Blade sharpening apparatus, system, and related methods

Abstract

Systems, methods, and apparatus are disclosed herein for blade sharpening. In particular, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a sharpening turret configured to rotate between two or more sharpening wheels, including for example, a coarse grinding wheel, a fine grinding wheel, and a buffer wheel. The sharpening turret can incorporate a multi-position, multi-wheeled mechanism in a triangular arrangement to reduce footprint. The orientation of the sharpening turret (e.g., the position of each sharpening wheel) can be indexed and controlled by a servo motor. A separate, central motor can be configured to spin the sharpening wheels. The sharpening turret can be used in a manual setting, or alternatively in an automated setting as part of an automatic robotic knife sharpener system.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 70491.0060BLADE SHARPENING APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND RELATED METHODSPRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 690,116 filed September 3, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to sharpening the cutting or working edge of a tool, such as a knife blade. More particularly, examples provided herein relate to an apparatus, system, and method for dynamically sharpening a blade using a compact sharpening turret.BACKGROUND

[0003] Cutting tools, such as knives, undergo edge degradation due to wear from regular use and interaction with hard materials like bone, ice, or a cutting board. This degradation manifests as dulling or damage to the blade, which impairs cutting efficiency and introduces safety hazards due to the increased force required for operation. Dulled blades often produce cuts with misaligned edges, leading to inferior outcomes in precision-dependent tasks. For example, such misaligned blades can damage the material being cut, or produce an inferior cut by tearing or sawing the material being cut as opposed to a smooth, clean cut.

[0004] A conventional method to restore blade sharpness involves the manual grinding of the blade against a sharpening surface such as a whetstone or grinding wheel. The grinding process removes material from the blade to recreate a sharp edge. Sharpening stones come in varying grit degrees from very coarse to very fine, and can be described as hard or soft depending upon whether the grit comes free of the stone during the grinding operation. Ceramic hones are commonly used, especially when fine grit size is desired. Coated hones with an abrasive diamond-based surface provide yet another option. Critical factors in the grinding process include the grit size of the sharpening surface, the angle between the blade and the surface, and the pressure applied during grinding. These variables must be carefully controlled to achieve the desired sharpness while minimizing blade wear.

[0005] A key technical challenge of sharpening methods is maintaining the correct blade-to- surface angle. A smaller angle produces a sharper edge but increases the susceptibility of the blade to deformation or chipping. Conversely, a larger angle enhances edge durability at the cost ofAttomey Docket No. 70491.0060 cuting precision. This requirement for precise angle control complicates the sharpening process, often resulting in inconsistent outcomes and potential damage to the blade.

[0006] The cuting edges of the knife blade may also be straightened by a hand-held sharpening steel. The sharpening steel constitutes a hardened cylmdncal, triangular or other shaped rod generally having a small diameter. This sharpening steel may have a smooth, polished exterior surface, or may be somewhat abrasive. It may also feature slight ridges or ribs running along the length of the rod. A butcher steel constitutes a round file with teeth running the long way, although it may also be smooth. As the knife blade with its cutting edge is swiped along the sharpening steel, the steel will exert high localized pressure against the cuting edge to straighten the turned edges of the cuting edge back into proper alignment. Unlike grinding, such steeling process does not usually remove metal from the blade edge.

[0007] While steeling represents a less aggressive form of sharpening than grinding, it still is important to swipe the knife's blade at a proper angle with respect to the sharpening steel. Moreover, the two cuting edges of the knife must be swiped the same number of times against the steel or else the cuting edge will be pushed again out of alignment.

[0008] Manually operated knife sharpening devices include bench-top mounted sharpeners including a slot. In operation, a knife blade is pushed down through the slot thereby engaging sharpening steels at an intersection point. The steels are moved inwardly to sharpen the opposing cuting edges of the knife blade simultaneously as the knife blade is swiped along the sharpening steels. A pair of cams can be eccentrically mounted to arrest the lateral movement of the steels during the knife sharpening operation, as well as to define a downw ard resting point of counterweights when the sharpening steels are in their standby position (e g., when the knife blade is disengaged).

[0009] Such manually operated sharpeners require the user to know’ the angle of the cuting edges that must be produced along the sharpened knife blade in advance, and to precisely adjust the cams' positions to achieve this desired angle. This requires skill and patience from the user. Even with proper alignment, over time the significant weight of the heavy counterweights will cause the cams to move from their intended position, thereby making repeated sharpening of knives with the same cuting-edge angle impossible without further precise adjustment of the position of the cams. Furthermore, the large number of parts mounted to a base of the bench-top mounted sharpeners and the bolts and nuts used to mount them produce environments for bacterial growth which makes it difficult to keep the device clean and sanitary.

[0010] Therefore, the manual sharpening of knives can be time-consuming and require skill and diligence by the end user of the sharpening device. Without skilled operation, a user can easilyAttorney Docket No. 70491.0060 damage the cuting edge of the knife blade. This can be a problem in particular for industrial operations like meat processing lines where large numbers of knives are used and dulled during the course of a day. Thus, most knife users and industrial environments need to send out their dulled knives to a professional sharpening service, or to replace the knife with a new knife. This can be time-consuming and expensive.

[0011] Traditionally, attempts at automating sharpening systems include complex structures and many moving parts. Key issues include the inability to precisely control the sharpening angle, leading to inconsistent edge quality, and high technical expertise to maintain and calibrate these systems. These systems may also struggle with adjusting to different blade types and materials and can sometimes remove too much material from the blade, reducing its lifespan. Furthermore, these systems typically have a large footprint as several grinding wheels are arranged linearly in series. These arrangements require operators or robotic systems to move the cutting blade along the system during operation, increasing a risk of injury or improper alignment and / or sharpening.

[0012] Therefore, there is a need in the industry for a more automated and consistent solution for sharpening cutting edges without added cost or complexity. There is also a need in the industry for sharpening systems that have a smaller footprint, particularly as it relates to the grinding wheels. There is further a need in the industry' for sharpening systems that can be used in an automated robotic or manual setting.SUMMARY

[0013] Systems, methods, and apparatus are disclosed herein for sharpening blades. In particular, embodiments of the present disclosure provide for a sharpening system that has a compact design configuration. In some aspects, the sharpening system can provide consistent alignment and positioning of sharpening wheels.

[0014] The sharpening system includes at least a turret, a first motor, and a second motor. The turret includes a first shaft coupled to a first sharpening wheel, a second shaft coupled to a second sharpening wheel, and a central shaft evenly spaced from and parallel to the first shaft and the second shaft. The central shaft, the first shaft, and the second shaft are connected via a pully system and supported by a frame rotatably coupled to the central shaft. The first motor is configured to rotate the turret about the central shaft to selectively position one of the sharpening wheels into an active position, for example, for blade sharpening. The second motor is configured to drive the central shaft to spin the sharpening wheel in the active position.

[0015] In some embodiments, the turret further includes a third shaft connected to the pully sy stem and a third sharpening wheel. The central shaft can be evenly spaced from and parallel toAttorney Docket No. 70491.0060 the third shaft such that the first shaft, the second shaft, and the third shaft are arranged about the central shaft (e.g., in a triangular configuration).

[0016] In such embodiments, the first sharpening wheel can be associated with a coarse degree of grit, the second sharpening wheel can be associated with a fine degree of grit, and the third sharpening wheel can be a buffer wheel.

[0017] In some embodiments, rotation of the turret selectively positions the one of the first sharpening wheel or the second sharpening wheel that is not in the active position into an inactive position.

[0018] In some embodiments, the turret can further include a clutch connected to the pully system, wherein the clutch is configured to prevent the respective sharpening wheel in the inactive position from spinning or otherwise actively rotating for sharpening blades.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first motor is a servo motor configured to index an orientation of the turret about the central shaft. In other embodiments, wherein the first motor is a pneumatic motor, a stepper motor, or an electrical motor.

[0020] In some embodiments, the grit of the first sharpening wheel and the grit of the second sharpening wheel are different.

[0021] In some embodiments, the second motor being configured to drive the central shaft to spin a sharpening wheel in the active position comprises simultaneously spinning the first wheel and the second wheel at the same speed.

[0022] In some embodiments, the active position is a position above the central shaft.

[0023] In some embodiments, the sharpening system has an automated configuration. In some aspects, the sharpening system further includes a robotic arm assembly configured to grip a cutting tool, a vision sensor configured to capture video data, and a robotic controller. The robotic controller can produce a series of machine commands for regulating the movement of the robotic arm to, based on the video data, lower the cutting tool to the sharpening wheel in the active position.

[0024] In some embodiments, the robotic controller is configured to lower the cutting to the sharpening wfieel in the active position at a preconfigured angle relative to the surface of the sharpening wheel in the active position.

[0025] In some embodiments, the sharpening system has a manual configuration. In some aspects, the sharpening system further includes a tabletop having a top surface and a bottom surface with at least one slot extending therebetween, such that the sharpening system has a bench- top mounted configuration wherein one of the respective sharpening wheels can extend from theAttorney Docket No. 70491.0060 top surface during normal operational use while the other sharpening wheels are located below the bottom surface of the table.

[0026] In some aspects, the sharpening turret is configured to rotate between the desired sharpening wheels that operably engage within slot. In some aspects, sharpening turret is configured to drop such that all sharpening wheels drop below the top surface of the tabletop when rotating between sharpening wheels, such that no sharpening blade is operably engaged within the slot. The turret can be rotated to the desired sharpening blade and then raised back up, such that the desired respective sharpening wheel is operably engaged within the slot with at least a portion of the respective sharpening wheel extending from the top surface of the tabletop.

[0027] In some preferred aspects, at least a portion of the respective sharpening wheel is located below the table and at least a portion of the sharpening wheel is located above the top surface of the tabletop during normal operational use. In some preferred aspects, between about one-quarter and the entire diameter of the respective sharpening wheel is located above the top surface of the tabletop during normal operational use. In some preferred aspects, between about one-third and about one-half of the diameter of the respective sharpening wheel is located above the top surface of the tabletop during normal operational use.

[0028] In some other aspects, the manual configuration includes a hood located above the top surface of the tabletop, wherein the hood having a slot for receiving the respective sharpening wheel and allowing a portion of the sharpening wheel to be exposed for sharpening a blade during normal operational use. The manual configuration can also include a guard operably connected to the hood, wherein the guard helps prevent a blade tip from being poked into the sharpening w heel and damaging the sharpening blade of the hand tool.

[0029] In some aspects, the sharpening system can have a third motor. The third motor is configured to drop the turret with respect to the tabletop using a rack and pinion assembly and raise the turret using a gear box to drive the turret back up with respect to the tabletop. In some aspects, the third motor is controlled by a switch to activate the dropping and raising configurations of the turret. In some aspects, the switch can be activated by the user using their foot or hand.

[0030] In some aspects, the hood prevents a user from getting their fingers and / or hand into the area of the rotating sharpening wheel. The rotation of the sharpening wheel can also be controlled by a proximity sensor, such that activation of the proximity sensor by the user’s hand can stop the second motor from driving the central shaft that spins the sharpening wheel in the active position.

[0031] A sharpening turret can comprise a first shaft connected to a first sharpening wheel, a second shaft connected to a second sharpening wheel, a central shaft evenly spaced from andAttomey Docket No. 70491.0060 parallel to the first shaft and the second shaft, wherein the central shaft, the first shaft, and the second shaft are connected via a pully system, and a frame rotatably coupled to the central shaft, wherein rotation of the turret selectively positions one of the first sharpening wheel or the second sharpening wheel into an active position for blade sharpening.

[0032] In some embodiments, rotation of the turret selectively positions the one of the first sharpening wheel or the second sharpening wheel that is not in the active position into an inactive position. In some implementations, the turret further includes a clutch connected to the pully system. The clutch can be configured to prevent the sharpening wheel in the inactive position from spinning.

[0033] In some embodiments, the grit of the first sharpening wheel and the grit of the second sharpening wheel are different.

[0034] In some embodiments, the active position is a position above the central shaft.

[0035] In some embodiments, the sharpening turret includes a third shaft connected to a third sharpening wheel, wherein the third shaft is connected to the pully system, and wherein the central shaft is evenly spaced from and parallel to the third shaft such that the first shaft, the second shaft, and the third shaft are arranged about the central shaft in a triangular configuration.

[0036] The above summary is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the subject matter hereof. The figures and the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify various embodiments.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Subject matter hereof can be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments in connection with the accompanying figures.

[0038] FIG. 1A depicts a perspective view of a blade sharpening system, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. IB depicts a side perspective view of the blade sharpening system of FIG. 1A.

[0040] FIG. 1 C depicts a top-down perspective view of the blade sharpening system of FIG. 1 A.

[0041] FIG. ID depicts a planar side view of the blade sharpening system of FIG. 1 A.

[0042] FIG. 2A depicts a front perspective view of a sharpening assembly, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 2B depicts a back perspective view of the sharpening assembly of FIG. 2A.

[0044] FIG. 2C depicts a planar right-side view of the sharpening assembly of FIG. 2A.

[0045] FIG. 2D depicts a planar left-side view of the sharpening assembly of FIG. 2A.Attorney Docket No. 70491.0060

[0046] FIG. 2E depicts a planar front view of the sharpening assembly of FIG. 2A.

[0047] FIG. 2F depicts a planar back view of the sharpening assembly of FIG. 2 A.

[0048] FIGS. 3A-3B depict partial perspective views of a grinding wheel mechanism, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIGS. 4A-4B depict perspective views of a rotation mechanism, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIGS. 5A-5B depict perspective views of a partial sharpening assembly, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG. 6 depicts a block diagram of a blade sharpening system, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0052] FIG. 7 A depicts a planar left-side view of a sharpening assembly mounted with respect to a tabletop and having a sharpening blade operably engaged within a slot of the tabletop and extending from the top surface, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG. 7B depicts a planar left-side view of a sharpening assembly mounted with respect to a tabletop of Figure 7A, wherein the turret dropped below the table top such that no sharpening blade is operably engaged within the slot of the tabletop, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 8A depicts a perspective view of a blade sharpening system, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0055] FIG. 8B depicts a front side perspective view of the blade sharpening system of FIG. 8A.

[0056] FIG. 8C depicts a side perspective view of the blade sharpening system of FIG. 8A, wherein the hood is in a partially transparent view to show the turret sharpener.

[0057] FIG. 8D depicts another side perspective view of the blade sharpening system of FIG.8 A, wherein the hood is in a partially transparent view to show the turret sharpener in the operating mode.

[0058] FIG. 8E depicts another side perspective view of the blade sharpening system of FIG. 8A, wherein the turret sharpener is dropped below the tabletop in a selection mode.

[0059] FIG. 8F depicts another side perspective view of the blade sharpening system of FIG. 8E, wherein turret sharpener has been rotated in the selection mode to a different sharpening wheel.

[0060] While various embodiments are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the claimed inventions to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover allAttomey Docket No. 70491.0060 modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined by the claims.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] The present disclosure provides examples for maintaining precise sharpening angles and pressure control when sharpening blades in an automated system. These examples enable a variety of blades to be individually sharpened in such a way as to mitigate the risks of uneven sharpening, excessive material removal, and inconsistent edge quality. When a blade edge is improperly formed, it may be referred to as being dulled or misaligned.

[0062] Blades are typically made from different materials and may require different sharpening techniques based on their composition. For example, in the case of steel blades, a specific angle and pressure are often required to achieve optimal sharpness. The described embodiments allow for precise control of sharpening parameters so that the system can account for variances in blade material, edge angle, and required sharpness.

[0063] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a sharpening turret configured to rotate between wheels, including for example, a coarse grinding wheel, a fine grinding wheel, and a buffer wheel. The indexing design of the sharpening turret incorporates a multi-position, multiwheeled mechanism in a triangular arrangement, optimizing space and reducing the system's complexity. For example, the sharpening turret can be controlled to switch between wheels such that a spinning wheel is brought towards the blade to an active position, rather than moving the blade across different sharpening or buffing stations. This development simplifies control software and mechanical design by allowing the rotating turret to move all three sharpening wheels — coarse, fine, and buffer — simultaneously at the same speed and eliminating the need for complex movements to transfer the blade across multiple stations.

[0064] Embodiments accordingly allow for a compact arrangement, significantly reducing the footprint of the sharpening turret to half the size of traditional machines. For example, some embodiments provide for a blade sharpening turret measuring just 13 or 14 inches wide, with all components (e.g., rotating wheels) on a common plane with a 1-inch spacing between them. In contrast, traditional arrangements that linearly arrange wheels often incorporate 6-inch wheel designs and require a total width of 28-32 inches.

[0065] In embodiments, the sharpening turret position can be controlled by a servo motor, ensuring precise positioning. In embodiments, the sharpening turret is compatible with manual operation in addition to or in place of automated operation. For example, the turret alignmentAttomey Docket No. 70491.0060 process can be controlled by a pneumatic motor, a stepper motor, an electrical motor, or a purely mechanical feature, such as hand operation.

[0066] In automated environments, the reduction in knife movements reduces the challenges faced by robotic arms. A robotic arm manipulating a knife or other cutting tool can, in some aspects, only need to move up and down, avoiding the need for involved lateral movements, which simplifies the sharpening operation. This streamlined approach not only simplifies the sharpening process but also enhances efficiency, cutting the sharpening time per knife to 20 seconds or less, such as approximately 14-15 seconds or less (e.g., from at least 28 seconds of other systems).

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 1A-1D, various views of a system 100 for sharpening a cutting tool 102 are depicted, according to an embodiment. Cutting tool 102 generally includes a blade 108 (e.g., sharpened edge) and handle 110. For example, cutting tool 102 can be aknife and blade 108 can be made of a metal such as steel. System 100 generally includes a sharpening turret 104.

[0068] In some embodiments, system 100 optionally includes a robotic arm assembly 106 configured to position and orient cutting tool 102 against sharpening turret 104. In some aspects, robotic arm assembly 106 can be a robotic arm as disclosed in US 10,661,406 titled as ROBOTIC HAND TOOL SHARPENING AND CLEANING APPARATUS and filed on January 11, 2018, which is incorporated by reference herein. In some particular embodiments, robotic arm assembly 106 can be part of the automatic robotic knife sharpener system as disclosed in US 10,661,406 with the disclosed grinding wheel assembly substituted with the novel sharpening turret 104 of the present disclosure.

[0069] Sharpening turret 104 is configured to index the positions of rotating wheels. As illustrated in FIG. 1, sharpening turret 104 includes a coarse wheel 112 in an active position (e.g., a top position) and a fine wheel 114 and a buffer wheel 116 in inactive positions (e.g., bottom positions). In some implementations, rotating wheels are selected to present different degrees of grit or utility (e.g., buffering or polishing the knife after grinding). In some implementations, rotating wheels are selected to provide the same degree of grit, for example, to extend the duration sharpening turret 104 can be used without maintenance. Although depicted herein with three individual wheels, it should be appreciated that embodiments can have more or less wheels. For instance, sharpening turret 104 may include two individual wheels, three individual wheels, four individual wheels, five individual wheels, and the like. In some preferred aspects, sharpening turret 104 includes three individual wheels.

[0070] Sharpening turret 104 generally includes a primary motor 118, a common belt 120, a secondary motor 122, endplates 124, and housing 126. Sharpening turret 104 is configured to rotate the wheels into position and drive the wheels during the sharpening process. This dualAttorney Docket No. 70491.0060 functionality allows for seamless transitions between different sharpening stages (e.g., coarse, fine, and buffering) by rotating the appropriate wheel into an active position and then driving the wheel to perform the sharpening task. It should be appreciated that when a particular wheel is rotated into the active position, the other wheels may be provided in inactive positions.

[0071] It is also contemplated that two or more of the wheels may be provided in an active position, such that two or more cutting tools 102 can be sharpened at the same time. For instance, each of the three wheels may correspond with a respective robotic arm manipulating a knife or other cutting tool or manual manipulation thereof, such that each wheel with the respective degree of grit or utility (e.g., coarse wheel, fine wheel and buffer wheel) can be utilized for sharpening a cutting tool 102.

[0072] Primary motor 118 is connected to each of the rotating wheels via common belt 120. Primary motor 1 18 is configured to drive the spinning of coarse wheel 1 12, fine wheel 1 14, and buffer wheel 116 during normal operational use. In embodiments, each wheel can be rotated on its own axis by primary motor 118, common belt 120, and a series of pulleys.

[0073] In certain embodiments, the common belt 120 may include a clutch (not shown) that can disengage the motor from wheels that are not in use (e.g., active positions). For example, in the illustrated orientation a clutch can be configured to allow only the coarse wheel 112 to spin while the other wheels remain inactive. In some aspects, clutch can be used to disengage one or more w eels that are not in use, in some aspects two or more wheels that are not in use.

[0074] Secondary' motor 122 is coupled to the rotating wheels via opposing endplates 124a, 124b. Secondary motor 122 is configured to rotate sharpening turret 104, for example, to change between precise wheel positions. Sharpening turret 104 can be configured to cycle through positions (P) in a complete rotation (e.g., P1 - P2->P3- P1->P2, etc.) or to teeter-totter from a central position to other positions (e.g., P1- P2- P1 - P3- P1, etc.) based on need.

[0075] In embodiments, secondary motor 122 can be a servo motor. A servo motor can allow for indexing an infinite number of programmed positions. In operation, the entire sharpening turret 104, including coarse wheel 112, fine wheel 114, and buffer wheel 116, can be indexed by use of a servo positioning motor combined with a belt and pulley.

[0076] In embodiments, the index of sharpening turret 104 can be controlled by a gear drive, a pneumatic actuator, and / or or a hand control (e.g., instead of or in addition to secondary motor 122).Attorney Docket No. 70491.0060

[0077] In embodiments, housing 126 can partially enclose the rotating wheels, common belt 120, and endplates 124. In some implementations, sharpening turret 104 can be mounted or otherwise coupled to a support structure, such as a frame or a wall, via housing 126.

[0078] In embodiments, cutting tool 102 can be engaged to sharpening turret 104 by the optional robotic arm assembly 106. Robotic arm assembly can generally include a base 128, pivots 130, arm sections 132, and a gripping mechanism 134. Base 128 and arm sections 132 are pivotally coupled via pivots 130 to facilitate a range of movements. In some aspects, robotic arm assembly 106 comprises a six-axis robotic arm and a pneumatic gripper.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2F, various views of a sharpening turret 200 are depicted, according to an embodiment. Sharpening turret 200 is designed to rotate and index the position of wheels.

[0080] Sharpening turret 200 includes a housing designed to partially enclose and protect the pully and belt mechanisms. The housing generally includes a base 202 and opposing sidewalls 204a, 204b. The housing provides structural support (e.g., to main shaft 212 via sidewalls 204a, 204b) and can be mounted to a frame or wall, ensuring stability7during operation. The housing also serves to safeguard the internal components from external debris and contamination, contributing to the overall durability and longevity7of sharpening turret 200.

[0081] Sharpening turret 200 comprises a wheel driving assembly and a turret rotating assembly. The wheel driving assembly includes a central motor 206 coupled to a main shaft 212 via belt 208 and pully 210. Main shaft 212 is coupled to a common belt and pully system 214 that is configured to independent shafts 230, each of which is connected to a specific wheel. This configuration allows central motor 206 to drive the wheels in an active position without requiring additional motors for each wheel, improving efficiency and reducing system complexity7.

[0082] As shown, sharpening turret 200 in some aspects can include a first wheel 216, a second wheel 218 and a third wheel 220. In some preferred aspects, the first, second and third wheels include a coarse wheel 216, a fine wheel 218, and a buffer wheel 220. The rotating wheels can vary7in grit or utility (e.g., grinding, buffering, or polishing), or they can provide the same degree of grit to extend the operational duration of sharpening turret 104 without requiring maintenance. While the embodiment shown includes three wheels, the design can accommodate more, or fewer wheels as needed.

[0083] The turret rotating assembly includes a servo motor 222 coupled to independent shafts 230 via belt 224, pully 226, and endplates 228a, 228b. Sharpening turret 200 can be indexed by rotating the wheel arrangement to position a desired sharpening wheel into the active position.Attomey Docket No. 70491.0060Servo motor 222 controls this process independently from central motor 206, allowing for precise and repeatable positioning of the turret. The turret can either cycle through all wheel positions in a continuous sequence or alternate between specific positions as needed. This indexing mechanism ensures that the appropriate wheel is correctly aligned and ready for operation, enabling smooth transitions between different sharpening stages.

[0084] In embodiments, the wheel driving assembly and / or turret rotating assembly can incorporate one or more of direct drive motor, a gear drive system, a chain drive, magnetic coupling, a pneumatic system, or a hydraulic system as transferring mechanisms. For example, one or more of these mechanisms may be used to manipulate sharpening turret 200 instead of the illustrated belt and pully systems.

[0085] In some aspects, as shown in FIGS. 7A-7B, sharpening system 700 can have sharpening turret 200 that is capable of being used in a manual configuration, such that a user can operably sharpen a blade of a hand tool. In the manual configuration shown in FIGS. 7A-7B, sharpening system 700 preferably includes a tabletop 710 having a top surface 712 and a bottom surface 714 with at least one slot 730 extending therebetween, wherein slot 730 is configured to operably receive at least a portion of one of the sharpening wheels 216, 218, 220. Sharpening turret 200 can have a bench-top mounted configuration with respect to tabletop 710, such that one of the respective sharpening wheels (shown as first wheel 216) is configured to extend from top surface 712 during normal operational use while the other sharpening wheels (shown as second wheel 218 and third wheel 220) are located below bottom surface 714.

[0086] In some aspects, sharpening system 700 is configured to rotate between the desired sharpening wheels that operably engage within slot 730. In some aspects, sharpening turret 200 is configured to transition between a raised operating mode (shown in FIG. 7A) and a dropped sharpening wheel selection mode (shown in FIG. 7B). To transition from the raised operating mode, such as shown in FIG. 7 A, to the dropped sharpening wheel selection mode, such as shown in FIG. 7B, sharpening turret 200 can be moved below top surface 712 of tabletop 710, such that the desired sharpening wheel 216, 218, 220 can be selected, which in this selection mode no sharpening blade is operably engaged within slot 730. To select the desired sharpening wheel 216, 218, 220m, sharpening turret 200 can be rotated to the desired sharpening blade and then raised back up, such that the desired respective sharpening wheel 216, 218, 220 is operably engaged within slot 730. In some aspects, at least a portion of the respective sharpening wheel 216, 218, 220 extends from the top surface 712 of the tabletop 700 when operable engaged within slot 730.

[0087] In some preferred aspects, at least a portion of the respective sharpening wheel 216, 218, 220 is located below the bottom surface 714 and at least a portion of the sharpening wheel 216,Attomey Docket No. 70491.0060218, 220 is located above the top surface 712 of the tabletop 700 during normal operational use. In some preferred aspects, between about one-quarter and about three-quarters of the diameter of the respective sharpening wheel 216, 218, 220 is located above the top surface 712 of the tabletop 700 during normal operational use. In some preferred aspects, between about one-third and about one-half of the diameter of the respective sharpening wheel 216, 218, 220 is located above the top surface 712 of the tabletop 700 during normal operational use.

[0088] In some aspects, the sharpening system can have a third motor to move sharpening turret 200 between operating mode and selection mode. In some preferred aspects, the third motor can be configured to transition sharpening turret 200 between operating and selection modes using a rack and pinion assembly, wherein sharpening turret 200 can be dropped below tabletop 700 and raised back up using a gear box. In some aspects, the third motor is controlled by a switch to activate the dropping and raising configurations of the turret. In some aspects, the switch can be activated by the user using their foot or hand.

[0089] In some aspects, the table includes a safety curtain to prevent a user from getting their hand into the area of the rotating sharpening wheel. The rotation of the sharpening wheel can also be controlled by a proximity sensor, such that activation of the proximity sensor by the user’s hand can stop the second motor from driving the central shaft that spins the sharpening wheel in the active position.

[0090] Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8F, sharpening system 800 can have sharpening turret 200 that is capable of being used in a manual configuration according to other embodiments that includes tabletop assembly 810 that is operably coupled with frame assembly 850. Frame assembly 850 preferably includes one or more support members 852 that operably connects with tabletop assembly 810. In the manual configuration shown in FIGS. 8A-8F, sharpening system 800 preferably includes tabletop assembly 810 having a top surface 812 and a bottom surface 814, wherein hood 860 is operably coupled with top surface 812. Hood 860 includes at least one slot 830 configured to operably receive at least a portion of one of the sharpening wheels 216, 218, 220. Frame assembly 850 includes subframe 854 located below bottom surface 814. Frame assembly 850 preferably includes one or more guide rails 856 that operably engages with subframe 854. In some preferred aspects, sharpening turret 200 is operably connected to subframe 854.

[0091] In some preferred aspects, sharpening turret 200 is located in an operating mode during normal operational use. In the operating mode, at least a portion of one of the respective sharpening wheels (shown as first wheel 216) is configured to extend through slot 830 to allow sharpening of the blade of the hand tool while the remaining portion of the respective sharpening wheel and the other sharpening wheels (shown as second wheel 218 and third wheel 220) areAttomey Docket No. 70491.0060 located under hood 860. In this configuration, hood 860 can help prevent a user from getting their hand into the area of the rotating sharpening wheel. The rotation of the sharpening wheel can also be controlled by a proximity sensor, such that activation of the proximity sensor by the user's hand can stop the second motor from driving the central shaft that spins the sharpening wheel in the active position.

[0092] As shown in Figures 8D-8F, sharpening turret 200 can also be moved into a sharpening wheel selection mode, whereby sharpening turret 200 can be adjusted to provide a different sharpening wheel during operating mode. Sharpening turret 200 is transitioned from operating mode to wheel selection mode by lowering sharpening turret 200 via subframe 854 in relation to the one or more guide rails 856. Third motor 855 can be used to move subframe 854 and sharpening turret 200 between operating mode and wheel section mode. In some preferred aspects, third motor 855 is a servo motor that drives a rack-and-pinion assembly 860 operably coupled to frame assembly 850 and subframe 854 allowing the lowering and raising of subframe 854 and thus sharpening turret 200. In the w heel selection mode, the motor that drives the precise and repeatable positioning of the turret can be used to rotate the turret to the preferred sharpening wheel, w hich is shown between Figures 8E and 8F. The turret can either cycle through all wheel positions in a continuous sequence or alternate between specific positions as needed. This indexing mechanism ensures that the appropriate sharpening wheel is correctly aligned and ready for operation, enabling smooth transitions between different sharpening stages. Once the desired sharpening wheel is provided, subframe 854 with sharpening turret 200 can be raised back to operating mode with the desired sharpening wheel at least partially protruding through slot 830 during normal operational use while the other sharpening wheels are located under hood 860.

[0093] In some aspects, blade guard 870 is operably connected to hood 860 at a location of slot 830. Blade guard 870 can help prevent a blade tip of a hand tool from being poked into the sharpening w heel and damaging the sharpening blade of the hand tool.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 3A-3B, perspective views of a wheel driving assembly 300 are depicted, according to an embodiment. Wheel driving assembly 300 is configured to spin the wheels of a sharpening turret. In implementations, wheel driving assembly 300 can spin the wheels at a speed and a torque based on the wheel in the active position (e.g., for coarse grinding, fine sharpening, or buffering).

[0095] Wheel driving assembly 300 includes a central motor 302 that spins central shaft 306 via a belt and pully arrangement 304. Central shaft 306 includes a central wheel 308 (e.g., enlarged, rounded portion) configured to transfer power from central motor 302 to a common belt 310. Common belt 310 in turn drives a wheel pully 312a, 312b, 312c and wheel shaft 314a, 314b, 314cAttorney Docket No. 70491.0060 corresponding to a coarse wheel 316, a fine wheel 318, and a buffer wheel 320 respectively. Wheel driving assembly 300 can be coupled to a sharpening turret or supporting frame via a plate 322.

[0096] Referring to FIGS. 4A-4B, perspective views of a turret rotation assembly 400 are depicted, according to an embodiment. Turret rotation assembly 400 is configured to change the positions of the wheels of a sharpening turret.

[0097] In operation, referring to FIGS. 4A-4B, turret rotation assembly 400 is configured to position the wheels in (pre)defined indexes. Turret rotation assembly includes a servo motor 402 configured to rotate endplates 408a, 408b positioned about a central shaft 414 via belt 404 and pully 406. Endplates 408a, 408b each include aligned apertures 410a, 410b, 410c corresponding to and configured to receive wheel shafts. Turret rotation assembly 400 can be coupled to a sharpening turret or supporting frame via a plate 412.

[0098] Turret rotation assembly 400 allows the turret to rotate smoothly and accurately, indexing each wheel into place as needed. Turret rotation assembly 400 can be designed to either cycle continuously through all wheel positions or move selectively between specific wheels, depending on the system's requirements. This precise control ensures that the correct wheel is always aligned and ready for use, facilitating efficient and consistent sharpening processes.

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 5A-5B, a partial sharpening turret 500 including portions of wheel driving assembly 300 and turret rotation assembly 400 is depicted, according to an embodiment. As illustrated, partial sharpening turret 500 is depicted with certain elements, such as a housing, removed for clarity.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 6, a block diagram of a sharpening system 600 is depicted, according to an embodiment. Sharpening system 600 is configured to sharpen a blade and includes a computing device 602, a controller 604, a sharpening turret 606, and optionally a robotic arm assembly 608. In examples, sharpening system 600 can be implemented with controller 604 independently coupled to one or more sharpening turrets 606 and robotic arm assemblies 608.

[0101] Computing device 602 comprises an electronic device in communication with system 600. In an example, computing device 602 can be desktop computer, a laptop computer, tablet, mobile computing device, server, workstation, or Intemet-of-things (loT) device, among other electronic devices. Though depicted as a single computing device, system 600 can, in other embodiments, include a plurality of computing devices 602, such as a networked system of devices. In embodiments, computing device 602 can be utilized by a user to interact with other components of system 600, such as controller 604, to configure filling cycle parameters and / or obtain operations data.Attomey Docket No. 70491.0060

[0102] Controller 604 generally comprises processor 610, memory 612, operations engine 614, interface engine 616, and data store 618. Controller 604 generally provides capabilities to operate sharpening turret 606 and optionally robotic arm assembly 608. In examples, controller 604 is configured to allow for adjustment of wheel driving assembly 620, turret rotating assembly 622, and / or robotic arm assembly 608. For example, controller 604 can automatically adjust the spinning rate of wheel driving assembly. For example, controller 604 can automatically engage a clutch of wheel driving assembly.

[0103] In an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6, controller 604 is implemented on a single device, such as a server, having its own processor and memory. In embodiments, controller 604 can be a cloud-based service such that control of sharpening turrets 606 can be distributed across a network of multiple computing devices (e.g., with each device having its own processor and memory).

[0104] Embodiments described herein include various engines, each of which is constructed, programmed, configured, or otherwise adapted, to autonomously cany7out a function or set of functions. The term engine as used herein is defined as a real-world device, component, or arrangement of components implemented using hardware, such as by an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or field-programmable gate array (FPGA), for example, or as a combination of hardware and software, such as by a microprocessor system and a set of program instructions that adapt the engine to implement the particular functionality, which (while being executed) transform the microprocessor system into a special-purpose device. An engine can also be implemented as a combination of the two, with certain functions facilitated by hardware alone, and other functions facilitated by a combination of hardware and software. In certain implementations, at least a portion, and in some cases, all, of an engine can be executed on the processor(s) of one or more computing platforms that are made up of hardware (e.g., one or more processors, data storage devices such as memory or drive storage, input / output facilities such as network interface devices, video devices, keyboard, mouse or touchscreen devices, etc.) that execute an operating system, system programs, and application programs, while also implementing the engine using multitasking, multithreading, distributed (e.g., cluster, peer-peer, cloud, etc.) processing where appropriate, or other such techniques.

[0105] An (e.g., each) engine can be realized in a variety' of physically realizable configurations and should generally not be limited to any particular implementation exemplified herein, unless such limitations are expressly identified. In addition, an engine can itself be composed of subengines, each of which can be regarded as an engine in its own right. Moreover, in the embodiments described herein, each of the various engines corresponds to a defined functionality;Attorney Docket No. 70491.0060 however, it should be understood that in other contemplated embodiments, each functionality can be distributed to more than one engine. Likewise, in other contemplated embodiments, multiple defined functionalities can be implemented by a single engine that performs those multiple functions, possibly alongside other functions, or distributed differently among a set of engines than specifically illustrated in the examples herein.

[0106] Operations engine 614 is (pre)configured to process operational events and notify computing device 602 of relevant events and data. For example, operations engine 614 can act as a manager that maintains the state and progress of assemblies and subassemblies throughout sharpening cycles. In such an embodiment, operations engine 614 can capture (e g., track) the status, history, and / or metadata associated with each assembly (e.g., sharpening turret 606), allowing for real-time monitoring, reporting, and analysis.

[0107] In an embodiment, operations engine 614 monitors event states and / or receives data regarding event states across assemblies and systems. For example, operations engine 614 can detect or determine a data event from robotic arm assembly 608, such as a pressure signal, that can lead to one or many actions in sharpening turret 606, such as rotating sharpening turret to a wheel with a finer grain.

[0108] In an embodiment, operations engine 614 is configured to coordinate w orkflow s between identified assemblies and / or systems (e.g., systems 400). For example, operations engine 614 can incorporate events, triggers, actions, and conditions, associated with operating robotic arm assembly 608 in conjunction with sharpening turret 606. Desired operating parameters can be defined by a user, for example via interface engine 616.

[0109] Interface engine 616 provides input / output capabilities of controller 604. In an embodiment, interface engine 616 can comprise an interface, such as a graphical user interface (GUI), configured to display related event topic fields and schemas and receive user input. For example, a user can control operation of sharpening turret 606 though an interface provided by interface engine 616. Sets of operational parameters can be saved to memory 612 or data store 618 (e.g., as an operation profile).

[0110] Interface engine 616 can include graphical or text-based interfaces for defining sharpening workflows (e.g., assembly operating parameters). In an embodiment, interface engine 616 generates monitoring dashboards (e.g., reporting tools and analytics capabilities) to track the performance, efficiency, and compliance of packaging w orkflows.Attomey Docket No. 70491.0060

[0111] In an embodiment, interface engine 616 integrates with other systems, applications, and databases to access data, trigger events, and exchange information. For example, interface engine 616 can access external databases.

[0112] Data store 618 comprises one or more storage repositories, such as a database, logical disk space, file, or other suitable storage medium configured to store operations data. In an embodiment of a database, data store 618 can be a general -purpose database management storage system (DBMS) or relational DBMS as implemented by, for example, ORACLE, IBM DB2, Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, LINUX, or UNIX solutions.

[0113] In an embodiment, data store 618 can be external to controller 604. For example, data store 618 can be communicatively coupled to controller 604 over a network.

[0114] In an embodiment, controller 604 can access data store 618. In embodiments, computing device 602 is provided access to all or a subset of operations data in data store 618 (e.g., operations data applicable to a particular packaging assembly or system can be provided).

[0115] In an embodiment, a user can provide operations data to data store 618 using computing device 602. In another embodiment, operations engine 614 itself can actively gather or request event data from computing device 602, sharpening turret 606, or robotic arm assembly 608.

[0116] Sharpening turret 606 includes a wheel driving assembly 620 and a turret rotating assembly 622. In embodiments, controller 604 can independently control wheel driving assembly 620 and turret rotating assembly 622.

[0117] Wheel driving assembly 620 is configured to drive the wheels of sharpening turret 606 during sharpening cycles. Wheel driving assembly 620 can include a central motor configured to spin wheels of sharpening turret 606, for example, via belts and pullies.

[0118] Turret rotating assembly 622 is configured to rotate the positions of wheels of sharpening turret 606. Turret rotating assembly 622 can index the positions of the wheels to identify a precise orientation of sharpening turret 606.

[0119] Optional robotic arm assembly 608 is configured to handle and position a cutting tool relative to sharpening turret 606.

[0120] Wheel driving assembly 620, turret rotating assembly 622, and robotic arm assembly 608 can optionally include sensor(s), such as pressure sensors or indexers. In an embodiment, controller 604 can coordinate the operation of individual motors and monitor feedback data, for example from sensors.

[0121] Embodiments of the present disclosure accordingly offer advantages over conventional automated sharpening systems. These embodiments allow for reduced system complexity,Attorney Docket No. 70491.0060 increased precision in maintaining sharpening angles and pressures, finer control on a per-blade basis, and improved consistency in sharpening outcomes.

[0122] In one aspect, the compact blade sharpening turret simplifies the sharpening process by minimizing the risk of misalignment during transfers and reducing the need for complex blade handling mechanisms and control software. By rotating the wheels to the knife, the system allows for reduced blade movement, allowing for more precise and consistent control over the sharpening angle and pressure when switching between active wheels. The reduced complexity of the system not only simplifies operational efficiency but also reduces the overall footprint of the sharpening system, making it more suitable for small-scale operations or environments with limited space.

[0123] In one aspect, embodiments minimize the required moving parts for automated knife handling systems, such as robotic arms, which can be used in conjunction with the blade sharpening turret.

[0124] Various examples of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. Although features and elements described above are described in particular combinations, each feature or element can be used alone without the other features and elements of the examples or in various combinations with or without other features and elements. For example, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations and locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosed examples, others besides those disclosed can be utilized without exceeding the scope of the claimed inventions.

[0125] Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the subject matter hereof can comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual example described above. The examples described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the subject matter hereof can be combined. Accordingly, the examples are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the various examples can comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual examples, as understood by persons of ordinary' skill in the art. Moreover, elements described with respect to one example can be implemented in other embodiments even when not described in such embodiments unless otherwise noted.

[0126] For purposes of interpreting the claims, it is expressly intended that the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) arenotto be invoked unless the specific terms ‘‘means for” or “step for” are recited in a claim.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 70491.0060CLAIMS1. A sharpening system comprising: a turret including: a first shaft coupled to a first sharpening wheel, a second shaft coupled to a second sharpening wheel, a central shaft evenly spaced from and parallel to the first shaft and the second shaft, wherein the central shaft, the first shaft, and the second shaft are connected via a pully system, and a frame rotatably coupled to the central shaft; a first motor configured to rotate the turret about the central shaft, wherein rotation of the turret selectively positions one of the first sharpening wheel or the second sharpening wheel into an active position for blade sharpening; and a second motor configured to drive the central shaft to spin the sharpening wheel in the active position.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the turret further comprises: a third shaft connected to a third sharpening wheel, wherein the third shaft is connected to the pully system, and wherein the central shaft is evenly spaced from and parallel to the third shaft such that the first shaft, the second shaft, and the third shaft are arranged about the central shaft in a triangular configuration.

3. The system of claim 4, wherein the first sharpening wheel is associated with a coarse degree of grit, the second sharpening wheel is associated with a fine degree of grit, and the third sharpening wheel is a buffer wheel.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein rotation of the turret selectively positions the one of the first sharpening wheel or the second sharpening wheel that is not in the active position into an inactive position.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the turret further includes a clutch connected to the pully system, wherein the clutch is configured to prevent the sharpening wheel in the inactive position from spinning.Attorney Docket No. 70491.00606. The system of claim 1, wherein the first motor is a servo motor configured to index an orientation of the turret about the central shaft.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the first motor is a pneumatic motor, a stepper motor, or an electrical motor.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the grit of the first sharpening wheel and the grit of the second sharpening wheel are different.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the second motor being configured to drive the central shaft to spin a sharpening wheel in the active position comprises simultaneously spinning the first wheel and the second wheel at the same speed.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the active position is a position above the central shaft.

11. The system of claim 10, further comprising: a robotic arm assembly configured to grip a cutting tool; a vision sensor configured to capture video data; and a robotic controller for producing a series of machine commands for regulating the movement of the robotic arm to, based on the video data, lower the cutting tool to the sharpening wheel in the active position.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the robotic controller is configured to lower the cutting to the sharpening wheel in the active position at a preconfigured angle relative to the surface of the sharpening wheel in the active position.

13. A sharpening turret comprising: a first shaft connected to a first sharpening wheel; a second shaft connected to a second sharpening wheel; a central shaft evenly spaced from and parallel to the first shaft and the second shaft, wherein the central shaft, the first shaft, and the second shaft are connected via a pully system; and a frame rotatably coupled to the central shaft, wherein rotation of the turret selectively positions one of the first sharpening wheel or the second sharpening wheel into an active position for blade sharpening.Attorney Docket No. 70491.006014. The sharpening of claim 13, further comprising a third shaft connected to a third sharpening wheel, wherein the third shaft is connected to the pully system, and wherein the central shaft is evenly spaced from and parallel to the third shaft such that the first shaft, the second shaft, and the third shaft are arranged about the central shaft in a triangular configuration.

15. The sharpening of claim 13, wherein rotation of the turret selectively positions the one of the first sharpening wheel or the second sharpening wheel that is not in the active position into an inactive position.

16. The sharpening of claim 15, wherein the turret further includes a clutch connected to the pully system, wherein the clutch is configured to prevent the sharpening wheel in the inactive position from spinning.

17. The sharpening of claim 13, wherein the grit of the first sharpening wheel and the grit of the second sharpening wheel are different.

18. The sharpening of claim 13, wherein the active position is a position above the central shaft.

19. A method of sharpening a blade with a sharpening turret including: a first shaft coupled to a first sharpening wheel, a second shaft coupled to a second sharpening wheel, a central shaft evenly spaced from and parallel to the first shaft and the second shaft, wherein the central shaft, the first shaft, and the second shaft are connected via a pully system, and a frame rotatably coupled to the central shaft, the method comprising: rotating the turret about the central shaft to position one of the first sharpening wheel or the second sharpening wheel into an active position for blade sharpening; and driving the central shaft to spin the sharpening wheel in the active position.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising moving a blade of a cutting tool onto the sharpening wheel in the active position when the sharpening wheel in the active position is spinning using a robotic arm.

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