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 turf aerator consisting of a cast concrete roller having an axis of rotation, and having an annular surface displaced radially away from the axis of rotation; first and second radial arrays of tubular tines, each tine among the radial arrays having inner and outer ends, and having soil input and soil output ports; and mounting lug and tine receiving channel combinations attaching the radial arrays of tubular tines to opposite ends of the concrete roller so that the outer ends of such tines extend outwardly from the annular surface of the roller, and so that the inner ends of the tines extend inwardly from the annular surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for core extracting plug aerator comprises a main frame, a draw bar coupled to the main frame and configured to couple a motorized device to the main frame, and pivoting side supports coupled to the main frame, wherein the side supports pivot between and are secured in a moving position and an aerating position. The plug aerator further comprises rotating wheels coupled to the side supports and a longitudinal support system coupled to the main frame, the longitudinal support system comprises a plugger system comprising articulating tines.

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 combined bulb and vegetable planter which is spring loaded to allow the user to readily remove a plug of soil from the ground, either for the purpose of planting vegetables and disposing of the plug of soil or planting a bulb and returning the plug of soil into the ground and over the planted bulb. In either operation, a plunger or cylinder is pressed into the soil by exerting a force on a foot rest attached to the cylinder or plunger. Extending vertically from the plunger or cylinder is a hollow tubing housing a shaft having a spring disposed about a portion thereof between a spring tension collar and an alien screw for compressing the spring when desired. A gripping handle is provided near the upper end of the vertically extending hollow tubing for the purpose of being gripped by the user of the invention. Extending above this gripping handle is a knob handle with brass plug and alien screw, and further, having a rubber compressions spacer which forms the operating mechanism for the spring.

Abstract: A ground clearing machine including a mobile frame with a vertically adjustable support frame mounted thereon and mounting a ground clearing implement for vertical adjustment therewith, the implement including shaft mounted rotatable tines within a semi-circular drum with a downwardly opening mouth for both receiving and discharging debris with the debris pulverized within the drum between the intake and discharge thereof.

Abstract: A core processing device with a housing having forward and rearward ends, opposite sidewalls, a top, and an open bottom. Wheels operatively connected to the housing. A rotatable brush member connected to the sidewalls for picking up and transporting cores. A shredding member for receiving, shattering, and depositing cores. And a power means for driving the brush member and shredding member.

Abstract: A core processing device with a housing having forward and rearward ends, opposite sidewalls, a top, and an open bottom. Wheels operatively connected to the housing. A rotatable brush member connected to the sidewalls for picking up and transporting cores. A shredding member for receiving, shattering, and depositing cores. And a power means for driving the brush member and shredding member.

Abstract: A weed removal tool which may be completely formed from typical tubular metal stock. The tool is of very simple construction having only a handle, an elongated member, a foot peg, and weed expulsion means, also the tool does not include any moving parts. Furthermore, “if desired” the tool may be used in conjunction with an herbicide so as to inhibit any further growth of the weed.

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: An abrading tine for use with a turf aeration apparatus has abrading structure that is defined on and protrudes from an outer surface of the metal tube forming the tine. The abrading structure forms at least ten discrete protrusions per tine and such that a distance between a peak of each protrusion and the outer surface ranges between 1-12 mm. The abrading structure is defined such that a significant increase in water infiltration and root mass of the grass turf is achieved as compared to a conventional tine. The abrading tine is adapted to allow the proximal end of the tube to be operably coupled to the turf aeration apparatus by any number of known attachment arrangement. The tube may be slightly tapered and the distal end beveled for easier insertion into grass turf. The abrading structure can comprise a plurality of grating elements or a knurled pattern defined in the outer surface.

Abstract: A core destroying machine utilizes a single processing rotor cooperable with an arcuate screen member to disintegrate aeration cores therebetween. The arcuate screen member is configured to discharge thatch from the single processing rotor in a generally vertical direction into engagement with a rotating fluff roll. The fluff roll is configured with a pair of opposing rigid bats affixed to a central shaft for rotation around an axis of rotation. A plurality of extruded flexible plastic cords extend from the rigid bats into the direction of rotation of the fluff roll to engage the thatch portions discharged from the processing rotor and urge the thatch portions rearwardly into a collection hopper. The flexible plastic cords yield to any earthen pieces of aeration cores that might be discharged from the processing rotor to permit the discharged earthen pieces to be recycled back toward the processing rotor.

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 working tool (10) is disclosed having an elongated shaft (11), a handle (12) mounted generally perpendicular to one end of the shaft (11), and a ground working head (13) mounted to an opposite, lower end of the shaft (11). The working tool (10) also includes an annular step plate (16) mounted upon the shaft for rotary movement relative to the shaft 11. An upper stop (7) and a lower stop (18) are also coupled to the shaft (11) above and below the step plate (16), respectively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for core extracting plug aerator comprises a main frame, a draw bar coupled to the main frame and configured to couple a motorized device to the main frame, and pivoting side supports coupled to the main frame, wherein the side supports pivot between and are secured in a moving position and an aerating position. The plug aerator further comprises rotating wheels coupled to the side supports and a longitudinal support system coupled to the main frame, the longitudinal support system comprises a plugger system comprising articulating tines.

Abstract: A core destroying machine utilizes a single processing rotor cooperable with an arcuate screen member to disintegrate aeration cores therebetween. The arcuate screen member is configured to discharge thatch from the single processing rotor in a generally vertical direction into engagement with a rotating fluff roll. The fluff roll is configured with a pair of opposing rigid bats affixed to a central shaft for rotation around an axis of rotation. A plurality of extruded flexible plastic cords extend from the rigid bats into the direction of rotation of the fluff roll to engage the thatch portions discharged from the processing rotor and urge the thatch portions rearwardly into a collection hopper. The flexible plastic cords yield to any earthen pieces of aeration cores that might be discharged from the processing rotor to permit the discharged earthen pieces to be recycled back toward the processing rotor.

Abstract: A hole making system for efficiently cutting a hole into a ground surface and for allowing effective removal of the plug. The inventive device includes a cutter assembly, a tamper assembly slidably positioned within the cutter assembly, and a hammer assembly slidably positioned about the tamper assembly for driving the cutter assembly into a ground surface. The tamper assembly includes a first depth indicator and a second depth indicator for indicating to the user the approximate depth of the hole being created. An alignment level is preferably positioned within a handle assembly of the tamper assembly for indicating to the operator the relative vertical alignment of the cutter assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus to aid in the planting of pre-grown plants, flowers, and vegetables is provided that takes the shape of a garden tool with a “T” shaped handle atop a cylindrical pipe with an integral cutting edge approximately 4 inches in diameter. The cutting edge is simply placed on top of the soil where the hole is desired and pushed down while turning. The handle is then withdrawn along with a soil “plug” or cylinder. An ejection lever with associated linkage and plunger mechanisms then pushes the plug out of the invention, thus allowing the invention to quickly dig another hole.

Abstract: A garden tool for planting flower bulbs and ornamentals includes an elongated shaft culminating at one end in a boring bit for starting a planting hole. A pair of fins, each radiating at a non-perpendicular angle from each side of the body of the boring bit for widening the hole and breaking up the dislodged soil. The pulverized soil remains in the hole for covering the seed or bulb after planting. The garden tool cultivates to a depth of approximately 6 inches. The tool is driven from the other end of the elongated shaft by a conventional ⅜ inch to ½ inch electric drill. The tool is suitable for use by the landscape professional doing volume planting or the home gardener and can be used in either prepared or unprepared seed beds. The tool presents an easy to use device which greatly reduces the time and labor associated with the planting process.

Abstract: An agricultural includes a shaft slidably received in a tube, a foot rest rotatably engaged on the tube, and one or more tool members changeably secured to the tube. One of the tool members includes a plate secured to the tube, and a housing secured to the plate for engaging into the soil and having two casings. A board is slidably received in the housing and coupled to the shaft with couplers for disengaging the soil received in the housing. A lock device may detachably lock the shaft to the tube. The tool member may be a weed remover or a soil loosener.

Abstract: A lawn aerating and weeding tool has an elongate metal attachment secured to one end of an elongate handle. The metal attachment comprises an annular cutting blade at one end of the metal attachment, a retainer at an opposite end of the metal attachment and a connection between the annular cutting blade and the retainer; the retainer being secured to the one end of the handle. The connection provides a gap between the annular cutting blade and the retainer in axial alignment with the annular cutting blade and the handle, the gap being open towards opposite sides of the metal attachment to facilitate removal of earth plugs cut by the annular cutting blade.

Abstract: A core harvesting machine that can be mounted to the rear of a conventional aeration machine to receive green cores directly from the aeration machine without having the cores discharged to the ground. The core harvesting machine has a rotating brush core capturing system that collects green aeration cores directly from an aeration machine to which the core destroying machine is attached. The collected green cores are discharged from the brush collector system and received by a core destroying apparatus including three rotary paddle assemblies co-operating with corresponding arcuate screens to separate the earthen material from the root thatch before discharging the thatch into a collector vessel. The core harvesting machine includes paddle members having overlapping arcs of rotation that have a relatively flat side and an opposing bent side to enhance the operation of the machine is either mode of operation.

Abstract: A soil core collector comprises a structure including a canopy having a top and a back adapted to be supported from a prime mover with two laterally spaced sides each adapted for pivotal connection to the primer mover. A sole plate extends between the two sides and is formed of a series of connected platelets adapted in use to conform to the contour of the ground over which the sole plate passes. The sole plate has a connecting link arrangement to the back of the canopy and is loosely connected to the top of the canopy whereby in a collecting mode the sole plate rests on the ground with the bottom of each side of the canopy and in an emptying mode the canopy is raised causing the sole plate to be raised and platelets each to move about its connecting link arrangement while being held by its top connection.

Abstract: A hand held, manually operated excavation tool, which is specifically designed for single hand use to remove turf, which has been damaged by an air borne golf ball. The device has a handle, tubular shank, an internal ramp, an entry and an evacuation port, a concentric leading edge and an internal threaded portion to receive optional repair tools A threaded two-pronged aerator or culling tool may be stored in the handle portion. The principal object's shank is of sufficient length to penetrate, to an appropriate depth, turf which is commonly associated with that portion of a golf-course referred to as the “green.” The repair tool is designed to easily penetrate, core, capture and remove damaged, dying or dead turf. The efficient removal and subsequent repair of damaged portions of grass on a putting surface would improve the consistency of a putting green and the quality of play for all golfers on a given course.

Abstract: A device that aids in the aeration of a lawn is provided that attaches to the bottom of ones shoes and provides for core aeration while performing other yard care tasks. A metal plate which is adjustable for various size shoes is provided with attachment straps for attachment to conventional outdoor footwear. Steel tubes approximately 2 inches long will protrude from the bottom of the plates, and are spring biased against the bottom plate such that the soil core is ejected during the natural stride of the wearer.

Abstract: The invention is designed to fit in the rear of a utility vehicle. An Aerifier takes aerification cores out of the turf and leaves them on the ground. A core harvester and this invention is attached to a utility vehicle. The core harvester harvests the aeration cores from turf and discharges them into the invention. The invention then takes these aerification cores and grinds them into top dressing and finely chopped thatch for the turf. The cores are dumped by the core harvester down a chute in the invention, the core processor. The cores fall from the chute on to a set of rotation blades that chops the cores into top dressing and finely chopped thatch. The top dressing and finely chopped thatch then fall upon a rotating conveyor belt which takes the top dressing and finely chopped thatch to the discharge area of the invention.

Abstract: A core harvesting machine that can be mounted to the rear of a conventional aeration machine to receive green cores directly from the aeration machine without having the cores discharged to the ground. The core harvesting machine has a rotating brush core capturing system that collects green aeration cores directly from an aeration machine to which the core destroying machine is attached. The collected green cores are discharged from the brush collector system and received by a core destroying apparatus including three rotary paddle assemblies co-operating with corresponding arcuate screens to separate the earthen material from the root thatch before discharging the thatch into a collector vessel. The core harvesting machine includes paddle members having overlapping arcs of rotation that have a relatively flat side and an opposing bent side to enhance the operation of the machine is either mode of operation.

Abstract: A core harvesting machine that can be mounted to the rear of a conventional aeration machine to receive green cores directly from the aeration machine without having the cores discharged to the ground. The core harvesting machine has a rotating brush core capturing system that collects green aeration cores directly from an aeration machine to which the core destroying machine is attached. The collected green cores are discharged from the brush collector system and received by a core destroying apparatus including three rotary paddle assemblies co-operating with corresponding arcuate screens to separate the earthen material from the root thatch before discharging the thatch into a collector vessel. The core harvesting machine includes paddle members having overlapping arcs of rotation that have a relatively flat side and an opposing bent side to enhance the operation of the machine is either mode of operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sod plug cutting and replanting device having a body with a sod plug retention cavity formed therein. The device further includes a cutting surface positioned at a lower section of the body such that the cutting surface will cut a plug of sod prior to the plug entering the plug retention cavity. The device also has a connector attached to the body such that the body may be fixed to a device for driving the body into the sod. The invention also provides a method for harvesting a section of sod by inserting into the section of sod a cutting device having a opening formed within the parameter of a cutting edge such that a plug of sod is separated from the section of sod. The method further includes positioning the plug of sod in the ground below a predetermined depth of the section of sod; and cutting the sod section at the predetermined depth such that the plug of sod remains in the ground when the section of sod is removed.

Abstract: A soil-sampling tool extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a barrel having a soil-penetrating distal end, and a cap for closing the end. In the improvement, the barrel has a seal surface spaced from the end and also has a tapered lead portion between the surface and the end. The lateral dimension of the lead portion is less than that of the seal surface. The cap includes an abutment face and a seal spaced therefrom. The barrel seal surface is spaced from the barrel end by a dimension not greater than that between the cap seal and its abutment face. In a highly preferred embodiment, the barrel has a stop shoulder between the barrel seal surface and the barrel end. The cap includes a lip bearing against the stop shoulder and a tapered cap face substantially contacting the barrel face of the tapered lead portion. The tool also relates to a new method.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus for golf course or other turf maintenance. The apparatus includes a vehicle with powered drive, steering mechanism, and maintenance equipment support structures. The vehicle may be a forward unit and a trailer unit with an articulated joint between the units; the forward or trailer units may have one or more wheels. The wheels are wide tires with smooth tread and low pressure. The maintenance equipment may be an apparatus for injecting a coagulant material into the subsurface of a turf area, an apparatus for cutting and placing a putting cup, an apparatus for grooming a hazard, rollers for rolling a turf surface, and other forms of turf maintenance equipment. The cup cutting and placement apparatus is designed to cut a plumb vertical hole in a putting green at the same depth with each operation, to remove a core from the subsurface, and to place a core in a previously cut hole.

Abstract: An electrically powered earth coring device may be used to remove weeds from lawns or flower beds. The device comprises a hollow shaft 3 having a handle 1 and a hollow cylindrical cutter 5, extensible from the lower end of the shaft to penetrate the ground around the root of a weed 34 and create a core of earth. When a preset depth has been reached, the cutter 5 is retracted in order to remove the core of earth and the weed from the ground. A plunger 16, mounted inside the shaft 3, pushes the core of earth out of the cutter as the latter is retracted. Opposing claws may be mounted pivotally at the lower end of the cutter 5 in order to grip the root of the weed. The coring device may also be used for planting bulbs.

Abstract: An aeration machine is provided with a split tine assembly having a movable spoon portion that disengages from the tine to discharge a wet core therefrom. The movement of the spoon portion is controlled by a cam mechanism that controls the point of discharge of the core from the tine. A core destroying machine is connectable to the aeration machine to receive wet cores directly therefrom or is operable independently of the aeration machine. The core destroying machine is provided with a stepped screen member that is cooperable with a linearly reciprocating scrubbing mechanism to scrub the aeration cores against the stepped screen in a manner to remove the earthen portion thereof and convey the organic thatch thereof to the discharge end of the screen member for reception in a collection vessel for subsequent remote disposal. A sweep mechanism can be provided to gather aeration cores lying on the ground and convey the aeration cores into the scrubbing mechanism.

Abstract: A mower and/or aerating device (7) exhibits a mower drum and/or aerating drum (8) rotating around a horizontal axis running perpendicular to the mower and/or aerating device advance direction. The mower drum and/or aerating drum (8) feeds cut material and/or material removed from ground to a transverse transport worm (16) rotating around a rotation axis running parallel to the aerating drum (8). The transverse transport worm (16) is disposed in a transport trough (15). A longitudinal transport worm (17) adjoins in the middle region of the transverse transport worm (16) at an angle of 90.degree. relative to an axis of the transverse transport worm (16). A transfer element (21) is disposed at the transport trough (15), which transfer element (21) separates the mower drum and/or aerating drum (8) and the transverse transport worm (16). The transfer element (21) is disposed such that the material from the mower drum and/or aerating drum (8) is at least nearly completely thrown into the transport trough (15).

Abstract: A control mechanism for an aerator mechanism, the control mechanism being coupled with the engine for automatically slowing the engine when the aerator mechanism is shifted between transport and operating positions. The engine control mechanism includes a solenoid coupled with an operator engagable position control mechanism and an arm of an engine governor such that the governor will slow the engine when the position control mechanism is engaged to shift the aerator mechanism between transport and operating positions.

Abstract: A hand-held aerator useful for removing soil to facilitate the passage of water, air, and nutrients is disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure involves a soil-sampling tool having a barrel with a distal end for insertion into soil, and a plunger mounted for movement in the barrel. The plunger includes a soil-contact surface spaced from the distal end by a dimension when the barrel is filled with a soil sample having a volume. The improved tool includes a locking mechanism setting the dimension equal to a reference dimension, thereby establishing the volume of the soil sample to be equal to a predetermined or reference volume. In a more specific embodiment, there is an annular space between the barrel wall and the plunger head. Such head includes plural resilient sealing rings for sealing against the wall and closing the space. The tool also includes a feature for venting air otherwise trapped between the barrel/soil sample and the cap being mounted to the barrel.

Abstract: A watering system composed of a number of cone-shaped spikes. An inserter spike having imperforate sidewalls is used to initially create a hole in a region of soil near a plant. The inserter spike is then removed from the hole and is placed within a perforated watering spike that is complementary in shape to the inserter spike. The combined unit is then placed in the hole whereby the inserter spike prevents soil from entering the interior area of the watering spike. Once the watering spike is properly positioned, the inserter spike is removed from the interior of the watering spike. Water can then be entered into the interior of the watering spike via a large opening at the top of the watering spike. The water then enters the soil in a dispersed and controlled manner via the perforations in the watering spike.

Abstract: A lawn aerator has a series of tine assemblies spaced along a driven shaft driven by a motor. Each fine assembly has a plurality of tines for aeration extending in a substantially radial pattern about the driven shaft. The inner tine assemblies along the middle portion of the driven shaft are secured to the driven shaft to drive the aerator along the lawn as the driven shaft rotates. The outer tine assemblies adjacent to the ends of the driven shaft are rotatably mounted to the driven shaft. This permits the outer tine assemblies to rotate independently and thereby makes the aerator more maneuverable and easier to turn. Removable weights can be attached to either side of the aerator housing to help maintain a straight course when traversing a slope.

Abstract: A turf aerator is provided with a pair of drive wheels rotatably mounted on a drive shaft supported in a main frame of the aerator. Each drive wheel is provided with a radially extending flange and a pawl is pivotally mounted on each flange. A pair of sprockets are secured to the shaft for rotation therewith and disposed in engagement with a respective pawl. A drive sprocket is mounted for rotation with the shaft and is operatively connected to the shaft of an aerator assembly and a motor driven shaft by means of a chain interconnecting sprockets on each shaft. The pawls are arranged relative to the sprockets to positively drive the drive wheels in a forward direction while permitting one pawl to ratchet relative to the sprocket in engagement therewith and permitting rotation of the drive shaft in an opposite direction without imparting a drive to said wheels.

Abstract: A device for making holes in the ground, such as for a golf course, has a tubular cutter having an open first end for insertion into the ground, and an opposite second end from which a guide extends. A percussion weight is guided for movement along the guide and exerts a hammering force on the second end of the cutter. A tubular part is connected to the end of the percussion weight that lies distal from the tubular cutter. The tubular part guides the percussion weight axially along the guide. A handle for maneuvering of the percussion weight is attached to the top of the tubular part. The cutter and associated guide on the one hand, and the percussion weight with associated tubular part carrying the handle on the other hand, can be locked together releasably against axial movement, are non-rotatable, and are also releasably locked against rotation movement, so that the cutter can be easily removed from the ground once the hole is cut.

Abstract: An aerator apparatus, having retractable penetrating blade members, for attachment to lawnmowers is shown. The aerator apparatus includes a support disc affixed to the face of a lawnmower wheel with a pivot disc pivotally connected thereto. Sandwiched between the support disc and the pivot disc are a number of blades which are pivotally mounted to the support disc. The pivot disc includes fixed tracking pins which slideably reside in slots in the support disc in the blades. When the pivot disc is rotated clockwise about the central pivot pin, the blades are urged outward into an open position via a slot and fixed pin arrangement. The pivot disc can be locked relative to the support disc to secure the position of the blades.

Abstract: A machine designed to automatically and economically remove spaced earthen plugs, fracture the soil around holes formed by the plug removal, fill the holes with earthen material and tamp and crimp the grass to provide a revitalized golf green that rapidly returns to a playable surface.

Abstract: A garden hand tool having a tubular outer member terminating at its bottom end in an elliptically shaped peripheral edge with such end being open, a plunger reciprocally mounted in the tubular member and a spring that resiliently biases the plunger upwardly in a direction away from the elliptically shaped open bottom end. The elliptically shaped peripheral edge is preferably in a plane disposed at an angle in a range of 15.degree. to 22.degree.1/2 to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member so as to be readily forced by hand into the earth to remove a weed or plant. The plunger projects upwardly beyond the upper end of the tubular outer member providing a portion that can be readily grasped to push the plunger downwardly to remove any earth associated with the plant that might be stuck in the bottom end of the outer tubular member.

Abstract: A compact lawn aerator comprises a rigid frame having a hitch for releasibly fastening the frame to the back of a self-propelled mower. An elongated axle is secured to the under side of the frame and a set of aerator wheels are rotatably mounted at spaced intervals along the axle. Each of the aerator wheels has a generally disk-shaped hub from the periphery of which four spikes radiate. Each spike initially projects from the hub along a radius but curves along its length in the direction of rotation of the wheel. The spikes are tapered to a sharpened point and their curve is determined so that, as the wheel rotates, the ends of the spikes pierce the soil at substantially right angles and the shank of the spikes slip into the ground progressively through the pierce point. This greatly reduces the force needed to drive the spikes into the ground, thus reducing the weight and size of the device.

Abstract: A turf aeration device is provided, comprising a wheeled frame having a journalled drive shaft, wherein the frame is attachable to a pulling vehicle having a power take-off capability. Balanced chain and sprocket assemblies are used to transfer power from the power take-off to the drive shaft, and a plurality of aerator mechanisms are attached to the drive shaft and the frame. Each aerator mechanism comprises a link member which supports a pivotable tine holder having at least one tine, a stop member attached to the link member for contacting the tine holder and maintaining a minimum predetermined angle between the tine holder and the link member; a means for adjusting the predetermined angle between the tine holder and the link member; an elastomeric band pivotally connected between the frame and the tine holder for urging the tine holder against the stop member; a drive link attached to the drive shaft; and a connecting rod pivotally attached between the drive link and the link member.

Abstract: A planting hole forming apparatus includes a central shaft having a longitudinal axis, a bottom leading end and an upper trailing end, and a discontinuous flighting comprising a plurality of flighting sections spiraling around the central shaft at spaced locations along the shaft adjacent the bottom leading end. Some form of drive mechanism, for example a hand-held drill, is used to rotate the central shaft about its longitudinal axis to thereby form the planting hole. The drive mechanism is chosen to accommodate the size of the central shaft and to supply the necessary torque to rotate the central shaft sufficiently to form the planting hole. The structure of the flighting sections is such that while the planting hole is being formed the soil is simultaneously pulverized with a substantial portion of the pulverized soil being left in the hole.

Abstract: The present invention is a lawn-aerating and weed-pulling apparatus for use in aerating the ground and removing weeds. The apparatus comprises a substantially horizontal foot plate having a first side and a second side. A coring mechanism and a resilient biasing mechanism is secured to the second side of the foot plate. When the resilient biasing mechanism is compressed and then released it urges the foot plate and the coring mechanism which is secured to it in a generally upward direction. Upon exertion of a generally downward force on the foot plate, the resilient biasing mechanism is compressed, allowing the coring mechanism to penetrate the ground. Upon release of the generally downward force on the foot plate, the resilient biasing mechanism urges the foot plate and the coring mechanism which is secured to it upward, away from the ground, thereby removing a core of ground with substantially reduced or diminished effort on the part of the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for drilling an maintaining holes in golf courses. It is built onto a mini-tractor with the drilling unit itself suspended in a hydraulic hoist for moving up and down between a raised and a lowered position. The drilling unit is equipped with a downward directed hollow auger which is operated by the tractor. The apparatus is characteristic in that the vertical drill spindle of the drilling unit is designed as a hollow shaft in which the tubular hollow auger is inserted. The hollow auger is inserted from the top and is provided with an upward facing handle which has a transverse grip at the top. Between the hollow auger and the driven hollow shaft-drill spindle there is an anti-turn locking device, for example of the bayonet type. The quick and convenient way of removing the auger from the apparatus for manual transfer of the cut-out turf core form the hollow auger into the previous (old) hole.

Abstract: Hand weeding tools have attempted to remove unwanted weeds from lawns and gardens by extracting as much of the root structure as possible. Usually, the extracted weed must be picked up after extraction. The disclosed device includes a curving cylindrical blade on one end of an elongated rod and a handle on the other. A lever on the handle operates a weed engaging jaw that grips the extracted weed against the concave surface of the curved blade. The jaw is pivotally hinged to the blade so that the jaw can be closed into the blade thus preventing unintended penetration of the blade into the soil, as when the tool is used as a cane to aid in walking or standing.