Abstract: The invention is a cutter bar for a chain saw which permits quick and convenient trimming of hedges and shrubbery. The cutter bar is of conventional design, being relatively thin and elongated, and supporting a cutting chain which extends around its periphery. Additionally, the cutter bar of this invention has a plurality of spaced-apart tines which extend transversely out from the top and/or bottom of the cutter blade. The tines are fastened to or extend from a side or edge of the cutter blade, optionally by rivets passing through a shim or spacer--the tines are not connected to each other by a web or common casting other than the cutter blade. This way, the web or common casting does not add to the size, bulk, or weight of the cutter blade, allowing it to remain less burdensome and less interfering during cutting. In a preferred embodiment, the spacing on the cutter bar between tines varies so that branches or limbs of varying diameter may be accommodated by the cutter blade while cutting.

Abstract: A hypodermic appliance for facilitating a one-handed uncapping and recapping of hypodermic apparatus and the like. An appliance separate from the hypodermic apparatus includes an elongated tapered opening in a plate through which a needle-covering sheath of a hypodermic apparatus is placed. The tip of the sheath abuts a tip holder which provides a fulcrum point for rocking the hypodermic apparatus from the wider portion of the opening to the narrower portion of the opening and vice-versa. The sides of the sheath are gripped in the narrower portion of the opening, whereupon the needle may be withdrawn from the sheath leaving the sheath lodged in the appliance. After using the hypodermic apparatus, the needle is reinserted by the use of only one hand into the sheath, and then the capped hypodermic apparatus is rocked to the wider portion of the opening and withdrawn from the appliance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for rapidly igniting combustible material over a predetermined area of a field which contemplates positioning a plurality of combustible elements at spaced-apart locations adjacent a first boundary of the predetermined area and extending a line from each element across the field to a position adjacent to a second boundary. Each line and its associated element is then advanced substantially across the predetermined area from the first boundary to the second boundary. The result is a rapid torching or ignition of the combustible material so that a concentrated heat source is provided which gives buoyancy to the smoke thereby lifting same into the upper atmosphere.