Abstract: The leveling device includes a panel of expanded metal that is maintained in a planar or flat condition by means of a plurality of laterally spaced fins, the expanded metal being welded to the lower edges of the fins. Welded to the upper edges of the fins and extending transversely thereacross are two rods to which is centrally secured an angle member or bracket. One flange portion of the angle member has welded thereto the lower end of a tubular handle. A combined spreading and sifting action is derived by moving the device back and forth across the soil to be leveled, some of the material being scooped onto the upper side of the panel between the various fins where it remains if too large to be sifted downwardly through the diamond-shaped openings in the panel of expanded metal.

Abstract: Various sheet-like materials require fastening to the ground. Included in such materials is a blanket comprised of netting and excelsior. A device for driving U-shaped anchors downwardly so as to secure the blanket to the ground at selected locations comprises a shoe having a sole plate that is adapted to engage the netting or other upper surface of whatever sheet-like material is to be anchored. The sole plate has a transverse slot through which a plunger is moved downwardly when a U-shaped anchor has been advanced into alignment beneath the plunger. The plunger is carried at the lower end of a reciprocable piston rod which has a piston at its upper end. By means of a foot-operable valve, compressed air is introduced into the upper end of the cylinder, thereby forcing the piston, the piston rod and the plunger downwardly so as to force an anchor into the ground. The downward movement of the plunger is limited by means of a stop that is struck by a collar attached to the lower end of the piston rod.