Chain link sharpening method and apparatus

Abstract

Embodiments provide various components of a chain saw, including saw chain elements, sprockets, and other fixtures, that may facilitate sharpening of cutter links during operation. In various embodiments, the components may increase stability during sharpening, provide nose mounted sharpening fixtures, and/or facilitate the resizing and/or reshaping of a sharpening element.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A sprocket, comprising:
 radially directed sprocket teeth forming a plurality of gullets, wherein each gullet is configured to receive a tang of a center link; and   support rims coaxially disposed on each side of the radially directed sprocket teeth, wherein the support rims include a plurality of facets configured to support a cutter link as the cutter link traverses the sprocket and engages a sharpening element.   
     
     
         2 . The sprocket of  claim 1 , wherein the center link is a drive link. 
     
     
         3 . The sprocket of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of facets comprise one or more steps, wherein each step is configured to elevate a portion of the cutter link to enhance engagement with the sharpening element. 
     
     
         4 . The sprocket of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of facets comprise one or more slopes, wherein each slope is configured to elevate a portion of the cutter link to enhance engagement with the sharpening element. 
     
     
         5 . The sprocket of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of facets comprise one or more lips, wherein each lip is configured to resist rearward movement of the cutter link. 
     
     
         6 . The sprocket of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of facets comprises a length substantially equal to a length of a cutter link the support rims are configured to support. 
     
     
         7 . The sprocket of  claim 1 , wherein the support rims are configured to contact more than one location on a cutter link. 
     
     
         8 . The sprocket of  claim 1 , wherein the support rims are configured to support at least one of a heel or toe portion of a cutter link as the cutter link traverses the sprocket. 
     
     
         9 . A cutting system comprising:
 a cutting chain, wherein the chain is configured to engage a guide bar and a chainsaw drive sprocket, wherein the chainsaw drive sprocket comprises:
 radially directed sprocket teeth forming a plurality of gullets, wherein each gullet is configured to receive a tang of a center link; and 
 support rims coaxially disposed on each side of the radially directed sprocket teeth, wherein the support rims include a plurality of facets configured to support a cutter link as the cutter link traverses the sprocket and engages a sharpening element; 
   a sharpening element disposed proximal to the cutting chain; and   an actuator coupled to the sharpening element and adapted to selectively urge the sharpening element into contact with the cutting chain.   
     
     
         10 . The cutting system of  claim 9 , wherein the center link is a drive link. 
     
     
         11 . The cutting system of  claim 9 , wherein the plurality of facets comprise one or more steps, wherein each step is configured to elevate a portion of the cutter link to enhance engagement with the sharpening element. 
     
     
         12 . The cutting system of  claim 9 , wherein the plurality of facets comprise one or more slopes, wherein each slope is configured to elevate a portion of the cutter link to enhance engagement with the sharpening element. 
     
     
         13 . The cutting system of  claim 9 , wherein the plurality of facets comprise one or more lips, wherein each lip is configured to resist rearward movement of the cutter link. 
     
     
         14 . The cutting system of  claim 9 , wherein each of the plurality of facets comprises a length substantially equal to a length of a cutter link the support rims are configured to support. 
     
     
         15 . The cutting system of  claim 9 , wherein the support rims are configured to contact more than one location on a cutter link. 
     
     
         16 . The cutting system of  claim 9 , wherein the support rims are configured to support at least one of a heel or toe portion of a cutter link as the cutter link traverses the sprocket.