Patent ID: 7624938

Claim:
A shredding machine for shredding sheet material, the machine comprising a feed-aperture and an electric cutting mechanism, the feed-aperture being configured to receive multiple sheets and direct said sheets towards the cutting mechanism for shredding, the machine being characterised by the provision of an actuating element which is moveable 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, wherein part of the actuating element extends into the feed-aperture through an opening in a wall that at least partially defines the feed-aperture, the actuating element being configured such that said part will be engaged by sheet material inserted into the feed-aperture, and moved from said first position to said second positioned as a result of said engagement, if the sheet material exceeds a predetermined thickness, wherein the actuating element is configured for movement to an intermediate position, between said first and second positions, if engaged by sheet material exceeding a predetermined intermediate threshold thickness, wherein in the intermediate position the actuating element only permits energisation of the motor for a predetermined time period.