Abstract: The risk of electrocution by first contact with a hovercraft is eliminated by first establishing an alternate path for electric charge between the hovercraft and earth ground via an electrically conducting liquid stream.

Abstract: A dispenser for discharging insects from a moving vehicle includes an insect retaining assembly and an insect acceleration chute. The chute receives air at several locations for accelerating the insects to the speed of the air passing the vehicle. The retaining assembly includes at least one surface for retaining the insects formed from a series of louvers which can be individually rotated on axles to discharge the insects. A metering valve is provided for delivering insects from the retaining assembly to the chute at a constant rate. A refrigeration apparatus is preferably provided for supplying cooled air to the retaining assembly to cool the insects. A method for discharging insects from such a dispenser includes the steps of depositing insects on each retaining surface and rotating the louvers individually at a constant rate to drop the insects from each surface at a constant rate.

Abstract: A method of aerial spraying of crops by airplanes mounted with spray jets below and trailing the wings is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of directing the spray jets at an acute angle with respect to the lower plane of the wing against a winglet deflection surface of covex shape. The winglet extends at a level distanced from the jet and tilted by an accute tangential angle with respect to the plane of the wing. An airplane mounted with a device for effecting crop spraying according to the method is disclosed as well.

Abstract: An improved spray nozzle for use with aircraft includes a small diameter, plastic body having a forward liquid inlet and a transverse cavity receiving liquid chemicals under pressure through the inlet. A plurality of capillary tubes in fluid communication with the cavity are secured in the body to open rearwardly in a horizontal, planar fan-shaped configuration protruding from a rear wedge shaped end of the body. The transverse distance across the body and the capillary tubes is less than one and one-half inches to minimize gravity pressure differentials across the plurality of tubes when the aircraft is banked to thereby prevent liquid chemical dribbling. A removable baffle is secured within the transverse cavity in position to be impinged by the entering liquid chemicals to equalize liquid flow and pressure throughout the cavity to thereby provide equal flow through each of the capillary tubes.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed suitable for electrostatic spraying from fixed wing aircraft. The apparatus includes a linear electrostatic spraying nozzle 2 and electrodes 4 placed near the nozzle's spraying edge to intensify the electric field strength at the spraying edge sufficiently to produce ligaments of the liquid to be sprayed from the spraying edge. In order that the airstream due to the aircraft's movement does not destroy the ligamets, the sprayhead and the electrodes are positioned so that part of the airstream flows between them. The spray head and the electrodes are so shaped and positioned that when directed to spray in substantially the same direction as the airstream, a turbulence free wake is left in the region of the ligaments.

Abstract: A spray distribution system for discharging liquid pesticides and the like from a crop-spraying aircraft includes a double spray header arrangement. One main header extends beneath the wings of the aircraft and is fitted with spray discharge nozzles only beneath the aircraft wings. An auxiliary header extends beneath the aircraft engine, forward of the main boom, and is fitted with spray discharge nozzles beneath the aircraft body. The auxiliary boom is located far enough forward of the main header that it is out of the prop blast region. Each spray discharge nozzle emits liquid through an elongated discharge tube that substantially prevents misting. The spray discharge nozzles are each mounted on a downcomer conduit thus being located sufficiently below the aircraft wing so as to further reduce turbulence around the emitted liquid. The nozzles may be modified so as to accommodate more than one discharge tube.

Abstract: Both methods and various embodiments of an apparatus are disclosed which address the dispersal of cremated remains. The methods involve steps which avoid any tendency to retain cremated remains within a container, steps which assure dispersal of cremated remains in only one desired direction, and steps which assure continuous and complete dispersal of all cremated remains. The invention also presents several embodiments including both a fabric bag and a mechanical apparatus for dispersing cremated remains. The disclosure addresses the utilization of existing air currents, the application of the invention to aerial dispersion, and designs which address simplicity of operation and manufacture. A fabric apparatus is disclosed which includes both an outer shell and an inner liner and a flap to seal the apparatus. The fabric apparatus presented may be rolled and transported by means of a handle.

Abstract: For controllably suspending a load from a helicopter such that the load can be quickly jettisoned in an emergency, a rigid stabilizer bar is suspended from a quick-release cargo hook attachment point of the helicopter, and a yoke structure is releasably carried by the hook in fixed relation to the bar, opposite ends of the yoke having flexible lines connected to spaced apart locations on the load. Opposite ends of the stabilizer bar are connected by bungee cords to landing skid anchors for stabilizing the yoke. The attitude of the load is controlled by yawing and rolling maneuvers of the helicopter. If necessary, the yoke, together with the lines and the load, can be jettisoned from the vehicle by releasing the hook. The load can be configured as a cleaning module for directing a cleaning medium onto an elevated workpiece such as an insulator of a transmission line tower.

Abstract: A rigid stabilizer bar is suspended from a quick-release cargo hook attachment point of the helicopter, and a yoke structure is releasably carried by the hook in fixed relation to the bar for suspending a load, opposite ends of the yoke having flexible lines connected to spaced apart locations on the load. Opposite ends of the stabilizer bar are connected by bungee cords to landing skid anchors for stabilizing the yoke. The load is oriented by yawing and rolling maneuvers of the helicopter. In an emergency, the yoke, together with the lines and the load, can be jettisoned from the vehicle by releasing the hook. The load can be a dispensing module for directing a fluidic medium such as crushed walnut shells in a high-pressure air blast from a nozzle that is located on a boom projecting from the module, onto an elevated workpiece such as an insulator of a tranmission line tower for cleaning the insulator. The cleaning module produces a stream of particulate.

Abstract: A rotary liquid spray atomizer for aerial spraying is driven by a variable speed motor, driven in turn by power from a variable speed AC generator. The generator is driven from a power take-off from the engine of the spraying aircraft, a drive assembly includes a device for controlling the speed of the generator relative to the speed of the engine. The particularly convenient drive assembly between the generator and the power take-off is a hydraulic motor, which drives the generator, driven by a hydraulic pump driven from the power take-off. The speed of the hydraulic motor can be controllably varied. Conveniently the AC motor is a synchronous motor.

Abstract: A centrifugal applicating device is disclosed which is hingedly connected below the product reservoir of an agricultural spray aircraft. The device includes an upper plate having a pair of feed openings and a pair of star wheel applicators rotatively carried by the upper plate below the feed openings. Each star wheel applicator includes a plurality of hollow nozzles in fluid communication with the feed openings to receive measured portions of granular agricultural materials. Each nozzle is formed with an enlarged, planar paddle on one side in position to be impinged by wind forces to rotate the star wheel applicators as the aircraft flies. A synchronizing mechanism interconnects the star wheel applicators to synchronize the speed of rotation and to assure a uniform spray pattern.

Abstract: Both methods and various embodiments of an apparatus are disclosed which address the dispersal of cremated remains. The methods involve steps which avoid any tendency to retain cremated remains within a container, steps which assure dispersal of cremated remains in only one desired direction, and steps which assure continuous and complete dispersal of all cremated remains. The invention also presents several embodiments including both a fabric bag and a mechanical apparatus for dispersing cremated remains. The disclosure addresses the utilization of existing air currents, the application of the invention to aerial dispersion, and designs which address simplicity of operation and manufacture. A fabric apparatus is disclosed which includes both an outer shell and an inner liner and a flap to seal the apparatus. The fabric apparatus presented may be rolled and transported by means of a handle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the controlled disposal of an aerosol cloud by means of directed sound waves of high intensity in the audible frequency range. According to the invention, sound waves are emitted by an aircraft (8, 10) operating close to the periphery of the cloud (4). The frequency spectrum of the wave consists of a basic frequency and a superposing frequency of twice the basic frequency valve and phase-shifted in relation to the basic frequency at substantially 90.degree., so as to cause the particles to coagulate and to migrate towards the sound source, and to be collected at the aircraft.

Abstract: The invention is a substantially cylindrical nozzle for a spray apparatus designed to emit accurate fluid spray of uniform sized droplets. The fluid to be sprayed is urged under pressure into an inner-bore cylindrical reservoir channel, in communication with a fluid pressure responsive, positive action valve plunger. Positive displacement of the valve plunger enables the fluid to pass under the influence of fluid pressure through openings in a detachably secured connector and to exit the nozzle through substantially axially disposed, flared outlet tubes. Uniform droplet size and spray coverage is promoted by the streamlined shape of the nozzle body, flare of the outlet tubes, and dimensions (length and small internal diameter) of the outlet tubes.

Abstract: An apparatus for spraying liquids from a vehicle, suitably an aircraft or other airborne vehicle. The apparatus includes at least two sprayheads, each having adjacent thereto an associated electrode or an associated electrically conducting or semiconducting part of the vehicle. A generator applies potentials to the sprayheads and to the electrodes or conducting or semiconducting parts of the vehicle so that an intense electrical field is developed between the liquid which emerges from each sprayhead and the adjacent electrode or part. The intensity of each field is sufficient to atomise the emerging liquid. The polarities of the applied potentials are such that liquid emerging from one sprayhead is charged positively while liquid emerging from the other sprayhead is charged negatively.

Abstract: A spreader for widely broadcasting agri-chemicals from a conventional airplane. Preferably the spreader comprises a central body comprised of an upper and lower top which diverge away from each other between a central front and a rear. The generally wing-shaped spreader includes a front throat having a mouth in which a plurality of spaced apart vane fronts are disposed. The vanes extend in arcuate spaced-apart relationship throughout the interior of the spreader, terminating in pivoted swallow-tail portions. Each swallow-tail portion includes a pair of pivoted tabs which can be adapted to deflect agri-chemicals in a desired fashion. Preferably the throat includes a releasable plate for quick connecting the spreader to the aeroplane, and a front, lower baffle plate may be adjusted to redirect air flow. Upon the opposite lateral outwardly diverging sides of the body two pairs of cooperating air injection chutes are employed.

Abstract: A fire bomber aircraft has an elongated discharge chute which communicates with the outlet opening of liquid tank and a discharge end disposed a substantial distance below the input end. The discharge end opens from the aircraft to atmosphere such that upon movement of the closure door of the drop tank to an open position, liquid will flow through the outlet opening to form a falling stream which will accelerate to a substantial velocity before it is discharged through the discharge end to the surrounding atmosphere to thereby reduce the erosion of the body of liquid which is discharged.

Abstract: Apparatus for aerial scattering or spreading comprising a flying wing formed by an aerofoil from which a frame is suspended by a mast and on which frame there is a cockpit and at least one engine driving a propeller. A scattering device is mounted on the flying wing and comprises a laterally extending spraying or atomizer tube, at least one tank for the product to be scattered and connected to a motor-driven pump, the pump being connected to the tube, and a control for regulating the flow and/or pressure of the product to be scattered.

Abstract: A fire retardant mixing and drop system for use with aircraft including a reservoir for holding fire retardant concentrate, a bucket, an injection and agitation or mixing system, and a dumping system for dumping fire retardant on a fire.

Abstract: This invention relates to an aerial burning and fire control unit which is to be carried by a helicopter, but is separate and independent of the helicopter so that the helicopter is in no way encumbered by the unit. When carried by the helicopter, the unit is received within the landing gear of the helicopter so that the helicopter may land while carrying the unit. On the other hand, the unit may be immediately jettisoned, when necessary by releasing the cargo hook. The unit has the dual function both as an aerial torch for controlled burning and as a water dump, the tank assembly of the unit being suitable for both supplying fuel to the burners and carrying water for dump purposes.

Abstract: Aerial spraying apparatus includes two sets of nozzles located at spaced locations on an aircraft. Each nozzle has an electrode associated with it to induce a charge on the cloud of droplets issuing from the nozzle. A high potential is maintained on each electrode by a power pack that induces an equal and opposite potential on the electrodes of each set. By virtue of the opposed polarity of the electrodes, the aircraft is maintained at a neutral potential. To prevent a potential being imposed due to spray being deposited on the electrodes, a pair of corona needles are provided to establish a leakage current and maintain the electrodes at the required potential. This prevents the system becoming imbalanced and a potential being established on the aircraft.

Abstract: A valve for connection to the boom of a crop spraying aircraft for emission of chemicals includes a pressure actuated valve member disposed therein in order to provide positive flow of the chemicals when pumped through the valve and positive dripless turnoff when the pressure is removed from the chemicals. Further, the valve is produced in two pivotally connected sections having a gauge disposed thereon for controlling the spray angle of the emitted chemicals and to thereby adjust the swath covered at each pass.

Abstract: A system for washing insulating components of high voltage and extra high voltage transmission lines. A helicopter provides an airborne, mobile, ungrounded, integrally bonded platform for a pressurized spray washing apparatus. The ungrounded helicopter hovers adjacent to the high voltage power lines to allow an articulating boom to be positioned to utilize a directed spray to pressure wash contamination from the insulators. A washing fluid tank and pump assembly contained in the helicopter provides high pressure washing fluid to the articulating boom and provides a self-contained system. Electrical bonding between the ungrounded helicopter and all wash apparatus components permits the helicopter to sustain prolonged energized contact with high voltage transmission source without incurring any adverse effect on the transmission line system, the aircraft or operators.

Abstract: An aerial dispensing apparatus is detachably mounted under each wing of an aircraft for adhesively coating and dispensing flakes containing an insect control substance. The apparatus includes an aerodynamically styled liquid adhesive supply chamber secured to the forward end of a detachable support frame and a flake storage container movably supported on the rear portion of the frame for movement rearwardly of the trailing edge of the wing to facilitate filling of the container. The container is provided with a bottom opening which communicates with an electrically driven auger for metering a supply of flakes to a mixing chamber. An electrically driven pump supplies a metered amount of liquid adhesive to the mixing chamber. A propeller driven mixing blade is rotatably mounted in the mixing chamber to facilitate the coating of the individual flakes with adhesive and for impelling the flakes rearwardly through the open end of the mixing chamber.

Abstract: The present Airfoil Fuel Ejection Device consists of a retractable bulkhead(s) located in the under-side of the airfoil. The retractable bulkhead(s) is actuated through a combination of rotable worm gear drive shaft, rigid rod guidance members, drive motor, gaskets and remote control mechanism acting in unison. Specific embodiments of the Airfoil Fuel Ejection Device act through levers, support members, tracks, cylinders and pistons, brackets, interior bulkheads and guides. All the embodiments embrace a retractable bulkhead(s) seated in gaskets contoured to the circumference of the bulkhead in order to allow the latter to assume a flush position with the remainder of the under-side of the airfoil during normal flight operations. In addition the gaskets in conjunction with rigid rods assure a secure closure which deters inadvertent leakage or dumping while maintaining the structural integrity of the airfoil.

Abstract: A self-contained spraying boom apparatus for in-flight adaptation of the aircraft for aerial swath spraying.

Abstract: Liquids flowing from a nozzle or the like are tested by providing a sensing element having a heated tip part, directing a liquid to be tested to the tip of the sensing element so that the liquid cools the tip part and thereby an electrical signal is produced, and the thus produced electrical signal is utilized for evaluating the liquid and the nozzle.

Abstract: A laminar microjet atomizer and method of aerial spraying involve the use of a streamlined body having a slot in the trailing edge thereof to afford a quiescent zone within the wing and into which liquid for spraying is introduced. The liquid flows from a source through a small diameter orifice having a discharge end disposed in the quiet zone well upstream of the trailing edge. The liquid released into the quiet zone in the slot forms drops characteristic of laminar flow. Those drops then flow from the slot at the trailing edge of the streamlined body and discharge into the slipstream for free distribution.

Abstract: A powdered material hopper or container is mounted in an airplane with a downwardly facing discharge opening positioned immediately above a centrifugal material discharge wheel driven by a hydraulic motor positioned in the outer end of a pivotal support in the form of a pivotal hollow housing. The pivotal hollow housing can be pivoted between a first position in which the centrifugal material discharge wheel is adjacently facing the discharge opening of the container and a second position remote therefrom for permitting a rapid emergency dumping of all material from the container. Movement of the pivotal support means is effected by a hydraulic cylinder connected to the pivotal support means and a lug extending from the lower end of the container which also provides pivotal support for the pivotal support means.

Abstract: A spreader unit is provided for connection to a hopper carried in an airplane for spreading granular material at a controlled rate of flow. A moveable gate on the spreader is moveable between a closed position covering a discharging opening through which the granular material may flow and an open position defining a gap to allow a predetermined flow rate of granular material from the hopper. A new and improved adjustable control 70 is provided in the cockpit of the airplane adjacent the pilot for manipulation by the pilot to control the gate width to an accurate degree to provide the desired flow rate despite deflection or other binding or lost motion in the linkage or levers in the actuating means for the gate. The control is positioned on the spreader adjacent the gate and a spreader extends from the actuator into the cockpit. A turnable handle is positioned adjacent the pilot for adjusting the size of the gap and thereby the flow rate of the granular material from the hopper.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fire extinguishing apparatus for airdropping a fire-extinguishing agent which comprises a flexible tank containing the fire-extinguishing agent, a base section attached to the lower portion of the tank and including a valve for discharging the fire-extinguishing agent, a head block attached to the upper end of the tank, whereby the whole body of the apparatus is suspended, and a support with its upper and lower ends coupled to the head block and the base section, respectively. In this apparatus, the coupling between the base section and the support is achieved by way of a bayonet coupling system using upper and lower coupling members attached respectively to the base section and the support. When the coupling between the two coupling members is completed, a coupling retaining member slidably fitted in the support engages both these coupling members to lock the coupling between them.

Abstract: The main storage hopper of an aerial crop dusting apparatus incorporated in aircraft is equipped with a suction pipe which extends from the outlet to the lowest depths of the hopper to insure that all the insecticide stored therein is dispensed. The suction pipe has a constant cross-sectional area throughout its length to insure constant fluid flow. The pipe attaches to the outlet by a connector which has a free bevelled edge to contact a bevelled edge of the pipe. A nut is positioned over a flange on the pipe and has threads which connect with cooperating threads on the connector to force the bevelled edges into tight communication.

Abstract: A method of spraying electrically charged particulate material to ground from a low flying airplane. The method includes the steps of imposing an electrical charge of given polarity upon an emitted primary spray of particulate material of sufficient magnitude to electrostatically enhance the deposition thereof and concurrently emitting a secondary spray of oppositely charged particulate material of selective character from said airborne source at a charge level of a magnitude to avoid material degradation of the charge on said primary spray intermediate its loci of emission and deposition.

Abstract: A measuring, computing and recording system for real-time monitoring of spray application parameters for pesticides and the like, dispensed from aircraft. The system includes means for measuring, computing and recording (1) total liquid volume, (2) liquid pressure, (3) liquid flow rate, (4) total spray passes, and (5) total spray time. The system also includes means for measuring and recording relative humidity, air temperature, and dispensed liquid temperature. A spray pressure exceeding a predetermined pressure set point is required to initiate and maintain the flow rate computing and associated recording operations of thesystem. The measuring and recording of relative humidity, air temperature and dispensed liquid temperature may be independently controlled if so desired.

Abstract: An improved agricultural spray plane of the biplane type, the improvement including a pair of spray booms mounted on each of the lower wings and defining the trailing edge of each of the wings for substantially the entire length of the wings. A spoiler is mounted on the upper surface of each of the lower wings forward of the spray booms to compensate for the elimination of ailerons found on conventional biplanes. Each of the upper wings include an aileron and apparatus for simultaneously controlling ailerons and spoilers is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing aerosols comprises an arrangement whereby materials to be admixed and dispersed enter a moving propellant stream at a region of decreasing velocity. In a preferred form this apparatus comprises a supply of one or more fluent materials to be dispersed, a rotatable distribution device having at least two members axially separated by a space and peripherally formed to provide a substantially annular discharge outlet for that space when the device is rotated, structure providing an annular stream of gas moving substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the distribution device and past the outlet, and one or more material feed passages between the supply and space whereby during operation material may be continually fed into the space and thrown outward into annular air stream and against a surrounding baffle having such contour as to present a DeLaval type discharge for the device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evenly dispersing trace quantities of biologically active chemicals encapsulated in a microdispenser which utilizes a rotating applicator device. The apparatus includes a hopper for the dispenser and means for moving the dispensers to the applicator device. A "sticker" substance is mixed with the dispensers. In one embodiment the applicator device consists of a rotating cone and the dispensers are deposited on a surface of the cone for dispersion. In another embodiment, the applicator consists of a rotating drum or wheel for contact application of the dispensers to living organisms.

Abstract: In one exemplar embodiment, method and apparatus are provided for the airborne dispensing of loose, dry insect eggs from a container by gravity flow through a metering device to control the loose egg flow to a spreader for spreading the loose eggs in a desired broadcast pattern entrained in a flow of air. A slight vacuum is applied to the container dispenser device stimulating and enhancing the steady flow of the loose eggs from the container dispenser to the spreader device.

Abstract: A converging/diverging venturi assembly positioned in a subsonic fluid flow stream for producing a supersonic flow velocity in the downstream diverging section with a pressure pickoff system that is located adjacent a minimum static pressure location just prior to a point where shock waves begin to form. The low pressure in the supersonic region in front of the shock wave may be utilized for reducing the boiling temperature of a fluid in a boiler by porting a tube from the low pressure venturi to the boiler, thus improving the heat transfer characteristics of the boiler where the boiler is used for a heat sink for heat sources in a mobile vehicle.

Abstract: A spray device for spraying liquid from a moving vehicle in a controlled spray pattern involves a central body; a conduit defined in the body which forms a liquid inlet port at one end of the body; a plurality of outlet ports located about the periphery of the conduit; a plurality of discharge tubes extending outwardly from said central body, each of said discharge tubes having one end connected to one of said outlet ports and the other end projecting in a direction opposite the direction of movement of the vehicle during use; and moveable, pressure-actuated outlet-blocking means. In one embodiment there is additionally provided means for controlling the rate of flow of liquid through the device.There is also disclosed an apparatus for spraying liquid from a moving vehicle in a variable swath width.

Abstract: Nozzle apparatus includes a head having a plurality of holes for sequential alignment with a delivery port and a cleanout hole also sequentially aligned with a delivery port, and a curved surface extends about the head for producing a fan-shaped spray when a hole is aligned with the delivery port and a fluid is pumped through the delivery port.

Abstract: A fire-extinguishing device for use in aircraft. The fire-extinguishing device is comprised of a tank which is received in the cargo compartment of the aircraft and the longitudinal axis of the tank is inclined to the horizontal. The aircraft has a rearwardly opening door and the front end of the tank is elevated at a higher level than is the rear end of the tank located adjacent the rear door to the cargo compartment of the aircraft. A valve is provided at the lower end to control the discharge of the fire-extinguishing media contained within the tank. The valve is adapted to become opened only when the door to the cargo compartment is in the opened position.

Abstract: A series of dispersal nozzles is placed along the wing of an airplane near the hinge line of its edge flap which extends virtually from wing-root to wing-tip and is made up of numerous individual spanwise flap segments. Adjacent flap segments deflect in opposite directions so that a discontinuity exists in the trailing edge and, locally, high turbulence results. By placing the nozzles in this region, and ejecting the dispersants at these points, rapid and controlled distribution of these dispersants is made. This trailing edge flap arrangement is also used as a flight path control device both during and at the end of dispersal passes by the airplane.

Abstract: An aircraft spraying system and method drives a turbine motor by pressurized bleed airflow from the working cycle of a turbomachinery-type propulsion engine driving the aircraft, and a control system regulates the pressure of bleed air flow to the motor to vary the rate of liquid distributed from the aircraft.

Abstract: A powder and water mixing system which is operatively mounted onboard an aircraft and uses water scooping to automatically produce onboard mixing of powder and water. This system is particularly adapted to drop a fire retardant powder and water mixture from a flying aircraft and includes a pair of tanks, powder containers fore and aft of the tanks, water scoops projecting from the bottom of the aircraft, a pair of powder injection and powder and water mixing devices connected each to a tank, to a water scoop, and to a group of powder containers, a powder container selection valve interposed between each injection and mixing device and the corresponding group of powder containers, and a control connected to each selection valve and arranged to empty a powder container forward of the tanks concurrently with a powder container aft of the tanks, sequentially with water scooping passes by the aircraft.

Abstract: The dispensing of the chaff fibers takes place in two distinct steps. Initially, a mixture of chaff and fluidization media is delivered to a fluidization chamber. Bleed air from the jet engines is caused to flow through the mixture of chaff and fluidization media to thereby cause the chaff fibers to churn and become separated in the fluidization chamber. Valves located at the ends of the fluidization chamber open in response to pilot or onboard ECM system activation to dispense the pre-separated chaff fibers.

Abstract: An inlet air cleaner assembly is provided for the air intake of gas turbine engines comprising, in combination, an array of vortex air cleaners removing coarse and heavy contaminant particles, but not light and well dispersed contaminant particles, and an array of sheets of filamentary woven or nonwoven material, arranged to receive partially cleaned air from the vortex air cleaner array, and remove light and well dispersed contaminant particles suspended therein.

Abstract: A skywriting apparatus produces visible vapor in a predetermined pattern to write messages in the sky and has a plurality of vapor generators attached to an airplane and spaced in a predetermined pattern. Each vapor generator has a burner which continuously burns, once ignited, until extinguished, and an oil injector which injects oil responsive to a remote control unit. The vapor generators are attached in a spaced relationship from a cable supported from a winch in the airplane and includes a second cable for spacing the generators as they are lowered from the plane.

Abstract: Apparatus for spreading fertilizer, plant killer, or similar agents from an aircraft which includes a container in which the agents are disposed, which container contains at its lower end rotating dispersion means for spreading agents to the surrounding area. The container further includes stabilizing means secured thereto for keeping the container in a predetermined attitude relative to the aircraft while maintaining the central axis of the container in substantially vertical position. The position of the container will be maintained independent of the amount of agent in the container and the flying speed of the aircraft.

Abstract: Helicopter fire fighting apparatus includes a large quick-connect and disconnect fire-fighting fluid tank, a pump mounted near the engine, a fire fighting control station on the rear of the helicopter and a nozzle broom swiveled near the control station. A helicopter lands, quickly drops an empty tank and hooks up a full tank before rising to the proper location to fight a fire, such as in an office building. The boom breaks windows for access to the fire, and a hardened water-driven projectile may be propelled from the nozzle boom to break a window.