Abstract: A blade sharpening and blade sharpness detection system for permitting blade sharpening and a determination of blade sharpness without mechanical contact with the blade cutting edge. An optical inspection unit inspects blade sharpness optically, and a blade positioning and guidance mechanism positions and guides the blade in relation to the optical inspection unit. An output display provides visual output of blade sharpness. The optical inspection unit, which can be a reflective optical sensor, and the blade positioning and guidance mechanism are retained by a pivotable support structure. The positioning and guidance mechanism can comprise first and second pairs of rotatable spheres, each such pair disposed in immediate juxtaposition to act as rolling supports for the blade. The entry of ambient light into the sharpness sensing volume can be prevented by resiliently deflectable light-blocking bodies retained to first and second sides of a sharpness inspection slot within the housing.

Abstract: An end edge detector and method for sensing and indicating an end edge along a roll of material. A sensor retained by a housing detects the end edge and triggers an output signal indicative thereof. The sensor can be formed by a light source for producing an illuminated area on the roll of material in combination with a light radiation detector. Light received by the radiation detector is processed to produce an electronic control signal, and an output signal is triggered when the light received reaches a predetermined threshold electronic control signal indicative of light scattering by the end edge. Alternatively, the sensor can comprise a probe with a tip that extends from the housing for traveling along the surface of the roll of material. Deflection of the probe by contact with the end edge trips an electrical contact switch and triggers the output signal.

Abstract: A blade sharpness detection system for determining a sharpness of a blade without mechanical contact with the cutting edge of the blade. An optical inspection unit is operative to inspect blade sharpness optically, and a blade positioning and guidance mechanism is disposed to position and guide the blade in relation to the optical inspection unit. An output display is operative to provide a visual output of the sharpness of the blade. The optical inspection unit, which can be a reflective optical sensor, and the blade positioning and guidance mechanism are retained by a pivotable support structure. The positioning and guidance mechanism can be formed by first and second pairs of rotatable spheres, each pair of rotatable spheres disposed in immediate juxtaposition to act as rolling supports for the blade.

Abstract: A blade sharpening and blade sharpness detection system for permitting blade sharpening and a determination of blade sharpness without mechanical contact with the blade cutting edge. An optical inspection unit inspects blade sharpness optically, and a blade positioning and guidance mechanism positions and guides the blade in relation to the optical inspection unit. An output display provides visual output of blade sharpness. The optical inspection unit, which can be a reflective optical sensor, and the blade positioning and guidance mechanism are retained by a pivotable support structure. The positioning and guidance mechanism can comprise first and second pairs of rotatable spheres, each such pair disposed in immediate juxtaposition to act as rolling supports for the blade. The entry of ambient light into the sharpness sensing volume can be prevented by resiliently deflectable light-blocking bodies retained to first and second sides of a sharpness inspection slot within the housing.

Abstract: A blade sharpness detection system for determining a sharpness of a blade and a combined blade sharpening and blade sharpness detection system for permitting both blade sharpening and a determination of blade sharpness without mechanical contact with the cutting edge of the blade. An optical inspection unit is operative to inspect blade sharpness optically, and a blade positioning and guidance mechanism is disposed to position and guide the blade in relation to the optical inspection unit. An output display is operative to provide a visual output of the sharpness of the blade. The optical inspection unit, which can be a reflective optical sensor, and the blade positioning and guidance mechanism are retained by a pivotable support structure. The positioning and guidance mechanism can be formed by first and second pairs of rotatable spheres, each pair of rotatable spheres disposed in immediate juxtaposition to act as rolling supports for the blade.