Abstract: A shredding machine for domestic or office use having a feed passage 3 leading to a cutting mechanism 10, 11 powered by an electric motor, has a thickness measuring device 15 for measuring the thickness of bundles of paper fed through the feed passage and the machine is controlled by a microprocessor which receives signals from the thickness measuring device and prevents the cutting mechanism from being energised if the thickness measured is above a threshold determined by the microprocessor. The microprocessor varies the threshold in accordance with electrical supply voltage, the electric motor temperature and the electric current drawn by the motor during a previous shredding operation, so that the maximum thickness the shredder will accept can be reduced automatically when motor temperature increases or as the effectiveness of the machine deteriorates throughout its working life.

Abstract: A method has been developed that estimates from the on line measurements of readily available process variables the proportion of the mass of fiber in the refining zone of a chip refiner relative to the mass with a full refining zone. This estimate of the filling factor is used to determine the margin available to load the refiner and the control action needed to avoid abnormal operation.

Abstract: A shredder includes a housing having an opening for the insertion of media to be shredded. A cutting assembly for the shredding of media is disposed in the housing. A media detector including an infrared emitter and an infrared sensor is disposed about the opening for the detection of the presence of media to be shredded in the opening. A controller is disposed in the housing and is in responsive communication with the media detector for controlling the operation of the cutting assembly. The controller is programmed with a dynamic media detection threshold that is at least in part passed upon an emission sensed value and a background sensed value.

Abstract: An automatic depth controlled cutting assembly for a stump grinder includes a cutting assembly operatively attached to a stump grinder for engaging and grinding a stump, an actuating assembly to actuate movement of the cutting assembly relative to the stump, and an automatic depth control system cooperating with the actuating assembly to automatically control a depth of the cutting assembly relative to the stump.

Abstract: An apparatus includes: a disposal unit; a control unit configured to stop operation of the disposal unit; and a metal detector coil and associated circuitry, the metal detector coil located such that waste passing into the disposal unit for shredding passes through the metal detector coil. The control unit is triggered to stop operation of the disposal unit upon the detection of metal passing through the metal detector coil.

Abstract: Visual detection of food waste is used to control flow of flushing water to a food waste disposer. When the disposer is turned on, flushing water is also turned on at a low flow rate. The flushing water is directed into the food waste disposer. A visual detection sensor, which is coupled to a controller, is oriented to detect food waste entering the food waste disposer. Upon detection of the presence of food waste, the controller changes the rate of flow of the flushing water from the low flow rate to a high flow rate. The controller maintains the flow rate of the flushing water at the high flow rate for as long as food waste is detected as entering the food waste disposer and for a period after food waste is no longer detected to allow the food waste to be comminuted and flushed from the food waste disposer.

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: Embodiments of the invention provide a machine that blends liquids and/or shaves ice. The machine includes a motor and a control system with an integrated power factor correction circuit and a drive circuit. The integrated power factor correction circuit receives input power from a mains power line, reduces noise transmitted to the mains power line, and provides a boosted, regulated output voltage. The drive circuit is connected to the motor and uses the regulated output voltage in order to control an effective voltage applied to the motor substantially independent of the voltage and frequency of the input power.

Abstract: A putrescible organic waste treatment system comprising a comminution unit configured to substantially comminute putrescible organic waste into a pulp slurry. The comminution unit is adapted for connection to a supply of water. A controller can control the flow rate and/or volume of water supplied to the comminution unit and control the comminution unit. The controller is responsive to one or more operating parameters of the comminution unit in order to control the quantity of water supplied to the comminution unit to produce a waste pulp having a predetermined physical characteristic.

Abstract: A food processor with a safety design includes a cover, a container consisting of a container body, a blade, a first electrical connector, a low-level sensor, a high-level sensor and a cover sensor, and a base holding therein a second electrical connector, a driving module, a heating module and a control unit. When the base and the container are assembled and the cover is closed on the container body, the second electrical connector is connected to the first electrical connector, and the driving module is coupled with the blade. The control unit receives sensing signals from the low-level sensor, the high-level sensor and the cover sensor, and drives the driving module to rotate the blade and the heating module to heat an accommodation chamber of the container body subject to the sensing signals.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance for processing foodstuff includes a housing enclosing a motor. A bowl is removably mountable to the housing. The bowl includes a mouth for receiving a rotatable tool within the bowl. A bowl lid is removably mountable on to the mouth of the bowl. A clamping mechanism is movably attached to the bowl lid and removably engagable with at least a portion of the bowl. The clamping mechanism is movable between a first position for engaging at least a portion of the bowl to retain the bowl lid on the mouth of the bowl and a second position spaced-apart from the bowl for allowing the bowl lid to be removed from the bowl. The kitchen appliance being assembled without rotating the bowl relative to the housing or the lid relative to the bowl.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance includes a housing enclosing a motor and a switch mechanism. A bowl is removably mountable onto the housing. At least one actuation member is movable between a first position and a second position. A bowl lid is removably mountable onto the upper rim of the bowl. When the bowl lid is properly positioned onto the upper rim of the bowl, the motor is actuated or permitted to be actuated by pressing downwardly on the lid such that at least a portion of one of a plurality of flanges of the bowl contacts at least a portion of the actuation member to force the actuation member to the second position.

Abstract: A safety system prevents cutting machine operators from being accidentally carried through the infeed chute into the machine's cutting mechanism. An operator wears a safety device on his wrist and/or ankle and a sensor array mounts on opposing sides of the cutting machine's infeed chute. The sensor array elements are wound in opposite directions and connect in series opposing. The magnetic field of the safety device induces a current in the sensor array as it moves in the proximity of the sensor array. The safety system generates a signal which is proportional to the sum of the induced currents. When the signal exceeds a threshold, the safety system shuts off power to the feed mechanism and/or the cutting blades of the cutting machine, preventing injury to the operator.

Abstract: A refrigeration device includes an actuating element, and an ice crusher which is activated by the actuating element and configured to crush ice for a period of time during which the actuating element is actuated. The ice crusher is configured to release the crushed ice after actuation of the actuating element has concluded or after a preselectable period of time has elapsed.

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 document shredder with a motor, a cutting unit, and a motor control, wherein the motor control may start, stop and reverse the motor. The motor control may limit the maximally allowed load of the motor to a predetermined load limit value. In case the motor reaches the maximally allowed load limit value, the load limit value may be increased for a predetermined time, either manually or automatically. In this way a short overload does not lead to a paper jam and the shredder does not have to be reversed, which may cause a paper mess in the workplace. The motor may be a direct current motor and/or a series motor, so that the load limit value may be defined by a maximally allowable motor current.

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: This disclosure describes systems and methods for grinding and reducing spices prior to application of the spices. In some embodiments, a spice grinding system may include a powered base and at least a first spice container. The powered base may include an electric motor and a control system. The control system may function to activate the electric motor. The first spice container may be releasably couplable to the powered base. In some embodiments, the first spice container may include a first opening in the first spice container configured to contain spice. In some embodiments, the first spice container may include a grinding mechanism. The powered base may function to rotate a portion of the first spice container and simultaneously inhibit another portion of the first spice container from rotating, in order to grind/sift spice in the first spice container.

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: In order to detect a lack of coffee beans in a grinder unit of a coffee maker, a method is suggested in which the level and/or the spectrum of an oscillation generated by the grinder unit during its operation is measured. The level of the oscillation and/or the nature of the spectrum are used to decide whether or not coffee beans are present in the grinder unit. Preferably, the level of oscillation of the housing of the coffee grinder unit is monitored. If the level changes by more than a preset value and/or falls below a reference value, it is decided that coffee beans are lacking.

Abstract: A blender control apparatus and method includes monitoring the operation of a blender motor as a measure of monitoring the quality and results of blending. By connecting a feedback sensor to the motor, it is possible to determine whether a blend process is complete. It is also possible to identify when cavitation is occurring or about to occur. In another aspect, the blender controls are directed to an improved method for portion blending. The method includes a two-step query to the user to determine both a predetermined blender cycle and the number of portions to be blended.

Abstract: An integrated medical waste management and treatment system may include sensors, interlocks, communications links and/or other features for determining if the waste itself, the decontaminating disinfectant used in the process, or the status of the system are consistent with recommended or authorized system operation. System operation may be terminated if a condition inconsistent with recommended or authorized system operation is detected. Such compliance apparatus may include an electronic scale for determining the weight of the waste loaded into the receiver compartment, a metal detector, or a sensor for determining if the decontaminating disinfectant is a recommended or authorized disinfectant. A communications link may be provided one or more systems to transmit information to a central station to deliver updates or commands associated with the recommended or authorized operation of each system.

Abstract: A blender control apparatus and method includes monitoring the operation of a blender motor as a measure of monitoring the quality and results of blending. By connecting a feedback sensor to the motor, it is possible to determine whether a blend process is complete. It is also possible to identify when cavitation is occurring or about to occur. In another aspect, the blender controls are directed to an improved method for portion blending. The method includes a two-step query to the user to determine both a predetermined blender cycle and the number of portions to be blended.

Abstract: A machine for destructing glass medicine vials comprises a housing having a cover with glass vial input tubes mounted thereon such that the tubes pass through a top surface of the cover. Located within the housing is a motor-driven rotor on which is mounted at least one pair of generally circular disks, where the disks have insets formed therein defining a pocket for receiving a portion of a vial therein. The rotor is positioned such that a vial dropped down the vial inlet tube will come to rest on the periphery of the pair of disks with a portion of the vial still disposed in the tube. The vial will ultimately drop into their insets as the rotor turns. A tooth formed in the periphery of the insets fractures the vial and the shards fall through an open bottom of the housing.

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: The present invention may be used to process various foods by pressing them through a receiving receptacle equipped with a processing disk. A body may have a plurality of platforms, frames and support configurations conducive for efficient function. A motor may be in the uppermost section of the body. A switch of choice may activate the motor and set in motion the press process. A ball bearing assembly and press assembly may complete the food press processing function. A receiving receptacle may receive produce for processing by the press plate and push produce through a processing disk, cup or sieve. A set of micro switches may serve to control the electric and mechanical function specific to the task. A press plate with configurations compatible to the disk selected may complete the process when the processed produce is dispensed into a dish or appropriate container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvement to a bucket-type jaw crusher used for treatment of slag and other waste. In a bucket-type jaw crusher provided with a bucket (1) attached to an arm of a construction machine, a fixed jaw (5) fixed in the bucket, and a moving jaw (6) opposed to the fixed jaw (5) and pivotally supported on the top by an eccentric shaft (7) and supported on the bottom by a toggle mechanism and crushing slag and other materials to be crushed by reciprocating swing of the moving jaw (6), a motor (9) for rotating the eccentric shaft (7) forward and reverse is provided in the bucket and crushing control means is provided which automatically rotates the eccentric shaft (7) in reverse by the motor (9) and then, rotates the shaft forward when crushing the material to be crushed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling a mill system having at least one mill, e.g., an ore mill or cement mill, wherein electrical power is drawn from a power network to rotate at least one mill body for comminuting a material fed to the at least one mill body. One or more control variables of the mill system are regulated such that the power drawn from the power network corresponds to a predetermined setpoint power draw-off for the mill system. The method may provide control power in the power network for compensating for fluctuations in energy generation due to increased use of regenerative energies. The method may be used, e.g., to regulate high energy mill systems, e.g., tube mills, SAG mills, or ball mills, such that even relatively large quantities can be made available as control power in the power network.

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 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 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 milling device for performing a milling operation comprising a milling unit comprising a housing defining a milling chamber that can be filled with a material to be milled, a rotor assembly rotatably mounted in the housing, and a screen assembly for fractionating the material milled by the rotor assembly in movement and extending below the rotor assembly; and a drive unit adapted for controlling the movements of the rotor assembly relative to the screen assembly during the milling operation; wherein said drive unit is configured to produce an oscillating movement of the rotor assembly, the oscillating movement having an oscillation angle that can be varied during the milling operation when controlling the movements of the rotor assembly relative to the screen assembly. The milling device has improved milling efficiency.

Abstract: A selective collection system for recyclable containers comprising of a housing part, a material identification device, a control device, a collection part and a shredding device and/or a compressing device. The material identification device identifies the input material and transmits a signal to the control device, which categorizes the input material into a plastic bottle, a can, or other material based on the signal. The shredding device receives and shreds the input material if the input material is identified as a plastic bottle by the material identification device. The compressing device receives and compresses the input material if the input material is identified as a can. Other materials are collected by the collection part without any processing. The control device controls the overall operation of the selective collection system and comprises a display to display advertisements, messages and/or announcements.

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: Solid-state shear pulverization of semi-crystalline polymers and copolymers thereof and related methods for enhanced crystallization kinetics and physical/mechanical properties.

Abstract: An electrical appliance, such as a shredder, having low standby power consumption is provided. A power isolation circuit is positioned to electrically disconnect electronic components of the shredder from the shredder's primary power source. An auxiliary power source may generate or store power for powering electronic components, such as sensors or processors, while the primary power source is disconnected. A power isolation controller may use a timer, light detector, or user interaction sensors to determine whether to reconnect the primary power source to the electronic components.

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 food processor having a coupling point to attach a processing device to the food processor; a cover part; a detection device disposed at the coupling point, wherein the detection device detects the attached processing device or the cover part; wherein each of the processing device and the cover part has a respective actuating element to actuate the detection device; and wherein the detection device has at least a first actuating region and a second actuating region that is oriented differently from the first actuating region.

Abstract: Grinding system (1) comprising a grinding mill (2) and a reload cartridge (3) containing a material to be ground (37) and adapted to be removably mounted on the grinding mill. The cartridge has a closure member (33) which is opened by an opening member (18) of the grinding mill when the cartridge is coupled to the grinding mill.

Abstract: An improved method and machine for safely and properly crushing fluorescent lamps or tubes of various types, various sizes and various configurations is described. The inventive system discloses a machine comprising a housing which can be placed in a building or facility such a hardware store or other retail establishment which is easily accessible to the public. Rewards may be provides to the party/person disposing the fluorescent tubes such as redeemable coupons, etc, The machine thus encourages the public to safety crush and dispose fluorescent lamp tubes and thereby tends to increase the rate of recycling of fluorescent tubes. the invention also proves heating means for more quickly and safely reducing the hazardous mercury vapor contained in the crushed tubes.

Abstract: A food processor having a coupling point to attach a processing device to the food processor; a cover part; a detection device disposed at the coupling point, wherein the detection device detects the attached processing device or the cover part; wherein each of the processing device and the cover part has a respective actuating element to actuate the detection device; and wherein the detection device has at least a first actuating region and a second actuating region that is oriented differently from the first actuating region.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for a power-saving shredder, including motorized shredder blades; a shredder controller coupled to the motor controller; a timer coupled to the motor controller, and a mechanically-actuated switch (GREEN SWITCH) couples to the shredder controller. The GREEN SWITCH causes the shredder controller, the motor controller, the motorized shredder blades, and the timer to be activated. The Normally Off switch, when deactuated, causes motorized shredder blades to deactivate.

Abstract: A waste disposal unit for biologically hazardous waste includes a waste reception mechanism for receiving un-shredded waste, a housing having an interior containing a shredder mechanism and a storage volume for receiving shredded waste from the shredder mechanism. The housing is configured to prevent external access to the interior of the housing. In a first configuration of the waste reception mechanism, un-shredded waste may be received and access from the waste reception mechanism to the interior of the housing is closed. In a second configuration of the waste reception mechanism, access from the exterior of the waste disposal unit into the waste reception mechanism is closed and access from the waste reception mechanism into the interior of the housing is open to permit un-shredded waste to pass from the waste reception mechanism to the shredder mechanism. The waste disposal unit is engaged by a detachable shredder drive mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control system for a rotary grinder. Rotary grinders control systems of the present invention are, for example, used to grind plastic or wood to reduce the size of the material to a desired size. Material to be ground is forced by an hydraulic ram toward a rotor having a plurality of cutters thereon. The control system is capable of controlling the grinding operation as a function of ram velocity and pressure as well as power consumption by the rotor.

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.