Aircraft Carried Patents (Class 239/171)
  • Patent number: 7717356
    Abstract: An aerial application dispersal system that comprises an aerial vehicle and an aerial dispersal unit. The aerial dispersal unit provides an insect control substance, a flake auger, and a motor to drive the flake auger for transporting the insect control substance to a dispensing chamber. The aerial dispersal unit also provides a glue substance, a pump, and a motor to drive the pump for transporting the glue substance from a storage container to the dispensing chamber for mixing with the insect control substance. The dispensing chamber is provided with a motor for forcing the insect control substance mixed with the glue substance out an exit portal for disbursement over the designated area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventor: Scott Petersen
  • Patent number: 7690438
    Abstract: Characterized in that in a first stage are loaded or produced on board in a mother aircraft at least a product or mixed of products to act on forest fires, pests or atmospheric phenomena; in a second stage the said product is stored in a glider container with gliding flight ability and equipped with a precision guidance system; in a third stage the glider container is dropped from the mother aircraft and guided towards the release point of the load; in a fourth stage the glider container releases of its interior the load of product on the release point, and in a fifth stage the glider container is recovered for a following reusing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Luís María Bordallo Álvarez
  • Patent number: 7588087
    Abstract: A collapsible wild fire fighting water bucket made from pliable material and suspended from an aircraft to be lowered into an open body of water for filling. A weighted Rim Opening Device holds the bucket top open for filling and facilitates a tipping over action during filling. The buckets open top being free of any centrally located supports. The bucket is equipped with a tubular extension which forms a discharge port for dumping water. The tubular extension being releasably supported under water inside the bucket under tension. Purse lines running through openings in the tubular extension and resilient sealing lips bring sealing lip bulbs into abutment sealing the discharge port of the tubular extension. Suspension lines suspend the bucket from the aircraft and a releasable support, releasably supports the free end of the tubular extension within the bucket body extending upwardly from the openings to close the discharge port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Cafferata
  • Publication number: 20080308649
    Abstract: A system for spraying liquid for a windshield of an aircraft includes a spray-liquid supply circuit, a pressurized-gas supply circuit designed to purge the spray-liquid supply circuit, and at least one nozzle disposed downstream from the circuits and designed to spray the spray liquid and pressurized gas on an aircraft windshield, wherein the system includes a control device able to simultaneously actuate the temporary spraying of spray liquid and of pressurized gas respectively in the spray-liquid spraying circuit and in the pressurized-gas spray circuit in such a way that a pressurized-gas spraying time is strictly greater than a spraying-liquid spraying time. For example, the control device includes a time-lag relay controlling the pressurized-gas supply circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: AIRBUS FRANCE
    Inventors: Amelie LE LOUARN, Gilles Chene
  • Publication number: 20080302884
    Abstract: An aerial application dispersal system that comprises an aerial vehicle and an aerial dispersal unit. The aerial dispersal unit provides an insect control substance, a flake auger, and a motor to drive the flake auger for transporting the insect control substance to a dispensing chamber. The aerial dispersal unit also provides a glue substance, a pump, and a motor to drive the pump for transporting the glue substance from a storage container to the dispensing chamber for mixing with the insect control substance. The dispensing chamber is provided with a motor for forcing the insect control substance mixed with the glue substance out an exit portal for disbursement over the designated area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Scott Petersen
  • Patent number: 7413145
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for aerial fire suppression utilizing a potable fire retardant chemical dispensing system, readily adaptable, without extensive aircraft modification, to various makes of aircraft, for dispensing current types of forest and range fire fighting chemicals. The aerial delivery system is self contained and reusable. It enables cargo/utility aircraft to carry and dump a load, under control. The aerial delivery system is capable of attachment at the wing box, pressurized delivery from the nozzles, and nozzles directed straight downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Evergreen International Aviation, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Hale, Christopher B. Harris, Daniel A. Kottman
  • Patent number: 7407116
    Abstract: A spray washer structure used for attaching to an aircraft and washing insulators on high-voltage transmission lines includes a pivot seat, a core tube, an inner tube, and a nozzle. The pivot seat is supported by a plurality of legs and a rear leg that are attached at the aircraft. The mid-section of the core tube is pivotally connected to the pivot seat by the use of a pivot, and an end portion of the core tube is connected to at least an inclined resilient buffer link at another end portion of the pivot. The innertube is passed through and pivoting within the core tube. The nozzle is secured at the front end of the inner tube by an adjustable joint. Moreover, the nozzle is also connected to a hose connected to a water source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Emerald Pacific Airlines
    Inventor: James Lee
  • Patent number: 7261165
    Abstract: A housing unit includes two parts that define a fire-smothering chemical storing interior volume. The housing unit is transported to a target area of a forest fire by an aircraft and dropped onto the target area. An explosive charge is located inside the housing unit and is detonated when the housing unit impacts the ground. The explosion associated with the detonated charge separates the two parts of the housing and disperses the chemical from the open housing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventor: Benjamin Black
  • Publication number: 20070158449
    Abstract: The invention turns a hurricane/tropical cyclone into a tropical rainstorm by spraying a super coolant such as liquid oxygen, or liquid hydrogen, or liquid nitrogen, or other super cold liquid gas around the top of the eye wall and additionally if needed, into the front of the eye wall, or forming eye wall using aircraft with pre-measured amounts of super coolant. Based on actual results, a real time computer system will be developed to enable communications between aircraft and control the amount of super coolant dispersed. The result of the invention will reduce/eliminate the damage to life and property due to high winds and storm surge as well as the staggering costs for rebuilding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Inventors: Eugene J. Hoffmann, David E. Lund
  • Patent number: 7225999
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Curt M. Foianini, Thomas H. Hane, Joseph E. Wolfe
  • Patent number: 7182145
    Abstract: A water bucket system having a water bucket is provided. The water bucket system comprises computer controlled loading of the water bucket from a water source, partial drop control means for controlling the drop of water from the water bucket onto a desired location, and variable flow rate control means for varying the flow of water from the water bucket. A water bucket for carrying water is also provided. The water bucket comprises a main support cable, a spreader plate secured to the main support cable, a plurality of secondary support cables secured to the spreader plate, a plurality of equally spaced webbing straps secured to the secondary support cables, a fabric envelope secured to the webbing straps, and a compression hoop secured to the webbing straps and the fabric envelope, and a valve secured to the fabric envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Aerial Firefighting Specialists
    Inventors: Duane Allan Powers, Timothy James Mikus, Cody Lee Barritt
  • Patent number: 7165627
    Abstract: A firefighting apparatus is adapted for use in a host aircraft comprising a fuselage defining an interior and an exterior. The firefighting apparatus includes a pressurizeable retardant tank disposed in the interior of the host aircraft, the retardant tank being capable of roll-on and roll-off installation, an ejection tube in fluid communication with the retardant tank, and a door plug for mounting within a fuselage orifice in the host aircraft. The door plug provides for fluid communication of retardant from the retardant tank through the ejection tube to the exterior of the host aircraft. At least one sensor is operably connected to the firefighting apparatus to effect user-discernable data for effecting retardant delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventors: Michael David Hutter, Steven Thomas Marine, Richard Lawnewce Ken Woodland
  • Patent number: 7143980
    Abstract: A chemical distribution control and guidance system operates for controlling the distribution of airborne product via an aircraft passing over a target. A weather station is positioned at various altitudes for use in determining an appropriate aircraft altitude for distributing the chemical to the target. A second weather station positioned near the target transmits weather data in real time to a central communications station and the aircraft for providing guidance in accurately, safely and effectively distributing chemicals onto the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Adapco, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry D. Heller, William H. Reynolds, E. Doug Jones
  • Patent number: 7131600
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventor: Russell Stocker
  • Patent number: 7004431
    Abstract: An aircraft attached apparatus/method for spraying pesticides having two propeller shafts attached to the aircraft. Each shaft has a full feathering propeller mounted at the forward ends of the propeller shaft and a control cable extending to the cockpit. High pressure pumps, typically piston pumps, are mounted on the aft ends of each of the propeller shafts. The input side of the pumps are connected to a tank, and the output side is connected to respective matrix spray boom assemblies. The forward ends of each of the spray boom assemblies are connected to the output side of each respective pump. Spray nozzles, typically impingement nozzles, are attached to each of the aft ends of each spray boom. The high pressure pumps have an electrically operated magnetic brake attached thereto, and each of the spray boom assemblies have a pressure transmitter connected to a digital display in said aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Aeromister, LLC
    Inventor: Richard Howe
  • Patent number: 6889776
    Abstract: An apparatus is for use with a container of liquid that is suspended from an aircraft flying over a ground target area. The container has an outlet through which the liquid is dropped from the container. The apparatus includes a diffuser configured to diffuse the liquid exiting the container outlet horizontally outward beyond the container into the air above the ground target area, whereby the liquid is diffused over a correspondingly wide area. The liquid can be fire extinguishing liquid, and the ground target area can be a forest fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventor: Kwok Pun Cheung
  • Patent number: 6874734
    Abstract: A pump system for loading fluid into a tank onboard a translating aircraft includes a substantially rigid tube member having a diving device on the distal end of the tube member. A strut structure may also be provided on a front face of the tube member. In use, the tube member is directed rearward relative to the translating aircraft so that splashing of fluid onto the underside of the aircraft is substantially avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated
    Inventors: Lee Ramage, Alan B. MacDonald, Rory D. Parker
  • Patent number: 6871796
    Abstract: An aerial spray boom 11 for an aircraft includes: an elongated housing 21 secured to the aircraft wing 12, the housing having one or more openings 22 along its length; a conduit 23 having a liquid supply passage 26 and a plurality of spaced-apart nozzles 27 that are aligned with, or extend through housing openings 22, conduit 23 being mounted in said housing for arcuate movement about its longitudinal axis through a prescribed arc that defines variable spraying positions; and a conduit actuator 31 operative connected to the conduit 23 that moves the conduit relative to the housing through an arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignees: Jones Air PTY LTD, Spraycheck PTY LTD
    Inventors: Peter Jones, Graham Barrett
  • Patent number: 6799740
    Abstract: A chemical distribution such as a mosquito control guidance system is operable for controlling the distribution of airborne product via an aircraft passing over a target field. The system includes a weather station carried by a helium balloon positioned at aircraft altitude which communicates with a ground weather station positioned at or near the target field for transmitting weather data in real time to a central communications station and the aircraft for providing guidance in accurately, safely and effectively distributing chemicals onto the target field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Adapco, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry D. Heller, William H. Reynolds, E. Doug Jones
  • Patent number: 6769493
    Abstract: A lighter-than-air airship system, having a multitude of uses, with a primary purpose being the dispensing of water over a raging fire, where access by personnel and ground equipment is difficult. The airship system comprises an aerodynamically configured structure having a semi-rigid keel or skeleton, where lift is provided in part by helium, with the keel mounting a liquid management mechanism preferably consisting of a reservoir open to the outside for resupply of liquid or water, a conduit leading to a holding tank, and a piping distribution and nozzle assembly below the airship system to spray or dispense the liquid or water, like an artificial rain, over selected areas to control or extinguish the raging fire. Alternate systems are provided for replenishing or filling the holding tank from ground locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Wetzone Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Raoul G. Fima, Thomas Gagliano, Ralph E. Pope
  • Publication number: 20040069866
    Abstract: Aerial spraying is accomplished with a system including a storage tank for holding a substance to be sprayed, a compressed gas cylinder for pressurizing the storage tank, a spray nozzle assembly, and a feed line for delivering pressurized substance from the storage tank to the spray nozzle assembly. The spray nozzle assembly includes a spray nozzle that will discharge a pressurized shot of the substance onto the ground when the spray nozzle assembly is activated. A controller is provided for automatically activating the spray nozzle assembly in accordance with user selected settings. The storage tank, cylinder and spray nozzle assembly are all mounted on a frame, which can be supported from an aircraft. In operation, the system is suspended or otherwise mounted below an aircraft and flown over the target site. At which point, the spray nozzle assembly is selectively activated to spray a pressurized and directed solid stream of substance onto the ground surfaces with precision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Sean P. Ireland
  • Patent number: 6644595
    Abstract: A pump system for loading fluid into a tank onboard a translating aircraft includes a substantially rigid tube member having a diving device on the distal end of the tube member. A strut structure may also be provided on a front face of the tube member. In use, the tube member is directed rearward relative to the translating aircraft so that splashing of fluid onto the underside of the aircraft is substantially avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Keybank, National Association
    Inventors: Lee Ramage, Alan B. MacDonald, Rory D. Parker
  • Patent number: 6626375
    Abstract: Aerial spraying is accomplished with a system including a storage tank for holding a substance to be sprayed, a compressed gas cylinder for pressurizing the storage tank, a spray nozzle assembly, and a feed line for delivering pressurized substance from the storage tank to the spray nozzle assembly. The spray nozzle assembly includes a spray nozzle that will discharge a pressurized shot of the substance onto the ground when the spray nozzle assembly is activated. A controller is provided for automatically activating the spray nozzle assembly in accordance with user selected settings. The storage tank, cylinder and spray nozzle assembly are all mounted on a frame, which can be supported from an aircraft. In operation, the system is suspended or otherwise mounted below an aircraft and flown over the target site. At which point, the spray nozzle assembly is selectively activated to spray a pressurized and directed solid stream of substance onto the ground surfaces with precision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Cybercore, Inc.
    Inventor: Sean P. Ireland
  • Patent number: 6622966
    Abstract: A system for dispensing a liquid from an aircraft to extinguish a fire has a container located in a body of the aircraft for storing the liquid to extinguish the fire. A boom is coupled to an exterior section of the body of the aircraft and to the container. The boom has a hollow interior section and a plurality of openings formed on a bottom section of the boom. The openings are used for dispensing the liquid from the container. A pump is coupled to the container and the boom for dispensing the liquid from the container and out through the boom. A rotating mechanism is coupled to the boom for rotating the boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventor: John R. McConnell, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6581878
    Abstract: System and method for pressurizing and dispersing fire retardant from an aircraft, particularly aircraft structured and equipped for retarding or extinguishing forest fires, that includes a small power pack having a plenum operatively interconnecting a plurality of individual solid propellant gas generator devices each containing solid propellant materials that react pyrotechnically when initiated electrically to generate large quantities of high-pressure gas in a few seconds for discharging a liquid retardant reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Joseph M. Bennett
  • Patent number: 6510805
    Abstract: A reforestation and nourishing practice by the use of a lighter-than-air airship system, for dispersing and planting tree saplings, primarily in remote regions which may have been devastated by fire, where access to such regions by personnel and ground equipment is difficult. The airship system comprises an aerodynamically configured structure having a semi-rigid keel or skeleton, where lift is provided by helium, with the keel mounting a liquid management mechanism consisting of a reservoir open to the outside for resupply of liquid or water, a conduit leading to a holding tank, and a piping distribution and nozzle assembly below the airship system to spray or dispense the liquid or water over selected areas to water or nourish the newly planted trees. The mechanism for temporarily storing and eventually dispensing the tree saplings is a rack mounting at least one cylindrical canister containing plural compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Wetzone Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Raoul G. Fima, Charles J. Farnham, Ralph E. Pope, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020121562
    Abstract: A reforestation and nourishing practice by the use of a lighter-than-air airship system, for dispersing and planting tree saplings, primarily in remote regions which may have been devastated by fire, where access to such regions by personnel and ground equipment is difficult. The airship system comprises an aerodynamically configured structure having a semi-rigid keel or skeleton, where lift is provided by helium, with the keel mounting a liquid management mechanism consisting of a reservoir open to the outside for resupply of liquid or water, a conduit leading to a holding tank, and a piping distribution and nozzle assembly below the airship system to spray or dispense the liquid or water over selected areas to water or nourish the newly planted trees. The mechanism for temporarily storing and eventually dispensing the tree saplings is a rack mounting at least one cylindrical canister containing plural compartments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Raoul G. Fima, Charles J. Farnham, Ralph E. Pope
  • Publication number: 20020121382
    Abstract: A lighter-than-air airship system, primarily for the purpose of dispensing water over a raging fire, where access by personnel and ground equipment is difficult. The airship system comprises an aerodynamically configured structure having a semi-rigid keel or skeleton, where lift is provided by helium, with the keel mounting a liquid management mechanism consisting of a reservoir open to the outside for resupply of liquid or water, a conduit leading to a holding tank, and a piping distribution and nozzle assembly below the airship system to spray or dispense the liquid or water, like an artificial rain, over selected areas to control or distinguish the raging fire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Raoul G. Fima, Thomas Gagalino, Ralph E. Pope
  • Publication number: 20020079379
    Abstract: An apparatus is for use with a container of liquid that is suspended from an aircraft flying over a ground target area. The container has an outlet through which the liquid is dropped from the container. The apparatus includes a diffuser configured to diffuse the liquid exiting the container outlet horizontally outward beyond the container into the air above the ground target area, whereby the liquid is diffused over a correspondingly wide area. The liquid can be fire extinguishing liquid, and the ground target area can be a forest fire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Kwok Pun Cheung
  • Patent number: 6233840
    Abstract: The device that has been invented, sprays water into and around a windrow of hay evenly adding moisture to dry alfalfa to allow for baling at moistures above 14% and below 18%, reducing the losses of leaves due to shatter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Harvest Tec, Inc.
    Inventor: Denzel R. Finney
  • Patent number: 6192990
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed towards a helicopter-carried firefighting device including a valve. The valve has an outer assembly and an inner assembly in which the outer assembly has a reduced surface area on those surfaces which are disposed normally to a direction of movement. The outer assembly therefore may be less affected by hydrostatic and hydrodynamic forces directed so as to oppose its movement. The valve may be located in a reservoir of fluid, and controlled by a control head operated remotely from the helicopter so as to release fluid from the reservoir over a fire. The valve may be symmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the valve, such that transversely directed fluid flows through the valve may be cancelled, producing a coherent, longitudinal fluid flow. The valve may be opened partially so as to operate as a metering valve. The valve may be closed relatively rapidly to retain fluid in the reservoir so as to permit multiple dumps from a single reservoir if so desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Donald Brian Arney
    Inventor: Peter Leighton Brooke
  • Patent number: 6125942
    Abstract: A fire fighting system uses a bucket suspended from a helicopter to deposit fire retardant onto a fire from an opening in the bottom of the bucket. The bucket has a predetermined configuration and a valve for controlling the area of an opening through which the retardant is deposited when the bucket is suspended from the helicopter. A suitable mechanism, such as an electrically driven valve actuator, varies the area of the opening to deposit the retardant at a volume flow rate as a desired function of time while the helicopter flies along a drop line. The mechanism varies the area of the opening in accordance with a schedule determined before discharge is begun according to the configuration of the bucket, the flow characteristics of the opening as the valve changes the area thereof, and the initial amount of the retardant material in the bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Continuum Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew E. Kaufman, William J. Usab, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6056203
    Abstract: Factors controlling the effect of cloud seeding were critically examined, and a new horizontal penetration seeding method using liquid homogeneous ice nucleants at the lower level of the supercooled portion of clouds was invented to maximize the microphysics-dynamics interaction between the seeded ice crystal thermal and the supercooled cloud through optimal utilization of the phase change energy. Cloud seeding tests showed a remarkable effect. This method allows the development of twin rotating horizontal cylinders of ice crystal thermal, which slowly rise, expand and entrain the supercooled cloud droplets to provide the supersaturated condition and time for the required growth of seeded ice crystals. When the thermal reaches the top of the cloud, it spreads horizontally while lowering the ice crystals of sufficiently large size and fall velocity resulting in an effective treatment of the existing and induced cloud volume for precipitation augmentation and the associated dynamic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Norihiko Fukuta
  • Patent number: 6003782
    Abstract: An aerial spray system can be attached to the undersurface of a helicopter for spraying ground level targets while the helicopter is hovering or in level flight. A television camera can be located in near proximity to the spray nozzles for electronically delivering a picture of the ground level condition to a television monitor in the helicopter, such that the technician is better enabled to aim the spray nozzles or target a specific ground level area. The aerial system can be used for riot control, or crop spraying, or forest fire containment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventors: Jitae Kim, Jong Hae Kim, Hyuntae Kim
  • Patent number: 5975425
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for the aerial spraying of agricultural chemicals with improved spray deposition and reduced drift. The spraying apparatus includes two oppositely charged sets of spray nozzles which may be fitted onto an aircraft. Both sets include one or more nozzles having spraying tips which produce a hollow cone spray pattern, and at least the tips of these nozzles are constructed of a substantially non-conducting material. Cylindrical electrodes are positioned concentric to the nozzle tips for inducing an electrostatic charge upon liquid spray emitted from the nozzles. The electrodes are in turn connected to high voltage power supplies, with the electrodes corresponding to the first nozzle set being connected to a power supply of opposite potential than the electrodes corresponding the second nozzle set. Consequently, the spray issuing from the nozzle sets will be oppositely charged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventor: James B. Carlton
  • Patent number: 5915377
    Abstract: A device for comminuting a liquid, which produces at least two sprays of droplets formed by electrohydrodynamic comminution, the device being arranged so that in use sprays of opposing polarity are formed which are substantially admixed after formation, so as to provide a comminution having a residual electrical charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Electrosols, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ronald Alan Coffee
  • Patent number: 5904165
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a multipurpose repair and maintenance apparatus for aerial inspection, repair and cleaning, comprising a work platform for installation on the skids of an helicopter and sustaining a boom assembly and a fluid circuit such that the loads on the work platform are fully balanced. The work platform is made of electrically conductive material and all electrically conductive parts of the apparatus are connected to the electrically conductive parts of the helicopter to have same electrical potential. The boom assembly extends from the port side of the work platform and has an inboard section and an outboard section. A pumping assembly is mounted on a power drive mount at the starboard side of the platform, so as to balance the weight of the boom assembly. A boom actuator is provided at the onboard end of the boom assembly and controls the vertical and horizontal movement of the outboard end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Inventors: Ian McLean, deceased, by Raymond Jodoin, executor
  • Patent number: 5878819
    Abstract: A device for assisting the extinguishing of fires by water-bombing aircraft. The device includes at least one sensor for sensing the source of the fire, a device for pinpointing the position of the aircraft, a geographical database and a calculator for calculating the route of the aircraft as a function of its position and the position of the source as pinpointed in the database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Sextant Avionique
    Inventors: Xavier Denoize, Fran.cedilla.ois Faivre, Roger Parus
  • Patent number: 5794847
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Russell Stocker
  • Patent number: 5722591
    Abstract: A spreading apparatus for hitching to a helicopter includes a hopper suspended from a ring, three tubular legs with upper ends releasably attached to the ring, and a strut between each pair of legs. A plurality of tension cables are provided, each cable having a top end joined to the ring at a leg attachment point and a bottom end joined to a rubber roller inserted between adjacent struts where they attach to a leg with a coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Inventor: Wolfgang Folger
  • Patent number: 5655732
    Abstract: A waste water drain apparatus (1) is to be attached to the fuselage belly (2) of an aircraft. The apparatus (1) essentially includes a drain pipe (3), an aerodynamically shaped fairing (7) enclosing the drain pipe (3), an attachment flange (6) for connecting the apparatus to the aircraft, at least one temperature sensor (9), and either at least one heating element (8) or hot air inlet (13) for heating the drain pipe (3). An inlet end (4) of the drain pipe (3) is to be connected to a waste water system of the aircraft. An outlet end (5) of the drain pipe (3) exits rearward at the trailing edge of the fairing so that the lengthwise axis of the drain pipe outlet is substantially parallel with the air flow during flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aerospace Airbus GmbH
    Inventor: Helge Frank
  • Patent number: 5501398
    Abstract: An orifice discharge device is provided for use in crop spraying aircraft to provide a downward spray of treatment substance especially liquid for crop or ground treatment. The device comprises an air passage having an inlet portion with a bell mouth, and an outlet portion having an Outlet discharge extending laterally relative to the inlet portion of the air passage, an elbow portion being provided between the inlet portion and the outlet portion. Treatment substance is supplied by a supply conduit to the outlet portion for discharge via a discharge nozzle of the supply conduit. In use, the inlet portion receives a horizontal flow of air and a high velocity downwards discharge of air with treatment substance (liquid particles) occurs from the outlet discharge of the outlet portion of the air passage. The device is preferably of streamline form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignees: Maxwell Davidson Ltd., Custom Farm Service of Arizona
    Inventor: Maxwell W. Davidson
  • Patent number: 5451016
    Abstract: A fluid drop system for an aircraft for use in firefighting is described. The preferred embodiment uses electronic control circuitry coupled with a hydraulic controller that opens and closes the fluid tank's door panels to rate-control fluid drops based on fluid volume remaining in the tank. The circuitry produces a command generated drop rate profile based upon manual drop rate and drop fraction selector controls. It does so by constant comparison of the instantaneous volume of fluid remaining in the tank with a predetermined, desired instantaneous remnant volume in accordance with a defined, declining-volume profile, e.g. one defining a constant drop rate. A stabilized feedback control circuit ensures that, at any instant of time, the opening in the tank's door panels releases a volume of fluid that will maintain the remnant tank volume equal to the desired tank volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Erickson Air-Crane Co.
    Inventors: Richard E. Foy, Oddgeir Uglum
  • Patent number: 5326053
    Abstract: A tank system for an aerial liquid delivery comprises a liquid tank having an aperture for discharging liquid and a door for the aperture. The door has a seal and a door operating mechanism to remotely open the door a predetermined amount. There is an air pressure reservoir separate from the liquid tank connected to the liquid tank, and source of compressed air to pressurize the air pressure reservoir and liquid tank. The method of liquid delivery from the aircraft involves providing air pressure to a liquid tank, the tank having a door in an aperture for discharging liquid. The pressure provided to the tank before and during liquid discharge from the tank controls the flow of liquid discharging through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Inventors: Larry T. Pahl, Gregory N. Thorne
  • Patent number: 5322219
    Abstract: A process for applying particles to a geographic region. The process involves flying a balloon over the region. The balloon carries a nozzle with a pipe communicating the nozzle with a ground supply of air and a source of particles. A mixture of air and particles can be forced up the pipe to the nozzle. The particles are then discharged over the region according to a pre-determined pattern. The process permits the accurate measured application of fertilizers and the like to a forest region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: Genesis Engineering Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon J. Esplin
  • Patent number: 5320282
    Abstract: A system for aerial spraying of agricultural crops or the like in which droplets of a controlled size are formed and discharged onto the ground instead of a fine spray. A system is provided for reducing pressure before delivery of the liquid to the discharge nozzles. The nozzles are directed so that the droplets are impelled by the air stream from the upper part of the nozzle structure and are then affected by the air stream and gravity in furtherance of the desire for droplets rather than micron-sized spray mists which too readily drift away from the desired area to be covered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Inventor: Frederick J. Ramerth
  • Patent number: 5279481
    Abstract: An airborne container for a liquid or other flowable material has bottom doors which are opened to release the material on the ground below the aircraft. To maintain a specified coverage level, a control system which includes a digital controller repeatedly calculates a differential pressure across the doors and varies the position of the doors to maintain a constant material flow rate as the differential pressure varies. The control system closes the doors when a specified volume of material has been spread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Air Tractor Inc.
    Inventors: Victor D. Trotter, Robert L. Woods
  • Patent number: 5248086
    Abstract: A thin invert composition and method for applying agricultural products to a target area with minimal drift or evaporation is based on a water and oil mixture which is emulsified by minimal agitation so as to provide a low viscosity emulsion. The emulsion, when sprayed through small spray orifices (e.g., 0.020 inch internal diameter) forms a thin invert wherein the water phase is enclosed in the oil phase and the droplet size is small (e.g., 1000 microns mean diameter) and uniform. The water phase carries a hydrophilic active agricultural product. The mixture can have 15 to 50% oil phase by weight, and 50 to 80% water phase by weight, the water phase containing the active hydrophilic product of up to 75% by weight of the water phase. According to the composition and the method disclosed, the surface tension of the droplets formed when spraying is the primary factor determining droplet size, and is kept small and uniform for thorough application to leafy surfaces and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: Waldrum Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Waldrum, Roy R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5208724
    Abstract: The risk of electrocution by first contact with a hovercraft is eliminated by first establishing an alternate path for electric charge between the hovercraft and earth ground via an electrically conducting liquid stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Inventor: Richard F. Honigsbaum
  • Patent number: 5148989
    Abstract: A dispenser for discharging insects from a moving vehicle includes an insect retaining assembly and an insect acceleration chute. The chute receives air at several locations for accelerating the insects to the speed of the air passing the vehicle. The retaining assembly includes at least one surface for retaining the insects formed from a series of louvers which can be individually rotated on axles to discharge the insects. A metering valve is provided for delivering insects from the retaining assembly to the chute at a constant rate. A refrigeration apparatus is preferably provided for supplying cooled air to the retaining assembly to cool the insects. A method for discharging insects from such a dispenser includes the steps of depositing insects on each retaining surface and rotating the louvers individually at a constant rate to drop the insects from each surface at a constant rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Inventor: Burr W. Skinner