Abstract: A system and method for determining the atomization characteristics of fluids being emitted by a nozzle is disclosed. In one embodiment, a fluid is emitted through a nozzle while simultaneously sensing vibrations occurring within the nozzle. The vibrations provide information about the atomization characteristics of the fluid. By comparing the sensed vibrations to vibration patterns produced by known fluids through the same or a similar nozzle, the atomization characteristics of the fluid being tested can be predicted. In one embodiment, for instance, the atomization characteristics of a fluid may be determined as a function of velocity or flow rate through the nozzle.

Abstract: An atomization chamber apparatus used for aircraft pesticide delivery, which has an open ended walled chamber, divided into left and right sections, each having outer and inner segments, each segment having a top and a bottom wall, the outer segments having a same radius concave upper wall and a convex lower wall, while the inner segments have a same radius convex radius upper wall and a concave lower wall. A nozzle injector connectable to a fluid pesticide source is laterally disposed in an inner segment. The nozzle is chosen such that exiting pesticide will not impact the chamber walls, and the radii of the segments are chosen such that the speed of pesticide atomization by the incoming air is slowed down to reduce fines upon pesticide impact, and the speed of the pesticide air mixture on exiting the chamber is increased to substantially match the airspeed of the aircraft.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the atomization characteristics of fluids being emitted by a nozzle is disclosed. In one embodiment, a fluid is emitted through a nozzle while simultaneously sensing vibrations occurring within the nozzle. The vibrations provide information about the atomization characteristics of the fluid. By comparing the sensed vibrations to vibration patterns produced by known fluids through the same or a similar nozzle, the atomization characteristics of the fluid being tested can be predicted. In one embodiment, for instance, the atomization characteristics of a fluid may be determined as a function of velocity or flow rate through the nozzle.

Abstract: An atomization chamber apparatus used for aircraft pesticide delivery, which has an open ended walled chamber, divided into left and right sections, each having outer and inner segments, each segment having a top and a bottom wall, the outer segments having a same radius concave upper wall and a convex lower wall, while the inner segments have a same radius convex radius upper wall and a concave lower wall. A nozzle injector connectable to a fluid pesticide source is laterally disposed in an inner segment. The nozzle is chosen such that exiting pesticide will not impact the chamber walls, and the radii of the segments are chosen such that the speed of pesticide atomization by the incoming air is slowed down to reduce fines upon pesticide impact, and the speed of the pesticide air mixture on exiting the chamber is increased to substantially match the airspeed of the aircraft.

Abstract: A system for the dissemination of pheromone bearing carrier substrates which includes an airplane/helicopter mountable carrier substrate dispenser, the actuation for release of the carrier substrates loaded into the dispenser being controlled from the cockpit of the plane/helicopter. Each carrier substrate has one A member card and at least one B member card released upon actuation of the dispenser, for disposition of the carrier substrates within treetops, where the pheromone will be released automatically from the substrate of the card to dissipate into the ambient air. The released pheromone acts to confuse male members of a particular pest insect, such that the males are impeded in their efforts to locate females of that specie who would also be disseminating pheromone, to thereby interfere with the mating cycle of such pest insects.

Abstract: A system for the dissemination of pheromone bearing carrier substrates which includes an airplane/helicopter mountable carrier substrate dispenser, the actuation for release of the carrier substrates loaded into the dispenser being controlled from the cockpit of the plane/helicopter. Each carrier substrate has one A member card and at least one B member card released upon actuation of the dispenser, for disposition of the carrier substrates within treetops, where the pheromone will be released automatically from the substrate of the card to dissipate into the ambient air. The released pheromone acts to confuse male members of a particular pest insect, such that the males are impeded in their efforts to locate females of that specie who would also be disseminating pheromone, to thereby interfere with the mating cycle of such pest insects.

Abstract: The compositions of the invention are the in-situ prepared spray coated beneficial insects, which may be the beneficial insect alone, or within the confines of a host. The method of making the compositions of this invention relates to the mixing of a binder solution with a predertermined quantity of a beneficial pest for either direct delivery onto a plant or the collection thereof onto a substrate for strategic relocation in futuro. All of these activities can be carried out by introducing the beneficial insects into a hopper, metering the addition thereof into an airstream using a spur gear or other limiting device, introducing mucilage or some other non-lethal binder onto the moving insects and ejecting the binder coated insects into an airstream for delivery to a target, a specific plant, or to a piece of paper or other stratum.

Abstract: An apparatus for the metered delivery of beneficial insects such as but not limited to Trichogramma adaptable for mounting on a tractor, airplane, or a backpack blower carried by ground personnel. The apparatus employs a binder injection system for impact upon the metered beneficial insects in a moving airstream for delivery to specific targets. The process of delivery constitutes the controlled metering of a desired amount of a beneficial insect into an airstream for impact by a measured amount of a binder solution such that the insects become coated, after which the insects are then delivered to their target area by a high velocity airstream.