Knife grinding device

Abstract

A sharpening device and a method of using the same are disclosed. The device may include a closed housing for receiving a tool blade. The housing may include an opening in the front panel through which the blade may be inserted, and which may prevent insertion of a handle of the knife. The device may include a collet with a sharpening stone. The collet may be coupled to a belt in communication with one or more pulleys coupled to the housing in positions spaced apart from each other to define an elliptical path of belt travel. The apparatus may include a motor for driving the pulley in rotation, which will cause the belt to travel about an elliptical path and cause the grindstone to contact the blade.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to a first U.S. invention provisional application, U.S. provisional application serial number 63 / 593,146, filed on October 25, 2023; and claims the benefit of priority to a second U.S. invention non-provisional application, U.S. non-provisional application serial number 18 / 518,514, filed on November 23, 2023, the entire contents of both patents being relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to a device for sharpening knives, and more particularly to an electric knife sharpening device for knives used in a kitchen. Background Art

[0004] A knife generally comprises a handle and a blade. The user holds the handle and directs the blade toward an object for cutting. The blade comprises a cutting surface called a blade and a ridge as a side opposite to the blade on a single-edged knife. Over time, the cutting edge of most blades will become dull due to repeated use. Because a dull blade has a low cutting efficiency, a sharpener is required to reproduce a sharp cutting edge. Existing sharpeners (such as a steel rod comprising a set of kitchen knives or an electric sharpener available in a retail store) can be used to sharpen knives, but these sharpeners expose the cutting edge to the user during processing, and also require the user to have the skills and knowledge to tilt and move the blade relative to the sharpening element, so as to effectively sharpen or hone the cutting edge without damaging it. Therefore, there is still a need for a safe, easy-to-use sharpening device that can effectively sharpen the cutting edge of a blade without exposing the user to the cutting edge of the blade, and does not require the user to have sharpening or honing skills. Summary of the invention

[0005] In various embodiments, a knife sharpening device is provided. In some embodiments, the knife sharpening device includes: a closed housing configured to receive a blade of a knife, the housing including a front panel, a base panel, and a side panel; an opening in the front panel through which the blade can be inserted, wherein the opening is configured to prevent the handle of the knife from being inserted; a chuck including a first whetstone configured to sharpen the blade, wherein the chuck is coupled to a belt communicating with a first pulley and a second pulley, wherein the first pulley and the second pulley are coupled to the side panel at locations spaced apart from each other to define an elliptical path for the belt to travel; and a motor for driving at least one of the first pulley or the second pulley to rotate, wherein the rotation causes the belt to travel around the elliptical path; wherein the elliptical path of the belt causes the first whetstone to contact the blade.

[0006] In some embodiments, the chuck further includes an arm including a first end to which the first sharpening stone is connected.

[0007] In some embodiments, the clamp further includes a bracket coupled to the belt and to the second end of the arm.

[0008] In some embodiments, the arm is a pivotable arm that is biased by a spring allowing the first sharpening stone to pivot between the first position and the second position.

[0009] In some embodiments, the knife sharpening device further comprises a pedal coupled to the base panel, the pedal being configured to contact the blade after the blade is inserted into the device.

[0010] In some embodiments, the pedal is a pivotable pedal that is spring biased away from the base panel, wherein the blade is urged away from the base panel when in contact with the pivotable pedal.

[0011] In some embodiments, the chuck further includes a sensor located proximate the pedal, wherein the sensor is configured to detect whether the blade is present or absent.

[0012] In some embodiments, the sensor is configured to send a signal to activate the motor when a blade is detected, or to send a signal to deactivate the motor when a blade is not present.

[0013] In some embodiments, the cartridge further includes a blade stabilizer in communication with the opening in the front panel through which the blade may be inserted, wherein the blade stabilizer is configured to hold the blade in a fixed position so that the blade may be sharpened by the first whetstone.

[0014] In some embodiments, the blade stabilizer includes a second sharpening stone.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first whetstone and the second whetstone are constructed of different materials such that when the knife is removed from the device, the blade will receive additional sharpening, honing, or finishing from the second whetstone.

[0016] In some embodiments, the blade stabilizer includes a sensor configured to detect whether the blade is present or absent.

[0017] In some embodiments, the sensor is configured to send a signal to activate the motor when a blade is detected, or to send a signal to deactivate the motor when a blade is not present.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first whetstone is comprised of stone, corundum (silicon carbide), tungsten carbide, an oilstone, an Arkansas stone, a water stone, a synthetic water stone, or a diamond whetstone.

[0019] In various embodiments, a knife sharpening device is provided. In some embodiments, the knife sharpening device includes: a closed housing configured to receive a blade of a knife, the housing including a front panel, a base panel, and a side panel; an opening in the front panel through which the blade can be inserted, wherein the opening is configured to prevent the handle of the knife from being inserted; a first chuck including a first whetstone configured to sharpen the blade, wherein the first chuck is coupled to a belt in communication with a first pulley and a second pulley, wherein the first pulley and the second pulley are coupled to the side panel at locations spaced apart from each other to define an elliptical path for the belt to travel; and a motor for driving at least one of the first pulley or the second pulley to rotate, wherein the rotation causes the belt to travel around the elliptical path; wherein the elliptical path of the belt causes the first whetstone to contact the blade.

[0020] In some embodiments, the cartridge further comprises a second cartridge comprising a second whetstone configured to sharpen the blade, wherein the second cartridge is coupled to the belt.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first clamp and the second clamp are coupled to the belt at locations spaced apart from each other.

[0022] In some embodiments, the chuck further comprises a blade stabilizer in communication with an opening on the front panel through which a blade can be inserted, wherein the blade stabilizer is configured to hold the blade in a fixed position so that the blade can be sharpened by the first whetstone and the second whetstone; wherein the blade stabilizer comprises a third whetstone.

[0023] In various embodiments, a method for sharpening a knife is provided. In some embodiments, the method includes: providing a sharpening device, the sharpening device including: an enclosed housing configured to receive a blade of a knife, the housing including a front panel, a base panel, and a side panel; an opening in the front panel through which the blade can be inserted, wherein the opening is configured to prevent the handle of the knife from being inserted; a chuck including a first whetstone configured to sharpen the blade, wherein the chuck is coupled to a belt in communication with a first pulley and a second pulley, wherein the first pulley and the second pulley are coupled to the side panel at locations spaced apart from each other to define an elliptical path for the belt to travel; and a motor for driving at least one of the first pulley or the second pulley to rotate, wherein the rotation causes the belt to travel around the elliptical path; wherein the elliptical path of the belt causes the first whetstone to contact the blade; inserting the blade into the opening of the front panel; activating the motor to drive the first whetstone around the elliptical path and cause the first whetstone to contact the blade; and removing the blade from the device.

[0024] In some embodiments, the method further comprises setting a timer for the sharpening period; and deactivating the motor.

[0025] It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description describe various embodiments and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed subject matter. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the various embodiments and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The accompanying drawings illustrate the various embodiments described herein and together with the description explain the principles and operation of the claimed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] A complete understanding of the present embodiments and their advantages and features will be more readily appreciated by referring to the following detailed description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a knife sharpening device according to some embodiments described herein;

[0028] Figure 2A yes Figure 1 An internal view of the knife sharpening device, wherein the knife sharpening mechanism is in a first position;

[0029] Figure 2B yes Figure 1 An internal view of the knife sharpening device, wherein the knife sharpening mechanism is in a second position;

[0030] Figure 2C yes Figure 1 An internal view of the knife sharpening device, wherein the knife sharpening mechanism is in a third position;

[0031] Figure 2D yes Figure 1 An internal view of the knife sharpening device, wherein the knife sharpening mechanism is in a fourth position;

[0032] Figure 3A yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of a blade stabilizer of a sharpening device;

[0033] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of a blade stabilizer in FIG. 1 ; and

[0034] Figure 4 It has multiple sharpening mechanisms Figure 1 An interior view of the knife sharpening device.

[0035] The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain features and certain views of the drawings may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic in the interest of clarity and conciseness. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments, examples of which are shown in the present disclosure. An embodiment is directed to a specific feature or characteristic used in conjunction with the product or method steps described herein. References to "an embodiment" appear throughout the disclosure, and such references do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or to separate, mutually exclusive embodiments. Before describing the exemplary embodiments, it should be noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components, subcomponents, and procedures associated with the knife sharpening apparatus described herein. Therefore, apparatus and method components have been indicated where appropriate, and only those specific details relevant to an understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure are shown so as not to obscure the present disclosure with details that would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0037] Specific details of the various embodiments described herein are for exemplary purposes only, and no unnecessary limitations or inferences should be construed therefrom.

[0038] In various embodiments, a sharpening device and a method for sharpening a blade of a knife are provided. In some embodiments, Figures 1 to 4 As shown, a device 100 for sharpening a blade B of a tool K is provided. In some embodiments, the device 100 includes a housing 102, such as Figure 1 In such an embodiment, the housing 102 is configured to house the internal components for sharpening the blade B of the knife K, and to protect the user from the inherent dangers of the blade B during the sharpening process. In such an embodiment, the housing 102 is a closed housing, whereby a plurality of panels (e.g., a base panel, side walls, a top panel) are used to house the blade B during use and prevent the user from contacting the blade B during use.

[0039] In some embodiments, the housing 102 includes a plurality of panels and a three-dimensional shape that is generally in the form of a rectangular prism. Other three-dimensional shapes are also contemplated. In some embodiments, the housing 102 includes a front panel 103 that includes an opening 105 (e.g., a slot) through which a blade B of a knife K can be inserted. In some embodiments, the housing 102 is configured with a transverse axis x and a longitudinal axis y, such as Figure 1 . The knife blade is generally longitudinal. In some embodiments, the longitudinal y-axis of the device 100 is oriented in the same direction as the blade B of the knife K will be oriented when inserted into the housing 102. In various embodiments, the housing 102 also includes additional components, including, for example, a power (on / off) switch or button, a timer control, a power supply or power supply network, etc.

[0040] In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 includes a whetstone 120 configured to sharpen a blade B of a knife K. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2DAs shown, the whetstone 120 is attached to the chuck 114 via a pivotable arm 118. In some embodiments, the chuck 114 includes a bracket 116 and an arm 118. In some embodiments, the arm 118 includes a first end of a Y-shaped fork, the first end being opposite to a second end connected to the bracket 116, and the second end being configured to mount the whetstone 120 between a pair of prongs on the forked end. In some embodiments, a fastener such as a pin can be used to connect the whetstone 120 to a pair of prongs on the Y-shaped forked end. In some embodiments, the whetstone 120 and the fastener are sized, shaped, and generally configured to allow the whetstone 120 to rotate around the fastener. For example, the whetstone 120 can have a through hole through which the fastener passes, and the through hole can be configured to have a diameter that is relatively larger than the diameter of the fastener, which allows the whetstone 120 to rotate around the fastener.

[0041] In some embodiments, the bracket 116 includes a biasing mechanism, such as a spring, that biases the arm 118 to be biased in one direction rather than another. In some embodiments, the arm 118 is configured to hold a sharpening stone 120. In some embodiments, the bracket 116 has a rectangular prism three-dimensional shape. In such embodiments, the bracket 116 includes a base panel and three side walls, or three side walls and a portion of a fourth side wall, thereby providing two adjacent openings where the fourth side panel or the entire fourth side wall and the top panel would otherwise be located. For example, as Figure 2A As shown, the bracket 116 includes adjacent openings that are configured to receive the second end of the arm 118. In such an embodiment, the arm 118 is coupled to the parallel side walls. In some embodiments, the arm 118 is pivotably coupled to the parallel spaced-apart side walls of the bracket 116. In some embodiments, the adjacent openings on the bracket 116 allow the arm 118 to pivot between a first position and a second position. In some embodiments, the arm 118 is configured to pivot within a range of about 90 degrees, or about 70 degrees, or about 50 degrees, or about 30 degrees, or about 15 degrees, or about 10 degrees between the first position and the second position, in which the whetstone 120 is located in a plane parallel to the belt 110, as shown. Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C As shown, and in the second position, the whetstone 120 is in a position inclined or transverse to the same plane of the belt 110, as shown in FIG. Figure 2D shown.

[0042] In some embodiments, FIG. 2A to FIG. 2DAs shown, the device 100 includes a first pulley 106 and a second pulley 108. In some embodiments, each pulley is a rotating shaft that protrudes outward from the inner wall of the housing and has a lip at the end opposite the wall. In some embodiments, the device 100 includes a belt 110, which is a material loop for connecting the first pulley 106 and the second pulley 108, and the first pulley and the second pulley are configured to change the direction of the belt 110 around the y-axis. Any suitable material can be used for the belt 110, including, for example, rubber, plastic, silicone and / or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the belt 110 includes a tread on one face (e.g., an inner face) that is configured to engage with the first pulley 106 and the second pulley 108. For example, as FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D As shown, each of the first pulley 106 and the second pulley 108 includes a slot configured to receive a tread on the inner face of the belt 110. In such an embodiment, the combination of the tread on the belt 110 and the slots on the pulleys 106, 108 improves the connectivity of the components and reduces the risk of the belt slipping or becoming misaligned with the pulleys.

[0043] In some embodiments, the bracket 116 is coupled to the belt 110 via its base panel, such as FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D As shown. In some embodiments, at least one pulley (i.e., one or two pulleys) is connected to a motor that is capable of converting electrical energy into mechanical energy required to drive at least one pulley to rotate. In some embodiments, the second pulley 108 is coupled to a motor 112 that can drive the cylindrical pulley 108 to rotate. In such an embodiment, during use, the motor 112 drives (rotates) the second pulley 108, which causes the belt 110 to move and, therefore, rotate around an elliptical track between the first pulley 106 and the second pulley 108. In various embodiments, the motor 112 is connected to one or more electrical components or circuits (not shown) configured to receive and distribute electrical power (e.g., power cords, batteries, including rechargeable batteries, fuses, switches, transformers, inverters, converters, etc.). This process is FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D Medium picture. Figure 2A A clamp 114 is shown mounted on the belt 110 and is located above the first pulley 106 . Figure 2B The collet 114 is shown positioned below the first pulley 106 in a position where the sharpening stone 120 will contact the blade B of the knife K. Figure 2C The collet 114 is shown positioned between the first pulley 106 and the second pulley 108 where the sharpening stone 120 is contacting the blade B of the knife K. Figure 2D The collet 114 is shown below the second pulley 108 in a position where the sharpening stone 120 is no longer in contact with the blade B of the knife K.

[0044] In some embodiments, the device 100 includes a pedal 122. In some embodiments, the pedal 122 is located on the inner surface of the housing 102, where the pedal can contact the blade B of the tool K after the blade has been inserted into the device. In some embodiments, the pedal 122 is configured to receive the blade and keep the blade in a fixed lateral position relative to the whetstone 120 as the blade B moves around its track. For example, in some embodiments, the pedal 122 includes a slot, groove or opening around the y-axis, into which the blade B slides and remains positioned. In some embodiments, the pedal 122 is a rod with one end coupled to the inner surface of the housing. In some embodiments, the pedal 122 is directly coupled to the housing 102. In some embodiments, the pedal 122 is coupled to a biasing member such as a spring, which is coupled to the housing 102 and is configured to transmit a force to the pedal 122. In some embodiments, the biasing member causes the pedal 122 to push the blade B upward toward the first pulley 106 in the lateral (x-axis) direction. For example, after blade B is inserted into device 100, blade B will be slidably inserted into a slot of pedal 122 or otherwise contact pedal 122. Once blade B contacts pedal 122, biasing member 123 will force pedal 122 and blade B upward toward first pulley 106, so that whetstone 120 can be forced to contact blade B when driven toward blade B, as shown in FIG. Figure 2B and Figure 2C shown.

[0045] In some embodiments, the device 100 includes a plurality of whetstones. Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the device 100 includes a first chuck 114a and a second chuck 114b, each of which is coupled to the belt 110 at a position spaced apart from each other. In such an embodiment, when the belt 110 is driven by the pulley 108, a plurality of whetstones 120 corresponding to the plurality of chucks will sequentially contact the blade B of the tool K. In some embodiments, each of the individual whetstones 120 is made of the same material. In some embodiments, each of the individual whetstones 120 is made of a material different from that of the other individual whetstones 120.

[0046] In some embodiments, the device 100 includes a blade stabilizer 104, which is a structure located on the inner side of the front panel 103. In some embodiments, the blade stabilizer 104 is in communication with the opening 105. In such embodiments, during use, when the blade B of the knife K is inserted through the opening 105, it is also inserted through the blade stabilizer 104, such as Figures 2A to 3A In some embodiments, the blade stabilizer 104 is configured to hold the knife K in a fixed position so that the blade B can be sharpened by the whetstone 120 .

[0047] In some embodiments, the blade stabilizer 104 includes a whetstone. Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, the blade stabilizer 104 includes a whetstone 109. Figure 3B In the cross-sectional view provided in , the whetstone 109 includes an inverted V-shape having a first whetstone element 109a and a second whetstone element 109b. During use, when the blade B is inserted into or pulled out of the device 100, the whetstone 109 provides an additional sharpening element. In some embodiments, the whetstone elements 109a and 109b are made of the same material as the whetstone 120. In some embodiments, the whetstone 120 and the whetstone elements 109a and 109b are made of different materials or different grades of the same material. For example, the whetstone 120 can be made of a material having a first hardness, and the whetstone elements 109a and 109b can be made of a material having a second hardness (e.g., as measured on the Mohs hardness scale). In some embodiments, on the Mohs hardness scale, the first hardness is greater than the second hardness. In some embodiments, on the Mohs hardness scale, the first hardness is less than the second hardness. In some embodiments, the whetstone elements 109a and 109b are constructed of a material having a greater hardness than the whetstone 120, so that after the blade B of the knife K is sharpened by the whetstone 120 and subsequently pulled out of the device 100, the blade B will be forced to contact the whetstone elements 109a and 109b to produce additional fine sharpening, honing or polishing. In this context, "honing" refers to realigning the cutting edge back to its original position.

[0048] In some embodiments, the blade stabilizer 104 includes a sensor 107, such as Figure 3B As shown. In some embodiments, the sensor 107 is configured to detect the insertion or removal of a knife from the device 100. Upon detection, the sensor 107 is configured to transmit a signal to a motor (or other electrical component, such as a power supply or a circuit containing logic for instructing the electrical component) to activate or deactivate the sharpening components, which include the first pulley 106, the second pulley 108 and / or the belt 110. For example, in such an embodiment, when a user inserts a knife K into the blade stabilizer 104, the sensor 107 will detect the blade B and send a signal to the power supply to activate the second pulley 108. And, when the user pulls the knife K outward from the blade stabilizer 104, the sensor 107 will detect the absence of the knife K and send a signal to the power supply to deactivate the second pulley 108.

[0049] In some embodiments, the device 100 includes a sensor 124. In such an embodiment, the sensor 124 is located below the pedal 122 and is configured to detect the presence of the blade B. Upon detection, the sensor 122 is configured to transmit a signal to a motor (or other electrical component, such as a power supply or a circuit containing logic for instructing the electrical component) to activate or deactivate the sharpening components, which include the first pulley 106, the second pulley 108, and / or the belt 110. For example, in such an embodiment, when the user inserts the knife K into the device 100, the sensor 124 will detect the blade B and send a signal to the power supply to activate the second pulley 108. When the user pulls the knife K outward, the sensor 124 will detect the absence of the blade B and send a signal to the power supply to deactivate the second pulley 108.

[0050] The whetstone provided herein can be made of any suitable material. For example, in some embodiments, the whetstone is made of stone, corundum (silicon carbide), tungsten carbide, an oil stone made of aluminum oxide and / or silicon carbide, Arkansas stone, water stone, synthetic water stone, diamond whetstone, etc. The term "whetstone" used herein can include suitable materials.

[0051] In various embodiments, a method for sharpening a blade B of a tool K is provided. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D As shown, for example, in some embodiments, the method includes one or more steps, including: inserting the blade B of the knife K into the opening 105 on the front panel 103 of the housing 102; turning on the power of the sharpener device 100 to start the motor in communication with the one or more pulleys to drive the first whetstone around the elliptical path and make the first whetstone contact the blade; setting a timer for the sharpening period; turning off the power of the sharpening device; and pulling the blade B of the knife K out of the device 100. In some embodiments, the step of pulling the blade B of the knife K out of the device 100 can allow the blade to be further sharpened or honed on the whetstone 109 surrounded by the blade stabilizer 104.

[0052] Compared with existing products, the device provided by the present disclosure has several advantages. For example, in some embodiments, the device includes a housing that protects the user from contacting a body part with the blade B of the tool K during the sharpening process. And, in some embodiments, the biasing member connected to the chuck 114 and the biasing member 123 connected to the pedal 122 provide forces in opposite lateral directions, which make the whetstone 120 and the blade B contact each other. The opposite biasing force provided by the biasing member can be adjusted based on the size and compressive strength of the biasing member. Therefore, the forced contact of the whetstone 120 and the blade B can be adjusted to increase the speed of the sharpening process or shorten the sharpening period. And, in some embodiments, a combination of multiple whetstones or a combination of a whetstone and a honing stone or a polishing stone can further increase the speed of the sharpening process and reduce the sharpening period. In some embodiments, where the blade stabilizer 104 includes a whetstone, the relative hardness of the whetstones 120 and 109 can be modified to provide a combination of coarse and fine grinding on the blade B. Also, in some embodiments, the whetstone 109 is configured for honing or sharpening the cutting edge of a knife blade, and the device does not require the user to have the skills or knowledge, such as honing techniques, required to properly use other sharpeners.

[0053] The foregoing embodiments are provided to aid in understanding the present disclosure, and the true scope of the present disclosure is set forth in the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments set forth may be modified without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Exemplary embodiments and examples of the apparatus and methods are described in detail above. These apparatus and methods are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but on the contrary, the components of the system and / or the steps of the method may be used independently and separately from other components and / or steps described herein. For example, the apparatus may also be used in combination with other apparatuses, systems, and methods, and is not limited to being practiced with only the apparatus and methods described herein. On the contrary, exemplary embodiments may be implemented and used in conjunction with many other systems.

[0054] As used herein, singular articles such as "a" and "an" and "the", and similar indicators in the context of describing elements (especially in the context of the following claims) should be interpreted to cover the singular and the plural, unless otherwise stated herein or clearly contradicted by the context. As used herein, unless otherwise stated, the use of examples or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") is intended to illustrate the embodiments, not to limit the scope of the claims. The language in the specification should not be interpreted as indicating any unclaimed element as necessary. As used herein, the terms "about" and "substantially" will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art and will vary to some extent depending on the context in which they are used. If a term that is unclear to those of ordinary skill in the art is used, "about" and "substantially" will mean up to plus or minus 10% of the particular term given the context in which the term is used.

[0055] This written description uses examples to disclose the present embodiment including the best mode and enables those skilled in the art to practice the present embodiment, including the steps of performing the method. The patent scope of the present embodiment is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. If these other examples have elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims, these other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A knife sharpening device, comprising: an enclosure housing configured to receive a blade of a knife, the enclosure housing comprising a front panel, a base panel, and side panels; an opening in the front panel through which the blade can be inserted, wherein the opening is configured to prevent a handle of the knife from being inserted; a chuck including a first whetstone configured to sharpen the blade, wherein the chuck is coupled to a belt in communication with a first pulley and a second pulley, wherein the first pulley and the second pulley are coupled to the side panel at locations spaced apart from each other to define an elliptical path for the belt to travel; as well as a motor for driving at least one of the first pulley or the second pulley to rotate, wherein the rotation causes the belt to travel around the elliptical path; wherein the elliptical path of the belt causes the first whetstone to contact the blade.

2. The knife sharpening device according to claim 1, wherein: The chuck also includes an arm including a first end to which the first sharpening stone is attached.

3. The knife sharpening device according to claim 2, wherein: The chuck also includes a bracket coupled to the belt and to the second end of the arm.

4. The knife sharpening device according to claim 3, wherein: The arm is a pivotable arm that is spring biased to allow the first sharpening stone to pivot between a first position and a second position.

5. The knife sharpening device of claim 1, further comprising a pedal coupled to the base panel, the pedal configured to contact the blade after the blade is inserted into the device.

6. The knife sharpening device according to claim 5, wherein: The pedal is a pivotable pedal biased away from the base panel by a spring, wherein the blade is urged away from the base panel upon contact with the pivotable pedal.

7. The knife sharpening device of claim 5, further comprising a sensor located proximate the pedal, wherein the sensor is configured to detect whether the blade is present or absent.

8. The knife sharpening device according to claim 7, wherein: The sensor is configured to send a signal to activate the motor when the blade is detected, or to send a signal to deactivate the motor when the blade is not present.

9. The knife sharpening device of claim 1 , further comprising a blade stabilizer in communication with the opening in the front panel, the blade being insertable through the opening, wherein the blade stabilizer is configured to hold the knife in a fixed position so that the blade can be sharpened by the first whetstone.

10. The knife sharpening device according to claim 9, wherein: The blade stabilizer includes a second sharpening stone.

11. The knife sharpening device according to claim 10, wherein: The first whetstone and the second whetstone are constructed of different materials such that when the knife is removed from the device, the blade will receive additional sharpening from the second whetstone.

12. The knife sharpening device according to claim 11, wherein: The blade stabilizer includes a sensor configured to detect whether the blade is present or absent.

13. The knife sharpening device according to claim 12, wherein: The sensor is configured to send a signal to activate the motor when the blade is detected, or to send a signal to deactivate the motor when the blade is not present.

14. The knife sharpening device according to claim 1, wherein: The first whetstone is composed of stone, corundum (silicon carbide), tungsten carbide, oilstone, Arkansas stone, water stone, synthetic water stone or diamond whetstone.

15. A knife sharpening device, comprising: an enclosure housing configured to receive a blade of a knife, the enclosure housing comprising a front panel, a base panel, and side panels; an opening in the front panel through which the blade can be inserted, wherein the opening is configured to prevent a handle of the knife from being inserted; a first chuck including a first whetstone configured to sharpen the blade, wherein the first chuck is coupled to a belt in communication with a first pulley and a second pulley, wherein the first pulley and the second pulley are coupled to the side panel at locations spaced apart from each other to define an elliptical path for the belt to travel; as well as a motor for driving at least one of the first pulley or the second pulley to rotate, wherein the rotation causes the belt to travel around the elliptical path; wherein the elliptical path of the belt causes the first whetstone to contact the blade.

16. The sharpening device of claim 15, further comprising a second cartridge comprising a second whetstone configured to sharpen the blade, wherein the second cartridge is coupled to the belt.

17. The knife sharpening device according to claim 16, wherein: The first clamp and the second clamp are coupled to the belt at locations spaced apart from each other.

18. The knife sharpening device of claim 17, further comprising a blade stabilizer in communication with the opening in the front panel, the blade being insertable through the opening, wherein the blade stabilizer is configured to hold the knife in a fixed position so that the blade can be sharpened by the first whetstone and the second whetstone; Wherein the blade stabilizer comprises a third sharpening stone.

19. A method for sharpening a tool, the method comprising: A knife sharpening device is provided, the knife sharpening device comprising: an enclosure housing configured to receive a blade of a knife, the enclosure housing comprising a front panel, a base panel, and side panels; an opening in the front panel through which the blade can be inserted, wherein the opening is configured to prevent a handle of the knife from being inserted; a chuck including a first whetstone configured to sharpen the blade, wherein the chuck is coupled to a belt in communication with a first pulley and a second pulley, wherein the first pulley and the second pulley are coupled to the side panel at locations spaced apart from each other to define an elliptical path for the belt to travel; and a motor for driving at least one of the first pulley or the second pulley to rotate, wherein the rotation causes the belt to travel around the elliptical path; wherein said elliptical path of said belt causes said first whetstone to contact said blade; inserting the blade into the opening of the front panel; activating the motor to drive the first whetstone around the elliptical path and into contact with the blade; and The blade is removed from the device.

20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising: Set a timer for your sharpening session; as well as The motor is deactivated.

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