Abstract: In a dual-gradient drilling apparatus, a subsea solids processing unit includes a housing, a solids processing mechanism disposed in the housing between a drilling mud inlet and a drilling mud outlet, and a flushing mechanism configured to flush the solids processing mechanism with a flushing fluid. A subsea solids processing unit may be controlled by rotating the solids processing mechanism in a forward direction and increasing a drive torque when a measured speed of the solids processing mechanism is below a desired rotation speed. The desired rotation speed may be decreased when a measured torque exceeds a selected maximum and a rotation direction of the solids processing mechanism may be reversed when the measured speed falls below a selected minimum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic shredder without choosing the number of paper to be shredded which comprises a shredder core and an automatic paper feeding device, the automatic paper feeding device comprises a driving mechanism, a paper support box, a pick-up mechanism and a paper press box, the driving mechanism is fixed on the shredder core and connected with the pick-up mechanism for driving the pick-up mechanism, the paper support box comprises a first zone and a second zone, the pick-up mechanism is positioned between the first zone and the second zone and fixed to the paper support box, and its paper feeding direction is towards the second zone, one end of the paper press box is pivoted with the paper support box, the other end of the paper press box is connected detachable with the paper support box, the paper support box is fixed on the shredder core, and the second zone has a paper inlet positioned above the blade assembly of the shredder core, a magnet is positioned in the first zone,

Abstract: The present invention is a shredder-granulator comprised of a plurality of rotary shear blades and a plurality of stationary bed knives fixedly attached to two counter-rotating shafts. The stationary bed knives are also secured to a frame. The shredder-granulator is capable of shredding and granulating materials in a single pass.

Abstract: A sheet destruction and discarding apparatus for destroying and discarding a sheet, comprising a destruction and discarding unit that destroys and discards the sheet based on a determination whether or not the sheet is allowed to be destroyed and to be discarded; a notification unit that notifies that the sheet is not allowed to be destroyed and to be discarded and a reason why the sheet is not allowed to be destroyed and to be discarded when the determination indicates that the sheet is not allowed to be destroyed and to be discarded; an insert sensor that detects whether or not the sheet is taken off, wherein, after the notification unit notifies that the sheet is not allowed to be destroyed and to be discarded and the reason, a state of the insert sensor changes to an off state and then a state of the sheet destruction and discarding apparatus changes to a standby state.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to an apparatus having cutter elements for destroying articles such as paper sheets and a mechanism for advancing at least a top sheet from a stack of paper in a tray into the cutter elements for shredding. In one embodiment, the apparatus uses a rotatable feed roller to feed paper atop the stack to the cutter elements. The feed roller moves in an alternating manner between a lowered and raised position to engage and disengage the stack when advancing the paper therethrough. Alternatively, a rotatable cam may be used. In an embodiment, the apparatus uses a rotatable drum or rotatable belt with an internal vacuum to lift paper from the stack and feed into the shredder mechanism.

Abstract: A paper shredding roller assembly comprises of a left roller (1), a right roller (2) juxtaposed to said left roller (1), a plurality of left and right circular knives (3, 4) are attached axially to said left and right roller (1, 2) in a spiral fashion, and spaced with each other by a predetermined distance (H). Pluralities of left cutting tips (31) are disposed around a circumference of the left circular knife (3) and a plurality of right cutting tips (41) are disposed around a circumference of the right circular knife (4). The paper shredding roller assembly is characterized in that: each left circular knife (3) comprises of a plurality of sloping cutting edges (5) disposed around the circumference thereof, corresponding with the right cutting tips (41); and each right circular knife (4) comprises of a plurality of sloping cutting edges (5) disposed around the circumference thereof, corresponding with the left cutting tips (31).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shredder having a rotatable device located adjacent an output opening of the shredder housing. The rotatable device includes a shaft configured to rotate about an axis parallel to an axis of the cutting assembly so as to allow for rotation of the device. The rotatable device has a plurality of fingers extending at least partially radially with respect to an axis of the shaft. The rotatable device is able to rotate about the shaft axis in either direction, so as to disperse any accumulation of shredded materials in the waste bin, as well as remove shredded materials caught in or near the cutting assembly within and adjacent the output opening.

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 single-motor shredder has a housing, and multiple cutting rollers, a paper feeding mechanism and a motor mounted in the housing. A first gear set connects the cutting rollers with the motor and a second gear set connects the cutting rollers with the paper feeding mechanism. Only one motor is needed to drive the cutting rollers and the paper feeding mechanism. Therefore, the shredder is light and a manufacturing costs of the shredder are lowered. Moreover, the paper feeding mechanism separates a stack of paper into small piles to sequentially feed the stack of paper in small piles. Thus, the stack of paper does not jam the cutting rollersso improving lifetime of the shredder.

Abstract: A shredder is disclosed having a jam proof system. In one embodiment, the jam proof system provides a thickness detector having a contact member which displaces as an article is inserted into a throat of the shredder and a resistance generating mechanism configured to provide a resistance force to the contact member, in response to displacement of the contact member. The greater the thickness of the material the greater the resistance force that will be realized. When the material reaches a predetermined thickness, there will be a significant change in the resistance force. The resistance generating mechanism may include at least two spring mechanisms serially arranged, such as, a first spring mechanism and a second spring mechanism. This feature provides immediate and direct feedback to the user that the article inserted into the shredder may be too thick.

Abstract: Thin shredder blade having blade points without steps, including blade body and cutting part located on periphery of blade body and includes a blade point. The cutting part includes a primary protrusion protruding from the cutting part. The primary protrusion includes a top, an inclined plane extending between the top and blade point, and an acute angle formed by inclined plane and blade body. The plane is an inverted triangle. The cutting part further includes first and second hemlines extending from the blade body and intersecting to the blade point. A first plane extends between the top and first hemline and intersects with the inclined plane. The blade body includes a large protrusion which protrudes in the same direction as the primary protrusion. The blade sets formed by the thin blades and the manufacturing method of the thin blades are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-paper jam protection device for shredders comprising a paper thickness detecting device, an indicating device and a controlling device, wherein the paper thickness detecting device is an electromagnetic induction paper thickness detecting device comprising a contact element, an electromagnetic element and an electromagnetic induction element, the contact element is connected rotatably to the body of the shredder, one end of which is positioned in the paper inserting passage, on the other end of which is mounted the electromagnetic element, the electromagnetic induction element is mounted on the body of the shredder and spaced with the electromagnetic element face to face, and the controlling device is in line connection with the electromagnetic induction element, the present invention controls the thickness of the paper to be shredded during the paper inserting stage, and shreds paper automatically only in a predetermined value range, to avoid abnormalities that result

Abstract: A machine for distributing blowing wool from a bag of compressed blowing wool is provided. The machine includes a chute having an inlet end configured to receive the bag of compressed blowing wool. A shredding chamber is associated with the chute and configured to shred and pick apart the blowing wool. The shredding chamber includes a plurality of shredders. Each shredder has a plurality of paddle assemblies mounted for rotation on a shredder shaft in a manner such that paddle assemblies on one shredder shaft correspond to paddle assemblies on an adjacent shredder shaft. Each of the plurality of paddle assemblies on one shredder shaft has a major axis and each of the corresponding paddles assemblies on the adjacent shredder shaft has a major axis. The plurality of paddle assemblies is arranged such that the major axes of the corresponding paddle assemblies have an indexed arrangement.

Abstract: A device for breaking up compressed masses of fibers into pieces of fiber and transporting the pieces of fiber, comprising: an intake chute; a plurality of break-up implements mounted on a plurality of shafts rotatably mounted within the intake chute; a plurality of devices with protrusions, where the plurality of devices are mounted on a plurality of shafts rotatably mounted within the intake chute; and a transportation device. A compressed mass of fibers may be placed within the intake chute, the compressed mass of fibers may come into contact with the plurality of break-up implements, the compressed mass of fibers may be broken into large pieces of fiber by the break-up implements, the larger pieces of fiber may come into contact with the plurality of devices, the larger pieces of fiber may be broken into small pieces of fiber by the devices, and the small pieces of fiber may fall onto the transportation device.

Abstract: A combination thermoforming trim press and comminuting apparatus is provided. The combination includes a horizontal trim press, a comminuting apparatus, and a height-adjustable delivery chute. The trim press has an exit for downwardly delivering a scrap web of thermoformable sheet material. The comminuting apparatus is provided beneath the exit and has an entrance for receiving the scrap web. The height-adjustable delivery chute is provided between the trim press exit and the comminuting apparatus entrance and includes a first section, a second section telescopically received relative to the first section to provide height adjustment, and a fastener for securing the chute at a selected height to substantially close any gaps between the trim press exit, the comminuting apparatus entrance and the delivery chute to eliminate any need for a shielding cage to prevent internal finger and limb access by an operator.

Abstract: Disclosed is an auto-feed built-in a paper shredder, including a pair of bisecting lids that are each provided at an inside thereof with a paper press, a paper receiving compartment, an auto-feed, and a paper shredding device located exactly below the auto-feed, wherein the auto-feed includes a paper tray, a paper inlet and two roller assemblies; the paper inlet and the paper shredding device located therebelow are aligned along an identical central axis; the two roller assemblies are provided at opposing sides of the paper inlet in parallel and project into the paper tray, whereby after placing a pile of paper into the paper receiving compartment to be supported by the paper tray, and closing the bisecting lids, the paper presses provided at the insides of the lids would apply a force against the pile of paper, such that a bottommost paper of the pile of paper would be folded in half by the two rollers rotating towards each other and then fed into the paper inlet to be subsequently shredded by the paper shre

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic paper supply apparatus for a paper shredder which can shred stapled paper sheets regardless of the volume or thickness of the paper sheets to be shredded. The present invention can shred stapled paper sheets without need to previously remove the staples thereof, increases the user's safety, and prevents damage to the apparatus.

Abstract: A device for comminuting feedstock is provided that includes a cutting tool with a first rotor and at least one second rotor, each of which rotate around their longitudinal axis with an opposite rotation direction. Each rotor is provided with a number of cutting discs, which are arranged at an axial distance to one another. In this case, the cutting discs of the first rotor are located on gaps and with radial overlapping relative to the cutting discs of the second rotor. The cutting discs along their circumference have support surfaces for accepting cutting tools, whose cutting edges move past one another over the course of the rotation of rotors with the formation of a cutting clearance. For the positionally precise fixation of the cutting tool on the cutting discs, a positive fit is formed between the cutting tools and cutting discs, a positive fit groove running in the plane of the cutting disc is arranged in the common contact area, the groove in which at least one positive fit strip engages.

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: The combined shredder mailbox apparatus provides a single case having a mailbox with downwardly pivoted door positioned above a drawer. The shredder is disposed within the case between the mailbox and the drawer. The apparatus thereby allows a user to shred unwanted mail items rather than carry them elsewhere for disposal. Typical electrical plug, the solar panel and battery, or both can power the apparatus. The heavy duty shredder can shred up to 10 folded sheets or paper at once. The shredder can also shred credit cards and the like and compact discs.

Abstract: A document scrapping apparatus is provided which allows the user to visually check again a document in each scrap job and make a final decision as to whether or not to scrap the entire document in each scrap job, thus avoiding an undesired execution of scrap job.

Abstract: The present invention provides a double-functional rolling blade wheel group having two rolling blade wheels. Each of the rolling blade wheels includes a number of rolling blades arranged in a longitudinal direction thereof. The rolling blades of one rolling blade wheel cooperate with the rolling blades on the other rolling blade wheel, so as to shred objects. Each of the rolling blade wheels forms at least two shredding areas along the longitudinal direction thereof. The number of blade rows along a circumference direction of one shredding area and the number of the rolling blades in each blade row along the longitudinal direction of the shredding area are different from those formed on the other shredding area.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for canceling, in particular destroying, sheet material, in particular bank notes. The apparatus includes at least one canceling means to which the sheet material to be canceled is fed, in which the fed sheet material is canceled, in particular destroyed, and from which the canceled sheet material is discharged. The apparatus also includes at least one supervising means for monitoring the sheet material being discharged or having been discharged from said canceling means. For improved monitoring of the cancellation of sheet material, in particular with respect to malfunctions, there is provided at least one monitoring means for monitoring the fed sheet material. The fed sheet material is compared to the sheet material being discharged or having been discharged in an evaluation means.

Abstract: The invention discloses a water cooling paper shredder which includes a power management unit; and a shredding mechanism. The shredding mechanism comprises a motor, a conveying mechanism and a pair of shredding rollers, the motor being powered by the power management unit, torque of the motor being transferred by the conveying mechanism to the pair of the shredding rollers, thus causing shredding action of the shredding rollers. A heat dissipation device is provided on the motor to conduct heat outside of the motor itself. The temperature of the stator portion can be reduced effectively by means of water cooling and finally, causing temperature reduction within the motor. Therefore, the paper shredder can be cooled with high efficiency.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for destroying sheet material, comprising shredding means (2) for shredding the sheet material and a feed conveyor system (3) for feeding sheet material to be destroyed to the shredding means from a feed location, wherein the feed conveyor system is arranged for feeding sheet material to be destroyed to the shredding means from a number of different feed locations (4). The invention further provides a system for sorting and destroying sheet material.

Abstract: A shredder having a safety feature(s) that reduces potential safety hazards by detecting the temperature of a shredder motor and issuing a warning as an predetermined overheat temperature approaches.

Abstract: An anti-jam knife device for a paper shredder is characterized in that a circular parting wheel is provided on a blade shaft and is closely adjacent to a guide-parting plate, with an outer diameter of the parting wheel being higher than a parting knife-edge at a bottom of a notch of the guide-parting plate. Therefore, when shredding plural pieces of paper, the paper is cut first by the guide-parting plate associated with the parting wheel, and is then shredded by plural original sets of blades to prevent from paper jam.

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.

Abstract: A shredder intake limiting device having a pair of parallel bars, wherein the ends of the bars are supported by a pair of side supports. Each side support comprises a floor surface flanked by two upwardly-diverging sidewall surfaces. The angle of the sidewall surfaces is such that the bars will be prevented from separating beyond a desired limit when sheet material is being inserted downward into the shredder. When sheet material is being pulled upward during removal after a jam, the diverging angles of the sidewall surfaces will allow the bars to travel upward and the horizontal separation distance to increase, thereby allowing the jammed material to be easily removed.

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 thickness detector device having a contact portion in a throat of a housing. The contact portion is movable by a thickness between opposing major surfaces of at least one article being received by the throat. The thickness detector device includes a detectable portion movable by the contact portion, and a detector for detecting at least one position of the detectable portion that includes a position when the detectable portion has been moved by the contact portion by an amount that correlates to a predetermined maximum thickness. A controller is coupled to the thickness detector, is operable to prevent a motor from driving cutter elements in a shredding direction responsive to the detector detecting that the detectable portion has been moved by the amount that correlates to the predetermined maximum thickness, and is configured to vary the predetermined maximum thickness based on receiving an input parameter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shredder that includes a housing having a movable part that forms at least a part of an opening for the insertion of articles to be fed into the shredder. A detector detects motion of the movable part, and in response, a controller performs a predetermined operation, including, for example, stopping cutting elements of the shredder mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shredder having a rotatable device located at least partially between a shredder mechanism and a bottom of an output opening of the shredder housing. The rotatable device includes a shaft configured to rotate about an axis parallel to an axis of the cutting assembly so as to allow for rotation of the device. The rotatable device has a plurality of fingers or fins extending at least partially radially from the shaft. The rotatable device is able to rotate about the shaft axis in either direction, so as to disperse any accumulation of shredded materials in the waste bin, as well as remove shredded materials caught in or near the cutting assembly within and adjacent the output opening.

Abstract: A paper shredding roller assembly comprises of a left roller (1), a right roller (2) juxtaposed to said left roller (1), a plurality of left and right circular knives (3, 4) are attached axially to said left and right roller (1, 2) in a spiral fashion, and spaced with each other by a predetermined distance (H). Pluralities of left cutting tips (31) are disposed around a circumference of the left circular knife (3) and a plurality of right cutting tips (41) are disposed around a circumference of the right circular knife (4). The paper shredding roller assembly is characterized in that: each left circular knife (3) comprises of a plurality of sloping cutting edges (5) disposed around the circumference thereof, corresponding with the right cutting tips (41); and each right circular knife (4) comprises of a plurality of sloping cutting edges (5) disposed around the circumference thereof, corresponding with the left cutting tips (31).

Abstract: A shredder is disclosed having a dual stage cutting mechanism. The dual stage cutting mechanism generally includes two pairs of cutters for performing two distinct cutting operations. The pair of first cutters is configured to pierce rows of staggered cross-cuts into material to create a waffle-like pattern. Disposed below the pair of first cutters, the pair of second cutters is configured to strip cut the pierced material.

Abstract: A round cutter-blade of a paper shredder includes a body having a surface, a periphery, and an opening formed therethrough; and at least one triangular shaped knife-edge that is integrally formed with the surface of the body and is turned over the periphery of the body. The cutter-blade can cut broken paper into short fragments, thus raising the secure requirement greatly and reducing the cost due to a reduction of thickness of the round cutter-blade.

Abstract: A shredding machine having loading section including a radially mounted pusher rod for driving materials placed with the loading section toward the cutting device. The radially mounted pusher rod may be spring loaded so as to exert resilient force on the materials during a shredding operation. At the end of a cycle, powered control arm returns the pusher rod to its original position.

Abstract: A shredding machine is disclosed for shredding sheet material such as paper documents. The machine comprises an electric cutting mechanism which is operable to shred the sheet material, and has a collection bin arranged below the cutting mechanism for collection of the resulting shreds. The collection bin is movable in a pivotal manner between a first position in which it permits operation of the cutting mechanism and collects the shreds, and a second position in which it stops operation of the cutting mechanism. The bin is configured to move from the first position to the second position in response to the weight of shreds collected in the bin and the force acting on the collected shreds by fresh shreds exiting the cutting mechanism exceeding a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A shredder is disclosed having a gas detection system. According to one embodiment, one or more sensors may be placed inside the housing of the shredder to detect the presence of gases, and in particular, flammable or combustible gases. If a gas is sprayed into the shredder, the sensor(s) will detect the gas and the shredder may be deactivated. In addition, an exhaust fan may also be activated to purge the gas from the housing. Further, one or more indicators may be provided to alert the user that the sensor has detected gas. For example, a visible signal and/or audible sound may be generated to alert the user that the sensor has detected a flammable or combustible gas.

Abstract: The present invention is a shredder-granulator comprised of a plurality of rotary shear blades and a plurality of stationary bed knives fixedly attached to two counter-rotating shafts. The stationary bed knives are also secured to a frame. The shredder-granulator is capable of shredding and granulating materials in a single pass.

Abstract: A mobile shredder has a shredder mounted in a truck box in combination with a vibratory hopper. The vibratory hopper is open on one side and opens into a fixed hopper. The fixed hopper is mounted on the shredder and is shaped to direct material to be shredded into the shredder. The vibratory hopper and the fixed hopper are located immediately adjacent to one another, but slightly apart from one another, so that vibration of the vibratory hopper does not cause vibration of the fixed hopper.

Abstract: Shredding devices and methods are disclosed for automatically feeding multiple sheets of paper to be simultaneously shredded. The shredding devices include an auto feed portion for receiving and advancing the paper to be shredded. Certain examples include a paper feed tray and an auto feed assembly having a rotatable elongated shaft and a plurality of disks disposed thereon. As the elongated shaft rotates, the plurality of disks engages a stack of paper present in the feed tray and advances multiple sheets of the stack of paper to shredding blades. Certain feed trays are further configured to fold into a top portion of the housing during non-use and can advantageously protect the auto feed assembly. Certain shredding devices further include at least one feed slot for receiving material manually fed into the shredding device by the user.

Abstract: There is provided a document destruction apparatus including: a destruction section that destroys documents; a conveyance section that conveys documents to the destruction section a page at a time; a reading section that is disposed partway along the conveyance section and that, from a document to which identification information for identifying the document has been applied to each page at at least one of a conveyance direction leading end side and trailing end side, reads the identification information at each page; and an alteration section that, in a case in which the identification information has been read at the conveyance direction leading end side by the reading section, alters a conveyance direction of the page that has been read such that the page will be conveyed from the conveyance direction trailing end side.

Abstract: A shredder is disclosed. The shredder has an external frame, and includes an internal waste container space that has an upper primary waste container, and a lower secondary waste container, all positioned beneath a shredder mechanism that includes a motor and cutter elements. The shredder mechanism is positioned so that shredded waste falls into the primary waste container. In the event that waste falls outside the primary waste container, due to the primary waste container being full or for other reasons, the waste can be caught in the lower secondary waste container. A sweep mounted to the bottom of the primary waste container in some variations can push or pull shredded waste into the secondary waste container as the primary waste container is removed from the external frame in a generally horizontal direction. The secondary waste container may also include a handle to facilitate removal in some variations. Other variations and improvements to shredders are also disclosed.

Abstract: This specialized domestic grinding containers system, the manual version of which is completely environmentally friendly, allows us to reduce the excessive amount of varied urban waste generated by daily consumption, using a system of piercing/crushing blades which are set transversely on their supporting shafts and which, when sufficiently locked together, enable waste to be reduced to one-fifth of the initial volume thereof by specially arranging the shafts and using different types of blades and hammers for each type of waste (plastic, cans, tetra bricks, paper, glass, organic material and another combined blade system for reject waste).

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to an apparatus having cutter elements for destroying articles such as paper sheets and a mechanism for advancing at least a top sheet from a stack of paper in a tray into the cutter elements for shredding. In one embodiment, the apparatus uses a rotatable feed roller to feed paper atop the stack to the cutter elements. The feed roller moves in an alternating manner between a lowered and raised position to engage and disengage the stack when advancing the paper therethrough. Alternatively, a rotatable cam may be used. In an embodiment, the apparatus uses a rotatable drum or rotatable belt with an internal vacuum to lift paper from the stack and feed into the shredder mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shredder having a throat for receiving at least one article to be shredded therethrough and a shredder mechanism received in a shredder housing which is driven to shred the at least one article fed therein. At least one sensor emits and detects radiation to detect the presence of the at least one article or shredded particles. The sensor communicates with a controller to operate the shredder mechanism. The controller also calibrates an intensity of the radiation of the sensor(s) to or within a predetermined amount above a minimum level in order to reduce wear and run-on conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shredder having a throat for receiving at least one article to be shredded therethrough and a shredder mechanism received in a shredder housing which is driven to shred the at least one article fed therein. At least one light-emitting diode (LED) acts as a sensor by emitting and detecting radiation when operated in a forward-biased and reverse-biased direction. The LED(s) may be used to detect the presence of the at least one article in the throat or an amount of shredded particles in a bin. The LED(s) communicate with a controller to operate the shredder mechanism. The controller may also calibrate an intensity of the radiation to or within a predetermined amount above a minimum level in order to reduce wear and run-on conditions.

Abstract: An ice dispenser for dispensing ice that includes a housing having an inlet opening for introducing uncomminuted pieces of ice into the housing and an outlet opening for dispensing at least one of the uncomminuted pieces of ice or comminuted pieces of ice from the housing. The ice dispenser further includes an ice comminution device including a rotatable shaft supporting a blade arrangement and a counterblade arrangement operable to rotate along with the rotatable shaft, and a locking device, wherein based on a position of the locking device, the counterblade arrangement is operated to rotate along with the shaft or to be fixed with the housing. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the at least one counterblade of the counterblade arrangement includes a catch for engaging with a counter-catch of the locking device. As such, an undesired release of the counter blade for the locking means may be prevented.

Abstract: A cutter is provided to cut scrap wire into pieces. The cutter includes a base with a fixed shaft and a floating shaft parallel to the fixed shaft, a resilient connection device supporting the floating shaft, a master gear rotatably mounted on the fixed shaft, and a slave gear rotatably mounted on the floating shaft and engaging the master gear. Teeth of the master gear are pointed and an angle of the teeth of the master gear is less than 60°. A force provided by the resilient connection device is parallel to the center lines of the master gear and the slave gear, and when scrap wire is fed into the cutter, the master gear and the slave gear collectively cut the scrap wire into pieces.