Abstract: An artificial turf includes an artificial turf infill. The artificial turf infill includes natural fiber mixed with rubber granulate. The artificial turf infill includes between 10% and 40% of the natural fiber by weight. The natural fiber includes any one of hemp fiber, cotton fiber, burlap fiber, sisal fiber, elephant grass fiber, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to glass articles which are resistant to UV photodarkening, the glass articles having a thickness ?1.3 mm and comprise UV absorbers such as Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Cu, Ce, Ge, Mo, Cr, Co and Ni, and combinations thereof, or alternatively comprising ZnO or SnO2.

Abstract: A system and apparatus configured to facilitate on-site treatment of wastewater from a residence is described. The system is configured to immediately treat wastewater as it is generated, on an as-needed basis, and works to remove undissolved down solids and reduce dissolved materials concentrations to a uniform level prior to transmission of the wastewater to municipal waste water treatment facilities and/or any non-drinking application. The system employs a two-stage treatment apparatus where the first stage is configured to pre-grind and decompose undissolved solids of the wastewater and the second to reduce dissolved materials concentrations. The first stage uses turbidity meters, and the second stage uses pH, BOD and conductivity to ensure a uniform output from each stage. A fast decomposer has rotating filters which operational modes ensure that the filters do not become clogged with solids in a ‘cake’ form simultaneously.

Abstract: A press ornament (100) includes an ornamental article (101), a first insertion shaft (102), and a second insertion shaft (103). The first insertion shaft extends distally from the ornamental article in a first direction and the second insertion shaft extends distally from the ornamental article in a second direction. The first insertion shaft and the second insertion shaft to insert into one or more objects, such as a vegetable, gourd, or synthetic object, to attach the press ornament thereto to form a display.

Abstract: A panel for use in an architectural installation includes a poplar bark slab having a top face, bottom face and two opposed sides. The bottom face is laminated to a backing to make a composite, the top face has lands and crevasses. A filler on the top face fills the crevasses and a coating covers the filler and presenting a smooth, flat outer surface. The resulting composite panel with filler and coating is machined to obtain a shape selected from the group consisting of flooring, wall panel, ceiling panel, chair rail, door or window frame or crown molding.

Abstract: A synthetic ground cover method includes placing a synthetic grass atop the ground, the synthetic grass including a composite of one or more geo-textiles tufted with synthetic yarns. The synthetic ground cover method also includes applying an infill ballast to the synthetic grass by spreading the infill ballast over and onto the synthetic grass from a moving vehicle. The infill ballast can be sand, soil, or a binding infill (such as cementitious materials).

Abstract: An artificial turf structure, in particular for sports fields, consists of a synthetic mat, having a substrate from which grass-resembling filaments project, and a filling layer formed by an infill material arranged between the filaments; the infill material forming the filling layer comprises a coconut-based vegetable material, in particular coco fiber and/or coco peat or other similar vegetable material in fibrous, ground and/or shredded form.

Abstract: Rectangular switchgrass bales having bale densities of between 14.6 and 20.5 lb/ft3.

Abstract: Rectangular switchgrass bales optimized for highway transport on semi-trailer trucks, produced by a process of compacting a switchgrass biomass material at between about 22 and about 32 psi into a rectangular switchgrass bale having a bale density of between 14.6 and 20.5 lb/ft3.

Abstract: A spalted wood product having a first ply cut from a wood and a second ply cut from the wood wherein the first ply and the second ply are spalted. The spalted first ply or spalted second ply is positioned on a base, where the base includes engineered wood, and the wood products include wood flooring.

Abstract: Spalted wood veneer, which can be used in the commercial production of engineered wood flooring having a spalted wood veneer decorative layer, is produced by forming a wood veneer piece, inoculating the wood veneer piece with spalting spores, subjecting the inoculated veneer piece to a predetermined environment, then inspecting the inoculated veneer piece to determine the degree of spalting, and when a desired degree of spalting is reached, deterring continued spalting.

Abstract: Transparent, electrically conductive layer, a process for producing the layer and its use, wherein the layer is based on at least one compound of the formula 1 wherein the substituents are as defined.

Abstract: Wood substrate having antique appearance effects, based on only one structural substrate, which may utilize composites such as plywood, particle board, high density board, bamboo, non-wood fiber boards and other synthetic or semi-synthetic materials. A board using a composite may be formed to desired dimensions, and optionally may have tongue and groove or other interconnection structure. The board may have holes, grooves, cracks, and other intruding formations imposed therein, and may have simulated patches formed thereon. The board may then have wood grain printed thereon. Abraded texturing may be introduced to the surface. Other treatments such a staining, sealing, sanding, drying, and coating may be provided.

Abstract: Irradiated lignocellulosic or cellulosic materials are provided which contain carboxylic acid groups and/or other functional groups not present in a naturally occurring cellulosic or lignocellulosic material from which the irradiated material was obtained.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: The multi-layer bamboo plywood with high work strength isn't liable to warp, characterized in that said plywood is composed of bamboo strips or strip-shaped bamboo compositing materials that are superposed and glued one with respect to another, the side of said plywood is provided with a through hole running through the plywood perpendicular to said side, tensioned wires with high tenacity and elasticity are provided within said through hole and a fastening assembly is disposed at the end of said wires. The advantages of this invention consist in high strength, excellent abrasion resistance and being not liable to warp, which contribute to flat connection in series and long service life. Said bamboo plywood is a perfect substitute for lumber, and the wide use thereof will remarkably save lumber and thereby protect the forest resources.

Abstract: A multi-layered surface suitable for a playground, including a top layer of perforated resilient mats is also provided with a bottom shock-absorbing layer having pockets or perforations capable of supporting the growth of grass or other plant material from under the mats. A middle mesh layer helps distributes forces sideways. This invention overcomes the inherent absence of resilience in grassed playgrounds and is compatible with formal tests for impact resistance. The resulting playground environment is more natural in appearance than that of an undressed plastics mat surface.

Abstract: A method for processing prickly pear cactus skeletons and the resulting article. The process produces stabilized, acid and mold-free planer or three-dimensionally formed, cactus skeletons that can be easily handled. The method of the present invention preserves and enhances the natural intricate and delicate vein-like structures of the native skeleton and effectively alters the natural pH to a highly non-acidic state. Prickly pear cactus skeletons processed by the inventive method are ideally suited to be used as, or incorporated into, museum quality frame matting.

Abstract: A processing method of the fir plank structure in accordance with the present invention includes the following steps. The wood is shaped to a plank. A sealing layer is applied to an outer periphery of the shaped plank. The sealing layer is quickly cured by heating and baking under 100° C. or slowly and automatically cured under room temperature. A bottom layer is applied to an outer periphery of the sealing layer. The bottom layer is quickly cured by heating and baking under 100° C. or slowly and automatically cured under room temperature. A surface layer is applied to an outer periphery of the bottom layer.

Abstract: An artificial turf structure, in particular for sports fields, consists of a synthetic mat, having a substrate from which grass-resembling filaments project, and a filling layer formed by an infill material arranged between the filaments; the infill material forming the filling layer comprises a coconut-based vegetable material, in particular coco fibre and/or coco peat or other similar vegetable material in fibrous, ground and/or shredded form.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes fuel cell stacks electrically connected in parallel and supplying a gross current to a load. A controller determines the gross load current, and produces a desired current through the load by adjusting, based on the gross load current, at least one parameter affecting at least one of the inputs to and outputs from the system. This system allows a stack design and its voltage output to be kept constant while stacks are added for increased power.

Abstract: Spalted wood veneer, which can be used in the commercial production of engineered wood flooring having a spatted wood veneer decorative layer, is produced by forming a wood veneer piece, inoculating the wood veneer piece with spalting spores, subjecting the inoculated veneer piece to a predetermined environment, then inspecting the inoculated veneer piece to determine the degree of spalting, and when a desired degree of spalting is reached, deterring continued spalting.

Abstract: A decorative pine cone display is provided with visually pleasing color and sensory appealing aroma by dissolving selected color dye and scented oil in hot liquefied beeswax utilized to form a coating on a specific pine cone assembly whereby warming of the coating promotes release of pleasant aroma in the general area of the display structure.

Abstract: Novel methods, apparatus and kits to provide a new presently-untapped market for state-of-the-art artificial flowers presently sold only as part of artificial plant assemblies that include artificial stems, branches, leaves, etc., the invention comprising various novel improved means, as well as kits including such means, for attaching such artificial flowers to non-blooming (pre-bloom, post-bloom or never-bloom) live vegeation having live stems, branches, leaves, etc., to simulate blooming thereof, for easy care-free instant yard beautification, said kits being devoid of artificial plant stems, branches, leaves, etc.

Abstract: A method of fabrication of real flower artistic sticker is disclosed and the method comprises the steps of (a) preparing flower material which has been pressed and arranging the flower material into a real flower artistic pattern; (b) coating a layer of modified acrylic emulsion to the bottom face of the real flower artistic pattern and mounting a releasing sheet onto the bottom face such that the releasing sheet can be stripped off when the modified acrylic emulsion is dried; (c) coating acrylic, an acrylite resin onto the top face of the real flower artistic pattern, and coating a silicone fluid liquid onto the top face of the real flower artistic pattern after the acrylite resin is dried; and mounting an acrylic resin for pressure sensitive adhesive, and thus the real flower transfer sticker is obtained.

Abstract: A method for producing decorative panels for use in vehicle interiors. A layer 3 of plant components, such as leaves 6, is glued onto a base layer 2, formed of superposed layers of sized paper and blank veneer sheets disposed on a metal or plastic carrier 1, whose shape allows it to be mounted to dashboards and/or the side panels of the interior. A transparent varnish layer 4 is then applied to the layer of plant components.

Abstract: A magnetically attachable sealed pressed flower in which a sheet 3 having a pressed dry flower 2 is sealed and fixed by melting and fixing therein is disposed integrally on one surface of a sheet-shaped magnet substrate 1, which can improve the degree of freedom for the selection and alteration of the position or replacement of the kinds of pressed flowers and also enables re-utilization.

Abstract: A method for constructing model vegetation utilizing natural foliage and the products resulting therefrom are described. The method includes the steps of providing a segment of natural foliage, immersing the natural foliage into a liquid colorant, and applying leaf simulating material to the natural foliage. For larger model vegetation or for model vegetation requiring a base, a tree armature is utilized with additional steps including removing the branches from the natural foliage and affixing those branches to the tree armature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite for producing shaped bodies, which comprises at least one binding agent, at least one filler and at least one reinforcing agent. The invention is characterized in that the at least one filler and the at least one reinforcing agent are comminuted bast fiber plants and/or whole bast fiber plants. The invention also relates to a method for producing a product, especially a granulate, from a composite, which involves the following method steps: coating an extruder with at least on binding agent and bast fiber plants and/or comminuted bast fiber plants; melting at least one binding agent; extruding the material; granulating the extruded material, and; solidifying the material after cooling.

Abstract: The production of a display of dried and preserved flowers, plants and plant matter, bouquets, boutonniere, flower arrangements, mounted and displayed within a shadowbox to contain, surround, encompass and enclose the same, with or without the inclusion of any one or more of the following items or the like: photos, glassware, invitations, announcements, other printed matter, bows, lace, special, and sentimental mementoes within the display by the process comprising of a logical sequence of the following steps: recording the inventory of elements to be included in the display; gluing the outer most petals of said flowers to the sepal; drying the plant material by means of a dehydrating agent; gluing the petals in place; coloring the flowers as desired; providing a background on which to mount the floral display; mounting the floral display on the background; framing the display; and sealing the frame around the display.

Abstract: A fabric having plant material adhered between layers of silk or hand-made paper. The silk or paper layers are translucent to allow the fabric to have the appearance of plant material. The fabric is manufactured by soaking dry plant material in water, pressing and drying the plant material to flatten it, adhering bottom and top layers of silk or paper to the plant material, and applying a stiffening agent to the fabric. Articles of various shapes may be formed by shaping the fabric into a predetermined shape prior to the step of applying the stiffening material.

Abstract: A method for making a natural botanical sculpture that captures the plant's form and beauty is provided. A plant or plant part is used as an armature in the creation of a durable representation of the plant. The outer surface of the organic material is plastered with a viscous paste composition that includes composed of an adhesive, a synthetic latex resin prepared by emulsion polymerization, and a thickener. The paste dries to produce an inflexible and air-tight encasement. The plant is permanently preserved within the encasement.

Abstract: The present invention is a unique design and technique of construction for an artificial tree. The tree is created from an engineered superstructure with a porous outer covering or skin. Artificial leaves are attached to the skin creating an artificial tree with no limbs or branches. An additional feature is a light source that can be incorporated inside the superstructure to illuminate the tree. The foliage is replaceable to allow for seasonal color changes.

Abstract: An article comprising wood can be preserved by applying to the wood an effective amount for the preservation of the wood of a polymeric phenol sulfide having a tri- or higher sulfide bridge therein, which can be a polymeric alkyl phenol sulfide, such as one containing an alkyl group containing from one to about four carbon atoms in the alkyl group contained therein of the following formula, where R is the alkyl group,: where R is alkyl, m is from 1 to 3, n ranges from about 2 to about 10, and x is 3 or higher.

Abstract: An artificial palm tree has a trunk made from at least one tapered pole segment. Multiple trunk segments are butt connected with doweling screws threaded at both ends. A palm head in the form of a cylindrical solid is attached to an uppermost end of the uppermost segment of the trunk in the same manner as abutting segments of the trunk are attached to one another. A plurality of frond attachment holes are bored in the head. Each attachment hole is sized to accept a removable wood dowel pin. Each dowel pin, when inserted within its receiving hole, is angled to approximate the position of a frond on the trunk. Prior to assembly, each trunk segment and the palm head are individually wrapped with a layer of palm matting harvested from live palm trees. The matting layer is either stapled or adhesively bonded to the wrapped trunk segments and head. Wrapping of the palm head is performed with the dowel pins inserted within the frond attachment holes so that the dowel pins may serve to mark the location of the holes.

Abstract: A simple foldable greeting card wherein, upon opening, decorative display elements self-generate a 3-D effect.

Abstract: A formable decoration including an elongate formable member, decorative greenery, and attachment apparatus. The attachment apparatus attaches the decorative greenery to the formable member. The formable decoration may be formed into a decorative shape such as a straight line, an arch, a candy cane, and a wreath. The formable decoration may then be reformed into multiple decorative shapes.

Abstract: A eucalyptus floral product and a method for producing the same is provided. The floral product is non-perishable and permanent, while appearing to be naturally grown as opposed to artificially manufactured. The eucalyptus leaf floral product comprises a plurality of eucalyptus leaves attached to a central stem to substantially resemble a corolla. Additionally, the corolla preferably resembles a rosette. The central stem is preferably a length of wire, and the eucalyptus leaves are preferably preserved eucalyptus leaves. The corolla includes an underside, and a plurality of smaller eucalyptus leaves attached to the underside of the corolla form to substantially resemble a calyx. Additionally, the leaves can be soaked in a mildly acidic solution, such as vinegar, before the leaves are formed into the floral product.

Abstract: A method for preserving botanical specimens is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a botanical specimen to be preserved, embedding the specimen within oolitic sand, maintaining the specimen within the oolitic sand for a time sufficient to preserve it, removing the specimen from the oolitic sand, and depositing parylene upon the specimen. The resulting specimens offer a lifelike appearance, durability and a substantially permanent lifetime.

Abstract: A multi-layer thermoplastic packaging, the outer layer containing at least one filler having particles of different particle size and of a diameter .gtoreq.50 .mu.m, to give a natural stone external appearance and a process for the preparation thereof which includes coextrusion and blowing of the inner and outer layers, to provide the packaging which can be in the form of a flask, bottle, pot or other desired shape.

Abstract: A plant material is preserved by immersing a cross sectional surface of a severed stem, stalk, trunk or vine of a plant material into a preservative solution. The preservative solution can include a suitable dye. The plant material remains intertwined with its trellis, lattice or similar support during a preservation process. Alternatively, the plant material remains in a natural configuration during the preservation process. Also alternatively, the plant material also remains in a natural orientation during the preservation process. The cut stem, stalk, trunk or vine can be immersed in a container of preservative solution, at or near the time the stem, stalk, trunk or vine is severed. The cut stem stalk, trunk or vine of the plant can also be tied to a container of preservative solution. A rain shroud can also be placed over the container of preservative solution that contains the severed stem, stalk, trunk or vine of the severed plant, to protect the preservative solution during the preservation process.

Abstract: A roofing membrane has a quantity of water-retaining particles fixed in the upper surface of the membrane. A fleece web affixed to the membrane surface in a quilt-like manner may provide zones of selectable size for holding the particles in place. By varying the amount of the absorber particles, the water-retaining capacity of the roofing membrane may be varied to the particular intended use, such as on a flat roof or a sloped roof.

Abstract: An article comprising wood can be preserved by applying to the wood an effective amount for the preservation of the wood of a preservative composition consisting essentially of a polymeric phenol sulfide having a tetra- or higher sulfide bridge therein alkyl phenol sulfide, such as one containing an alkyl group containing from one to about four carbon atoms in the alkyl group contained therein of the following formula, where R is the alkyl group,: ##STR1## where R is alkyl, m is from 1 to 3, n ranges from about 2 to about 10, and x is about 4.

Abstract: A water-absorbent paper or nonwoven fabric containing 5-hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-.gamma.-pyrone for preventing the discoloration of the cut surface of lettuce stem and further containing an organic acid having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms and/or a water-retaining agent.

Abstract: A tissue fixative comprising a solvent including one or more alkanols, one or more diols and/or triols and a catalyst, and a solute including an osmotically active substance and a mordant. A preferred composition comprises 14 ml ethanol, 14 ml ethandiol, 2.43 ml of a 37% solution of methanal, 0.375 g NaCl, 0.0375 g ZaCl.sub.2 and 69.57 mls water.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of making preserved plant material having the color and texture of fresh plant material and substantially free from curling or distortion, the method comprising the step of immersing the plant material in an aqueous solution comprising from 40% to 95% by weight of one or more C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 dihydric alcohols at a temperature of from 60.degree. C. to 95.degree. C. The dihydric alcohols preferably comprise a major fraction of propylene glycol. The immersion is preferably carried out for from 5 to 90 minutes at a temperature of from 65.degree. to 85.degree. C. The aqueous solution may also contain dehydrating alcohols and/or polyethylene glycol. The aqueous solution of the dihydric alcohols exchanges for aqueous sap and juices in the plant material, e.g. cut green foliage or cut flowers, without changing the color or texture of the material.

Abstract: The process and product obtained thereby of obtaining substantially dried flower blooms and other natural predominantly carbohydrate products such as flower stems, leaves, other vegetable matter and insects, which substantially retain their original shape and color, comprising the steps of covering the substrate with particulate matter and then subjecting the covered substrate to a reduced pressure environment to remove most of the water from the substrate.

Abstract: A decorative composite is formed by extruding a plurality of colored rods to form an elongated decorative composite article having a decorative pattern throughout defined by the individual rods. The decorative composite can be formed into decorative consumable articles, such as soap bars, deodorants, air fresheners or candy. A decorative veneer can be formed by slicing thin sections in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the decorative composite article. A decorative wax veneer can be formed by employing colored wax rods. The decorative wax veneer is applied to a core to form a decorative article, such as a clear wax core to form a glowing candle. Enhanced resolution of the decorative pattern is achieved by generating an enlarged digitized image of the decorative pattern comprising a plurality of colored pixels and selecting individually colored rods in accordance with the observed colored pixels of the enlarged digitized image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stone product in sheet form suitable for use both outdoors and indoors, e.g. as a facade cladding or a fitting, etc. The stone product in question has undergone impregnation treatment with a view to causing its strength and flexibility to be increased through the presence of an impregnating agent in existing pores, cracks and other cavities in the stone sheet in question. A method for producing said stone product and means for its manufacture are also included in the invention.

Abstract: A dry flower, and a process for producing the same, coated on its surface with a polymer film of (R.sup.1 HSiO).sub.a (R.sup.2 R.sup.3 SiO).sub.b (R.sup.4 R.sup.5 R.sup.6 SiO.sub.1/2).sub.c or (2) a film of one or more polymers selected from (i) photopolymerizable polymers, (ii) silane coupling agent polymers, and (iii) copolymers of photopolymerizable monomers and silane coupling agents.