Abstract: A split blade housing adapted to support an annular knife blade for rotation in a power operated rotary knife. The blade housing includes a mounting section and a body section extending from the mounting section and forming a ring. The mounting section of the split blade housing is adapted to be mounted to a handle assembly of the rotary knife and includes a recess providing clearance for a pinion gear that extends from the handle assembly to engage and drive the knife blade. The split blade housing includes an annular groove for rotatably supporting the knife blade, the groove defining a rotational plane of the knife blade. The split blade housing includes a split defining first and second end portions adjacent the split to facilitate removal of the knife blade from the housing. The housing split is peripherally offset from the mounting section recess and the split is transverse with respect to a center vertical axis of the blade housing.

Abstract: A housing for a scale or load cell controller suitable for use in harsh environments. The housing includes a moisture-resistant front display unit coupled to a rear interface and mounting unit. The front display unit includes a front housing, a back housing, and a frame overlying a boundary or seal region between the front and back housings to provide a double moisture-resistant seal between the front and back housings. The front display unit defines an interior region including a display and a plurality of user input keys and controller circuitry. The front display unit is removably attachable to the rear interface unit. A moisture-resistant seal is also provided between the front display unit and the rear interface and mounting unit. The rear interface and mounting unit defines a recessed area supporting a battery pack, a power supply and an interface circuit board.

Abstract: A split blade housing adapted to support an annular knife blade for rotation in a power operated rotary knife. The blade housing includes a mounting section and a body section extending from the mounting section and forming a ring. The mounting section of the split blade housing is adapted to be mounted to a handle assembly of the rotary knife and includes a recess providing clearance for a pinion gear that extends from the handle assembly to engage and drive the knife blade. The split blade housing includes an annular groove for rotatably supporting the knife blade, the groove defining a rotational plane of the knife blade. The split blade housing includes a split defining first and second end portions adjacent the split to facilitate removal of the knife blade from the housing. The housing split is peripherally offset from the mounting section recess and the split is transverse with respect to a center vertical axis of the blade housing.

Abstract: A modular power-driven knife having an annular rotary blade, the structure of which knife can be varied through choice of standardized, i.e., compatible, components to accommodate different operators and different tasks. The components include plural elongated handles to accommodate different sized hands; plural headpieces, each having a transmission for driving an annular rotary blade and identical means by which any of the handles are attachable in a first orientation, and each differently constructed to support a replaceable blade housing of predetermined size and construction different from housings supported by other headpieces, including a construction for angling the blade housing and blade relative to the extending handle; adjustable thumb supporting pieces for the handles; handle adapters to reposition the handles; pistol grip handles; drive cable casing connectors; and replaceable blade housings securable to the headpieces for supporting replaceable rotary annular blades.

Abstract: Apparatus for steeling an inside and an outside annular surface that together form a cutting edge of an annular rotary knife blade. Two or more steeling members are utilized, to separately contact the inside surface and the outside surface of the blade. A fixture receives and orients a knife blade relative to the steeling members. The knife fixture is movable along guiding means relative to the steeling members, and is yieldably biased to a predetermined blade-receiving position.

Abstract: A rotary hand knife that includes a handpiece 12, 12', 220 a ring-like housing 14 on the handpiece, and a rotary ring blade 16 supported and guided by the housing. The blade is driven by a pinion 18, 18', 18" rotated by a motor-driven flexible cable assembly 24, 24', 24". A removable body 58, 58', 128, 258 in the handpiece is movable manually within the handpiece to control whether or not the cable drive rotates the pinion. A spring 94, 94', 94" within the handpiece yieldably biases the body to a position where the pinion is not driven and a hand-engageable member 120, 120', 120" retains the body in a position where the pinion is driven against the force of the spring when the handpiece and hand-engageable member are gripped.

Abstract: A hand knife 20 of the type used for trimming meat with a rotary gear-driven ring-like blade 34 guided by a ring-like housing 30 and retained by a pivoted retainer 36. The blade has a concave inner surface 96, a peripheral retaining groove 45 with a frusto-conical surface 90, and a reduced diameter outer cylindrical surface 93 to accommodate the retainer. An improved adjusting knob 124 and securing member 40 hold the retainer 36 in proper position.