An automatic razor blade sharpener simultaneously sharpens and sanitizes
multiple edges of a spring-loaded disposable razor blade cartridge
without edge overheating by lubricated gentle contact of the blade edges
with a moving rubber or polymeric compliant belt that is motor driven.
The disposable razor blade handle is set in a cradle aperture, which is
spring loaded against the moving belt. A sanitizing and lubricating
liquid is dispersed from a container between the razor blade edges and
the moving belt forms a thin liquid layer on the belt surface. The liquid
layer is illuminated by transversely located light illuminator and the
reflected light is received by a transversely located sensor. Deep
grooves in the blade cutting edge reduce this reflection, indicating an
overly worn blade. The absence of reflection actuates an LED, informing
the user that the thin liquid film has evaporated or spilled out, or that
the container lacks a sufficient quantity of sanitizing and lubricating
liquid.