US20070026771A1

US20070026771A1 - Edge buster series round blade sharpener and the edge tracker sharpener

Info

Publication number: US20070026771A1
Application number: US11/191,229
Authority: US
Inventors: Kathleen Harden; Jeffrey Harden
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-07-27
Filing date: 2005-07-27
Publication date: 2007-02-01

Abstract

Apparatus for sharpening, grinding or sizing a cutting edge on a circular blade which has dulled, chipped, or needs re-sizing blades from 2½″ to 48″ diameter. Differs from prior art in that it sharpens, grinds or sizes circular blades and blades with different geometrical shaped blades. Manually or pneumatically externally powered driven. Furthermore, it is necessary to maintain factory blade edge angles when sharpening the edge of the blade allowing the blade life to be greatly extended and maintain a like new cutting edge through out the life of the circular blade. Present invention is also unique in respect to the not heating up of the blade edge using similar devices. The simplest and safest sharpener of its type to operate. Also the Pneumatically Driven Machine incorporates such a design as to sharpen blades which are of different geometric shapes I.e. Scalloped, Wide Slotted

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an improved Round Blade Sharpener apparatus for sharpening, grinding and or sizing a cutting edge on a circular blade which has dulled, chipped, or needs to be re-sized to a specific out side diameter. Present invention differs from prior art in that it sharpens, grinds, and re-sizes where prior art grinds to sharpen. Present invention differs from prior art in that it sharpens, grinds or sizes circular blades, blades with different geometrical edge profiles and blades diameter from 2½″ to 48″. Present invention may be manually driven or driven by other externally powered drive apparatuses and not limited to a pneumatic drive as will be described in this application for patent. Present invention differs from prior art in that we use Flexible Drive Cables.
After extended use in a plant, shop or any high volume cutting facility it becomes necessary to grind small indented or chipped areas and or use to size the diameter of the blade to match mating blades in a straight line gang arrangement. It also is necessary to realign and sharpen the microscopic edge of these blades. It is important to maintain a constant and correct amount of pressure in the sharpening, grinding and or sizing of the circular blade being sharpened. Furthermore, it is necessary to maintain factory blade edge angles when sharpening the edge of the blade allowing the blade life to be greatly extended and maintain a like new cutting edge through out the life of the circular blade. Present invention is also unique in respect to the not heating up of the blade edge using similar devices. Heating the blade (+304° F.) will destroy the temper of the blade metallurgy causing sharp edge life to diminish as well as causing the edge to become brittle promoting premature blade edge chipping. Present invention can never cause such heat and friction and this is a distinct difference from previous devices. Previous art generates heat that can destroy the temper of the blade edge. The present invention will also be the simplest and safest sharpener of its type to operate. This invention was designed for high volume circular blade sharpening, grinding and sizing in a processing or manufacturing plant but could also be used in smaller facilities as well (Poultry, Meat, Rubber Textile Etc.). Previous sharpening device designed for these type applications were designed around a grinding format not necessarily sharpening.
The round blades sharpener incorporates a mounted adjustable grinder tool that incorporates an adjustable spring load file head and post that is adjustable and incorporates a mounted base. This is to either size blades to a certain diameter and to grind out minor nicks and abrasions. This device folds and locks out of the way when not in use and is very unique in any comparison of previous inventions. Art devices remove excessive amounts of material; neither do they have an accurate method of maintaining factory angels or sizing a circular blade to a specific outside diameter.
The round blade sharpener embodies a small blade adaptor assembly that uses an interchangeable thread on adaptor that the novice user simply threads onto the shaft. A small drive handle and small blade nut is supplied to complete the adaptor kit. This will accommodate the 2″-4″ smaller size blade which can be sharpened by the novice user with the same precision as the larger blades. This small blade adaptor assembly will also function with the smaller blade edges of different geometric profile as well. This feature again truly sets the new invention apart from the prior inventions. These machines have a history of lost time accidents in plant environments. The previous sharpening devices have involved complex implements and set up devices not lending operation to the novice operator. Also the pneumatically driven machine incorporates such a design as to sharpen blades which are of different geometric shapes I.e. Scalloped, Wide Slotted (Typically used in Meat and Poultry although not limited to these particular shapes or industries) The Round Blade Sharpener can be converted using 5 simples steps by the novice user from the manual mode of operation and or the pneumatically driven mode of operation. This is not found on any previous inventions and is one of the single most unique features described here on this application for patent.
(2) Description of Related Art
Circular Blade Sharpening Device—U.S. Pat. No. 4,672,776 Jun. 16, 1987 Inventor—McCullough This device is used on a rotary meat cutting knife (Circular Cutting Blade). Prior art has no ability to maintain factory edge angle, convert to manual mode, or sharpen blades with different geometrical profile.
Grinding Machine for Circular Blades—U.S. Pat. No. 2,526,822 Dec. 6, 1946 Inventor—Leach This device is used to sharpen the edge of a Plow Disc. This further illustrates our point of grinding not sharpening a round blade as this machine could never work hold or maintain factory angles and or tolerances of edges we are obtaining on our new invention.
Machine for Grinding and Sharpening Saw Blades—U.S. Pat. No. 2,497,775 Uses Drive Shafts and Drive Pulleys where present invention uses Flexible Drive Cables. No manual mode, inability to convert to sharpen blade edges of different geometrical profile.
Sharpening Device for Slicing-Machine Knives—U.S. Pat. No. 1,168,379—Inventor De Groot Present invention is an improvement from this prior art in many ways, old art has no accurate way of determining correct angles. Prior art will not convert to sharpen blades of different geometrical profiles.
Device for Grinding Disks—U.S. Pat. No. 723,051 Mar. 17, 1908—Inventor Shipp This device sharpens or grinds the edges concavo-convex disc. Present invention is an improvement from this prior art in many ways, old art has no accurate way of determining correct angles. Prior art has an inability to hold an accurate angle. Prior art will not convert to sharpen blades of flat round edges or blades with different geometrical profiles.
Device designed for sharpening discs.—U.S. Pat. No. 681,440 Aug. 27, 1901 Inventor—Clizbe This device grinds or sharpens Harrow Discs and Revolving Plow Cutters. Prior art has no ability to maintain factory edge angle, convert to manual mode, or sharpen blades with different geometrical profile
Circular Blade Sharpening Device—U.S. Pat. No. 4,373,302 Feb. 15, 1983 Inventor—Darby Sharpener Apparatus for large diameter comparatively narrow width circular blades. Prior art has no ability to maintain factory edge angle, convert to manual mode, or sharpen blades with different geometrical profile
The new Invention is an improvement over all the above mentioned prior inventions in that the new Invention can Sharpen Blades with different geometrical shapes, Scalloped, indented etc. Flexible Drive Cables are used on Present Invention. This options is not available on any of the prior art.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a blade sharpening, grinding and sizing apparatus. The present invention offers two separate devices one is a manually operated machine which requires no air, water or electricity to operate. The other device requires compressed air to operate but can also be quickly converted to the manual
operation mode as well. Either of the two devices will sharpen, grind and size a particular blade.
The invention incorporates a crank handle that can be turned in either direction. The crank handle can be quickly removed and re-mounted into a male T-Slot. The crank handle attaches to a vertical shaft which is mounted to a larger bevel gear it meshes with a smaller pinion gear that is mounted on the horizontal transition shaft which effectively creates an approximate 3:1 increase of the output shaft's rpm's. The output shaft is attached to a flexible drive cable that is routed through a series of flexible drive shaft eyelets. The opposite end of the flexible drive shaft is connected by attached collar and set screw to the connector shaft/cam shaft which is connected to the cam linkage arm which connects to the diamond file holder all of these components are mounted on the pivot rail.
The diamond file holder is mounted on the pivot arm slide. Typically a 600 grit file (Polish) is mounted in the diamond file holder. The diamond file is designed to pivot on its on axis up to 125° this allows complete conformity to the blade being sharpened. (I.e. Slightly Warped Blade). This pivot rail and its component parts are mounted to a vertical angle adjustment rail assembly incorporating the pivot arm mounting bracket and protractor assembly.
The angle adjustment rail incorporates an angle adjustment slide and an angle adjustment brake. The pivot arm mounting bracket is mounted to the angle adjustment slide. The angle adjustment rail assembly is mounted to a blade adjustment rail. The blade adjustment rail incorporates a blade adjustment slide and a blade adjustment brake. The vertical angle adjustment rail assembly is mounted to the blade adjustment slide. The device also incorporates a weight arm attachment attached at the base of the pivot arm mounting bracket which is used as a variable tension device when sharpening the circular blade. This invention incorporates a removable clear plastic blade safety cover to help protect the operator from the sharp edge of the blade being sharpened. To begin manual sharpening processes remove the crank handle and place in aside location. Remove the blade safety cover and place in aside location. Chose the corresponding arbor to match the through bore of the blade chosen to sharpen. Engage locking pin at vertical shaft to secure vertical angle adjustment rail into place. Remove blade nut in a counter clock wise motion and place in aside location. Select proper arbor that matches the ID bore of the blade being sharpened and install it onto the projected portion of the threaded shaft until it rest flat and flush on the blade support. Install the blade to be sharpened, making sure it is flat and secure around the arbor. Re-install blade nut using clockwise motion tighten firmly. Reinstall blade safety cover. Re-install crank handle. Locate the blade adjustment slide and the blade adjustment brake (Yellow Handle).
This assembly allows us to set the proper blade diameter. Disengage blade adjustment brake and using the black plastic handle located on the blade adjustment slide select the desired blade diameter using the blade diameter indicator gauge located on the base in directly in front of the blade adjustment slide. Use the arrow on the diameter indicator for precise location. Locate the angle adjustment brake and secure firmly. (Yellow Handle) Disengage locking pin located on the rear side of the pivot arm mounting bracket. Using the black plastic contoured safety handle located on the top side of the pivot rail gently rest the diamond file onto the edge of the blade to be sharpened. (Determine by various means the angle of the edge of the blade to be sharpened.) Locate angle adjustment slide and angle adjustment brake (Yellow Handle). These two components are located on the vertical angle adjustment rail assembly. Loosen the angle adjustment brake and slide the angle adjustment slide up or down noticing the blade diameter indicators changing position on the protractor. Once the point of the blade diameter indicator has reached the desired degree of angle hold firmly and tighten the angle adjustment brake. Adjust the weight to the desired tension and secure with the supplied thumb screw. Locate the crank handle and begin turning in either a clockwise or counter clockwise direction.
Usually 4-5 turns per side are sufficient. As the crank handle turns the diamond file located on the pivot arm slide reciprocates 3 times per single blade revolution. The diamond file is also pivoting on its on axis as the blade is turning and file is reciprocating. This motion combined with the proper tension produces an extremely sharp edge while only removing microscopic amounts of material from the blade edge itself. (This allows us to achieve one of our design goals of greatly extending the life of the blade. We are sharpening the blade instead of grinding the blade which allows us to achieve another design goal of creating a durable edge that is sharper than an actual new blade from the manufacturer, the manual operation and low rpm's allow us to achieve still another design goal of not heating the blade and destroying the temper of the blade.) Once the blades edge is sharpened locate the contoured safety handle and lift the pivot arm assembly back to the vertical position until you hear it click indicating its position is secure. (Always remember to count the number of revolutions per side a black dry erase pen is provided to mark the blade for aiding in counting these revolutions).
Locate the crank handle and repeat the blade instillation procedures turning the blade to the opposite side and repeating the sharpening procedures as preformed on the initial side of the blade. The described manual mode of operation can be manufactured as a stand alone unit or as an integral manual mode of the pneumatically driven round blade sharpening device. The round blade sharpener also embodies a small blade adaptor assembly which will allow the novice operator to sharpen either blades smooth edge as well as blade with different geometric edge profiles on blade diameters of 2″-4″. This adaptation requires not tools and takes only a minuet to set up. Pneumatically Driven Device present invention incorporates the ability to function as the Manually Driven Device and also function as a device which can sharpen the blade edges which could be of a different geometric shape. I.e. Scalloped, Wide Slotted (Typically used in Meat and poultry automatic cutting operations but not limited to a particular blade shape or industry.) To convert manual mode to automatic perform the following steps. 1. Remove Crank Handle and Store 2. Slide coupling sleeve onto transition shaft 3. Position Brake Handle to “On Position” 4. Remove Black larger Pneumatic Flexible Drive Cable from Connector Shaft/Cam Shaft. Remove smaller Gold Manual Flexible Drive Shaft from Flexible Shaft Storage Pin Connect the Black larger Pneumatic Flexible Drive Cable to the Flexible Shaft Storage Pin and secure on flat portion of Connector Shaft/Cam Shaft using provided Allen Wrench and Set Screw. Connect the smaller Gold Manual Flexible Drive Shaft onto the Flexible Shaft Storage Pin. Remove the opposite end of the smaller Gold Flexible Drive Shaft located on the out put end of the Transition Shaft using the set screw and provided Allen Wrench and simply lay it aside in its non functional state. 5.
Select appropriate sharpening head assembly (For this Scalloped Blade the Round Stone Head Assembly should be selected.); remove single Allen Screw with provided Allen Wrench. Slide assembly's Linear Slide track wheels into vertical grove, aligning the holes and re-attaching with removed Allen Screw using provided Allen Wrench. (Magnet located in proportion for storage of wrenches and screws for quicker change over times) This completes the conversion process from Manual to Pneumatic Driven Mode. Select he desired Scalloped Blade to be sharpened. Select the corresponding Arbor. Place lade to be sharpened on to shaft and flush with Arbor. Assemble Blade Nut securely. Assemble Blade Safety Cover. (Never Assemble Crank Handle while device in the Pneumatic Mode of operation.) Locate 3-Way Pneumatic Control Valve. Locate Air Water Separator drain any water in bowl using manual drain plug locate on bottom of collection bowl. Locate Locking Pin located on Angle Adjustment Rail Assembly. Disengage Locking Pin and lower the Angle Adjustment Rail with the Round Stone Head Assembly onto the assembled blade edge. Locate the Dry Erase Marking Pin and Place a mark directly under the Round Sharpening Stone. (This is the indicating mark each Scalloped Blade has to be sharpened one complete revolution in each direction. This assures that that trigonometry of the Scalloped Blades point stays at the 90° in line position as the Sharp point and point alignment is crucial for this and other blades of this type) Locate the Valve Control Handle and move it left to engage the counter clockwise rotation of the Vertical Drive Shaft and blade. After one complete revolution back to the indicating mark on the blade.
Locate the Valve Handle and place in the neutral position (center) then move the Valve Handle to the right and allow one complete revolution again stopping at the indicating mark. Remove Blade Safety Cover, Blade Nut and turn blade to opposite side and repeat the procedures called for on the first side. Once these steps are completed the Scalloped Blade is ready to be put back into operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 “Deleted” Front View Manual Round Blade Sharpener
FIG. 2 “Deleted” Top View Manual Round Blade Sharpener
FIG. 3 “Deleted” Right End View Manual Round Blade Sharpener
FIG. 4 “Deleted” Top View Pneumatic Round Blade Sharpener
FIG. 5 “Deleted” Front View Pneumatic Round Blade Sharpener
FIG. 6 “New Sheet” Round Blade Sharpener Manual Mode Front View
FIG. 7 “New Sheet” Round Blade Sharpener Manual Mode Top View
FIG. 8 “New Sheet” Calibrated Engraved Blade Diameter Scale exploded Top View
FIG. 9 “New Sheet” Pivot Rail Assembly Top View
FIG. 10 “New Sheet” Adjustable Grinder Tool Over View, Side View and Front View
FIG. 11 “New Sheet” Round Blade Sharpener Pneumatic Mode Front View
FIG. 12 “New Sheet” Drive Cable Diagram Pneumatic Mode Top View
FIG. 13 “New Sheet” Round Blade Sharpener Pneumatic Mode Top View
FIG. 14 “New Sheet” Round Blade Sharpener Manual Mode End View
FIG. 15 “New Sheet” Front View Gearbox Assembly with Front Gearbox Housing Plate Removed
FIG. 16 “New Sheet” Air Motor, Gearbox and Couplings Top View
FIG. 17 “New Sheet” Small Blade Adapter Exploded Front View
FIG. 18 “New Sheet” Scalloped Blade and Round Blade Top View
FIG. 19 “New Sheet” Round Sharpening Head and India Stone Assembly Side View—End View
FIG. 20 “New Sheet” Diamond File Holder Assembly and Diamond Stone Side View—End View

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.
With reference to the drawings, FIGS. 6-20 and in particular a round blade sharpener embodying the teachings of the subject invention is generally designated as 1 with reference to its orientation in FIGS. 6, 11. The round blade sharpener includes a rectangular aluminum base 2. The base 2 include components which comprise and make up the round blade sharpener 1. The round blade sharpener 1 incorporates 4 each adjustable mounting feet 3 for leveling a crank handle 4 that can be turned in either direction. FIG. 6 The crank handle 4 can be quickly removed and re-mounted female receptacle shaft 5 located on opposite end of crank handle 4 assembled with a single 3/32″ set screw 6 onto a male T-slot receptacle 7. The arbor system allows the operator to choose the correct arbor that matches the through bore of the blade chosen to sharpen. There are standard sizes and custom per end user.
FIG. 14 The crank handle 4 attaches to a vertical shaft 8 which is mounted in a upper bearing and housing assembly 9 FIG. 17 and lower bearing and housing assembly 10 which is mounted to a large bevel gear 11 it meshes with a small pinion gear 12 that is mounted on the horizontal transition shaft 13 which is mounted through two each bronzoil bushings 14 FIG. 15 for precision and support this effectively creates an approximate 3:1 increase of the output projection of the horizontal transition shaft's 13 rpm's which is attached to a gold flexible drive shaft 15 with an integrally mounted coupling 16 on each end using a single 3/32″ set screw 6 FIG. 6 that is routed through a series of flexible drive shaft eyelets 17 The opposite end of the gold flexible drive shaft 15 is connected by an integrally mounted coupling 16 and 3/32″ set screw 6 using the 3/32″ alien wrench to secure it to the connector shaft/cam shaft 19 which is connected to the cam linkage arm 20 connected to the connector shaft/cam shaft 19 via a threaded rod end bearing 21 using a 3/16′ alien machine bolt 22 which screws into a threaded hole 23 on the flat portion of the connector shaft/cam shaft 19 a dual threaded swivel 24 which connects to the diamond file holder 25 via a matched bored and threaded hole 26 FIG. 13 which is attached to the vertical linear slide bearing 27 using 2 each additional 3/16″ machined alien machine bolts 22 all of these components are mounted on the pivot rail 28 which incorporates a plastic contoured lifting handle 29 FIG. 17 all of which is mounted on a pivot shaft pin 30 which is supported by 2 each nylon bushing assemblies 31 and secured on the rear side of the pivot shaft pin with a flat snap ring 32. A pivot locking pin 33 is located on the rear side of the pivot arm mounting bracket 34. The diamond file holder 25 is mounted on the Vertical Linear Slide Bar 27.
The diamond file 36 is mounted in the diamond file holder 25. The diamond file 36 is easily mounted or unmounted by removing 2 each file top plate thumb screws 37 and file top plate 38 FIG. 20. This pivot rail 28 and its component parts are mounted to a vertical angle adjustment rail assembly 39 incorporating the pivot arm mounting bracket 34 and protractor 40. and protractor indicator 41. The pivot arm 28 incorporates a blade angle adjustment slide 43 FIG. 7, 11 and a blade angle adjustment brake 44 which has a blade angle adjustment brake handle 45 FIG. 6. The pivot arm mounting bracket 34 is mounted to the blade angle adjustment slide 43. The pivot arm 28 is mounted to a horizontal blade diameter adjustment rail 46. The horizontal blade diameter adjustment rail 46 incorporates a blade diameter adjustment slide 47 and a blade diameter adjustment brake 48. and a blade diameter brake handle 49 FIG. 13.
The pivot rail 28 is mounted to the blade diameter adjustment slide 47. A black plastic handle 50 is mounted to assist in adjusting the diameter it is threaded and screwed into the blade diameter adjustment slide 47 and is removable for storage.
The yellow blade diameter indicator 51 is mounted onto the vertical angle adjustment rail assembly 39 and is used to set the desired blade diameter following the calibrated engraved blade diameter scale 52 and center line (CL) indicator line 53. This is machine scribed into the base 2. The round blade sharpener 1 also incorporates a weight attachment shaft 54 attached at the base of the pivot arm mounting bracket 34 a weight cylinder 55 that is bored to match the weight adjustment shaft 54 diameter is slid onto the weight adjustment shaft 54 at the desired tension setting and secured by tightening the weight tension thumb screw 56 FIG. 7, 11. The round blade sharpener 1 incorporates a removable clear plastic blade safety cover 57 that is made to such a diameter that it will mount on the top of the blade safety shroud 58 which is bolted to the blade safety shroud mounting bracket 59 with two nylon slotted screws. The blade safety shroud mounting bracket 59 is mounted to the gear box housing top plate 61 which incorporates upper bearing and housing assembly 9. The projected portion of the vertical shaft 8 allows the blade support hub 62 which incorporates a hub that is bored and key way to match the bore of the vertical shaft 8 it is secures with a ⅛″ set screw. The top projected threaded end of the vertical shaft 8 FIG. 17, 7 is threaded 3½″ and the end is slotted male T-slot receptacle 7 to accept the matching female receptacle 5 on crank handle 4. The projected threaded end of the vertical shaft 8 accepts the threaded blade nut 64 used to secure the blade to be sharpened FIG. 14. A vertical shaft locking pin 65 is assembled on to right gear box housing side plate 66 FIG. 6, 15. The gear box housing top plate 61 is mounted onto the front gear box housing plate 67, rear gearbox housing plate 68 FIG. 7, 14, left gear box housing side plate 69 FIG. 15 and the right gear box housing side plate 65 FIG. 6 these are bolted together using 18 each 10-32 machine screws 70 FIG. 14.
The entire assembly is bolted to the base using 8 additional ¼″ alien machine screws 76 through the bottom side the base 2 FIG. 14. A lifting handle 71 is bolted to the base 2 using 4 each 3/16″ allen machine bolts 22 FIG. 7,6. The round blade sharpener embodies a small blade adaptor assembly 119 that incorporates a thread on adaptor 120 small drive handle 121 and a small blade nut 122 that will work in either mode of the round blade sharpener 1 FIG. 17, 6. This is will allow the novice operator to sharpen both smooth blades 73 edge as well as blades with different geometric edge profiles 72 FIG. 18. These blades are illustrated on drawing FIG. 18 to show an example of each type blade.
To sharpen blades with different geometric edge profiles 72 apply, adapt, disassemble and or assemble the necessary embodiments as shall be described and furnished to convert this round blade sharpener 1 to perform the sharpening task on the edges of blades of different geometric profiles 72 FIG. 18. The completion of the necessary steps of embodiments will in affect through a conversion of said adaptations create the necessary environment as to allow the before mentioned round blade sharpener to execute and perform a totally different task in it's state of new conversion capable of sharpening blades of different geometric edge profile 72. I.e. blade, scalloped 40° intersecting angels 73 FIG. 18.
The air motor assembly 74 is mounted to the pre drilled holes in the base utilizing a bottom spacer 75, 4 each ¼″ alien machine screws 76 and 2 each 3/16″ alien machine bolts 22. The air motor assembly 74 is mounted and also supported by a motor shroud plate 77. The air motor assembly 74 is coupled to a reduced back lash 100:1 speed reducer 78 using a 030Love joy jaw coupling 79 ½ mounted on output shaft of air motor assembly the other mounted on the input shaft of the reduced back lash 100:1 speed reducer 82. The right angle shaft of the Reduced back lash 100:1 speed reducer 83 is connected to the horizontal transition shaft 13 utilizing a slip lock coupling 84 which is mounted on the right angle output shaft of the reduced back lash 100:1 speed Reducer 78 this assembly is mounted onto a gear box assembly mounting base 86 using 4 each ¼″ allen machine screws 76. The black heavy duty flexible drive shaft 87 is mounted to the parallel out put shaft 88 of the reduced back lash 100:1 speed reducer 78 using a heavy duty integrally mounted coupling 89 using 3/32″ set screw 6 and 3/32″ allen wrench FIG. 16. The black heavy duty flexible drive shaft 87 is threaded through a single eyelet stanchion 90 mounted on to base using 2 each ¼″ allen machine screws 76 using ¼″ allen wrench to secure which assists In routing the opposite end of the black heavy duty flexible drive shaft 87 to the connector shaft/cam shaft 19 and assembled using the integrally mounted coupling 16 and secured with a 3/32″ set screw 6 using the 3/32″ allen wrench. The vertical shaft toggle brake switch 92 FIG. 11 located in the top quadrant of the left gear box housing side plate 69 FIG. 15. It is threaded and secured on both inside and outside of the Left gear box housing side plate 69 FIG. 15 and with two each flat switch nuts the engagement moving to the ON position cams an attached polypropylene bumper & shaft assembly 93 and allows for a controlled rate of compression contact to the vertical shaft 8 FIG. 11,14 to further reduce the back lash of the vertical shaft 8 to allow the precision sharpening of the edges of blades of different geometric edge profile 72 FIG. 18.
The off position disengages in reverse cam motion to relief the vertical shaft 8 FIG. 14 of the before described compression. The off position should be used in the before described embodiments before the conversion of said necessary embodiments or “manual operational mode” of the round blade sharpener 1 FIG. 6.
Locate vertical linear slide bearing 27 with diamond file holder 25 FIG. 17 see 1 each ¼″ allen machine screw 76 used to attach threaded rod end bearing 21 to connector shaft/cam shaft 19. Using provided ¼″ allen wrench remove the ¼″ Allen machine screw 76. Place this screw on magnetic screw holder. Grasp diamond file holder 25 and lift up and through the grooved pivot arm slot 109 FIG. 17 and place in storage box. Locate provided round file sharpening head 96 with pivot arm slide 35 and threaded rod end bearing 21 attached. Assemble in reverse manner as diamond file holder 25 was dis-assembled using ¼″ allen machine screw 76 using the ¼″ allen wrench FIG. 19,7. See un attached diamond file—600 grit 36, unattached diamond file—400 grit 97 FIG. 20 and unattached round india stone assembly 98 FIG. 19 See the 18″ steel ruler 99 FIG. 7 to measure diameter of blade. Locate the blade diameter indicator line 51 FIG. 8. When sharpening the blade edge of different geometric profile 72 FIG. 18 the blade diameter indicator 51 must always be moved To the CL indicator line 53 FIG. 8. Locate 3 way pneumatic valve 100 on the front gear box housing plate 67 attached with 2 each 3/16″ allen machine screws 22 FIG. 11 see A type airline connector 110 see connector air hose 111 locate 3 way pneumatic valve handle 101 integrally mounted to 3 way pneumatic control valve 100. See water separator & regulator assembly 102 located on rear gear box housing plate 68 mounted with 2 each 3/16″ allen machine screws 22. See manual drain valve located on bottom of the water separator & regulator assembly 102. See pressure air lines 104 2 each, air lines 2 each and pressure lines water separator 106. Press—lock air fittings 107 12 each FIG. 11.
Adjustable grinder tool 114 to allow the novice operator to size or quickly grind out minor nicks and abrasions incorporating a spring loaded file head 115. This to is mounted to the base support and slide 2 with 3 each ¼″ allen machine Screws 76. It also incorporates a base 116 T-handle screw 117 and a vertical mounting post 118 all supporting rigidly the spring loaded file head 115 FIG. 10.

Claims

1-2. (canceled)

3. We claim a round blade sharpening apparatus for providing a sharpened edge on a round, scalloped, slotted or blades with different geometrical edge profiles, comprising: a flat base, Gearbox Housing, Flexible Drive Shafts, a vertical angle adjustment rail assembly, a horizontal blade diameter adjustment rail and a pivoting arm sharpening assembly.

4. The apparatus in claim 1, is the only round blade sharpener which offers 2 different modes of operation; manual operation requiring no utilities, air, water or electricity to operate and pneumatic operation requiring compressed air to operate. Either of these two operation modes will sharpen, grind and size a particular blade. Two machines in one.

5. The apparatus in claim 1 is the only Round Blade Sharpener that will Sharpen Round Blades from 2″ minimum diameter to unlimited maximum diameter.

6. The apparatus in claim 1 has a base with an 18″ or larger, ruler attached for exact measurement of the diameter of blade to set the vertical angle adjustment rail assembly in correct position on the horizontal blade diameter scale. A calibrated, engraved blade diameter scale, including a center line indicator mark, on the base running parallel to the horizontal blade diameter adjustment rail.

7. The apparatus in claim 1 has a horizontal blade diameter adjustment rail which incorporates a blade diameter adjustment slide and a blade diameter adjustment brake with handle. A blade diameter indicator located at the base of the vertical angle adjustment rail assembly.

8. The apparatus in claim 1 uses a pivoting arm sharpening assembly, which houses the diamond file holder, is mounted on and slides up and down the blade angle adjustment slide which incorporates a blade angle adjustment brake with handle to secure a precision angle setting.

9. The apparatus in claim 1 which uses a protractor combined with the protractor indicator on the pivoting arm sharpening assembly to set the correct angle in which the Round Blade Sharpener will sharpen the blade.

10. The apparatus in claim 1 has a pivoting arm sharpening assembly that is lowered and raised along the vertical angle adjustment rail assembly until desired angle is reached on the protractor as indicated by the protractor indicator and then locked into place using a locking lever. All components are calibrated for accurate settings.

11. The apparatus in claim 1 uses a pivoting arm sharpening assembly which incorporates a weight attachment shaft and a prescribed weight cylinder which may be moved along the shaft and set by tightening inserted thumb screw, which is used as a variable tension device when sharpening the blade.

12. The apparatus in claim 9 in which the pivoting arm sharpening assembly houses a diamond file housing designed to pivot on its on axis up to 125°. This allows complete conformity to the blade being sharpened. (I.e. Slightly Warped Blade). The ratio of reciprocating strokes versus a single revolution of the blade in the manual mode is 20:1 and 200:1 in the pneumatic mode.

13. The apparatus in claim 10 uses a diamond file housing is driven by using flexible drive shaft cables connected to the pivoting arm sharpening assembly and the gearbox housing.

14. The apparatus in claim 1, to have a gearbox housing with an attached 3 way pneumatic valve, water separator and regulator assembly, toggle brake switch with attached polypropylene bumper and shaft assembly, horizontal transition shaft, attached flexible drive shaft cables, pivot locking pin and vertical shaft.

15. The apparatus in claim 12, which uses a crank handle that can be turned either direction providing a means of power in the manual mode. There is an attached female receptacle shaft assembled to handle that mates with a male T-slot of the top end of the vertical shaft.

16. The apparatus in claim 13, with a blade nut which threads on the threaded portion of the male slotted vertical shaft. The nut holds the blade securely onto the blade support hub.

17. The apparatus in claim 14 with a crank handle attached to a vertical shaft which is mounted to a larger bevel gear it meshes with a smaller pinion gear that is mounted on the horizontal transition shaft which effectively creates an approximate 3:1 increase of the output shaft's rpm's.

18. The apparatus in claim 16 with an output shaft that is attached to a flexible drive cable that is routed through a series of flexible drive shaft eyelets. The opposite end of the flexible drive shaft is connected by attached integrally mounted couplings and set screws to the connector shaft/cam shaft which is connected to the cam linkage arm which connects to the diamond file holder all of these components are mounted on the pivot arm sharpening assembly.

19. The apparatus in claim 12 which uses a toggle brake switch on the Gearbox housing. Brake is off for manual mode and brake is on for Pneumatic mode. The toggle brake switch in the on position allows for controlled rate of compression contact to the vertical shaft by the polypropylene bumper to further reduce the back lash of the vertical shaft to nearly zero. This allows the precision sharpening of the edges of blade different geometrical profiles. The toggle brake switch in the off position allows the operator to effortlessly turn the crank handle in the manual mode, where near zero back lash precision is not required.

20. The apparatus in claim 1 uses a removable clear plastic blade safety cover and metal shroud which closes and opens. Allowing the blade to be sharpened with safety being exercised.

21. The apparatus in claim 1 does not heat the blade disturbing the metallurgy of the blade.

22. The apparatus in claim 1, that the combination of precision control in the areas of: prescribed weight, reciprocating file strokes, revolution of blade sharpened, ratios between reciprocating strokes and revolutions of the blade sharpened, ability of the novice operator to match any angles including factory angles allows the round blade sharpener to produce razor sharp durable edges without building up friction causing the blade to heat up and destroy the tempered edge of the blade. “We don't grind we sharpen the blade edge. Causing blade life to extend to 25 times +. This applies to either mode of operation of the round blade sharpener.

23. The apparatus in claim 1 uses a custom modular air motor gear box design with a slip lock disengagement coupling that is used to divert the power source and speed s of operation to the necessary mode demanded by the blade chosen

24. The apparatus in claim 1 has a quick change flexible drive shaft system that allows the novice operator to make operating mode conversion quick and simple.

25. The apparatus in claim 2 is totally portable round blade sharpener in the manual mode no air, water or electricity is ever required.

26. The apparatus in claim 1 requires no maintenance on this round blade sharpener ever! Making it Maintenance Free.

27. The apparatus in claim 1 uses a blade arbor selection system allowing the novice operator to easily select the proper arbor to match the bore through on the blade chosen to be sharpened.

28. The apparatus in claim 1 has mounted spring loaded grinded tool to size the blade to a specific diameter and or grind minor nicks and abrasions in blades by the novice user as well.