A system for reversibly converting stadiums into multifunctional infrastructure by removing the pitch and storing it in a pit (6), the pitch having a set of trays (1) having a total length equal to the pitch in a longitudinal direction of the pit, which are moveable, self-supporting and have layers of soil, irrigation and turf; a set of transport trolleys (2) for lifting and moving each tray (1) from its position on the pitch to the pit (6); a set of retractable trellises (5) that can be unfolded on the pit (6), for the entry of each tray (1) from above the pit; an elevator system (8) inside the pit (6) to move each tray to its final position, in storage, or on the pitch; and a storage system (7) for storing each tray in a fixed and stable position.

A device for twisting a flat, fibrillated strip for producing artificial turf is disclosed. The device includes a hollow shaft having a central axis of rotation, a deflecting element that is mounted on the hollow shaft and that has a swing region, and a limiting element that is disposed on the hollow shaft. The hollow shaft allows the strip to be continuously passed through a hollow space of the hollow shaft. The deflecting element includes a swing pivot that is offset from the central axis. When the hollow shaft is rotated around its central axis, the swing region of the deflecting element is swung outward from the central axis to a swung-out position. As a result, the strip is rested against the swing region. When the deflecting element is in its swung-out position, the strip is rested against the limiting element that limits the outward deflection of the strip.

A device for twisting a flat, fibrillated strip for producing artificial turf is disclosed. The device includes a hollow shaft having a central axis of rotation, a deflecting element that is mounted on the hollow shaft and that has a swing region, and a limiting element that is disposed on the hollow shaft. The hollow shaft allows the strip to be continuously passed through a hollow space of the hollow shaft. The deflecting element includes a swing pivot that is offset from the central axis. When the hollow shaft is rotated around its central axis, the swing region of the deflecting element is swung outward from the central axis to a swung-out position. As a result, the strip is rested against the swing region. When the deflecting element is in its swung-out position, the strip is rested against the limiting element that limits the outward deflection of the strip.

An underlayment layer is configured to support an artificial turf assembly. The underlayment layer comprises plurality of panels, each panel comprising a core with a top side and a bottom side. The top side has a plurality of top projections. The top projections form top side water drainage channels. The panels have edges, with the edges of one panel abutting the edges of adjacent panels, thereby forming a drainage path between adjacent panels. The panel edges have vertical support extensions that extend into the drainage paths between adjacent panels. The vertical support extensions have an upper surface for supporting an artificial turf assembly overlying the turf underlayment layer, and the panel edges having one or more complementary indentations corresponding to vertical support extensions of adjacent panels. When the panels move toward each other, thereby closing drainage paths between adjacent panels, the vertical support extensions are received in the corresponding indentations.

Compositions and methods are presented in which aragonite, and especially oolitic aragonite particles are used as infill material in an artificial turf structure or as sub-growth substrate for natural grass. Advantageously, oolitic aragonite particles provide: a superior microporous surface for effective water saturation to impart thermal control and environmental compatibility; ammonia neutralization of urine by reducing urea hydrolysis with the free calcium presented in the aragonite particles; and aragonite particle uniformity allowing for reduced compaction and desirable water draining.

Compositions and methods are presented in which aragonite, and especially oolitic aragonite particles are used as infill material in an artificial turf structure or as sub-growth substrate for natural grass. Advantageously, oolitic aragonite particles provide: a superior microporous surface for effective water saturation to impart thermal control and environmental compatibility; ammonia neutralization of urine by reducing urea hydrolysis with the free calcium presented in the aragonite particles; and aragonite particle uniformity allowing for reduced compaction and desirable water draining.

Playing surface, in particular a sports floor or playing field. The playing surface comprises a substrate layer lying on top of a base layer and one or more additional layers lying on top of the substrate layer. The substrate layer is a leveled, compacted mixture of elastic granules and stones. At least one of the additional layers is an elastic layer. The substrate layer and the one or more additional layers form the playing surface.

Apparatus and methods that use shearing machines operate to revitalize artificial turf fields. In one exemplary apparatus, the apparatus may comprise a support frame, a plurality of shearing machines installed on the support frame, and a plurality of wheels installed on the support frame. The support frame may be configured to position the shearing machines parallel to each other, to tilt the shearing machines with respect a surface of the artificial turf field, and to position the shearing machines above a surface of the field at a distance such that the shearing machines cut fibers to produce trimmed fibers that have a length that can extend above infill or topmost layer of the artificial turf field.

Apparatus and methods that use shearing machines operate to revitalize artificial turf fields. In one exemplary apparatus, the apparatus may comprise a support frame, a plurality of shearing machines installed on the support frame, and a plurality of wheels installed on the support frame. The support frame may be configured to position the shearing machines parallel to each other, to tilt the shearing machines with respect a surface of the artificial turf field, and to position the shearing machines above a surface of the field at a distance such that the shearing machines cut fibers to produce trimmed fibers that have a length that can extend above infill or topmost layer of the artificial turf field.

A process for separating synthetic turf product comprising includes the consecutive steps of: (a) downsizing the synthetic turf product into a downsized turf material; (b) separating the downsized turf material by sieving into at least a first fraction substantially comprising a mixture of backing material and additional components and a second fraction substantially comprising grass fiber components; (c) separating the first fraction by specific gravity to provide a low density fraction and a high density fraction; (d) separating the second fraction by specific gravity and size by providing an airflow directed upwards in a separator configured to cause a swirling motion whereby a lighter fraction is entrained upwards in the air flow and a heavy fraction is allowed to fall downwards; and (e) collecting the low density fraction and the light fraction.