Abstract: A modular landscape timber system used generally to construct retaining walls and boxed gardens having a plurality of vertically aligned layers of modular first members having ends with ball and socket joint portions that interfit with one another, a plurality of braces, and a plurality of spikes that are driven through the braces on an incline to fasten the ends of the timber members together with a resulting joint that resists rotational movement. The system further includes a deadman joint that serves to maintain the vertical alignment of the layers of first members.

Abstract: A staple removing device including a pair of hinged, opposing jaws. Each jaw includes an anvil member that is movable into and out of contact engagement with the other anvil member upon relative movement of the jaws. In one embodiment, the anvil members are used to release a staple that has been partially removed by the jaws. In another embodiment, the anvil members engage the staple simultaneously with use of the jaws to open the staple so as to facilitate complete release of the staple.

Abstract: A hitch lock for disabling hitching couplers of trailer vehicles. A reversible keeper member includes a base portion and an extended portion projected forwardly from the base portion at an obtuse angle. The base portion includes an aperture through which is inserted an ear that is mounted on a tongue of the trailer vehicle near the hitching apparatus. A substantially U-shaped lock guard, including an ear-receiving aperture in the web portion thereof, is inserted over the ear adjacent the base portion. A shackle of a padlock is inserted into a throughbore aperture of the ear between the leg portions of the lock guard. The extended portion of the keeper member obstructs the hitching coupler such that a trailer vehicle attached to a tractor vehicle cannot be disattached and, when reversed, an unattached trailer vehicle cannot be attached to a trailer vehicle. The hitch lock works effectively with both ball and socket couplers and with pintle ring couplers.

Abstract: A scheduled fluid control valve which performs a pre-established sequence of flow rates and timing schedules in response to pressure pulses in the controlled fluid. The valve consists of a generally cylindrical housing connected to a source of pressurized fluid and containing circular plates or cylindrical control surfaces coupled to actuating means responsive to the presence of pressurized fluid. The actuating means includes an actuator plate or cylinder, a biasing spring, and a longitudinal shaft or cylinder upon which is incised at least one generally helical groove within which track one or more follower pins. Pressurized fluid causes the actuator plate or cylinder to rotate, following the path defined by the helical groove, resulting in relative movement of the control surfaces whereby the schedule embodied in the relative size and placement of fluid ports through the control surfaces is performed.

Abstract: A scheduled fluid control valve which performs a pre-established sequence of flow rates and timing schedules in response to pressure pulses in the controlled fluid. The valve consists of a generally cylindrical housing connected to a source of pressurized fluid and containing circular plates of cylindrical control surfaces coupled to actuating means responsive to the presence of pressurized fluid. The actuating means includes an actuator plate or cylinder, a biasing spring, and a longitudinal shaft or cylinder upon which is incised at least one generally helical groove within which track one or more follower pins. Pressurized fluid causes the actuator plate or cylinder to rotate, following the path defined by the helical groove, resulting in relative movement of the control surfaces whereby the schedule embodied in the relative size and placement of fluid ports through the control surfaces is performed.