Abstract: A method and apparatus for sequentially heat treating small parts processes the parts individually through a heat treatment process at a predetermined rate, so that each part is heat treated for a predetermined time and all parts are heat treated equally. A plurality of parts on pallets are arranged in a vertical stack in a heat treatment furnace, and parts are sequentially removed and inserted at the ends of the stack at predetermined intervals so that each part progresses from one end of the stack to the other. A vertical guide holds a plurality of parts in a vertical stack. The parts are sequentially removed and inserted at the ends of the stack so that each part progresses from one end of the stack to the other. The stack is lifted to facilitate removing and inserting parts by a slide having movable jaws for gripping and releasing a pallet.

Abstract: A trimming device for one hand self-use for trimming beards and including first and second blade members, each blade member having a sickle-shaped configuration and having a pivotal connection to the other blade member within the crown portion of the sickle-shaped configuration. Each blade member has a handle defining a finger opening and a blade having a cutting edge, and the pivotal connection for the blade members is located to one side of the trimming device, while the handles and the blades are all located at the other side of the trimming device. In an alternate embodiment, a comb element is readily attachable to and detachable from the first blade member.