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: A pulsed injection system for injecting a stream of high pressure liquid into the ground is used for distributing liquid in a turf root zone. Each nozzle of the apparatus includes one or more nozzle openings which are arranged at an angle to the vertical so that the stream generated is not vertical but instead projects outwardly from the nozzle with a partly horizontal component of direction. This direction maximizes the distance traveled through the root zone of the turf to kill maximum numbers of parasites and also, particularly when the number of openings per nozzle is increased to four provides a maximum blanket of the injected liquid in an expansion zone of each jet with minimum spaces between the expansion zone and maximum coverage. This blanket is used particularly with herbicide injection to prevent weeds growing through the herbicide into the turf.

Abstract: A maintenance vehicle with a suction roller constructed as a water-removing device is used for preparing, for the purpose of achieving an optimum condition, a natural grass playing field for soccer games or the like. This suction roller is essentially a perforated drum-shaped roller with a foam-rubber coating surrounding it. A weight roller lies approximately on top on the suction roller and is rotatably supported axially parallel to same, and a catching trough is positioned in the suction roller with a pipeline leading into a water tank for the purpose of emptying the trough. This maintenance vehicle also has a lawn verticulator, a surface roller, and a warm-air blower for drying or aerating the playing field. Thus, it is possible to remove accumulating rain water on a playing field within the shortest possible time, so that soccer games can take place independently of the respective weather conditions and the terrain can be maintained in an optimum condition.

Abstract: A coring apparatus for forming a plurality of vertical cores or bores in the ground surface which includes a mobile wheeled frame supporting a plurality of rotatably driven, vertically moveable drilling members which are moved between a lowered operative position and an elevated inoperative position in which the drilling members are oriented above the ground surface. The drilling members are mounted on a movable frame component that is pivotally supported from the wheel frame at one end thereof with the opposite end of the moveable frame component supporting the drilling members and connected with crank members powered from a drive motor to raise and lower the moveable frame component and the drilling members.

Abstract: A lawn seeding machine is provided, which consists of a trough for holding grass seeds therein. An inverted U-shaped handle extends upwardly form the trough. A plurality of L-shaped tubular ducts extend in spaced intervals downwardly from the trough. A plurality of spiked seeding wheels are also provided, with each pivotally mounted onto an end of one L-shaped tubular duct. When the spiked seeding wheels are manually pushed along the ground, they will rotate to make holes in the ground and at the same time drop grass seeds directly into the holes received from the trough and one L-shaped tubular duct in a single pass operation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for pulling plant stalks from the ground without severing the stalk at the point of engagement. The pulling action is accomplished with pairs of disks configured to engage the other near each's circumference. An upward pulling action is created by the disks because the disks initially come together, pinching the stalks therebetween, at a lower most position. As the disks roll in response to their traversing movement across the ground and the cleat's engagement with the ground, the pinch point between the disks and the stalk revolves upward producing a pulling action upon the stalk. The advantageous pulling action of the invention is accomplished in part by the novel orientation of the disks, one to the other, and the angles of engagement between the disks, the stalks and the ground during operation.

Abstract: A sub-soil injection device injects a soil additive, such as a pesticide, as included in a foam below the surface of soil. It concurrently distributes the foam into soil as the foam is injected resulting in an improved uniformity of distribution of soil additive in soil. The device comprises a tubular structure which mounts into the soil from a vehicle. It has first and second portions, leading and trailing portions, a lumen along its length, lateral portions and a plurality of spaced apart ports. Each port communicates the lumen with the trailing portion. Foam flowing out the ports moves backwardly. A shank structure precedes and shields the leading portion of the member. The shank structure has a forward-facing portion adapted to cut through soil. The shank structure and member are motivated by the vehicle in a forward direction through the soil. An apparatus utilizing the shank structure, the vehicle and a foam generator and a method of depositing a soil additive plowing in of foam are also set forth.

Abstract: Apparatus useful for aerating soil, especially grass or hay ground. The apparatus is intended to be towed by a farm tractor, and the apparatus includes elongated spikes on a cylindrical drum. As the apparatus is towed across a field, the spikes penetrate the soil and loosen it as well as providing openings in the soil to improve absorption of water. This reduces water run-off. The spikes are secured to bands encircling the drum, and the spacing between bands is adjustable so that the spacing between spikes can be adjusted.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for a snow thrower which has a motor, a wheeled support for the motor, an auger, and a support for the auger. The apparatus converts the snow thrower to a lawn care apparatus. The apparatus includes a pair of lock assemblies connected to the auger support on opposite sides of the auger, support, a rollable lawn care assembly, and a pair of strut members connected at opposite ends of the rollable lawn care assembly. The strut members are adapted to connect with the lock assemblies on the auger support. Each of the lock assemblies includes a base plate attached to the auger support. A first bracket member is attached to the base plate and receives a portion of one of the strut members.

Abstract: An improved ground-driven dethatching apparatus having at least two sets of independently rotating sets of dethatching tines. Each tine set is positioned along an independently rotating tine shaft which is rotated by a separate drive linkage and ground-engaging wheel. This arrangement ensures adequate torque to rotate the shafts and uniform dethatching when changing directions. The dethatcher automatically adjusts tine height, for example, in response to obstructions or variations in ground conditions.

Abstract: An aerator includes a frame supported on a pair of forward wheels and a pair of rearward wheels. An aerator head is mounted on a pivot frame on the forward end of the aerator frame, the pivot frame mounted to move the aerator head from a disengaged position above the ground, downwardly to an engaged position wherein tines on the aerator head work the soil. The pivot frame includes a forwardly projecting arm upon which the aerator head is mounted, and a rearwardly projecting arm upon which the forward wheels of the frame are mounted, such that movement of the pivot frame will engage either the forward wheels of the frame or the aerator head. An hydraulic cylinder is mounted between the frame and the pivot frame to selectively move the pivot frame to engage the aerator head or the forward wheels with the ground.

Abstract: A lawn treatment apparatus includes an open-bottomed support body having three treatment implements in the form of spiking devices or brushing/sweeping devices adapted to move through the open bottom. The support body carries a driving mechanism to drive the treatment implements with a combination of vertical and horizontal oscillations. A biasing mechanism is provided normally to hold the implement in a vertical attitude or substantially so when stationary.

Abstract: An aerator includes a frame supported on a pair of forward drive wheels and a pair of rearward caster wheels. An aerator head is mounted on a pivot frame on the forward end of the aerator frame, pivotable to move the aerator head from a disengaged position above the ground, downwardly to an engaged position wherein tines on the aerator head work the soil. The pivot frame includes a forwardly projecting arm upon which the aerator head is mounted, and a rearwardly projecting arm upon which the forward wheels of the frame are mounted, such that movement of the pivot frame will engage either the forward wheels of the frame or the aerator head with the ground. The aerator head is mounted forwardly of the forward end of the frame such that the tines on the aerator head form the forward most part of the aerator.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for introducing a particulate matter along with a driving liquid, such as water, into a ground surface. The apparatus is also highly effective for perforating and thereby aerating the ground surface. The particulate matter may preferably adopt the form of a powder like substance often referred to as "polymer" and which is injected into the ground for purposes of acting as a plant food or a plant additive in various agricultural operations. The apparatus utilizes an injector device for mixing the polymer or other particulate matter with the driving liquid, such as water, at a point in close proximity to the ground surface so that there is no pre-mixing of the particulate matter and the driving liquid. The driving liquid is pumped to the injector at a high pressure and introduced into a high pressure chamber of the injector. The liquid is then forced through a very small diameter nipple opening leading to a low-pressure chamber.

Abstract: An attachment for a roto-tiller adapted to aerate and fertilize ground in preparation for seeding and planting which comprises a pair of rotatable cylinders adapted to replace the conventional tiller tines and to attach to the rotatable shaft driven by the roto-tiller unit; a plurality of spaced aerating spike members distributed uniformly around each of the cylinders; a plurality of ports or openings in each of the cylinders, the openings likewise being uniformly distributed about the external periphery of the cylinders; spring-loaded dispenser plugs positioned in the openings to be activated by each contact with the ground as the unit moves and the cylinders rotate; and dispensing valves located within the ports of the cylinders to dispense liquid fertilizer from inside the cylinders.

Abstract: A planting tool having a handle, a bracket connected to one end of the handle, and a conical portion connected to the bracket remote from the handle. The bracket is open in the manner of a stirrup for accommodating a foot of a person using the tool. The conical portion has a tapered portion that faces away from the bracket.

Abstract: An apparatus for aerating turf including a mounting frame (11) for mounting the apparatus to the hydraulic lift system (12) of a utility tractor. A trailer support frame (13) is pivotably mounted to the mounting frame (11) so as to enable the trailer support frame (13) to tilt toward and away from engagement with the turf. A plurality of rotary hoes (39) are supported within the trailer support frame (13) along a drive shaft (41). Each rotary hoe (39) has a double row tapered roller bearing assembly (53) mounted on the drive shaft (41) at an angle tilted from the longitudinal axis (70) of the drive shaft, causing the rotary hoe to wobble from side-to-side (B, B') in response to the rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: An aerator which includes a ground-mobile support and an aerating mechanism pivotally mounted thereon. A rocker arm is mounted on the mechanism for inducing walking action to the tines, and a spring is imposed on the rocker arm for centering or neutralizing the arm when the tines are out of the ground.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating turf to reduce the general soil density in which turfgrasses grow and thus promote turf growth and turf drainage which includes injecting through the turf into the soil a pattern of jets of generally incompressible liquid at a jet pressure and jet spacing to provide a lateral dispersion of the liquid within the soil such that the liquid dispersion from adjacent jets coact with one another to lift and fracture the soil. A plurality of small diameter nozzles are mounted on a movable frame generally transverse to the direction of travel of the frame. A pressurized fluid source is mounted on the frame and connected through a control device to the nozzles. The control device control the flow of liquid from the pressure source to the nozzles to produce periodic, relatively small cross-sectional, slugs, or jets, of liquid from the nozzles through the turf into the soil.

Abstract: A garden tool having an elongate shaft with a handle on one end of the shaft and the opposite end of the shaft having a plurality of circumferentially spaced generally axially extending cultivating and weeding prongs, and the shaft and handle permitting a gardener to use the tool in a generally upright position for soil loosening, cultivating and weeding by rotary and rocking maneuvers of the handle and agitating the prongs, and for optionally spearing trash or aerating sod.

Abstract: A weed extraction device for digging, cutting, twisting and pulling out weeds. The weed extraction device includes a rod member from which a handle is formed by bending the rod member. The handle is useful in pushing the device into the ground and to twist the device to twist out the weeds and by which the user can pull the weed from the ground without bending over. The rod member also includes a foot step which is formed by bending the rod member and is useful in pushing the device into ground to the depth of the tap root. Attached permanently to the rod member is the root trap which is a half-cone or hemiconically shaped cutting, coring and compacting portion of the device. The root trap is useful to dig into the ground, cut a cone shaped plug, compact the tap root and branch roots and twist out the weed including the tap root which prevents the root from ever growing again.

Abstract: With a view to accelerating growth of lawn in the fairway of golf course, or other lawn-covered ground, there is provided a lawn cutting apparatus which forms incised grooves of a predetermined depth in the lawn-covered grown surface by rotating of the cutting blade. Using this cutting blade, contact-resistance between the cutting blade and the inner faces of the incised grooves can be made as low as possible at the time of forming the incised grooves, and the incised part of the lawn covered ground can be finished with good outer appearance.

Abstract: A turf spiking tool attachment 10 retrofits turf aerating machines 20 having reciprocating pistons 20 with the turf spiking tool attachments 10 mounted on the free ends of the pistons 20 for motor driven punching and aerification of turf. A flat base plate or punch plate 11 is secured to the free end of a piston. A plurality of spiking tines 13 project from the base plate 11. A stripper plate 12 is formed with a plurality of openings 18 in alignment with the projecting tines 13 of the base plate. The stripper plate 12 is mounted adjacent to the base plate 11 for sliding motion relative to the base plate. Guide elements 15,16 maintain the stripper plate and base plate substantially in parallel alignment. The stripper plate 12 bears against the turf. A stripper spring 17 pushes the stripper plate against the turf, holds the turf in place during retraction of the tines 13, and returns the stripper plate 12 to a starting position.

Abstract: A grass dethatching apparatus which includes a frame adapted for mounting the apparatus on a prime mover vehicle. The frame supports a drum housing which defines a thatch discharge opening in the upper forward side thereof. The drum housing carries a pivotably mounted, vertically adjustable roller on the forward side thereof, and a stationary supporting roller on the rear side thereof. A roller actuation system is used to adjust the position of the vertically adjustable roller. A rotary drum subassembly is mounted in the drum housing for rotation about a horizontal axis, and includes axially and circumferentially spaced blades mounted on spacer sleeves. The sleeves are mounted on an elongated shaft. A thatch-catching bag is detachably mounted on the drum housing at a location for catching thatch discharged through the thatch discharge opening in the housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating turf to reduce the general soil density in which turfgrasses grow and thus promote turf growth and turf drainage which includes injecting through the turf into the soil a pattern of jets of generally incompressible liquid at a jet pressure and jet spacing to provide a lateral dispersion of the liquid within the soil such that the liquid dispersion from adjacent jets coact with one another to lift and fracture the soil. A plurality of small diameter nozzles are mounted on a movable frame generally transverse to the direction of travel of the frame. A pressurized fluid source is mounted on the frame and connected through a control device to the nozzles. The control device control the flow of liquid from the pressure source to the nozzles to produce periodic, relatively small cross-sectional, slugs, or jets, of liquid from the nozzles through the turf into the soil.

Abstract: Subsoil treatment apparatus (1) comprises an impact striking head (2) associated with one end (3) of an impact transmission block (4) which has an internal chamber (5) connectable to a source of compressed air, and a hollow, tubular, ground-piercing spike (6) projecting from an opposite end (7) of the block (4) and to which impacts are transmitted from the block (4), the end (8) of the spike (6) associated with the block (4) being in air flow communication with the chamber (5), and the opposite end (9) of the spike (6) being provided with at least one air discharge aperture (10). The invention also includes a truck (28) carrying multiple apparatus (1).

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclcosed for cultivating soil and turf by utilization of pressurized liquid injected into the soil and turf. A roller assembly (33) is provided for applying mechanical pressure to the turf after cultivation. Further, a means for setting a first speed in a transport mode and a second speed in a cultivating mode is provided. The apparatus is designed to be bidirectional to allow the apparatus to be used in both a forward and reverse direction. The flow of the pressurized liquid is controlled to be at intervals of from about 0.010 to 0.065 seconds and at pressures from about 2,300 psi to about 5,500 psi through nozzles having diameters of from about 0.033 to about 0.090 inches. The apparatus (10) utilizes a water hammer effect to effect the flow of pressurized liquid out of the nozzles 55 and has found a relationship in the pressure and pounds per square inch of the cross-sectional area of the bore of the manifold to the accumulated area of the output ports of the nozzles.

Abstract: An aerator device for attachment to the front end of a power riding lawn mower has two features which enable a spiked roller assembly to guide itself smoothly through a desired path and to make turns without excessive digging in of the spikes. The roller assembly includes a plurality, and preferably three, of rollers disposed coaxially on a shaft with each roller being rotatable independently of the others, facilitating turning. Self-tracking of the rollers on a desired path is provided by vertical mounting of a pivot pin connected to the roller assembly in a journal supported by a frame forward of the roller axis. The roller assembly pivots to follow the frame journal without operator intervention when propelled forward.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for mowing grass and similar vegetation. The apparatus has a frame (1), in which a horizontal shaft (2) is rotatably mounted, the shaft (2) extending horizontally in the position of use. Swingles (19) are provided along and around the shaft (2), these swingles (19) being pivotably connected with the shaft for rotation about axes extending substantially parallel to the shaft. The swingles are terminated at their outer ends by edges (20), extending substantially parallel to the shaft (2). In order to make the apparatus operative for airing the grass field or lawn in addition to the mowing of grass, at least some of the swingles (19) carry tilling elements (26) for producing airing openings or grooves in the soil.

Abstract: A lawn or turf aerating, dethatching, and grooming apparatus which derives the power needed to perform these functions from a movement of the apparatus against the lawn or turf surface that is desired to be affected by the apparatus. The apparatus is adaptable to a wide variety of lawn maintenance devices and particularly as a replacement front roller for a reel-type lawn mower.

Abstract: A grass dethatching apparatus which includes a frame adapted for mounting the apparatus on a prime mover vehicle. The frame supports a drum housing which defines a thatch discharge opening in the upper forward side thereof. The drum housing carries a pivotably mounted, vertically adjustable roller on the forward side thereof, and a stationary supporting roller on the rear side thereof. A roller actuation system is used to adjust the position of the vertically adjustable roller. A rotary drum subassembly is mounted in the drum housing for rotation about a horizontal axis, and includes axially and circumferentially spaced blades mounted on spacer sleeves. The sleeves are mounted on an elongated shaft. A thatch-catching bag is detachably mounted on the drum housing at a location for catching thatch discharged through the thatch discharge opening in the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for aerating turf including a mounting frame (11) for mounting the apparatus to the hydraulic lift system (12) of a utility tractor. A trailer support frame (13) is pivotably mounted to the mounting frame (11) so as to enable the trailer support frame (13) to tilt toward and away from engagement with the turf. A plurality of rotary hoes (39) are supported within the trailer support frame (13) along a drive shaft (41). The drive shaft (41) is rotated by the power take-off (44) of the tractor, and causes the rotary hoes (39) to vibrate as the tines (58) of the rotary hoes (39) penetrate the soil so as to aerate the turf without causing compaction of the soil.

Abstract: An aerator for lawns and the like has spiders formed of four identically formed members. Each member has a tine on each end, so four members provide eight tines for the spider. The members are relatively narrow, and filler members at each side of the tine members provide stability to the spider. The spiders are carried by a frame, and the frame carries a weight-receiving tray for carrying weight to assure penetration of the tines. Springs carry the tray on the frame so the springs will absorb the energy if the tines engage an impenetrable object.

Abstract: There is disclosed a manually powered aeration device having a frame and a removable weight tank which is positioned such that the center of gravity of the weight tank and the aerator cylidner are in substantially vertical alignment.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism (20) for a ground-engaging tool is arranged as a swinging parallelogram such that the tool has varying components of velocity in the horizontal and vertical directions. The mechanism is synchronized such that the tool has a rearwardly-directed velocity component substantially equal to the forward ground speed of the frame, when the tool is in the vicinity of its bottom dead center position. Hence, the tool has a substantially-zero net horizontal velocity as it engages the ground. The tool may include a burner head (25) and/or an injector mechanism (26) for planting a pneumatically-delivered seed-vermiculite mixture through a sheet of imperforate plastic mulch.

Abstract: A power operated hand guided device is designed to scarify, edge, and aerate lawns and grass. It comprises tools in the form of blades (26) which rotate in a vertical plane about the common axis of a pair of tool-holder shafts. Each tool holder shaft (21) is rotatably connected to a bearing (12) supported on a vertically adjustable beam (23) having wheels (24 and 25) or rollers at each end. A brake (37) which retards the forward movement by friction with the ground is connected to the motor assembly by a rod (38).

Abstract: A soil tiller or cultivator adapted to till the surface soil covered with a lawn by plural cutters to cure the compaction of the soil below the lawn surface. The till is provided with a motion transmission unit for transmitting the motive power of a driving prime mover to the cutters in the form of at least two vibrations dephased with respect to one another.

Abstract: There is disclosed a ground aeration device which forces aeration spikes into the soil without requiring ballast weight. The aeration device is comprised of a cylindrical roller having a plurality of spikes projecting therefrom, the spikes being aligned in a helical row which extends once around the circumference of the roller; support arms having the roller rotatably secured to one end; and mounting brackets which are adapted to mount the opposed ends of the support arms to the front of a lawn mower, the support arms being oriented toward the ground at an angle of between 30 and 60 degrees in relation to the horizon such that the spikes of the roller penetrate the underlying groundsurface.

Abstract: An attachment for a lawn roller which includes an elongated sheet of flexible material for covering the outer cylindrical surface of the lawn roller that the ends of the sheet abut. The ends of the sheet are provided with complementary connectors to enable the sheet to be removably attached to the roller. The sheet is provided with a plurality of rigid pins which project from the outer face of the sheet when it is applied to the roller or penetrating the top soil of a lawn or garden as the roller is rolled along the surface of the soil.

Abstract: Soil aerating equipment has a frame moveable in an intended direction of travel, and at least a pair of shafts freely rotatably mounted on the frame for rotation about the shaft longitudinal axes. The shafts extending in rearwardly inclined opposite directions on opposite sides of a centre line of the frame extending in the direction of travel. The rearward inclination of the shafts is adjustable to desired angles in the range of from about 90.degree. to about 120.degree. to the direction of travel. Each shaft carries a series of soil-engaging substantially planar tines extending therefrom in vertical planes and positioned to sequentially engage and penetrate the soil with consequent rotation of the shafts when the frame is moved in the direction of travel. Each tine has a central longitudinal axis which extends behind the shaft rotational axis at a distance therefrom in the range from about 0.25 to about 1.

Abstract: A slide assembly for use in supporting and guiding a reciprocating push rod or the like so as to enable reciprocating movement of the push rod while undergoing translation transverse to its longitudinal direction. The slide assembly includes a tubular slide guide which receives a slide tube therethrough having a slide housing supported transversely on an end of the slide tube externally of the slide guide, the slide housing having an axial passage to receive the reciprocating rod. TEFLON bearings are interposed between the slide housing and the reciprocating rod and between the slide guide and the slide tube, and lubricating fluid felts are supported within the slide housing so as to maintain a lubricating film on the reciprocating rod. The slide assembly finds particular application in a turf aerator of the vertical reciprocating tine type wherein the tines are caused to move transverse to their longitudinal axes during reciprocation.

Abstract: Interchangeable lawn dethatcher means for a rotary cultivator with removably affixed cultivating tines. The lawn dethatcher means includes a first rigid member and second rigid member each removably affixed to the rotary cultivator in place of the cultivating tines, and a plurality of rigid dethatchment tines removeably affixed in helical array to the first and second rigid members in mirror image relationship, respectively, each dethatchment tine being received through the rigid members and arrestingly clamped at the midpoint of the tine and each tine having a bent portion at each of its ends disposed in the direction opposite the intended direction of tine rotation. The lawn dethatcher means are supported at their outermost points from the rotary cultivator by independently rotatable utility wheels sized to permit the ends of the dethatchment tines to extent below the point of contact of the wheels with the lawn and thereby into contact with lawn thatch.

Abstract: A manual tiller, mulcher and weeder tool has an elongated upright handle having its lower end connected to a horizontal top plate which has a series of diamond-headed tines extended downwardly in parallel spaced apart relation from the underside of the top plate. A cleaning plate has a series of holes aligned with the tines for vertical sliding movement of the cleaning plate on the tines. Compression springs mounted on selected tines urge the cleaning plate to a lowered position adjacent the tine heads.

Abstract: An implement for aerating and dethatching golf courses, athletic fields and other sodded fields has multiple aerator units each including a plurality of earth piercing aerator elements mounted on a shaft. Arms of each aerator unit supporting the shafts are independently swingable to move the shafts between horizontal positions and positions inclined from horizontal in accordance with the contour of the ground or encountered soil conditions as the aerator is advanced across the earth. A spring assembly urging each aerator unit toward the ground has structure for causing any upward swinging movement of the arms of each unit to be resisted by the weight of the frame whenever such arms are pivoted upwardly past a predetermined elevation, in order to provide additional force where highly compacted soil conditions are found.

Abstract: A mobile machine for making holes in putting greens including a frame connected to a vehicle such as a mower, a cutter assembly mounted on a carriage slidably mounted on the frame for moving the cutter assembly in a vertical plane relative to the ground. The cutter assembly is freely pivoted to the carriage about orthogonal axes and a releasable lock mechanism is provided to hold the cutter assembly in a vertical orientation. A motor is mounted on the carriage for rotating the cutter, and the cutter assembly is detachably connected to the motor drive shaft so that the plug cut from the hole can be manually ejected into a previously formed hole where the cup has been removed. A depth gauge is provided between the frame and carriage indicating the depth of the cutter in the ground, and the carriage, lock mechanism and motor are hydraulically driven through a hydraulic circuit connected to the mower.

Abstract: A lawn thatcher assembly including a shaft and a plurality of blades and spacers extending therealong. The shaft has a helical surface thereon, and the blades have a matching helical opening, all of which permits the blades to be slid onto the shaft and present a final helical pattern of blade tips along the length of the shaft. The method of making the assembly is also achieved in this invention.

Abstract: A sod cutting apparatus which includes a generally flat slide member having an upturned frontal portion and multiple slots extending in parallel, spaced relationship from front to rear, hinge arms pivoted to upward standing fulcrums secured to the slide member, the hinge arms and fulcrums provided in alignment with the slots, respectively, and round blades rotatably secured to the free ends of the hinge arms and projecting through the slots, respectively, with an adjusting mechanism secured to each hinge arm and provided with a core spring for adjusting downwardly-applied tension on the blades. In a preferred embodiment, a spring-biased plow attachment is mounted to the slide member rearwardly of the blades to aid in cutting and breaking up of the sod.

Abstract: A soil aerator is shown which includes a frame and a rotatable drum mounted on the frame. The drum has an outer cylindrical surface. The opposing ends of the drum are enclosed and carry axles which are mounted within the frame whereby the drum is rotatable with respect to the frame about the longitudinal axis of the drum. A plurality of triangular-shaped teeth are arranged in rows on the outer cylindrical surface of the drum. Each of the rows of teeth forms a chevron-shaped pattern with respect to the next succeeding row of teeth.

Abstract: A soil perforator comprises a lightweight spiked rotor carried in a wheeled rectangular box-like frame with a handle secured to the rotor for manually pushing the assembled frame and rotor along the ground to provide soil aeration by perforation of the ground by the rotor spikes. The rotor may be vertically adjusted in the frame to vary the degree of spike penetration and to move the spikes out of ground engagement. The perforator further includes a detachable weight box to be mounted at one end of the frame opposite the handle, the weight box providing effective soil penetration by the spikes when the device is hitched by the handle to a vehicle and towed over the ground in the direction opposite to which it is manually pushed. Adjustable spring rake assemblies are provided at the opposite ends of the frame.