US Patent 7823815 Shredder with self adjusting sensor

Disclosed herein is a shredder having a throat for receiving at least one article to be shredded therethrough and a shredder mechanism received in a shredder housing which is driven to shred the at least one article fed therein. At least one sensor emits and detects radiation to detect the presence of the at least one article or shredded particles. The sensor communicates with a controller to operate the shredder mechanism. The controller also calibrates an intensity of the radiation of the sensor(s) to or within a predetermined amount above a minimum level in order to reduce wear and run-on conditions.