Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating articles such as batteries in a manner permitting safe disposal thereof, each of the articles comprising a casing having reactive material therein, wherein the article casing is opened to allow access to the interior thereof, fluid is introduced to the interior of the opened casing, and any evolved gas is removed. The steps of opening the casing, introducing fluid and removing gas are performed simultaneously in a reaction vessel which is supplied with the fluid and which is in communication with gas collecting and scrubbing means. The reaction vessel preferably comprises a deluged hammermill and a tank. The hammermill is supplied with articles by a remotely fed conveyor and which discharges into a tank, fluid is supplied to the hammermill and to the tank, and the gas collecting and scrubbing means is in communication with both the hammermill and tank. The fluid preferably is water or an alkaline neutralizing solution.

Abstract: An earthworking implement comprising a frame on which are supported front wheels, rear wheels and a rearmost dolly wheel. An aerator member with blades is rotatably secured to the frame between the front and rear wheels. The dolly wheel is mounted on the frame for rotation about a vertical axis at a location rearwards of the rear wheels. The front wheels and the dolly wheel represent endmost wheels on the frame. One of the endmost wheels is vertically movable with respect to the frame between raised and lowered positions, such that in the raised position the front wheels and dolly wheel define a common tangential plane which is at a level above the blades of the aerator member and below the rear wheels thereby establishing an operative aerating position whereas in the lowered position the front wheels and dolly wheel define a common tangential plane which is at a level below the aerator member and the rear wheels thereby establishing a transport position.