Abstract: Floating islands are provided which have a permeable and buoyant matrix base with a top surface and pores therein and one or more solar panels. The solar panels are fixedly mounted to the matrix such that they are located at or above a waterline of the floating island. A heat sink is attached to at least one of the solar panels. The heat sink is configured to transfer heat from the solar panels to water disposed within the pores of the matrix base such that the solar panels are cooled and the water in the matrix base is warmed. Floating islands may also have a rotation system configured to rotate the matrix base such that the solar panels are facing the sun. The rotation system includes a pivot post, a cable windlass, a first cable coupled to the cable windlass, and a second cable coupled to the cable windlass.

Abstract: A floating streambed comprising a circulation pump having an inlet hose or pipe, an inlet hose or pipe depth adjuster, and one or more treatment channels comprised of permeable matrix. The floating streambed floats on a water body. Water enters the inlet hose or pipe from the water body and is pumped by the circulation pump into the treatment channels. The treatment channels are comprised of permeable matrix, and water entering the treatment channels flows both horizontally through the treatment channel and into the water body and also vertically downward through the permeable matrix of the treatment channels.

Abstract: A simulated coral reef comprising a polymer matrix body comprised of sheets of permeable and porous nonwoven polymer fiber matting, outwardly extending deployment connectors, and anchor connectors that connect the matrix body to an anchor assembly. A simulated coral reef comprising pieces of polymer matrix and/or permeable bag units strung together vertically by a connecting rod attached to an anchor assembly. A simulated coral reef comprising pieces of polymer matrix, permeable bag units, and surface attachment structures in which the pieces of polymer matrix and permeable bag units are attached to the surface attachment structures by a connecting cable. A simulated coral reef comprising a weed blanket fully submerged in a water body and suspended over the bottom of the water body. A simulated coral reef comprising hanging curtains suspended from asurface attachment structure. A simulated coral reef comprising sheets of permeable polymer matrix attached to a rigid metal frame.

Abstract: A floating island comprising one or more layers of nonwoven mesh material and optional buoyant nodules. The mesh material is optionally coated with a spray-on elastomer or inoculated with nutrients or microorganisms. The island can include buoyant growth medium, floats, buoyant blocks, a prefabricated seed blanket, a dunking feature, capillary tubes, wicking units and/or bell flotation units. A larger embodiment is comprised of nonwoven mesh material, buoyant nodules, supplemental flotation units, stepping pads and optional load distribution members. Other optional features include a stepping stone flotation assembly, a stepping stone/vertical buoyant member flotation assembly, and a floating log assembly. The buoyancy of the island can be adjusted with a rigid framework of horizontal members, vertical members that can be moved vertically within the island, and/or a framework of prefabricated flotation tubes and cross members. The present invention also covers a floating island with a boat docking location.

Abstract: A floating island comprising one or more layers of nonwoven mesh material and optional buoyant nodules. The mesh material is optionally coated with a spray-on elastomer or inoculated with nutrients or microorganisms. The island can include buoyant growth medium, floats, buoyant blocks, a prefabricated seed blanket, a dunking feature, capillary tubes, wicking units and/or bell flotation units. A larger embodiment is comprised of nonwoven mesh material, buoyant nodules, supplemental flotation units, stepping pads and optional load distribution members. Other optional features include a stepping stone flotation assembly, a stepping stone/vertical buoyant member flotation assembly, and a floating log assembly. The buoyancy of the island can be adjusted with a rigid framework of horizontal members, vertical members that can be moved vertically within the island, and/or a framework of prefabricated flotation tubes and cross members. The present invention also covers a floating island with a boat docking location.

Abstract: A buoyant walkway or island and its method of manufacture. In a preferred embodiment, the buoyant walkway comprising: an internal frame comprising semi-rigid members that are attached to one another, said internal semi-rigid frame having openings; an internal block disposed in each of said openings, said internal blocks being spaced apart from one another by gaps and forming a top surface and a bottom surface; cured thermoplastic foam disposed in said gaps that attach said internal blocks to said semi-rigid internal frame and to one another; a permeable top layer that is attached to said top surface; and a bottom layer that is attached to said bottom surface.

Abstract: An adjustable apparatus for fish spawning that is suspended below a buoyant float system at a predetermined depth. The apparatus is resistant to vertical motion by surface waves, and may provide additional aeration for egg species that require a high level of dissolved oxygen in order to incubate successfully. The apparatus may be constructed so as to provide maximum or minimum sunlight exposure to spawning bed nests and to accommodate the spawning depth and/or preferred bed slopes of certain fish species.

Abstract: A floating island comprising a combination-cell thermoplastic foam. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a floating island comprising: an island body comprising at least a first portion that comprises a combination-cell thermoplastic foam and having a cavity; and a bedding material that is disposed in said cavity; wherein said combination-cell thermoplastic foam is buoyant in water and permeable to gas and water. In another embodiment, the invention is a floating island comprising: an island body comprising a first matrix layer, a second matrix layer and a third matrix layer; and a gas-trapping insert that is disposed between two of said layers.

Abstract: A buoyant habitat system comprising an island body or submersible growing area, at least one solid elevated growing area and at least one hollowed-out elevated growing area. Preferably, the island body or submersible growing area has a top surface and is comprised of a nonwoven matrix that is injected with buoyant foam. Preferably, the at least one solid elevated growing area is attached to said top surface and is comprised of a nonwoven matrix that is injected with buoyant foam. Preferably, the at least one hollowed-out elevated growing area is attached to said top surface and is comprised of an outer ring of said nonwoven matrix that encircles a portion of growth medium.

Abstract: A floating island comprising a combination-cell thermoplastic foam. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a floating island comprising: an island body comprising at least a first portion that comprises a combination-cell thermoplastic foam and having a cavity; and a bedding material that is disposed in said cavity; wherein said combination-cell thermoplastic foam is buoyant in water and permeable to gas and water. In another embodiment, the invention is a floating island comprising: an island body comprising a first matrix layer, a second matrix layer and a third matrix layer; and a gas-trapping insert that is disposed between two of said layers.

Abstract: A floating island comprising a combination-cell thermoplastic foam. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a floating island comprising: an island body comprising at least a first portion that comprises a combination-cell thermoplastic foam and having a cavity; and a bedding material that is disposed in said cavity; wherein said combination-cell thermoplastic foam is buoyant in water and permeable to gas and water. In another embodiment, the invention is a floating island comprising: an island body comprising a first matrix layer, a second matrix layer and a third matrix layer; and a gas-trapping insert that is disposed between two of said layers.

Abstract: A floating habitat designed to be renewably buoyant, self-sustaining and optionally specialized for waterfowl nesting. The first embodiment comprises one or more flotation units, a source of compressed air, and a means for connecting the source of compressed air to the flotation units. Each flotation unit comprises an individual supply hose, an inflatable bladder, a relief valve, a diffusing manifold, bottom mesh, top mesh, and buoyant growth medium. An alternative embodiment comprises a self-compensating buoyancy system. In the waterfowl nesting embodiment, the floating habitat includes one or more waterfowl nesting structures and construction material selected to optimize the nesting habitat. The floating habitat can be comprised of scrap pieces or layers of polyester mesh material. The floating habitats can be combined to provide safe habitat for juvenile waterfowl, encourage colony nesting, or allow a variety of waterfowl or shore bird species to enjoy suitable habitat on the same floating habitat.

Abstract: A floating island comprising a combination-cell thermoplastic foam. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a floating island comprising: an island body comprising at least a first portion that comprises a combination-cell thermoplastic foam and having a cavity; and a bedding material that is disposed in said cavity; wherein said combination-cell thermoplastic foam is buoyant in water and permeable to gas and water. In another embodiment, the invention is a floating island comprising: an island body comprising a first matrix layer, a second matrix layer and a third matrix layer; and a gas-trapping insert that is disposed between two of said layers.

Abstract: A buoyant walkway or island and its method of manufacture. In a preferred embodiment, the buoyant walkway comprising: an internal frame comprising semi-rigid members that are attached to one another, said internal semi-rigid frame having openings; an internal block disposed in each of said openings, said internal blocks being spaced apart from one another by gaps and forming a top surface and a bottom surface; cured thermoplastic foam disposed in said gaps that attach said internal blocks to said semi-rigid internal frame and to one another; a permeable top layer that is attached to said top surface; and a bottom layer that is attached to said bottom surface.

Abstract: A low-cost aquatic structure optimized for water quality enhancement and wave mitigation. The structure is preferably comprised predominantly of recycled polymer scrap or other low-cost, high-surface-area materials, such as jute. The structure may be either buoyant or non-buoyant. Buoyant embodiments of the structure are preferably tip resistant. All embodiments are preferably wave damping. The structure is preferably porous and permeable, and has a large internal surface area for colonization by nutrient-removing microbes. The structure may alternately be used to add nutrients to a water body to promote fish growth for aquaculture applications.

Abstract: A raised bed planter comprising a porous and permeable load-bearing exoskeleton comprised of nonwoven polymer matting and a spray-on polymer coating; a core section comprised of hydrophilic bedding fill material; and a bottom layer that serves as a weed barrier. The planter optionally incorporates multiple bedding levels and/or a wicking system or wicking components. In an alternate embodiment, the exoskeleton is comprised of a layer of outdoor carpet, a layer of fencing material, and a layer of nonwoven polymer matting. The planter optionally comprises one or more wings and a removable greenhouse cover.

Abstract: A buoyant plant habitat and a process for manufacturing it. In one embodiment, the invention is a buoyant plant habitat comprising: a nonwoven matrix comprising fibers; and a plurality of buoyant foam units into said nonwoven matrix to produce a buoyant mass; wherein said buoyant foam units envelope a portion of said fibers. In another embodiment, the invention is a process for making a buoyant plant habitat comprising: providing a nonwoven matrix comprising fibers; and injecting a plurality of buoyant foam units into said nonwoven matrix. In another embodiment, the invention is a buoyant plant habitat comprising: a top layer of nonwoven matrix material; a bottom layer of nonwoven matrix material; a plurality of edge pieces of nonwoven matrix material that are attached by means of polymer plugs to said top layer and said bottom layer; and a plurality of closed-cell polymer foam pieces that are disposed between said layers.

Abstract: A wooden spiral for flavoring wine, comprised of a strip of wood that has been shaped into a spiral. The spiral expands after insertion into a wine bottle so that at least a portion of the spiral is in contact with the inside of the wine bottle. The strip of wood may be optionally toasted, infused with flavor, or made from pre-flavored wood. The wooden spiral optionally comprises a weight that causes the spiral to sink to the bottom of a wine bottle or barrel. A logo may be optionally embossed or otherwise imprinted onto the wooden spiral such that when the spiral expands inside a wine bottle, the logo is visible to a consumer. A method of manufacturing a wooden spiral for flavoring wine.

Abstract: A floating habitat designed to be renewably buoyant, self-sustaining and optionally specialized for waterfowl nesting. The first embodiment comprises one or more flotation units and a source of compressed air that is connected to the flotation units. Each flotation unit comprises an individual supply hose, an inflatable bladder, a relief valve, a diffusing manifold, bottom mesh, top mesh, and buoyant growth medium. An alternative embodiment comprises a self compensating buoyancy system. In the waterfowl nesting embodiment, the floating habitat includes one or more waterfowl nesting structures and construction material selected to optimize the nesting habitat. The floating habitat can be comprised of scrap pieces or layers of polyester mesh material. The Boating habitats can be combined to provide safe habitat for juvenile waterfowl, encourage colony nesting, or allow a variety of waterfowl or shore bird species to enjoy suitable habitat on the same floating habitat.

Abstract: A buoyant habitat system comprising an island body or submersible growing area, at least one solid elevated growing area and at least one hollowed-out elevated growing area. Preferably, the island body or submersible growing area has a top surface and is comprised of a nonwoven matrix that is injected with buoyant foam. Preferably, the at least one solid elevated growing area is attached to said top surface and is comprised of a nonwoven matrix that is injected with buoyant foam. Preferably, the at least one hollowed-out elevated growing area is attached to said top surface and is comprised of an outer ring of said nonwoven matrix that encircles a portion of growth medium.