Methods of measuring and grinding an ice blade, and apparatuses using same

An automated apparatus for grinding an ice blade on an ice skate, said apparatus comprising:

• a processor;
• an input device in communication with said processor to permit a user to select an ice blade grinding option;
• a skate holder configured to releasably hold at least one said ice skate to said apparatus;
• a non-contact measuring device in communication with said processor, said non-contact measuring device being configured to measure a three-dimensional (3D) shape of said ice blade when said at least one ice skate is held by said skate holder;
• and
• a grinding device in communication with said processor, said grinding device being configured to perform a grinding action on said ice blade in said holder based on said selected ice blade grinding option to change said 3D shape of said ice blade to a desired 3D shape, said processor configured to determine whether said ice blade is unsuitable for said selected ice blade grinding option based on said measured 3D shape of said ice blade prior to said grinding device performing said grinding action on said ice blade.