Abstract: An apparatus for use by a user to entertain the user and to dispense a fragrance includes a container made of plastic which contains a colorless or lightly tinted liquid and about 2 to 6 beads of hard plastic or glass. The user shakes the container to produce a pleasing vibration and sound and actuates a spray pump to spray the liquid onto bedding or other household objects to spread a fragrance which is contained in the liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and equipment for producing foam bitumen. Water is mixed to hot bitumen under a pressure which is lower than the prevailing absolute pressure, and after this the pressure is allowed to rise and the flow rate to drop. The mixing of water and bitumen occurs in a foaming reactor (17), which is connected via a pipeline (6, 8, 9, 10) to a spray bar (1), which also acts as a heat exchanger, and the changes in the flow caused by an inclination in the spray bar are compensated by means of pipes (6) and valves (7). The entire equipment is thermally insulated, and a part of it may be provided with electric heating to prevent the bitumen from solidifying. It is possible to circulate hot bitumen in the equipment by opening a valve (12), whereby the entire equipment is brought to an operating temperature.

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.

Abstract: A method for artificial making of snow by a snow making machine (1) comprising a series of nozzles (8) arranged to provide a tubular flow (2) of bulk water drops which are moved along by an inner flow (3) of feeder air, and a series of atomizing nozzles (10) arranged to provide a flow of super cooled nuclei which are created at or adjacent the outer periphery (9) of the snow making machine (1) by a series of atomizing nozzles (1) which are distributed round the snow making machine and radially outside and preferably downstream the bulk water jet nozzles (8) as seen in the flow direction, whereby there is formed a shell (5) of super cooled nuclei extending circumferentially round the flow (2) of bulk water drops, which successively, and over a relatively long way of movement provides a freezing of the drops of water in the flow (2) of bulk water drops.

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: The present invention is a biological tracer method for characterizing the movement of a material through a medium, comprising the steps of: introducing a biological tracer comprising a microorganism having ice nucleating activity into a medium; collecting at least one sample of the medium from a point removed from the introduction point; and analyzing the sample for the presence of the biological tracer. The present invention is also a method for using a biological tracer as a label for material identification by introducing a biological tracer having ice nucleating activity into a material, collecting a sample of a portion of the labelled material and analyzing the sample for the presence of the biological tracer.

Abstract: A backpack sprayer for spraying arthropods or arthropod eggs, such as beneficial mites or beneficial insect eggs, or insect eggs containing parasitoids, directly onto plants is disclosed which uses excess air generated by a compressor to produce a coarse or fine spray of an aqueous suspension containing the arthropods or eggs as they exit from a spray gun. A stir bar magnet in a spray tank, controlled by a magnetic stirrer motor, keeps the arthropods or eggs evenly suspended in an aqueous solution. The sprayer provides an economical and alternative strategy for the delivery of arthropods such as beneficial mites and eggs to agricultural commodities.

Abstract: A snow making system which includes a snow making device adapted to produce a spray of artificially manufactured snow from a combination of compressed air and water supplied under pressure to the device from remote compressed air and water supplies. A control system is provided at each snow making device which includes air and water valves that are operatively connected between the snow making device and respective supplies of compressed air and water for controlling the supply of air and water to the snow making device. The air and water valves are ganged together for simultaneously valving of the air and water supply and these valves are further adapted for draining water from the connected snow making device when the valves are in their off position. An air operated drive is connected for actuating the ganged valves simultaneously and is connected to the air supplied under pressure for maintaining the ganged valves on when the pressure of the supplied air is above a predetermined minimum.

Abstract: Apparatus for sequentially coating opposite major surfaces of a workpiece such as a printed circuit board and wherein the amount of manual handling is significantly reduced. Boards are arranged end-to-end preferably in closely spaced fashion upon a conveyor having an adjustable drive. First and second spray assemblies provide a low pressure spray having a substantially oval-shaped spray pattern and are arranged upon guide tracks to move in a reciprocating fashion in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the conveyor for coating opposing surfaces of the workpiece. The speed of movement of the spray heads and the extreme ends of the range of movement are adjustable by controlling the operation of a drive motor to create a substantially Z-shaped spray pattern on the workpiece with the size of the Z-shaped pattern being a function of the conveyor speed spray head assembly, drive speed and range of movement of each spray head assembly.

Abstract: A chip blowing apparatus for application or dispersion of wood chips or like aggregate material. The invention includes a hopper with an auger for directing materials to the bottom of the hopper. An air lock feeder adjacent to the bottom of the hopper receives material therefrom. A rotating shaft with a plurality of vanes is included in the air lock feeder. Pressurized air is directed into the air lock feeder to fluidize materials and impart momentum thereto, thereby entraining the solid material in an air stream. The entrained material then exits and outlet port and is directed by hose to a nozzle for application of material to surfaces.

Abstract: A snow making system which includes a snow making device adapted to produce a spray of artificially manufactured snow from a combination of compressed air and water supplied under pressure to the device from remote compressed air and water supplies. A control system is provided at each snow making device which includes air and water valves that are operatively connected between the snow making device and respective supplies of compressed air and water for controlling the supply of air and water to the snow making device. The air and water valves are ganged together for simultaneously valving of the air and water supply and these valves are further adapted for draining water from the connected snow making device when the valves are in their off position. An air operated drive is connected for actuating the ganged valves simultaneously and is connected to the air supplied under pressure for maintaining the ganged valves on when the pressure of the supplied air is above a predetermined minimum.

Abstract: A fanless snow gun for producing man-made snow comprises one or more water nozzles for projecting a substantially conical spray of water particles into the air, and a plurality of nucleating nozzles arranged rearwardly of and at spaced locations surrounding the water nozzles for injecting ice nuclei into the water spray to effect conversion of the water particles to snow prior to descending to the ground. To compensate for the absence of an independent source of air (e.g. a motorized fan) for cooling the water particles provided by the water nozzles, the snow gun is adapted to be supported at least 20 feet above ground level to increase the particle flight time and, hence cooling time, the water particle size is limited to about 300 microns or smaller to facilitate particle cooling and conversion to ice crystals, and the ratio of ice nuclei-to-water particles in the spray is increased by at least a factor of at least two compared to the same ratio in conventional fan guns.

Abstract: An adjustable snow making tower structure which includes a device for warming the tower structure for preventing ice and snow buildup and for precooling the water before it is supplied to the tower for manufacturing snow. The snow making tower is usually an elongated pipe configuration which is secured at its lower end to the support arm, and the snow making nozzles are provided at the upper end of the pipe tower. The support arm is utilized for raising and lowering the pipe tower between horizontal to vertical. The support arm is made of heat conducting tubing and is connected to a remote water supply and is connected for conveying water under pressure through the tubing of the support arm to the bottom end of the pipe tower. Accordingly the water being conveyed through the support arm warms the support arm and is precooled prior to being conveyed to the snow making nozzles at the top of the tower to provide better quality snow with greater efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention is for a backpack sprayer which has a reservoir tank fixedly attached to a support frame, the tank having a fill opening located at the top end and a pressure vessel located therein. The pressure vessel has a pump housing located therein which has a one way check valve leading into the pressure vessel, the pump housing also having a cylinder actuated by a hand crank for compressing the sprayed liquid into the pressure vessel. The pressure vessel expels the compressed liquid through a hand held wand operated by the user.

Abstract: A snow making system wherein snow making devices, such as snow towers or snow guns, are distributed along a ski slope for producing man made snow with the supply of compressed air and water under pressure in subfreezing conditions. Valving for the supply of air and water to each snow making device is housed underground in a control pit enclosure with a removable access lid. The valves are ganged together for simultaneous operation by a single handle which is exposed through and above the lid for manual operation. The air and water connection hoses are also exposed through and above the lid for connection to an associated snow making device. The handle and these connection hoses are removable to present a flush nonhazardous ground surface in the off ski season. The valves are three-way valves which are adapted to drain all water from the associated snow making device when they are in the off condition in order to automatically drain the devices and protect them from freeze-up.

Abstract: A stationary spreader (10) which is activated in response to a signal from a sensor (118) indicating a condition of the adjacent ground surface, is described. The stationary spreader includes a bin (12), a spreader housing (34) and a control box (106) which are removably mounted together. The bin holds the material to be spread and preferably has a stirrer (16) and an auger (18) which both act to move the material out of a dispensing opening (24) in the side (12D) of the bin. The spreader housing is mounted over the dispensing opening and includes a spreader assembly (38). The spreader assembly has a lifting motor (40), a pair of solenoids (62) and a spreader bucket (44). The lifting motor is mounted above and connected to the spreader bucket and acts along with the solenoids to vertically raise or lower the bucket. A spreader compartment (76) is located in the bottom of the bucket and houses the spreaders (86 and 88).

Abstract: The present invention relates to snow guns and improvements thereto. The improved snow gun has a large boom which receives liquid under pressure and forces it through small nozzles. The structure does not require high pressure compressed gas or large fan guns, and thus, is much more cost effective to install and operate. In a preferred form, the boom responds to changes in wind direction, which otherwise could reduce the effectiveness of the system.

Abstract: Apparatus for coating a workpiece such as a printed circuit board. Boards are arranged in closely spaced fashion upon a conveyor having an adjustable drive. A spray assembly for providing a low pressure spray having a substantially oval-shaped spray pattern is arranged upon guide tracks and moves in a reciprocating fashion in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the conveyor. The speed of movement of the spray head and the extreme ends of the range of movement are adjustable by controlling the operation of a drive motor to create a substantially Z-shaped spray pattern on the workpiece with the size of the Z-shaped pattern being a function of the conveyor speed spray head assembly, drive speed and range of movement of the spray head assembly.

Abstract: A mixer for mixing and blending fluids within a vessel includes a passageway through which fluid is dispensed within the vessel and a flow diverter spaced from the passageway. Fluid impinges on the flow diverter and is directed toward the walls of the vessel. The diverter includes holes that produce jets of fluid generally parallel to the walls of the vessel to induce shear and turbulence within the fluid in the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a foamed outdoor protective cover layer having a storage tank adapted to contain a slurry. A pump is connected to the storage tank for supplying slurry from the tank to a first inlet port of a regulating valve. A foam generator is connected to a second inlet port of the regulating valve. The regulating valve also includes an outlet port which is connected to a spray nozzle. The regulating valve is operable to combine foam produced by the foam generator with pumped slurry to produce a foamed composition. The regulating valve is adjustable to vary the rate of addition of foam to the pumped slurry to control the density of the foamed composition.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide snow discharge apparatus having at least two snow discharge tubes wherein at least two of the snow discharge tubes have different internal diameters which can be operated either individually or together to vary the flow rate of the carbon dioxide snow, the snow discharge tubes being joined at selected points along their length.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously making and distributing snow. The apparatus includes a first and second tube through which compressed air and water are flowed. The tubes have outlet portions where the water and air impinge on a cup shape nozzle head. The air and water are flowed at a substaintially constant pressure but the decompressed air has a greater velocity at the outlet portion than the water to aid in cooling. The water impinges on the atomizing surface of the nozzle head to produce small droplets which in the ambient creates snow for example for skiing.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for dispensing a liquid agricultural agent at a desired rate. A source of the liquid is pressurized and passed in parallel though at least one regulating capillary tube of such diameter and length as to regulate the rate of dispensing of the liquid at the desired rate. A pressure of the liquid is sensed and controlled for the purpose of adjusting the above-mentioned flow rate. A flow rate of the liquid is sensed and used with the sensed pressure to detect and alert a user of possible problems in the system, such as clogging of a dispensing outlet. A ground speed of the farm tractor which is transporting the system can he sensed in order to calculate the appropriate flow rate. A geographical location a farm machine in order to facilitate "prescription farming". The liquid may be injected and mixed with a carrier, and the mixing can be done in close proximity to an outlet orifice.

Abstract: An improved snow making machine (10) is described, comprising a housing (14) and a nucleator (18) disposed inside the housing to mix compressed air with pressurized water to generate a wide angle round spray (24) pattern of ice crystal nuclei. An air hydrant heater device (12) is connected in the compressed air line (74) to heat the compressed air so that humidity present in the air will not freeze and render the nucleator inoperative at relatively low operating temperatures. A spray nozzle manifold (24) is mounted annularly around the housing discharge outlet (14A) and supports a plurality of water nozzles (28) that inject a cold water shower into the air flow, which water shower commingles with the ice crystal nuclei to thereby form ice granules as the two travel through the cold ambient air. The snow making machine can be mounted on a tower like support structure that provides for adjusting the discharge direction and tilt angle of the discharge outlet from a ground level elevation.

Abstract: A system for pin-point injection or application of a viscous, hot-melt conformal coating which is injected or applied onto a surface of an article and is readily removable from the surface to provide a temporary mask to selected areas of the article. The system includes a material supply unit which can accept the coating in at least one of granular, flake, chunk or block form and can heat the coating to transform the coating into a substantially viscous form for pumping out of the unit by a pump member. A heatable hose is also included having first and second opposite ends, the first end being connected for operable communication with the pump member and the hose including a heating element controlled by the supply unit and positioned along the length of the hose for maintaining a desired temperature within an interior of the hose.

Abstract: A method of and equipment for producing snow in a closed circuit, including blowing air with a turbine into a tunnel having an air cooling member, a member for the relative reheating of the air, one or several snow guns and a snow depositing chamber, the method and equipment being usable for testing the behavior of materials in a snowy atmosphere.

Abstract: A portable electric-powered particulate spreader has a housing having an inlet and an outlet. A reservoir for holding particulate material is located above the housing. A blower is located with a flow path extending from the inlet to the outlet for inducing air flow along the flow path. A particulate intake port is formed in a channel wall which encompasses an exhaust channel extending downstream from the blower to the outlet. A valve controls flow of particulate material from the reservoir to the particulate intake port. An agitator located between the reservoir and exhaust channel rotationally reciprocates and induces vibrations which assist the flow of particulate material. A foil in the exhaust channel produces a low static pressure in the which tends to draw particulate material from the reservoir into the air flow. Delays are built in so that the blower turns on before opening the valve is opened and the valve is closed before the blower is turned off.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spraying adhesive compositions having a high solids content comprises a source of supercritical fluid diluent such as supercritical carbon dioxide, a source of virgin adhesive, an adhesive dispenser and a mixer communicating with each source of material and with the dispenser. The mixer includes a dynamic mixing element which agitates the viscous adhesive material allowing the supercritical carbon dioxide to be effectively dispersed into the adhesive, thus forming an adhesive composition with a high solids content having a relatively low viscosity suitable for spray application of the adhesive.

Abstract: An improved tower mounted snow making machine (10) that provides for covering a ski slope (48) with artificial snow (50) is described. The snow making machine comprises a housing (12) having a frusto-conical section (84) that provides for maintaining the generated velocity of a high-volume air flow out through a discharge outlet (12A) and with a nucleator (16) disposed inside the housing to generate a wide angle round spray pattern of ice crystal nuclei (21) that diverge towards the discharge outlet without impinging on the inside of the housing.

Abstract: Each snow-gun site of a multisite snow-making system is equipped with a microprocessor-based logic and control unit. The latter responds to time-varying signals representative of the ambient temperature and relative humidity of its associated site to continuously adjust the flow rate of water applied to the snow gun(s) of such site in order to maintain a desired snow consistency. Based on the instantaneous values of temperature and relative humidity, the logic and control unit determines a nominal water flow rate value which, for the particular parameters of the snow-making system, will produce a desired snow consistency. This nominal value is compared with the present water flow rate value to produce a control signal used for adjusting a motor-controlled valve which determines the water flow rate applied to the snow-gun. The nominal water flow rate value can be selectively adjusted, on site, to account, for example, for gradual changes in system parameters, e.g.

Abstract: An elongated CO.sub.2 snow forming header is provided for disposition within an elongated insulated container and includes removably closable liquid CO.sub.2 inlet structure at each of its opposite ends. The header includes a central longitudinal supply pipe into either end of which liquid CO.sub.2 may be admitted and a pair of oppositely laterally spaced header lines supporting snow forming nozzles at points spaced longitudinally therealong for discharging jets of CO.sub.2 snow onto opposite sides of the center supply line. Lateral communicating lines communicate each end of the supply line with corresponding ends of the header lines and the communicating lines open into the supply line in a manner such that rapid inflow of liquid CO.sub.2 past the communicating lines causes an appreciable portion of the liquid CO.sub.2 passing through the header lines to be recirculated through the center supply line.

Abstract: A nucleator assembly for snowmaking apparatus wherein body elements or vanes are disposed in a tubular housing, preferably radially, downstream from an air displacement mechanism and define mixing chambers in which air and water are mixed and then ejected from nozzles on the body elements or vanes radially spaced from the housing axis directly in the air stream flow, and portions of the body elements or vanes are heated to prevent freezing of the water in and adjacent to the mixing chambers and nozzles.

Abstract: An apparatus for seeding, mulching, and fertilizing soil is described. The apparatus includes: a mixing tank adapted for mounting upon a motorized land vehicle for containing an aqueous mixture of seed and other soil conditioning materials; an agitator positioned within said tank for combining seed and other soil conditioning materials with water; a movable spray cannon in fluid communication with the mixing tank for spraying the aqueous mixture delivered thereto by an attached pump onto the soil surface; an auxiliary hose of flexible material for spraying the aqueous mixture; a mulch blower affixed to said tank for delivering a dried mulch material to the soil surface; and, a hydraulic power transmission system for transmitting power from the motorized land vehicle to the agitator, pump, and mulch blower.

Abstract: An adjustable snow making tower including a vertical support pole anchored into the ground and having a support pipe coaxially received over this support pole for support of a snow tower for axial horizontal rotation on the support pole. A support arm is pivotally connected intermediate its opposite ends adjacent the upper end of this support pipe for pivotal movement substantially from horizontal to vertical. An elongated pipe snow making tower having air and water discharge nozzles at its upper end and air and water supply connections at its lower end, is supported adjacent its lower end to this support arm for pivotal movement therewith in a vertical plane. A lock mechanism is provided for temporary locking the support arm in any preselected vertical position between horizontal and vertical and a drive mechanism is also provided to assist in vertically raising or lowering the snow pipe tower together with a support arm about the support arm pivot.

Abstract: A backpack spray apparatus for applying insecticides and fertilizers comprises a large tank in which is mounted a pressure vessel. A pumping assembly is connected with the bottom portion of the pressure vessel and also with the bottom portion of the container tank. It consists of a double-acting piston assembly, a valve, and passages to connect a portion of the cylinder chamber above the piston assembly to the pressure vessel and to the container tank, so that upon reciprocation of the piston there is pumping of liquid from the container tank to the pressure vessel. There is also a connection between the portion of the cylinder chamber below the piston assembly and the lower portion of the container tank, so that upon reciprocation of the piston assembly there is pumping of the liquid back and forth. An operator-actuated handle reciprocates the piston assembly. There is no diaphragm associated with the pumping assembly--all pumping being done by the pumping assembly.

Abstract: A snow making apparatus comprising a housing defining a bore (14) which is open at least at one end and having first and second annular chambers (38, 32) which extend circumferentially of the bore. The first and second chambers (38, 32) are respectively connectable to a source of pressurized water and of pressurized air. A circumferential array of outlets (42) from the first chamber (38) is operable with pressurized water supplied by chamber (38) to direct water jets along and towards the axis of the bore. A circumferential array of passages (36) provides communication between the second chamber (32) and the bore (14), each passage (36) opening towards or beyond the one end of the bore (14). The passages (36) discharge pressurized air supplied to the second chamber (32) as a plurality of air jets directed towards or beyond the one end of the bore (14), to generate a flow of air which passes beyond the one end of the bore (14).

Abstract: The integrated modular spraying system is suitable for applying chemicals, including liquids and dry flowables, to various remote locations. The system includes an integrated modular tank which is preferably rotomolded from thermoplastic. A well is formed in the side of the tank and is further defined by two opposing buttresses which receive and support a freely rotating hose spool. A pump is located in a recess in the tank for pumping chemicals from the tank through the flexible hose. The hose can be peeled off from the hose spool for a substantial length to enable an operator to spray a chemical at locations remote from the integrated modular spray apparatus. After application of the chemical is complete, the hose spool can be rotated to rewind the flexible hose about the spool. In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus is suitable for applying dry flowables, including various insecticidal dusts and powders, using an air pump instead of a liquid pump.

Abstract: An apparatus for making artificial snow includes a flexible pipe which encloses a plurality of longitudinal conduits receiving and holding water therein. The pipe is cooled by a coolant liquid so that ice crystals form in the water on the surfaces of the conduits. A frame member is provided, oriented transversely to the axis of the pipe, which is movable axially along the pipe. Rollers provided on the frame member dislodge the ice crystals from the surfaces of the conduits. A seeve member is provided to strain the dislodged ice crystals from the water. The ice crystals are then conveyed to a desired area.

Abstract: A device and method for the production of artificial snow. The device comprises an environment wherein temperature, humidity, and/or other environmental conditions are adapted to be controlled. The device also has at least one snow gun having at least the nozzle portion thereof provided substantially within or adjacent to the environment. Within the environment, the humidity and temperature may be controlled by a dehumidifier and a cooler or chiller, such that the environmental conditions are satisfactory for snow production. Alternatively, the controlled environment may be provided wherein the nozzle or the environment adjacent the nozzle is controlled to be of desired temperature and humidity.

Abstract: Apparatus for enhancing the feeding of particles includes a hopper having a central axis, walls of the hopper being concentric with the hopper axis above an outlet of the hopper; a sensor for sensing a desired flow of particles from the hopper; a shaft rotatably mounted on the hopper axis; a paddle connected to the shaft and extending from approximately 0.125 inch to approximately 0.250 inch from at least a lower portion of an inside surface wall of the hopper, the shaft being rotated at approximately 1 radian per second in response to a drive signal; the drive signal being momentarily activated in the presence of an external activate signal when the flow of particles falls below the desired rate, the drive signal being active for a period of time sufficient to cause the paddle to move through an angle of about 90.degree. about the hopper axis. The paddle is mechanically agitated during feeding of the particles, the paddle vibrating only during activation of the external signal, with a displacement of from 0.

Abstract: An aftercooler through which a first fluid passes. A cooling fan applies a cooling fluid to the aftercooler. A variable speed motor is rotatably coupled to the cooling fan. A temperature sensor, in communication with the first fluid, is located downstream of the aftercooler. A controller controls operation of the variable speed motor based upon the temperature applied to the temperature sensor to prevent condensate freeze-up.

Abstract: A system for spraying ceramic coatings on surfaces in contact with molten metals in which a constant amount of slurry made from water and ceramic powder is supplied to a pump and a hose for applying the slurry to the surface to be coated. Activation of an air valve delivers air to the hose at a sufficient pressure to spray the slurry on the surface to be coated. Deactivation of the air valve shuts off the pump.

Abstract: A dense body having a projecting radial flange about its middle is used to agitate the contents in a spray can. When the can is shaken, the agitator moves inside the can to mix pigment or other solid particles with a liquid vehicle in the can. The flange around the body reaches into a corner formed by the side and bottom of the can to provide more effective mixing of the contents. The generally rounded shape of the agitator prevents sticking.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the introduction of foreign substances, such as recombinant DNA, into living cell interiors is disclosed. The desired substance to be introduced is dissolved or suspended in water or another suitable liquid to form a solution which is then nebulized and frozen to produce ice particles. These ice particles are accelerated toward and impact upon a target tissue where some of the particles impregnate at least some cells in the target tissue without killing the cells. Following impregnation, the ice particles melt, leaving behind the desired substance in the protoplasm of the bombarded cell.

Abstract: A medium sized spraying system quickly and easily mountable on a small sized tractor having an auxiliary power take off at or near the front of the tractor. A fluid pump is mountable near the front power take off and utilizes the power of a front power take off to produce pumping action. Fluid conduits are directed to the rear of the tractor where a support framework is releasably connected to the rear of the tractor. The support frame holds a substantially sized fluid tank and a spraying boom.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for producing snow is disclosed which includes a hollow water supply body having an integral water discharge throat formed therein at its front end and containing a needle valve assembly mounted at its rear end with an adjustable needle concentrically aligned with the orifice to control water flow through the orifice. A hollow air supply body is mounted on and receives the front end of the water supply body to receive water from the water supply body. The air supply body has an outlet orifice mounted thereon for discharging a mixture of air and water to a mixing tube for discharge to the atmosphere. Each of these components is clamped together in a single composite unitary construction with the bores and passage ways therein held in axially alignment by a plurality of clamping bolts.

Abstract: A device for producing an airborne stream of ice crystals, the device comprising an inner housing mounted within an outer housing to define therewith an air passage having a venturi-shaped zone. A flaring nozzle is mounted to an outlet end of the outer housing. A vaneaxial fan is mounted in the outer housing and cooperates with guide vanes extending between the inner and the outer housing to produce a substantially rectilinear air flow through the passage. A diffuser is mounted adjacent an outlet end of the inner housing for creating an annular and rectilinear stream of air surrounded by a diverging stream of air. A water nozzle and nucleators are mounted in the outlet end of the inner housing to produce water droplets sprayed in the air streams, which freeze to form an airborne stream of ice crystals.

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: An improved ducted-fan type snowmaking machine and method wherein an impeller is driven at a variable speed selected to produce a variable noise level depending on the proximity of the apparatus to an inhabited area. The machine includes air stream straightening vanes for converting a spiraling stream to a linear, laminar flow stream, and a plurality of neucleating nozzles positioned within the confines of the duct.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing walls from earth and sand mortars includes making a mortar mixture containing a dry aggregate mass of between 15 and 50% by mass of earth and between 85% to 50% by mass of sand, bonding materials in a mass of at most 10% of the dry aggregate mass, and water in a mass of at most 22% of the total dry mass of earth, sand and bonding materials, stirring the mixture continuously and transferring while stirring the mixture by force into an inlet of a pump, and pumping the mixture from the pump and projecting the mixture within a framework against a vertical projection support and allowing the mixture to set.