a presence of the at least one article being received by the throat, and a controller coupled to the motor and the detector. The controller is configured to allow a running operation of the motor responsive to the detector detecting an article being received by the throat. Also, after a predetermined amount of time, the controller may stop operation of the motor if an article is not inserted into the throat. A thickness detector may also be used in the shredder.

Abstract: A shredder includes a housing having a throat for receiving at least one article to be shredded, and a shredder mechanism received in the housing and including an electrically powered motor and cutter elements. The shredder also includes a detector that is configured to detect a thickness of the at least one article being received by the throat, and a controller that is configured to operate the motor to drive the cutter elements to shred the at least one article and to set a flutter threshold higher than the predetermined maximum thickness threshold, if the detected thickness is less than a predetermined maximum thickness threshold. The controller is also configured to thereafter continuously detect the thickness of the at least one article being inserted into a throat of the shredder; and to perform a predetermined operation responsive to the thickness detector detecting that the thickness of the at least one article is greater than the flutter threshold.

Abstract: A shredder includes a cutting assembly capable of shredding paper mounted in a shredder housing and a detector mechanism capable of shutting off the cutting assembly in response to detecting a force applied to the cutting assembly.

Abstract: A buffering device of the invention includes a motor and a drive cutter shaft driven by the motor. Mounted on the drive cutter shaft are a drive cutter gear, a buffering disc, and a buffering gear. The buffering disc contains a cylindrical portion. A shifting block is extended from the cylindrical portion. A receiving hole is defined in the buffering gear. Plural recesses are extended from the circumferential inner wall. The cylindrical portion is inserted into the circumferential inner wall, while the shifting blocks are placed into recesses. A circumferential gap is defined between the shifting block and a recess. By this way, the gear components or motor are protected from being damaged due to overload, hence making it possible to protect the mechanical components and motor of the paper shredder.

Abstract: A bone mill including a base and a mill head that is removably attached to the base. A cutting disc is moveably disposed in the mill head. A motor is disposed in the base. A spindle attached to the motor releasably engages the cutting disk. The spindle is also capable of movement towards and away from the motor. A spring holds the mill head away from the motor. In some versions of the invention, the spring urges the spindle towards the cutting disc. The biasing force exerted by the spring urges the spindle into engagement with the cutting disc. A locking assembly releasably holds the mill head to the base in opposition of the force exerted by the spring.

Abstract: A paper inlet safety protection device with an upper cover plate, a safety cover plate, a paper entrance block and an elastic component. The upper cover plate is connected with the upper cover plate, first end of the upper cover plate covers inlet of the paper entrance of the upper cove plate, paper entrance block is arranged toward the paper entrance and in the upper cover plate, and limits the second end of the safety cover plate, two ends of the elastic component connect with the inner wall of the upper cover plate and the paper entrance block respectively, the paper entrance block is connected fixedly with the second end, or integrated with the second end, or limits the studs arranged on the second end, the paper entrance block is positioned between the paper entrance and the elastic component, the safety cover plate is pivoted with the upper cover plate.

Abstract: A plastic shredder is provided for shredding plastic and depositing it directly into a garbage receptacle. An interior channel extends between a top and a bottom of a housing. An upper roller and a lower roller are positioned in and extend across the interior channel. The upper roller is positioned parallel to the lower roller in spaced relationship forming a gap. Upper teeth extend from an outer surface of the upper roller. Lower teeth extend from an outer surface of the lower roller. The lower teeth mesh with the upper teeth for pulling plastic through the gap where the plastic is shredded. A lip extends outwardly from a middle section of the outer wall of the housing. The lip is positionable to engage an upper edge of a container such that the interior channel empties into the container for collecting the plastic after the plastic is shredded.

Abstract: A mobile slurry apparatus for creating a slurry from oil sand ore has a frame and a slurry box supported by the frame. Water is mixed with the ore to form a slurry that is retained in the slurry box. The frame base has a first set of spaced apart support points for supporting the frame in a stationary mode, and a second set of spaced apart support points for supporting the frame in a moving mode. The second set of spaced apart support points is closer together than the first set of support points and defines a lifting region disposed beneath a center of gravity of the slurry apparatus in a moving mode when the slurry box is empty. Thus, a single moving device can be positioned beneath the second set of support points for lifting and moving the slurry apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pedestal for a food processor, which comprises a container, a base arranged under the bottom of the container, a locking assembly configured for locking the container on the base. The locking assembly comprises block holes arranged in the base, block grooves arranged in the bottom of the container, and a chuck rotatably arranged on the bottom of the base. The chuck has snap-gauges cooperating with the block grooves passing through the block holes respectively. When uninstalling, it may only rotate the chuck to complete the uninstalling operation, and the operation is very inconvenient. When replacing the food processor, it may only take down the container and other components of various food processors which cooperate with the container, and does not need to replace the base. Thus the present invention can rapidly replace different food processors.

Abstract: A shredder and a method for monitoring a motor of a shredder comprises a housing having a throat for receiving an article and a shredder mechanism received in the housing for shredding the article, the mechanism including an electrically powered motor and cutter elements, and the motor being operable to drive the cutter elements in a shredding direction to shred articles. A current sensor for detecting current flowing through the motor and a controller coupled to the motor for controlling operation of the motor are also provided. The controller is also coupled to the current sensor and configured to detect at least an initial amount of current (or inrush current) supplied to the motor for each shredding event. Based on the inrush current, the controller sets a parameter (e.g., overload or thickness) to prevent overloading or stalling of the motor, such as caused by a jam or overheating.

Abstract: A cutting device for a crosscut shredder is mounted in a housing, is driven by a motor through a transmission gear set and has two driving shafts, and two bracing leaves, multiple shredding blades and multiple partitions mounted on the driving shafts. The partitions are disposed between the shredding blades. The bracing leaves hold the driving shafts at middles of the driving shafts to structurally enhance the driving shafts so the driving shafts are not deformed easily. Therefore, the papers are shredded thoroughly, and the transmission gear set and the motor are able to operate appropriately and keep in good conditions. Moreover, the driving shafts have saved manufacturing costs and effective shredding capabilities.

Abstract: A selective collection system for recyclable containers comprising of a housing part, an input device, a material identification device, a sorting guide device, a shredding device, a compressing device, a collection part and a control device. The housing part cases internal component of the selective collection system. The input device is at the upper portion of a housing part and receives an input material laid horizontally on its side. The material identification device receives the input material from the input device and uses a pair of load cells and a metal detect sensor to transmit a signal to the control device, which categorizes the input material into a PET, an aluminum can, or other material based on the signal. The sorting guide device sorts and routes the input material received from the material identification device accordingly.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus comprising a substrate and first and second disks. The disks are rotatably located over the substrate, each disk having an outer circumference with teeth thereon. The first disk is positioned to interleave one or more of its teeth with the teeth of the second disk. The substrate includes a channel with an exit port located near the teeth of one of the disks. Another apparatus comprises at least one disk rotatably located over a substrate and in a well of the substrate, the disk having an outer circumference with teeth thereon. The disk is positioned to provide a maximum distance of less than about 10 microns between each one the teeth and a nearest wall defining the well. The substrate includes a channel with an exit port located near the teeth of the disk.

Abstract: An apparatus for grinding coffee. The apparatus including: a grinder mechanism; a ground discharge region; a user control for enabling a user to select grind preferences; a display element for displaying data indicative of user inputs to the user control; a processor element coupled to the user control and a display element for controlling operation of the grinder mechanism. The apparatus being adapted to provides fine control over grind size and dispense discreet doses according to a users preference and control inputs; and display depictions representing a range of coffee grinder functions.

Abstract: An assembly has a bin level detection system having at least one sensor positioned to receive radiation reflected off any material deposited in a bin and to determine an intensity of the reflected radiation. The intensity corresponds to an amount or level of shredded material deposited in the bin. The system may detect radiation from one or more emitters, or, alternatively, detect ambient light entering the bin via a window. A level indicator system may also be provided to indicate the amount of material deposited in the bin, including if the bin is full. The assembly may comprise a shredder and a shredder housing.

Abstract: A selective collection system for recyclable containers including a housing part, an input device, a material identification device, a sorting guide device, a shredding device, a compressing device, a collection part, and a control device.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method to process compostable waste. The apparatus includes a shredding module, a grinding module, and a bagging module. The shredding module may operate to shred non-food compostable waste into shredded waste. The grinding module may operate to combine the shredded waste with food waste into combined waste, add water to the combined waste if an insufficient moisture condition exists for further processing, and grind the combined waste into particulate waste. The bagging module may operate to bag the particulate waste into a compostable bag.

Abstract: A chad containment bin includes a chad containment space formed by a pair of opposing longitudinally extending sidewalls connected by a pair of opposing, laterally extending sidewalls. A shredder head assembly is situated above the chad containment bin. A cabinet body supports the shredder head assembly while removeably housing the chad containment bin. A generally vertically oriented support member extends upwardly from a first of the longitudinally extending sidewalls. The support member includes a handle on an outer face for carrying the chad containment bin. A panel is pivotally connected to the chad containment bin for providing access to the chad containment space when the chad containment bin is suspended by the handle over a waste receptacle.

Abstract: A grinder (30) has a toolessly attached ingredient hopper assembly (50) overlying a toolessly attached fixed grinding burr (134) defining the top of a grind chamber (158) within which is received a mating rotary grinding burr (150) that is slidably mounted to a rotary drive motor (154) for adjustment relative to the fixed grinding burr (134). Adjustment is achieved automatically by control of a stepper motor (168) that pushes on the end of an elongate member (151) passing through a hollow rotary drive axle (152) and carrying the rotary grinding burr (150) at an opposite end.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a smart speed control, power-saving and noise-reduction paper shredder, comprises an electric machine unit, a current inspection feedback unit, a gear-switching voltage-modulating and speed-regulating unit and a power supply, wherein an input terminal of the gear-switching voltage-modulating and speed-regulating unit is connected to an output terminal of the current inspection feedback unit, and an output terminal is connected to an input terminal of the electric machine unit; a paper shredder of the present invention applicable for an AC electric machine, an induction electric machine or a DC electric machine, wherein current required for paper shredding by the AC electric machine, the induction electric machine or the DC electric machine is detected, and the electric machine is adjusted to its best working condition, and a number of speeds including high, mid and low gears are provided and can be switched according to the actual load condition, so as to achieve the smart spee

Abstract: A shredder having a safety feature(s) that reduces potential safety hazards. The shredder may include a timer mechanism adapted to automatically prevent the shredder blades from being activated if the selectable control has been in the activated state for a predetermined amount of time without any material being detected for shredding.

Abstract: A rotary mandolin assembly for processing food comprises a container, a lid, and an operating handle. The container has a base and a sidewall that connects to and protrudes upwardly from the base. The sidewall terminates at a flange. The lid contacts the flange of the sidewall of the container. The lid has a cover, a retractable door, and a blade carrier. The cover has an opening formed therein. The retractable door is disposed above the opening of the cover. The retractable door is adapted to be positioned in one of a first position and a second position. The blade carrier has a plurality of blades attached thereto. The blade carrier is disposed beneath both the cover and the retractable door. The operating handle removably connects to the blade carrier.

Abstract: Safety inlet apparatus for a shredder paper feed opening includes upper cover, safety cover, paper feed passage block, and elastic member. A safety cover end section covers the shredder paper feed opening, and rotatably couples to the upper cover. Paper feed passage block is positioned between shredder paper feed opening and elastic member, and the safety cover pivots to the upper cover. Paper feed passage block is slidably arranged on the upper cover near shredder paper feed opening, connecting to the safety cover second end section. Elastic member ends respectively connect to the upper cover inner wall and the paper feed passage block. Paper feed passage block may be fixed to, or integrated with, the second end section, or may limit a stud on the second end section.

Abstract: A device (1) for comminuting or grinding including a container (2) for receiving the material to be ground and a tool (5) which rotates in the container (2) during processing, and a drive for said tool (5). The container (2) having the tool (5) can be detachably coupled to the drive, which is to say that the container (2) having the tool (5) does not have to be cleaned after a grinding operation but can be replaced by a new such container (2). For this purpose, the tool (5) located in the container (2) can be rotated loosely when in the position of being detached or uncoupled from the drive or before a corresponding coupling operation and, when in the working position, is rotationally fixedly connected to the drive and centered by the coupling.

Abstract: A system for destroying a memory device (e.g., a hard drive) having data stored thereon. The system has a grind chamber with a rotatable grind wheel positioned therein. A pressure arm presses the memory device against the grind wheel as the grind wheel rotates. The rotating grind wheel grinds the memory device into particles from which the data stored on the memory device cannot be recovered. The particles are collected in a receptacle adjacent the grind wheel. The system may include a plurality of guides configured to maintain the memory device in a substantially stationary position relative to the pressure arm as the grind wheel grinds the memory device into particles.

Abstract: A safety accessory for coffee grinders-dispensers includes a substantially cylindrical sleeve having a lower annular portion insertable into the base of a grinder-dispenser, an upper annular portion engagable with the neck of a container that contains coffee beans, and an intermediate annular portion provided internally with at least one interceptor member that allows the coffee beans to move into the grinding chamber but also prevents the insertion into the grinding chamber of an element in accordance with grinder-dispenser safety regulations.

Abstract: A cooking utensil includes a cooking bowl unit, a driving support unit, a lid unit, and a lid-opening device. The driving support unit outputs a power to the cooking bowl unit, and includes a bottom seat supporting the cooking bowl unit, and opposite first and second sidewalls disposed on the bottom seat . The lid unit includes a top lid disposed pivotally on a bowl body of the cooking bowl unit for covering a top end opening of the blow body, a pivoting block disposed fixedly on the top lid, a positioning block connected pivotally to the pivoting block and connected removably to the first sidewall, and a retaining block disposed on the top lid. The lid-opening device is disposed on the second sidewall, and includes a locking member locking the retaining block releaseably on the second sidewall, and a controlling member operable to release the retaining block from the second sidewall.

Abstract: The combination food cutting board includes removable cups for food items, and a waste compartment. An upper cutting board mates with a lower base. The upper cutting board includes an aperture aligned with a receptacle in the base for waste, and secondary apertures aligned with matching receptacles in the base for holding the cups food items. The base includes a lateral opening and a sliding drawer in the waste compartment, and may include a storage compartment under the upper cutting board.

Abstract: A food processor having a food processing path accessible through a slot in which is received at least one food processing tool removably received within the slot such that food passing along the food processing path is processed by the tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coffee dosing device comprising a ground coffee receiving chamber (1), provided with a passage hatch (8) leading to outlet conduits (6-7). Each of these outlet conduits includes a lower outlet hatch (10-11) and an intermediate hatch (23-24) which, in their closed positions, define two ground coffee storage chambers.

Abstract: Two self-clearing radial rasp systems for automatic milling material disclosed. In addition, as examples two automatic apparatuses utilizing said rasp systems for milling material disclosed. The rasp system may include a rasp and a trimming member. The radial rasp may include a base surface that may include cutting teeth with apertures of predetermined sizes disposed adjacent the cutting teeth. The revolving radial trimming member may include radial channels which may independently partitioned for confining and directing material toward the base surface of the rasp as the material move by centrifugal force in a radial direction. The rasp may have different sizes of cutting teeth associating with the individual radial channels of the radial trimming member.

Abstract: A device for the grinding of coffee, for instance in (semi)automatic machines for the preparation and the dispensing of drinks, comprising a housing (11), inside which are positioned at least two milling heads (19, 25) of which at least one (19) is revolving, means (2) of driving said at least one revolving milling head (19), an inlet (32) for feeding the coffee between the milling heads (19, 25) and an exit (35) for the ground coffee. Advantageously, the housing (11) and the milling heads (19, 25) internal to it are coupled to the means of driving (2) through an insert-and-lock joint (12, 13, 18, 218, 20, 120) that allows their rapid removal and reassembly without the aid of tools. Preferably the device includes means of regulating the relative distance between the milling heads and at least one sensor (S) for the measurement of such distance and/or a sensor (S1) of the speed of rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: Lubrication substrates are disclosed that have been treated with or that carry a lubricant for maintaining a paper shredder. The lubrication substrate is fed through the shredding mechanism of a paper shredder. Rather than requiring disassembly of the paper shredder, maintenance and lubrication can be performed by passing the lubrication substrate through the shredding mechanism. The lubrication substrates can take any of a variety of forms, and can be substantially rigid and/or stiff. The lubrication substrates can also include scented lubricants and decomposing agents. Paper shredders are also disclosed for use with the lubrication substrates. The paper shredders can have various means for identifying when lubrication is needed and/or when the cutting mechanism of the paper shredder is lubricated by a lubrication sheet. Paper shredders having a reservoir of lubricant for delivery to the cutting mechanism of the paper shredder are also disclosed.

Abstract: A shredder is disclosed. The shredder includes a housing having a throat for receiving at least one article to be shredded, and a shredder mechanism received in the housing and including an electrically powered motor and cutter elements. The shredder mechanism enables the at least one article to be shredded to be fed into the cutter elements. The motor is operable to drive the cutter elements so that the cutter elements shred the articles fed therein. The shredder also includes a detector that is configured to detect a thickness of the at least one article being received by the throat, and a controller that is operable to perform a predetermined operation responsive to the detector detecting that the thickness of the at least one article is at least equal to a predetermined maximum thickness.