Fellowes, Inc.

S. C. Johnson Son, Inc.

Xerox Corporation

Accumed International, Inc.

Teletype Corporation

Dennis William Gruber

Dipan Pravin Surati

Tai Hoon K Matlin

William J Mayer

Shawn Michael Applegate

Steven Carson

Scott W Demarest

Michael D Jensen

Donald E McCumber

Richard A Domanik

Eric B Gach

Jeffrey L Harwig

John A Heathcock

Joseph E Reimer

Karl A Kohler

Daniel Namie

Johannes F Gottwald

Jim Waring

Kenneth W Michaels

Padma Prabodh Varanasi

David P Mather

James R Crapser

Scott D Walter

Joel E Adair

Edward J Kunesh

Kevin Harrity

Thomas P Gasper

Paul J Golko

Thomas J Szymczak

Egon S Babler

Darren K Robling

Imre J Dancs

Peter P Gombrich

Rene Maurice Beland

Alf J Olsen

Jerry M Glasson

James F Kearney

Dipen Surati

C Scott Eagleton

Clifford S Eagleton

The present disclosure is generally related to an apparatus having cutter elements for destroying articles such as paper sheets and a mechanism for separating at least a sheet from a stack in a tray. The separation mechanism can be activated by rotation of the cutter elements. In one embodiment, the separation mechanism is provided in the form of a helical mechanism configured for insertion into the stack and to receive separated sheets from the stack in between its space(s) as it is rotated. The separated sheets can fall via gravity into the shredder mechanism. Optionally, a paper feed mechanism can feed separated paper to the cutter elements. The tray can include an edge to assist in directing separated paper towards the cutter elements. One or more staple picking support mechanisms can also be provided to assist in separating sheets from a stapled set of pages.

Shredder with paper separation and advancement mechanism

The present disclosure is generally related to an apparatus having cutter elements for destroying articles such as paper sheets and a mechanism for separating at least a sheet from a stack in a tray. The separation mechanism can be activated by rotation of the cutter elements. In one embodiment, the separation mechanism is provided in the form of a helical mechanism, such as a coil, configured for insertion into the stack and to receive separated sheets from the stack in between its space(s) as it is rotated. The separated sheets can fall via gravity into the shredder mechanism. Optionally, a paper feed mechanism can feed separated paper to the cutter elements. The tray can include an edge to assist in directing separated paper towards the cutter elements. One or more staple picking support mechanisms can also be provided to assist in separating sheets from a stapled set of pages.

A shredder has cutter elements for destroying articles (paper) and a feed mechanism for advancing paper from a stack in a tray into cutters for shredding. The feed mechanism has a feed member provided adjacent to the tray with an elastic arm for engaging and disengaging the stack. The feed member rotates in a feeding direction about an axle, with the elastic arm elastically deforming to apply pressure to feed paper atop the stack to the cutters. The elastic arm can include a protruding tip that is inserted into the stack. The tray includes a curved feed bed to assist in feeding paper into the cutters and deforming the elastic arm. A pivot arm can also move the feed member relative to the tray (e.g., vertically). A disengagement mechanism can hold the feed mechanism in an inoperable feeding position when a drawer or tray is moved into an open position.

Shredder auto feed system

The present disclosure is generally related to an apparatus having cutter elements for destroying articles such as paper sheets and a mechanism for separating at least a sheet from a stack in a tray. The separation mechanism can be activated by rotation of the cutter elements. In one embodiment, the separation mechanism is provided in the form of a helical mechanism, such as a coil, configured for insertion into the stack and to receive separated sheets from the stack in between its spaces as it is rotated. The separated sheets can fall via gravity into the shredder mechanism. Optionally, a paper feed mechanism can feed separated paper to the cutter elements. The tray can include an edge to assist in directing separated paper towards the cutter elements. One or more staple picking support mechanisms can also be provided to assist in separating sheets from a stapled set of pages.

A shredder includes a shredding mechanism and a vibration sensor configured to detect vibrations generated by the shredding mechanism. The shredder includes a controller configured to regulate operation of the shredder's motor in response to the detected vibrations. The controller may regulate operation of the shredder so as to keep the detected vibrations below a predetermined vibration level during operation of the shredder. The controller may modify operation of the shredder (e.g., turn the shredder off, conduct an autocorrect sequence, increase or decrease the shredder's speed, display an error message) in response to the detected vibrations having a predetermined characteristic (e.g., frequency and/or amplitude within a predetermined range, a characteristic that indicates a material/paper jam or misfeed). The controller may change the predetermined characteristics over the life of the shredder to account for gradual changes to the shredder's baseline vibration characteristics as components wear in and out.

Shredder with vibration performance sensor and control system

Shredder with vibration performing sensor and control system

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.

Illuminated, decorative light objects are disclosed that provide at least one aesthetic lighting display or light show, and to a user interface for the same. A disclosed decorative light object includes a translucent housing. The housing has a bottom opening leading into a cavity. The object also includes a base assembly that covers the bottom opening of the housing. The base assembly includes a user interface. The user interface includes light show circuitry, memory for storing a plurality of light shows, switches or buttons for recalling the light shows from the memory and at least one light group comprising red, green and blue lights. The switches of the user interface are supported in the bottom opening. The light show circuitry, memory and lights are supported within the cavity. Preferably, a translucent light pipe with a roughened lambertian outer surface covers and hides the circuitry and the lights. As the light shines through the light pipe it is diffused thereby creating a warm glowing appearance.

Color changing light object and user interface for same

A system for detecting a container or contents of the container. The system includes a diffuser for retaining the container, where the container is configured to hold an active material therein and may include a wick extending therefrom. The system further includes a sensor positioned to detect, for example, the container retained in the diffuser and/or the contents of the container retained in the diffuser.

System for detecting a container or contents of the container

The present invention is an air purifier including an ionizing assembly that operates to charge particulate material in an air flow passing through the purifier. The charged particulate material is attracted to and retained by a filter element disposed downstream of the ionization assembly and having an electrical charge opposite to the charged particulate material. The purified air passing through the filter is directed out of the device, optionally in conjunction with a fragrance that is added to the purified air flow. The ionizing assembly is formed with a ground member disposed adjacent the ionizing member to keep the electrons generated by the ionizing assembly within the purifier, and thus prevent static discharges from occurring outside of the purifier. The air flow is directed by a fan through the purifier in an angular and substantially laminar manner, such that the efficiency of the purifier is increased.

Air purifier

Apparatus for dispensing a heated gel includes a housing having a recess therein, a coupling assembly disposed in the housing and adapted to retain a pressurized gel container in the recess and a heater assembly disposed in the housing. The heater assembly includes a heater selectively operable to develop heat and a heat exchanger in heat transfer relationship with the heater and having a chamber for receiving a quantity of gel. The heater assembly further includes a first valve in fluid communication with a first portion of the chamber and operable to expose the chamber to pressurized gel and a second valve in fluid communication with a second portion of the chamber and operable to allow dispensing of gel without substantial foaming.

Apparatus for dispensing a heated post-foaming gel

A machine, method and medium for implementing functions using an input device in a manner that enhances efficient operation of a mechanism capable of operating in at least two states. The functions are implemented via a convenient input device, such as a mouse. One or more specified actuators of the input device implement a given function when the mechanism is in a first state, while at least one of those actuators implements a different function when the mechanism is in a second state. In embodiments of the present invention contemplating that the mechanism is a microscope system, two states in which the microscope system is envisioned to operate are a scan state and a pause state. The scan state allows the microscope system to execute a pre-defined scan sequence, while the pause state allows the microscope system to pause from that sequence.

Multifunctional control unit for a microscope

System for simplifying the implementation of specified functions

Growing community of inventors

Arlington Heights, IL, United States of America

Dennis William Gruber