Knife Sharpening Device

Abstract

A knife sharpening device and method of using the device are disclosed. The device can include a closed housing for receiving a knife blade. The housing can include an opening in the front panel through which the blade can be inserted, and the opening can prevent the knife handle from being inserted. The device can include a cartridge with a sharpening stone. The cartridge can be coupled to a belt in communication with a one or more pullies that are coupled to the housing at positions spaced apart from one another to define an elliptical path for the belt to travel. The device can include a motor for driving the rotation of the pullies, which will cause the belt to travel about the elliptical path and causes the sharpening stone to contact the blade.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 (e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/593,146, filed on Oct. 25, 2023, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to a device for sharpening knives, and more particularly to a motorized knife sharpening device for knifes used in a kitchen.

BACKGROUND

A knife generally includes a handle and a blade. The user holds the handle and directs the blade toward an object for cutting. The blade includes a cutting surface, referred to as an edge, and a spine, which is the side opposite the edge on a single-edged knife. The cutting edge of most blades becomes dull over time through repeated use. Because dull blades are less effective at cutting, a sharpener is required to reproduce a sharp cutting edge. Existing sharpeners, such as the steel rod included with a set of kitchen knives or the electric sharpeners available at retail outlets, can be used to sharpen knifes but those sharpeners leave the cutting edge exposed to the user during the process and further require the user to have the skill and knowledge of how to angle and move the knife edge relative to the sharpening element to effectively sharpen or hone the cutting edge without damaging the edge. Accordingly, there remains a need for a safe, easy-to-use knife sharpening device that can effectively sharpen the cutting edge of the blade without exposing the user to the cutting edge of the blade and without requiring the user to have knife sharpening or honing skills.

SUMMARY

In various embodiments, a knife sharpening device is provided. In some embodiments, the knife sharpening device comprises: a closed housing configured to receive a blade of a knife, the housing comprising 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 a handle of the knife from being inserted; a cartridge comprising a first sharpening stone configured to sharpen the blade, wherein the cartridge is coupled to a belt in communication with a first pulley and a second pulley, wherein the first and second pullies are coupled to the side panel at positions spaced apart from one another to define an elliptical path for the belt to travel; and a motor for driving a rotation of at least one of the first pulley or the second pulley, wherein said rotation causes the belt to travel about the elliptical path; wherein the elliptical path of the belt causes the first sharpening stone to contact the blade.

In some embodiments, the cartridge further comprises an arm, the arm comprising a first end to which the first sharpening stone is attached.

In some embodiments, the cartridge further comprises a bracket that is coupled to the belt and coupled to a second end of the arm.

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

In some embodiments, the knife sharpening device further comprises a pedal coupled to the base panel, the pedal configured to make contact with the blade after it is inserted into the device.

In some embodiments, the pedal is a pivotable pedal that is biased away from the base panel by a spring, wherein the blade is pushed away from the base panel when in contact with the pivotable pedal.

In some embodiments, the cartridge further comprises a sensor positioned in proximity to the pedal, wherein the sensor is configured to detect the presence or absence of the blade.

In some embodiments, the sensor is configured to send a signal that activates the motor when the blade is detected or a signal that deactivates the motor when the blade is absent.

In some embodiments, the cartridge further comprises a blade stabilizer in communication with the opening on the front panel, through which the blade can be inserted, wherein the blade stabilizer is configured to maintain the knife in a fixed position so the blade can be sharpened by the first sharpening stone.

In some embodiments, the blade stabilizer comprises a second sharpening stone.

In some embodiments, the first sharpening stone and the second sharpening stone are comprised of different materials, such that when the knife is withdrawn from the device, the blade will receive additional sharpening, honing, or polishing from the second sharpening stone.

In some embodiments, the blade stabilizer comprises a sensor configured to detect the presence or absence of the blade.

In some embodiments, the sensor is configured to send a signal that activates the motor when the blade is detected or a signal that deactivates the motor when the blade is absent.

In some embodiments, the first sharpening stone is comprised of stone, carborundum (silicon carbide), tungsten carbide, oil stones, Arkansas stones, water stones, synthetic water stones, or diamond sharpening stones.

In various embodiments, a knife sharpening device is provided. In some embodiments, the knife sharpening device comprises: a closed housing configured to receive a blade of a knife, the housing comprising 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 a handle of the knife from being inserted; a first cartridge comprising a first sharpening stone configured to sharpen the blade, wherein the first cartridge is coupled to a belt in communication with a first pulley and a second pulley, wherein the first and second pullies are coupled to the side panel at positions spaced apart from one another to define an elliptical path for the belt to travel; and a motor for driving a rotation of at least one of the first pulley or the second pulley, wherein said rotation causes the belt to travel about the elliptical path; wherein the elliptical path of the belt causes the first sharpening stone to contact the blade.

In some embodiments, the cartridge further comprises a second cartridge comprising a second sharpening stone configured to sharpen the blade, wherein the second cartridge is coupled to the belt.

In some embodiments, the first cartridge and the second cartridge are coupled to the belt in positions spaced apart from one another.

In some embodiments, the cartridge further comprises a blade stabilizer in communication with the opening on the front panel, through which the blade can be inserted, wherein the blade stabilizer is configured to maintain the knife in a fixed position so the blade can be sharpened by the first sharpening stone and the second sharpening stone; wherein the blade stabilizer comprises a third sharpening stone.

In various embodiments, a method of sharpening a knife is provided. In some embodiments, the method comprises: providing a knife sharpening device, comprising: a closed housing configured to receive a blade of a knife, the housing comprising 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 a handle of the knife from being inserted; a cartridge comprising a first sharpening stone configured to sharpen the blade, wherein the cartridge is coupled to a belt in communication with a first pulley and a second pulley, wherein the first and second pullies are coupled to the side panel at positions spaced apart from one another to define an elliptical path for the belt to travel; and a motor for driving a rotation of at least one of the first pulley or the second pulley, wherein said rotation causes the belt to travel about the elliptical path; wherein the elliptical path of the belt causes the first sharpening stone to contact the blade; inserting the blade into the opening in the front panel; activating the motor to drive the first sharpening stone around the elliptical path and to cause the first sharpening stone to contact the blade; and withdrawing the blade from of the device.

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

It is to 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 drawings illustrate the various embodiments described herein and, together with the description, explain the principles and operations of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A complete understanding of the present embodiments and the advantages and features thereof will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a knife sharpening device, in accordance with some embodiments described herein;

FIG. 2A is an internal view of the knife sharpening device of FIG. 1, with the sharpening mechanism in a first position;

FIG. 2B is an internal view of the knife sharpening device of FIG. 1, with the sharpening mechanism in a second position;

FIG. 2C is an internal view of the knife sharpening device of FIG. 1, with the sharpening mechanism in a third position;

FIG. 2D is an internal view of the knife sharpening device of FIG. 1, with the sharpening mechanism in a fourth position;

FIG. 3A is an enlarged view of the blade stabilizer of the knife sharpening device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the blade stabilizer of FIG. 3A; and

FIG. 4 is an internal view of the knife sharpening device of FIG. 1 with a plurality of sharpening mechanisms.

The drawings are not necessarily 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

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiment(s), examples of which is/are illustrated in this disclosure. An embodiment refers to a particular feature or characteristic used in connection with a product or method step described herein. References to an “embodiment” appear throughout the disclosure, and such references are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment or to a separate, mutually exclusive embodiment. Before describing the exemplary embodiments, it is noted the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components, subcomponents, and procedures related to the knife sharpening device described herein. Accordingly, the device and method components have been represented where appropriate, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

The specific details of the various embodiments described herein are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitation or inferences are to be understood therefrom.

In various embodiments, a knife-sharpening device and method of sharpening the blade of a knife are provided. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, the device 100 for sharpening the blade B of the knife K is provided. In some embodiments, the device 100 comprises the housing 102, as shown in FIG. 1. In such embodiments, the housing 102 is configured to contain the internal components for sharpening the blade B of the knife K, as well as for protecting the user from the inherent dangers of the blade B during the sharpening process. In such embodiments, the housing 102 is a closed housing, whereby a plurality of panels (e.g., base, sidewalls, ceiling) are used to contain the blade B during use and prevent the user from contacting the blade B during use.

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

In some embodiments, the device 100 comprises the sharpening stone 120, which is configured to sharpen the blade B of the knife K. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, the sharpening stone 120 is attached to the cartridge 114 via the pivotable arm 118. In some embodiments, the cartridge 114 comprises the bracket 116 and the arm 118. In some embodiments, the arm 118 comprises a Y-shaped forked first end, opposite from the second end connected to the bracket 116, which is configured for mounting the sharpening stone 120 between the pair of prongs on the forked end. In some embodiments, a fastener, such as a pin, can be used to connect the sharpening stone 120 to the pair of prongs on the Y-shaped forked end. In some embodiments, the sharpening stone 120 and the fastener are sized, shaped, and generally configured to allow the sharpening stone 120 to rotate around the fastener. For example, the sharpening stone 120 can have a through-hole by which the fastener is passed through, and the through-hole can be configured with a diameter that is relatively greater than the diameter of the fastener, which allows the sharpening stone 120 to rotate about the fastener.

In some embodiments, the bracket 116 comprises a biasing mechanism, such as a spring, that biases the arm 118 to favor one direction over another. In some embodiments, the arm 118 is configured to retain the sharpening stone 120. In some embodiments, the bracket 116 has a rectangular prism three-dimensional shape. In such embodiments, the bracket 116 comprises a base panel and three side walls, or three side walls and a partial fourth side wall, thereby providing two adjacent openings where a fourth side panel, or an entire fourth side wall, and top panel would otherwise be. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, the bracket 116 comprises the adjacent openings that are configured to receive the second end of the arm 118. In such embodiments, the arm 118 is coupled to parallel sidewalls. In some embodiments, the arm 118 is pivotably coupled to parallel, spaced apart sidewalls 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 in 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, in which the sharpening stone 120 is positioned in a plane parallel to the belt 110, as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, and the second position in which sharpening stone 120 is in a position oblique or transverse to the same plane of the belt 110, as shown in FIG. 2D.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, the device 100 comprises the first pulley 106 and the second pulley 108. In some embodiments, each pulley is a rotating shaft projecting outward from an interior wall of the housing and having a lip at the end opposite the wall. In some embodiments, the device 100 comprises the belt 110, which is a loop of material used to link the first and second pullies 106, 108, which are configured to change the direction of the belt 110 about 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 comprises treads on one face (e.g., interior face) configured for engaging with the first and second pullies 106, 108. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, each of the first and second pullies 106, 108 includes slots configured to receive the treads on the interior face of the belt 110. In such embodiments, the combination of the treads on the belt 110 and the slots on the pullies 106, 108 improve the connectivity of the components and reduce the risk of the belt slipping or becoming misaligned with the pullies.

In some embodiments, the bracket 116 is coupled to the belt 110 through its base panel, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2D. In some embodiments, at least one of the pullies (i.e., one or both of the pullies) is in communication with a motor that can convert electrical energy into the mechanical energy needed to drive the rotation of the at least one pulley. In some embodiments, the second pulley 108 is coupled to the motor 112, which can drive the rotation of the cylindrically shaped pulley 108. In such embodiments, during use, the motor 112 drives (rotates) the second pulley 108, which causes the belt 110 to move and therefore rotate around an elliptical orbit between the first and second pullies 106, 108. In various embodiments, the motor 112 is connected to one or more electrical components or circuits (not shown) configured to receive and distribute power (e.g., power supply cord, batteries, including rechargeable batteries, fuses, switches, transformers, inverters, converters, etc.). This process is illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2D. FIG. 2A shows the cartridge 114 mounted to the belt 110, and the cartridge 114 is positioned above the first pulley 106. FIG. 2B shows the cartridge 114 positioned under the first pulley 106 in a position where the sharpening stone 120 is about to make contact the blade B of the knife K. FIG. 2C shows the cartridge 114 positioned between the first pulley 106 and the second pulley 108 in a position where the sharpening stone 120 is contacting the blade B of the knife K. FIG. 2D shows the cartridge 114 positioned under 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.

In some embodiments, the device 100 comprises the pedal 122. In some embodiments, the pedal 122 is positioned on the interior surface of the housing 102 where it can be in contact with the blade B of the knife K after the blade has been inserted into the device. In some embodiments, the pedal 122 is configured to receive and maintain the blade B in a fixed lateral position relative to the sharpening stone 120 as it moves about its orbit. For example, in some embodiments, the pedal 122 comprises a slot, groove, or opening about the y-axis that the blade B slides into and remains positioned therein. In some embodiments, the pedal 122 is a lever that is coupled at one end to the interior surface of the housing. In some embodiments, the pedal 122 is coupled directly 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 configured to deliver force to the pedal 122. In some embodiments, the biasing member causes the pedal 122 to push the blade B upward in the lateral (x-axis) direction toward the first pulley 106. For example, after the blade B is inserted into the device 100, the blade B will be slidably inserted into a slot in the pedal 122, or otherwise be in contact with the pedal 122. Once the blade B is in contact with the pedal 122, the biasing member 123 will force the pedal 122 and the blade B upward toward the first pulley 106 such that the sharpening stone 120 can forcibly contact the blade B when it is driven toward the blade B, as shown in FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C.

In some embodiments, the device 100 comprises a plurality of sharpening stones. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, in some embodiments, the device 100 comprises the first cartridge 114a and the second cartridge 114b, each coupled to the belt 110 in positions spaced apart from one another. In such embodiments, the belt 110, when driven by the pulley 108, will cause the plurality of sharpening stones 120 corresponding to the plurality of cartridges to sequentially contact the blade B of the knife K. In some embodiments, each of the respective sharpening stones 120 is comprised of the same material. In some embodiments, each of the respective sharpening stones 120 is comprised of a material that is different than the other respective sharpening stones 120.

In some embodiments, the device 100 comprises the blade stabilizer 104, which is the structure positioned on the interior 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, as shown in FIGS. 2A-3A. In some embodiments, the blade stabilizer 104 is configured to maintain the knife K in a fixed position such that the blade B can be sharpened by the sharpening stone 120.

In some embodiments, the blade stabilizer 104 comprises a sharpening stone. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the blade stabilizer 104 comprises the sharpening stone 109. In the cross-sectional view provided in FIG. 3B, the sharpening stone 109 comprises an inverted V-shape with a first stone element 109a and a second stone element 109b. During use, the sharpening stone 109 provides an additional sharpening element when the blade B is inserted into or pulled from the device 100. In some embodiments, the sharpening stone elements 109a and 109b are comprised of the same material as the sharpening stone 120. In some embodiments, the sharpening stone 120 and the sharpening stone elements 109a and 109b are comprised of different materials or of different grades of the same material. For example, the sharpening stone 120 can be comprised of a material with a first hardness and the sharpening stone elements 109a and 109b can be comprised of a material with a second hardness (as measured, e.g., on the Mohs hardness scale). In some embodiments, the first hardness is greater than the second hardness on the Mohs hardness scale. In some embodiments, the first hardness is less than the second hardness on the Mohs hardness scale. In some embodiments, the sharpening stone elements 109a and 109b are comprised of a material having a greater hardness than the sharpening stone 120, such that after the blade B of the knife K is sharpened by the sharpening stone 120 and subsequently pulled from of the device 100, the blade B will be forced to contact the sharpening stone elements 109a and 109b to create additional, refined sharpening, honing, or polishing. In this context, “honing” refers to realigning the cutting edge back to its original position.

In some embodiments, the blade stabilizer 104 comprises the sensor 107, as shown in FIG. 3B. In some embodiments, the sensor 107 is configured to detect the insertion or withdrawal of a knife from the device 100. Upon detection, the sensor 107 is configured to deliver a signal to the motor (or other electrical components, such as the power source or a circuit containing logic for instructing the electrical components) to activate or deactivate the knife sharpening components, including the first pulley 106, second pulley 108, and/or belt 110. For example, in such embodiments, when a user inserts the knife K into the blade stabilizer 104, the sensor 107 will detect the blade B and send a signal to the power source to activate the second pulley 108. And when the user pulls the knife K outward away from the blade stabilizer 104, the sensor 107 will detect the absence of the knife K and send a signal to the power source to deactivate the second pulley 108.

In some embodiments, the device 100 comprises the sensor 124. In such embodiments, the sensor 124 is positioned under the pedal 122 and is configured to detect the presence of the blade B. Upon detection, the sensor 122 is configured to deliver a signal to the motor (or other electrical components, such as the power source or a circuit containing logic for instructing the electrical components) to activate or deactivate the knife sharpening components, including the first pulley 106, second pulley 108, and/or belt 110. For example, in such embodiments, when a user inserts the knife K into the device 100, the sensor 124 will detect the blade B and send a signal to the power source to activate the second pulley 108. And 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 source to deactivate the second pulley 108.

The sharpening stones provided herein can be comprised of any suitable material. In some embodiments, for example, the sharpening stones are comprised of stone, carborundum (silicon carbide), tungsten carbide, oil stones made of aluminum oxide, and/or silicon carbide, Arkansas stones, water stones, synthetic water stones, diamond sharpening stones, etc. As used herein, the term “sharpening stone” can encompass a suitable material.

In various embodiments, a method of sharpening the blade B of a knife K is provided. As shown in FIGS. 2A through 2D, for example, in some embodiments, the method comprises one or more steps, including: a step of inserting the blade B of the knife K into the opening 105 on the front panel 103 of the housing 102; a step of powering on the knife sharpener device 100 to activate the motor in communication with the pulley or pullies to drive the first sharpening stone around the elliptical path and to cause the first sharpening stone to contact the blade; a step of setting a timer for the sharpening period; a step of powering off the knife sharpening device; and a step of 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 cause the blade to be further sharpened or honed on the sharpening stone 109 enclosed by the blade stabilizer 104.

The device provided in the present disclosure has several advantages over existing products. For example, in some embodiments, the device comprises a housing that protects the user from contacting a body part with the blade B of the knife K during the sharpening process. And, in some embodiments, the biasing member connected to the carriage 114 and the biasing member 123 connected to the pedal 122 provide forces in opposite lateral directions, which causes the sharpening stone 120 and the blade B to contact each other. The opposing biasing forces provided by the biasing members can be adjusted based on the size and compressive strength of the biasing member. As such, the forced contact by the sharpening stone 120 and the blade B can be adjusted to increase the speed of the sharpening process or to reduce the sharpening period. And, in some embodiments, a combination of multiple sharpening stones can further increase the speed of the sharpening process and reduce the sharpening period; or a combination of sharpening stones and honing or polishing stones. In some embodiments, in which the blade stabilizer 104 comprises a sharpening stone, the relative hardness of the sharpening stones 120 and 109 can be modified to provide a combination of course and fine sharpening on the blade B. And, in some embodiments, the sharpening stone 109 is configured for honing or polishing the cutting edge of the blade and the device does not require the user to have the skill or knowledge, such as a honing technique, needed to properly use other sharpeners.

The foregoing embodiments are provided to aid in the understanding of the present disclosure, the true scope of which is set forth in the appended claims. One of skill in the art would appreciate that modifications can be made in the embodiments set forth without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. Exemplary embodiments and examples of the devices and methods are described above in detail. The devices and methods are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of the systems and/or steps of the method may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or steps described herein. For example, the device may also be used in combination with other devices, systems and methods, and is not limited to practice with only the devices and methods described herein. Rather, the exemplary embodiment can be implemented and utilized in connection with many other systems.

As used herein, singular articles such as “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the elements (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. As used herein, the use of examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”), is intended to illuminate the embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the claims unless otherwise stated. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential. As used herein, the terms “about” and “substantially” will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art and will vary to some extent depending upon the context in which it is used. If there are uses of the term which are not clear to persons of ordinary skill in the art, given the context in which it is used, “about” and “substantially” will mean up to plus or minus 10% of the particular term.

This written description uses examples to disclose the present embodiments, including the best mode, and to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the present embodiments, including carrying out the steps of the method. The patentable scope of the present embodiments is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A knife sharpening device, comprising:

a closed housing configured to receive a blade of a knife, the housing comprising 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 a handle of the knife from being inserted;

a cartridge comprising a first sharpening stone configured to sharpen the blade, wherein the cartridge is coupled to a belt in communication with a first pulley and a second pulley, wherein the first and second pullies are coupled to the side panel at positions spaced apart from one another to define an elliptical path for the belt to travel; and

a motor for driving a rotation of at least one of the first pulley or the second pulley, wherein said rotation causes the belt to travel about the elliptical path;

wherein the elliptical path of the belt causes the first sharpening stone to contact the blade.

2. The knife sharpening device of claim 1, wherein the cartridge further comprises an arm, the arm comprising a first end to which the first sharpening stone is attached.

3. The knife sharpening device of claim 2, wherein the cartridge further comprises a bracket that is coupled to the belt and coupled to a second end of the arm.

4. The knife sharpening device of claim 3, wherein the arm is a pivotable arm biased by a spring that allows 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 make contact with the blade after it is inserted into the device.

6. The knife sharpening device of claim 5, wherein the pedal is a pivotable pedal that is biased away from the base panel by a spring, wherein the blade is pushed away from the base panel when in contact with the pivotable pedal.

7. The knife sharpening device of claim 5, further comprising a sensor positioned in proximity to the pedal, wherein the sensor is configured to detect the presence or absence of the blade.

8. The knife sharpening device of claim 7, wherein the sensor is configured to send a signal that activates the motor when the blade is detected or a signal that deactivates the motor when the blade is absent.

9. The knife sharpening device of claim 1, further comprising a blade stabilizer in communication with the opening on the front panel, through which the blade can be inserted, wherein the blade stabilizer is configured to maintain the knife in a fixed position so the blade can be sharpened by the first sharpening stone.

10. The knife sharpening device of claim 9, wherein the blade stabilizer comprises a second sharpening stone.

11. The knife sharpening device of claim 10, wherein the first sharpening stone and the second sharpening stone are comprised of different materials, such that when the knife is withdrawn from the device, the blade will receive additional sharpening from the second sharpening stone.

12. The knife sharpening device of claim 11, wherein the blade stabilizer comprises a sensor configured to detect the presence or absence of the blade.

13. The knife sharpening device of claim 12, wherein the sensor is configured to send a signal that activates the motor when the blade is detected or a signal that deactivates the motor when the blade is absent.

14. The knife sharpening device of claim 1, wherein the first sharpening stone is comprised of stone, carborundum (silicon carbide), tungsten carbide, oil stones, Arkansas stones, water stones, synthetic water stones, or diamond sharpening stones.

15. A knife sharpening device, comprising:

a closed housing configured to receive a blade of a knife, the housing comprising 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 a handle of the knife from being inserted;

a first cartridge comprising a first sharpening stone configured to sharpen the blade, wherein the first cartridge is coupled to a belt in communication with a first pulley and a second pulley, wherein the first and second pullies are coupled to the side panel at positions spaced apart from one another to define an elliptical path for the belt to travel; and

a motor for driving a rotation of at least one of the first pulley or the second pulley, wherein said rotation causes the belt to travel about the elliptical path;

wherein the elliptical path of the belt causes the first sharpening stone to contact the blade.

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

17. The knife sharpening device of claim 16, wherein the first cartridge and the second cartridge are coupled to the belt in positions spaced apart from one another.

18. The knife sharpening device of claim 17, further comprising a blade stabilizer in communication with the opening on the front panel, through which the blade can be inserted, wherein the blade stabilizer is configured to maintain the knife in a fixed position so the blade can be sharpened by the first sharpening stone and the second sharpening stone;

wherein the blade stabilizer comprises a third sharpening stone.

19. A method of sharpening a knife, the method comprising:

providing a knife sharpening device, comprising: a closed housing configured to receive a blade of a knife, the housing comprising 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 a handle of the knife from being inserted; a cartridge comprising a first sharpening stone configured to sharpen the blade, wherein the cartridge is coupled to a belt in communication with a first pulley and a second pulley, wherein the first and second pullies are coupled to the side panel at positions spaced apart from one another to define an elliptical path for the belt to travel; and a motor for driving a rotation of at least one of the first pulley or the second pulley, wherein said rotation causes the belt to travel about the elliptical path; wherein the elliptical path of the belt causes the first sharpening stone to contact the blade;

inserting the blade into the opening in the front panel;

activating the motor to drive the first sharpening stone around the elliptical path and to cause the first sharpening stone to contact the blade; and

withdrawing the blade from of the device.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:

setting a timer for a sharpening period; and

deactivating the motor.