Thomas L Ripley

US Patent:

54675553, Nov 21, 1995

Filed:

Oct 24, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/327654

Inventors:

Thomas L. Ripley - Chalfont PA
Stephen A. Cataldo - Chalfont PA

Assignee:

GreenTech, L.L.C. - Richmond VA

International Classification:

A01G 902

US Classification:

47 66

Abstract:

Improved turf units for assembling a natural turf playing surface in a stadium or the like. Natural turf units are provided which are transportable between first and second locations, the second location being for the growth and maintenance of the turf unit; the first location being a location for the performance of the desired activity. A fence section hingeably connected to the growing pan of the turf unit provides for maintenance of the top level of the plant growing medium at a significant height above the top of the side walls of the growing pan. A turf unit in accordance with the invention is used to assemble such a playing surface without removable parts. Also, the outer periphery of the fence extends outwardly beyond the outer periphery of the side walls of the growing pans such that, when the turf units are assembled adjacent each other to create the playing surface, large areas exist beneath the playing surface to provide adequate space for drainage of the field. Moreover, a configuration of turf units in accordance with the invention provides for a substantial reduction in the amount of growing medium necessary to create the continuous natural grass playing surface when compared with known turf unit systems.

US Patent:

61348341, Oct 24, 2000

Filed:

Jun 6, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/468713

Inventors:

Thomas L. Ripley - Chalfont PA
Stephen A. Cataldo - Chalfont PA

Assignee:

Greentech, Inc. - Richmond VA

International Classification:

A01G 902

US Classification:

47 86

Abstract:

The present invention provides a horticulturally diverse garden for growing botanicals having a plurality of transportable modules, at least two of which provide differing microenvironments. The modules can comprise various soil compositions such that a variety of diverse botanicals can grow and thrive in close proximity. The present invention also provides for a garden which is irrigated from below the modules. The garden can also be heated or cooled underground. The present invention can also comprise a flexible plastic film or other transparent enclosure covering the top of the garden or modules. The modules may also comprise a synthetic surface.

US Patent:

55950213, Jan 21, 1997

Filed:

Jun 6, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/470924

Inventors:

Thomas L. Ripley - Chalfont PA
Stephen A. Cataldo - Chalfont PA

Assignee:

Greentech L.L.C. - Richmond VA

International Classification:

A01G 902

US Classification:

47 66

Abstract:

Improved turf units for assembling a natural turf playing surface in a stadium or the like. Natural turf units are provided which are transportable between first and second locations, the second location being for the growth and maintenance of the turf unit; the first location being a location for the performance of the desired activity. A fence section hingeably connected to the growing pan of the turf unit provides for maintenance of the top level of the plant growing medium at a significant height above the top of the side walls of the growing pan. A turf unit in accordance with the invention is used to assemble such a playing surface without removable parts. Also, the outer periphery of the fence extends outwardly beyond the outer periphery of the side walls of the growing pans such that, when the turf units are assembled adjacent each other to create the playing surface, large areas exist beneath the playing surface to provide adequate space for drainage of the field. Moreover, a configuration of turf units in accordance with the invention provides for a substantial reduction in the amount of growing medium necessary to create the continuous natural grass playing surface when compared with known turf unit systems.

US Patent:

51878941, Feb 23, 1993

Filed:

Oct 9, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/594355

Inventors:

Thomas L. Ripley - Chalfont PA
Henry Indyk - Sommerset NJ

Assignee:

The Greenway Services, Inc. - Horsham PA

International Classification:

A01G 902

US Classification:

47 86

Abstract:

Stadia and other activity surfaces are provided comprising natural turf. Natural turf units are provided which are transportable between first and second locations, the second location being for the growth and maintenance of the turf unit; the first location being a location for the performance of the desired activity. Means of transporting the units between the first and second locations are also provided. Artificial plant growth media are also provided comprising sand fractions and at least about 30% of shaped pieces of expandable polymer which are substantially inert to plant growth chemistry. In accordance with preferred embodiments, domed stadia are provided with natural turf activity surfaces which are able to withstand intensive wear during multi-season activities.