Abstract: A hydrant for selectively valving and delivering fluid under pressure to a plurality of different fluid outlets. The hydrant housing has at least one fluid inlet and multiple fluid outlets. A valve operating shaft is mounted for axial rotation in the hydrant housing and positioned transversely to a valve seat having a first set of valve ports therethrough annularly arranged on a first circumference about the shaft, and a second set of valve ports are provided through the valve seat and annularly arranged on a concentric second circumference of different diameter than the first circumference about the shaft. A valve actuator disk secured for rotation with the operating shaft slidably engages the valve seat in a rotary fashion to selectively valve the valve ports open and closed in selected combinations with rotation of the shaft to preselected positions of rotation.

Abstract: A hydrant for selectively valving and delivering fluid under pressure to a plurality of different fluid outlets at a plurality of preselected flow rates. The hydrant is provided with a multiple port valve including a hydrant valve housing having at least one fluid inlet and multiple fluid outlets of different flow rate. A valve operating shaft is mounted for axial rotation in the hydrant housing and positioned transversely to a valve seat having a first set of valve ports therethrough annularly arranged on a first circumference about the shaft, and a second set of valve ports are provided through the valve seat and annularly arranged on a concentric second circumference of different diameter than the first circumference about the shaft. The valve ports are connected respectively to the fluid outlet ports.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing freeze-up in water hydrant couplings provided in a water supply conduit conveying a continuous flow of water to the respective hydrant couplings, wherein a portion of the water flowing in the supply conduit is diverted into each coupling and around the diverter disposed within the coupling and then back into the conduit thereby preventing freeze-up within the coupling when the water hydrant mounted on the coupling is turned off.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hydrant for selectively supplying water and air under pressure to a snow making apparatus having multiple water nozzles with corresponding water supply conduits and at least one air nozzle with a corresponding air supply conduit. The water hydrant includes a hydrant housing having a water inlet and an air inlet for respectively supplying water and air under pressure to respective water and air chambers within the housing from respective water and air sources. A valve operating shaft is mounted for axial rotation in the housing and spaced water and air valve seats are respectively mounted in the water and air chambers.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A portable snow making system for home use which is mounted on a hand towable vehicle for easy portability. An elongated telescoping support pole is detachably supported from the base of the vehicle and a snow making gun is mounted on the upper end of this support pole to provide a snow making tower. Snow making nozzles are provided in the gun for ejecting air and water under pressure into the ambient subfreezing atmosphere for manufacturing snow. A high pressure water pump, connected to a common house water spigot, and an air compressor are also mounted on the vehicle to provide sources of water and air under pressure to the snow gun.

Abstract: A portable snow making system for home use which is mounted on a wagon for easy portability. An elongated telescoping support pole is detachably supported from the base of the wagon and a snow making gun is mounted on the upper end of this support pole. Snow making nozzles are provided in the gun for ejecting air and water under pressure into the ambient subfreezing atmosphere for manufacturing snow. A high pressure water pump and an air compressor are also mounted on the wagon to provide sources of water and air under pressure to the snow gun. The snow gun is provided with a housing with a water inlet and an air supply tube passes through this housing for exposure of its exterior surfaces to the interior of the housing in order to warm the air tube and prevent freeze-up of the air tube and the air nozzle.

Abstract: A snow making tower wherein air and water are supplied under pressure to the top of the tower and discharged under pressure through nozzles to form plumes of atomized water for producing snow in subfreezing conditions. Additional water nozzles are positioned at the top of the tower to discharge more water in the form of spray that is directed into the previously described plumes of atomized water. This additional supply of water is independently valved for different ambient temperature conditions.