Abstract: A noncontact, infrared energy measuring transducer senses the water content in snow by measuring the average intensity of infrared radiant energy emitted by the snow at substantially below freezing temperature, and the intensity of thereon superimposed infrared radiant energy emitted by an amount of water droplets being deposited at/or above freeze point temperature on the surface of the snow. The transducer generates an electric output signal being proportional to the average intensity of the snow emitted infrared radiated energy which is utilized in a servomechanism or sevomotor operated water valve to regulate the water flow in snowmaking systems.

Abstract: A continuous stream of compressed air is introduced to a elongated chamber surrounded by a distribution jacket for introducing water at substantially the same pressure via a multitude of inward directed tubular members into the stream of axially moving, decompressing air. The stream of partially decompressed air atomizes the introduced water into tiny droplets which are mixed with the air, and are accelerated through a converging-diverging exit nozzle so as to be projected through a distance, along which the swiftly moving droplets cool from their initial to nucleating temperature, and ultimately freeze into crystalline particles of ice.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for making artificial snow involving the induction of compressed air into an annular disposed chamber and through a multitude of circumferentially and longitudinally spaced, radially inward directed orifices to be mixed with a steady stream of water. The mixture is then forced through a multitude of longitudinal directed orifices, where a substantial pressure drop subsequent to egress from the orifices causes a first stage atomization of the water into tiny, uniformly sized droplets and the concurrent pre-cooling of the droplets. The droplets are ten accelerated through an exit nozzle, where the final expansion of still partially compressed air to atmospheric pressure causes the final atomization, and the projecting of a thereby produced plume of water droplets through an trajectory within the cooler atmosphere along which the droplets are allowed to freeze into tiny, crystalline particles of ice before falling to the ground.

Abstract: Compressed air and water are mixed, and are accelerated to a jet of high velocity within a cylindrical, non obstructive device; the explosive decompression of compressed air to atmospheric pressure within a diverging exit nozzle disintegrates the jet of water into a jet of tiny droplets which freeze in contact with colder atmospheric air to ice crystals of snow.

Abstract: Apparatus for maintaining the correct air/fuel mixture in internal combustion engines. In the preferred embodiment, the density of atmospheric air at concurrent temperature and barometric pressure conditions is sensed by an acoustical transducer whose electric output is electronically correlated with known volumetric flow rate data; thereby obtaining the mass flow rate of engine aspirated air. The acquired air mass flow-rate data, together with other data pertaining to concurrent engine load and condition is utilized to achieve at any throttle position a correct air/fuel ratio. In an alternate embodiment, the mass flow rate of engine aspirated air is obtained by utilizing the basic air density sensing transducer in measuring the suction pressure at the venturi throat within an engine incorporated throttle body device, while simultaneously sensing, and measuring continuously occurring changes in atmospheric conditions.

Abstract: Apparatus for obtaining the mass flow rate of engine aspirated air. An ultrasonic transducer measures the density of atmospheric air, while coincidentally measuring the velocity of air within a venturi of an engine air induction tube. The two individual measurements produce a single electric output signal proportional to the mass flow rate of air.

Abstract: A variable capacitance device generally intended for use in measuring the mass flow of air while passing through an engine-manifold. The device is capable of responding to the impingement of a stream of air on its flexible capacitor plate located within an air conveying duct, in which the impingement tends to bend the flexible capacitor plate over the curved surface of a rigid electrically insulated capacitor plate. The gradual bending of the flexible capacitor plate over the curved surface of the rigid capacitor plate changes the capacitance of the device at rate proportional to the rate of change in the mass-flow of the gas.

Abstract: A device making use of the gravity generated imbalance within a portion of the system confined upward and downward flowing liquid. A condensed gas of lower boiling point is induced to the portion of the upward flowing heated liquid of higher boiling point. The formation of gas bubbles upon evaporation of the condensed gas within the upward flowing heated liquid, causing fluid displacement thereof, thereby causing a imbalance between the upward flowing liquid and gas mixture, and the downward flowing solid liquid after being separated from the gas. Thus, gravity causing the continuous pumping action of the liquid throughout the system.

Abstract: A device, operating on a closed gas power cycle between an upper and a lower horizontal datum plane, being separated through a distance of enormous height; comprising the steady-flow compression and the cooling of a suitable gas at the upper datum plane, and its reheating, and power-producing expansion through a compressor matched turbine at the lower datum plane; gravitational downward attractive force which is acting on the steady within a conduit downward-flowing mass of compressed gas, produces increased weight, which, in turn, produces a gravity-generated, from the compressor discharge to the turbine inlet, a downwardly increasing gas pressure rise; the gravity-produced gas pressure rise produces in the compressed gas expansion at the lower datum plane a substantially greater amount of power than is consumed in the gas compression at the upper datum plane, thus resulting in a surplus generated power output.

Abstract: A power-producing device, comprising a vertically oriented chamber of enormous height, incorporating within its upper end an electric motor-driven, aftercooled air compressor, being connected via suitable power transmission, to an electric generator driving, reheated air turbine, located within the lower chamber end. Atmospheric air is compressed at a given rate of flow to a given pressure into the upper chamber end, which, due to the gravitational force exerted on its compressed mass, and due to the chamber height, is expanded within the turbine at the lower chamber end at an equal rate of flow, but, at a substantially higher pressure, and at a substantial gain in energy, thus, producing a substantially greater amount of work than is consumed by the compressor.

Abstract: The invention described herein is a Method and Process for the direct absorption of radiant solar-thermal energy by and within a radiant-heat absorbing fluid.More specifically, however, it is a total system for the direct absorption of radiant solar-thermal energy and its conversion, for the purpose of generating useful mechanical or electrical power. Wherein within the scope of the total system, a radiant-heat absorbing fluidic compound is used which comprises minute particles of colloidal size, suspended within a transparent heat-transfer fluid, having a high boiling point and being circulated within a first highly light-transparent and a second highly light-reflecting wall.Wherein that fluidic compound's optical density is such that incoming concentrated, radiant solar-thermal energy, after penetrating said light-transparent wall, will penetrate no more than one and three-quarters depth of said contained, circulating fluidic compound.

Abstract: The invention described herein pertains to a combination hydraulic thermodynamic prime mover, for the conversion of thermal energy from low-temperature heat sources, such as solar heat, geothermal steam of poor quality and waste heat of all kinds, into useful mechanical or electrical power, employing a new and novel technique of low temperature-pressure energy conversion.

Abstract: The invention described herein is a ratchet-type torque release wrench for the precise setting of the residual axial tension (clamping force) to be retained within a threaded fastening system under installation, wherein as the threaded fastening system's bolt attains a predetermined value of axial tension the manually perceptible spontaneous release of only a minor portion of the total torque applied to either the fastening system under installation signals to the installation operator the completion of the fastening system's installation sequence.

Abstract: A novel ski-mounting stabilizer for the sole purpose of holding a snow ski in a stationary position relative to the snow surface, and to provide a proper lateral alignment between the ski-binding mechanism and the ski boot, until the ski mounting operation is completed, and including a rigid receptacle which is attached to the upper side of a snow ski to receive the lower ends of a conventional ski pole, in the establishment of a rigid engagement between a ski and ski pole, for the sole purpose of holding the ski in a stationary position relative to the snow surface, and to provide a proper alignment between the ski-binding mechanism and the under side of the ski-boot until the ski mounting and step-in operation is completed. Wherein, immediately upon completion of the mounting and step-in operation, the ski-pole is removed from its receptacle, to be used in its conventional intended fashion while skiing.

Abstract: A one-shot device for detecting the application of a compressive load of predetermined amount which includes a first and a second electrically conductive metallic member, each of which has a substantially planar face. The first member is made of a material which is harder and less ductile than the material of the second member. A brittle insulation layer is sandwiched between the faces. A wall recedes from the first face partially to define an open region adjacent to the first face. When the members are pressed toward one another under a load of said predetermined amount, the insulation layer fractures abruptly at the wall, and material of one of the members moves to make contact at the wall with the other member so as to signal application of the predetermined force. This change of conductive condition can be utilized to complete an electrical circuit for indication and control purposes.