Paper shredder with an improved lubrication system and method of lubricating

In a shredding machine having at least two axially parallel shafts carrying cutting elements at axially-spaced intervals and a shaft drive means providing for counter-rotation of said shafts in a shredding mode, said shafts positioned such that said cutting elements of one shaft interleave with said cutting elements of said other shaft, an automated lubrication system comprising,

• a manifold disposed above and axially parallel to at least one of said shafts including an internal surface defining a cavity and an external surface exposed to said cutting elements, wherein said manifold is comprised of a material containing pores which connect said internal surface to said external surface, said pores being uniformly distributed throughout said manifold;
• a reservoir for storage of a lubrication fluid;
• means for supplying said fluid from said reservoir to said manifold;
• and
• means for selectively actuating said fluid supply means to discharge said fluid from said manifold while said cutting elements are engaged in said shredding mode.

In a shredding machine having at least two axially parallel shafts carrying cutting elements at axially spaced intervals and a shaft drive means providing for counter-rotation of said shafts in a shredding mode, said shafts positioned such that said cutting elements of one shaft interleave with said cutting elements of said other shaft, an automated lubrication system comprising,

• a manifold disposed above and axially parallel to at least one of said shafts including an internal surface defining a cavity and an external surface exposed to said cutting elements, wherein said manifold is comprised of a material containing pores which connect said internal surface to said external surface, said pores being uniformly distributed throughout said manifold and having a length and a hydraulic diameter which determine a discharge time interval over which said cavity filled with a lubrication fluid discharges said fluid onto said cutting elements when subjected to the standard gravitational force,
• a reservoir for storage of said fluid disposed above said manifold including supply tubing connecting said reservoir to said manifold wherein gravity pulls said fluid from said reservoir into said manifold,
• a control valve disposed within said tubing to regulate the flow of said fluid from said reservoir into said manifold, and
• means for selectively actuating said control valve to initiate the discharge of said fluid from said manifold while said cutting elements are engaged in said shredding mode.

In a shredding machine having at least two axially parallel shafts carrying cutting elements at axially spaced intervals and a shaft drive means providing for counter-rotation of said shafts in a shredding mode, said shafts positioned such that said cutting elements of one shaft interleave with said cutting elements of said other shaft, an automated lubrication system comprising,

• a manifold disposed above and axially parallel to at least one of said shafts including an internal surface defining a cavity and an external surface exposed to said cutting elements, wherein said manifold is comprised of a material containing pores which connect said internal surface to said external surface, said pores being uniformly distributed throughout said manifold and having a length and a hydraulic diameter which determine a discharge time interval over which said cavity filled with a lubrication fluid discharges said fluid onto said cutting elements when subjected to the standard gravitational force,
• a reservoir for storage of said fluid disposed above and integral with said manifold wherein gravity pulls said fluid from said reservoir into said manifold,
• a control valve disposed within said reservoir to regulate the flow of said fluid from said reservoir into said manifold, and
• means for selectively actuating said control valve to initiate the discharge of said fluid from said manifold while said cutting elements are engaged in said shredding mode.