Abstract: The invention relates to a methanol fuel cell comprising a membrane which conducts metallic cations, in which the metallic cations induce the transport of the charge inside the membrane and are advantageously guided in a circuit in the form of a base from the cathode chamber to the anode chamber. The inventive methanol fuel cell prevents the methanol drag associated with proton-conductive membranes, thus producing higher power outputs on a regular basis. A separate transport of the water produced by the reaction is not necessary.

Abstract: A golf practice mat provides, on an upfacing surface, a plurality of mutually aligned artificial grass blades that extend upwardly. The grass blades include a portion of longer fixed length and a portion of shorter fixed length. The longer blades second angle exceeds the first angle. The ends of the longer blades extend above the ends of the shorter blades. The shorter blades have a longitudinal rigidity and density of placement on the practice mat so as to support a golf ball at a desired height above the practice mat; the height determined primarily by the shorter blades. The longer blades have a flexibility and density of placement on the mat that provides a natural feel to a golf club driving through the blades.

Abstract: An artificial turf system which includes a support layer, a base layer, and an outer layer. The support layer comprises an area of selected size and composition. The base layer comprises at least one grid which consists of a plurality of interconnected cells. The base layer is positioned over the support layer. Each cell forming the grid comprises an upstanding tubular member which includes an upper portion, having a first diameter, and a lower portion having a second diameter. The lower cell portion provides the cell with vertical flexibility. The plurality cells provide the grid with selected vertical movement on contact providing the artificial turf system with improved softness.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing bamboo stats uses high quality window blinds. The method comprises the steps of slicing and smoothing, streaming and boiling, drying, further smoothing, assembling, and cutting. Through a refinement process with chemical substances, the bamboo slats can be a pressure-resistant, moisture-proof, and insects-proof product. The processed bamboo slats are manufactured by an integrated operation of mass production so as to form a high quality bamboo window curtains with a lower cost.

Abstract: An infill layer for use in an artificial turf system is provided. The artificial turf system may include a pile fabric having a turf backing and a plurality of turf fibers extending upwardly from the turf backing. The infill layer may include particulate material disposed upon an upper surface of the turf backing and between the turf fibers. The infill layer may advantageously comprise ceramic support material in one or more courses. The ceramic support material may also be combined with other hard particles and/or with resilient particles in the infill layer. Alternatively, recycled support material or support material having a substantially consistent size and shape may be used instead of ceramic support material.

Abstract: A synthetic grass sport surface (10) suited for use in a baseball field includes an infill layer (16) of particulate material evenly spread among rows of ribbons (14) extending upwardly from a backing mat (12). The infill layer (16) includes a top covering sub-layer (26) of non-marking material, such as recycled rubber used in the manufacture of soles for running shoes. A checkered pattern of alternating color tones is formed on the synthetic grass surface (16) for improving the natural appearance thereof. The synthetic grass surface also includes a synthetic grass warning track (34) having different tangible properties to alert a player stepping thereon that he is approaching an obstacle.

Abstract: A camouflage pattern for use on clothing and other articles for concealing a hunter or outdoorsman in a wilderness area where there are rocks and boulders with lichen formations growing on them. This camouflage pattern would be useful for outdoorsmen, photographers, and hunters that hide behind or amongst rocks, perch on top of boulders or conduct their activities in areas where lichen covered rocks are found. The pattern is comprised of a background of gray, slate or black. This background can be either of a uniform shade of black, slate or gray, or of a variety of different shades, and is overlaid by a foreground pattern of lichen formations of growths. The lichen patterns are comprised of repeating or random arrangements of circular oval, ring or doughnut shaped lichen growths being of one or more varying shades of green, gray, blue, white, and black.

Abstract: A filled synthetic sports playing surface is provided comprising, generally, a synthetic grass having fibers secured to a backing fabric. The backing fabric may have single, composite or multiple layers. The fibers can be formed from polyolefins, their co-polymers, or polyamides, and may be monofilament or slit film type yarns. The top dressing comprises natural soil or a synthetic soil or may be a mix of natural soil or synthetic soil with conventional infill material, such as resilient particles, mineral particles coated with a resilient layer or other types of infill materials. Alternatively, the top dressing may include an absorbent material treated with a coloring agent. The filled fabric generally described above may be installed over a drainage system and can have an irrigation system, particularly for an indoor field, in order to simulate wet weather conditions, provide for more realistic game play and manage other aspects of the field.

Abstract: A camouflaged material for outdoor wear has an inside liner material with a fine mesh to prevent the passage of insects therethrough. An outside layer overlays the inside layer and is die-cut to have a plurality of leaf tabs cut therein with the leaf tabs having a substantially elliptical shape having a cut perimeter on opposite sides and a cut end therebetween, with an opposite end to the cut end forming a live hinge with respect to the outside layer, to permit the leaf tabs to deflect from the outside layer in a random fashion to create an outer appearance of random leaves.

Abstract: A synthetic turf comprises a backing with a plurality of pile filaments secured to the backing and extending upwardly therefrom and filled with particulate fill material. The fill material comprises a lower ballast layer of gravel residing on the backing and an upper layer of resilient particles above the lower layer. The lower layer of gravel provides weight and stability to hold down the synthetic turf without migrating to the surface. The upper layer provides cushioning and uniform resilience for the synthetic turf while the pile filaments create a grass-like appearance for the playing surface.

Abstract: An impact absorbing surface covering adapted for use with a high impact traffic area is provided. A shock pad of post industrial, recycled closed cell foam is used in conjunction with an impervious wear surface, such as rubber, sprayed polyurethane, or artificial turf, in order to provide a durable, impact absorbent area, which can be easily adapted to varying shapes and sizes in a seamless manner to create an economical and resilient alternative for indoor/outdoor, commercial or recreational use. A method for installing an impact absorbing surface covering is also provided in which shock pads comprised of foam, fabric, and mesh layers are positioned on the ground, cement, or a floor, and are covered by a substantially impervious wear surface, thereby creating a non-purous, impact-absorbent, product with an extended life span.

Abstract: A kit of decorative pumpkins is disclosed where one of the pumpkins incorporates a rear opening large enough to allow the other pumpkins comprising the kit to be introduced therethrough for convenient storage within the one pumpkin. Each of the pumpkins can also incorporate pumpkin shell decorations thereon defined by shell cut-outs which define pliable peripheral edges adapted to be bent for altering the appearance of the shell decoration.

Abstract: The airport marking system of the present invention includes a multi-pigmented artificial turf segment having a backing with base fibers and marking fibers, wherein the marking fibers are visually different than the base fibers. The different marking fibers are adaptable to define a plurality of different shapes and patterns. The different marking fibers of the turf of the present invention define: (i) one or more characters including numbers and letters; (ii) a character having a border around it; (iii) a plurality of parallel lines; (iv) a dashed line; (v) a plurality of parallel lines and a plurality of intersecting lines perpendicular to the parallel lines; (vi) a plurality of chevrons; (vii) a plurality of parallel lines disposed at an angle relative to a side of the area; (viii) a plurality of checkered four sided shapes; (ix) one or more arrows; and (x) an arrow adjacent to a character.

Abstract: As used to attach a decorative attachment, such as a lighting string or an ornament, to a branch of a natural or artificial tree or wreath, a twist tie has a wire spine and has artificial foliage, which conceals the wire spine and which simulates foliage of the branch.

Abstract: A synthetic grass sport surface (10) suited for use in a baseball field includes an infill layer (16) of particulate material evenly spread among rows of ribbons (14) extending upwardly from a backing mat (12). The infill layer (16) includes a top covering sub-layer (26) of non-marking material, such as recycled rubber used in the manufacture of soles for running shoes. A checkered pattern of alternating color tones is formed on the synthetic grass surface (16) for improving the natural appearance thereof. The synthetic grass surface also includes a synthetic grass warning track (34) having different tangible properties to alert a player stepping thereon that he is approaching an obstacle.

Abstract: A kit of decorative pumpkins is disclosed where one of the pumpkins incorporates a rear opening large enough to allow the other pumpkins comprising the kit to be introduced therethrough for convenient storage within the one pumpkin. Each of the pumpkins can also incorporate pumpkin shell decorations thereon defined by shell cut-outs which define pliable peripheral edges adapted to be bent for altering the appearance of the shell decoration.

Abstract: Golf turf is disclosed and claimed herein which simulates fairway, rough or putting green surfaces. Golf clubs which strike the golf turf disclosed herein do not experience the shock of typical golf mats made from Astroturf® and the like, lessening fatigue and preventing injury to the elbow and wrist. Crimped filaments made of synthetic resinous fibers are used to make strip brushes having flared end portions which form a homogeneous surface. Receiving slots in a substrate retain a plurality of strip brushes spaced apart and parallel to each other. The strip brushes are configured to simulate homogeneous surfaces which approximate actual golf surfaces. Alternatively, the brushes may be inserted into a liquified plastic substrate and then the substrate is allowed to cool securing the brushes within the substrate. Still alternatively, the brushes may welded and then inserted into the liquified plastic substrate which is then allowed to cool securing the brushes within the substrate.

Abstract: Golf turf is disclosed and claimed herein which simulates fairway, rough or putting green surfaces. Golf clubs which strike the golf turf disclosed herein do not experience the shock of typical golf mats made from Astroturf® and the like, lessening fatigue and preventing injury to the elbow and wrist. Crimped filaments made of synthetic resinous fibers are used to make strip brushes having flared end portions which form a homogeneous surface. Receiving slots in a substrate retain a plurality of strip brushes spaced apart and parallel to each other. The strip brushes are configured to simulate homogeneous surfaces which approximate actual golf surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial turf with a backing and a large number of artificial grass blades which are fixed thereto, protrude substantially transversely thereof and are manufactured from plastic, and a fibrous, inherently damping material arranged between the artificial grass blades and connected to the backing or the blades. The fibrous, inherently damping material can herein be arranged in the form of a large number of blades which are connected to the backing and which likewise extend transversely of the backing, but less far than the artificial grass blades. The fibrous, inherently damping material can also take the form of a knit through which the artificial grass blades protrude and which can be formed integrally with the backing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for the production of artificial turf, and the improved artificial turf. In accordance with this process, fibers are treated via corona discharge, tufted into a primary backing to form a greige good, and a precoat is applied to the back surface the greige good. Suitable fibers are polyolefins, and suitable precoats are reactive polyurethane mixtures. The fibers may be treated by corona discharge either before they are tufted into the primary backing to form the greige good or after the are tufted into the primary backing. Artifical turfs of the present invention comprise a greige good having fibers tufted into a primary backing, with the fibers being treated by corona discharge either before or after being tufted into the primary backing, and a precoat which is attached by its face surface to the back surface of the greige good.

Abstract: A synthetic grass assembly for installation on a supporting soil substrate includes a pile fabric with a flexible sheet backing and rows of upstanding synthetic ribbons representing grass blades, extending upwardly from an upper surface of the backing. An infill layer of two distinct graded courses of particulate material is disposed interstitially between the upstanding ribbons upon the upper surface of the backing and of a depth less than the length of the ribbons. A bottom course of intermixed hard sand and resilient rubber granules with substantially identical particle size distribution characteristics is installed upon the backing and a top course exclusively of resilient rubber granules is placed upon the bottom course.

Abstract: A synthetic turf surface for golf courses, tennis courts and other grass-surfaced game playing fields is formed of a synthetic grass carpet having a flexible base sheet with closely spaced-apart upright, blade-like strands of plastic material forming a dense grass-like surface. The carpet is supported upon a cushioning underpad which is formed of a thick, molded sheet of open cell, expanded bead polypropylene. The resiliently compressible polypropylene underpad combined with the synthetic grass carpet closely simulates the feel of a natural grass covered playing field surface.

Abstract: A multifunction imitating-paper rattan body mainly comprise an imitating-paper rattan body containing a strengthened core inside. Said imitating-paper rattan body is a structure formed integrally, which resists wet, heat, and drawing. And, in the process of forming, the spiral body is formed integrally on the external diameter of the imitatin-paper rattan body, so that the imitating-paper rattan body becomes the structure with high structural strength.

Abstract: A filled synthetic sports playing surface is provided comprising, generally, a synthetic grass having fibers secured to a backing fabric. The backing fabric may have single, composite or multiple layers. The fibers can be formed from polyolefins, their co-polymers, or polyamides, and may be monofilament or slit film type yarns. The top dressing comprises natural soil or a synthetic soil or may be a mix of natural soil or synthetic soil with conventional infill material, such as resilient particles, mineral particles coated with a resilient layer or other types of infill materials. Alternatively, the top dressing may include an absorbent material treated with a coloring agent. The filled fabric generally described above may be installed over a drainage system and can have an irrigation system, particularly for an indoor field, in order to simulate wet weather conditions, provide for more realistic game play and manage other aspects of the field.

Abstract: A pre-formed synthetic turf module (10) includes a base tray (12), a flexible backing sheet (36) tufted with synthetic ribbons simulating grass blades, and a granular media infill material (40) in the voids between the ribbons, the tufted backing sheet and infill material being supported on the base tray so that a plurality of the modules may be installed side-by-side to form a media-filled synthetic turf surface. Each module may also include a peripheral wall (14) which is removed during the installation. A method of installing a synthetic turf surface, and the installation of heating elements (50) in the surface, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A synthetic grass surface comprising widely spaced rows of ribbons and the ribbons having a length about twice as long as the spacing between the rows of ribbons. A particulate material is laid on a matrix of the synthetic grass, and the thickness of the particulate material is as least two-thirds the length of the ribbons.

Abstract: A decorative simulated thatch unit includes a clamp, flexible decorative cords, and a press strip. The clamp includes a top wall, two side walls confronting each other, and spaced teeth provided longitudinally along at least one of the side walls and distally from the top wall, and extending toward the other one of the side walls. The top wall cooperates with the side walls to define a receiving space. The decorative cords have U bent portions received in the receiving space and clamped by the side walls, and two end portions extending out of the clamp from the U bent portions through gaps among the teeth. The press strip is received in and is straddled by the U bent portions. The press strip presses the U bent portions against the top wall, and is retained in the receiving space by the teeth.

Abstract: An apparatus that can be mounted to a quiver on a bow provides camouflage and cover for the bow and a shooter. The apparatus is a hollow shaft with a first end having a tapered tip, and a second opposite end. A plurality of holes is formed perpendicularly through the sidewall. The holes are confined to an area of the shaft body that is substantially three-fourths of the circumference of the sidewall. A plurality of artificial foliage bundles is attached to the shaft body by a basal wire stem that is mounted in a respective one of the holes.

Abstract: Methods for forming decorative grass possessing a unique optical effect from a sheet of laminated optical effect material. The decorative grass has a curl or a crimp set therein to enhance the light-reflecting characteristics of the decorative grass and to provide greater volume of the decorative grass for a given weight of decorative grass.

Abstract: A modular synthetic grass turf assembly includes a plurality of synthetic grass units which are transportable, adapted to be laid flat on a field and fit side by side to provide a flat and continuous synthetic grass surface for activities. Each unit includes a flexible base sheet preferably with drainage grooves and bores if it is for outdoor use. A synthetic grass turf with an infill layer of particulate materials disposed interstitially between synthetic grass fibers is superposed on the base sheet to provide a grass surface with a required quality, and be fixed thereto or simply retained in place by the weight of the infill. A number of units may have irregular shapes or can be painted with different colors to illustrate letters, marks or logos. The modular synthetic grass turf assembly is conveniently transported from a storage facility to a site.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses for airport safety areas, runways and taxiways is provided. Various attachment systems for installing a synthetic covering are described. The use of artificial turf as well as various embodiments for a suitable synthetic matting for the installation are also described. Also, solar energy, heating and fire suppression systems are disclosed. A method of financing the turf system is also described using a synthetic covering with advertising.

Abstract: Curled decorative grasses having a texture or appearance simulating the texture or appearance of paper on at least a portion of one surface thereof are disclosed, as are methods for making such curled decorative grasses from materials wherein at least a portion of one surface of the materials is modified to simulate the texture or appearance of paper.

Abstract: A synthetic grass structure comprises a sheet substrate with a plurality of filiform formations extending from the substrate so as to simulate natural grass cover and a particulate filling material or infill consisting of a substantially homogeneous mass of a granular plastic material dispersed between the filiform formations so as to keep them in a substantially upright condition. The infill forms a layer of thickness not greater than 40 millimeters, has a grain size smaller than 5 millimeters, and consists of plastic material with a value of elastic return such that the structure has a KA value of 35-50, which enables its use for making athletics tracks.

Abstract: A biodegradable playing surface (100) including a synthetic turf base (104) positioned atop a foundation (102) is provided. The synthetic turf base includes an at least partially biodegradable backing (112) having a plurality of openings (116), and synthetic fibers (110) secured to the biodegradable backing. The synthetic turf base also includes a surface layer of growth medium (118) applied on top of the biodegradable backing to reach a predetermined depth. Natural grass (120) is planted in the surface layer of growth medium. The biodegradable backing degrades over time so as to increase the size and number of the openings through the backing. This allows the roots of the natural grass to increasingly grow amongst the synthetic fibers and through the backing, so as to firmly integrate the synthetic turf base to the foundation.

Abstract: A synthetic turf comprises a backing with a plurality of pile filaments secured to the backing and extending upwardly therefrom and filled with particulate fill material. The fill material comprises a lower ballast layer of gravel residing on the backing and an upper layer of resilient particles above the lower layer. The lower layer of gravel provides weight and stability to hold down the synthetic turf without migrating to the surface. The upper layer provides cushioning and uniform resilience for the synthetic turf while the pile filaments create a grass-like appearance for the playing surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides an artificial bark for a decorative tree and a method of creating the material and applying it. The artificial bark includes an undercoat preferably made of a foamable plastic coating, a top coat also preferably made of a foamable plastic coating which is texturized, and a layer of colorant. The undercoat is applied to a structural member of the tree and then air dried. Then the top coat is applied, texturized by dragging a comb-like instrument across its surface, and air dried. Next, the undercoat and topcoat on the structural member are heat cured. Due to differences in the content of the undercoat and the top coat, heat curing causes the texture created in the top coat to be accentuated. After cooling, a colorant is applied to complete the artificial bark's resemblance to real tree bark.

Abstract: A synthetic grass surface includes widely spaced rows of ribbons projecting from a flexible backing sheet. Thermal regulating means are attached to the backing sheet in the spaces between the rows of the ribbons. A relatively thick infill layer is disposed on the top of the backing sheet, thereby burying the thermal regulating means and holding the ribbons upright. The infill layer may include a growing medium for plant growth. In one embodiment, electric cables are integrated into the synthetic grass surface in order to heat the surface for de-icing or to maintain plant root warmth. In another embodiment, perforated flexible pipes are integrated into the synthetic grass surface to moisten the surface, thereby cooling the surface when the moisture evaporates. The thermal regulating system of the invention is energy-efficient and economical to install and operate.

Abstract: A method for making decorative grass having a three-dimensional pattern which constitutes at least a portion of the decor of the decorative grass. Printed designs or materials and/or embossed materials can also constitute a portion of the decor of the decorative grass. The method includes slitting a material having a three-dimensional pattern on at least a portion of at least one surface thereof and then cutting the slit material into segments of a predetermined length to provide the decorative grass having a three-dimensional pattern.

Abstract: A turf cover apparatus for covering a ground surface that includes two separate and distinctly constructed covers fastened together. At least one insulating layer is disposed and secured between the two covers. A first cover is structured and configured of a mesh material that allows air circulation to reach the ground surface. The second cover is structured and configured of a substantially chemical and moisture resistant material so as to protect the ground surface. The insulating layer is structured and configured of an organic material that enables control of air circulation and prevents entry of moisture to the ground surface.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for treating a cattail blossom. A cattail blossom is soaked in a thinned adhesive mixture. When dry, the resulting treated blossom does not burst and can be used for a very long period of time as a decorative item.

Abstract: A method for an intaglio botanic ornamental transparency comprising the steps of laminating a botanic assemblage between a transparent, deformable cover layer and a fibrous, opaque backing layer, intaglioing completely all backing layer material facing the botanic assemblage, intaglioing partially a narrow optically diffuse auroral boundary zone of backing layer material circumferential to the periphery of the botanic assemblage, abutting thereto, the backing material residue providing a translucent auroral property to the concomitant transparent cover layer.

Abstract: An extrusion molding apparatus for a product having a wood pattern and an extrusion molding method are disclosed, in which a second synthetic resin containing a wood powder of 80˜120 meshes at a predetermined ratio is fed to a die through a second extruder and then is coated on a surface of the product, thereby providing an esthetic surface and an improved durability.

Abstract: The present invention discloses folded corrugated material for producing segments or strips for use as Easter grass, packing material and the like or for use as flower pot covers, floral wrappings and ribbon materials.

Abstract: A decorative simulated thatch unit includes a clamp, flexible decorative cords, and a press strip. The clamp includes a top wall, two side walls confronting each other, and spaced teeth provided longitudinally along at least one of the side walls and distally from the top wall, and extending toward the other one of the side walls. The top wall cooperates with the side walls to define a receiving space. The decorative cords have U bent portions received in the receiving space and clamped by the side walls, and two end portions extending out of the clamp from the U bent portions through gaps among the teeth. The press strip is received in and is straddled by the U bent portions. The press strip presses the U bent portions against the top wall, and is retained in the receiving space by the teeth.

Abstract: Method for producing decorative grass, such as Easter grass, from a sheet or web of material having a decorative pattern thereon. The decorative pattern may be printed material and/or embossed patterns thereon, or a non-linear side edge that provides the decorative grass with a contoured configuration.

Abstract: A synthetic grass assembly for installation on a supporting soil substrate includes a pile fabric with a flexible sheet backing and rows of upstanding synthetic ribbons representing grass blades, extending upwardly from an upper surface of the backing. An infill layer of two distinct graded courses of particulate material is disposed interstitially between the upstanding ribbons upon the upper surface of the backing and of a depth less than the length of the ribbons. A bottom course of intermixed hard sand and resilient rubber granules with substantially identical particle size distribution characteristics is installed upon the backing and a top course exclusively of resilient rubber granules is placed upon the bottom course.

Abstract: The present invention includes a safety system for airports and airfields. The present invention includes a method for installing an aesthetically pleasing artificial turf that retards birds and other animals and a sub-surface that supports the weight of an aircraft, enhances water drainage and enables the accessibility of airport vehicles to all parts of a runway or taxiway. The present invention also includes the sub-surface being adapted to slow the motion of a runway airplane. The present invention further includes a repelling artificial turf, which includes the artificial or synthetic fibers as well as stiff fibers or fibers otherwise uncomfortable for an animal or bird to land on, walk on or lay on.

Abstract: A stable artificial putting green which includes a base, an intermediate layer, an artificial putting surface including a pile fabric supported by the intermediate layer, and an edging defining its outer limits. The pile fabric extends over the upper edge and down an outer side of the edging where it is secured. Fine sand fills the interstices about the pile yarns. The intermediate layer includes a PYRACELL layer. The PYRACELL layer includes a synthetic sheet formed with a plurality of raised conically shaped hollow cells over its upper surface. A plurality of drainage holes are formed in spaces between the cells and a non-wove porous web is secured to the lower surface of the sheet. Finally, a coarse sand is laid over the sheet up to substantially top surfaces of the cells.

Abstract: A synthetic grass assembly for installation on a supporting soil substrate includes a pile fabric with a flexible sheet backing and rows of upstanding synthetic ribbons representing grass blades, extending upwardly from an upper surface of the backing. An infill layer of two distinct graded courses of particulate material is disposed interstitially between the upstanding ribbons upon the upper surface of the backing and of a depth less than the length of the ribbons. A bottom course of intermixed hard sand and resilient rubber granules with substantially identical particle size distribution characteristics is installed upon the backing and a top course exclusively of resilient rubber granules is placed upon the bottom course.

Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial grass lawn suitable for sports fields, which artificial grass lawn consists of a base layer, on which first artificial grass fibres are disposed. In accordance with the invention, the artificial grass lawn is characterized in that said base layer comprises a material having damping properties, which is present thereon and/or therein. Thus the properties of a natural grass field are approximated very closely, and also the style of play on the sports field is positively affected. Furthermore, the artificial grass field thus obtained is substantially free of maintenance and of injury.