Saw chain depth gauge grinder

Abstract

An improved saw chain depth gauge grinder longitudinally positions the cutter links of saw chains with their depth gauges in a grinding position for grinding while preventing contact with other portions of the cutter link as they pass through the grinding position. A sprocket rotatably supports the saw chain beneath the grinding wheel. The grinding wheel is raised and lowered to a predetermined position to grind successive depth gauges to a uniform height as the saw chain circulates around the sprocket. One embodiment provides for a multiple-lobed camming member rotationally mounted on the sprocket for actuating a linkage to raise and lower the grinding wheel as the sprocket turns. Another embodiment provides for a pawl positioned adjacent the upper sprocket so as to provide a cutter link stop to position the depth gauge in the grinding position. The pawl also serves as a safety. As the sprocket is rotated to reposition the saw chain for grinding the depth gauge of the next link, the pawl is lifted by the next cutter link into the path of the grinding wheel so as to shield the cutter link.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.