Abstract: The specification discloses a soil plugging and ejecting apparatus for being inserted into soil to form and remove a soil plug and for ejecting the plug. The apparatus includes an elongate tubular body having a cutting edge on its lower end for piercing the soil to form a plug. A step attached to the body receives downward pressure to force the apparatus into the soil and a grip attached to the upper end of the body provides a means for holding and guiding the apparatus, and for pulling it out of the soil after the plug is formed. A valve mounted on the apparatus is in fluid-flow communication with a source of pressurized fluid and the body, and is operable to selectively admit pressurized fluid into the body to eject a plug from the lower end of the body. The valve can be actuated by a handle or a button.

Abstract: The specification discloses a swab holding tool (10) in which a handle (12) includes a passageway (14) with a tube (16) mounted in the passageway (14). The end of the tube (16) away from the handle (12) includes a flaired portion (20) for receiving and holding a swab (22). Indents (18) are formed in the tube (16) for engaging and holding an elongate rod (24) of the swab (22). The swab (22) may be moved in a telescoping action within the tube (16) to a desired fixed position. The handle (12) includes a female recess (15) in the rearward end for inserting of a ramrod into the passageway (14) to eject a broken rod or contaminated swab. Bends (32 and 36) are formed in the tube (16) to provide different angles of attack for cleaning operations.