Abstract: The invention relates to a wood surface layer for a parquet and a method for manufacturing the same. A piece of fresh wood is cut in the cross-grain direction into slices or blocks which are carried through a microwave oven. Immediately downstream of the oven, as the slices or blocks are cooling, the surface thereof is coated with a water-soluble polyalcohol which impregnates in wood as a result of the action of a vacuum developing within the wood. The polyalcohol replaces some of the cell-wall water of wood and thus prevents the formation of seasoning cracks and the moisture induced movements in wood.

Abstract: A dethatching attachment for a power lawnmower comprising a mounting frame which is removably mounted on the forward end of the lawnmower and which is positioned forwardly thereof. Spaced-apart first and second elongated supports are secured to the mounting frame and extend forwardly therefrom in a diverging fashion. A plurality of spaced-apart dethatching wheels are rotatably and pivotally mounted on each of the first and second supports so as to dwell in a plane which is angularly disposed with respect to the normal direction of travel of the lawnmower. The wheels may be selectively moved between operative and inoperative positions.