Torque-customized shredder load calibration

Abstract

Paper shredder thickness calibration using a Hall effect torque detector coupled to a paper shredder motor, producing a signal corresponding to the paper shredder motor rotation, a controller receives the signal and determines a paper shredder motor torque from the signal corresponding to the rotation of the paper shredder motor, with the torque corresponding to shreddant thickness. Signal is compared to predetermined maximum signal beyond which overload is signaled. Also, a method of operating a paper shredder having a rotating motor to comminute shreddant, including providing a Hall effect rotor and sensor; creating a torque signal based on a full load motor torque, and comparing the current torque signal to the full load torque signal.

1 - 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . A method for individualizing motor torque calibration of a shredder of a group of shredders, comprising:
 selecting the shredder to be calibrated;   engaging a set-up button;   feeding the shredder the specified full-sheet capacity for each of the group of shredders, thereby establishing a maximum torque load value for the shredder motor;   re-engaging the set-up button to identify the maximum motor torque load value for the shredder motor; and   storing the maximum motor torque load value.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 retrieving the maximum motor torque load value for the shredder motor;   comparing the maximum motor torque load value to a current torque load value for the shredder motor; and   if the maximum motor torque load value is exceeded by a current torque load value, then removing power from the shredder motor.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 indicating an excessive torque value.