Snowmaking Patents (Class 239/14.2)
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Publication number: 20110163175Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a compact heat pump using water as refrigerant, comprising an evaporator located at a first end section of the heat pump casing, adapted to allow evaporation of water therefrom, One or more compressors located at a second end section of the heat pump casing adapted to induce said evaporation by maintaining vacuum, provided with an intake conduit extending from the evaporator to the compressor leading vapor thereto. A condenser is located in the intermediate section of the casing wherein the intake conduit passes therethrough, adapted for condensing the vapor. The heat pump also comprises vacuum means allowing creating and maintaining vacuum in the casing. There is also provided a snow dome allowing skiing and snow related activities in above zero conditions using the heat pump for creation of snow or ice slurry.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2010Publication date: July 7, 2011Inventors: Avraham OPHIR, Henrikh Rojanskiy, Rafi Siluk, Arie Kanievski, Larisa Kanievski, Achmon Ori
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Patent number: 7965488Abstract: An antenna is disclosed to efficiently ionize the atmosphere for the purpose of reducing the aerosol counts, and therefore the number of poluted particles in suspension in the atmosphere, by deposition to ground. The antenna includes peripheral nodes and a central node. Each of the peripheral nodes is connected to adjacent peripheral nodes through peripheral spokes. The peripheral nodes are also connected to the central node through radial spokes. Electric power is applied to the peripheral spokes and the radial spokes causing the antenna to charge the atmosphere through the emission of ions. The antenna minimizes an attenuation factor that reduces ionization efficiency and reduces the land requirements for its installation.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2007Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Ionogenies Corp.Inventor: Phillip Kaufman
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Publication number: 20110049258Abstract: A nucleator nozzle (20) for producing ice nuclei is designed as convergent-divergent nozzle. The nozzle channel (25) has a section (27) that is widening. The ratio of the cross-sectional area of the outlet opening (23) to the cross-sectional area of the nozzle channel (25) in the region of the nucleus diameter (26) is at least approximately 4:1. A snow lance (1) having at least one nucleator nozzle (20) and having at least one water nozzle (30; 30?) is designed such that water droplets (32) produced by the water nozzle (30; 30?) pass through a droplet path (31; 31?) of at least 20 cm until they reach ice nuclei (28) from the nucleator nozzle (20) in a germination zone E.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2008Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicants: BAECHLER TOP TRACK AG, MICRO-VERSCHLEISS-TECHNIK AGInventors: Daniela Lehner, Mathieu Fauve, Bruno Koch, Claus Dangel
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Patent number: 7874500Abstract: A snow making apparatus of the low profile snow gun type or of the tower type having independent and co-extending air and first water conduits supported above ground. Air and first water discharge nozzles are connected to the upper ends respectively of these conduits for producing a plume of atomized water from external interacting air and water discharge under pressure from the air and water discharge nozzles to produce snow in sub-freezing ambient conditions. A second water conduit co-extends with the air and first water conduits and a second water discharge nozzle is connected to the upper end of this second water conduit in the head of the snow gun or tower for discharge of additional water under pressure to ambient atmosphere through this second water discharge nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2008Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Inventor: Charles N. Santry
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Publication number: 20100314463Abstract: The invention relates to equipment for alternatively producing either artificial snow or heating or cooling, the equipment comprising: an artificial snow production installation including in particular a buried pressurized water network; at least one heat pump having a ground heat exchanger circuit; and a configuration system for either disconnecting the connection circuit of the heat pump from the buried water network of the artificial snow production installation during a stage of producing artificial snow, or else connecting the connection circuit to the water network of the artificial snow production installation during a stage of heat pump operation, either in heating mode or in cooling mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2010Publication date: December 16, 2010Inventor: Max Duplan
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Patent number: 7770816Abstract: In a snow lance head for use with a snow lance with a housing having nozzles for the outlet of water and/or air and with at least one first chamber formed in the interior of the housing, through which water emerging from at least some of the nozzles flows, the surface area of the inner surface of the chamber is at least equal to, but preferably greater than the outer surface of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2005Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Technoalpin GmbHInventor: Walter Rieder
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Publication number: 20100051714Abstract: A procedure for moderating the intensity of a hurricane in regions of the seas that are host to the oil and gas industries is described, using the Gulf of Mexico as an example of such a region, and snow-making machines as the instruments for carrying out the procedure. These machines are carried on moving platforms that follow the hurricane and on fixed platforms that are located in the path of the hurricane. In the described procedure snow-making machines are installed on fixed platforms throughout the region, and only those machines that are in the path of an approaching hurricane are turned on, while the snow-making machines on the moving platform(s) are operating continually.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2009Publication date: March 4, 2010Inventor: Alfred Rosen
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Publication number: 20090294547Abstract: A snow making apparatus that allows for the production of snow when the outdoor air temperature is from about ?3° Celsius or colder to about +5° Celsius. The snow making apparatus includes a snow machine that includes one or more water nozzles that spray a water mist into the air. The snow making apparatus also includes a snow accelerator that includes an air compressor, a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the compressed air and a cooling system to cool the compressed dehumidified air. The cooled air is passed through an expansion valve and the modified compressed air is directed through a nozzle positioned to lie near the water nozzles. The modified compressed air has a absolute humidity of about 0.02 g/m3 or less and a temperature of about ?50° Celsius or less. The water mist and modified compressed air are combined, causing the water mist to turn into snow.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2008Publication date: December 3, 2009Inventors: Takumi Ichinomiya, Tomoaki Akiyama
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Publication number: 20090283607Abstract: A snow making apparatus of the low profile snow gun type or of the tower type having independent and co-extending air and first water conduits supported above ground. Air and first water discharge nozzles are connected to the upper ends respectively of these conduits for producing a plume of atomized water from external interacting air and water discharge under pressure from the air and water discharge nozzles to produce snow in sub-freezing ambient conditions. A second water conduit co-extends with the air and first water conduits and a second water discharge nozzle is connected to the upper end of this second water conduit in the head of the snow gun or tower for discharge of additional water under pressure to ambient atmosphere through this second water discharge nozzle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2008Publication date: November 19, 2009Inventor: Charles N. Santry
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Patent number: 7562831Abstract: The invention relates to artificial snowmaking and specifically to the discovery that by introducing an effective amount of organo-modified polysiloxane material to the water being supplied to the snow guns, the quality of the snow thus made is significantly enhanced.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2002Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: Aquatrols Corporation of America, Inc.Inventors: Dominic Charles Costa, Stanley J Kostka
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Patent number: 7546960Abstract: A snow making apparatus comprises at least one water/air nozzle for ejecting a water/air mixture. The snow making apparatus comprises at least one jet pump which operates with water as a driving medium and mixes air with the water and compresses the water/air mixture in order to form the water/air mixture which is supplied to the at least one water/air nozzle. A method of operating a snow making apparatus comprises corresponding features. The snow making apparatus and method enables unused energy to be used in a particularly effective manner.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2002Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: Nivis GmbH-SRLInventor: Wilhelm Stofner
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Patent number: 7543760Abstract: An apparatus for producing evaporative snow having a snow generation unit including a fluid reservoir, a fluid delivery line and a snow generation tip; and a compressed gas unit including at least one container of compressed gas, a source of electric power, and a gas regulator valve.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2007Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Inventors: Frank Levy, Francisco Javier Guerra
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Publication number: 20090140069Abstract: A water and/or air dispenser for snowmaking system includes water and/or air supplying ducts and is equipped with at least one valve (9) associated with an electric actuator (10), the actuator (10) being connected to an electric power source (12, 19) and associated with its own management unit (11) to ensure the operation of the valve (9) between the open and closed configurations thereof. The dispenser is associated with security elements able to cause the valve (9) to be positioned in a known security configuration, for example tightly closed, in case of voltage cut-off at the electric source (12, 19), the security elements being integrated and including a capacitor-type electric unit (16), connected to the electric power source and to the actuator (10), the capacitor unit being able to store, and then return, a quantity of energy necessary for complete actuation of the valve, to implement the security elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2008Publication date: June 4, 2009Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS NEIGEInventors: Damien LANDREAU, Eric DAVID, Pierrick JOUNEAU, Michel GALVIN
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Publication number: 20090100857Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a compact heat pump using water as refrigerant, comprising an evaporator (20) located at a first end section of the heat pump casing (12), adapted to allow evaporation of water therefrom, One or more compressors (40) located at a second end section of the heat pump casing adapted to induce said evaporation by maintaining vacuum, provided with an intake conduit (32) extending from the evaporator (20) to the compressor (40) leading vapor thereto. A condenser (30) is located in the intermediate section of the casing (12) wherein the intake conduit (32) passes therethrough, adapted for condensing the vapor. The heat pump also comprises vacuum means (39) allowing creating and maintaining vacuum in the casing. There is also provided a snow dome allowing skiing and snow related activities in above zero conditions using the heat pump for creation of snow or ice slurry.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2006Publication date: April 23, 2009Inventors: Avraham Ophir, Henrikh Rojanskiy, Rafi Siluk, Arie Kanievski, Larisa Kanievski
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Patent number: 7311266Abstract: A freeze-proof water valve (10) for supplying secondary water under pressure in freezing ambient conditions to a snow making apparatus (11) having primary water spray nozzles (12) and secondary water spray nozzles (13,14). The valve housing (15) is provided with an interior primary water chamber (16) with a water inlet (17) and a primary water outlet (18) for continuous passage of primary water under pressure therethrough for delivery to primary water spray nozzles (12) on the snow making apparatus (11). A valve body (22,24) is mounted within this valve housing (15) within the primary water chamber (16) for flow of water therearound from the housing inlet (17) to the primary outlet (18) to prevent freeze-up of the valve body (22,24) when in the off position.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2006Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Inventor: Charles N. Santry
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Patent number: 7306045Abstract: A multi-stage fluid power turbine having application as a fire extinguisher to be ideally carried by a fire truck (e.g., a tanker or a pumper) so as to fight outdoor fires. An impeller and a propeller are located at one end of the fire extinguisher, and a fan is located at the opposite end. The propeller and the fan are mounted on a common inner shaft so as to rotate in a first direction. The impeller is mounted on a hollow outer shaft or tube that surrounds the inner shaft. The impeller includes a plurality of curved blades, each of which having a fluid duct running therethrough. Water under pressure being supplied from a source to the impeller blades is ejected from the fluid ducts thereof and thrust against the blades of the propeller, whereby to impart a rotational force to the propeller and a corresponding rotational force to the fan. The water ejected from the curved impeller blades causes the impeller to rotate in an opposite direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2006Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Inventor: Saeed M. Moflihi
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Patent number: 7290722Abstract: An elongated pipe conduit snow making tower, and assembly method, having an upper end spray nozzle head and pivotally supported on a support pipe for vertical inclination by a hydraulic ram jack enabling infinite non-preselected incremental inclinations. A ram safety latch automatically latch/catches the tower pipe if the jack leaks. Secondary and tertiary external flexible water hoses are selectable to feed associated spray head snowmaking nozzles, and an internal compressed air conduit feeds spray head seeding nozzles. Secondary and tertiary ball valve assemblies mounted on a water feed block are outlet coupled to their respective hoses. In drain condition turbulent primary water continually washes against a valve ball flow closure side for an anti-freezing effect. The spray head is a four-piece modular planar stack up of disks each carrying spray nozzles that all discharge forwardly away from the pipe tower in generally parallel spray patterns.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2004Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Snow Machines, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey Allen Ewald
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Publication number: 20070248468Abstract: A method and arrangement for soft start up of a pump system, that includes a pump (401) for generating a liquid flow, an electrical drive (402, 403, 404) disposed to actuate the pump, and a pressure sensor (408) disposed to measure a liquid pressure at a flow output of the pump. The objectives of the invention are achieved with a solution in which a rate of change of rotation speed of the pump during a start up phase is made to be dependent on a rate of change of measured liquid pressure speed is a descending function of the rate of change of the measured liquid pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2007Publication date: October 25, 2007Applicant: ABB OYInventor: Mikael Holmberg
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Patent number: 7225999Abstract: Spray array apparatus which includes a plurality of water and air carrying spoke members extending radially from a central fluid distribution assembly. The spoke members are connected to a plurality of water and air carrying strut members. The spoke members are divided into segments and the segments and strut members are detachably joined together by means of manifold joints which have water and air passageways allowing fluid communication between spoke segments and strut members. The apparatus is towed at the end of a boom of a tanker aircraft and is connected to the boom by means of a gimbal allowing two degrees of freedom to reduce bending moments and connection stresses. Selected fluid parameters are transmitted to the tanker aircraft to adjust fluid flow, if necessary.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2004Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Curt M. Foianini, Thomas H. Hane, Joseph E. Wolfe
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Patent number: 7131598Abstract: A snow-gun for producing man-made snow from a combination of compressed air and water features a new nozzle configuration for discharging a mixture of water-particles and air into the surrounding atmosphere. Such nozzle is provided with an elliptically-shaped discharge port having a transverse cross-section that gradually expands in size in the direction in which the air and water particles are discharged from said nozzle. Preferably, the area of the elliptical port changes non-linearly through the front wall of the nozzle, whereby water particles exiting the gun through the nozzle port are less likely to collide with the side walls of the port or with each other before reaching the relatively cold ambient atmosphere.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2004Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Ratnik Industries, Inc.Inventor: H. Ronald Ratnik
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Patent number: 7124958Abstract: A method and apparatus suitable for producing an artificial snow surface for tire evaluation is provided. The process provides for manufacturing a series of snow layers, each layer followed by a packing and a grooming step to provide a multi-layered snow surface. Desirable shear strength properties of the snow surface are enhanced by a surface grooming technique that applies a layer of water to the upper snow surface followed by grooming of the surface. The manufactured snow surface allows the testing and evaluation of tires that compares favorably to tire evaluation data obtained from outdoor testing facilities.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2004Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.Inventors: Paul Schultz, Timothy Dougherty
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Patent number: 7114662Abstract: Snow is made, for use on ski slopes and the like, using compressed air at a pressure substantially less than 95 psig, preferably around 30 psig. The air is provided to a snow making head or snow gun, where it is flowed through an air nozzle having effective diameter D. The air stream intersects a water droplet stream with angle A and at distance L from the air nozzle. Preferred angle A is in the range 70 to 110 degrees. The preferred ratio L/D is in the range 9:1 and 22:1. High pressure air from existing compressor systems is reduced to a desired substantially lower pressure by a central choked flow throttle upstream of an aftercooler, or by multi-stage throttles located near the snow making head. Water is added to the compressed air to substantially improve snow making, particularly when ambient relative humidity is low.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2003Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Inventor: John P. Nikkanen
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Patent number: 6994278Abstract: The spraying device comprises: a tubular body which defines a chamber connected to a supply of water under pressure, a nozzle (1) with atomizer and a constriction organ in the form of a valve (6) in order to form a thin-walled hollow jet. The orifice (7) of the nozzle comprises a surface shaping the jet which is arranged to produce at the level of this latter an asymmetry of rotation. The spraying device preferably comprises two nozzles centered in the same plane and forming between them an angle which is of the order of 80°. The valves of these two nozzles are controlled simultaneously by appropriate elements.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2003Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: York NeigeInventors: Michel Galvin, Eric David, Bernard Pergay
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Patent number: 6951308Abstract: A snow making method and apparatus wherein water (3) in flexible hoses (2), within a cooling medium (1) is converted to snow and/or ice crystals. The hoses (2) are cyclically inflated and deflated to cause the crystals to be dislodged from the inner wall surfaces of the hoses (2). When the hoses (2) are full of crystals, the crystals can be discharged by pumping or blowing.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2001Date of Patent: October 4, 2005Assignee: Snow Factories SAInventor: Alfio Bucceri
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Patent number: 6939465Abstract: A fluid filtering system for filtering dirt and other debris from fluids being conveyed in a pipeline for snow making apparatus and other devices. An upright pipe segment is connected to a horizontal pipe segment through a pipe elbow or angle for conveying fluid such as water and/or air under pressure from the horizontal pipe segment through the pipe angle and upwardly through the upright pipe segment. A filter is provided in the upright pipe segment adjacent its lower end and an external drain is disposed in the pipe angle directly under the filter to automatically flush and clean the filter when the drain is opened.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2002Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Inventor: Herman K. Dupre
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Patent number: 6938830Abstract: A snow making method where water and/or ice is mixed with a cryogenic material, such as carbon dioxide, in a mixing vessel and the mixture is mechanically agitated or mixed to convert the water and/or ice into snow. The cryogenic material may be recovered and return for return to the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2002Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: Snow Factories PTY LTDInventor: Alfio Bucceri
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Patent number: 6793148Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing man-made snow without using either compressed air or high-speed fans. The method makes use of a special water nozzle that is designed to provide a high volume spray of water particles that, owing to their size distribution (having a median size of between about 100 and 200 microns) in the spray, are readily susceptible to conversion to ice crystals as they settle to earth under favorable ambient conditions. Preferably, water applied to the nozzle is seeded with artificial nucleation sites so that water particles in a spray containing such sites are more susceptible to conversion to ice crystals as the particles settle to earth.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2002Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Ratnik Industries, IncorporatedInventor: H. Ronald Ratnik
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Patent number: 6719209Abstract: A spray head includes a sleeve provided with sprayers and divided into several chambers by a core element with several internal partitions. Each chamber is fed by passages and the main chamber is fed by a passage which passes through the cap, the cap including at least a spraying device in the form of a mini snow gun operating as nucleator.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2001Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: York NeigeInventors: Bernard Pergay, Patrick Charriau, Michel Galvin
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Publication number: 20040060995Abstract: A snow making method and apparatus wherein water (3) in flexible hoses (2), within a cooling medium (1) is converted to snow and/or ice crystals. The hoses (2) are cyclically inflated and deflated to cause the crystals to be dislodged from the inner wall surfaces of the hoses (2). When the hoses (2) are full of crystals, the crystals can be discharged by pumping or blowing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventor: Alfio Bucceri
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Publication number: 20040056110Abstract: A Machine and method for producing the illusion of snow is disclosed and described. It produces said product in a manner such that is easier to manufacture, operate, and produce than is currently available.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Inventor: Francisco Guerra
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Publication number: 20040050949Abstract: In a snow making apparatus, a metal snow gun housing is provided with independent air and water chambers therein for supplying air and water under pressure. Nucleating nozzles are provided in the housing which have an air chamber therein with side wall apertures for access of air under pressure to the air chambers. A jet stream of water is injected into the air chamber from a small water jet aperture which is axially aligned with an exterior nozzle aperture at the opposite end of the air chamber so that the water jet ejects through the exterior nozzle aperture without engaging sides thereof for thereby intimately mixing the air and water together as they exit the exterior nozzle aperture to finely nucleate the water spray exiting the snow gun. The water supplying the water spray is filtered and the gun is provide with a removable access for the filter.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2003Publication date: March 18, 2004Inventor: Herman K. Duper
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Publication number: 20040046041Abstract: In a snow making apparatus, a metal snow gun housing is provided with independent air and water chambers therein for supplying air and water under pressure. Nucleating nozzles are provided in the housing which have a mixing chamber therein with side wall apertures for access of air under pressure to the mixing chambers. Water is injected into the mixing chamber from a small water nozzle aperture which is axially aligned with an air-water nozzle aperture at the opposite end of the mixing chamber so that the water jet ejects through the air-water nozzle aperture thereby intimately mixing the air and water together to finely nucleate the water spray exiting the snow gun. The water supplying the water spray is filtered and the gun is provide with a removable access for the filter.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: Herman K. Dupre
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Publication number: 20040035947Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing man-made snow without using either compressed air or high-speed fans. The method makes use of a special water nozzle that is designed to provide a high volume spray of water particles that, owing to their size distribution (having a median size of between about 100 and 200 microns) in the spray, are readily susceptible to conversion to ice crystals as they settle to earth under favorable ambient conditions. Preferably, water applied to the nozzle is seeded with artificial nucleation sites so that water particles in a spray containing such sites are more susceptible to conversion to ice crystals as the particles settle to earth.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2002Publication date: February 26, 2004Inventor: H. Ronald Ratnik
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Patent number: 6691926Abstract: A snow making system comprises a cooling subsystem having a fan that draws a first air into the cooling subsystem and a turbine that expands a second air to produce an expanded air, with the cooling subsystem combining the first air and the expanded air to produce a high mass-flow, high-velocity, cooled air. A nozzle subsystem has a channel that receives the cooled air and a water injector that injects water into the cooled turbine air such that the water is atomized and frozen by the high-velocity cooled air. The system thereby produces frozen water nuclei in the absence of a nucleating nozzle. The remainder of the channel receives high-velocity, high mass-flow fan air and water injectors that inject water into said air such that water particles are partly atomized. The two flows then mix upon exiting the system and produce snow if ambient conditions permit.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2000Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Alan Moen
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Publication number: 20040004134Abstract: A snow making apparatus utilizing air and water to artificially produce snow. A metal snow gun housing is provided with independent air and water chambers for supplying air and water under pressure to nozzles. A nucleating nozzle is provided which includes a tubular housing having a mixing chamber therein and the tubular housing is removably received in the snow gun housing with sealed engagement. One or more apertures are provided through side walls of the tubular housing whereby these apertures register with the air chamber of the snow gun housing for access of air under pressure therethrough into the mixing chamber of the nucleating nozzle tubular housing. A water nozzle is secured to the internal end of the tubular housing and sprays water under pressure from the segregated water chamber into the tubular housing mixing chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2002Publication date: January 8, 2004Inventor: Charles N. Santry
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Patent number: 6575381Abstract: Primarily crushed flaky or platy pieces of ice are supplied from a supply port into a rotary blade casing of a high speed rotary snow producing and throwing apparatus toward a rotor blade in the shaft direction of a rotating shaft by strong discharge pressure of a forced blast, crushed into pieces with smaller and finer particle size through second crushing by the rotor blade rotating at high speed, and sent out from a delivery port nearly in the direction of a tangent of the rotational outer periphery of the rotor blade.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2000Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Piste Snow IndustriesInventor: Takamasa Fujiwara
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Patent number: 6554200Abstract: The present invention provides a system capable of accurately monitoring each of a plurality of snowmakers of ice crushing type which are placed on a skiing ground. The system has a monitoring device, which is placed in a monitoring station of the skiing ground and is connected to each of the snowmakers for monitoring an operational state of each of the snowmakers. The system further includes an external monitoring device provided in an external monitoring station located in a remote place from skiing grounds. The external monitoring device is capable of monitoring an operational state of each of the snowmakers in a selected skiing ground, since it can be selectively connected to the monitoring device placed in each skiing ground.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Piste Snow IndustriesInventor: Toshihide Satonaka
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Publication number: 20030071135Abstract: A snow making tower including an elongated tower conduit combination which has an elongated air conduit extending within an elongated water conduit with upper and lower ends and provided with a ground support mount. Air and first water discharge nozzles are respectively provided adjacent the upper ends of the conduits and positioned for producing a plume of atomized water from external interacting air and water discharged under pressure from the air and first water discharge nozzles to produce snow in subfreezing ambient conditions. Couplings are provided for connecting air and water under pressure at the lower end of the tower. Three additional water discharge nozzles are positioned below the first water nozzle and connected to the water conduit for providing additional water sprays which are directed whereby at least portions thereof will intermix with the plume of atomized water as it falls.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2001Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventor: Herman K. Dupre
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Patent number: 6547157Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making snow. The method includes discharging a supply of pressurized water in ambient air, discharging a supply of pressurized air in ambient air, and controlling the discharge of the supply of pressurized water and/or the discharge of the supply of pressurized air to regulate a ratio of water to air, to more efficiently make snow over a range of ambient temperatures.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2001Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Topgun Snow Making Systems, Inc.Inventor: Troy Jervas
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Patent number: 6543699Abstract: A snow making tower including an elongated tower conduit combination which has an elongated air conduit extending within an elongated water conduit with upper and lower ends and provided with a ground support mount. Air and first water discharge nozzles are respectively provided adjacent the upper ends of the conduits and positioned for producing a plume of atomized water from external interacting air and water discharged under pressure from the air and first water discharge nozzles to produce snow in subfreezing ambient conditions. Couplings are provided for connecting air and water under pressure at the lower end of the tower. Three additional water discharge nozzles are positioned below the first water nozzle and connected to the water conduit for providing additional water sprays which are directed whereby at least portions thereof will intermix with the plume of atomized water as it falls.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2001Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Inventor: Herman K. Dupre
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Publication number: 20030062424Abstract: A two-way hydraulic cylinder assembly which is operated in “pump up” or “pump down” modes is used to position a boom/tower unit having a snow gun at the end of the boom. The assembly has a third “locked” that prevents any hydraulic fluid flow. In the pump down mode, the assembly is capable of automatically routing hydraulic fluid flow to enable the unit to free fall if its weight and gravity force is greater than an opposing force. In a specific embodiment, the cylinder assembly includes a two-way hydraulic cylinder which is attached to a tank forming a hydraulic fluid reservoir. A manual reciprocable pump is connected by a first one-way conduit to the reservoir when the pump is on the fill stroke. A second conduit partly connects the pump outlet on a discharge stroke with a first end chamber of the cylinder to lengthen the cylinder and connects the second end chamber with the reservoir.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2002Publication date: April 3, 2003Applicant: McKINNEY INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Vernon McKinney, Gheorghe Popa
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Patent number: 6511000Abstract: An apparatus preventing adhesion, growth and freezing of ice pieces, which tend to happen with quality artificial snow such as fine flake snow and powder snow. The rotary valve 1 to feed artificial snow at a constant rate includes: impeller rotary shaft 3 which is placed in cylindrical casing 2 along the length direction of the cylinder; a plurality of impellers 4 which are arranged around impeller rotary shaft 3 at an equal distance from each other in the radial direction; opening 25 for loading of artificial snow which connects the top portion of a wall of cylindrical casing 2 with the top portion of a housing; opening 7 for receiving compressed air which is formed on casing side wall 6 to receive said compressed air from a blower; and an exit 10 for artificial snow formed at the other casing side wall 9 to blow out artificial snow, cut in a given amount, with compressed air.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2001Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: Koyo Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takamasa Fujiwara
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Patent number: 6508412Abstract: A nucleation device associated with a spray head and operating by either internal mixing or external mixing. The ratio air/water is not less than 200 and the pressurized water is supplied by the spray head nozzles, which, by simple circulation of water, at the nucleation device, prevents freezing problems. The nucleation device includes a part in the shape of a spray tip for high speed spraying of compressed air and parts in the shape small diameter nozzles for spraying pressurized water into the air stream.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2000Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Assignee: York NeigeInventors: Bernard Pergay, Patrick Charriau, Michel Galvin
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Patent number: 6454182Abstract: A snow making machine has at least one flexible hose assembly, with an inner hose connected to a water supply and an outer jacket to receive coolant from a chiller. Ice/snow formed in the inner hose is dislodged by inflating squasher hoses in the outer jacket, and pressurised air fed via a line can assist transport of the dry snow crystals to the end of the hose assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2000Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Bucceri Technologies Pty Ltd.Inventor: Alfio Bucceri
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Patent number: 6402047Abstract: The snow making apparatus includes an air tube and a water tube disposed in parallel relation and spaced apart by a predetermined distance. The air tube has a first end and a second end, the first end having an air inlet for receiving an air hose connected to an air compressor, the second end having a plug with a small diameter orifice defined therein for the egress of compressed air. The water tube has a first end and a second end, the first end having a water inlet for receiving a hose connected to a pressure washer which delivers water at 1200 p.s.i., and a second end coupled to a length of flexible copper tubing, the copper tubing being bent in order to discharge water into the stream of air discharged from the orifice at the second end of the air tube. The end of the copper tubing is compressed or crimped in order to discharge the water into the air stream in droplets or thin sheets.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Inventor: Kevin S. Thomas
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Patent number: 6378778Abstract: A snow gun (40) having outlet (43), for cold compressed air (42) and outlet (44) for water (49) discharged under pressure. The snow gun (40) has a tubular housing (41), and said outlet for water consists of nozzles (44) disposed along a ring-shaped cross-sectional area of the housing and wherein each nozzle forms an angle relative to the internal wall (41b) of the housing, that the water jets from the nozzles (44), where they meet upstream in relation to the outlet aperture (45) of the housing, form a configuration having approximately the shape of a polygon or circle (47), and that the ring of nozzles (44) is located downstream in relation to the compressed air outlet (43) where the compressed air expands and upstream in relation to the outlet aperture (45) of the housing, and that both the outlet (43) for compressed air (42) and the water nozzles (44) are thus surrounded by the tubular housing (41) within the inlet end (41a) and the outlet aperture (45) of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Crea ASInventor: Arne Widar Lurås
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Publication number: 20020033026Abstract: A Machine and method for producing the illusion of snow is disclosed and described. It produces said product in a manner such that is easier to manufacture, operate, and produce than is currently available.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2001Publication date: March 21, 2002Inventor: Francisco Javier Guerra
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Publication number: 20020033022Abstract: A Machine and method for producing the illusion of snow is disclosed and described. It produces said product in a manner such that is easier to manufacture, operate, and produce than is currently available. Said machine is housed within a snowman or other winter themed housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2001Publication date: March 21, 2002Inventor: Francisco Javier Guerra
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Publication number: 20010030242Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making snow. The method includes discharging a supply of pressurized water in ambient air, discharging a supply of pressurized air in ambient air, and controlling the discharge of the supply of pressurized water and/or the discharge of the supply of pressurized air to regulate a ratio of water to air, to more efficiently make snow over a range of ambient temperatures.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2001Publication date: October 18, 2001Inventor: Troy Jervas
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Patent number: 6182906Abstract: A lightweight snow making tower having a substantially vertical support pole anchored in the ground and an aluminum support pipe coaxially received on the pole for axial rotation thereon. An elongated aluminum support arm C-channel having spaced upturned side flanges is pivotally secured intermediate its ends relative to the upper end of the support pipe. In turn, an elongated aluminum snow making tower pipe is clamped adjacent its lower end on the support arm C-channel with side portions of the tower pipe protruding into the channel between the side flanges. A removable lock locks the C-channel and support pipe from further relative rotation therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2000Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Inventor: Herman K. Dupre