Abstract: A bathing system is disclosed. The system includes a water supply line, an injectant supply line for supplying an injectant such as shampoo and conditioner, and an injector for combining the water and injectant and homogenizing the mixture. The system also includes a sprayer, which is connected to the outlet of the injector and is capable of producing a pulsating spray. Additional injectant supply line or lines can also be included. The injectant lines can be combined with a distribution manifold and in turn fed into the injector. In a preferred embodiment, the injector is of a differential pressure type. A bypass path and valve switch water directing to the sprayer for rinsing without mixing with injectant. The injector and sprayer are configured to produce a water-injectant mixture with a consistent mixing ratio over a wide range of water flow rates and pressures while providing pulsating action in either the wash or rinse cycle.

Abstract: A vehicle traveling through an environmental media such as air experiences drag. The drag is actively modulated by energy beams which may either increase or decrease the drag. The energy beams may provide either a chemical, acoustic or electromagnetic energy at a transition region between turbulent and laminar flows or at the leading edge of a laminar flow or in the direction of a crosswind in order to facilitate the respective increase or decrease in drag. If the vehicle is a sailing ship, areas of the sails are selectively roughened or widened to enhance the thrust derived from the wind. Furthermore, the keel or hull of the sailing ship may be modified to improve the hydrodynamic characteristics of the sailing ship. If the vehicle is an automobile, the tires or road surface may be selectively heated to improve the traction of the automobile.

Abstract: An abrasive blasting system (100) having provision (190, 400) for its operating parameters to be automatically set to optimum values. A “smart” container (200) having a built-in dispensing system (204) is pre-loaded at a depot with an abrasive powder suitable for a particular task under certain conditions, and the appropriate operational parameters for the blasting system (100) are programmed into a storage and transmission system (290) forming part of the “smart” container (200). When the “smart” container (200) is coupled to the abrasive blasting system (100), the stored operational parameters are transmitted to a reception system (190) which causes the parameter setting system (400) to set the operating parameters without operator intervention.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a system for mixing particles in fluid is provided. The system includes a container defining a chamber. The chamber has a narrowing region and is operable to be pressurized. The system also includes an agitator that has one or more flexible edges positioned in contact with the surface of the narrowing region. The agitator is operable to sweep the surface of narrowing region using the one or more flexible edges to agitate the particles. The system also includes an opening that is positioned at the narrowing region.

Abstract: An apparatus for adapting a blower system to the dispersing of liquid material is partially housed within an extension tube of a portable blower and includes a pressurizing tub with an inlet for accepting airflow discharged by the blower. The pressurizing tube discharges into a liquid container thus increasing pressure within the container. An extraction tube exits the container and meets a Venturi tube that also accepts airflow discharge by the blower. A vacuum is created in the extraction tube through first and second apertures that allow fluid communication between the Venturi tube and the extraction tube. The vacuum created in the extraction tube extracts liquid from the liquid container and the liquid is drawn out of the extraction tube through the Venturi hole into the Venturi tube mixing with air flowing there through and discharging into airflow by-passing the spray adapter apparatus.

Abstract: A portable particulate spreader comprising a container having a closed end, an open end and a storage chamber for holding particulate matter therein is disclosed. A first handle is attached to a side of the container proximate the closed end. A second handle is attached, preferably pivotally, to the same side, approximately midway between the closed end and the open end, allowing a person to conveniently grasp the spreader in either a vertical position for carrying or a horizontal position for use. An impeller at the open end disperses the particulate outwardly and downwardly from the spreader.

Abstract: A system that is used for control of various liquids, including storage, mixing and dispersing thereof, but more particularly pertains to an improved system that is suitable for use with substantially any type of liquid of user choice. The system is economical, simplified, environmentally friendly, and includes use of multipurpose container(s) that further include various components and/or attachments which allow for storage, mixing and dispensing there from.

Abstract: The foam marking device of the present invention includes a solution tank with a tube extending upwardly therein. An air line extends from an air pump and into the tank so as to provide air into the tube. The air passes through a porous element so as to create air bubbles. The tube includes an elongated slot that allows foam solution within the tank to enter the tube. The air bubbles generate foam within the upper end of the tube. The foam passes through a homogenizer at the upper end of the tube and then into a foam line for discharge onto the ground. The slot serves dual functions, by allowing solution in the tank to enter the tube and by allowing foam within the tube to enter the tank when the pressure in the foam discharge line exceeds the pressure within the tube.

Abstract: A self-contained finish spraying apparatus that allows a user to transport the apparatus to a job site and provides the tools to conduct finish spraying regardless of the lack of necessary components at the job site, such as water and electricity, is claimed and described herein. The apparatus includes a generator, a water tank, a dry material silo, a mixer, an air compressor, and a conventional viscous sprayer. The apparatus includes all or most of these materials within security walls so that the apparatus may be left at an exterior location at a job site without risk of damage to the machinery by vandalism or theft.

Abstract: A liquid spraying system having a spray head and a recirculating liquid supply system for directing pressurized supply liquid to the spray head with a portion of the liquid being directed from the spray head as a discharging spray and a portion of the supply liquid exiting the spray head as a return liquid. The liquid supply system includes two separate selectively pressurizable liquid containable tanks each having a respective fluid conduit coupled to the spray head. The liquid supply system has (1) a first cycle of operation in which the first tank is pressurized and the second tank is depressurized so that pressurized liquid is supplied from the first tank to the spray head and return liquid is directed to the second tank, and (2) a second cycle of operation in which the second tank is pressurized and the first tank depressurized so that liquid is supplied to the spray head from the second tank and return liquid is directed to the first tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for mixing, atomizing, and applying liquid coatings onto a surface. The apparatus includes a housing and a means for applying ultrasonic energy to a portion of the pressurized liquid as the liquid passes through the housing. The housing includes a premixing chamber adapted to receive multi-component liquid under pressure, a mixing chamber in communication with the premixing chamber, an inlet adapted to supply the premixing chamber with the pressurized liquid, and an exit orifice adapted to pass the liquid out of the housing. When the means for applying ultrasonic energy is excited, it applies ultrasonic energy to the pressurized liquid contained within the mixing chamber without mechanically vibrating the tip.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided an ultrasonically operated liquid fuel modifying device for applying an ultrasonic wave to liquid fuel having high viscosity and poor quality, and modifying it into good emulsified oil. The modifying system of the present invention comprises: a fuel tank (10) for storing liquid fuel having high viscosity and poor quality; a water tank (20) for storing water; an agitating device (30) for agitating the liquid fuel and water fed from the fuel and water tanks (10, 20), respectively; and an ultrasonically operated modifying device (40) including an ultrasonic vibration generator (56) for generating an ultrasonic wave so as to apply the ultrasonic wave to the liquid fuel and the water fed from the agitating device (30) and to modify it into good emulsified oil, and ultrasonic wave-generating portions (65).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing foaming substances, especially foaming cement substances, consisting essentially of a starting product, especially cement paste, and a foaming agent. The inventive substances are produced in a mixing reactor which is connected to a supply container for the starting product by a feed pump. A product flow taken from the mixing reactor is conveyed to the supply container in a circuit, the foaming agent and atmospheric air being added and the supply container being kept at a minimum level. After a mixing phase, a sub-flow is taken from the product flow for processing.

Abstract: There is described a battery driven atomizer in which an alternating voltage is applied to a piezoelectric actuation element to cause it to expand and contract and vibrate an atomizing membrane. The alternating voltage is controlled to produce a high amplitude vibration during a first portion of a drive period, to initiate atomization, and thereafter to produce a lower amplitude vibration to sustain atomization during the remainder of the drive period. The frequency of the alternating voltage is swept repeatedly during each drive period.

Abstract: An oil mist discharger (1) is disclosed. The oil mist discharger (1) utilizes a flow regulator (27) which comprises a main passage (28), sub-passages (29) and an agitation chamber (30). Differential pressure between air and oil is created and utilized in drawing oil into an oil feed chamber (39) to be mixed with air. The oil-containing air is sent to the flow regulator (27) and fed into the agitation chamber (30) via the main passage (28) and sub-passages (29) in jet streams to be transformed into a well blended oil mist, which is discharged from a discharge nozzle.

Abstract: A targeting, small wildland fire extinguisher dropping system comprising: a droppable extinguisher package, adapted for filling and handling, for containing fire suppressant solution, and bursting when it hits a target on the ground full of said fire suppressant solution and dropped from a height; a quantity of fire suppressant solution inside said droppable extinguisher package; and a package dispenser, adapted for suspending, for holding said droppable extinguisher package and dropping said droppable extinguisher package upon command. A stirrer adapted to be inserted into said droppable extinguisher package for stirring said fire suppressant solution may also be provided.

Abstract: This multipurpose device for dispensing paints or chemicals replaces aerosol cans and custom equipment for spraying paint. Constructed of stainless steel, brass, and Teflon®, the reusable chemical caddie can be used to dispense solvents, paints, and a broad range of materials which will not corrode stainless steel. The reusable chemical caddie eliminates the contamination of the atmosphere with traditional propellants, utilizing compressed air as a propellant. The reusable nature of the reusable chemical caddie eliminates the contamination that results from residual toxic materials and that are invariably discarded when traditional spray cans are discarded into landfills. It is portable, and with an increased capacity as compared to traditional spray cans, is ideally suited for commercial applications.

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 lawn care applicator system which is used on a vehicle having a vehicle electrical power system. The lawn care applicator system is specifically designed to be easy to use by an operator and to minimize electrical current usage, thereby allowing use of the applicator system with standard vehicle electrical power systems. The applicator system includes an applicator module that is removably mountable on the vehicle. The applicator module preferably includes a housing, at least one liquid supply tank disposed in the housing, and a liquid dispensing system disposed in the housing and connected to the liquid supply tank for dispensing liquid from the liquid supply tank and onto a lawn. A control system is electrically connected to the applicator module for providing power to, and controlling the operation of, the applicator module. The control system is adapted to be connected to the vehicle electrical power system to provide electrical power for the applicator system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making snow by generating water spray from a triple array of multiple nozzle sub-boom branch-pipes transversely protruding from the upper end of a main boom of a pivotably adjustable snow making pipe tower. Three air jet streams, one for each branch pipe, are simultaneously discharged under high pressure into and sequentially through the throats of each associated multiple stack of water sprays issuing from each set of branch pipe nozzles to thereby form multiple spray plumes of atomized and seeded water all directed forwardly from the upper end of the tower pipe. The water pipe may be an elliptical aluminum extrusion with two interior air tubes respectively controllably feeding large and small diameter air jet arrays to thereby provide a range of air jet water spray interaction.

Abstract: A snow making tower which includes an elongated tower conduit combination having an elongated air conduit extending within an elongated first water conduit. Air and first water discharge nozzles are respectively provided adjacent the upper end of these conduits for producing a plume of atomized water for external interacting air and water discharged under pressure from these air and first water discharge nozzles to produce snow in subfreezing ambient conditions. Multiple second water discharge nozzles are also provided adjacent the upper end of the tower and positioned for directing at least a portion of their water spray discharge for ultimate interaction with the plume. The air and first water discharge nozzles are detachably mounted in respective nozzle housings at the top of the tower structure. These nozzle housings are independently connected to the tower structure at its upper end with respective air and water metal connecting tubes.

Abstract: A snowmaker is comprised of a head which has an outer ring of nozzles which form a flow of primary water into droplets which move downstream preferably along paths running at a slight radially outward angle, together with a central nucleator which discharges frozen nuclei particles outwardly from a plurality of atomizers at the downstream end cap end of the nucleator. The nucleator is readily disconnectable from the ring. Secondary water flow is fed to the nucleator so it swirls at high velocity within, to greatly enhance the warming effect of the water on the nucleator parts, and to thereby inhibit accumulation of exterior ice. The secondary water is mixed with compressed air as they both enter the atomizers of the end cap. A resultant flow of nuclei from the atomizers is discharged so the flow merges with the plume of primary water droplets from the nozzle. Preferably, flat spray nozzles are used.

Abstract: In a snow gun, each of air and water are discharged through V-jet nozzles in the form of generally flat and V-shaped jets or sprays. The nozzles are spacially positioned and angled so that the air jet intersects the water spray along a line of intersection where they are of equal width. This provides efficient atomization of the water with the result that snow can be made at milder freezing temperature.

Abstract: A method for making artificial snow using micro particulate material for the performance enhancement of snow making equipment, wherein very small particles of material are mixed into the water supply system which supplies water to the snow making guns at a skiing area. The particles serve as the nucleus for snow crystals to grow upon when sprayed into the atmosphere by the snow making guns. The water, which has the nucleating material mixed into it, is sprayed out of the snow making guns in the form of fine droplets, small enough for the cold ambient air at the skiing slope to freeze the small water droplets into the solid form of snow flakes. The nucleating material, which originally is in the form of a fine powder, may be mixed in a suitable container with a portion of the water, so it can be appropriately metered through a pump, into the water pipe that feeds the snow making guns.

Abstract: A hand-held compressed air duster apparatus comprises a pressurizable vessel for containing a fine particulate dusting material. The vessel has an upper shoulder provided with a sealable top opening, in which a hand pump is mounted and sealably connected to the top opening. The pump comprises an external handle connected to a piston extending into the vessel. A dust discharge outlet is disposed on the shoulder of the vessel. Located within the vessel are two concentric tubes. A rotatable outer tube having a closed lower end that is provided with a pivot foot in contact with the bottom of the vessel extends upwards to an open upper end that is in fluid communication with the interior of the vessel. The rotatable outer tube comprises a dust feed agitator pin extending outwardly from the outer surface of the tube.

Abstract: A portable particulate spreader comprising a container having a closed end, an open end and a storage chamber for holding particulate materials therein. A first strap handle is affixed to a side of the container adjacent the closed end. A second strap handle is pivotally affixed to same side of the container approximately midway between closed end and open end, so that a person can grasp the strap handles with both hands and toss particulate materials out of open end. The container further includes an agitation assembly for automatically agitating particulate materials within the container, so as to prevent particulate materials from sticking together. A dispensing assembly is for automatically dispensing particulate materials out of open end of the container.

Abstract: An economic snow making tower and method of manufacture wherein the snow making tower includes an elongated upright aluminum tower pipe which is mounted on a support. Snow making nozzles are provided at the upper end of the tower for discharge of air and water under pressure into ambient atmosphere for manufacture of snow in subfreezing conditions and air and water connectors are provided at the lower end of the tower pipe for the supply of air and water under pressure to the tower. The support includes a vertical ground support post and a steel T fitting as welded to this support cap and has three threaded connecting necks wherein the upper threaded connecting neck threadably receives the bottom end of the tower pipe and supports the tower pipe in its upright position. The air and water connectors are connected respectively to the two remaining threaded necks of the T fitting.

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.

Abstract: A process for treating liquids to improve their usefulness without the use of traditional soaps or detergents, primarily through the treatment of a solution by the use of a holding tank and agitator, and treatment therein by a non-soap, non-detergent device such as activated ceramic filled floating containers, floating structured water filled containers, a magnetic liquid treatment pipe, electrodes, and/or other chargers. The liquid is then transported by way of a hose A to a pressure pump, then to hose B, and to a spray wand; or to a container for later use. Cleaning of on-site carpets and upholstery, floors and the like are taught.

Abstract: Apparatus for spraying an ice surface with a white paint comprises a trailer having a tank carried on the trailer, a pump and a boom having a plurality of spray nozzles. The tank has a large opening in the top for receiving bags of paint pigment. The pump is a high capacity pump which generates a flow rate significantly greater than necessary to supply the nozzles. The excess is returned to the tank through a jet mixing system including four arms each having a pair of jet nozzles. A mixing wand is also provided which receives mixed materials from the pump for the jet nozzle for stirring within the tank. The nozzles are closely spaced so as to generate an overlapping spray pattern. The nozzles generate a fine mist and are directed slightly upwardly and rearwardly.

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 which includes an elongated tower pipe mounted on a support with a first water discharge nozzle adjacent the upper end of the tower pipe. A water connection is provided at the lower end of the tower for connection of a source of water under pressure to supply the water under pressure to the first water nozzle at the upper end of the tower. An air conduit coextends within the tower pipe with the bottom end of the air conduit extending externally of the pipe tower for connection to a remote source of air under pressure. The top end of the air conduit terminates within or inside the tower pipe adjacent the upper end where the air and water are then intermixed adjacent the water nozzle and then ejected through the water nozzle. An air nozzle may also be provided at the upper end of the tower for ejecting a stream of air into the ambient atmosphere under pressure into the throat of an air/water spray from the water nozzle or nozzles to further atomize the water spray.

Abstract: An economic snow making tower and method of manufacture wherein the snow making tower includes an elongated upright aluminum tower pipe which is mounted on a support. Snow making nozzles are provided at the upper end of the tower for discharge of air and water under pressure into ambient atmosphere for manufacture of snow in subfreezing conditions and air and water connectors are provided at the lower end of the tower pipe for the supply of air and water under pressure to the tower. The support includes a vertical ground support post and a steel T fitting as welded to this support cap and has three threaded connecting necks wherein the upper threaded connecting neck threadably receives the bottom end of the tower pipe and supports the tower pipe in its upright position. The air and water connectors are connected respectively to the two remaining threaded necks of the T fitting.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for pumping high viscosity mixtures, for example silicone-aggregate mixtures, including a pump and a hose, wherein the hose is impermeable, nonadherent with the mixture, and resistant to swelling, and the pump and the hose are sealable. In preferred embodiments, the apparatus and method can include a metering mechanism for dispensing the mixture to the pump, an agitator for mixing the mixture before it enters the pump, and a spray nozzle for applying the mixture exiting the hose. Even more preferred embodiments can include a metering mechanism in the form of a variable speed auger screw, a hose internally lined with a coating of polytetrafluoroethylene, a hose structurally reinforced, and a pump and hose that are individually sealable.

Abstract: A snow making tower including a vertical ground support post having its bottom end anchored into the ground and a tower support pole is coaxially mounted on this ground support post for free axial rotation thereon. An upwardly extending support arm is secured intermediate its ends to the upper end of the tower support pole for pivotal movement from horizontal to vertical. An elongated pipe snow making tower is provided with snow making nozzles adjacent its upper end and supply connections at the lower end for connection to remote sources of air and water under pressure for supply thereof to the nozzles for discharge into ambient atmosphere for manufacturing snow in subfreezing conditions. The elongated snow making pipe tower is pivotally secured intermediate its ends to the upper end of the support arm for pivotal movement in a vertical plane from parallel alignment with the support arm to positions below horizontal.

Abstract: In a snow gun, each of air and water are discharged through V-jet nozzles in the form of generally flat and V-shaped jets or sprays. The nozzles are spacially positioned and angled so that the air jet intersects the water spray along a line of intersection where they are of equal width. This provides efficient atomization of the water with the result that snow can be made at milder freezing temperature. In another aspect, a flanged connection, having dual sealed openings for passage therethrough of pressurized air and water streams, is provided to join the gun and its supporting tower.

Abstract: A new particulate applicator attachment for a leaf blower for applying particulates such as powdered pesticides to a lawn or garden. The inventive device includes an elongate main tube having opposite intake and discharge ends. Each of the ends of the main tube has an opening into the lumen of the main tube. The intake end of the main tube is adapted for attachment to a blower tube of a leaf blower such that the lumen of the main tube is in fluid communication with the blower tube. A container for holding particulates is coupled to the main tube. Provided in the lumen of the main tube are intake and outlet conduits. One end of each of the conduits is connected to the container such that the lumen of the main tube is in fluid communication with the interior of the container through the conduits.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method of making CO.sub.2 snow by injecting liquefied CO.sub.2 into a snow horn from the ceiling of the snow horn having an opening at the lower end to effect adiabatic expansion and an apparatus therefor. Liquefied CO.sub.2 is injected radially outward so that it may flow along the curved internal surface of the ceiling and continuously along the internal surface of the snow horn and that effusive flows of liquefied CO.sub.2 may flow independently at the inner upper part of the snow horn and may be combined partly with one another at the inner lower part of the snow horn.

Abstract: Agricultural or horticultural spray apparatus of the kind comprising a holding tank having a liquid to be sprayed, at least one spray nozzle, a pump for moving liquid from the tank and for causing the liquid to be sprayed from the nozzle, and a return line from the nozzle to the tank, characterized in that the return line is provided between the pump and the spray nozzle, and characterized by a venturi device for causing a depression in the return line to cause liquid to flow from the nozzle to the tank. The apparatus includes a line from the tank to each nozzle through which liquid is drawn when a depression is applied to the return line.

Abstract: The spray nozzle carrier is made up of a component made of light material obtaining by drawing. This component includes several internal cavities and, in particular two tubular cavities (4 and 5) used as channels for the passage of water and of compressed air, these cavities being separated by a central cavity (9) forming a technical chamber, this technical chamber allowing the fitting of elements for fixing the spray nozzle. The drawn component (2) has preferably, an elliptical shape, the large axis of which is located in the plane passing through the spraying axis of the nozzle. This carrier can comprise a long pole of length between 5 and 15 m, for example, in order to create an artificial snowfall with a snow gun situated at a great height.

Abstract: A water atomizing nozzle adapted to be used in the type of snow making machines, in which water is disintegrated into very small water particles in a ring of atomizing nozzles surrounding an air channel through which air flows at high speed, and whereby the water droplets, which are carried by the air, freeze to snow or ice crystals and are allowed to fall to the ground some distance from the snow making machine.

Abstract: The snow making tower of the present invention includes a vertical ground support pole having its bottom end anchored in the ground surface on a ski slope and a tower support sleeve is coaxially received over the upper end of this ground support pole for free axial rotation on the support pole. An elongated pipe snow making tower with snow making nozzles adjacent its upper end and water and air inlets at its lower end is secured adjacent its lower end to the tower support sleeve at a vertical incline. The elongated pipe tower, together with the support sleeve, are permitted to freely coaxially rotate on the ground support pole. A vertical wind vane is secured to the tower for turning the tower with the tower support sleeve on the ground support pole with prevailing ambient wind applied to the wind vane so that the vertical incline of the tower always points down wind.

Abstract: The present invention is a thermally self-regulating nozzle for a snowmaking machine. The invention also relates to a system including the nozzle and method of snowmaking using the nozzle. The nozzle includes an outer housing made of a first material and a thermally separated inner housing, and a nozzle assembly attached to the outer housing by a member made of a second material having a thermal coefficient of expansion lower than the first material. The size of the nozzle outlet being dependent upon the expansion/contraction of the outer housing to accommodate more efficient snowmaking over a range of temperatures.

Abstract: An elongated pipe tower extends upwardly at an acute angle from vertical with snow making nozzles in an upper end portion of the tower. Supply connections are provided at the lower end of the tower for connection to remote sources of air under pressure for supplying air and water under pressure to the nozzles for discharge into ambient atmosphere for manufacturing snow in sub-freezing conditions. The upper end portion of the tower protrudes upwardly at an angle from the tower and the nozzles are positioned on the outer side of the tower upper end portion facing outwardly away from the tower and the tower base. The nozzles are positioned such that the combined resultant thrust of the suspended weight of the tower itself and the thrust of discharged air and water under pressure through the nozzles is caused to be in substantial alignment with the tower, thereby preventing application of undue stress on the tower and permitting the use of a lightweight pipe tower.

Abstract: In snowmaking apparatus having a fan which forces air through a tubular housing, an improved nucleator assembly wherein an air-water mixture is injected at an angle into the airstream close to the downstream side of the fan and remote from the housing outlet from nozzles on vanes designed to create turbulence and wherein the air-water mixture for the nucleator is formed in a multi-passage mixing block on the exterior of the housing with the pressure of both the air and water regulated.

Abstract: Snow-making apparatus comprises the combination of a bulk water nozzle for projecting a spray of water particles into the air, and a plurality of nucleators for injecting ice particles (nuclei) into the spray to provide nucleation sites about the water particles freeze and form snow particles or crystals. Each nucleator comprises discrete nozzles for respectively projecting air and water particles to a location at which they collide in the open air to form ice particles. Because the ice particles are formed "externally" of any housing, the "freeze-up" problem associated with the "internal-mix" nucleators of the prior art is avoided. Preferably, each of the water nozzles of the external mix nucleators projects a relatively thin "sheet" of water which collides with a similar pattern of compressed air which acts (a) to break-up the water into relatively tiny droplets (e.g.

Abstract: Snow gun towers are provided for supporting a snow gun above the ground, e.g., above a ski trail. The towers are constructed to be easily rotated between raised and lowered positions, and to maintain the angle of the snow gun with respect to the ground substantially constant during rotation of the tower between its positions. Preferred towers include a compression spring to assist the user in moving the tower between raised and lowered positions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new and improved apparatus primarily developed for use in dispensing powder to a media surface comprising a mounting means, a hopper tube, a porous hopper feed roller, a vortex chamber, a plurality of two primary air manifolds, and a plurality of two air bars. The hopper tube contains the porous hopper feed roller in rotatable manner. The porous hopper feed roller controls the quantity of powdered particulate material being discharged into the vortex chamber. A variable speed motor is provided and provides for 1/2 to 25 RPM rotational speed of the porous hopper feed roller. The vortex chamber receives the desired quantity of powdered particulate material from the hopper tube. The vortex chamber has an air pressure receipt means creating a vortex of rotating air within the vortex chamber. The vortex of rotating air within the vortex chamber receives the powdered particulate material from the hopper tube. The vortex chamber has an air pressure discharge means.

Abstract: A relatively efficient snowmaking gun which is of the compressed air and water type includes a water tube for receiving water from a source thereof under pressure and discharging the water in an annular diverging stream through an adjustable valve and a turbine which chops the water into fine droplets; and a central nucleator for receiving compressed air from a source thereof and for producing a central stream of fine ice particles downstream of the discharge end of the gun for mixing with the water to produce snow, temperature permitting. A preferred form of nucleator is an ultrasonic resonator for receiving air and water from sources thereof under pressure to produce an annular central stream of fine water droplets in air while creating ultrasonic waves downstream of the gun outlet. The gun can also include a casing defined by inner and outer shells surrounding the water tube and forming an air chamber which receives compressed air for discharge through a plurality of spaced apart nozzles.

Abstract: A snow making gun of the present invention includes a cylindrical housing carrying a motor and a fan which creates an air current into which water is injected from a ring water manifold via a plurality of nozzles having discharge orifices. An adjustable nucleating mechanism is associated with the manifold to optimize snow making under a variety of ambient conditions of pressure, humidity and temperature. Preferably, the water manifold or a portion thereof is removable so that nozzles having orifices of the first size can be replaced by an identical water manifold having nozzles whose orifices are of a different size. By utilizing quick connect/disconnect clamping elements a water manifold and its associated nucleating mechanism can be rapidly removed from and another applied to a cylindrical housing of an associated snow gun to assure that optimum artificial snow is made under any and all conditions.