Abstract: A surface conditioning drag tool apparatus includes a plurality of fencing members each extending laterally along a width of the drag tool and spaced apart from one another at a plurality of locations between a front end and a rear end of the drag tool. The plurality of fencing members include a plurality of lower ground contacting extremities and a plurality of upper extremities spaced apart from one another in height and a frame coupled with and positioned above the plurality of ground working fencing members.

Abstract: An integrated brush-tine vehicle for brushing top dressing material between grass blades. The vehicle employs at least four brushes to contact each blade of grass located beneath the brush pattern of the vehicle. The vehicle includes adjustable tines to cooperatively work with the brushes to move the top dressing material down between grass blades.

Abstract: A method and vehicle for brushing top dressing material into a golf green, fairway or other supporting surface. The method and vehicle employs at least four brushes to contact each blade of grass located beneath the brush pattern of the vehicle. The brushes are arranged to contact and push the grass blades back and forth with the brushes arranged at various angles to achieve the back and forth motion to work the top dressing material down between grass blades.

Abstract: Disclosed is a synthetic athletic field grooming apparatus configured to be pulled by a vehicle to maintain the synthetic athletic field. The apparatus comprises a frame having a coupling mechanism for mounting the apparatus to the vehicle. At least one broom channel is coupled to the frame rearward of the coupling mechanism, and forward and aft rows of brushes are attached to the broom channel. The aft row of brushes is spaced apart from and rearward of the forward row of brushes to allow infill of the synthetic athletic field to flick upward from the forward row while containing the infill for re-agitation from the aft row. The coupling mechanism and the frame allow an attached vehicle to control a downward pressure forcing the rows of brushes into contact with the synthetic athletic field with a desired force. Also disclosed is a method of grooming a synthetic athletic field.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally provides systems for adjusting tension and positioning of a harrowing chain. Systems may include a tension adjustment assembly, and the tension adjustment assembly may include a pivot assembly and/or a cylinder hydraulic assembly. Modifications also may be made to the frame of an agricultural implement to address transport issues related to harrowing chains. Further modifications to exterior harrowing chains may be made to reduce the number of small ditches formed in a field due to digging by harrow disks of the chains.

Abstract: A residue clearing apparatus for a shank of an agricultural implement includes a spoked wheel adapted for attachment to the implement such that the spoked wheel rotates about a wheel axis oriented substantially horizontal and perpendicular to an operating travel direction of the implement and forward of the shank. A drive is operative to rotate the spoked wheel. The spoked wheel is oriented such that ends of spokes of the spoked wheel pass above the ground forward of the shank, and such that the ends of the spokes of the spoked wheel pass adjacent to a front face of the shank. The spokes may be resiliently or pivotally mounted to the wheel.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally provides systems for adjusting tension and positioning of a harrowing chain. Systems may include a tension adjustment assembly, and the tension adjustment assembly may include a pivot assembly and/or a cylinder hydraulic assembly. Modifications also may be made to the frame of an agricultural implement to address transport issues related to harrowing chains. Further modifications to exterior harrowing chains may be made to reduce the number of small ditches formed in a field due to digging by harrow disks of the chains.

Abstract: A device (10) for collecting debris from a ground surface (18). A flexible generally planar member (17) has openings (16) therethrough. When the device is laid on and forwardly moved over the ground surface (18) debris on the ground surface passes upwardly through the openings onto collection surfaces (25) of the device. The device has transversely extending barriers (67) positioned whereby, debris passing upwardly through the openings (16) passes upwardly over the barriers (67) and then downwardly to the following collection surface (25). The barriers (67) at least partially obstruct movement of collected debris on the collection surfaces (25) back into the openings (16) under deceleration of the device as it is forwardly moved over the ground surface.

Abstract: A turf treatment trailer attachable to a ride-on lawnmower. The turf treatment trailer comprises a drawbar which is detachably attachable to the ride-on lawnmower, a frame connected to the drawbar, a first ground-bearing trailer wheel rotatably mounted on the frame, a second ground-bearing trailer wheel rotatably mounted on the frame and at least one turf treatment unit detachably attached to the frame. The turf treatment unit is positioned on the frame to trail the first ground-bearing trailer wheel so that in use when the turf treatment trailer is attached to the ride-on lawnmower which is moving forward over the ground, a substantially common area of the turf on the ground is sequentially traversed by the first ground-bearing trailer wheel and treated by the turf treatment unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally provides systems and methods for adjusting tension in a harrowing chain. The system includes a tension adjustment assembly, and the tension adjustment assembly includes a slider assembly. A first end of the slider assembly is coupled to a first end of the harrowing chain, and the slider assembly is configured to slide horizontally. The tension adjustment assembly also includes a compression plate that is configured to apply a compression force to a first spring, which is configured to apply a spring force to the slider assembly. A height adjustment assembly is also coupled to the slider assembly. The height adjustment assembly is configured to vertically adjust the first end of the harrowing chain.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes first and second outer harrows positioned adjacent front and left sides and front and right sides of a frame, respectively, at generally opposite diagonal directions. Third and fourth harrows are similarly positioned adjacent rear and left sides and rear and right sides of the frame, respectively, at generally opposite diagonal directions. The implement may include inner harrows positioned to close gaps left by the outer harrows and positioned at generally opposite diagonal configurations. Each harrow includes a plurality of discs and a chain with a plurality of links. Each outer harrow chain is held in relative tension by a spring interconnecting a respective chain end and the frame. Left and right sides of the frame are foldable upwardly and inwardly for transport and storage.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes first and second outer harrows positioned adjacent front and left sides and front and right sides of a frame, respectively, at generally opposite diagonal directions. Third and fourth harrows are similarly positioned adjacent rear and left sides and rear and right sides of the frame, respectively, at generally opposite diagonal directions. The implement may include inner harrows positioned to close gaps left by the outer harrows and positioned at generally opposite diagonal configurations. Each harrow includes a plurality of discs and a chain with a plurality of links that are rotatable about the longitudinal direction of the chain so as to affect multi-purpose actioning of the soil by being able to level the surface rather than dragging material while also breaking up or uprooting weeds or stubble. Left and right sides of the frame are foldable upwardly and inwardly for transport and storage.

Abstract: A drag mat includes a drag bar attachment, a plurality of connector pins, and a connector rod for securing the drag bar attachment to the mesh of the drag mat. The drag bar attachment eliminates the two-part construction of the prior art and provides reversibility to the drag mat. The plurality of pins and connector rod eliminate the need for a riveted construction and thus simplifies assembly of the drag mat.

Abstract: A modular drag mat system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for dispensing aggregates for lawn improvement. Aggregates are delivered to the site in a primary dispensing vehicle, which is configured to allow a smaller secondary dispensing vehicle to be loaded with the aggregate directly from the primary vehicle. The process includes aerating the soil, distributing a variety of soil amendments evenly over the area to be treated and then dragging a unique drag mat over the area to make a smooth contour and to even the distribution of the aggregate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plough chain strand 50 with horizontal chain links and vertical chain links including normal chain links 30, 40, the chain link legs of which are connected by chain link arcs and engage one another alternately in an intractable manner. In the chain strand 50 in front of and behind the chain connector link 10 is arranged in the same installation position as this at least one special chain link 20, the link legs of which comprise the same outer contour, especially the same width and the same thickness, as the outer legs of the connector link parts of the chain connector link 10. Due to the special chain links 20 preceding and trailing the chain connector link and having the same or a marginally larger contour as this, the wear of the chain connector link 10 of the chain strand 50 according to the invention is reduced or avoided if compared to known plough chains.

Abstract: A turf manicuring apparatus for enabling dragging of a drag tool such as a net behind a tractor operating across a turf. The apparatus comprises (a) a frame including a rod longitudinally centered about an axis, at least one lift member extending transversely from the rod, and a device for suspending a drag tool from the rod; (b) at least one support member connectable to the tractor and extending away from the tractor to form a receptacle adapted to receive the rod and allow rotation of the rod about the axis, with the support member being adapted to support the frame in an elevated position rearward of the tractor so that the rod is disposed transverse to the direction of movement in a plane substantially parallel with the turf beneath the tractor; (c) a device for rotating the frame about the axis, thus raising and lowering the lift member; and (d) an actuator controllably connected to the device for rotating.

Abstract: A vibratory device (10) for dispersing a topdressing and correcting the grain in greens. A deck (30) is supported by a frame (18) with a linkage (36) for raising and lowering the deck (30) with rest to the green. A shaker tray (76) is vibrated within the deck (30) by a vibrator (108) attached to the deck (30). A brush frame (94) is carried within the shaker tray (76) for vibrating against the tips of the grass blades in the green to shake the topdressing into the thatch and to straighten the grass blades. The linkage (36) to raise and lower the deck permits height adjustment of the brush frame (94) with respect to the grass blades so that the brush bristles (106) just tickle the tips minimizing injury to the grass.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removing dew from grassy areas, such as golf courses. One embodiment comprises a plurality of beaded lines comprising lead weights which are disposed within an outer synthetic rope sheath. The ends of the flexible elongated member comprise means for attaching the elongated member to at least one and preferably two separate tractors. Dew is removed by connecting at least one of the aforesaid devices to at least one tractor and dragging the device across the grassy area.

Abstract: The resilient scraping blade attachment is provided that includes an attachment hook-up assembly adapted to be mounted on a vehicle. The attachment hook-up assembly includes an elongated central support member and a vehicle interface component. In addition, the attachment hook-up assembly includes a pair of diagonal supports that link the central support member to the vehicle interface component. A mounting plate is secured at an end of the central support member. A resilient blade assembly is attached to the attachment hook-up assembly by means of a bearing bracket and bearing means. The resilient blade assembly includes an elongated blade mounting channel having a pair of resilient blades mounted thereon. The resilient blade assembly includes extension blades that may be mounted at the ends of the blade mounting channel in order to increase the effective width of the resilient blade assembly. The extension blades may be contoured to approximate different surfaces such as a roadside curb.

Abstract: A device (300) for collecting debris from a surface. The device has a generally planar matting material (15) the undersurface of which is formed with depending bristles (14). The device (300) has an opening (16) therethrough which when the device is moved over a ground surface (18) with the bristles (14) in contact therewith debris on the ground surface (18) pass through the opening (16). The forward and aft edges (361, 362) of the matting (15) are provided with transverse stiffening members (363). A plurality of wheels (365) at least partially support the stiffening members (361, 362).

Abstract: A device for collecting debris from a surface. The device has a generally planar matting material the undersurface of which is formed with depending bristles. The device has an opening therethrough whereby when the device is moved over a ground surface with the bristles in contact therewith, debris on the ground surface is passed through the opening to rest on the matting material.

Abstract: A device for collecting debris from a surface. The device has a generally planar matting material the undersurface of which is formed with depending bristles. The device has an opening therethrough whereby when the device is moved over a ground surface with the bristles in contact therewith, debris on the ground surface is passed through the opening to rest on the matting material.

Abstract: A brush for grooming golf greens and fairways. Three identical brush devices are removably connected together with two of the brush devices located laterally outward of the middle brush device. When not in use and in transport, the three brush units may be aligned in single file for towing along a narrow path. Each brush device includes a plurality of depending brushes removably mounted to a rectangular frame. The brushes are arranged to assure even grass grooming and even brush wear. A winch with cable is mounted to the frame and is operable to raise and lower wheels to support the brush device when not in use.

Abstract: A mobile frame (10) for supporting an elongate flexible structure (11) such as a ground working tool assembly, the mobile frame (10) is foldable between a first position in which the elongate flexible structure (11) is supported in a working condition in relation to the ground, and a second position in which the elongate flexible structure (11) is supported in a stored condition in relation to the ground. The mobile frame comprises a first frame portion (31) supported for movement over the ground and a second frame portion (32) for supporting one end of the elongate flexible structure. The second frame portion is mounted on the first frame portion for folding movement with respect thereto about a pivot axis inclined to the fore-and-aft axis of the mobile frame such that the spacing between the ends of the elongate flexible structure (11) increases as the elongate flexible structure is moved from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A plurality of heavy chains in lateral contact with adjacent chains is secured to a structural member such as an angle which, in turn, is removably secured to the rear of the frame of a lawn mower, behind the grass cutting mechanism, the chains being heavy enough and long enough to drag along a grass lawn, whereby the grass lawn can simultaneously be cut and striped.

Abstract: The invention discloses apparatus for grooming, leveling and conditioning athletic fields comprised of a leveling trowel having beveled ends. Soil is worked using elastomeric flails disposed into contact with the surface by a rigid weight bar pivotally mounted on the upper surface of the independently pivotable flails. The grooming apparatus may be mounted with a two or three-point hitch assembly or towed by a drawbar from any utility tractor or other landscape vehicle.

Abstract: A resilient seed firming attachment for a planting machine designed to effectively place seed at a consistent depth and at consistent spacing. The attachment may be of any geometrical configuration having a length adequate to firm the seed in the opened furrow and is mounted in a position trailing the discharge end of a seed boot. The resilience of the seed firming attachment being of sufficient force to pressure the seed into the soil at the desired planting depth, but flexible enough so as to not disturb the depth obtained by the furrow opening device.

Abstract: An elongate cultivating tool adapted to be supported at each end so as to be able in use to rotate about a longitudinal axis. The cultivating tool comprises an elongate cylindrical support which may be a helical coil spring, a plurality of cultivating elements on a peripheral cylindrical surface of the cylindrical support, each cultivating element linking up with four other like cultivating elements on the peripheral cylindrical surface and one and preferably two tines extending from each cultivating element. There may be two banks of cultivating elements on the tool to give a greater number of tines on the tool. The axle to support the cylindrical support for rotation may be telescopic to provide tension to maintain the position of the cultivating elements. The cultivating elements are formed from metal rod and in one form comprise a U-shaped body with each leg of the U-shaped body including a bend out of the plane of the body with each portion beyond the bend comprising a tine.

Abstract: A brushing apparatus in which the quantity of sand grains to be poured into core holes will not fall short and is evenly swept thereinto for a favorable maintenance of the putting greens in golf courses. The brushing apparatus comprising: a leveling vehicle; a brush frame provided below the leveling vehicle, the brush frame having a brush mounted to an underside thereof; an oscillating frame for dividing the brush into plural bunches of bristles below the brush frame in the direction parallel to the traveling of the leveling vehicle; a driving mechanism for oscillating the oscillating frame in the direction perpendicular to the traveling of the leveling vehicle.

Abstract: A groomer attachment for forklift vehicles includes an elongated rigid member having a top and a bottom. A pair of spaced-apart fork receiving pockets are connected to the rigid member. A flexible blade extends from the bottom of the rigid member. Preferably the rigid member has a front and a rear. The attachment then has a pair of spaced-apart flexible blades extending from the bottom of the rigid member, a first blade being adjacent the front thereof and a second blade being adjacent the rear thereof. The rigid member may be channel-shaped.

Abstract: A built-up roofing structure (10) is provided which is characterized by low dead weight, enhanced fire retardancy, and ease of construction. The structure (10) includes a lowermost deck (12) with integrated, insulative sections (24) applied thereover an adhered in place by a novel fire retardant mastic (27); the sections (24) each include a preformed expanded foam layer (14) covered by a roofing board (16). A modified bitumen membrane (18) is applied over and completes the roofing structure (10). The improved mastic includes asphalt, low volatility mineral spirits and a fire retardant additive such as an intumescent glass, and particularly a borosilicate glass. The mastic is advantageously applied using a spreader apparatus (30) having an elongated, tubular, apertured mastic delivery bar (32, 58) and a spreader means (46, 62) with a plurality of separate, spaced apart, lightweight trailing spreader chains (48).

Abstract: A mastic spreading device (68) is provided for even application of roofing mastic to metal decks or other roofing surfaces. The device (68) includes an elongated, apertured delivery bar (70) equipped with a plurality of laterally spaced apart, nipple-type valve members (88) operatively associated with corresponding delivery bar openings (86). In preferred forms, the bar (70) is equipped with elongated outlets (80) which are received within the confines of respective valve members (88). The valve members (88) are operable to prevent inadvertent flow of mastic from the bar (76).

Abstract: A mat for sweeping a surface is provided with an elongated slot therethrough which extends transverse to the intended direction of movement of the mat over a surface whereby debris on the surface will pass upwardly through the slot for collection on the upper surface of the mat. The slot may be perpendicular or angled relative to the direction of travel and the trailing edge of the slot may be provided with a chamfered surface to assist in guiding debris upwardly onto the upper surface of the mat. The mat may be either a one piece flat flexible mat or may be comprised of a plurality of mat elements each of which has a slot therethrough and which may be connected to other mat elements to make a larger mat.

Abstract: An anti-snag plowing system suitable for clearing mines in the Middle East is disclosed. Advantageously, the plowing system has also been found to be an efficient and effective soil conditioner, making it a useful farming tool as well. The plowing system comprises several digging-knife units, or plows, and a harrow. Both are attached in tandem to a chain matrix, which is pulled with either a helicopter or tractor. The digging-knife units rotate if the digging-knives hit an immovable snag. The harrow is covered with a chain blanket, and may have magnetic or sonic wave mine triggers if the system is used for clearing mines. A symmetrical embodiment is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cart or "caddy" is provided for operation and transport of one or more chain harrows, the cart consisting of a frame running on a pair of road wheels. Different harrow mountings can be mounted on the frame, all of which include a draw bar to which the harrow is attached for operation. All of the mountings enable the draw bar to be lifted from the ground and then the body of the harrow to be engaged by one or more spaced cross bars parallel to the draw bar and over which the harrow is draped to store it and permit it to be transported on the cart out of contact with the ground. Some of the mountings are pivoted to the cart frame about an axis that in the stored position is vertical, so that the mounting and harrow can be turned longitudinally to reduce the effective width and permit the use of harrows that would otherwise be too wide to be moved over public roads.

Abstract: A cultivator for such crops as beets, maize, potatoes, etc., planted in rows. A machine frame can be mounted on the three-point hitch of a tractor. Several chopping tools mounted on it, can be detached from tool holders, and are rotated on vertical shafts. Force from a common drive mechanism is distributed to the shafts through a transmission. Each tool is rotated by one shaft and is mounted on a parallelogram. Each chopping tool (20) has one or more brushes that can be secured to the tool holder (18) and that have bristles of a flexible and resilient material and is shaped like an inverted flower pot. A stop (22) that rests against the ground at a level that can be adjusted in relation to the tool is accommodated in the inside (21) of the tool and can be detached from its center.

Abstract: An improved brush attachment (10) includes a frame (12) comprising a semirigid plate (14) and rigid braces (16-24) so that the relative overall stiffness is adjustable in accordance with the contour of the underlying surface. An arrangement of end-to-end, oppositely angled brushes (46-60) is provided on the bottom of the frame (12).

Abstract: An earth crust breaker drawn by a tool bar on a tractor is provided and consists of an elongated U-shaped frame having an angularly upwardly extending front end attached to the bottom of a vertical member of the tool bar. A post extends vertically from each side of the frame to the free end of a horizontal member of the tool bar. A plurality of specifically placed knife blades extend from the bottom of the frame to penetrate the ground and make slices into the crust thereby chopping it up.

Abstract: An elongated ground working tool (12) adapted to be supported at each end in a frame of a ground working implement for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the tool. The toll includes a multitude of tool elements (21) arranged in a plurality of groups (23) in the longitudinal direction of the tool. Each group (23) of tool elements (21) inter-engage with the next adjacent group of form flexible connections between the groups that will permit tensioning of the tool in the longitudinal direction when supported for rotation. The tool elements (21) are so constructed that when the groups of tool elements are inter-engaged and the tool longitudinally tensioned, each group of tool elements presents a plurality of prongs (27) spaced about and projecting outwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tool. A tool element and a ground working implement are also described and claimed.

Abstract: An agricultural implement having a mobile mounting frame for moving across an area to be treated, and a soil working assembly co-operating with the mounting frame. The soil working assembly includes a flexible chain of interconnected links, the chain being rotatable about its axis and having blades extending from the chain. The blades are adapted to penetrate gravitationally, scoop hollows from, the soil as the implement is advanced rotating the chain over the soil. The implement reduces undesirable consequences of rapid and unimpeded run-off of rain water by upturning the soil in such a manner that run-off is impeded.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a rigid frame having two rectangular openings therein that are covered with sections of expanded metal grating material. The frame has front and rear angled or sloping cutting edges that can cause some of the soil being leveled to be pushed onto the upper side of the grating sections, a tilting of the apparatus increasing the amount. The elevated soil can be sifted downwardly through the grating openings if of small enough size or retained on the sections if oversized. Whatever chunks or clods of soil too large to be sifted can be dumped onto the ground and pulverized by a back and forth movement of the apparatus over the large material with the apparatus appropriately tilted. Rocks and debris can be transported to a disposal location. Replaceable wear strips are employed. However, the edges of the grating sections are welded to the frame at an elevation above the wear strips to reduce the amount of wear on the underside of the sections.

Abstract: An apparatus for leveling and conditioning baseball infields and the like includes a scarifier, pulverizer, drag, and roller, all mounted on a common frame. The frame and at least some of the implements may be adjusted to adjust or disable the scarifier, pulverizer, and drag individually. The apparatus may be pulled by a small garden tractor.

Abstract: The blades of a packer bar assembly for grooming snow are made of flexible material, such as urethane. The blades are removably mounted in channel members and the mounting assembly is arranged to hold the blade in a desired position.

Abstract: A new chain harrow of improved performance with regard to effective harrowing and non-clogging is made up of V-shaped elements (as seen in plan) interlinked with the apex of one connected to the end of a respective arm of a more forward element. The elements are formed of unusually large diameter steel rod (e.g. about 16 mm instead of the prior thickness of about 11 mm) with relatively unusually large loops and with a horizontal apex loop that is an incomplete turn of about 270 degrees so as to provide for a specially effective sweeping and guiding action. Each arm is provided at its end with a respective tooth at the end of a respective vertical loop for interlinking with the horizontal loop of the forward element.

Abstract: A turf conditioning apparatus includes a supporting bar suitably attached to a commercial tractor-mower and a netting suspended from it so as to engage the ground surface immediately after the tractor-mower. A chain or like weighted member is attached to and extends across the width of the netting to insure engagement of the remaining rearward portion of the netting with the ground. Conventional operation of the tractor-mower causes the netting to be dragged across the ground surface and thereby condition same.

Abstract: Aquatic weeds are harvested by dragging a cable through such weeds in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cable while rotating the cable around its longitudinal axis, whereby the weeds are wound around the cable and thus pulled from the bottom of the waterway. The cable passes around a drum on a frame, the frame and cable being rotated together on a platform. The platform is mounted on a land or water based vehicle. The calbe can be winched into the frame between blades which cut the weeds from the cable.

Abstract: A system for gathering solids disposed on the ocean floor by dragging a collecting apparatus along the ocean floor so as to deposit the solids in an extended pile, the collecting apparatus having a relatively large inlet opening and a relatively small exit opening. The solids are brought to the surface by conveying apparatus that draws the solids from the pile and drives them up to the surface, the conveying apparatus being independent of the collecting apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing dew from various surfaces, such as golf greens, is disclosed. The apparatus includes a flexible elongated body, and means for maintaining a first end of the flexible body at a substantially fixed location on the surface as a second end of the flexible body is rotated about the first end. The method disclosed includes moving such a flexible elongated body across such surfaces in a direction transverse to the flexible body, while maintaining the body substantially in contact with the surface to be swept.