Anti-jamming assembly for shredders of sheet like material

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.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure is directed toward an anti-jam assembly for incorporation in an article destroying device and, more specifically, to an assembly including one or more moveable members at least partially defining a feed path and a sensor for suspending operation of mechanical systems of the destroying device.

One of the causes for service to certain shredder models is repeat jams. A jam condition disrupts project flow when an article fed into a shredder device wedges tightly between at least one moving component and a second component of the system, thus causing the moving component to lock into an unworkable state. The occurrence of a jam condition is in most instances caused by a media sheet or a stack of media sheets having a thickness that exceeds a maximum capacity of which the shredder can handle. Generally, the mechanical systems, such as, for example, a motor, gears, and rotating cylinders, are capable of handling media thicknesses within certain ranges. Stack thicknesses are tested as they relate to the number of Amps drawn on the motor. Excessive loading results when thicknesses draw an Amperage that causes the motor to stop working. In most instances, the motor needs a period of relief before the shredder device can complete the project.

There are known shredders that disable mechanical systems when stack thicknesses are in excess of a predetermined capacity. One known method utilized in a known shredder includes utilizing a mechanical switch that is moved from a first position to a second position when overly thick media pushes against a lever connected thereto. More specifically, an opposite portion of this lever is situated in a path generally in proximity to an entrance of the throat. Another method includes disabling the mechanical systems when the media comes within close proximity to a sensor that reads the conductivity of the media. This sensor is similarly situated in proximity of the throat and, more specifically, on an exterior of the shredder housing.

There are no known shredder systems that utilize a corresponding focus beam generator and receiver type sensor system to suspend an operation of the mechanical systems when overly thick media is inserted into the throat. Rather, known shredder devices generally incorporate focus beam sensors to activate the motor when media is placed in proximity to the entrance of the throat, i.e., feed slot. More specifically, the sensor generates a beam that is directed toward or travels in proximity to the entrance of the throat. Media interrupts the beam as it moves into the throat, thus causing the mechanical systems to activate. One aspect associated with sensors including transmitter and/or receiver photodiodes situated in the feed slot is that the shredder will fault when dust collects on a face of the sensor. The sensors are generally exposed to dust circulating in an environment exterior to the sensor. This dust falls into the feed slot and settles on the sensor. If the sensor is not routinely cleaned, it will inaccurately conclude that media is inserted into the slot. The motor may continue to run when no media is present.

Utilization of a focus beam sensor is a reliable means to detect specific conditions relating to the over-feeding of media into the feed throat of a destroying device. The present disclosure therefore includes a thickness detection sensor that includes at least one of a transmitter and receiver situated in a closed region away from the throat and the external environment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an anti-jam assembly is described for incorporation in an article destroying appliance. The anti-jam assembly 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.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure is directed toward a shredder device for fragmenting at least one media sheet having a variable thickness. The shredder device includes a bin having a containment space for collecting fragments formed from the at least one media sheet. The shredder device further includes a head assembly adjacent to the bin. The head assembly includes a core mount assembly supporting a motor drive assembly and a cutter assembly. The head assembly further includes an optical sensor that generates a focus beam for sensing the variable thickness of the at least one media sheet. A controller is operatively associated with the optical sensor and the motor drive assembly. A media feed path directs a travel of the at least one media sheet toward the cutter assembly. The optical sensor is removed from both the media feed path and the cutter assembly such that it generates the focus beam away from a proximity of the media feed path and the cutter assembly.

A further contemplated embodiment of the present disclosure is directed toward an anti-jam assembly for incorporation in a destroying appliance utilizing at least one cutter shaft. The anti-jam assembly includes a variable width feed path directing material toward the cutter shaft. The feed path is defined on at least one side by a finger extending from a moveable supporting member. An arm is affixed to the supporting member and pivotal at a mounting surface when the at least one finger is urged downwardly toward the at least one cutter by the article. A sensor activates when the arm pivots from a first position to a second position. The arm and the sensor are removed from a proximity of the at least one cutter or the feed path.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed toward an anti-jam assembly for incorporation in an article destruction device including at least one moveable destroying component. The anti-jam assembly detects a size measurement of an article that exceeds a predetermined threshold value. This threshold is more specifically a maximum size measurement that the anti-jam assembly is capable of handling without causing at least one destruction component included therein from becoming temporarily inoperable.

With respect to the present disclosure, one contemplated article destruction device is a shredder appliance of planar sheet media. The shredder device may be a non-industrial shredder appliance that is generally utilized in households, business offices, and commercial spaces for the destruction of media containing sensitive content. The media sheets destroyed by these shredder devices may include paper materials (e.g., hand- and type-written documents), metallic materials (e.g., storage discs, s.a., CDs and DVDs), and plastics material (e.g., credit and bank cards).

FIG. 1is a perspective view of a core mount assembly10(also known as a cutting head section), which is contained in a closed housing adjacent to a collection receptacle, such as, for example, bin160shown inFIG. 8. The cutting head section10generally supports all of the mechanical and electrical components of the shredder device. The core mount assembly10illustrated in the figure includes a first support member12opposite a second support member14. The support members12,14are spaced apart in generally parallel relationship. The support members12,14are shown to include a first surface (hereinafter “inner face16”) and a second surface (hereinafter “outer face18”). Any support member is contemplated which includes inner- and outer-oriented faces. Examples of support members include generally vertical walls or elongate rods.

One function of the first and second support members12,14is to rotatably support at least one cutting shaft20(hereinafter synonymously referred to as “cutting cylinder”). The at least one cutting shaft20is illustrated to include a longitudinal extent that is generally perpendicular to the first and second support members12,14. Distal ends of the at least one cutting shaft20are shown as being rotatably mounted to the first and second support members12,14such that the cutting shaft20spaces apart the support members12,14. The cutting shaft20includes a plurality of spaced apart discs22connected thereto. Spacers or spacer discs24are situated between adjacent cutter discs22. The cutter discs22, or blades protruding therefrom, puncture the media or article passing along a circumferential surface of the cutting cylinder20. In the illustrated embodiment, a second cutting cylinder20extends parallel to the first cutting cylinder20. The parallel cutter shafts20operate as a cutting assembly when they counter-rotate. Media passes between a feed gap26formed there between adjacent inner circumferential surfaces of the cutting cylinders; however, embodiments are contemplated in which one cutting cylinder20works in conjunction with a fixed component, such as, for example, a set of sharp tines, to destroy the media.

At least one additional third support member28may be included extends perpendicular to and connecting the first and second support members12,14. The third support member(s)28adds structural integrity to the core mount assembly10. A motor30or motor drive assembly is fixedly attached to at least one of the first and second support members12,14(hereinafter described as the second support member14). The motor is affixed to the inner face16of at least the second support member14such that it occupies a space or a compartment32formed between the first and second members12,14behind the at least one cutting cylinder20. The motor30imparts (forward and/or reverse) motion on the at least one cutting cylinder20by means of a plurality of gears34. These gears34are attached to the outer face18of the at least second support member14supporting the motor30.

The present disclosure hereinafter describes a means to prevent media, which may be overly thick, from jamming the cutting cylinder(s)20or de-energizing the motor30. The mechanical systems (i.e., the cutting cylinder20, the motor30, and the gears34) of the present disclosure continue to operate as long as a thickness of media measures under a predetermined threshold. The media is guided down a media feed path36(i.e., feed slot, throat, or throat portion) toward the feed gap26formed between the cutting cylinders20. In one embodiment, illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3, the media is guided down a media feed path defined along one longitudinal extent by a first feed path assembly. This first feed path assembly includes a first elongate rod102fixedly connected to the first and the second mount supports12,14at its terminal ends. The solidly mounted elongate rod102is illustrated as a shaft, but there is no limitation made herein to any cross-sectional shape for an elongate body. The first feed path assembly further includes a second elongate rod104rotatably connected to the first and second mount supports12,14. This second elongate rod104is illustrated as a shaft, but such rod can include an elongate body having any cross-sectional shape. The second elongate shaft104is more specifically rotatably mounted to the first and the second support mounts12,14. The solidly mounted elongate rod102(hereinafter synonymously referred to as “fixedly mounted elongate rod”) is parallel to the rotatably mounted elongate rod104, but it is offset therefrom in both the generally horizontal and vertical planes. The solidly mounted elongate rod102is offset from the rotatably mounted elongate rod104in a direction toward the feed gap26. More specifically, the solidly mounted elongate rod102is situated in a generally horizontal plane below that of which the rotatably mounted elongate rod104is situated. In this manner, the fixedly mounted elongate rod102is situated generally closer to a circumferential surface of the at least one cutting cylinder30.

The rotatably mounted elongate rod104includes at least one standup (synonymous to “stand-off” or “spacer” or “guide”) member106extending toward the fixedly mounted elongate rod102. The illustrated embodiment includes two standup members106generally evenly spaced apart at one-third (⅓) length portions of the shaft46. Other embodiments are contemplated to include multiple standup members106in spaced apart relationship along an entire longitudinal extent of the rotatably mounted elongate rod104. One exemplary embodiment can include three standup members106positioned at the one-quarter (¼), the one-half (½), and the three-quarters (¾) length portions of the rotatably mounted elongate rod104. Another exemplary embodiment can include five standup members106situated at every one-fifth (⅕th) length portion of the rotatably mounted elongate rod104. Embodiments are contemplated in which the standup members106are evenly and/or unevenly spaced apart. Gaps110are formed between the adjacent faces of neighboring standup members106.

The illustrated standup members106include a channel defined by at least one continuous wall108at a first end that wraps around to surround the rotatably mounted elongate rod104. The standup members106are fixedly connected to the rotatably mounted elongate rod104at the channel108such that they do not rotate any distance around the rotatably mounted the elongate rod104. For rotatably mounted elongate rods104having a non-circular cross-sectional shape, the continuous wall108of the standup member106defines a channel space of the same cross-sectional shape. In other embodiments (not shown), the standup member106can include other attachment mechanisms, such as, for example, a non-continuous wall that selectively or fixedly attaches onto the rotatably mounted elongate rod104or a distal flange that mechanically fastens to a corresponding face of the rotatably mounted elongate rod104.

In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 2, the second distal end of the standup member106includes a generally arcuate inner oriented face112(i.e., top and side surface) for contacting media to be destroyed or shredded for minimizing a resistance to the media pushing through. A second distal end of the standup member106may rest in a first, home position on the fixedly mounted elongate rod102. More specifically, an undersurface114of the standup member106may be in contact with a circumferential surface of the fixedly mounted elongate rod102when the rotatably mounted elongate rod104is in the home position (seeFIG. 2). This home position is generally associated with a forward, i.e., downward, movement of media through the feed path.

An aspect associated with the first feed path assembly is that it allows media to be more easily removed from the shredder device in instances of a jam or an approaching jam. More specifically, the media can more easily pass through the gaps110(verses a planar wall or plate embodiment) when it is being pulled outwardly from the shredder device. The media is also more freely removed from the shredder device by means of the rotatably mounted elongate rod104rotating from the first position to a second position, as is shown inFIG. 3. The rotatably mounted elongate rod104rotates (illustrated in the figures as clockwise) generally away from the cutting cylinders30. As the rotatably mounted elongate rod104rotates from the first position to the second position, it lifts the standup members106away from the fixedly mounted elongate rod102. The standup members106are removed from having contact with the fixedly mounted elongate rod102so that media situated within their proximity can be pulled away therefrom.

It is anticipated that the media being urged upwardly out of the shredder device may push the standup members out of contact with the fixedly mounted elongate rod102. In an event that it is necessary to counter-rotate or to lift the stand-up members off of the fixedly mounted elongate rod102, a mechanical linkage (not shown) can be incorporated to move or rotate the rotatably mounted elongate rod104.

The rotatably mounted elongate rod104is biased to the first position such that it returns to that first position when no force is applied thereto or to the standup members106. The rotatably mounted elongate rod104may be biased in one embodiment by means of a spring116wrapped around a portion of its longitudinal extent. This spring116is illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3as being wrapped in proximity to a terminal portion of the rotatably mounted elongate rod104.

A mechanical stop118may also fixedly connected to the rotatably mounted elongate rod104. This mechanical stop118is illustrated in the figures as being a generally planar flange118, but there is no limitation made to a shape, a dimension, or an orientation of the mechanical stop118. The mechanical stop118limits a rotation of the rotatably mounted elongate rod104to a predetermined degree. As the mechanical stop118rotates with the rotatably mounted elongate rod104, it eventually comes into stopping contact with a stop member120. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop member120is formed on a mount support12,14. More specifically, an inward step122is formed through an outwardly-extending flange-like top edge portion40of the mount support12. The mechanical stop118rotates freely about a limited degree within a space formed in the inward step122. At a predetermined degree of rotation, the mechanical stop118contacts a wall defining a portion of the inward step122. This wall functions as the stop member120. The present disclosure is not limited to, however, the corresponding mechanical stop and stop member described herein. Any similarly functioning mechanism can be utilized with the present disclosure to stop continuous rotation of the rotatably mounted elongate rod104.

In another contemplated embodiment, the feed slot36is defined along a first longitudinal side by a throat plate38, as shown inFIG. 1. This throat plate38may be situated both between and transverse to the first and second support members12,14. More specifically, the throat plate38is supported generally above the cutting cylinders20and, more specifically, above the feed gap26in proximity to an inner circumferential surface of the at least one cutting cylinder20. At least a portion of the throat plate38is situated in a plane that is generally parallel to the plane in which the media extends as it is moved through the feed slot36toward the space formed between the cutting cylinders (i.e., feed gap26). In the illustrated embodiment, a middle portion of the throat plate38is shown as extending generally upwardly (i.e., vertically) from the feed gap region26. In another embodiment, the throat plate38can extend upwardly from the feed gap region26along its entire longitudinal extent. In another embodiment, at least two spaced apart portions of the throat plate38can extend upwardly from the feed gap26. In another embodiment, a middle portion of the throat plate38can extend generally downwardly (i.e., vertically) into or in the direction toward the feed gap region26. In another embodiment, the throat plate38can extend downwardly from the feed gap region26along its entire longitudinal extent. The throat plate38is connected at both ends to top edge portions40of the first and second support members12,14. For generally planar first and second support members12,14, the top edge portions can include a generally perpendicular flange40that can extend in- or outwardly for purposes of mounting the throat plate38. For support members12,14of the elongate rod embodiment, the throat plate38can mount to the top face of the rod. The illustrated throat plate38is shown to include terminal mount portions44that are situated in a (horizontal) plane generally perpendicular to the upwardly extending middle throat plate portion. The mount portions42of the throat plate38are not limited to the generally horizontal mount portions herein; rather, any embodiment is contemplated which functions to permit a surface portion of the throat plate38to affix to a surface portion of the first and second support members12,14. One embodiment can include first and second support members12,14having an inner face16that extends a height beyond the cutting cylinder20sufficient to support an adjacent outer face18on a terminal portion of the throat plate38. For example, in one embodiment (not shown), the throat plate38can include the generally vertical planar surface portion along the entire longitudinal extent of the cutting cylinder20, and the throat plate38can include a 90-degree bend in this planar surface at the inner face16. In another embodiment, the throat plate38can also include a terminal end that splits into a T-bar, wherein each branch of the T-bar affixes to the support member12,14.

The throat plate38affixes to the first and second support members12,14by means of a standard mechanical fastener44. An adhesive can reinforce or alternately be used to maintain the attachment. In another embodiment (not shown), the terminal portions42of the throat plate38can include a channel that selectively or fixedly attaches over an upper edge40of the first and second support members12,14. This method of attachment can securely support the throat plate38by means of an interference fit. Alternatively, an adhesive or a mechanical fastener can further secure the attachment.

The present core mount assembly10includes an opposite component defining second side of the feed path36. The static throat plate38or a predetermined length of the standup members106create a reference. However, the opposite component is moveable such that a general width of the feed path36is variable. It is anticipated that a maximum width of the feed path36may be greater than a maximum thickness of media that the mechanical systems20,30,34of the device can handle. Therefore, the opposite component can move away from the throat plate38a predetermined distance before the mechanical systems20,30,34automatically stop operating. The opposite component is urged away from the throat plate38by media of certain thicknesses being fed into the feed slot36.

The opposite component is illustrated in the figures as including an elongate throat member46extending opposite of and parallel to the throat plate38. The elongate member46is supported above the at least one cutting cylinder20and, more specifically, above the feed gap26in proximity to an inner circumferential surface of the second counter-rotating cutting cylinder20or stationary component (situated opposite the at least one cutting cylinder20). The elongate member46is illustrated as (and hereinafter referred to) an elongate shaft46, but it is not limited to any one cross-sectional shape. A rod member can be similarly utilized to accomplish the hereinafter described function.

The elongate shaft46includes at least one finger member48extending toward the opposite throat plate38. The illustrated embodiment includes two fingers48generally evenly spaced apart at one-third (⅓) length portions of the shaft46. Other embodiments are contemplated to include multiple fingers48spaced apart along an entire longitudinal extent of the shaft46. One exemplary embodiment can include three fingers48positioned at the one-quarter (¼), the one-half (½), and the three-quarters (¾) length portions of the shaft46. Another exemplary embodiment can include five fingers48situated at every one-fifth (⅕th) portion of the shaft46. Embodiments are contemplated in which the fingers48are evenly and/or unevenly spaced apart.

The illustrated fingers48include a channel defined by at least one continuous wall50that wraps around to surround the shaft46. The fingers48are fixedly connected to the shaft46such that they do not rotate any distance around the shaft46. For rods46having a different cross-sectional shape, the continuous wall50of the finger48defines a channel space of the same shape. In other embodiments (not shown), the fingers48can include other attachment mechanisms, such as, for example, a non-continuous wall that selectively or fixedly attaches onto the elongate member46or a distal flange that mechanically fastens to a corresponding face of the elongate member46.

In one embodiment, the distal tip of each finger48includes a rotating member52. In one embodiment, the rotating member52is a roller52. In one embodiment, the roller52is a spherical roller that is capable of rotating in at least one direction. The roller52more specifically rotates in at least a forward direction (i.e., with forward insertion of the media). In another embodiment, the roller52is capable of rotation in at least the forward direction and an opposite reverse direction (i.e., with rearward retrieval of the media). The roller52rotates when an external force of the media is applied thereto. The roller52functions to assist in gliding the media through the feed path36. In another embodiment, the roller52is a cylindrical roller, such as, for example, a wheel52that is capable of movement in only the forward and/or reverse directions. Another aspect of the roller52is to ease resistance when media is fed both downwardly through the feed path and removed upwardly through the feed path. As media is fed downwardly through the feed path36toward the feed gap26between the rotating cutting cylinders20, it moves freely between the throat plate38and the fingers48. However, certain media will not freely move between the throat plate38and the fingers48if the media thickness exceeds a width of the feed path36. This media will urge against and push the fingers48(downwardly and/or) outwardly away from the throat plate38. It is anticipated that media can move against the fingers48within thickness ranges that will not automatically stop the mechanical systems20,30,34. In other words, the fingers48are constructed to offer some give. As the fingers48are pushed by media, they simultaneously move or rotate the shaft46relative to the throat plate38.

The shaft46is rotatable in a first contemplated embodiment, shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, and moveable in a second contemplated embodiment, shown inFIGS. 6 and 7. More specifically, at least one terminal end of the shafts46is fixedly connected to an arm54. Generally, the terminal end of the shaft46attached to the arm54is the end that is situated farthest from the gears34. It is anticipated that the arm54is pivotal at an outer face18of the mount support spaced apart from the mount support supporting the gears.

The rotatable shaft embodiment of the presently disclosed throat assembly is illustrated in two operative modes inFIGS. 4 and 5. As media is fed downwardly through the feed path36toward the feed gap26between the rotating cutting cylinders20, it moves freely between the throat plate38and the fingers48. However, certain media will not freely move between the throat plate38and the fingers48if the media thickness exceeds a width of the feed path36. This media will urge against and rotate the fingers48downwardly toward the feed gap26. It is anticipated that media can move against the fingers48within thickness ranges that will not automatically stop the mechanical systems20,30,34. In other words, the fingers48are constructed to offer some give. As the fingers48are pushed by media, they simultaneously rotate the shaft46.

The shaft46is rotatably mounted at distal ends by means of a fixed or solidly mounted pin member47. This pin member47connects is fixedly connected to the corresponding mount support (illustrated as first mount support12). A gap49is formed in the flange-like top edge40of the first mount support12. The pin member47is more specifically connected to the first mount support12between terminal edge portions defining the gap49. There is no limitation made herein to a means of connecting the pin member47to the first mount support12as long as a function of maintaining the shaft46is accomplished. More specifically, the pin member47maintains that the shaft47does not shift or move in any linear direction.

At least one terminal end of the shaft46is fixedly connected to an arm54. Generally, the terminal end of the shaft46attached to the arm54is the end that is situated farthest from the gears34. As the shaft46rotates from the first position to the second position, the arm54similarly rotates from a first position to a second position. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 5, the arm pivots at its fixed connection to the shaft46. The arm pivots in a manner similar to a pendulum action. The arm54is spring biased. A tension coil spring can wrap around a portion of a longitudinal extent of the arm54. More specifically, the coil spring can wrap around the portion of the arm54in proximity to its connection at the shaft46. Therefore, as media, that may be overly thick, is fed through the feed path36, it pushes the fingers downwardly, which rotate the shaft46outwardly, which also cause the arm54to rotate or swing against the bias. When media is removed from the feed path, the arm54counter-rotates and returns the shaft46to the first position.

In the rotatable shaft embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 5, the entire longitudinal extent of the arm54is situated in a region exterior to the mechanical systems20,30,34of the core mount assembly10. More specifically, the entire longitudinal extent of the arm swings adjacently to an outer face18of the core mount assembly10.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second terminal end of the arm54swings in proximity to a platform56that extends outwardly from the outer face18of the first support member12. The platform56is generally perpendicular to the outer face18of the support member12,14it protrudes therefrom. The platform56includes a first moveable first planar platform member56aslideably engageable with a fixed or solidly mounted second planar platform member56b. A threshold for sensing a later-discussed detected condition is made adjustable by the user as the first planar member56aslides relative to the second planar member56b.

In the illustrated embodiment, the platform56supports a sensor62mounted thereon its top face. The sensor62is a standard optical sensor that includes a transmitter component64and a corresponding receiver component66. The transmitter component64generates a focus beam, which is received by the receiver component66. One aspect of the sensor62is a location of the transmitter and receiver components64,66. As is illustrated, at least one of the transmitter64and receiver64are situated outside of the core mount assembly10. More specifically, the transmitter and/or receiver64,66may be situated both outside a proximity of the following regions: (1) the compartments and space formed between the inner faces16of the of the first and second support members12,14; (2) an entrance to the feed slot36; (3) the feed path36; and, (4) an exit slot below the feed gap26. In this manner, an occurrence is minimized of media fragments or dust settling into contact with the sensor components64,66.

It is anticipated that the arm54includes a width that is smaller than a distance between the sensor components64,66. In this manner, the arm54may swing along a path having a portion that extends between the sensor components64,66. The arm may further include an extension60that protrudes from its free terminal end. This extension60extends outwardly in a same plane of which the arm54swings in. The arm54or the extension60can bisect the focus beam which is generated across its path between the sensor components64,66.

A relationship between the first platform member56aand the second platform member (i.e., a position of the sensor components64,66) corresponds to the maximum thickness of media that the mechanical systems20,30,34can tolerate without too excessive a load being applied to the systems. The sensor62detects when the media thickness exceeds a predetermined threshold value. This threshold is reached when the fingers48cause the shaft46to rotate, and the rotating shaft46causes the arm54to swing directly into a path of the focus beam, thus obstructing the beam from being received by the receiver component66. The core mount assembly10further includes a controller68, which is operatively associated with both the sensor62and at least the motor30. The controller68can be operatively associated with other indication systems utilized in the device, such as, for example, bin full capacity. The controller68is programmed to recognize the signal sent from the receiver component66as a detected fault condition. In this manner, the controller68may control at least one of the following actions: (1) suspend the motor30for at least a predetermined amount of time; (2) reverse the motor30to reverse a rotation of the cutting cylinder(s)20for a predetermined duration; (3) activate an indication system to warn the operator of the fault condition; and (4) any combination of the foregoing. The warning can be a visible warning communicated to the operator by means of a display that illuminates. Alternatively, the warning can be an audible warning communicated to the operator by one or a series of beeps. Alternatively, the warning can be a visible or an audible message stating that the fault condition is met or that the media (stack) is too thick.

FIG. 5illustrates the second operative mode of the rotatable shaft embodiment of the core mount assembly10when the thickness fault condition is detected. The figure illustrates the media pushing against the fingers48. As the media is forced downwardly through the feed path36toward the space between the counter-rotating cutters20, the fingers48are rotated in a generally downward direction. Because the fingers48are not rotatably attached to the shaft46, they do not rotate about the shaft46; rather, overly thick media will push against the fingers48and cause the fingers48to similarly rotate the shaft46. As the shaft46rotates from the first position toward the second position, the arm54swings in a same (illustrated as counter-clockwise) direction. When the arm54bisects the focus beam of the sensor62, it causes the controller68to activate the illustrated operative mode, wherein the operation of the mechanical systems20,30,34is suspended. When the operations are suspended, the operator may pull the media from the feed slot36or the controller68may reverse rotation of the cutting cylinders20to assist in removing the media from the feed path36. Once the media is removed from the feed path36, the bias of the arm54returns the shaft46and the fingers48to the home position (i.e., the first operative mode).

The moveable shaft embodiment of the presently disclosed throat assembly is illustrated in two operative modes inFIGS. 6 and 7. The arm54allows for the shaft46to move from a first position to at least a second position. In one embodiment, the first position (hereinafter synonymously referred to as “home position”) of the shaft46is situated closest to the throat plate38and the second position is situated farthest from the throat plate38. The arm54is spring biased to return the shaft46to the first position. The media will push the shaft46outwardly, which will also cause the arm54to push against the bias.

In one embodiment, a first terminal end of the arm54is attached to the shaft46and a second terminal end of the arm54is attached to one of the first or second support members12,14. In the illustrated embodiment, the second terminal end of the arm54is attached to the outer face18of the support member (illustrated as the first support member12). In this manner, the entire longitudinal extent of the arm54is situated in a region exterior to the mechanical systems20,30,34of the core mount assembly10.

In the illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 6 and 7, the second terminal end of the arm54is attached to a platform56that extends outwardly from the outer face18of the first support member12. This platform56enables the arm54to be spaced a clearance from the outer face18such that movement of the arm54does not cause the arm54to contact any moving components of the mechanical systems20,30,34, such as, for example, the cutting shaft20where it is rotatably mounted to the first support member12. The platform56is generally perpendicular to the outer face18of the support member12,14it protrudes therefrom.

In the illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 6 and 7, the platform56includes two upwardly extending spaced apart support walls58, wherein the arm54is fixed by a hinge situated between the hinge support walls58. In the present embodiment, the second terminal end of the arm54is pivotally attached to the first support member12at the hinge. The arm54is biased at the home position, but it rotates at least a limited degree as the shaft46moves outward. The degree in which the arm54rotates may be limited, wherein a block or a similar functioning mechanism can cease rotation. Alternatively, the degree in which the arm54rotates may be unlimited as long as force is applied against the bias and/or the mechanical systems20,30,34are operating.

One means to limit the pivotal range of the arm54is to include an extension60extending outwardly in proximity to the hinge connection (or lower half portion of the arm54) at an angle (illustrated as approximately 90-degree) which will cause the extension60to contact the platform56after a predetermined degree of rotation is reached. The angle between the arm54and the extension60may correspond to the second position of the shaft46movement and, more specifically, may correspond to the maximum thickness of media that the mechanical systems20,30,34can accept.

In another embodiment, however, the extension60can bisect a focus beam, which corresponds to the maximum thickness of media that the mechanical systems20,30,34can tolerate without too excessive a load being applied to the systems. The core mount assembly10includes a sensor62, which detects when the media thickness exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The sensor62includes a transmitter media thickness exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The sensor62may include a transmitter component64and a corresponding receiver component66. The transmitter component64generates a focus beam, which is received by the receiver component66. One aspect of the sensor62is a location of the transmitter and receiver components64,66. At least one of the transmitter64and receiver64are situated outside of the core mount assembly10. More specifically, the transmitter and/or receiver64,66may be situated both outside a proximity of the following regions: (1) the compartments and space formed between the inner faces16of the of the first and second support members12,14; (2) an entrance to the feed slot36; (3) the feed path36; and, (4) an exit slot below the feed gap26. In this manner, an occurrence is minimized of media fragments or dust settling into contact with the sensor components64,66.

In another embodiment, the sensor62is an optical sensor. The sensor62generates a focus beam in proximity to the arm54and/or the extension60. When the thick media urges against the fingers48, the fingers48push the shaft46outwardly, and this outward movement translates into a pivotal movement of the arm54. A path of the focus beam extends across a pivotal path of the arm54. When the arm54bisects the focus beam, it obstructs the beam such that the receiver component66of the sensor62no longer receives the transmission. When the receiver66no longer detects the focus beam, it signals a controller68.

The core mount assembly10further includes a controller68, which is operatively associated with both the sensor62and at least the motor30. The controller68can be operatively associated with other indication systems utilized in the device, such as, for example, bin full capacity. The controller68is programmed to recognize the signal sent from the receiver component66as a detected fault condition. In this manner, the controller68may control at least one of the following actions: (1) suspend the motor30for at least a predetermined amount of time; (2) reverse the motor30to reverse a rotation of the cutting cylinder(s)20for a predetermined duration; (3) activate an indication system to warn the operator of the fault condition; and (4) any combination of the foregoing. The warning can be a visible warning communicated to the operator by means of a display that illuminates. Alternatively, the warning can be an audible warning communicated to the operator by one or a series of beeps. Alternatively, the warning can be a visible or an audible message stating that the fault condition is met or that the media (stack) is too thick.

FIG. 7illustrates the second operative mode for the moveable shaft embodiment of the core mount assembly10when the thickness fault condition is detected. The figure illustrates the media pushing against the fingers48. As the media is forced downwardly through the feed path36toward the space between the counter-rotating cutters20, the fingers48are urged in a generally downward or outward direction. Because the fingers48are not rotatably attached to the shaft46, they do not rotate about the shaft46; rather, overly thick media will push against the fingers48and cause the fingers48to similarly push outwardly against the shaft46. The shaft46is moved away from the throat plate38. As the shaft46is moved from the first position toward the second position, the arm54pivots in a same (illustrated as clockwise) direction. When the arm54bisects the focus beam of the sensor62, it causes the controller68to activate the illustrated operative mode, wherein the operation of the mechanical systems20,30,34is suspended. When the operations are suspended, the operator may pull the media from the feed slot36or the controller68may reverse rotation of the cutting cylinders20to assist in removing the media from the feed path36. Once the media is removed from the feed path36, the bias of the arm54returns the shaft46and the fingers48to the home position (i.e., the first operative mode).

In another contemplated embodiment (not shown), a downwardly and/or outwardly force against the fingers48can cause the shaft46to lift upwardly toward a second position. In this embodiment, the arm54similarly may be pulled in an upwardly direction instead of pivoting. An arm54of this contemplated embodiment can attach to the platform56by means of a tension coil spring (not shown). Therefore, an upward pull on the arm54will act against the tension (or bias) of the spring and generally extend the string. The extension moves the arm54from a first position to a second position, wherein the arm bisects the focus beam of the thickness detection sensor62. When the media is removed from the feed path36, the fingers48return to their home position by means of the arm54dropping downward by a compression or bias of the tension spring. The arm54returns the shaft46to its home position, and hence the fingers48are returned to their home position generally above their fault position.

Other embodiments are contemplated which function to signal the controller68that a thickness fault condition is detected. For example, the extension60of the arm54can contact a tactile switch (not shown), wherein the contact completes a circuit which communicates the condition to the controller68. Alternatively, the extension54can contact any mechanical or electrical switch that functions to send a signal to the controller68. In other contemplated embodiments, the arm54can connect to an inner face16of the first support member12, wherein an attachment point or a platform56extends inwardly from the inner face16behind the illustrated motor compartment32. More specifically, the attachment is situated in a region segmented away from the feed path36and the cutting cylinders20. In this manner, the optical sensor62is sheltered from fragments and debris and other environmental contaminants floating into the feed path36from an exterior of the device housing the core mount assembly10and communicating thereto. In this contemplated embodiment, the sensor components64,66are similarly situated in proximity to the arm54in the segmented compartment (illustrated as the motor compartment32).

While portions of the foregoing disclosure were directed toward the arm54at one terminal end of the shaft46, which communicates with the focus beam of the optical sensor62(or similar performing switch-type sensor) and is moveable in a region removed from the feed path and the cutting cylinders to shelter the sensor, the other terminal end of the shaft may not utilize a similar arm connection as there is no movement toward a sensor. In one embodiment associated with pivotal movement of the arm54at the shaft46connection (i.e., rotatable shaft embodiment), a second pin member can maintain no linear movement of the shaft at the second terminal end of the shaft. In one embodiment associated with pivotal movement of the arm54at the platform56connection (i.e., the moveable shaft embodiment), a second arm is situated at the other terminal end of the shaft46. This second arm does not need to be situated beyond the outer face18of the second support member14because it will not communicate with a similar sensor62. Therefore, this arm can include an equal or an unequal length so long as the corresponding portion of the shaft46is capable of matching the movement of the remaining portions of the shaft46.

The illustrated embodiment shows the second terminal end of the shaft46attached to the inner face16of the second support member14. In one embodiment, the inner face16can include a slot (not shown) of a limited length for corresponding travel of the shaft46. A distal pin, for example, can travel along the slot. The slot can be configured to follow a path of the movement of the shaft46from the first position to the second position.

Any configuration for movement of the second terminal end of the shaft46is contemplated as long as the shaft46is capable of translating movement to a connecting arm member situated beyond an outer perimeter of mechanical systems such that the arm comes into contact with a detection sensor focus beam extending similarly beyond the mechanical systems. In this way, the sensor components are situated generally outside of support members and away from the other components supported by the core assembly and are completely sheltered from potentially runaway fragments and dust from the external environment.

The core mount assembly10of the present disclosure is described for containment in a housing of an article destruction device. The article destruction device can be the media shredder100shown inFIG. 8, wherein a head assembly120can include a media feed slot140dimensioned for receipt of the at least generally planar sheet of media. The anti-jam assembly can be incorporated in the media shredder device100for shredding the generally planar media into strips or fragments of chad. The media shredder device100further includes a bin160having a containment space180for collection of the shredded media. The head assembly120is situated adjacent to the bin160. The head assembly120houses the core mount assembly shown inFIG. 1, wherein media fed through the feed slot140is shredded as it travels between the cylinders30. The shreds then fall into the bin160, where the shreds are collected until they are subsequently emptied into a trash receptacle.

Although a media shredder is illustrated, the teachings of this disclosure and, more specifically, the core mount assembly, are contemplated for use in other destroying devices. Contemplated devices include destroying mechanisms for glass, bottles, and farming equipment, and disposals for food, etc.