Abstract: A method of producing an endodontic file that involves grinding in a plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of a rotating dental instrument blank. By grinding the dental instrument blank in this manner, the torsional strength of the resulting endodontic file is not eroded during its production, thereby providing a file that is less susceptible to breakage during its use.

Abstract: A saw chain sharpener for a chain saw and a chain saw having a sharpener in which the bottom surfaces of the cutting teeth of a conventional bottom sharpened saw chain are conveniently sharpened automatically by running the chain under power through the sharpener. The saw chain can be sharpened using the sharpener in a matter of typically twenty to thirty seconds without removing the chain from the chain bar. The sharpener is preferably adapted to be removably mounted to a bracket which is itself preferably removably disposed on the chain saw. The sharpener comprises a sharpening tooth disposed in a housing which is mounted on the chain bar. A top surface of the sharpening tooth frictionally engages bottom surfaces of the cutting teeth of the chain as the chain is run under power. A device for dispensing a sharpening compound to the sharpening tooth during sharpening may be disposed on the sharpener housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a saw blade or saw band by forming saw teeth in a solid stock moving continuously in a longitudinal direction includes a grinding wheel mounted for rotation about an axis which is inclined at an acute angle to and which diverges from the direction of movement of the stock. The grinding wheel has a generally frusto-conical configuration and an outer periphery defined by first and second axially distinct helical grinding ribs having different contours.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a saw blade or saw band by forming saw teeth in a solid stock moving continuously in a longitudinal direction includes a grinding wheel mounted for rotation about an axis which is inclined at an acute angle to and which diverges from the direction of movement of the stock. The grinding wheel has a generally frusto-conical configuration and an outer periphery defined by first and second axially distinct helical grinding ribs having different contours.