Abstract: A unique aerator wheel assembly has a hub and four equally spaced, outwardly projecting, curved tines. The tines are uniquely shaped and configured so that as one tine begins to pierce the ground, the previous tine, which is fully submerged in the ground, is lifted vertically up and out of the ground through the action of the entering tine. This unique configuration provides an aerator wheel assembly that is small and lightweight enough to be pulled behind a common lawn mower.

Abstract: A compact lawn aerator comprises a rigid frame having a hitch for releasably fastening tire 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 multiple tandem castering aerator assembly is provided for mounting to the rear portion of a commercial lawnmower deck. The assembly comprises a set of tandem castering aerator wheel assemblies having a pair of vertically moveable pivot plates that bear a weighted wheel and a spiked aerator wheel assembly. The aerator wheel assembly has four curved tines and is rotatably mounted between the pivot point of the pivot plate and the weighted wheel. The assemblies caster behind and follow a moving lawnmower and the weighted wheel provides sufficient force for driving the aerator wheel tines into the ground for aeration of the soil.

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: An apparatus for fabricating arched wooden structures such as headers for window and door jambs, said apparatus comprising a mandrel table having a planar bed from which a plurality of rigid arms upwardly extend. Each of the arms is movable on the bed so that the arms can be positioned to define and form in conjunction with each other an arcuate shaped mandrel about which wooden planks are to be bent into arched structures. A clamp secures a long work piece at its center to the mandrel intermediate the ends of the mandrel and a flexible steel band is wrapped tightly and progressively about the mandrel on either side of the clamp to bend each end section of the work piece about and conform it to the shape of the mandrel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fabricating arcuate structural members is disclosed, the apparatus including a frame structure (12) having a mandrel (26) mounted thereto, the mandrel having a variable radius. A resilient band (80) is provided for compressing the arcuate member against the mandrel. The method involves the steps of placing adhesive between individual lamina 91 and then progressively applying pressure against the laminae while they are in place adjacent the mandrel progressively from one end of the assembled laminae to the opposite end, utilizing the resilient band.

Abstract: A water slide includes a trough or tube having an entry end elevated with respect to a recovery end for conveying water and individuals from the entry end to the recovery end. A loading platform extends into a starting pool and is designed to allow easy and safe access from the rear and both sides to provide entry to the trough. The flow of water into the starting pool or reservoir cascades over and onto the loading platform and then into the trough in a steady manner. Steps are provided into this pool to allow access to the loading platform. At the recovery end of the trough, an elongated recovery ramp is provided to allow exit off the water slide at a variety of positions.

Abstract: A tool and method for trueing damaged or bent areas of circular and other curvilinear rims such as wheel rims for bicycles, motorcycles, and the like either with or without tires on the rims. The tool includes a rim engaging flange for engaging an inside circumferential surface of the damaged, bent rim area. Lateral arms are provided for supporting a portion of the outer circumferential rim area adjacent the damaged, bent areas, and a wing nut for moving the rim engaging flange relative to the supporting lateral arms to true the bent area with respect to the supported area.