Abstract: A rigid stabilizer bar is suspended from a quick-release cargo hook attachment point of the helicopter, and a yoke structure is releasably carried by the hook in fixed relation to the bar for suspending a load, opposite ends of the yoke having flexible lines connected to spaced apart locations on the load. Opposite ends of the stabilizer bar are connected by bungee cords to landing skid anchors for stabilizing the yoke. The load is oriented by yawing and rolling maneuvers of the helicopter. In an emergency, the yoke, together with the lines and the load, can be jettisoned from the vehicle by releasing the hook. The load can be a dispensing module for directing a fluidic medium such as crushed walnut shells in a high-pressure air blast from a nozzle that is located on a boom projecting from the module, onto an elevated workpiece such as an insulator of a tranmission line tower for cleaning the insulator. The cleaning module produces a stream of particulate.

Abstract: A rotary liquid spray atomizer for aerial spraying is driven by a variable speed motor, driven in turn by power from a variable speed AC generator. The generator is driven from a power take-off from the engine of the spraying aircraft, a drive assembly includes a device for controlling the speed of the generator relative to the speed of the engine. The particularly convenient drive assembly between the generator and the power take-off is a hydraulic motor, which drives the generator, driven by a hydraulic pump driven from the power take-off. The speed of the hydraulic motor can be controllably varied. Conveniently the AC motor is a synchronous motor.

Abstract: The momentary position, between open and closed, of a bottom door panel controlling release of fluid from an airborne container containing the fluid is governed by both the height of the fluid in the container and the instantaneous position of the door panel.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus which carries and selectively deploys aerial-drop units. The apparatus comprises a plurality of substantially parallel tubes, each tube being sized to hold a stack of units and is suspendible from an aircraft by a carrier. Associated with each of the tubes is a releasable unit support element which, upon release, allows a stack of units, as its support is removed, to drop by gravity from the tube.

Abstract: Both methods and various embodiments of an apparatus are disclosed which address the dispersal of cremated remains. The methods involve steps which avoid any tendency to retain cremated remains within a container, steps which assure dispersal of cremated remains in only one desired direction, and steps which assure continuous and complete dispersal of all cremated remains. The invention also presents several embodiments including both a fabric bag and a mechanical apparatus for dispersing cremated remains. The disclosure addresses the utilization of existing air currents, the application of the invention to aerial dispersion, and designs which address simplicity of operation and manufacture. A fabric apparatus is disclosed which includes both an outer shell and an inner liner and a flap to seal the apparatus. The fabric apparatus presented may be rolled and transported by means of a handle.

Abstract: A method and product for use in smothering a nuclear fire resulting from an accident in a nuclear plant comprises the discharging onto the fire liquified inert gas, e.g. argon, so the gas will block the flow of oxygen to the fire. The liquified argon may be contained in reinforced allantoidal casings.

Abstract: Fuel dumping valve for aircraft for fast emergency evacuation of fuel contained in the aircraft's fuel tanks, consisting of a valve head seated in a valve seat and mechanical or hydraulic linkage for opening or closing the valve from the pilot's seat. The valve may have hydrulically inflatable seals for completely sealing the valve against fuel leakage, and hydraulically controlled locking pins for holding the valve locked in the valve seat until deployment. An interlocking sequencing control mechanism is provided for retracting the locking pins, releasing the sealing pressure and activating the valve.

Abstract: A spreader for widely broadcasting agri-chemicals from a conventional airplane. Preferably the spreader comprises a central body comprised of an upper and lower top which diverge away from each other between a central front and a rear. The generally wing-shaped spreader includes a front throat having a mouth in which a plurality of spaced apart vane fronts are disposed. The vanes extend in arcuate spaced-apart relationship throughout the interior of the spreader, terminating in pivoted swallow-tail portions. Each swallow-tail portion includes a pair of pivoted tabs which can be adapted to deflect agri-chemicals in a desired fashion. Preferably the throat includes a releasable plate for quick connecting the spreader to the aeroplane, and a front, lower baffle plate may be adjusted to redirect air flow. Upon the opposite lateral outwardly diverging sides of the body two pairs of cooperating air injection chutes are employed.

Abstract: A fire bomber aircraft has an elongated discharge chute which communicates with the outlet opening of liquid tank and a discharge end disposed a substantial distance below the input end. The discharge end opens from the aircraft to atmosphere such that upon movement of the closure door of the drop tank to an open position, liquid will flow through the outlet opening to form a falling stream which will accelerate to a substantial velocity before it is discharged through the discharge end to the surrounding atmosphere to thereby reduce the erosion of the body of liquid which is discharged.

Abstract: A stabilization system for hover vehicles, for example free-flying or cable-controlled helicopters or ducted fan vehicles. The system includes at least one downwardly directed sensor which generates a signal representing the distance from the ground of a predetermined location on the vehicle. The signal from one or more sensors is used to control the height of the vehicle above the ground. Signal from a pair of sensors are used to control the attitude of the vehicle relative to the ground.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for spraying a target surface, especially a penetrable surface like the canopy of a standing crop. The spray nozzles, mounted on a suitable vehicle, are moved over the surface and an arcuate shield, with its concave side facing towards the target, is mounted close to each nozzle on the side of that nozzle remote from the target. The effect of the movement of the shield upon the air lying between it and the target surface is to induce in that air a component of movement towards the surface, so improving the incidence upon the surface of the spray from the associated nozzle. The air movement may also tend to deflect the canopy, so helping to expose regions of the crop beyond the canopy. Such exposure can be promoted still further by mechanical deflectors. The arcuate shields may be of aerofoil section and the specification describes modified designs in which a shield comprises a series of elements with gaps between them, the envelope of all the elements having an aerofoil outline.

Abstract: Pollination of alfalfa enhanced by flying a helicopter over a field of alfalfa with propane burners mounted on the helicopter and directed to heat air in vicinity of alfalfa blossoms. Heat causes blossoms to open and agitation by downdraft enhances spread of pollen through field to increase pollination and seed yield.

Abstract: Apparatus for aerial scattering or spreading comprising a flying wing formed by an aerofoil from which a frame is suspended by a mast and on which frame there is a cockpit and at least one engine driving a propeller. A scattering device is mounted on the flying wing and comprises a laterally extending spraying or atomizer tube, at least one tank for the product to be scattered and connected to a motor-driven pump, the pump being connected to the tube, and a control for regulating the flow and/or pressure of the product to be scattered.

Abstract: This invention relates to an aerial burning and fire control unit which is to be carried by a helicopter, but is separate and independent of the helicopter so that the helicopter is in no way encumbered by the unit. When carried by the helicopter, the unit is received within the landing gear of the helicopter so that the helicopter may land while carrying the unit. On the other hand, the unit may be immediately jettisoned, when necessary by releasing the cargo hook. The unit has the dual function both as an aerial torch for controlled burning and as a water dump, the tank assembly of the unit being suitable for both supplying fuel to the burners and carrying water for dump purposes.

Abstract: Aerial spraying apparatus includes two sets of nozzles located at spaced locations on an aircraft. Each nozzle has an electrode associated with it to induce a charge on the cloud of droplets issuing from the nozzle. A high potential is maintained on each electrode by a power pack that induces an equal and opposite potential on the electrodes of each set. By virtue of the opposed polarity of the electrodes, the aircraft is maintained at a neutral potential. To prevent a potential being imposed due to spray being deposited on the electrodes, a pair of corona needles are provided to establish a leakage current and maintain the electrodes at the required potential. This prevents the system becoming imbalanced and a potential being established on the aircraft.

Abstract: A system for washing insulating components of high voltage and extra high voltage transmission lines. A helicopter provides an airborne, mobile, ungrounded, integrally bonded platform for a pressurized spray washing apparatus. The ungrounded helicopter hovers adjacent to the high voltage power lines to allow an articulating boom to be positioned to utilize a directed spray to pressure wash contamination from the insulators. A washing fluid tank and pump assembly contained in the helicopter provides high pressure washing fluid to the articulating boom and provides a self-contained system. Electrical bonding between the ungrounded helicopter and all wash apparatus components permits the helicopter to sustain prolonged energized contact with high voltage transmission source without incurring any adverse effect on the transmission line system, the aircraft or operators.

Abstract: A drop marker system that includes a series of interconnected drop markers that are placed into a dispensing mechanism for selective ejection to mark passes made by an aircraft is disclosed. Each drop marker includes a streamer and a substantially planar base member with one end of the streamer being securely fastened to the base member. The other end of each streamer is separably fastened to the base member of the next drop marker of the series, with the streamer being folded back and forth upon itself with accordian-like folds to lay flat between the base members of the two adjacent drop markers. When a drop marker is ejected from the dispenser, the drop marker is subjected to high velocity air flowing over the dispenser, resulting in the released base member pulling on the attached streamer. The streamer unfolds due to the pulling force exerted by the released base member and because the other end of the streamer is attached to the base member of the next drop marker held in the dispenser.

Abstract: A loading mechanism for loading water into a water storage tank of a water bomber aircraft is improved by separating the probe from the receiver conduit and by forming the probe with a cross-sectional area which is substantially less than the cross-sectional area of the receiver conduit. As a result of these improvements, the jet of water is discharged freely from the probe into the receiver conduit, thereby preventing the drag forces which are applied to the water passing through the receiver conduit being transmitted to the probe. A further improvement is in that the probe is positioned so that the input end is only partially exposed below the step with the result that an airspace is formed in the stream of water passing through the probe in use.

Abstract: An aerial dispensing apparatus is detachably mounted under each wing of an aircraft for adhesively coating and dispensing flakes containing an insect control substance. The apparatus includes an aerodynamically styled liquid adhesive supply chamber secured to the forward end of a detachable support frame and a flake storage container movably supported on the rear portion of the frame for movement rearwardly of the trailing edge of the wing to facilitate filling of the container. The container is provided with a bottom opening which communicates with an electrically driven auger for metering a supply of flakes to a mixing chamber. An electrically driven pump supplies a metered amount of liquid adhesive to the mixing chamber. A propeller driven mixing blade is rotatably mounted in the mixing chamber to facilitate the coating of the individual flakes with adhesive and for impelling the flakes rearwardly through the open end of the mixing chamber.

Abstract: The present Airfoil Fuel Ejection Device consists of a retractable bulkhead(s) located in the under-side of the airfoil. The retractable bulkhead(s) is actuated through a combination of rotable worm gear drive shaft, rigid rod guidance members, drive motor, gaskets and remote control mechanism acting in unison. Specific embodiments of the Airfoil Fuel Ejection Device act through levers, support members, tracks, cylinders and pistons, brackets, interior bulkheads and guides. All the embodiments embrace a retractable bulkhead(s) seated in gaskets contoured to the circumference of the bulkhead in order to allow the latter to assume a flush position with the remainder of the under-side of the airfoil during normal flight operations. In addition the gaskets in conjunction with rigid rods assure a secure closure which deters inadvertent leakage or dumping while maintaining the structural integrity of the airfoil.

Abstract: A self-contained spraying boom apparatus for in-flight adaptation of the aircraft for aerial swath spraying.

Abstract: A radar chaff spreading device for mounting on an airplane equipment support beam. The device includes attachment means from which additional equipment, such as a missile, can be suspended. The chaff spreading device further includes coupling means for receiving power and control signals from the airplane and for transmitting control signals to the additional equipment.

Abstract: A powdered material hopper or container is mounted in an airplane with a downwardly facing discharge opening positioned immediately above a centrifugal material discharge wheel driven by a hydraulic motor positioned in the outer end of a pivotal support in the form of a pivotal hollow housing. The pivotal hollow housing can be pivoted between a first position in which the centrifugal material discharge wheel is adjacently facing the discharge opening of the container and a second position remote therefrom for permitting a rapid emergency dumping of all material from the container. Movement of the pivotal support means is effected by a hydraulic cylinder connected to the pivotal support means and a lug extending from the lower end of the container which also provides pivotal support for the pivotal support means.

Abstract: A spreader unit is provided for connection to a hopper carried in an airplane for spreading granular material at a controlled rate of flow. A moveable gate on the spreader is moveable between a closed position covering a discharging opening through which the granular material may flow and an open position defining a gap to allow a predetermined flow rate of granular material from the hopper. A new and improved adjustable control 70 is provided in the cockpit of the airplane adjacent the pilot for manipulation by the pilot to control the gate width to an accurate degree to provide the desired flow rate despite deflection or other binding or lost motion in the linkage or levers in the actuating means for the gate. The control is positioned on the spreader adjacent the gate and a spreader extends from the actuator into the cockpit. A turnable handle is positioned adjacent the pilot for adjusting the size of the gap and thereby the flow rate of the granular material from the hopper.

Abstract: The main storage hopper of an aerial crop dusting apparatus incorporated in aircraft is equipped with a suction pipe which extends from the outlet to the lowest depths of the hopper to insure that all the insecticide stored therein is dispensed. The suction pipe has a constant cross-sectional area throughout its length to insure constant fluid flow. The pipe attaches to the outlet by a connector which has a free bevelled edge to contact a bevelled edge of the pipe. A nut is positioned over a flange on the pipe and has threads which connect with cooperating threads on the connector to force the bevelled edges into tight communication.

Abstract: A method of spraying electrically charged particulate material to ground from a low flying airplane. The method includes the steps of imposing an electrical charge of given polarity upon an emitted primary spray of particulate material of sufficient magnitude to electrostatically enhance the deposition thereof and concurrently emitting a secondary spray of oppositely charged particulate material of selective character from said airborne source at a charge level of a magnitude to avoid material degradation of the charge on said primary spray intermediate its loci of emission and deposition.

Abstract: A device for ejecting radar chaff comprising a magazine having a number of tubular cells in which chaff bundles are displaced towards an ejection end of the cell. The displacement of the chaff bundles is obtained by means of a plunger device which is longitudinally movable in each cell. Each plunger device is driven by a wire running from an attachment point on the plunger device to the ejection end, and therefrom to a driving wheel. The wire also drives a knife element. The knife edge of the knife element performs a cutting movement substantially longitudinally of the cell, the cutting movement preferably being rotational and in the opposite direction to the direction of movement of the chaff bundle.

Abstract: An improved agricultural spray plane of the biplane type, the improvement including a pair of spray booms mounted on each of the lower wings and defining the trailing edge of each of the wings for substantially the entire length of the wings. A spoiler is mounted on the upper surface of each of the lower wings forward of the spray booms to compensate for the elimination of ailerons found on conventional biplanes. Each of the upper wings include an aileron and apparatus for simultaneously controlling ailerons and spoilers is also provided.

Abstract: In one exemplar embodiment, method and apparatus are provided for the airborne dispensing of loose, dry insect eggs from a container by gravity flow through a metering device to control the loose egg flow to a spreader for spreading the loose eggs in a desired broadcast pattern entrained in a flow of air. A slight vacuum is applied to the container dispenser device stimulating and enhancing the steady flow of the loose eggs from the container dispenser to the spreader device.

Abstract: The emergency fuel dump device for aircraft is simply a trap door on the underside of the wing. The door serves as the bottom portion of the fuel tank within the wing. It is hinged at the front and fastened with a quick release at the rear. To dump all the fuel in a wing tank the quick release is activated allowing the door to swing open.

Abstract: In electronic positioning apparatus, especially for use with airplanes, including a radar for periodically measuring the distance of the apparatus from each of two spaced apart reference stations and for continuously computing the position of the apparatus relative to the two reference stations with the use of a known baseline between the two stations, a method of determining the length of the baseline and introducing the information to the apparatus including positioning the apparatus over one of the two reference stations and utilizing the apparatus to measure the distance, storing the measured distance in a memory readable by the computing portion of the apparatus and electrically connecting the memory to the apparatus for use in computing the position of the apparatus.

Abstract: In conjunction with an operation of flying a plurality of parallel paths in a predetermined pattern utilizing an electronic positioning apparatus including a radar for periodically measuring the distance of the apparatus from each of two spaced apart reference stations and for continuously computing the distance of the apparatus along any of the parallel paths, a method of returning to a last point in a path of the pattern after temporary discontinuance of the operation including resetting an original reference coordinate system so that the zero point thereof coincides with the last point and providing a distance indicator which indicates distance along an axis of the coordinate system so that the pilot can use the indicator to fly the airplane back to zero in the coordinate system.

Abstract: A series of dispersal nozzles is placed along the wing of an airplane near the hinge line of its edge flap which extends virtually from wing-root to wing-tip and is made up of numerous individual spanwise flap segments. Adjacent flap segments deflect in opposite directions so that a discontinuity exists in the trailing edge and, locally, high turbulence results. By placing the nozzles in this region, and ejecting the dispersants at these points, rapid and controlled distribution of these dispersants is made. This trailing edge flap arrangement is also used as a flight path control device both during and at the end of dispersal passes by the airplane.

Abstract: A powder and water mixing system which is operatively mounted onboard an aircraft and uses water scooping to automatically produce onboard mixing of powder and water. This system is particularly adapted to drop a fire retardant powder and water mixture from a flying aircraft and includes a pair of tanks, powder containers fore and aft of the tanks, water scoops projecting from the bottom of the aircraft, a pair of powder injection and powder and water mixing devices connected each to a tank, to a water scoop, and to a group of powder containers, a powder container selection valve interposed between each injection and mixing device and the corresponding group of powder containers, and a control connected to each selection valve and arranged to empty a powder container forward of the tanks concurrently with a powder container aft of the tanks, sequentially with water scooping passes by the aircraft.

Abstract: An inlet air cleaner assembly is provided for the air intake of gas turbine engines comprising, in combination, an array of vortex air cleaners removing coarse and heavy contaminant particles, but not light and well dispersed contaminant particles, and an array of sheets of filamentary woven or nonwoven material, arranged to receive partially cleaned air from the vortex air cleaner array, and remove light and well dispersed contaminant particles suspended therein.

Abstract: A weather modification cartridge dispenser for automatically igniting and spensing pyrotechnic weather modification rounds wherein the dispenser is basically a motor driven automatic spring powered gun.

Abstract: A skywriting apparatus produces visible vapor in a predetermined pattern to write messages in the sky and has a plurality of vapor generators attached to an airplane and spaced in a predetermined pattern. Each vapor generator has a burner which continuously burns, once ignited, until extinguished, and an oil injector which injects oil responsive to a remote control unit. The vapor generators are attached in a spaced relationship from a cable supported from a winch in the airplane and includes a second cable for spacing the generators as they are lowered from the plane.

Abstract: Structure for rockably suspending a flexible fluid container from a vehicle frame includes a flexible saddle wherein the container is carried and hanger elements universally suspending the saddle from the frame.

Abstract: This invention relates to aircraft and particularly to the landing gear, and specifically to a device for promptly sanding an unexpectedly slippery runway as the aircraft is in the process of landing thereon so that the aircraft can be controlled and safely stopped after it is on the ground.

Abstract: Method of spreading fertilizer, plant killer, or similar agents from an aircraft which includes the provision of a mobile station that receives a plurality of containers from which the agents are to be dispersed. The containers are filled at the station and moved on carrying means at the station to where they are to be subsequently lifted by the aircraft and the agents dispersed therefrom. The emptied container is returned to the station behind the filled container by the aircraft, disconnected therefrom, and the aircraft thereafter picks up a filled container.

Abstract: Helicopter fire fighting apparatus includes a large quick-connect and disconnect fire-fighting fluid tank, a pump mounted near the engine, a fire fighting control station on the rear of the helicopter and a nozzle broom swiveled near the control station. A helicopter lands, quickly drops an empty tank and hooks up a full tank before rising to the proper location to fight a fire, such as in an office building. The boom breaks windows for access to the fire, and a hardened water-driven projectile may be propelled from the nozzle boom to break a window.

Abstract: Fuel is selectively jettisoned through the engine of an aircraft by way of a normally closed, solenoid-operated jettison valve which is fed from the boost pump in the engine fuel system. The jettison valve is servo activated by the main fuel flow so that the engine must be running for the opening of the solenoid valve to occur. For an engine having an augmenter, other interlocks are provided to prevent the jettison of fuel when the augmenter is in use and to preclude the ignition function to the augmenter while fuel is being jettisoned.

Abstract: Airships for transporting liquid have storage tanks located amidship with their inlet conduits opening through the forward part of the upper deck enabling the tanks to be filled while an airship is moored to a special tower. The tank contents are discharged through outlet conduits that are lowered to the receiving station. Where different liquids are to be carried, the tanks are arranged to minimize ballasting problems during loading and unloading. In one embodiment, the tank has a plurality of outlet conduits and each is provided with a nozzle. The several nozzles are secured to a holder that is raised and lowered with the conduits.

Abstract: A spraying apparatus adapted for connection to a helicopter and including a tank for containing the fluid to be sprayed, a spray boom coupled to the tank, and a pump for pumping the fluid from the tank to the spray boom. The tank is releasably coupled to the aircraft. At least one boom support is coupled to the spray boom. The boom support is also releasably connected to the aircraft. The tank and the spray boom are readily releasable from the aircraft and are maintained in a substantially fixed orientation relative to the aircraft.

Abstract: A spray boom for aircraft involving an elongate reservoir having the exterior shape of an air foil designed to minimize drag and assist in the lifting of the aircraft. The reservoir is interiorly divided into a plurality of separate compartments, each of which is sealed from one another and each of which is capable of handling a different type of material such as liquids, powders, granules, or even gases, if so desired. These compartments extend the full length of the boom and each of the compartments is provided with its own discharge nozzle whereby the contents of each or any of the compartments can be individually discharged therefrom along the entire length of the boom so that the contents of each compartment can be sprayed across the entire spray pattern of the aircraft.