Chain sickle

A rotary cutting apparatus comprising:

• (a) a chain assembly, the chain assembly having an inner edge and an outer edge, the chain assembly comprising:
• (i) a first chain member, the first link member being substantially polygonal in shape with an elongated midsection, the elongated midsection having rounded ends;
• and
• (ii) a second chain member, the second link member being substantially polygonal in shape and substantially identical to the first chain member, the second chain member having a midsection in which are formed concavities, the concavities being compatibly shaped so as to mate with the rounded ends of the midsection of the first chain member;
• (b) a plurality of cutting blades, the cutting blades being rigidly affixed to the outer edge of the chain assembly;
• (c) a rail;
• (d) an angle bracket;
• the angle bracket being cooperatively mounted to the rail so as to form a channel such that the inner edge of the chain assembly is retained within the channel while permitting translational movement of the chain assembly in a direction substantially parallel to the rail;
• (e) a frame member, the fame member having a perimeter, a first end, and a second end, the frame member being formed as a relatively long and narrow planar surface to which the rail member is rigidly mounted such that the rail member extends around substantially the entire perimeter of the frame member, thereby permitting the cutting blades to extend outwardly from the frame member;
• and
• (f) means for motivating the chain assembly such that the chain assembly is caused to translate along the perimeter of the frame member, thereby permitting the cutting blades to perform a cutting operation.