Abstract: A tracking computing system detects tracking indicia provided on or embedded within cutting implements to be deployed at a processing facility. Periodic implement scans can be performed by one or more mobile computing devices to detect tracking indicia and to determine state data associated with the cutting implements. The state data can be determined at different stages within a processing cycle. The absence of state data for a tracking indicium at one or more stages of the processing cycle may be detected and used to initiate a control action with respect to a potentially missing cutting implement.

Abstract: Systems and methods for conditioning blades are provided. A method may include, for example, obtaining a cutting device, measuring various characteristics of the cutting edge of the cutting device, creating a current edge profile based on the characteristics, creating a modified edge profile, and/or conditioning the blade. Conditioning may include grinding, buffing and/or polishing. One or more of the conditioning steps may be based on the modified edge profile.

Abstract: Carriers and carrier assemblies for use in apparatus, such as tools, are provided. A carrier assembly generally includes a carrier and an RFID tag which may be coupled to the carrier. The carrier assembly may be inserted at least partially into a bore in an apparatus and removably coupled to the apparatus at least partially within the bore. The carrier may advantageously increase the range at which RFID signals transmitted to and/or from the RFID tag may be detected, either by the RFID tag or an RFID reader.

Abstract: Conditioning devices for conditioning blades are provided. A conditioning device includes a first rod and a second rod, at least one of the first rod and the second rod rotatable about an axis, the first rod and the second rod oriented to define a blade conditioning zone therebetween, the blade conditioning zone being defined by a blade conditioning angle between the first rod and the second rod. The conditioning device further includes a stationary magnet and a movable magnet. The movable magnet is connected to the one of the first rod and the second rod and rotatable about the axis. The movable magnet has an opposite magnetic orientation relative to the stationary magnet. Rotation of the one of the first rod and the second rod adjusts the blade conditioning angle.

Abstract: Carriers and carrier assemblies for use in apparatus, such as tools, are provided. A carrier assembly generally includes a carrier and an RFID tag which may be coupled to the carrier. The carrier assembly may be inserted at least partially into a bore in an apparatus and removably coupled to the apparatus at least partially within the bore. The carrier may advantageously increase the range at which RFID signals transmitted to and/or from the RFID tag may be detected, either by the RFID tag or an RFID reader.

Abstract: Systems and methods for conditioning blades are provided. A method may include, for example, obtaining a cutting device, measuring various characteristics of the cutting edge of the cutting device, creating a current edge profile based on the characteristics, creating a modified edge profile, and/or conditioning the blade. Conditioning may include grinding, buffing and/or polishing. One or more of the conditioning steps may be based on the modified edge profile.

Abstract: Conditioning devices for conditioning blades are provided. A conditioning device includes a first rod and a second rod, at least one of the first rod and the second rod rotatable about an axis, the first rod and the second rod oriented to define a blade conditioning zone therebetween, the blade conditioning zone being defined by a blade conditioning angle between the first rod and the second rod. The conditioning device further includes a stationary magnet and a movable magnet. The movable magnet is connected to the one of the first rod and the second rod and rotatable about the axis. The movable magnet has an opposite magnetic orientation relative to the stationary magnet. Rotation of the one of the first rod and the second rod adjusts the blade conditioning angle.

Abstract: Chain links and methods for forming chain links are provided. A method may include inserting a pin into a pin hole defined in a boss insert, and introducing the boss insert to a mold cavity defined in a mold plate of a mold assembly. The method further includes flowing chain link substrate to the mold cavity, and cooling the chain link substrate such that a chain link is formed. The chain link includes a base portion, a platform extending from the base portion, and a rib assembly extending from the platform and including a plurality of ribs and defining a central pocket. The boss insert is disposed in the pocket, and the pin is disposed in the pin hole of the boss insert.

Abstract: Chain links and methods for forming chain links are provided. A method may include inserting a pin into a pin hole defined in a boss insert, and introducing the boss insert to a mold cavity defined in a mold plate of a mold assembly. The method further includes flowing chain link substrate to the mold cavity, and cooling the chain link substrate such that a chain link is formed. The chain link includes a base portion, a platform extending from the base portion, and a rib assembly extending from the platform and including a plurality of ribs and defining a central pocket. The boss insert is disposed in the pocket, and the pin is disposed in the pin hole of the boss insert.

Abstract: Chain links and methods for forming chain links are provided. A method may include inserting a pin into a pin hole defined in a boss insert, and introducing the boss insert to a mold cavity defined in a mold plate of a mold assembly. The method further includes flowing chain link substrate to the mold cavity, and cooling the chain link substrate such that a chain link is formed. The chain link includes a base portion, a platform extending from the base portion, and a rib assembly extending from the platform and including a plurality of ribs and defining a central pocket. The boss insert is disposed in the pocket, and the pin is disposed in the pin hole of the boss insert.

Abstract: Conditioning devices for conditioning blades are provided. A conditioning device includes a first rod and a second rod, at least one of the first rod and the second rod rotatable about an axis, the first rod and the second rod oriented to define a blade conditioning zone therebetween, the blade conditioning zone being defined by a blade conditioning angle between the first rod and the second rod. The conditioning device further includes a stationary magnet and a movable magnet. The movable magnet is connected to the one of the first rod and the second rod and rotatable about the axis. The movable magnet has an opposite magnetic orientation relative to the stationary magnet. Rotation of the one of the first rod and the second rod adjusts the blade conditioning angle.

Abstract: A testing device and method for testing scissors are disclosed. The testing device includes a mount device. The mount device includes a first mount feature for mounting a first grip end of the scissors thereon and a second mount feature movable with respect to the first mount feature for mounting a second grip end of the scissors thereon. The testing device additionally includes a feed device positioned to provide a test media between a first blade and a second blade of the scissors. The testing device further includes a position sensor associated with the mount device for measuring movement of the second grip end, and a load sensor associated with the mount device for measuring a load required for the scissors to cut the test media.

Abstract: A testing device and method for testing scissors are disclosed. The testing device includes a mount device. The mount device includes a first mount feature for mounting a first grip end of the scissors thereon and a second mount feature movable with respect to the first mount feature for mounting a second grip end of the scissors thereon. The testing device additionally includes a feed device positioned to provide a test media between a first blade and a second blade of the scissors. The testing device further includes a position sensor associated with the mount device for measuring movement of the second grip end, and a load sensor associated with the mount device for measuring a load required for the scissors to cut the test media.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for cutting corrugations into the resharpened blade of a scissor. The apparatus comprises a rotatable corrugating wheel. The peripheral annular circumferentially disposed edge of the wheel defines a corrugating surface that is configured to abrade the sharpened edge surface of the scissor blade. The corrugating surface is formed by a substantially uninterrupted ridge that helically winds around the entire circumferential edge of the corrugating wheel wherein adjacent windings of the ridge are separated by a substantially uninterrupted recess that helically winds around the entire circumferential edge of the corrugating wheel. The corrugating surface can be formed in the circumferentially disposed peripheral annular surface of a circular steel disc that has been coated with a fine diamond coating or a fine ceramic coating or a combination of the two.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for sharpening a circular blade. The sharpening apparatus is adapted to be positioned adjacent a power-driven sharpening wheel at an angle. The sharpening apparatus includes an angularly adjustable tool holder for angularly positioning the circular blade against the power-driven sharpening wheel. The sharpening apparatus of the present invention also includes a blade holder that quickly and easily locks the circular blade into place for sharpening and releases the blade after sharpening is complete. The present invention provides a reasonably safe and efficient sharpening apparatus for circular blades that provides uniform, high quality sharpening of one-sided and two-sided blades of varying circumferences.