Electronic kitchen tool charging and storage assembly and related systems and methods

Abstract

An electronic knife assembly and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. The electronic knife assembly can include various components, such as a tool charger, a charging cutting board, and a multi-charging rack. The tool charger stores and recharges a tool, such as an electronic knife, using wireless or conductive charging. The tool charger can include a rechargeable battery for cordless operation and features for blade protection and user safety. The charging cutting board allows an electronic knife or other tool to charge while on the cutting board, keeping it easily accessible and charged for use. The charging cutting board can include a removable battery pack and features for tool alignment and protection. The multi-charging rack can hold and charge multiple electronic knives or tools.

Description

ELECTRONIC KITCHEN TOOL CHARGING AND STORAGE ASSEMBLYAND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. App. No. 63 / 726,227, filed November 27, 2024, entitled "ELECTRONIC KITCHEN TOOL CHARGING AND STORAGE ASSEMBLY AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present technology is related to electronic culinary tools, cutting boards, and related technology. In particular, the present technology is related to electronic knives, cutting boards with charging stations, and storage racks for electronic kitchen tools including electric culinary knives.BACKGROUND

[0003] Conventional kitchen knives are stored on magnetic wall mounts, in countertop knife blocks, or in knife organizers that fit in kitchen drawers. This keeps the blades protected from damage and from being a safety hazard. Unfortunately, rechargeable electronic kitchen knives may need to be charged prior to storage so that the knife is ready for use.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Fig. 1 is an illustration of an electronic knife system in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology.

[0005] Fig. 2 is a network connection diagram of an electronic knife system of the type illustrated in Fig. 1 in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology.

[0006] Fig. 3 is a block diagram of a computing device suitable for use in connection with the electronic knife system of Fig. 2 in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology.

[0007] Fig. 4 is an exploded view of an electronic knife in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology.-1-153743.8003. W000\184577021.1

[0008] Fig. 5 is an exploded view of an electronic knife in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology.

[0009] Fig. 6 is an exploded view of an electronic knife handle in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology.

[0010] Figs. 7 and 8 are side views of the inside of a handle assembly of an electronic knife in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology.

[0011] Fig. 9 is a top view of the inside of a handle assembly of an electronic knife in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology.

[0012] Fig. 10 is an exploded view of a handle assembly of an electronic knife in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology.

[0013] Figs. 11A and 1 IB are side and bottom views of an electronic knife in accordance with further embodiments of the present technology.

[0014] Fig. 12 is an isometric view of an electronic knife charging system in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology.

[0015] Fig. 13 is an exploded isometric view of the electronic knife charging system of Fig. 12.

[0016] Fig. 14 is an isometric view of a multi-charger system holding electronic knives in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology.

[0017] Fig. 15 is an exploded isometric view of the multi -charger system for electronic knives ofFig. 14.

[0018] Fig. 16 is a top view of the multi-charger system for electronic knives of Fig. 14.

[0019] The drawings have not necessarily been drawn to scale. Similarly, some components and / or operations can be separated into different blocks or combined into a single block for the purpose of discussion of some of the implementations of the present technology. Moreover, while the technology is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specific implementations have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. The intention, however, is not to limit the technology to the particular implementations described.-2-153743.8003. W000\184577021.1DET AILED DESCRIPTIONOverview

[0020] Disclosed are systems including electronic kitchen tools and devices for charging and storing the electronic kitchen tools. The devices can include various components, such as a tool charger, a charging cutting board, a tool holder, and a multi-charging rack. A tool charger safely stores and recharges a tool, such as an electronic knife, using wireless or conductive charging. The tool charger can include a rechargeable battery for cordless operation and features for blade protection and user safety. The charging cutting board allows an electronic knife or other tool to charge while on the cutting board, keeping it easily accessible and charged for use. The charging cutting board can include a removable power source (e.g., battery pack) and features for tool alignment and protection. The multi-charging rack can hold and charge multiple electronic knives or tools. The tool holder can hold kitchen tools at accessible positions for convenient tool retrieval. The multi-charging rack can utilize a one- or two-dimensional array of wireless charging elements (e.g., transmitter coils) for flexible tool placement. The system’s various components can be wall-mounted, placed on counters, or stored in drawers, providing versatile storage and charging solutions for electronic kitchen tools.

[0021] In some embodiments, a knife charger is configured to receive and hold the electronic knife. The knife charger includes a docking base having a blade platform, a handle retainer, and a charger. The handle retainer can be configured to receive the handle such that the blade is positioned along the blade platform. The charger can be configured to charge the power source while the knife charger holds the electronic knife. The knife charger can download, through a communications component, one or more updates for the knife charger, knife, etc.

[0022] The kitchen tools can include electronics to power controllers, actuators, and / or sensors (e g., via optical, electrical, gyroscopic, mechanical, and / or other suitable sensors) and perform operations to process data, connect with (e.g., wirelessly communicate with) external devices to share information, and / or allow for monitoring and recharging a power source (e.g., one or more batteries). The kitchen tool can provide information to the user in the form of haptic feedback, visual feedback (e.g., lights), auditory feedback (e.g., sound, audible alerts), and / or an embedded electronic display. In some embodiments, the kitchen tool can be an electronic knife with a handle containing electronics,-3-153743.8003. W000\184577021.1a controller, actuators, etc. The electronic knife can display power information (e.g., battery level), information about cutting action, user information, blade sharpness information, etc.

[0023] In some embodiments, the kitchen tool includes a memory and a programmable processor (e.g., within a controller or a microcontroller). The programmable processor can include circuitry configured to execute instructions to cause the programmable processor to perform features of the technology, such as commanding a motion device (e.g., actuator, vibrator, micromotion element, etc.), sending (e.g., transmitting) data (e.g., battery information, usage data, cutting data for electronic knives, sharpening data for electronic knives, recommendations, etc.), or other functions. For example, an electronic knife can cause a notification to be sent to the user indicating any of the following conditions: that the electronic knife should be sharpened based on, for example, usage history, cutting performance, a stored schedule, and / or the like; that the user should modify their grip pressure to minimize the vibrational energy absorbed by the user’s hand; recommendations to change the cutting program or center frequency to prevent binding against tough foods, reducing tearing, etc.; that the battery needs to be recharged or is fully charged; that the electronic knife requires calibration of accelerometer and / or magnetometer settings; that a malfunction or error state is detected by the electronic knife’s internal circuitry; that the electronic knife is available for pairing (via a local network wireless connection, a wide network wireless connection, etc.) with a portable electronic device (e.g., mobile device, smartphone, computer, etc.) or other electronic device; and other notifications related to the setup, usage, and care of the electronic knife. The electronic knife can include one or more input devices (e.g., buttons, ring selectors, screen, slider, etc.) used to select cutting settings, operation parameters, battery usage settings, etc. During sharpening, the knife can analyze parameters (e.g., applied pressure, knife blade orientation, etc.) to output sharpening recommendations, data to an electronic knife sharpener which uses the data to control the knife sharpening process, etc. In some embodiments, the electronic knife is a rechargeable electric culinary knife, including an ultrasonic knife. In some embodiments, the kitchen tool is an ice cream scoop, a cheese grater, or the like.

[0024] In some embodiments, a handheld electronic knife (also referred to as “the knife assembly”) can include a blade and a handle (or “handle assembly”) operatively coupled to the blade. The handle can include an autotuning actuator assembly configured to oscillate the blade relative to the handle at a frequency selected based on a resonance frequency of at least one of the electronic-4-153743.8003,WO00\184577021.1knife or the blade and obtain one or more measurements during oscillation of the blade. The autotuning actuator assembly can be programmed to adjust the frequency based on the obtained one or more measurements.

[0025] In some embodiments, the handle can include an oscillator operably coupled to the blade, at least one sensor configured to obtain one or more measurements, and a controller operably coupled to the oscillator and the at least one sensor. The measurements from the sensor can include a spatial position of the electronic knife, a spatial orientation of the electronic knife, a mass of a user’s hand, a grip of the user’s hand, and / or a resistance to the oscillation of the blade. The controller can adjust an operating frequency of the oscillator based at least partially on the one or more measurements from the at least one sensor. The handle can also include a wireless power supply. In some embodiments, the electronic knife includes a plurality of oscillators. In some such embodiments, each of the oscillators is oriented in an independent direction. In some embodiments, two or more oscillators are arranged in parallel directions.

[0026] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to determine a resonant frequency for the oscillation of the blade based on measurements from the at least one sensor in the knife assembly. The resonant frequency can be affected by a mass of the user’s hand, the user’s grip, and / or an object being cut by the blade. Once determined, the controller can adjust the speed of the oscillator to match the resonant frequency. In some embodiments, the controller is programmed to determine a plurality of frequencies, including one or more resonant frequencies of the blade, one or more resonant frequencies of the entire electronic knife, one or more frequencies for a target mode shape of blade, etc.

[0027] The knife charger and / or handle of the electronic knife can also include one or more feedback components, such as a haptic feedback mechanism, a visual feedback mechanism (e.g., indicator lights and / or an electronic screen or digital display), and an audible feedback component (e.g., speakers). The feedback component of a knife can indicate an angle of the blade with respect to a reference axis (e.g., vertical axis, horizontal axis, etc.), can indicate the orientation of the blade (e g., orientation with respect to a sharpening stone, reference plane, etc.), can provide instructions to a user on how to sharpen the blade, and / or can provide instructions to a user on how to appropriately cut an object using the electronic knife. In some embodiments, the handle of the electronic knife also includes a communications component configured to wirelessly communicate with a remote-5-153743.8003. W000\184577021.1electronic device, charger, etc. For example, the controller can download, through the communications component, one or more updates from the remote electronic device.

[0028] In some embodiments, the power supply in the handle includes a secondary cell that can be wirelessly recharged. For example, the handle can include one or more receiving coils electrically coupled to the power supply that are configured to generate an electric current in response to a magnetic field on the receiving coil.

[0029] For ease of reference, the electronic knife assembly and associated systems are sometimes described herein with reference to top and bottom, upper and lower, upward and downward, and / or horizontal plane, x-y plane, vertical, or z-direction relative to the spatial orientation of the embodiments shown in the figures. It is to be understood, however, that the electronic knife assembly and associated systems can be moved to, and used in, different spatial orientations without changing the structure and / or function of the disclosed embodiments of the present technology.

[0030] Further, although primarily discussed herein as in the context of kitchen cutlery, one of skill in the art will understand that the scope of the invention is not so limited. For example, the methods discussed herein can also be used to adjust the operation of other electronic cutting systems. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not confined to any subset of embodiments, and is confined only by the limitations set out in the appended claims.Representative Electronic Knife Systems

[0031] Fig. 1 illustrates an electronic knife system 100 in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology. In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic knife system 100 includes an electronic knife assembly 110 (also referred to herein as “the electronic knife” or “the smart knife”), a charging cutting board 106 for charging the electronic knife 110, and a remote electronic device 120 (also referred to herein as “the portable electronic device”). The charging cutting board 106 can charge the electronic knife 110 while the electronic knife 110 is held by the charging cutting board 106. For example, the electronic knife 110 can be charged by the charging cutting board 106 while remaining within a user’s reach and charged for use. The blade of the electronic knife 110 can lie flat on the charging cutting board 106 to, for example, protect users from accidental contact with the blade edge.-6-153743.8003. W000\184577021.1

[0032] The electronic knife 1 10 can be used by a user to perform various tasks, such as cutting, dicing, slicing, chopping, and / or otherwise processing (referred to collectively as “cutting” herein) foodstuff (e.g., cooked, raw, and cured meat and plant material, breads, cheeses, pastries, and / or any other suitable materials). The remote electronic device 120 can provide visual feedback, instructions (e g., sharpening instructions, storage instructions, recharging instructions, etc.), statistics, and the like to the user to improve their use of the electronic knife 110. The remote electronic device 120 can also be used to control knife operation by, for example, selecting a cutting mode (e.g., a mode for cutting red meat, a mode for cutting fish, a mode for cutting pastries, a mode for cutting bread, a mode for cutting plant material, etc.), a user profile (e.g., user settings / preferences, weight of the user’s hand, etc.), operating parameters, etc. The remote electronic device 120 can be a smartphone, a tablet, a computer, a smart watch, etc. configured to communicate via a wired connection, wireless connection, wireless network, or the like.

[0033] In some embodiments, the electronic knife 110 can be a cordless, handheld culinary knife. The knife blade can be constructed from metal (e g., an alloy steel) that is sharpened at a cutting edge. As discussed in more detail below, the handle assembly can include a housing that encloses various electronic and / or mechanical components. The housing of the handle assembly can be constructed from any durable, natural, and / or engineered material. In some embodiments, for example, the housing of the handle assembly is constructed primarily from wood that has been milled to enclose the internal components. In various embodiments, the electronic knife 110 can be a chef s knife, a paring knife, a boning knife, a slicer, a santoku knife, a bread knife, a cleaver, and / or other specialty blade shapes and handheld knives. Alternately, the electronic knife 110 may not conform to an established category of blade shape. For example, the electronic knife 110 can include a blade with a rectangular side profile. The custom shapes can be advantageous for maximizing a resonance amplitude of the blade and / or simplifying resonance or mode shape calculations (discussed in more detail below) for the electronic knife 110.

[0034] In various embodiments, the blade of the electronic knife 110 can be made from one or more metals, ceramics, plastics, woods, other natural materials, and / or other suitable materials. The material of the blade of the electronic knife 110 can be selected based on mass, hardness, wear characteristics, mechanical properties, chemical reactivity (corrosion), and / or an intended use. For example, ceramic knives can be sharpened to an extremely fine, durable cutting edge; plastic knives-7-153743.8003. W000\184577021.1are dull enough to reduce the risk of accidental injury while sharp enough to cut through some vegetables and leafy greens; and wooden knives can be used for cutting and serving soft cheeses. Further, the knife can have a blade made of alloy metals, such as steel or titanium. In some embodiments, different alloys are used to create different characteristics in one or more performance factors for the electronic knife 110, such as edge-holding ability, durability, flexibility, resonance characteristics, corrosion resistance, aesthetic design, and / or various other suitable factors.

[0035] The charging cutting board 106 can include a cutting surface 111 made of, for example, wood, bamboo, plastic, or another material. The size and configuration of the cutting surface 111 can be selected based on the desired interaction with the blade of the electronic knife 110.

[0036] The charging cutting board 106 can include a charging station 113 positioned adjacent to the cutting surface 111. The charging station 113 can include a computing device 117 and a power source or battery pack 102 with charging transmission capability. The charging station 113 can be configured for wireless, wired, conductive, inductive charging, or other charging transmissions. The computing device 117 can manage charging of the electronic knife 110, programming of the electronic knife 110, software updates, etc. The battery pack 102 can be removable from the charging cutting board 106. The battery pack 102 can be held in place by battery pack magnets 103, by slide- in friction contact, by a clamp, or by other means that allow for easy removal by the user. The battery pack 102 can be removed from the charging cutting board 106 while the charging cutting board 106 is being cleaned. For example, the battery pack 102 is removed while the cutting board is placed in a sink or in a dishwasher.

[0037] The charging station 113 can be configured to receive and hold the electronic knife 110 at a charging position. The charging station 113 can include a recessed slot 112 that mates with the handle 114 of the electronic knife 110. A chamfered edge 1322 of the recessed slot 112 guides the handle 114 into the correct alignment to ensure optimal alignment of the transmitting and receiving elements (e.g., coils not shown). The configuration of the recessed slot 112 can be selected to match the handle 114 such that the recessed slot 112 can receive a sufficient amount of the handle 114 to hold the electronic knife 110 at the charging position. In some embodiments, the charging station 113 has a protruding handle holder configured to receive and hold the handle 114.

[0038] The charging station 113 can include a raised platform that meets the face of the blade of the electronic knife 110 and holds the blade using embedded magnets 104 (e.g., knife blade-8-153743.8003. W000\184577021.1magnets). Securing the blade to the charging cutting board 106 protects the blade edge from damage and protects a user from accidental contact with the sharp edge of the blade. In some embodiments, the charging station 113 may be configured to hold the electronic knife 110 such that a side of the blade remains stationary against a surface of the raised platform during charging operations. The raised platform can provide a stable support surface that extends along a length of the blade, allowing the flat side of the blade to rest against the platform surface. The embedded elements or magnets 104 can generate forces (e.g., magnetic attraction forces) that draw the blade toward the raised platform and maintain contact between the blade and the platform surface throughout the charging process. This stationary positioning of the blade against the raised platform can help ensure consistent alignment between the handle 114 and the recessed slot 112, which may facilitate efficient power transfer between the charging station 113 and the electronic knife 110. In some embodiments, the magnetic retention provided by the embedded magnets 104 can be sufficient to prevent movement of the blade relative to the raised platform even when the charging cutting board 106 experiences minor disturbances or vibrations. The stationary positioning of the blade against the raised platform can also protect the cutting edge of the blade from contact with other surfaces while charging the electronic knife 110. In some embodiments, the raised platform may include a surface finish or coating selected to limit or minimize friction with the blade while providing adequate support, allowing the blade to be easily placed on and removed from the raised platform while maintaining stable positioning during charging. The configuration of the raised platform and the positioning of the embedded magnets 104 can be selected to distribute the magnetic retention force along the length of the blade, helping to maintain the blade in a flat, stationary orientation against the platform surface.

[0039] In some embodiments, plugs 105 cover the embedded magnets 104 so that they are not exposed to water, other liquids, or cleaning chemicals when the charging cutting board 106 is wet. The plugs 105 can be made of the same material as the charging cutting board 106 or a different material. Materials used for the charging cutting board 106 can include wood, plastic, synthetic, or a combination of materials.

[0040] In some embodiments, the charging cutting board 106 may have multiple charging areas for multiple tools. Although the charging area is shown on one corner of the charging cutting board 106, the charging area can be located on any side (e.g., right, left, top, or bottom side) or position of the charging cutting board 106. For example, sushi chefs can stage their knives at the top end of their-9-153743.8003. W000\184577021.1working area between uses. In some embodiments, the charging cutting board 106 may include a cutting surface 111 that is positioned at a different height than the charging station 113. The cutting surface 111 may be elevated relative to the raised platform of the charging station 113, such that an upper surface of the cutting surface I l l is positioned further away from a back surface of the charging cutting board 106 than an upper surface of the raised platform. This height differential can allow the electronic knife 110 to rest securely in the charging station 113 while the cutting surface 111 remains available for food preparation activities. In some embodiments, the charging cutting board 106 is connected to a docking base 124. The upper surface of the charging cutting board 106 may be positioned further away from a back surface of the docking base 124 than an upper surface of a blade platform 122.

[0041] Fig. 2 is a network connection diagram of an electronic knife system 100 of the type illustrated in Fig. 1 in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the electronic knife system 100 can include a smart knife 210, one or more portable electronic devices 220 (e.g., remote electronic device 120, charging cutting board 106, etc.), and a smart knife hub 230. Each of the smart knife 210, the portable electronic device(s) 220, and the smart knife hub 230 has a communication channel 204 with a network 240. In turn, the network 240 has a communication channel 204 with a server 250. The server 250 can include one or more modules relevant to the operation and maintenance of the electronic knife system 100. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the server includes a module 252 with an artificial intelligence and / or machine learning (AI / ML) component; a module 254 with accessible tutorials for using the electronic knife system 100, cleaning the smart knife 210, sharpening the smart knife 210, and / or various other functions; and a module 256 for pushing software updates (e g., firmware updates, calibration updates, etc.) or new software programs to any of the components of the electronic knife system 100. In addition, the server 250 can include one or more databases 262 (three databases 262a-262c shown in Fig. 2) storing information related to the system. For example, one of the database(s) 262 can store metrics on the operation of the smart knife 210 that can be mined by the Al / ML component of the module 252 to improve the operation of the smart knife 210 (e.g., to increase the time spent operating at or near a resonant frequency for the smart knife 210). One of the database(s) 262 can also store charging programs for charging cutting boards or racks.-10-153743.8003. W000\184577021.1

[0042] The electronic knife system 100 can be configured to collect measurements from one or more sensors in the smart knife 210, the portable electronic device(s) 220, and / or the smart knife hub 230. For example, the sensors can measure various operation parameters of the smart knife 210 such as total time operated, total time cutting, orientation of the smart knife 210, oscillation frequency of a blade of the smart knife 210, density of materials processed, feedback forces from the blade, mass or weight of a user’s hand, a user’s grip, deformation of the blade, mode shape of the blade, and / or various other suitable parameters. Similarly, the sensors can measure operation statistics for the portable electronic device(s) 220 (e.g., total time watching tutorials, type of tutorials watched, feedback on tutorials) and / or the smart knife hub 230 (e.g., time spent charging the smart knife 210).

[0043] The electronic knife system 100 can then be configured to analyze the measurements from the sensors. For example, the AI / ML component of the module 252 and / or a processor on the smart knife 210 can study the operation parameters of the smart knife 210 to predict when the blade will need to be sharpened, adjust the oscillation frequency of the blade based on one or more operation parameters, and the like. In another example, the AI / ML component of the module 252 can study the operation statistics of the portable electronic device(s) 220 to recommend additional tutorials to the user based on their viewing history.

[0044] The module 252 can include machine learning models, such as neural networks, trained to produce types of results. A neural network can be trained by obtaining a quantity of “training items,” where each training item includes input similar to input the model will receive when in use and a corresponding scored result. The input from each training item can be supplied to the model to produce a result. The result can be compared to the scored result. Model parameters can then be updated, based on how similar the model result is to the scored result and / or whether the score is positive or negative. For example, machine learning models can be trained with reference knife sharpening data, cutting data (e.g., data collected when cutting different foodstuffs, such as fish, beef, bread, pastries, etc.), etc. In some embodiments, a model can be trained using sets of sharpening data and corresponding scores for the result of that sharpening process. Machine learning models can be trained to produce various results such as: maximize reduction of required blade force to cut, maximize efficiency of conversion from electrical energy to mechanical oscillation, maximize blade sharpness, increase accuracy of maintaining vibratory response, increase cutting speed, reduce micro tearing of food, enhance knife feel / balance, etc. The module 252 can be programmed to adjust the-11-153743.8003. W000\184577021.1actuation frequency to keep elastic deformation of the blade relative to a midplane of the blade below a target level, thereby maintaining a desired mode shape.

[0045] Fig. 3 illustrates a computing device 300 suitable for use in connection with the charging cutting board 106 of Fig. 1 and / or the electronic knife system 100 of Fig. 2 according to some embodiments of the present technology. The computing device 300 can be incorporated into various components of the electronic knife system 100 of Fig. 2, such as the smart knife 210 as shown in Fig. 2, the portable electronic device(s) 220, the smart knife hub 230, and / or the server 250. The computing device 300 can be incorporated into a handle assembly, such as the handle assemblies disclosed below in Figs. 4-1 IB, and the description of the computing device 300 applies equally to the computing device 117 of Fig. 1 .

[0046] With continued reference to Fig. 3, the computing device 300 includes one or more processors 310 (e.g., CPU(s), GPU(s), HPU(s), etc.). The processor(s) 310 can be a single processing unit or multiple processing units in a device or distributed across multiple devices. The processor(s) 310 can be coupled to other hardware devices, for example, with the use of a bus, such as a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or small computer system interface (SCSI) bus. The processor(s) 310 can be configured to execute one or more computer-readable program instructions, such as program instructions to perform any of the methods described herein.

[0047] The computing device 300 can include one or more input devices 320 that provide input to the processor(s) 310, e.g., to notify it of actions from a user of the computing device 300. The actions can be mediated by a hardware controller that interprets the signals received from the input device(s) 320 and communicates the information to the processor(s) 310 using a communication protocol. The input device(s) 320 can include, for example, sensors (e.g., capacitive sensors, touch sensors, motion sensors, contact sensors, voice sensors, etc.), a mouse, a keyboard, a touchscreen, an infrared sensor, a touchpad, a wearable input device, a camera- or image-based input device, a microphone, or user input devices. For example, the computing device 117 of Fig. 1 can include a touchscreen for inputting charging settings, control software update installation, manage programming of the electronic knives, charging stations, etc. The computing device 117 can include a microphone for voice control. The input device(s) 320 of Fig. 3 can also include dampening components, actuators, and components that can output signals indicative of operation of the knife. The output signals can be used in feedback loops or other control routines.-12-153743.8003. W000\184577021.1

[0048] The computing device 300 can include a display 330 used to display various types of output, such as text, models, virtual culinary tasks, virtual examples of maintenance on the electronic knife system 100, graphics, and / or images (e.g., images with visual instructions for a culinary task). In some embodiments, the display 330 provides graphical and textual visual feedback to a user. The processor(s) 310 can communicate with the display 330 via a hardware controller for devices. In some embodiments, the display 330 includes the input device(s) 320 as part of the display 330, such as when the input device(s) 320 includes a touchscreen or is equipped with an eye direction monitoring system. In alternative embodiments, the display 330 is separate from the input device(s) 320. Examples of display devices include an LCD display screen, an LED display screen, a projected, holographic, or augmented reality display (e.g., a heads-up display device or a head-mounted device), and so on.

[0049] Optionally, other input / output (I / O) devices 340 can also be coupled to the processor(s) 310, such as a network card, video card, audio card, USB, firewire or other external device, camera, printer, speakers, CD-ROM drive, DVD drive, disk drive, or Blu-Ray device. Other EO devices 340 can also include input ports for information from directly connected culinary equipment such as a scale, the smart knife hub 230, a knife sharpening apparatus, an imaging system, etc. Other I / O devices 340 can further include input ports for receiving data from various types of machines, from various components of the electronic knife system 100, and / or from other sources (e.g., across a network, or from an external database). The I / O devices 340 can also include haptic feedback mechanisms, audible feedback components, visual feedback mechanisms, or the like. For example, the I / O devices 340 can output feedback based on use of the knife. In some embodiments, the EO devices 340 can output audible instructions or audible cues to notify the user of usage data (e.g., improper usage, proper usage, etc.), technique feedback (e.g., improper technique, proper technique, etc.), or alerts, etc. in real time. The knife can execute training programs to guide a user for different cutting techniques.

[0050] In some embodiments, the computing device 300 also includes a communication device (not shown) capable of wireless or wire-based communication with a network node. The communication device can communicate with another device or a server through a network using, for example, transmission control protocol / internet protocol (TCP / IP) protocols. The computing device-13-153743.8003. W000\184577021.1300 can utilize the communication device to distribute operations across multiple network devices, including multiple smart knife hubs 230 (Fig. 2), multiple portable electronic devices 220, etc.

[0051] The computing device 300 can include memory 350, which can be in a single device or distributed across multiple devices. Memory 350 includes one or more of various hardware devices for volatile and non-volatile storage, and can include both read-only and writable memory. For example, a memory can comprise random access memory (RAM), various caches, CPU registers, read-only memory (ROM), and writable non-volatile memory, such as flash memory, hard drives, floppy disks, CDs, DVDs, magnetic storage devices, tape drives, device buffers, and so forth. A memory is not a propagating signal divorced from underlying hardware; a memory is thus non- transitory. In some embodiments, memory 350 is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that stores, for example, programs, software, data, or the like. In some embodiments, memory 350 can include program memory 360 that stores programs and software, such as an operating system 362, one or more data mining modules 364 (e.g., AI / ML components, neural networks, and the like), and other application programs 366. Memory 350 can also include data memory 370 that can include, e.g., reference data, calibration data, settings, user options or preferences, etc., which can be provided to the program memory 360 or any other element of the computing device 300.

[0052] Fig. 4 is an exploded view of an electronic knife in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology. The components of the electronic knife can include knife blade 1, handle body 2, bolster 3, bolt 4, battery pack 5, internal frame 6, countermass 7, gasket 8, button cap 9, piezo stack 10, and retaining clip 11.

[0053] In some embodiments, the handle body 2 can be made from a single piece of injection molded material. In some embodiments, the handle body 2 can also be made from milled or extruded metal, plastic, wood, or natural materials.

[0054] In some embodiments, the bolster 3 is cast or milled and welded to the knife blade 1. In some embodiments, the bolster 3 and knife blade 1 may be constructed from one or more pieces of material via milling, forging, stamping, etc.

[0055] The bolt 4 applies preloading force through the countermass 7 to the piezos of the piezo stack 10 and clamps them to the bolster 3. The battery pack 5 can be removable. The internal frame 6 can grip around the grooves in the bolster 3 to join it to the handle body 2. The internal frame 6-14-153743.8003,WO00\184577021.1also provides mounting points for internal electronics of the handle body 2. The countermass 7 provides a high acoustic impedance surface behind the piezos of the piezo stack 10 to reflect vibrational energy toward the knife blade 1. The countermass 7 also provides a surface to spread the compression force of the bolt 4 evenly across the surface of the piezos. The electronic knife can also include a gasket 8, button cap 9, and the piezo stack 10. The piezo stack 10 can include piezoceramic rings and electrodes. The retaining clip 11 can provide a one-way latching mechanism during assembly so that the internal frame 6 and the bolster 3 / knife blade 1 can be attached to the handle body 2 but not removed. The retaining clip 11 also provides the mounting surface for the button cap 9 and / or gasket 8.

[0056] Tn some embodiments, the knife blade 1 is attached to the bolster 3. The bolster 3 may be cast or milled as a separate part and then attached to the knife blade 1 by welding or other means of secure attachment. This is beneficial because most knife steel is available as flat sheets. The knife blade 1 can be produced from those flat sheets and mated to a bolster 3 produced via other means that minimize material waste and machining time. This bonded connection is important for transferring the vibrational energy from the piezo stack 10 through the bolster 3 and into the metal of the knife blade 1 without losses due to friction or incomplete mating.

[0057] In some embodiments, the electronic knife can include a handle body 2 with an autotuning actuator assembly configured to oscillate the knife blade 1 at a frequency selected based on a resonance frequency of the electronic knife or the knife blade 1. The autotuning actuator assembly may obtain one or more measurements during oscillation of the knife blade 1 and adjust the frequency based on the obtained measurements. The handle body 2 can include an oscillator operably coupled to the knife blade 1, at least one sensor configured to obtain measurements such as spatial position, spatial orientation, mass of a user’s hand, grip characteristics, and resistance to oscillation, and a controller operably coupled to the oscillator and sensor. The controller may adjust an operating frequency of the oscillator based on the measurements to compensate for changes in operating conditions. In some cases, the electronic knife includes multiple oscillators, with each oscillator oriented in an independent direction or arranged in parallel directions to provide complex vibration patterns. The handle body 2 may also include a wireless power supply with receiving coils configured to generate electric current in response to a magnetic field for recharging the battery pack 5.-15-153743.8003. W000\184577021.1

[0058] The electronic knife may include feedback components to provide information to the user during operation. The feedback components can include haptic feedback mechanisms, visual feedback mechanisms such as indicator lights or digital displays, and audible feedback components such as speakers. In some aspects, the feedback component may indicate an angle of the knife blade 1 with respect to a reference axis, provide instructions on how to sharpen the knife blade 1, or provide guidance on how to appropriately cut an object. The handle body 2 may include a communication component configured to wirelessly communicate with remote electronic devices, allowing the controller to download updates, transmit usage data, or receive operating parameters. The electronic knife may store executable cutting programs for different types of foodstuff and can be programmed to control oscillation such that the knife blade 1 operates in predetermined modes based on user input through the button cap 9. In some cases, the electronic knife can determine a dominant mode of vibration and control oscillation to achieve that mode, or evaluate operation when cutting a subject material and adjust oscillation based on the evaluation.

[0059] Fig. 5 is an exploded view of an electronic knife in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology. Fig. 6 is an exploded view of an electronic knife handle in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology. Referring to Figs. 5 and 6, the internal frame can grasp the bolster through a set of grooves that interface with matching grooves in the bolster to create a mechanical connection that is secure and resistant to water ingress.

[0060] The internal frame can spread the load of torque applied to the handle when cutting so that more load is transferred away from the bolster, rather than having a short, weak connection just at the bolster interface.

[0061] The internal frame can facilitate assembly by providing mounting points and assembly accessibility for the electronic components of the handle.

[0062] The internal frame can provide a backing surface against the button / tactile switch 606 to resist pressure when the user pushes the button.

[0063] The internal frame can electrically insulate the piezo stack from the outer handle enclosure 601 . This can allow the possibility of the outer handle being made of a conductive material such as metal.-16-153743.8003. W000\184577021.1

[0064] The internal frame can locate the induction coils 607 inside the handle and close to the surface of the handle. These coils can be as close as possible to the surface in order to provide efficient wireless charging.

[0065] The internal frame can create a one-way spring clip lock when the retaining clip 11 captures the interior edge of the internal frame shell 602 and prevents it from being removed from the outer handle enclosure.

[0066] The knife can be activated using an input element, such as a button on the underside of the handle. The electromechanical assembly of the button includes a button / tactile switch 606 mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). This tactile switch 606 sends a signal to the handle’s microcontroller 608 (e.g., a microcontroller in the electronics in the handle) to enable the output signal to the piezo stack. Also, for safety, the tactile switch 606 can act as an air gap for the electrical connection to the piezo stack. This means that in case of a firmware glitch or a malicious attack over one of the knife’s communication protocols (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.), the piezo circuitry can be restricted from activating unless the switch is physically held closed.

[0067] The tactile feel of the button can relate to user enjoyment of the product. A bumper 604 sits between the tactile switch 606 and the button cap 9 where the user’ s finger can touch. The bumper 604 also serves as a gasket to prevent water ingress into the handle around the button cap 9. The bumper 604 includes one or more pillars; a central pillar contacts the tactile switch 606, while pillars on the sides control how much the button can “rock” and provides resistance control when the button is detected against the tactile switch.

[0068] The placement of the button can be designed for maximum ergonomics for using the knife. This button position allows users to hold the knife in a pinch grip while still making natural fingertip contact with the button. The same is true of a handle grip. It can be technically difficult to position the button here, and one of the design decisions that enabled this positioning is shifting the piezo stack vertically up toward the spine of the knife. The pill shape of the button allows for a wider contact area, accommodating users with different hand sizes and finger lengths. In some embodiments, the button cap 9 is a bright color, such as orange, green, pink, or any fluorescent color. The button cap 9 can be any shape, such as square, round, oval, or triangular.-17-153743.8003. W000\184577021.1

[0069] Fig. 7 is a side view of the inside of a handle assembly of an electronic knife in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology.

[0070] Fig. 8 is a side view of the inside of a handle assembly of an electronic knife in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology.Battery Pack

[0071] Fig. 9 is a top view of the inside of a handle assembly of an electronic knife in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology.

[0072] Fig. 10 is an exploded view of a handle assembly of an electronic knife in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology.

[0073] The battery pack can be a user-removable component so that the user may own multiple batteries and can swap them out during use. The battery may be recharged when it is removed from the handle via conductive charging (e.g., USB-C conductive charging). The battery can also be charged when it is connected to the handle via the handle’s wireless inductive charging circuitry.

[0074] Advantageously, the user doesn’t need to remove the battery between uses. This avoids potentially exposing the interior of the handle and the connection end of the battery pack to water and debris. It also lets the user use the knife just like any other knife without a change to the user’s normal behavior (when paired with a wireless charging unit).

[0075] The pack comprises a multi-piece housing. The two sides 901 and 902 come together to form a shell. The end cap 903 captures the two sides and allows for assembly of light-piping components in between. The end cap 903 may also be fabricated in such a way (e g., injection molding) that there is no seam or parting line visible on that component, and therefore no seam visible when the battery pack is installed.

[0076] The housing contains one or more battery cells 904. It also contains a PCB 909 with battery charging circuitry, including under- and over-voltage protection, thermal protection, etc. The battery may be secured to the assembly by straps, glue, or other means.

[0077] This PCB 909 also contains a microcontroller responsible for displaying status information via a set of LEDs 912. This status can be any of: operating mode, battery life remaining,-18-153743.8003. W000\184577021.1error code, etc. and may use the position of the LEDs 912 as well as color, intensity, and / or animation to convey that status.

[0078] The emitted light of the LEDs 912 can be channeled through a light pipe 905 made of some transparent, translucent, or light-filtering material (e.g., clear plastic). The light is then emitted through the diffusion ring 906. A cap 907, inspired by the aesthetic of traditional knife rivets, may be placed inside the ring so that light only emits in a ring and not in a filled-in circle. But other embodiments may display the light information in different ways: as a grid, as a line, as a full pixel display, etc.

[0079] When the battery is detached from the handle, the animation of the LEDs 912 is controlled by the battery’s onboard microcontroller. However, when the battery is attached to the handle, data is transmitted over a USB connector 908 such that the handle’s central microcontroller can drive the LED animations. The battery circuitry and handle circuitry may also exchange other information on battery voltage, current, temperature, charging status, etc. via a data connection over the USB connector 908.

[0080] To avoid water ingress into the handle, the battery pack can include a water-resistant seal on the USB connector 908. The battery pack can also include a groove 910 and an O-ring 911 to seal the connection to the handle.

[0081] Figs. 1 1 A and 1 IB are side and bottom views of components of an electronic knife in accordance with further embodiments of the present technology. The electronic knife has a control input that can be used to operate the electronic knife. The control input can be, for example, a slider, a button, a toggle switch, or other component configured to be moved between different positions corresponding to different operating states. For example, the button can be slid to a first position to turn on the electronic knife. The input can be returned to an off position to turn off the knife. In some embodiments, the input has a slider or other element that can be moved to control the speed of the blade. This allows a user to optimize cutting action.

[0082] Fig. 12 is an isometric view of an electronic knife charging system 1200 in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology. The description of the knives and charging cutting board of Figs. 1-1 IB applies to the electronic knife charging system 1200 unless indicated otherwise. The electronic knife charging system 1200 can include dedicated storage and provide a charging-19-153743.8003. W000\184577021.1solution for an electronic knife, such as the electronic knife 110 of Fig. 1. The electronic knife charging system 1200 may be configured to hold the electronic knife in a secure position while simultaneously charging the power source within the handle of the electronic knife. In some embodiments, the electronic knife charging system 1200 can be mounted on a wall, placed on a countertop, or stored in a drawer, providing flexible placement options to suit different kitchen configurations and user preferences. The electronic knife charging system 1200 may include a docking base with features designed to align and secure the electronic knife during charging operations. The electronic knife charging system 1200 can utilize wireless charging technology, such as inductive charging, to transfer power to the electronic knife without requiring direct electrical contact. In some embodiments, the electronic knife charging system 1200 may include visual indicators to communicate, for example, charging status, battery level, or other operational information to the user.

[0083] The electronic knife charging system 1200 may include a blade platform configured to support and protect the blade of the electronic knife when the knife is positioned in the electronic knife charging system 1200. A handle retainer may be provided to receive and hold the handle of the electronic knife in a predetermined orientation that facilitates efficient power transfer during charging. In some embodiments, the electronic knife charging system 1200 includes one or more magnets positioned to magnetically secure the blade against the blade platform, preventing movement of the knife during charging and protecting the cutting edge from damage. The electronic knife charging system 1200 may include an internal battery that allows the electronic knife charging system 1200 to operate cordlessly, enabling the system to charge the electronic knife even when the electronic knife charging system 1200 is not connected to an external power source. The electronic knife charging system 1200 may be configured to charge the electronic knife while maintaining the knife in an upright or angled position, keeping the blade safely oriented and readily accessible for the user’ s next use.

[0084] Fig. 13 is an exploded isometric view of the electronic knife charging system 1200 of Fig. 12. The electronic knife charging system 1200 safely stores the electronic knife 110 between uses. The electronic knife charging system 1200 can recharge the battery of the electronic knife 110 by wireless charging (e.g., Qi wireless standard), or by conductive charging through aligned conductive contacts.-20-153743.8003. W000\184577021.1

[0085] The electronic knife charging system 1200 can include a battery 1302 so that the electronic knife charging system 1200 can operate cordlessly. In some embodiments, the electronic knife charging system 1200 operates in a corded fashion with or without the battery 1302. Operating cordlessly can eliminate exposed cords. Kitchen outlet space is usually precious, and if the electronic knife and charger are in a kitchen drawer, corded power is typically unavailable. The battery 1302 is rechargeable via receptacle 1319 (e.g., USB-C female receptacle) connected to the PCB 1317. The electronic knife charging system 1200 can wirelessly charge the battery 1302 of the electronic knife 110 via charging coil 1308. Wireless charging (e g., Qi charging protocol) can occur through the circuitry on the PCB 1317. Battery compression foam 1306 can separate the battery 1302 from the housing 1303. Tapping screws 1311 and 1312 can secure the electronics (e.g., battery 1302, charging coil 1308, and PCB 1317) within housings 1305 and 1303. The electronic knife charging system 1200 can include a docking base 1324 having a raised platform 1301 (e.g., a blade platform) and a handle retainer 1320 that includes a recessed slot 112. The raised platform 1301 may be dimensioned to provide a protective surface that extends beyond the edges of the blade 1313 when the handle 114 is received by the handle retainer 1320. In some embodiments, the raised platform 1301 can have a surface area that exceeds the surface area of the blade 1313, creating a margin around the blade periphery that prevents the cutting edge from contacting adjacent surfaces or objects while the electronic knife 110 is stored in the electronic knife charging system 1200. For example, the raised platform 1301 (e.g., a blade platform) is configured to extend outwardly past a periphery of the blade when the handle 114 is positioned in the handle retainer 1320.

[0086] The raised platform 1301 can meet the face of the blade of the electronic knife 110 and secure it downward using embedded magnets 1315. The raised platform 1301 protects the blade edge from damage and protects a user from accidental contact with the sharp edge of the blade. In some embodiments, the electronic knife charging system 1200 includes additional magnetic mating and alignment points between the electronic knife 110 and the charger. The docking base 1324 can include one or more retention features (e.g., embedded magnets 1315) that are embedded within or coupled to the raised platform 1301 to provide retention forces (e.g., magnetic retention) of the electronic knife 110 when the handle 114 is received by the handle retainer 1320. The embedded magnets 1315 can generate magnetic attraction forces that draw the blade 1313 toward the raised platform 1301 and maintain contact between the blade 1313 and the platform surface throughout the charging process. In some embodiments, the magnetic retention provided by the embedded magnets-21-153743.8003. W000\184577021.11315 can be sufficient to prevent movement of the blade 1313 relative to the raised platform 1301 even when the electronic knife charging system 1200 experiences minor disturbances or vibrations.

[0087] The recessed slot 112 can mate with the handle 114 of the electronic knife 110. A chamfered edge 1322 of the recessed slot 112 guides the handle 114 into the correct alignment to ensure optimal alignment of the transmitting and receiving coils. The chamfered edge 1322 of the recessed slot 112 may provide a tapered surface that facilitates initial contact with the handle 114 as the user positions the electronic knife 110 in the electronic knife charging system 1200. As the handle 114 slides along the chamfered edge 1322, the angled surface can guide the handle 114 toward the center of the recessed slot 112, reducing the precision required by the user during placement. In some embodiments, the chamfered edge 1322 can provide a smooth transition that allows the handle 114 to self-align with the recessed slot 112, ensuring proper positioning for efficient wireless power transfer between the charging coil 1308 and the receiving coils in the electronic knife 110.

[0088] In some embodiments, the handle retainer 1320 may be configured such that most of a longitudinal length of the handle 114 is positioned within an opening of the handle retainer 1320 during charging operations. This configuration can provide stable support for the electronic knife 110 while maintaining proper alignment between the charging coil 1308 in the electronic knife charging system 1200 and the receiving coils in the handle 114. By receiving most of the handle’s longitudinal length, the handle retainer 1320 can distribute support forces along the handle 114, reducing stress concentrations and providing a secure mounting arrangement. In some cases, the opening of the handle retainer 1320 may extend along a substantial portion of the handle’s length, allowing the handle 114 to nest within the retainer structure. This extended engagement can help maintain the spatial relationship between the charging elements throughout the charging process, even if the electronic knife experiences minor disturbances or vibrations. The opening may be dimensioned to accommodate the handle with sufficient clearance to allow easy insertion and removal while maintaining alignment precision for efficient power transfer.

[0089] The handle retainer 1320 may include a handle-receiving feature that is symmetric about its longitudinal axis, providing versatility in how the electronic knife 110 can be positioned in the electronic knife charging system 1200. This symmetric configuration can allow the handle-receiving feature to receive opposing sides of the handle 114, enabling either side of the blade to be held along the blade platform. In some aspects, the symmetric design can accommodate user preferences for-22-153743.8003. W000\184577021.1knife orientation or allow the electronic knife charging system 1200 to be used with knives having different blade orientations. The handle-receiving feature may include symmetric contours, recesses, or guide surfaces that mirror each other across the longitudinal axis, ensuring that the handle achieves proper alignment regardless of which side faces the blade platform. This bidirectional capability can simplify the user experience by eliminating the need to orient the knife in a specific direction before placement in the electronic knife charging system 1200. The symmetric handle-receiving feature may also facilitate manufacturing by reducing the number of unique components required and allowing the charging system 1200 to accommodate a wider range of knife designs.

[0090] One or more visual indicators 1309 (e g., lights, LEDs) and / or a light pipe 1310 communicate the charging status or battery status of the electronic knife charging system 1200 or the battery 1302. Examples of the charging status or battery status can include tool charging active, tool charging complete, internal battery low, internal battery recharging, etc.

[0091] Housings 1303, 1305, and 1318 can electrically insulate and water-protect electronic components of the electronic knife charging system 1200. For example, the charger may be exposed to moisture in a kitchen environment.

[0092] The electronic knife charging system 1200 can include a wall mount plate 1316 that is coupled to a wall through any of: screws, nails, adhesive mounting strips (to avoid damaging kitchen backsplash surfaces), etc. Wall mounting can be required as some home users want to keep their tools easily within reach without opening drawers, as the user’s hands can be dirty during cooking.

[0093] In some embodiments, the wall mount plate 1316 includes features to assist the user in installing the charger. The features can include screws 1314, threaded inserts 1323, push-in bumpers 1304, and push-in bumper feet 1307. The bumper feet 1307 can prevent the electronic knife charging system 1200 from slipping when placed horizontally on a counter or in a drawer. The bumper feet 1307 can be made of materials such as silicone, rubber, or natural materials. In some embodiments, the electronic knife charging system 1200 includes a level (not shown) to ensure the installed orientation is level with respect to gravity.

[0094] Fig. 14 is an isometric view of a multi-charger system 1400 for electronic knives in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology. The multi-charger system 1400 allows multiple knives or tools to charge and be stored on the same rack. The multi-charger system-23-153743.8003. W000\184577021.11400 can be wall-mounted, placed horizontally on a counter or in a drawer, or freestanding depending on the embodiment. Magnets can be positioned within one or both of blade-contacting cover or wall 1517 and charging coil cover 1505. The blade-contacting wall or cover 1517 and charging coil cover 1505 are positioned to receive and secure the blades of multiple electronic knives. The bladecontacting wall or cover 1517 and charging coil cover 1505 are spaced apart to accommodate multiple knives in a side-by-side arrangement. The blade-contacting wall or cover 1517 can provide a surface against which the flat side of a knife blade can rest when the knife is positioned in the multi-charger system 1400. The charging coil cover 1505 can serve as a handle retainer to receive the handle of an electronic knife while the blade of the electronic knife contacts the blade-contacting wall 1517.

[0095] The blade-contacting wall or cover 1517 and charging coil cover 1505 can be different sizes to accommodate knives of different dimensions or blade lengths. For example, the bladecontacting wall or cover 1517 can be shorter than the charging coil cover 1505, allowing the multicharger system 1400 to hold knives with varying blade or handle sizes while maintaining proper support and alignment for each knife. The different heights of the blade-contacting wall or cover 1517 and charging coil cover 1505 can ensure that knives of various sizes are held securely in orientation based on accommodation of the handle of each knife.

[0096] The multi -charger system 1400 can be configured for various mounting and placement options to suit different kitchen configurations and user preferences. The multi-charger system 1400 can be wall-mounted to provide easy access while keeping knives within reach during cooking operations. In some cases, the multi-charger system 1400 can be placed horizontally on a counter or positioned within a drawer for storage when not in use. The multi-charger system 1400 can also be configured as a freestanding unit that can be positioned on countertops or other surfaces without requiring mounting hardware. These mounting options allow the multi-charger system 1400 to be integrated into different kitchen layouts and storage configurations while maintaining the ability to charge and store multiple electronic knives simultaneously.

[0097] Fig. 15 is an exploded isometric view of the multi-charger system 1400 for electronic knives of Fig. 14. Fig. 16 is a top view of the multi-charger system 1400 for electronic knives of Fig. 14. Internal components are shown in dashed line. Referring to Fig. 15, the multi-charger system 1400 can include a one- or two-dimensional array of wireless charging elements or coils 1511. The charging coils 1511 (e.g., inductive charging circuitry) can be field generators configured to generate-24-153743.8003. W000\184577021.1electromagnetic fields for inductive field wireless charging. In some embodiments, the charging coils 1511 can be transmitter coils arranged in charging patterns. The array of charging coils 1511 may be configured to generate a generally continuous electromagnetic field along the length of the multicharger system 1400, allowing electronic knives to be charged at various positions along the holder. In some aspects, this continuous field distribution can enable charging of any electronic knife positioned within the charging zone, regardless of the specific placement location along the length of the multi-charger system 1400.

[0098] The multi-charger system 1400 can include a controller 1518 programmed to control charging operations for multiple electronic knives positioned within the system. The controller 1518 can be configured to monitor the charging status of each individual knife and adjust power distribution accordingly. The controller 1518 can detect when an electronic knife is placed in the multi-charger system 1400 and initiate charging operations for that specific knife position. The controller 1518 can communicate with each electronic knife to determine battery capacity, current charge level, and optimal charging parameters. Based on this information, the controller 1518 can dynamically allocate power among the charging coils 1511 to provide efficient charging while preventing overcharging or overheating of any individual knife battery. The controller 1518 can store one or more algorithms running on the charging circuitry adjust their power output across the charging coils 1511 to manage or maximize charging efficiency.

[0099] The multi-charger system 1400 can include a charging coil cover 1505 configured to cover the charging coils 1511. The charging coil cover 1505 provides protection for the underlying charging coils 1511 while allowing electromagnetic fields to pass through for wireless charging operations. The charging coil cover 1505 can be fixedly coupled to a plate 1520 of the charging rack 1506, creating a secure and stable mounting arrangement. This fixed coupling ensures that the charging coil cover 1505 remains properly positioned relative to the charging coils 1511 during operation and prevents displacement during knife placement and removal.

[0100] The charging coils 1511 can receive electricity via wires 1519 that connect the coils to the power distribution system within the multi-charger system 1400. The wires 1519 can be routed through the internal structure of the charging rack 1506 to provide electrical connectivity between the charging coils 1511 and the controller 1518 or energy storage 1508. This wiring configuration allows the controller 1518 to selectively energize individual charging coils 1511 or groups of coils based on-25-153743.8003. W000\184577021.1the presence and charging requirements of electronic knives positioned on the multi-charger system 1400.

[0101] The multi-charger system 1400 can magnetically hold knives and can include the charging rack 1506, a charger module 1507 (e.g., 3PCS BMS charger module 12V 10A 18650 Lithium Battery SW 2021), an energy storage 1508 (e.g., battery pack), a power assembly 1509 (e.g., USB-C female wall mount assembly), a back cover 1510, and a magnet 1512. The magnet 1512 can be positioned within a blade-contacting cover or wall 1517. The blade-contacting cover or wall 1517 can serve as a blade platform and the charging coil cover 1505 can serve as a handle retainer of a docking base 1524. The docking base 1524 may include one or more magnets 1512 positioned within the blade-contacting wall 1517 to magnetically retain the electronic knife when the handle is received by the charging coil cover 1505. The magnets 1512 can generate forces or fields (e.g., magnetic attraction forces or fields) that draw the blade toward the blade-contacting wall 1517 and maintain contact between the blade and the wall surface throughout the charging process. In some embodiments, the magnetic retention provided by the magnets 1512 can be sufficient to prevent movement of the blade relative to the blade-contacting wall 1517 even when the multi-charger system 1400 experiences minor disturbances or vibrations.

[0102] The blade-contacting wall 1517 (e.g., blade platform) may extend beyond the edges of the blade when the handle is received by the charging coil cover 1505, providing a protective surface that surrounds the blade perimeter. For example, the blade platform is configured to extend outwardly past a periphery of the blade when the handle 114 is positioned in the handle retainer. In some embodiments, the blade-contacting wall 1517 can be dimensioned such that its surface area exceeds the surface area of the blade, creating an extended platform that prevents the cutting edge from contacting adjacent surfaces or objects. This extended configuration of the blade-contacting wall 1517 can provide a safety margin around the blade periphery, reducing the risk of accidental contact with the sharpened edge while the electronic knife is stored in the multi-charger system 1400.

[0103] The multi-charger system 1400 may include a plurality of magnets 1512 positioned within the blade-contacting wall 1517 to provide distributed magnetic retention along the length of the blade. The magnets 1512 can be spaced apart in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the charging coil cover 1505, which serves as the handle retainer. In some embodiments, the spacing between adjacent magnets 1512 may be selected to provide uniform magnetic force distribution along-26-153743.8003. W000\184577021.1the blade when the handle is received by the charging coil cover 1505. This distributed arrangement can help prevent the blade from rotating or shifting during charging operations. The plurality of magnets 1512 may be embedded within the blade-contacting wall 1517 at predetermined intervals, with each magnet 1512 configured to attract and retain a corresponding portion of the blade. In some cases, the magnets 1512 may be positioned to align with specific regions of the blade that provide optimal magnetic coupling, such as areas with greater ferromagnetic material content or regions where the blade thickness provides sufficient magnetic attraction.

[0104] The arrangement of the plurality of magnets 1512 along the blade-contacting wall 1517 can provide enhanced stability for electronic knives of varying blade lengths. When the handle is positioned within the charging coil cover 1505, multiple magnets 1512 may simultaneously engage with the blade, distributing the retention force across multiple contact points rather than relying on a single magnetic attachment point. This multi-point retention can reduce the likelihood of the knife becoming dislodged during vibrations or accidental contact. In some aspects, the spacing of the magnets 1512 may be configured such that at least two magnets 1512 engage with the blade of a shortest anticipated knife design, while longer blades may engage with three or more magnets 1512. The parallel arrangement of the magnets 1512 relative to the longitudinal axis of the charging coil cover 1505 can ensure that the magnetic retention force remains consistent regardless of where along the blade-contacting wall 1517 the blade makes contact, accommodating knives with different blade geometries and lengths within the multi-charger system 1400. The multi-charger system 1400 may be configured to hold electronic knives in an upright position when the back cover 1510 is coupled to a vertical surface such as a wall. In some embodiments, the blade-contacting wall 1517 may extend in a generally vertical direction when the multi-charger system 1400 is mounted to a vertical surface, allowing the blades of the electronic knives to rest against the blade-contacting wall 1517 while the handles extend downward under the influence of gravity. The charging coil cover 1505 may be positioned to receive the handles of the electronic knives in a vertical orientation, with the charging coils 1511 aligned to provide wireless charging while the knives are held upright against the bladecontacting wall 1517.

[0105] The multi-charger system 1400 may be configured to concurrently charge multiple electronic knives while managing individual charging operations for each knife. The controller 1518 can be programmed to detect the presence of an electronic knife when the knife is positioned in the-27-153743.8003. W000\184577021.1multi -charger system 1400. In some embodiments, the controller 1518 detects a knife by monitoring changes in impedance, inductance, or current draw across one or more of the charging coils 1511. When a knife is placed against one of the blade-contacting wall or cover 1517 and / or charging coil cover 1505, the receiving coils in the knife’s handle may alter the electromagnetic field generated by the charging coils 1511, allowing the controller 1518 to determine that a knife is present.

[0106] The multi-charger system 1400 may be configured to identify individual knives positioned in the system. In some aspects, the controller 1518 can communicate with each electronic knife through a wireless communication protocol, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or near-field communication (NFC). The electronic knife may transmit identification information to the controller 1518, such as a unique device identifier, model number, or serial number. In some cases, the controller 1518 can query each detected knife to obtain information about the knife’s battery capacity, current charge level, charging capabilities, and preferred charging parameters.

[0107] The multi-charger system 1400 may be configured to charge each knife based on the knife’s individual charge level and charging capability. The controller 1518 can receive battery status information from each electronic knife, including the current state of charge, battery voltage, battery temperature, and maximum charging rate. Based on this information, the controller 1518 may adjust the power output to the charging coils 1511 associated with each knife position to provide appropriate charging current and voltage for that particular knife.

[0108] In some embodiments, the controller 1518 prioritizes charging operations based on the charge levels of the knives. For example, the controller 1518 may allocate more power to knives with lower battery levels while reducing power to knives that are nearly fully charged. The controller 1518 can also implement charging profdes tailored to each knife’s battery chemistry and capacity. In some cases, the controller 1518 may implement a multi-stage charging process that includes a constant current phase followed by a constant voltage phase, with the transition point determined based on the specific characteristics of each knife’s battery.

[0109] The multi-charger system 1400 may monitor the charging status of each knife throughout the charging process. The controller 1518 can track the charge level, charging rate, battery temperature, and charging time for each knife. If the controller 1518 detects an abnormal condition, such as excessive temperature rise, charging timeout, or communication loss with a knife, the controller 1518 may reduce or terminate charging to that particular knife while continuing to charge-28-153743.8003. W000\184577021.1other knives in the system. In some embodiments, the controller 1518 can communicate charging status information to the user through visual indicators, such as LEDs associated with each knife position, or through a connected portable electronic device.

[0110] The multi-charger system 1400 may be configured to balance power distribution among multiple knives being charged simultaneously. The energy storage 1508 may have a limited total power output capacity, and the controller 1518 can allocate this available power among the knives based on their individual charging needs and priorities. In some embodiments, the controller 1518 implements a dynamic power allocation algorithm that continuously adjusts the power delivered to each knife based on real-time monitoring of battery status, charging efficiency, and total system power availability.[OHl] The multi-charger system 1400 can be configured to hold other types of kitchen tools. For example, the multi-charger system 1400 can hold and charge ice cream scoops, graters, whisks, and kitchen devices. Example kitchen devices, features, and methods of use are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 212,878, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0112] The embodiments, features, systems, devices, materials, methods, and techniques described herein may, in some embodiments, be similar to any one or more of the embodiments, features, systems, devices, materials, methods, and techniques described in U.S. App. No. 63 / 726,227; U.S. Patent Application No.: 18 / 212,878; U.S. App. No. 17 / 362,755; US Pat. No. 12,042,947which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. In addition, the embodiments, features, systems, devices, materials, methods, and techniques described herein may, in certain embodiments, be applied to or used in connection with any one or more of the embodiments, features, systems, devices, or other matter.Examples

[0113] The present technology is illustrated, for example, according to various aspects described below. Various examples of aspects of the present technology are described as numbered examples (1, 2, 3, etc.) for convenience. These are provided as examples and do not limit the present technology. It is noted that any of the dependent examples can be combined in any suitable manner, and placed into a respective independent example. The other examples can be presented in a similar manner.-29-153743.8003. W000\184577021.11 . A knife system comprising: an electronic knife including a blade and a handle coupled to the blade, wherein the handle includes a power source and an actuator assembly operable to move the blade relative to the handle; and a knife charger configured to receive and hold the electronic knife, wherein the knife charger includes: a docking base having a blade platform and a handle retainer, wherein the handle retainer is configured to receive the handle such that the blade is positioned along the blade platform, and a charger configured to charge the power source while the knife charger holds the electronic knife.2. The knife system of example 1, wherein the knife charger is configured to hold a side of the blade stationary against the blade platform while the charger charges the power source.3. The knife system of any of examples 1-2, wherein the knife charger includes one or more magnets configured to hold a cutting edge of the blade against a surface of the blade platform.4. The knife system of any of examples 1-3, wherein the knife charger is configured to hold the electronic knife in an upright position when the knife charger is coupled to a vertical surface.5. The knife system of any of examples 1-4, wherein most of a longitudinal length of the handle is positioned in an opening of the handle retainer while the charger charges the power source.6. The knife system of any of examples 1-5, wherein the knife charger is a wireless charger capable of wirelessly transmitting power to the electronic knife.7. The knife system of any of examples 1-6, wherein the knife charger includes one or more coils configured to generate a magnetic field for inductively charging the power source.-30-153743.8003. W000\184577021.18. The knife system of any of examples 1-7, wherein the electronic knife includes an inductive charging circuitry configured to generate energy when exposed to the magnetic field and to deliver the generated energy to the power source.9. The knife system of any of examples 1-8, wherein the knife charger includes conductive contacts configured to electrically contact conductive contacts of the electronic knife to conductively charge the power source.10. The knife system of any of examples 1-9, wherein the power source includes one or more rechargeable batteries.11. The knife system of any of examples 1-10, wherein the handle retainer includes a recessed slot configured to receive the handle such that a side of the blade lies flat along an upper surface of the blade platform.12. The knife system of any of examples 1-11, wherein the recessed slot includes a chamfered edge configured to slidably contact the handle to align the handle with the recessed slot.13. The knife system of any of examples 1-12, wherein the handle retainer includes a handle-receiving feature that is symmetric about its longitudinal axis, wherein the handle-receiving feature is configured to receive opposing sides of the handle to hold either side of the blade along the blade platform.14. The knife system of any of examples 1-13, wherein the handle retainer includes a handle-receiving feature that is geometrically congruent to at least a portion of the handle.15. The knife system of any of examples 1-14, wherein the handle retainer is subjacent to the blade platform such that a side of the blade lies flat along a surface of the blade platform when the knife charger holds the electronic knife.-31-153743.8003. W000\184577021.116. The knife system of any of examples 1-15, wherein the docking base includes one or more magnets configured to magnetically retain the electronic knife when the handle is positioned in the handle retainer.17. The knife system of any of examples 1-16, wherein the docking base includes a plurality of magnets spaced apart in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the handle retainer such that each of the plurality of magnets retains the blade when the handle is received by the handle retainer.18. The knife system of any of examples 1-17, wherein the knife charger includes a power supply in electrical communication with the charger, and wherein the charger is configured to use energy from the power supply to charge the power source.19. The knife system of any of examples 1-18, wherein the blade platform is configured to extend outwardly past a periphery of the blade when the handle is positioned in the handle retainer.20. The knife system of any of examples 1-1 , wherein the knife charger includes a cutting board connected to the docking base, and wherein an upper surface of the cutting board is positioned further away from a back surface of the docking base than an upper surface of the blade platform.21. A knife charger compri sing : a docking base having a blade platform and a handle retainer, wherein the handle retainer is configured to receive a handle of an electronic knife such that a blade of the electronic knife is positioned along the blade platform; and a charger configured to charge a power source of the electronic knife while the knife charger holds the electronic knife.22. The knife charger of example 21, wherein the knife charger is configured to hold a side of the blade stationary against the blade platform while the charger charges the power source.-32-153743.8003. W000\184577021.123. The knife charger of any of examples 21-22, wherein the knife charger includes one or more magnets configured to hold a cutting edge of the blade against a surface of the blade platform.24. The knife charger of any of examples 21-23, wherein the knife charger is configured to hold the electronic knife in an upright position when the knife charger is coupled to a vertical surface.25. The knife charger of any of examples 21-24, wherein the knife charger is a wireless charger capable of wirelessly transmitting power to the electronic knife.26. The knife charger of any of examples 21-25, wherein the knife charger includes one or more coils configured to generate a magnetic field for inductively charging the power source.27. The knife charger of any of examples 21-26, wherein the knife charger includes conductive contacts configured to electrically contact conductive contacts of the electronic knife to conductively charge the power source.28. The knife charger of any of examples 21-27, wherein the handle retainer includes a recessed slot configured to receive the handle such that a side of the blade lies flat along an upper surface of the blade platform.29. The knife charger of any of examples 21-28, wherein the recessed slot includes a chamfered edge configured to slidably contact the handle to align the handle with the recessed slot.30. The knife charger of any of examples 21-29, wherein the handle retainer includes a handle-receiving feature that is symmetric about its longitudinal axis, wherein the handle-receiving feature is configured to receive opposing sides of the handle to hold either side of the blade along the blade platform.-33-153743.8003. W000\184577021.131. The knife charger of any of examples 21 -30, wherein the docking base includes one or more magnets configured to magnetically retain the electronic knife when the handle is positioned in the handle retainer.32. The knife charger of any of examples 21-31, wherein the docking base includes a plurality of magnets spaced apart in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the handle retainer such that each of the plurality of magnets retains the blade when the handle is received by the handle retainer.33. The knife charger of any of examples 21-32, wherein the knife charger includes a power supply in electrical communication with the charger, and wherein the charger is configured to use energy from the power supply to charge the power source.34. The knife charger of any of examples 21-33, wherein the blade platform is configured to extend outwardly past a periphery of the blade when the handle is positioned in the handle retainer.35. The knife charger of any of examples 21-34, wherein the knife charger includes a cutting board connected to the docking base, and wherein an upper surface of the cutting board is positioned further away from a back surface of the docking base than an upper surface of the blade platform.36. A multi-knife charger comprising: a docking base having a blade platform and a handle retainer, wherein the handle retainer is configured to receive multiple handles of electronic knives such that a respective blade of a respective electronic knife is positioned along the blade platform; and a charger configured to charge respective power sources of the electronic knives while the multi-knife charger holds the electronic knives.37. The multi-knife charger of example 36, wherein the multi-knife charger includes an array of wireless charging transmitter coils configured to generate a magnetic field for inductively charging the respective power sources of the electronic knives.-34-153743.8003. W000\184577021.1Conclusion

[0114] Embodiments of the present disclosure may include some or all of the following components: a battery, supercapacitor, or other suitable power source; a microcontroller, field- programmable gate array (FPGA), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other programmable component or system capable of storing and executing software and / or firmware that drives operation of an electric kitchen tool; non-programmable components (e.g., diodes, comparators, gates, MOSFETS, etc.) that drive operation of an electric kitchen tool; memory such as RAM or ROM to store data and / or software / firmware associated with an electric kitchen tool and / or its operation; wireless communication hardware such as an antenna system or transmitter / receiver configured to transmit via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other protocols known in the art; energy harvesting means, for example a coil or antenna that is capable of receiving and / or reading an externally provided signal which may be used to power the electronic knife, charge a battery, initiate a reading from a sensor, or for other purposes. Embodiments may also include one or more sensors, such as pressure sensors, impedance sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, multi-axis accelerometer / gyroscopic sensors, force / strain sensors, temperature sensors, flow sensors, optical sensors, cameras, microphones or other acoustic sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and other sensors adapted to measure various operation parameters of the electronic knife.

[0115] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as computer-executable instructions, such as routines executed by a general -purpose computer, a personal computer, a server, or other computing system. The present technology can also be embodied in a special-purpose computer or data processor that is specifically programmed, configured, or constructed to perform one or more of the computer-executable instructions explained in detail herein. The terms “computer” and “computing device,” as used generally herein, refer to devices that have a processor and non- transitory memory, as well as any data processor or any device capable of communicating with a network. Data processors include programmable general-purpose or special-purpose microprocessors, programmable controllers, ASICs, programming logic devices (PLDs), or the like, or a combination of such devices. Computer-executable instructions may be stored in memory, such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, or the like, or in a combination of such components. Computerexecutable instructions may also be stored in one or more storage devices, such as magnetic or opticalbased disks, flash memory devices, or any other type of non-volatile storage medium or non-transitory-35-153743.8003. W000\184577021.1medium for data. Computer-executable instructions may include one or more program modules, which include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and so on that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types.

[0116] The embodiments, features, systems, devices, materials, methods, and techniques described herein may, in some embodiments, be similar to any one or more of the embodiments, features, systems, devices, materials, methods, and techniques described in the following: PCT Application PCT / US2021 / 039703; U.S. Pat. No. 12,042,947; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 045,802; and U.S. Application Pat. No. 17 / 362,755. All of the above-identified patents and applications are incorporated by reference in their entireties. In addition, the embodiments, features, systems, devices, materials, methods, and techniques described herein may, in certain embodiments, be applied to or used in connection with any one or more of the embodiments, features, systems, devices, or other matter.

[0117] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the technology have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments of the technology. To the extent any material incorporated herein by reference conflicts with the present disclosure, the present disclosure controls. Where the context permits, singular or plural terms may also include the plural or singular term, respectively. Moreover, unless the word “or” is expressly limited to mean only a single item exclusive from the other items in reference to a list of two or more items, then the use of “or” in such a list is to be interpreted as including (a) any single item in the list, (b) all of the items in the list, or (c) any combination of the items in the list. Furthermore, as used herein, the phrase “and / or” as in “A and / or B” refers to A alone, B alone, and both A and B. Additionally, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and “with” are used throughout to mean including at least the recited feature(s) such that any greater number of the same features and / or additional types of other features are not precluded.

[0118] From the foregoing, it will also be appreciated that various modifications may be made without deviating from the disclosure or the technology. For example, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various components of the technology can be further divided into subcomponents, or that various components and functions of the technology may be combined and integrated. In addition, certain aspects of the technology described in the context of particular-36-153743.8003. W000\184577021.1embodiments may also be combined or eliminated in other embodiments. Furthermore, although advantages associated with certain embodiments of the technology have been described in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the technology. Accordingly, the disclosure and associated technology can encompass other embodiments not expressly shown or described herein.153743.8003. W000\184577021.1

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A knife system comprising: an electronic knife including a blade and a handle coupled to the blade, wherein the handle includes a power source and an actuator assembly operable to move the blade relative to the handle; and a knife charger configured to receive and hold the electronic knife, wherein the knife charger includes: a docking base having a blade platform and a handle retainer, wherein the handle retainer is configured to receive the handle such that the blade is positioned along the blade platform, and a charger configured to charge the power source while the knife charger holds the electronic knife.

2. The knife system of claim 1, wherein the knife charger is configured to hold a side of the blade stationary against the blade platform while the charger charges the power source.

3. The knife system of claim 1, wherein the knife charger includes one or more magnets configured to hold a cutting edge of the blade against a surface of the blade platform.

4. The knife system of claim 1, wherein the knife charger is configured to hold the electronic knife in an upright position when the knife charger is coupled to a vertical surface.

5. The knife system of claim 1, wherein most of a longitudinal length of the handle is positioned in an opening of the handle retainer while the charger charges the power source.

6. The knife system of claim 1, wherein the knife charger is a wireless charger capable of wirelessly transmitting power to the electronic knife.-38-153743.8003. W000\184577021.

17. The knife system of claim 1, wherein the knife charger includes one or more coils configured to generate a magnetic field for inductively charging the power source.

8. The knife system of claim 7, wherein the electronic knife includes an inductive charging circuitry configured to generate energy when exposed to the magnetic field and to deliver the generated energy to the power source.

9. The knife system of claim 1, wherein the knife charger includes conductive contacts configured to electrically contact conductive contacts of the electronic knife to conductively charge the power source.

10. The knife system of claim 1, wherein the power source includes one or more rechargeable batteries.

11. The knife system of claim 1, wherein the handle retainer includes a recessed slot configured to receive the handle such that a side of the blade lies flat along an upper surface of the blade platform.

12. The knife system of claim 11, wherein the recessed slot includes a chamfered edge configured to slidably contact the handle to align the handle with the recessed slot.

13. The knife system of claim 1, wherein the handle retainer includes a handle-receiving feature that is symmetric about its longitudinal axis, wherein the handle-receiving feature is configured to receive opposing sides of the handle to hold either side of the blade along the blade platform.

14. The knife system of claim 1, wherein the handle retainer includes a handle-receiving feature that is geometrically congruent to at least a portion of the handle.-39-153743.8003. W000\184577021.

115. The knife system of claim 1, wherein the handle retainer is subjacent to the blade platform such that a side of the blade lies flat along a surface of the blade platform when the knife charger holds the electronic knife.

16. The knife system of claim 1, wherein the docking base includes one or more magnets configured to magnetically retain the electronic knife when the handle is positioned in the handle retainer.

17. The knife system of claim 1, wherein the docking base includes a plurality of magnets spaced apart in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the handle retainer such that each of the plurality of magnets retains the blade when the handle is received by the handle retainer.

18. The knife system of claim 1, wherein the knife charger includes a power supply in electrical communication with the charger, and wherein the charger is configured to use energy from the power supply to charge the power source.

19. The knife system of claim 1, wherein the blade platform is configured to extend outwardly past a periphery of the blade when the handle is positioned in the handle retainer.

20. The knife system of claim 1, wherein the knife charger includes a cutting board connected to the docking base, and wherein an upper surface of the cutting board is positioned further away from a back surface of the docking base than an upper surface of the blade platform.21 . A knife charger comprising: a docking base having a blade platform and a handle retainer, wherein the handle retainer is configured to receive a handle of an electronic knife such that a blade of the electronic knife is positioned along the blade platform; and a charger configured to charge a power source of the electronic knife while the knife charger holds the electronic knife.-40-153743.8003. W000\184577021.

122. The knife charger of claim 21, wherein the knife charger is configured to hold a side of the blade stationary against the blade platform while the charger charges the power source.

23. The knife charger of claim 21 , wherein the knife charger includes one or more magnets configured to hold a cutting edge of the blade against a surface of the blade platform.

24. The knife charger of claim 21, wherein the knife charger is configured to hold the electronic knife in an upright position when the knife charger is coupled to a vertical surface.

25. The knife charger of claim 21, wherein the knife charger is a wireless charger capable of wirelessly transmitting power to the electronic knife.

26. The knife charger of claim 21, wherein the knife charger includes one or more coils configured to generate a magnetic field for inductively charging the power source.

27. The knife charger of claim 21, wherein the knife charger includes conductive contacts configured to electrically contact conductive contacts of the electronic knife to conductively charge the power source.

28. The knife charger of claim 21, wherein the handle retainer includes a recessed slot configured to receive the handle such that a side of the blade lies flat along an upper surface of the blade platform.

29. The knife charger of claim 28, wherein the recessed slot includes a chamfered edge configured to slidably contact the handle to align the handle with the recessed slot.

30. The knife charger of claim 21, wherein the handle retainer includes a handle-receiving feature that is symmetric about its longitudinal axis, wherein the handle-receiving feature is configured to receive opposing sides of the handle to hold either side of the blade along the blade platform.-41-153743.8003,WO00\184577021.131 . The knife charger of claim 21 , wherein the docking base includes one or more magnets configured to magnetically retain the electronic knife when the handle is positioned in the handle retainer.

32. The knife charger of claim 21, wherein the docking base includes a plurality of magnets spaced apart in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the handle retainer such that each of the plurality of magnets retains the blade when the handle is received by the handle retainer.

33. The knife charger of claim 21, wherein the knife charger includes a power supply in electrical communication with the charger, and wherein the charger is configured to use energy from the power supply to charge the power source.

34. The knife charger of claim 21, wherein the blade platform is configured to extend outwardly past a periphery of the blade when the handle is positioned in the handle retainer.

35. The knife charger of claim 21, wherein the knife charger includes a cutting board connected to the docking base, and wherein an upper surface of the cutting board is positioned further away from a back surface of the docking base than an upper surface of the blade platform.

36. A multi-knife charger comprising: a docking base having a blade platform and a handle retainer, wherein the handle retainer is configured to receive multiple handles of electronic knives such that a respective blade of a respective electronic knife is positioned along the blade platform; and a charger configured to charge respective power sources of the electronic knives while the multi-knife charger holds the electronic knives.

37. The multi-knife charger of claim 36, wherein the multi-knife charger includes an array of wireless charging transmitter coils configured to generate a magnetic field for inductively charging the respective power sources of the electronic knives.-42-153743.8003. W000\184577021.1

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