Abstract: A soil aeration device may include a plurality of arcuate blades mounted to an assembly adapted to rotate and translate the blades proximate a ground surface, thereby forming aeration pockets in the soil. In certain embodiments, the arcuate tines penetrate and fracture the soil while minimizing the amount of soil lifted from the pocket deposited on the top of the soil. In various embodiments, a planetary gear assembly imparts to the tine a translational and rotational movement which creates a fractured pocket in the soil while minimizing the amount of soil lifted from the pocket and deposited on the surface of the soil. In still other embodiments, the arcuate tine may have mounted thereon a coring tube that cuts and removes a plug from the pocket formed in the soil.

Abstract: A soil aeration apparatus may include aeration tines that are actuated by a relatively compact gear system that reduces the size and weight of the apparatus. In addition, a soil aeration apparatus may operate without a centrally disposed support shaft, thus enabling the tine-holder shafts to be positioned closer to one another and reducing the size of the apparatus.

Abstract: A soil aeration device may include a plurality of arcuate blades mounted to an assembly adapted to rotate and translate the blades proximate a ground surface, thereby forming aeration pockets in the soil. In certain embodiments, the arcuate tines penetrate and fracture the soil while minimizing the amount of soil lifted from the pocket deposited on the top of the soil. In various embodiments, a planetary gear assembly imparts to the tine a translational and rotational movement which creates a fractured pocket in the soil while minimizing the amount of soil lifted from the pocket and deposited on the surface of the soil. In still other embodiments, the arcuate tine may have mounted thereon a coring tube that cuts and removes a plug from the pocket formed in the soil.

Abstract: A walk aerator comprises a frame supported by a plurality of ground engaging wheels, the frame carrying a coring head having a plurality of side-by-side tine assemblies. The wheels define a wheelbase which is substantially equal to or less than the width of a coring swath and the wheels are located in advance of the coring head to keep the wheels from passing over the holes or soil cores left in any preceding coring swathes formed by the aerator. The vertical position of the coring head is adjustable up and down as the ground contour changes to keep hole depth substantially constant. The tine assemblies are reciprocated by a single crankshaft driven by a single pulley, the crankshaft being assembled from multiple crank arms that are splined and bolted together. Sealed bearings connect drive arms that drive the tine assemblies to the crankshaft. The crankshaft can be disassembled to allow the sealed drive arm bearings to be replaced. Integral core deflectors are used on the drive arms.

Abstract: A bulb planter includes a pair of blade halves cooperating to form a tubular tool head and a molded plastic handle body forming a pair of handles. The blade halves are preferably metal and riveted to the handle body. The handle body forms a living hinge for selectively pivoting the blade halves upon movement of the handles. The blade halves pivot toward and away from each other between a soil plug cutting position and a soil plug releasing position upon movement of the handles. A resilient member biases the blade halves toward the soil plug cutting position. The resilient member is preferably an elastomer ring encircling the blade halves. The handles extend in opposed directions substantially perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis and are manually movable against the bias of the resilient member to move the blade halves to the soil plug release position.

Abstract: A soil aeration device may include a plurality of arcuate blades mounted to an assembly adapted to rotate and translate the blades proximate a ground surface, thereby forming aeration pockets in the soil. In certain embodiments, the arcuate tines penetrate and fracture the soil while minimizing the amount of soil lifted from the pocket deposited on the top of the soil. In various embodiments, a planetary gear assembly imparts to the tine a translational and rotational movement which creates a fractured pocket in the soil while minimizing the amount of soil lifted from the pocket and deposited on the surface of the soil. In still other embodiments, the arcuate tine may have mounted thereon a coring tube that cuts and removes a plug from the pocket formed in the soil.

Abstract: A tine holder for holding a plurality of aerator tines has a plurality of substantially vertical, tapered bores. A tapered collar is adapted to be received in each bore with the collar being split so that the collar contracts as the collar is slid into the bore. The upper end of an aerator tine is inserted into each collar before the collar is inserted into the bore such that the contraction of the collar as the collar is thereafter slid into the bore will suffice to tightly grip and hold each tine in the tine holder. A tool is provided for providing enough leverage on the collar to slide the collar over final portions of its movement as the collar slides into the bore during tine installation or to slide the collar over beginning portions of its movement as the collar slides out of the bore during tine removal.

Abstract: The present invention features an aerator comprising an elongated base component with an upper surface and a lower surface, a handle spaced apart from the elongated base component, a U-shaped bracket connected to the handle and also connected to the elongated base component. In some embodiments, a first arm and second arm of the U-shaped bracket connecting to the upper surface of the elongated base component and a region between the two shoulders of the U-shaped bracket connecting to the handle.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention include an aerator that provides a shifting means adapted to alter the path of the aeration tines so that they do not impact the ground surface, the shifting being effected without lifting the entire aerator from the ground surface.

Abstract: A soil aeration apparatus may include aeration tines that are actuated by a relatively compact gear system that reduces the size and weight of the apparatus. In addition, a soil aeration apparatus may operate without a centrally disposed support shaft, thus enabling the tine-holder shafts to be positioned closer to one another and reducing the size of the apparatus.

Abstract: A novel drill for the aerification of turf grasses is disclosed. The drill comprises a chuck and a fluted turf drill bit held by the chuck. The chuck includes a locking mechanism which permits the chuck to rotate freely about its longitudinal axis when loaded in compression (as when the drill is inserted into the ground) but which locks, preventing rotation, when the drill is loaded in tension (such as when the drill is withdrawn from the soil). The drill bit has a smooth upper section and a fluted lower section. The smooth section decreases the probability of entangling the turf in the drill bit with subsequent lifting of the turf when the drill is withdrawn. The tip of the drill bit is adapted to provide a torque to the drill bit during insertion into the ground. Thus, the bit spirals into the ground upon insertion, but locks upon removal, thereby permitting the flutes of the bit to cut a cylindrical hole in the ground while removing soil from the hole by retaining it in the space between the flutes.

Abstract: A tine for a turf aerator comprises a hollow, generally cylindrical tine having a lower section that first contacts the ground as the tine is driven into the ground with the lower section having an open bottom mouth. The tine includes an aeration core exit. A core comprising a splitting or dividing wall is fixedly carried within the hollow tine to split or divide the aeration core into at least two sub-cores or pieces thereof, which are subsequently ejected from the tine through the exit. These two sub-cores dry more quickly than the single larger aeration core that would have been formed and ejected had the core splitter been absent.

Abstract: A walk aerator comprises a frame supported by a plurality of ground engaging wheels, the frame carrying a coring head having a plurality of side-by-side tine assemblies. The wheels define a wheelbase which is substantially equal to or less than the width of a coring swath and the wheels are located in advance of the coring head to keep the wheels from passing over the holes or soil cores left in any preceding coring swathes formed by the aerator. The vertical position of the coring head is adjustable up and down as the ground contour changes to keep hole depth substantially constant. The tine assemblies are reciprocated by a single crankshaft driven by a single pulley, the crankshaft being assembled from multiple crank arms that are splined and bolted together. Sealed bearings connect drive arms that drive the tine assemblies to the crankshaft. The crankshaft can be disassembled to allow the sealed drive arm bearings to be replaced. Integral core deflectors are used on the drive arms.

Abstract: A safety mechanism for a turf aerator having a frame and an engine with a governor that generally prevents the turf aerator from operating at full power unless the safety mechanism is engaged. A blocking mechanism and a manual actuation device are mounted to the frame. The manual actuation device is in mechanical communication with the blocking mechanism. The blocking mechanism urges the governor toward a loaded position and the engine operates at a generally low power when the governor is in the loaded position.

Abstract: A soil aeration device may include a plurality of arcuate blades mounted to an assembly adapted to rotate and translate the blades proximate a ground surface, thereby forming aeration pockets in the soil. In certain embodiments, the arcuate tines penetrate and fracture the soil while minimizing the amount of soil lifted from the pocket deposited on the top of the soil. In various embodiments, a planetary gear assembly imparts to the tine a translational and rotational movement which creates a fractured pocket in the soil while minimizing the amount of soil lifted from the pocket and deposited on the surface of the soil. In still other embodiments, the arcuate tine may have mounted thereon a coring tube that cuts and removes a plug from the pocket formed in the soil.

Abstract: A walk aerator comprises a frame supported by a plurality of ground engaging wheels, the frame carrying a coring head having a plurality of side-by-side tine assemblies. The wheels define a wheelbase which is substantially equal to or less than the width of a coring swath and the wheels are located in advance of the coring head to keep the wheels from passing over the holes or soil cores left in any preceding coring swathes formed by the aerator. The vertical position of the coring head is adjustable up and down as the ground contour changes to keep hole depth substantially constant. The tine assemblies are reciprocated by a single crankshaft driven by a single pulley, the crankshaft being assembled from multiple crank arms that are splined and bolted together. Sealed bearings connect drive arms that drive the tine assemblies to the crankshaft. The crankshaft can be disassembled to allow the sealed drive arm bearings to be replaced. Integral core deflectors are used on the drive arms.

Abstract: A multi-purpose tool for mounting on a lawnmower to enable thatching, aerating or plugging includes a carrier for mounting to the handle of the lawnmower dimensioned to extend rearwardly therefrom and downwardly toward the ground. A rotatable plugger mechanism is connected to the carrier and includes an elongate, rotatable member dimensioned to extend at least partially across the ground, and a plurality of plugger tubes extend outwardly from the elongate member and are spaced apart for engaging the ground and receiving a portion of the soil therewithin when the lawn mower is pushed along the ground to rotate the elongate member.

Abstract: A soil aeration apparatus may include aeration tines that are actuated by a relatively compact gear system that reduces the size and weight of the apparatus. In addition, a soil aeration apparatus may operate without a centrally disposed support shaft, thus enabling the tine-holder shafts to be positioned closer to one another and reducing the size of the apparatus.

Abstract: A soil aeration device may include a plurality of arcuate blades mounted to an assembly adapted to rotate and translate the blades proximate a ground surface, thereby forming aeration pockets in the soil. In certain embodiments, the arcuate tines penetrate and fracture the soil while minimizing the amount of soil lifted from the pocket deposited on the top of the soil. In various embodiments, a planetary gear assembly imparts to the tine a translational and rotational movement which creates a fractured pocket in the soil while minimizing the amount of soil lifted from the pocket and deposited on the surface of the soil. In still other embodiments, the arcuate tine may have mounted thereon a coring tube that cuts and removes a plug from the pocket formed in the soil.

Abstract: A golf hole cutting device includes an impact portion and a cutting portion. The impact portion preferably takes the form of a portable impact hammer, while the cutting portion includes a cutting head and a shaft having a terminal portion that connects with the portable impact portion. The cutting head includes a cylindrical, hollow main body portion having a first end portion which is adapted to penetrate soil and leads to a second end portion. With this construction, the impact portion is employed to deliver a series of rapid linear impacts to the terminal portion of the shaft to drive the cutting head down into soil of a putting green to form a golf hole.

Abstract: A holecutter for creating holes in a golf course by both cutting a hole in the ground and removing the cut material comprises a receptacle, a cutting edge disposed at an aperture of the receptacle, an impact structure connected to the receptacle and arranged to deliver an impact to the receptacle to drive it into the ground and an ejecting structure disposed to eject the cut material from the receptacle. The ejecting structure of the holecutter is movable between an initial position and an ejected position by a geared drive acting between a guide and the impact structure. The impact structure comprises a grippable shaft that is slidably mounted on the guide which extends away from an end of the receptacle opposed to the aperture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hand-held foot activated extractor useful for removing weed or turf aeration. The extractor comprises a stick with a top handle and an extractor assembly at the bottom which comprises a hollow tine defining i) a distal hollow frustoconical cutter portion defining a circular inlet provided with a cutting edge and a larger diameter outlet, ii) a hollow intermediate portion defining an arcuate wall extending longitudinally from the outlet of the cutter portion, an elongated opening facing the wall and a deflector sloping between the wall and the elongated opening, and iii) a proximal stick connecting portion. The extractor assembly also comprises a step projecting from the stick connecting portion. In use, a material forced at the inlet of the cutter portion loses frictional contact therein as it reaches the outlet, and is directed by the deflector from the outlet toward the opening for ejection of the material.

Abstract: A multi-purpose tool capable of boring a hole with a minimal amount of disruption to the surrounding substrate which can aid in clearing over grown lawn sprinklers, for planting, as a post hole digger or for other purposes. The tool also has components which can be disengaged and the pressure nozzle used as a separate tool.

Abstract: A guide frame (1) for an earth drilling apparatus includes a support plate (6) for holding the drive unit (7) and a handle frame (2) having handle sections (17, 18) for holding and guiding the earth drilling apparatus. Operator-controlled elements (19a, 19b, 19c) for controlling the drive unit (7) are arranged in the region of the handle section (18). The handle sections (17, 18) of the handle frame (2) lie in a plane (5) above the support plate (6). The handle frame (2) encloses the drive unit (7) as a closed frame and is connected via a carrier frame (8) to the support plate (6). The carrier plate (8) is fixed to the handle frame (2) via several coupling elements (20). Each coupling element (20) includes a vibration damper (24) which is arranged between the carrier frame (8) and the handle frame (2). In this way, the handle frame is decoupled by the carrier frame from the drive unit with respect to vibration without affecting the bracing of reaction forces via the handle frame.

Abstract: A safety mechanism for a turf aerator having a frame and an engine with a governor that generally prevents the turf aerator from operating at full power unless the safety mechanism is engaged. A blocking mechanism and a manual actuation device are mounted to the frame. The manual actuation device is in mechanical communication with the blocking mechanism. The blocking mechanism urges the governor toward a loaded position and the engine operates at a generally low power when the governor is in the loaded position.

Abstract: In certain embodiments a soil aerator may include a hinged frame assembly that cooperates with one or more weight transferring systems adapted to permit an aeration subassembly to lift off the ground when an aeration tine impacts a hard obstacle such as a rock in the soil. The weight transferring systems may in the preferred embodiments be calibrated so that only minimal upward force, such as that caused by impact of an aeration tine with a rock, may cause the aeration subassembly to lift thereby significantly reducing or preventing damage to the aeration tines and drive assemblies and substantially prolonging the life of the aerator.

Abstract: A walk-behind lawn aerator has a left and right aerator reels both journalled side by side on the same axle and rotatable independently of one another. Left and right hydraulic drives provide motive power to the left and right reels, and each is capable of rotating the associated reel forward, reverse, or at intermediate speeds. A wheel boom carries front wheels, and is raised and lowered using a hydraulic cylinder. With the wheel boom lowered, the unit is capable of a zero-radius turn.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a plug aerator designed as a ground-engaging implement, and more particularly, to a plug aerator equipped with a multiposition lever where the lever is cleared from the weight stacking area in both engaged and disengaged configurations, and where the lever is placed substantially along a main shaft in a stored configuration. Plug aerator wheels are also placed under the main body portion between implements with plugs. The use of a notch pin on the disengaging system of the lever allows for a built-in safety protection of the disclosure against backlash from shocks and bumps while in operation.

Abstract: A walk aerator comprises a frame supported by a plurality of ground engaging wheels, the frame carrying a coring head having a plurality of side-by-side tine assemblies. The wheels define a wheelbase which is substantially equal to or less than the width of a coring swath and the wheels are located in advance of the coring head to keep the wheels from passing over the holes or soil cores left in any preceding coring swathes formed by the aerator. The vertical position of the coring head is adjustable up and down as the ground contour changes to keep hole depth substantially constant. The tine assemblies are reciprocated by a single crankshaft driven by a single pulley, the crankshaft being assembled from multiple crank arms that are splined and bolted together. Sealed bearings connect drive arms that drive the tine assemblies to the crankshaft. The crankshaft can be disassembled to allow the sealed drive arm bearings to be replaced. Integral core deflectors are used on the drive arms.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention include an aerator that provides a shifting means adapted to alter the path of the aeration tines so that they do not impact the ground surface, the shifting being effected without lifting the entire aerator from the ground surface. Some embodiments of an aerator further include an energy modulation system that is capable of relieving a shock to the gear system caused by an aeration tine impacting debris, rocks or a hardened portion in the ground.

Abstract: A hole cutter includes a frame and first and second blade halves moveably mounted with respect to the frame. The blade halves are first driven into the ground and then are lifted upwardly out of the new hole with as ground plug therebetween. A lift flange engages both the blade halves during this upward movement. Then the blades and the ground plug are inserted into an old hole and the blades are removed simultaneously to leave the ground plug in the old hole. The frame is longitudinally extensible to create this removal of blade halves from the old hole.

Abstract: A turf maintenance device for the aeration and vertical cutting of soil, including a conventional aerator, a vertical cutting device mounted to the aerator, operatively connected to a power source such that the aerator and vertical cutting device may be operated independently and/or simultaneously.

Abstract: A soil aeration device may include a plurality of arcuate blades mounted to an assembly adapted to rotate and translate the blades proximate a ground surface, thereby forming aeration pockets in the soil. In certain embodiments, the arcuate tines penetrate and fracture the soil while minimizing the amount of soil lifted from the pocket deposited on the top of the soil. In various embodiments, a planetary gear assembly imparts to the tine a translational and rotational movement which creates a fractured pocket in the soil while minimizing the amount of soil lifted from the pocket and deposited on the surface of the soil. In still other embodiments, the arcuate tine may have mounted thereon a coring tube that cuts and removes a plug from the pocket formed in the soil.

Abstract: A handheld bulber for use in planting and gardening is disclosed. The bulber has a rigid steel inverted conical frustum body of at least two opposing and slightly overlapping sidewall members pivotably joined together and a handle attached opposite a serrated cutting edge of the body. A movable dirt release mechanism is positioned between the handle and the pivot point such that moving the mechanism toward the handle, i.e., a squeezing hand motion, forces the handle end of the side members inward, thereby pivoting the digging end of the sidewall members outward. The dirt release mechanism may be attached within the slotted openings by a slider, rollers, or any other suitable means.

Abstract: A turf aerator is provided with three aligned aerator shafts having aerator devices mounted thereon. The innermost shaft is mounted in a frame for free-willing operation and the two outer shafts are each connected to a motor through selectively controlled hydraulic pumps which in turn are connected to hydraulic motors for driving the outermost shafts selectively or simultaneously with the innermost shaft being mounted for free-willing operation.

Abstract: A walk aerator comprises a frame supported by a plurality of ground engaging wheels, the frame carrying a coring head having a plurality of side-by-side tine assemblies. The wheels define a wheelbase which is substantially equal to or less than the width of a coring swath and the wheels are located in advance of the coring head to keep the wheels from passing over the holes or soil cores left in any preceding coring swathes formed by the aerator. The vertical position of the coring head is adjustable up and down as the ground contour changes to keep hole depth substantially constant. The tine assemblies are reciprocated by a single crankshaft driven by a single pulley, the crankshaft being assembled from multiple crank arms that are splined and bolted together. Sealed bearings connect drive arms that drive the tine assemblies to the crankshaft. The crankshaft can be disassembled to allow the sealed drive arm bearings to be replaced. Integral core deflectors are used on the drive arms.

Abstract: A soil aeration device may include a plurality of arcuate blades mounted to an assembly adapted to rotate and translate the blades proximate a ground surface, thereby forming aeration pockets in the soil. In certain embodiments, the arcuate tines penetrate and fracture the soil while minimizing the amount of soil lifted from the pocket deposited on the top of the soil. In various embodiments, a planetary gear assembly imparts to the tine a translational and rotational movement which creates a fractured pocket in the soil while minimizing the amount of soil lifted from the pocket and deposited on the surface of the soil. In still other embodiments, the arcuate tine may have mounted thereon a coring tube that cuts and removes a plug from the pocket formed in the soil.

Abstract: In certain embodiments a soil aerator may include a hinged frame assembly that cooperates with one or more weight transferring systems adapted to permit an aeration subassembly to lift off the ground when an aeration tine impacts a hard obstacle such as a rock in the soil. The weight transferring systems may in the preferred embodiments be calibrated so that only minimal upward force, such as that caused by impact of an aeration tine with a rock, may cause the aeration subassembly to lift thereby significantly reducing or preventing damage to the aeration tines and drive assemblies and substantially prolonging the life of the aerator.

Abstract: A soil aeration apparatus may include aeration tines that are actuated by a relatively compact gear system that reduces the size and weight of the apparatus. In addition, a soil aeration apparatus may operate without a centrally disposed support shaft, thus enabling the tine-holder shafts to be positioned closer to one another and reducing the size of the apparatus.

Abstract: A soil aeration tine having a nose or apex end for soil penetration with a set of soil fracture faces carried thereon to fracture a portion of the soil in engagement with the soil aeration tine and a cutting tube positioned on the soil aeration tine with the soil cutting tube cutting a soil plug free of a further portion of the soil with the soil penetration tine having a lateral face for scooping out soil as the soil aeration tine is removed from the soil.

Abstract: A soil manipulating tool is disclosed which has a handle (12) and a soil penetrating portion (14). The soil penetrating portion (14) is formed from a helical or spiral rod or wire (13) which defines a cavity (18). The rod or wire (13) may be hollow so that fertilizer or other liquid material can pass through the hollow rod wire (13) into the soil in which the tool is to be used. The tool may also include an abutment member for limiting the amount of penetration of the tool into the soil to facilitate churning up of the soil and a blade may also be provided across one of the spirals of the portion (14) to provide a chopping of soil so that a hole can be formed by removal of a plug of soil but at the same time leaving loosened soil at the bottom of the hole. The tool has particular application in aerating and manipulating composted material and the removal of composted material from a compost bin as well as garden applications for the formation of holes, and the aeration of soil facilitating plant growth.

Abstract: A highly durable aeration tine device attached to a soil aerator has a tubular tine member extending cylindrically and a hard metal tip made of a hard metal material and typically made in a frustum shape of a cone, which is in an area contact with the tubular tine member between the surfaces of the tubular tine member and the hard metal tip. Each surface of the tubular tine member and the hard metal tip is extending in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction and can be fabricated easily, and the drive force provided from the soil aerator can be transmitted without loss.

Abstract: A linear aeration apparatus is operable to form parallel linear aeration trenches into the surface of the ground. Aeration of highly compacted turf areas can be accomplished by first spreading a top dressing material over the surface of the field and then forming linear aeration trenches into the surface of the ground mixing the soil removed from the trenches with the top dressing material. A reciprocating finishing apparatus brushes the mixed soil back into the aeration trenches to stabilize the surface of the ground. A rotary member has radially projecting blades that, upon rotation, form the continuous linear trenches defining unstable islands of earth therebetween. The finishing device includes rearwardly projecting fingers that reciprocate transversely to brush the mixed soil and top dressing material back into the formed aeration trenches to stabilize the islands of earth.

Abstract: A walk-behind power turf aerator having a rigid unibody construction and being shiftable into a highly compact configuration to facilitate transportation and storage thereof. The power turf aerator utilizes the reciprocal movement of a plurality of generally upright tines to create a relatively dense plug pattern in the turf.

Abstract: A device (1,1′) for treating the soil by aeration includes a frame (10,10′) and tools (11, 12, 11′, 12′) which are moveable and which perform core boring in the ground for aeration purposes, whereby the cores (8) are ejected from the tools, the device being able to be displaced and raised, characterized in that a receiving member (2, 3, 101) for the cores, having through openings (23) for the tools and integral with the frame, is disposed between the soil and the ejection area of the cores so that the ejected cores are stored therein (8′). The receiving member includes a flexible belt (2) which includes raised elements and/or elements in series of chevrons (25) enabling the core holes (7) to be filled with sand. The receiving member can be modular in a transversal and/or longitudinal direction and the modules (102, 103, 104, 108, 109) are hinged to each other (106,107). Sand which accumulates at the rear of the device can be brushed afterwards.

Abstract: An improved rotary soil probe is provided with a frame pivotally mounted on the rear of a truck or vehicle for movement about a horizontal axis between raised and lowered positions. A rotatable wheel is pivotally mounted to the frame for movement about an upwardly angled axis between an extended use position and a folded transport position. The wheel includes probes extending radially outwardly from the perimeter of the wheel. The probes are adapted to receive soil samples as the wheel is rolled along the ground. Plunger assemblies automatically discharge the soil samples on each rotation of the wheel so that the samples can be continuously collected, without the need to stop to clean out the soil samples.

Abstract: An aerator is provided having a front axle, including a differential and a tine wheel assembly which may be raised from the ground during maneuvers of the aerator while power continues to be supplied to the front axle, and a tine wheel assembly is provided which allows the operator to repair and change the configuration of the tines of the tine wheel assembly.

Abstract: A turf cutting and handling system for the borehole of a golf green cup includes a generally cylindrical hollow barrel with a cutting edge disposed about a lower periphery of the barrel. A manually grippable handle allows the barrel to be drilled into a playing surface of the putting green, and an ejection port allows a cut plug of turf and soil to be removed from the cutting barrel after the cut plug has been moved from a cutting position to a removal position by means of an ejector plunger which is engaged with the lower rotationally sheared surface of the soil which is underlying the grassy portion of the cut plug.

Abstract: A hole cutting device for forming and relocating holes in the ground includes a hollow cylindrical cutting head with a lower cutting edge surrounding an open bottom, a tubular shaft extending upwardly from the cylindrical head and a handle portion on an upper end of the shaft. Upon forcing the cutting head downwardly into the ground, a turf and soil plug fills the interior of the head. An air delivery system, operable at the handle portion, injects a charge of air at the bottom of the soil plug upon removal from the ground, thereby eliminating vacuum suction and allowing the soil plug to be removed intact without breaking or disintegrating. Once the cutting head is removed from the formed hole, a hinged lever on the shaft forces a push plate within the cutting head downwardly towards the open end to eject the plug therefrom. If desired, the plug may be deposited into a previously formed hole.

Abstract: A containment cartridge for extracting and preserving a soil sample comprises a cylindrical sampling barrel for insertion into the soil for collecting a soil sample.