Abstract: A hydromechanical display device includes a reservoir, a pump, an upper pressure chamber, a plug-in receptacle containing a plug-in variable pressure module, a control valve, and a lower channel, including a constant pressure compartment and a variable pressure compartment.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a freestanding landscape waterfall assembly which reduces the weight of the waterfall as compared to conventional cast block waterfalls. In one embodiment, a freestanding landscape waterfall includes a face plate having an elongated aperture, a manifold having an outlet configured to direct water through the aperture, and an engagement feature configured to suspend the face plate such that the elongated aperture is in a horizontal orientation. In another embodiment, a freestanding landscape waterfall assembly includes a freestanding landscape waterfall, an overhead support system configured to suspend the freestanding landscape waterfall, and a catch basin positionable below the freestanding landscape waterfall.

Abstract: A fountain base for supporting one or more statues on top of a disappearing water fountain. The fountain base includes a basin, a statue support located in the basin, and an access lid that permits maintenance access to the interior of the basin without having to remove the statue from the statue support. A pump located within the basin delivers water from the basin to the top of the statue where it is released to flow over the exterior of the surface of the statue, through the access lid, and back into the basin. The access lid, which may be supported by a statue stand or a system of pillars, includes one or more panels that can be removed without removing the statue from the statue support. The panels may include access doors to permit easy access to the interior of the basin.

Abstract: A fountain for heating and distributing fluidic material is manufactured using various processes and materials so that the fountain is more easily cleaned and sanitized, has improved performance, and is easier to assemble. In one embodiment, the chocolate fountain includes a heating element encased in an aluminum enclosure. A basin containing chocolate is heated by contact with the aluminum enclosure. Because the aluminum enclosure has a relatively high thermal conductivity, the basin is heating substantially uniformly, thus reducing the occurrence of hot spots. Additionally, a plastic auger having a spiral flight rotates and lifts the melted chocolate upward to a top end of cylinder that houses the auger. The use of a plastic auger advantageously eliminates welding artifacts on the auger, such as burrs and pits, on which melted chocolate may accumulate. Accordingly, the plastic auger is easy to clean. A smaller chocolate fountain that may advantageously be more suitable for home use is also described herein.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing fog, said apparatus having ultrasonic circuitry for producing ultrasonic energy for vaporizing a liquid, comprising a receptacle having a recess in the bottom thereof and a surface located at an upper part of said recess for containing said liquid, said recess defining a space devoid of said liquid, wherein said ultrasonic circuitry is located on a bottom of said surface in said recess and positioned such that said ultrasonic energy produced by said ultrasonic circuitry is transferred to said liquid.

Abstract: A modular fountain includes a base, a bowl and a top or statue supported on the bowl by a pump housing in the bowl. Twist and lock bayonet type connectors are provided for connecting the base to the bowl and the top, if used, to the bowl at the pumping housing. A through passage between the pump housing, the bowl and the base is formed for training a pump power cord therethrough, for example.

Abstract: A water fountain support container for creating a water feature, comprising a base (5) having a bottom wall (9) and upstanding side walls (8) which together define a liquid reservoir (10), and, a lid (6) which locates on and is supported by the base. The base is preferably circular in overall configuration and has at least two, but preferably three, inwardly-directed portions (11) which project inwardly with respect to the side wall. There is at least one aperture (16) through the lid (6). In use, liquid contained within the reservoir is circulated by a pump also located therein, the liquid being pumped through a pipe passing out through the aperture (16) and subsequently falling under gravity back onto the lid (6) and so into the reservoir (10), after passing through the aperture (16) in the lid. The inwardly-directed portions (11) support the lid (6) and allow decorative or structural elements of a significant weight to be easily and safely supported on the lid.

Abstract: A water display installation generating two-dimensional flow patterns on a net wall which includes a reservoir supplied with liquid by a conduit incorporating a plurality of perforations emerging into the reservoir, and provided with an overflow lip arranged such that the liquid flows from the reservoir along the wall. The reservoir includes a filtering foam for ensuring uniformity of the liquid flow from one end of the lip to the other end.

Abstract: An applying means in a discharge means includes a set of electrodes, and the electrodes face the ground level, are aligned along one continuous plane, are separated from each other at specified intervals in the horizontal direction, and are set to the same electrical potential. When the direct current high voltage is supplied from a power supply means, electric force lines are directed upward in the air above the applying means, producing charged particles based on corona discharge from the applying means. The charged particles absorb water in the air, condensing and binding into water, and dispersing the fog.

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 table top fountain (10, 60, 70, 80) is disclosed which provides for discharge of water in a fountain-like effect to spray on a series of rocks mounted within a container (12). An electric pump (34) is mounted in the interior of the container (12). A power cord (38) extends from the pump through a passage (32) in an upwardly extending column (28) extending upward from the bottom (14) of the container. A seal plug (40) sealingly engages the power cord (38) and is sealed to the column (28) to prevent water from leaking through the passage. With the power cord exiting the bottom of the fountain, a neater appearance is provided for the fountain.

Abstract: A chemical composition is disclosed herein for effectuating a complex detoxification of fumes, chemical fogs, and a reduction of visibility obscuration caused by fumes and dispersed extinguishing agents in confined areas of fire origin.The composition includes four solid, crystalline components: two chemical nucleators for cooling and rapid condensation of water vapors, two oxides for converting carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide; and includes two clathrates in aqueous solution, for inclusion complexation of primary toxic gases and components of the dispersion mediums in smokes, and dispersed phase in the water vapors.

Abstract: A new control circuit for firing an ultrasonic vertical anti-hail cannon on a repeated basis from a remote location. The control circuit employs a micro-controller with electrically erasable programmable read only memory and random access memory. When main power is provided the program is read from memory and several safety tests are run before the program goes into a routine that provides for repeated cannon firings. In the preferred embodiment a telephone pager is employed in the control circuit to enable repeated cannon fire by merely paging the cannon from a remote location. Likewise, the repeated cannon fire can be halted by paging the control circuit. The control circuit employs certain safety protocols to minimize the likelihood of inadvertent cannon fire and to permit manual firing and servicing of the cannon.

Abstract: The modular system with double ventilation--mechanic and thermic--for the reduction or annulment of the formation of fog banks, that determines the slowest possible cooling of the ground and of the adjacent air layers maintaining their temperature higher than the steam condensation one, comprises an internal combustion engine (1) for the production of mechanic and thermic energy to be used for heating the soil as well as the movement of the air masses above; a plurality of propellers (2) of different dimensions for opposing the phenomenon of the thermic reversal that occurs in the night, when the warm air rises to the higher layers, while the cold air moves down to the lower ones; and a pipe system (3) for heat dispersion which acts as a radiator and in the same time produces an ascensional current of warm air that pushes into the higher layers the fog possibly formed.

Abstract: A water fog spraying system for infrared radiant dryers includes a spraying tube (9) for spraying water fog onto a desired object, and infeed (6) and control means (7) for feeding water into the water line of the spraying tube (9). The spraying tube (9) includes a water line pipe (2) with nozzles (3) attached thereto and a jacket (1) adapted about the water line pipe (2), the jacket acting as the load-bearing structure of the spraying tube (9) and having openings made thereto at the nozzles (3).

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of preventing or eliminating fog over an area of land, for example an aircraft runway, a motorway carriageway, part of a road or some other area. The method calls for water to be sprayed through several nozzles into a given body of air over the area to form finely divided water droplets. The invention also concerns a system for carrying out this method.

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: The invention relates to a device for generating a fog, characterized in that it comprises: a) a first closed vessel (1) kept at temperature and filled with a mixture having such a vapor pressure curve that pressure can be generated by varying the temperature of the mixture; b) a second closed vessel (2, 2', 2") with a heat exchanger kept at a higher temperature; c) a pipe (7) with a valve (8) connecting the mixture from the first vessel to the second vessel (2, 2', 2"); d) an outlet (16, 16') in the wall of the second vessel (2, 2', 2") for distributing the fog generated under pressure in this latter vessel into the environment.

Abstract: The present invention's fog generating apparatus has a mixing chamber. A steam nozzle in the mixing chamber injects high pressure steam into the chamber. The injected steam entrains ambient air, pulling it through an air opening into the mixing chamber. The steam and air mix to form humid air. Cryogenic fluid, preferably liquid nitrogen, is injected through a nozzle, which is positioned in the path of the humid air. The cryogenic fluid rapidly cools the warm, humid air which generates large quantities of fog. Depending of the way the steam is injected and the design of the mixing chamber, the present invention can generate slow or fast moving fog.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for reducing super cooled fog which involves the introduction of liquid carbon dioxide in a horizontal line along the ground under the fog from a moving vehicle.

Abstract: An embodiment of this invention comprises a plurality of mono-filaments as condensation collectors. Plurality of filaments are connected to hang vertically from this horizontal cord, cable, rope on either side. A network of any size can be built. On a clear night the dew condenses on the collectors and makes rain. The condensate collector only works when there are no clouds to obstruct the heat radiation of the earth into the outer space.

Abstract: In a method for concentrating solar energy waveform energy is directed to a predetermined region of the atmosphere located a pre-established distance above a surface of the earth. The directing of the energy is controlled so as to modulate an index of refraction of air in the predetermined region of the atmosphere to produce a predetermined refraction index pattern in the region. The distribution of solar radiation is modified as it passes through the atmospheric region to thereby concentrate the solar radiation at a predetermined location.

Abstract: A method of dissipating hydrometeors (clouds) that includes transmitting electromagnetic radiation (e.g., light energy, from the sun, for example) that is absorbed by water vapor into the cloud to be dissipated and continuing the transmission of such energy into the cloud until it dissipates. The source of electromagnetic radiation can be a large mirror located on the surface of the earth, that reflects sunlight into the cloud to be dissipated. In a still more specific embodiment of the invention, the wind speed, direction, cloud altitude and sun movement relative to the earth is tracked to determine the mirror orientation and tracking necessary to disperse a particular cloud or clouds. In addition, an array of earth-mounted mirrors could be utilized in a coordinated fashion to dissipate a group or larger volume of clouds.

Abstract: Weather in the vicinity of a land mass such as a continental arid zone near, and usually eastward of a body of water is modified by preferably propelling a ship pulling a submerged body having plurality of vertically displaced foils having an angle of attack that effects an upward displacement to the water in response to the surface displacement of the ship. The upward displacement of the water moves cooler sub-surface water toward the surface thereby cooling the surface water and reducing its heat loss in the summer. As a result, the heat capacity of the water is increased and additional heat will be stored in the water as a consequence of the greater absorption of solar radiation thereby increasing winter storms and the amount of rainfall over the land mass during the winter.

Abstract: A chemical which allows water to chemically join its crystalline lattice is applied to the eye wall of a tropical cyclone to initiate a self destructive catalyzing effect. If applied in powdered form to the upper, center portions of the eye wall, the effect will be greater. Water vapor within the eye wall chemically joins the lattice of the chemical. These larger molecules will also develop through collision and coalesce. Now the vapor of the eye wall is heavier and will spin outwards from Centrifugal Force. As a result of the larger eye, barometric pressure in the eye increases, wind speed slows, and the storm surge decreases to minimal proportions.

Abstract: By reaction of Cl and ClO radicals with alkaline cations, such as K.sub.2 O.sub.2, Na.sub.2 O.sub.2, CaO, CaO . MgO, Ca(OH).sub.2, CaCO.sub.3, (Ca Mg) (CO.sub.3).sub.3, Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3, NaHCO.sub.3 and NaHCO.sub.3 . Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3 . 2 H.sub.2 O, these radicals are either bound in ultraviolet radiation stable crystalline inorganic lattices or in high stability alkaline salt solutions. Since most of these salts are hygroscopic, they are able to pick up water vapor from the atmosphere, increase in size, and fall through the stratosphere and troposphere resulting in a faster removal rate than would otherwise occur.

Abstract: A method for precipitating atmospheric water by means of multicomponent aerosols, including iodide based complex multicomponent aerosol compositions. The compositions comprise a solid mass formed by a compacted mixture of silver iodide and the iodides, iodates, and periodates of alkali metals, lead, copper, barium; ammonia, barium chromate, and selected oxidizers such as ammonium perchlorate, and fuels such as poly-p-phenylene, phenol formaldehyde resin, epoxide resin, and shellac and mixtures thereof. The compositions, upon burning, produce an aerosol effective to promote atmospheric water precipitation.

Abstract: A method of cloud seeding for precipitation enhancement comprises releasing hygroscopic seeding particles from a seeding flare 10. The particles are obtained by burning, in the flare, a pyrotechnic composition which includes, as an oxidizing agent, a compound selected from the group consisting in potassium chlorate and potassium perchlorate. The particles are allowed to enter a suitable cloud formation. The particles act as seeds or nuclei for precipitable water drop formation, thereby to enhance precipitation from the cloud formation.

Abstract: Fog is dispelled from a site by passing fog-laden air into a drying unit where it is contacted with a dessicant liquid (either an aqueous solution or a deliquescent absorbent which is not calcium chloride or a liquid dessicant such as glycerol or certain others) under conditions which effectuate absorption of the water particles and some water from the air effective to increase the temperature of the air and dry it to a predetermined relative humidity range, then discharging the dried heated air from the unit into fog-laden air at the site to effectuate vaporization of suspended water particles and associated cooling of the discharged air without development of thermals of the discharged air sufficient to create substantial circulation of fog-laden air into the site.

Abstract: Method for protecting an area, in particular against fire, by emission of a cloud of water droplets, comprising at least two of the three successive stages, in an order which is appropriate to the problem faced:a first stage, corresponding to remote fire prevention, in which droplets are emitted which are smaller than 100 micrometers, suitable in particular for rehydrating plants,a second stage, used in proximal prevention, which comprises in addition the emission of droplets of 100 to 300 micrometers, giving a more long lasting mist,and a third stage, for immediate prevention, in which droplets of 300 to 800 micrometers are added to the previous droplets, for a drizzle effect.

Abstract: Fog is dispelled from a site by passing fog-laden air into a drying unit where it is contacted with an aqueous solution of calcium chloride under conditions which effectuate absorption of the water particles and some water from the air effective to increase the temperature of the air and dry it to a predetermined relative humidity range, then discharging the dried heated air from the unit into fog-laden air at the site to effectuate vaporization of suspended water particles and associated cooling of the discharged air without development of thermals of the discharged air sufficient to create substantial circulation of fog-laden air into the site.

Abstract: Long-chain aliphatic alcohols are provided that induce nucleation of ice at temperatures within the range from -8.degree. C. to 0.degree. C., from supercooled water present as small drops and/or in the vapor state, and are useful for seeding supercooled clouds in order to augment rainfall.

Abstract: A method of producing a breathable fog comprises (a) passing air through a dryer unit to remove moisture; (b) cooling the dried air to a temperature below 0.degree. C.; and (c) inducing water vapor into the dried and cooled air to produce breathable fog.

Abstract: A method of suppressing the formation of contrails from the exhaust of an engine operating in cold temperatures including the steps of providing a combined nucleating agent and freeze-point depressant selected from the group of water soluble monohydric, dihydric, trihydric or other polyhydric alcohols, or mixtures thereof, forming the solution into a vapor, and injecting the solution into the exhaust of the engine. The solution may include a non-corrosive surfactant. Another solution may include an organic or an inorganic nucleating agent, or mixtures thereof, in monohydric, dihydric or polyhydric alcohols, or mixtures thereof, and in addition may contain one or more surfactants.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dissipating fog. A low enclosure includes a plurality of slits in the top thereof. A space heater is in communication with the enclosure and provides a flow of heated air thereinto. Heat is transferred to the air above the enclosure by convection through the slits and by radiation from the heated top. A plurality of such enclosures are positioned adjacent a runway to evaporate fog in the air surrounding the runway.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for protecting plants against the effects of a drop in ambient temperature by causing the formation and preservation of dew or rime, according to the circumstances. The apparatus comprises a "dew box" which measures the ambient temperature and the dew point temperature, a set of comparators for triggering the start of spraying and the start of water heating as a function of ambient temperature, and a control system, including a calculating device, for regulating the temperature of the spraying water.

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: A method and apparatus for eliminating fog on a stadium, on airports, highways and the like, dissolves the fog by discharging a mixture of warm and cold air, respectively produced by a warm air, direct combustion generator and a double suction centrifugal ventilator. The warm air generator and cold air ventilator are placed side-by-side with a portable housing and separated by an internal wall.The mixture of warm and cold is discharged such that discharge satisfies the relation:10 Kcal/h:m.sup.3 of ventilated air/hat a velocity less than or equal to 20 m/s.

Abstract: To accomplish the removal of warm fog about an area such as an airport runway (11) shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of nozzles (17) along a line (15) adjacent the area propelled water jets (19) through the fog to heights of approximately twenty-five meters. Each water jet (19) breaks up forming a water drop size distribution that falls through the fog overtaking, colliding, and coalescing with individual fog droplets and thereby removes the fog. A water retrieval system (15) is used to collect the water and return it to reservoirs (21) for pumping it to the nozzles (17) once again.

Abstract: A particulate aerosol tracer which comprises a particulate carrier of sheet silicate composition having a particle size up to one micron, and a cationic dopant chemically absorbed in solid solution in the carrier. The carrier is preferably selected from the group consisting of natural mineral clays such as bentonite, and the dopant is selected from the group consisting of rare earth elements and transition elements. The tracers are dispersed by forming an aqueous salt solution with the dopant present as cations, dispersing the carriers in the solution, and then atomizing the solution under heat sufficient to superheat the solution droplets at a level sufficient to prevent reagglomeration of the carrier particles.

Abstract: Process wherein air is continuously sucked and returned in a closed cycle, the moisture of the air being reduced down to a value lower than the saturation limit value. The treatment is carried out by means of a metal carbide, preferably calcium carbide and/or a substance capable of binding water by hydrolysis or hydration, for example sodium hydrophosphate or anhydrous sodium sulfate which may be contained when mixing both substances into a quantity up to 85% by weight, preferably 35 and 65% by weight, in the substance reacting with the condensed moisture. The plant is comprised of a system of conduits (1-5) containing suction nozzles and connected to a container (7, 8) intended to receive the material reacting with the air moisture and connected to the suction nozzle of a fan (6) to which is coupled a pressure line (1-5) surrounding the limited area and comprising discharge openings.

Abstract: A method of defending against a warfare cloud of toxic aerosol utilizes a charged defensive aerosol which is sprayed into the cloud. The defensive aerosol is made of a defensive agent which may be chemically or biologically active. The agent is sprayed through charged nozzles to impart a charge to the aerosol. The charge should be at least several thousands of volts with respect to ground so that particles of the defensive aerosol combine and coagulate with particles of the toxic aerosol to neutralize and cause rapid settling of the warfare cloud.

Abstract: A mixer/charger is used simultaneously to mix and electrically to charge a fluid or fluid-like material, and such electrically charged product is distributed into another fluid for various purposes. In one case the charged product may be mixed with particulate matter used to form smoke--an apppropriate polarity can cause repulsion of the smoke producing particulates thereby to reduce agglomeration and to maximize the suspension time of such particulates in surrounding environment. Alternatively, by distributing the charged product into particulate containing fluid and selecting the polarity such that such particulates tend to agglomerate, expeditious removal of such particulates can be accomplished. The charged product also may be used for distributing mist, distributing ionic material in air, e.g. for sense of wellbeing, and for seeding clouds.

Abstract: Atmospheric occurrences that decrease visibility, particularly fog, smoke, smog and the like, are cleared at sites such as airports by an array of EGD spray units emitting submicron size charged water droplets to attach to airborne particulates and electrostatically precipitate those to ground. Independent variables of the array and the EGD jets from the spray units are controlled to control the dependent variables characterizing the space-charge cloud thus developed. The methods and apparatus control the height to which clearing of the airborne particulates occurs to improve visibility and the time required for such clearing. Specific compact spray units are self-contained, can be radio operated, and are movable. Placement of the units for removal of radiation and advection fog with respect to airport runways include a square array of the spray units proximate the runway for radiation fog control and upwind location of arrays for advection fog precipitation.

Abstract: The disruption of a thermal inversion and formation of cumulus clouds is duced by the ignition of a pyrotechnic composition containing an alkali earth metal. The combined heats of hydration, condensation and combustion of the composition disrupt the thermal layer allowing the passage of warm moist air into a zone of cooler air. The formation of cumulonimbus or cumulus clouds results.

Abstract: A fog generator comprises a duct which is preferably vertical and very tall, an air mover for moving air down through the duct, an air director which includes a spout to direct the air emerging from the duct in a substantially horizontal stream in a chosen direction away from the duct and a fog generator which generates a fog into the moving air preferably after the air has left the spout. The spout is preferably rotatable in a horizontal plane. The invention enables a generated fog to be placed where required by the air stream in which it is entrained rather than relying on natural wind drift.