Abstract: A device for placing survey flags, and similar devices having stems, is operated so that the stem is locked or otherwise held to an elongated shaft or similar aligning device. Pressure on the shaft or aligning device forces a portion of the flag stem into the soil or other sound substrate. Then, an operator can carry out an operation to separate the placing device from the stem.

Abstract: A well assembly device comprises an outer tubular sleeve with a first end and second end. An inner tubular member has a first end and a second end, and the inner tubular member is disposed within the outer tubular sleeve. The inner tubular member includes a screened portion at its second end. A tip is frictionally secured to the second end of the outer tubular sleeve, so that the outer tubular sleeve and the tip may selectively disengage.

Abstract: Dry sand is "rained" or pluviated into a receptor container used in the sy of soil mechanics. A supply vessel in the shape of an open-top rectangular box has four vertical side walls, a perforated bottom tray, and a slidable perforated tray in contact therewith, whereby sand flows by gravity from the supply vessel through perforations in the stationary and slidable trays and "rains" or pluviates into the receptor container when the slidable tray is in the "open" position, and sand is blocked from flowing from the supply vessel with the slidable tray in the "closed" position.