Abstract: An artificial turf for a synthetic field system includes a flexible, water-permeable backing, a pile fabric woven into the backing, and a limited layer of water-absorbent, eco-friendly and light reflective infill deposited within voids formed in the pile fabric. The pile fabric is constructed with a plurality of separate, upwardly standing, reduced height tufts, each tuft including a plurality of synthetic filaments that resemble individual blades of natural grass. The tufts are arranged into parallel rows, with the spacing between rows being fixed and equal to the spacing between successive tufts in each row so as to yield an artificial field surface with an increased density of filaments. The dimensional aspects and high filament density of the artificial turf introduces a number of notable advantages over conventional artificial turfs including better performance, less surface heat retention, improved aesthetics, reduced infill maintenance requirements, and greater compliance with environmental standards.

Abstract: An artificial turf infill comprising an organic material including ground walnut shells having each organic particle completely coated with an anti-microbial agent. Water-retaining particles are added to the infill ranging between 0 and 60% of total weight of the mixture. Synthetic, ecologically-safe resilient granules preferably between approximately 20% and 25% by weight may be added to the infill to improve shock attenuation (lower G-max) properties of the infill mixture. The water-retaining particles and synthetic resilient granules within the infill are completely coated with the anti-microbial agent.

Abstract: A horizontally draining artificial turf system comprises an impervious base at proper slope, an impermeable layer or drainage blanket over the base at a corresponding slope for guiding water horizontally, an artificial turf at top of the impermeable layer, and a perforated pipe near the lower edge of the base for receiving water for evacuation. Rainwater over the artificial turf first drains vertically onto the impermeable layer and then flows along the impermeable layer to reach the perforated pipe, without infiltrating into the base. Alternatively, a partially pervious drainage blanket is provided in lieu of the impermeable layer where the base is partially pervious. Backup rainwater runs off the drainage blanket horizontally after it saturates the soils of the base.

Abstract: Vertical to horizontal draining system and a synthetic turf having such a system. The draining system of the present invention prevents water from accumulating on the turf surface, which could cause the top-dressing layer to “float” and be moved by water inundation. The draining system of the present invention also obviates the need for extensive excavation, underdrain systems and free-draining replacement materials. The draining system of the present invention incorporates a dynamic drainage blanket, preferably sandwiched between two permeable porous geosynthetic or non-woven materials. The synthetic turf system of the present invention allows the use of an infilled synthetic turf over impermeable or semi-permeable surfaces, including impermeable soils, asphalt and concrete without having to remove such surfaces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously coating particulate such as rubber with liquid binder and applying the same to a substrate to form resilient athletic surfaces. Total encapsulation of the particulate with the liquid binder is accomplished prior to applying the mix to the substrate. In addition, the method of delivery of the particulate and binder maintains the ratios thereof uniform. In its method aspects, the instant invention involves separately introducing a stream of particulate and a stream of binder into a spray nozzle, where they are combined and delivered to the substrate. The apparatus includes a nozzle assembly having a central lumen and an elongated tip, the lumen being formed so as to force the particulate introduced therein to follow a circuitous or indirect path therethrough and thereby decrease its velocity prior to being ejected from the nozzle.

Abstract: Vertically draining synthetic turf having reduced abrasiveness and increased resilience compared to conventional synthetic turfs. The vertical draining system of the present invention prevents water from accumulating on the turf surface, which could cause the top-dressing layer to "float" and be moved by inundation. The draining system of the present invention incorporates a porous geotextile membrane between an open graded aggregate layer and a sand layer above the aggregate layer to prevent the movement of one aggregate layer into the other. The top-dressing layer consists of resilient particles, preferably a mixture of high and low density rubber. The pile fabric preferably includes an isotropic non-woven backing to add dimensional stability.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously coating particulate such as rubber with liquid binder and applying the same to a substrate to form resilient athletic surfaces. Total encapsulation of the particulate with the liquid binder is accomplished prior to applying the mix to the substrate. In addition, the method of delivery of the particulate and binder maintains the ratios thereof uniform. In its method aspects, the instant invention involves separately introducing a stream of particulate and a stream of binder into a spray nozzle, where they are combined and delivered to the substrate. The apparatus includes a nozzle assembly having a central lumen and an elongated tip, the lumen being formed so as to force the particulate introduced therein to follow a circuitous or indirect path therethrough and thereby decrease its velocity prior to being ejected from the nozzle.