Abstract: The system is essentially an arrangement for determining the amount of liquid water in the atmosphere by monitoring the microwave signals received within a single frequency band around 31.65 GHz. The system has improved reliabililty since it is relatively simple employing existing technologies. It is generally a process and an arrangement wherein microwave signals naturally occurring in the atmosphere are detected by a receiver which is tuned to a relatively narrow band around the 31.65 GHz range. The converted signals from the microwave monitoring system are available for strip chart recording or for display directly or after introduction to a computer where they are processed by taking into account the known oxygen content of the atmosphere under monitor and the approximation of the vapor content.

Abstract: A system for automatically filling and launching balloons which may be used, for example, for cloud seeding. The system includes a balloon launching station frame, a nozzle mounted on the frame onto which the narrow end of a balloon can be attached so that gas can flow through the nozzle into the balloon, a conduit coupled to a source of gas and to the nozzle for delivering gas through the nozzle into the balloon, gas flow control apparatus responsive to first signals for controlling the flow of gas through the conduit, and a release mechanism responsive to second signals for disengaging the balloon from the nozzle to thereby release the balloon to the atmosphere. For launching a series of balloons, the system may include a plurality of nozzles, conduits, gas flow control mechanisms, and release mechanisms arranged so that after one balloon is filled and released, a second balloon may be filled and launched at a selectable time thereafter, etc.

Abstract: A system for automatically filling and launching balloons which may be used, for example, for cloud seeding. The system includes a balloon launching station frame, a nozzle mounted on the frame onto which the narrow end of a balloon can be attached so that gas can flow through the nozzle into the balloon, a conduit coupled to a source of gas and to the nozzle for delivering gas through the nozzle into the balloon, gas flow control apparatus responsive to first signals for controlling the flow of gas through the conduit, and a release mechanism responsive to second signals for disengaging the balloon from the nozzle to thereby release the balloon to the atmosphere. For launching a series of balloons, the system may include a plurality of nozzles, conduits, gas flow control mechanisms, and release mechanisms arranged so that after one balloon is filled and released, a second balloon may be filled and launched at a selectable time thereafter, etc.

Abstract: A vibrating wire placed in the humidity duct of a standard radiosonde is used to measure vertical profiles of the concentration of supercooled liquid water in clouds. An electronic circuit is provided for monitoring the natural frequency of vibration which varies according to the mass of ice accumulated on the wire by contact freezing. The time rate of change of ice accumulation is related to the supercooled liquid water concentration. By monitoring the natural frequency, the supercooled liquid water concentration can be found.