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 processing apparatus and method includes a housing, including: a motor, and a drive shaft rotatable by a motor about a drive axis, including a drive engagement device movable along the drive axis, a bowl, the drive shaft extending into the bowl when the bowl is secured to the housing in a working position, a bowl lid including a chute, a lid shaft including a lid engagement device axially aligned with the drive shaft when the bowl and bowl lid are in the working position, and a pusher including a pusher engagement portion for causing the lid engagement device to move the drive engagement device into the refracted position when the bowl and bowl lid are in the working position, wherein, when the drive engagement device is in the refracted position, the drive shaft is rotatable by the motor.

Abstract: A shredder includes a shredder housing with a top head and a shredder mechanism receptacle. The top head has at least a first slot for receiving articles to be shredded. The shredder mechanism receptacle is connected to the top head for receiving a cutting assembly capable of shredding paper. A safety device is disposed in the shredder housing. The safety device includes a slot guard and gear system for selectively blocking the first slot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new-type dual-passage paper feeding safety structure for shredders comprising a shredder upper lid, a dual-passage paper feeding safety cover plate and a touch safety switch, touch components are arranged on the dual-passage paper feeding safety cover plate, the shredder upper lid has a paper inlet corresponding to the dual-passage paper feeding safety cover plate and above the set of paper shredding blade shafts of the shredders, the dual-passage paper feeding safety cover plate is arranged in the paper inlet, the middle parts of two ends of the dual-passage paper feeding safety cover plate is connected rotatably with the shredder upper lid, the touch safety switch is fixed inside the shredder upper lid and cooperated with the touch components so that the touch components would touch the touch safety switch when the dual-passage paper feeding safety cover plate is rotated to open and work, more preferably, the middle parts of two ends of the dual-passage paper feeding safet

Abstract: A lid 1 that is adapted to cover a food processor bowl 2 has a flexible sealing ring assembly 3 that is mounted to a lower surface of the lid 1, along the perimeter. The sealing assembly 3 includes resilient springs 4 that compress and relax in order to provide a downwardly biased force between the sealing assembly 3 and the upper rim 5 of a bowl 2 to which the lid 1 is mounted.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a permittivity-based paper shredder control system. The touching feature is implemented through a series of electronic circuits, taking input from a conductive touch panel on the shredder feed throat, processing the signal, and through a motor driving circuit, stopping the mechanical parts of the shredder. The system has a touch detection circuit unit, which contains a bioelectricity controlled switching circuit to sense the conductive touch panel. The bioelectricity controlled switching circuit is configured to trigger a ground switching circuit in the touch detection circuit unit which outputs to a multifunction bioshield controller. The bioshield controller then takes care of the remaining protection issues. The touching device for paper shredders protects humans and other living beings including pets from injuries through automatic and real time monitoring. The complete control process is both safe and sensitive.

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 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: A Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL's) contains approximately 4.3 mg of mercury vapor. The Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) Collection Apparatus is intended to provide a safe and reliable method for residential consumers to safely dispose of their spent CFL's. The apparatus looks similar to a standard size upright vending machine. It is used by residential customers at no cost. After inserting the spent CFL into the apparatus, the CFL collection process begins and the apparatus dispenses a discount product coupon to the user. This environmental health and safety incentive is courtesy of the retail store or facility owner where the Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) Collection Apparatus is located. A user inserted CFL is sealed behind an airtight entry chamber under negative vacuum pressure and mechanically fed into a collection chamber to be broken by a mechanical devise. The glass and metal fragments drop into a metal collection drum below.

Abstract: The subject application is directed to a food processing device to extract juice. The device includes an inlet coupled to a disintegrator. The inlet is configured to accept food items and the disintegrator configured to disintegrate food items passed through the inlet. The device further includes a separator that accepts the disintegrated food items and separates out the liquid components from the food item. The device further includes a reservoir that is coupled to the separator for accepting and holding the liquid components. The reservoir includes a translucent member for viewing of liquid levels within the reservoir, and a valved outlet. The valved outlet is configured to allow or prevent the flow of liquid from the reservoir through the valved outlet.

Abstract: This invention provides a safety system for electrically operated kitchen appliances such as blenders, food processors and the like, to protect users from contact with cutting or macerating implements which, in operation of such appliances, are rotated at reasonably high speeds by powerful electric motors. In order to provide a reliable and robust safety system which is economical to manufacture, the invention utilises a detent member (30, 50) which is rotatable with either the motor or the implement (80). A trapping member (110, 130), which is mobile between two positions along the motor's axis of rotation, but which cannot rotate, traps or releases the detent member, depending upon the trapping member's position. The trapping member (110, 130) is moved into the position at which the detent member (30, 50) is released only when a container (100) is correctly inserted into place to contain the implement. The invention also provides an electrically powered kitchen appliance incorporating such a safety system.

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: 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 wood chipper includes a housing having an inlet opening and a discharge outlet with a chipper disk rotatably mounted in the housing and having a chipper knife mounted on a front face thereof adjacent a chipper slot extending through the disk. A plurality of fins are mounted on the back face of the chipper disk. An inlet hopper is connected to the inlet opening and a blow back shield is mounted in the upper end portion of the hopper with the shield including an outer layer of clear synthetic material extending across the hopper and an inner layer of synthetic material extending part way underneath the length of the layer of clear synthetic material. The inner layer may be provided with a safety warning thereon which is visible through the outer layer of clear synthetic material. A discharge chute is connected to the discharge outlet which has inwardly angled plates around part thereof. Vent holes are provided in a wall of the housing which add air flow to the wood chipper when it is being operated.

Abstract: A food processor includes a base, a container having a side wall and an open end including a rim, and a lid for engaging the open end of the container in an operating position and a storage position. The lid has a top wall with a first and second principal surface, an annular ledge with a first and second side, and a food chute extending from the first principal surface generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the top wall. The food chute has a length and extends away from the container with the second side of the annular ledge contacting the rim of the container when the lid is in the operating position. When the lid is in the storage position, the food chute extends into an interior of the container with the first side of the annular ledge contacting the rim of the container.

Abstract: A juicer safety device includes a sidearm formed with the container and having a groove in a sidewall, a contact member on an upper surface of a chamber, a spring on the contact member, a position guide member in a sidewall of the chamber, and two projecting ridges with a slide groove between them; a push rod kept in position by the contact member, the position guide member and the two projecting ridges and having a push block with a side shoved by the spring and a guide block in the slide groove; a cap having a rotary member. The cap is closed on the container with the rotary member rotated to let a clamp block insert in the sidearm and push the push rod downwards to move a contact rod of the push rod downwards, touching and turning on a micro switch, which turns on the juicer to operate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a paper inlet safety protection device for shredders comprising an upper cover plate, a safety cover plate, a paper entrance block and an elastic component, the upper cover plate is connected rotatably with the upper cover plate, the first end of the upper cover plate covers the inlet of the paper entrance of the upper cove plate, the paper entrance block is arranged slideably toward the paper entrance and in the upper cover plate, and limits/is connected with the second end of the safety cover plate, two ends of the elastic component are connected 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 as a whole, 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, the present invention is designe

Abstract: An integrated beverage dispensing and cleaning system comprising: at least one blender module which blends and/or mixes ice, at least one other ingredient, and/or at least one mixin within a beverage container, thereby producing the beverage; and a cleaning assembly integrated with the blender module, wherein, upon removal of the beverage container from the blender module, a cleaning mode is initiated.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a touch-sensitive paper shredder control system. The touching feature is implemented through a series of electronic circuits, taking input from a conductive touch panel on the shredder feed throat, processing the signal, and through a motor driving circuit, stopping the mechanical parts of the shredder. The system has a touch detection circuit unit, which contains a bioelectricity controlled switching circuit to sense the conductive touch panel. The bioelectricity controlled switching circuit is configured to trigger a ground switching circuit in the touch detection circuit unit which outputs to a multifunction control circuit unit. The control circuit unit then takes care of the remaining protection issues. The touching device for paper shredders protects humans and other living beings including pets from injuries through automatic and real time monitoring. The complete control process is both safe and sensitive.

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: The present invention relates to providing active protection through a safe structure of a paper shredder. It comprises a paper shredder upper cover and a paper shredder plate disposed on the paper shredder upper cover. Different from prior art paper shredders, which are provided with independent safe switches, the paper shredder plate of the present invention, is configured with a touch structure and a safe power supply switch. When closed, the paper shredder plate prevents users from accidentally touching the shredding blade, and the like. Inside the paper shredder, it starts the paper shredder and guarantees the paper shredder's normal operation on the one hand, and prevents forced feeding of non-expected items on the other hand. In the later case, the structure disposed on the inner surface of the paper shredder plate provides dual protection and is capable of stopping the paper shredding from working, whereby the safety of users is enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shredder with an automated lubricating system.

Abstract: An interlock system for actuating a switch to interrupt a flow of electrical current to a component of a domestic electrical appliance is described. The current is interrupted unless a sensor indicates that the appliance is in a safe condition, and the system includes a rod-like member which is turned about its own axis through at least a predetermined angle, when the appliance is safe, to actuate the switch to permit current to flow. The safe condition is typified by the secure placement of a lid or cover on a receptacle in a manner intended for operation of the appliance. Moreover, the lid or cover for the receptacle may be formed with an upstanding, chimney-like feed-tube through which food items can be added for processing in the receptacle, and a “pusher” device, sized to fit closely within the feed tube, is further provided, by means of which a user can urge foodstuffs into the receptacle for processing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new-type dual-passage paper feeding safety structure for shredders comprising a shredder upper lid, a dual-passage paper feeding safety cover plate and a touch safety switch, touch components are arranged on the dual-passage paper feeding safety cover plate, the shredder upper lid has a paper inlet corresponding to the dual-passage paper feeding safety cover plate and above the set of paper shredding blade shafts of the shredders, the dual-passage paper feeding safety cover plate is arranged in the paper inlet, the middle parts of two ends of the dual-passage paper feeding safety cover plate is connected rotatably with the shredder upper lid, the touch safety switch is fixed inside the shredder upper lid and cooperated with the touch components so that the touch components would touch the touch safety switch when the dual-passage paper feeding safety cover plate is rotated to open and work, more preferably, the middle parts of two ends of the dual-passage paper feeding safet

Abstract: A shredder includes a housing, a shredder mechanism including a motor and cutter elements, a capacitive sensor, and a controller. The capacitive sensor is configured to detect the capacitance of an entity attempting to operate the shredder and thereby detect an appropriate indication of the relative size of the entity because relative size can be an effective indicator of age of the entity. The controller is coupled to the capacitive sensor and is configured to enable/disable operation of the shredder based on the detected capacitance. As a result, the controller and capacitive sensor are configured to cooperate to detect some indication of age, and therefore, maturity, to safely operate the shredder. As a result, a mechanism is provided which results in an increased safety function for the shredder by ensuring that the operator is capable of safely operating the shredder.

Abstract: Active protection system for a paper shredder, which includes an upper cover and a shedder plate on the upper cover. The paper shredder plate includes a touch structure, which engagingly interacts with a preferential power supply switch. When closed, the shredder plate prevents contact with the shredding blade. When opened, the shredder plate both initiates shredder normal operation, and prevents feeding of unexpected items into the shredder making accidental contact with the shredding blade. When an unexpected item contacts the safety structure, beneath the paper shredder plate, the protection system switches off the shredder power supply.

Abstract: A paper shredder which prevents cutting fingers is composed of a plurality of stops at two sides of a slot hole of a rack of two blade tools inside the paper shredder. The stops, which are aligned in alternation, are emplaced respectively between two blades. When a paper drop opening at a bottom cap is aligned with the slot hole of the rack, the stops will limit space the paper drop opening extending into the blade tool, which prevents from inserting fingers into the paper drop opening to be cut by the blade tool, and also prevents from putting in extraneous material to cause malfunction of the paper shredder.

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: A safety accessory for coffee grinders-dispensers includes a substantially cylindrical sleeve having a lower annular portion removably 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 wood chipper includes a housing having an inlet opening and a discharge outlet with a chipper disk rotatably mounted in the housing and having a chipper knife mounted on a front face thereof adjacent a chipper slot extending through the disk. A plurality of fins are mounted on the back face of the chipper disk. An inlet hopper is connected to the inlet opening and a blow back shield is mounted in the upper end portion of the hopper with the shield including an outer layer of clear synthetic material extending across the hopper and an inner layer of synthetic material extending part way underneath the length of the layer of clear synthetic material. The inner layer may be provided with a safety warning thereon which is visible through the outer layer of clear synthetic material. A discharge chute is connected to the discharge outlet which has inwardly angled plates around part thereof. Vent holes are provided in a wall of the housing which add air flow to the wood chipper when it is being operated.

Abstract: A comminuting apparatus, particularly a document shredder, having an approximately funnel-shaped feeding area for the material that is to be comminuted. A flap is provided to constrict the feeding area to a narrow feeding path and extends across the width thereof. The flap is pivotally and/or movably mounted in the feeding area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a food processor and a cover thereof. The food processor cover comprises a feed tube which extends upwardly from an upper cover surface, a safety rod assembly, a locking device, and a feed tube lid assembly pivotally mounted on said feed tube; said feed tube lid assembly includes a safety food entrance. By enlarging the size of feed tubes and food entrances, larger sized food is able to go through in larger quantities.

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: 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: The disclosed mulcher has a base unit and a shredding blade in a removable assembly. Two different embodiments are disclosed. In both embodiments, shredded material is removed from air exiting the shredding blade before it reaches an exhaust port. In one embodiment, the material is removed by a filter. In the other embodiment, walls are arranged so that debris must double back against high-speed airflow leaving the shredding blade before exiting the unit. The shredding blade can be mounted in front of and on the same shaft as an air impeller, with the back surface of the shredding blade being supported by the impeller. In another embodiment, the air impeller and the shredding blade are carried in assemblies that are separable from each other and are each separately attachable to a base unit. A detachable power module and a detachable blower are also shown. The power module has a safety switch that disables the power module when it is removed.

Abstract: This specification discloses a variable protection board that can change the width of the opening of a paper shredder. A sliding block is disposed on one side of the paper shredder opening to change the relative position between the sliding block and the opening. When the shredder is operating, the opening width thereof can be changed to a narrower default state, preventing the user from putting fingers into it and getting hurt. To back the paper out, the opening width of the shredder is changed to a wider default state for the user to take out the paper. A switch can be disposed along the stroke of the sliding block. When the sliding block goes to the state with a wider opening width for backing out paper, the shredder is powered off at the same time to shut down the running motor and thus protect the safety of the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to tabs that activate shredder safety interlock switches. Specifically, this invention discloses a break-resistant tab which can readily activate a shredder safety interlock switch. The disclosed tab is comprised of a tab extension with at least one flexing member or spring which allows for limited flexibility.

Abstract: A shredder having a pivoting top panel comprising a display which may reduce potential safety hazards.

Abstract: A shredding machine is disclosed which is particularly suitable for domestic or office use in shredding papers or the like. The machine comprises a feed aperture arranged above an electric cutting mechanism, the feed aperture preferably taking the form of a feed slot. The machine is characterised by the provision of an actuating element which is moveable, preferably in a pivotal manner, between a first position in which the actuating element permits energisation of the cutting mechanism, and a second position in which the actuating element prevents energisation of the cutting mechanism.

Abstract: A shredder having a safety feature(s) that reduces potential safety hazards.

Abstract: A shredder arrangement comprising a housing defining a feed slot for receiving sheet material inserted by a user; a cutting mechanism for shredding the sheet material inserted through the feed slot, and a protective guard for positioning across the feed slot to prevent relatively rigid sheet material from striking the user during shredding of such sheet material, the guard defining an aperture allowing said sheet material to be inserted through the guard and into the feed slot; wherein the protective guard is moveable between a first configuration and a second configuration to symmetrically adjust the size of the aperture.

Abstract: A shredder feeder includes a pair of rotary blade rollers, an insertion assembly including an insertion slot, a spring biased raised safety panel enclosing the insertion slot, a safety switch, an emergency indicator, and a feeding and removal selection switch. In one operation in response to winding an object other than documents, CDs, and credit cards into the insertion slot or clogging, pressing the safety panel will switch the feeding and removal selection to a removal mode for removing the object, and disable the blade rollers in response to the removal. Alternatively, pressing the safety panel will switch the safety switch to disable the blade rollers and enable the emergency indicator for informing a user to switch the feeding and removal selection switch to the removal mode. Further, pressing the safety panel will disable the blade rollers in response to no object in the insertion slot.

Abstract: A residential, street-side; secure information destruction or shredding system that allows an individual to deter identity theft quickly, personally and effectively by destroying documents and other mail items containing personal information. This secure, street-side, personal information, mail shredder is designed to be constructed in order to provide an environmentally sound housing, easily and securely attached, in a non-evasive manner, to a post, column, or any other type of unit designed to hold a street-side mailbox or attached to a post, column, or unit within reach of a street-side mailbox.

Abstract: A safety food grinder is applied to grind food and has a base, a container assembly, multiple movable stops and a cover. The base has a driver. The container assembly is mounted detachably on the base and has a cutting tool and multiple sliding channels. The cutting tool is connected detachably to and is selectively driven by the driver. The movable stops are respectively mounted slidably in the sliding channels and selectively keep the cutting tool from being driven by the driver. The cover is detachably mounted around the container assembly and selectively moves the movable stops to allow the cutting tool to be driven by the driver. Consequently, the cutting tool is only driven when the cover is mounted on the container assembly and the base so prevents users from being cut accidentally even when the safety food grinder is turned on unexpectedly.

Abstract: A shredder having a safety feature(s) that reduces potential safety hazards. The shredder preferably includes a timer mechanism in communication with a controller and adapted to automatically stop a plurality of shredder blades from operating if the blades have been activated for a predetermined period of time which preferably can be adjusted by a timer mechanism.

Abstract: A safety switch of a paper shredder is a safety switch that is installed on an ordinary paper shredder. Another magnet is installed on a scrap paper bin or a door panel, and by using a magnet to repulse or attract a magnetic block inside the safety switch, power is shut off at a same time when the scrap paper bin is pulled out or the door panel is opened for taking out the scrap paper bin.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for condensing, separating and storing recyclable materials. The apparatus, in one embodiment, stores recyclable materials and melts the recyclable materials into a condensed form. The apparatus may include an enclosure with one or more openings to receive an item made from a recyclable material, a storage compartment to enable removal of stored recyclable materials, at least one heating module to melt the recyclable material into a condensed form, and a receptacle configured to retain a melted form of the recyclable material. Thus, the recyclable material may be easily and conveniently stored for reprocessing. The apparatus may further separate the recyclable material according to the type of recyclable material.

Abstract: A safety food grinder is applied to grind food and has a base, a container assembly, multiple movable stops and a cover. The base has a driver. The container assembly is mounted detachably on the base and has a cutting tool and multiple sliding channels. The cutting tool is connected detachably to and is selectively driven by the driver. The movable stops are respectively mounted slidably in the sliding channels and selectively keep the cutting tool from being driven by the driver. The cover is detachably mounted around the container assembly and selectively moves the movable stops to allow the cutting tool to be driven by the driver. Consequently, the cutting tool is only driven when the cover is mounted on the container assembly and the base so prevents users from being cut accidentally even when the safety food grinder is turned on unexpectedly.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for condensing, separating and storing recyclable materials. The apparatus, in one embodiment, selects a type of recyclable material, alters the recyclable material to a condensed form and stores the recyclable material in a designated receptacle. The apparatus may include an enclosure with one or more openings to receive an item made from a recyclable material, a selection module, a plurality of form altering modules, a plurality of receptacles, and a director module to automatically direct a recyclable material, responsive to a selection made with the selection module, to one of a plurality of receptacles according to the type of material selected. A system, in one embodiment, includes a recycling appliance and one or more modular form altering devices. The modular form altering devices may be interchangeable.