Abstract: A unitary roll-form shock and drainage pad for an outdoor field installation is formed by a continuous length of shock-absorbing polymer foam sheet. The sheet has a plurality of grooves in its lower surface, the grooves extending continuously along the length of the foam sheet and being spaced apart across the width of the foam sheet, each groove having a crest defining a maximum penetration of the groove through the thickness of the foam sheet. The foam sheet further defines a plurality of rows of vertically extending holes extending from the upper surface of the sheet toward the lower surface, the holes in each row being spaced apart along the length of the foam sheet and being aligned with a respective one of the grooves such that the holes extend into the crest of the groove. A plurality of elongate through-going slots radiate out from each of at least some of the holes.

Abstract: Foam sheets are continuously produced by metering foam particles, which are free of any added binder or adhesive, from a storage location onto a moving conveyor at a controlled volumetric rate so as to continuously form a layer of the particles on the conveyor, heating the layer of particles to a temperature sufficient to render the particles tacky such that the particles adhere to one another so as to form a substantially integral sheet, compressing the sheet with a compression device that applies pressure on the advancing sheet so as to compress the sheet to a smaller thickness and enhance the integrity of the sheet; and cooling the compressed sheet.

Abstract: A unitary roll-form shock and drainage pad for an outdoor field installation is formed by a continuous length of shock-absorbing polymer foam sheet. The sheet has a plurality of grooves in its lower surface, the grooves extending continuously along the length of the foam sheet and being spaced apart across the width of the foam sheet, each groove having a crest defining a maximum penetration of the groove through the thickness of the foam sheet. The foam sheet further defines a plurality of rows of vertically extending holes extending from the upper surface of the sheet toward the lower surface, the holes in each row being spaced apart along the length of the foam sheet and being aligned with a respective one of the grooves such that the holes extend into the crest of the groove. A plurality of elongate through-going slots radiate out from each of at least some of the holes.

Abstract: Foam sheets are continuously produced by metering foam particles, which are free of any added binder or adhesive, from a storage location onto a moving conveyor at a controlled volumetric rate so as to continuously form a layer of the particles on the conveyor, heating the layer of particles to a temperature sufficient to render the particles tacky such that the particles adhere to one another so as to form a substantially integral sheet, compressing the sheet with a compression device that applies pressure on the advancing sheet so as to compress the sheet to a smaller thickness and enhance the integrity of the sheet; and cooling the compressed sheet.

Abstract: Foam sheets are continuously produced by metering foam particles, which are free of any added binder or adhesive, from a storage location onto a moving conveyor at a controlled volumetric rate so as to continuously form a layer of the particles on the conveyor, heating the layer of particles to a temperature sufficient to render the particles tacky such that the particles adhere to one another so as to form a substantially integral sheet, compressing the sheet with a compression device that applies pressure on the advancing sheet so as to compress the sheet to a smaller thickness and enhance the integrity of the sheet; and cooling the compressed sheet.

Abstract: Floating wetland structures of the invention are generally formed from one or more floatation panels made of a plurality of polymeric foam particles arranged in a piled laminate structure. The foam particles are arranged within the piled laminate structure so as to define void pathways between at least a portion of said foam particles. The void pathways within the piled laminate structure are of sufficient size and quantity to allow rainwater to flow through and of such an orientation to allow for the roots of vegetation to easily penetrate the structure.

Abstract: Foam sheets are continuously produced by metering foam particles, which are free of any added binder or adhesive, from a storage location onto a moving conveyor at a controlled volumetric rate so as to continuously form a layer of the particles on the conveyor, heating the layer of particles to a temperature sufficient to render the particles tacky such that the particles adhere to one another so as to form a substantially integral sheet, compressing the sheet with a compression device that applies pressure on the advancing sheet so as to compress the sheet to a smaller thickness and enhance the integrity of the sheet; and cooling the compressed sheet.

Abstract: Floating wetland structures of the invention are generally formed from one or more floatation panels made of a plurality of polymeric foam particles arranged in a piled laminate structure. The foam particles are arranged within the piled laminate structure so as to define void pathways between at least a portion of said foam particles. The void pathways within the piled laminate structure are of sufficient size and quantity to allow rainwater to flow through and of such an orientation to allow for the roots of vegetation to easily penetrate the structure.

Abstract: Potable and process water reservoir covers are provided that exhibit an advantageous balance of rainwater drainage and light transmittance properties. The reservoir covers generally include one or more floatation panels formed from bonded foam particles that are adhered to a fabric layer. The present invention provides a reliable, cost-effective means by which to decrease the algae growth generally associated with water reservoirs. The present invention further decreases reservoir contamination issues associated with dust, sand, debris and waterfowl.

Abstract: Potable and process water reservoir covers are provided that exhibit an advantageous balance of rainwater drainage and light transmittance properties. The reservoir covers generally include one or more floatation panels formed from bonded foam particles that are adhered to a fabric layer. The present invention provides a reliable, cost-effective means by which to decrease the algae growth generally associated with water reservoirs. The present invention further decreases reservoir contamination issues associated with dust, sand, debris and waterfowl.

Abstract: The present invention is waste treatment apparatus and process for diminishing the emission of malodorous off-gases during waste treatment. The apparatus typically includes a floatation panel formed from bonded foam particles that is adhered to a fabric layer. The present invention provides a reliable, cost-effective means by which to decrease the noxious odors generally associated with waste treatment.

Abstract: The present invention is waste treatment apparatus and process for diminishing the emission of malodorous off-gases during waste treatment. The apparatus typically includes a floatation panel formed from bonded foam particles that is adhered to a fabric layer. The present invention provides a reliable, cost-effective means by which to decrease the noxious odors generally associated with waste treatment.