Gin Blade Sharpening System and Method of Use
Patent Number: US 12427593 Grant Date: 2025-09-30 Filing Date: 2022-05-27
Overview
Filed May 27, 2022 and granted September 30, 2025, this patented sharpening system protects a purpose-built manufacturing solution for producing high‑quality gin blade disks with greater consistency and lower consumable cost. Inventors based in Lubbock, TX and applicant the inventor Gin Services LLC sought protection for an integrated apparatus that combines multiple grinding stations, movable upper grinders, and an intelligent controller to automate and optimize edge finishing. The system clamps each disk horizontally, separates top‑surface and bottom‑surface grinding across dedicated stations, and repositions upper grinders in x, y, and z to access multiple abrasive contact points and control grind angle and pitch. The result is reduced warping, more even abrasive pad wear, and less manual handling compared with conventional flip‑and‑grind workflows.
The patent claims capture both mechanical hardware and control logic: adjustable mounting brackets and vertical movement for precise engagement, threaded‑shaft position control to move upper grinders between stations, and a device program that schedules grinder use and measures pad life, pressure, RPM, and interface usage to ensure even wear and predictable output.
Key Features
- Automated multi‑station workflow that separates top/bottom grinding to reduce heat and distortion
- X/Y/Z positioning and adjustable grind angle for tailored edge geometry
- Controller monitoring for even pad wear and process scheduling
By protecting a system that lowers abrasive consumption and improves part flatness, the patent advances efficiency in industrial blade manufacturing and addresses scalable automation needs across agricultural and cutting‑tool industries.
Invention Details
Abstract: A gin blade sharpening system for sharpening a blank into a blade disk. The gin blade sharpening system comprises two or more grinding stations, a controller, and one or more upper grinders. The one or more upper grinders comprise at least a first upper grinder. The two or more grinding stations comprise at least a first grinding station and a second grinding station. Each among the two or more grinding stations comprise a clamp assembly configured to selectively hold the blade disk in a substantially horizontal position. A portion of the one or more upper grinders can be configured to sharpen an outer perimeter edge of the blade disk using an abrasive pad.
Summary of the Invention: A prior art grinding assembly a gin blade sharpening system for sharpening a blank into a blade disk. Said gin blade sharpening system comprises two or more grinding stations, a controller, and one or more upper grinders. Said one or more upper grinders comprise at least a first upper grinder. Said two or more grinding stations comprise at least a first grinding station and a second grinding station. each among said two or more grinding stations comprise a clamp assembly configured to selectively hold said blade disk in a substantially horizontal position. A portion of said one or more upper grinders are configured to sharpen an outer perimeter edge of said blade disk using an abrasive pad. Said controller is configured to selectively operate said two or more grinding stations, said one or more upper grinders and one or more lower grinders using a device program. Said gin blade sharpening system comprises an upper grinder position control assembly configured to move said one or more upper grinders between said two or more grinding stations. Said one or more upper grinders are configured to travel between a first x-axis location and a second x-axis location using said upper grinder position control assembly. Said first x-axis location and said second x-axis location correspond to said first grinding station and said second grinding station. Said device program is configured to schedule use of said one or more upper grinders as between said two or more grinding stations. At least two among said two or more grinding stations are configured to rotate in an advantageous direction to avoid grinding into a tooth orientation. Said gin blade sharpening system is configured to sharpen a top surface, and a bottom surface separately in said first grinding station and said second grinding station. By sharpening said top surface and said bottom surface separately, said blank results in a flatter said blade disk, with lower consumption of said abrasive pad.
Patent Document
Related: Mechanical Engineering | Robotics & Automation | Robotics | Lubbock, Texas | Shannon Warren, Patent Attorney