Abstract: System and method for pressurizing and dispersing fire retardant from an aircraft, particularly aircraft structured and equipped for retarding or extinguishing forest fires, that includes a small power pack having a plenum operatively interconnecting a plurality of individual solid propellant gas generator devices each containing solid propellant materials that react pyrotechnically when initiated electrically to generate large quantities of high-pressure gas in a few seconds for discharging a liquid retardant reservoir.

Abstract: A liquid dropping apparatus for a helicopter includes a tank for containing a liquid therein for attachment below a helicopter body. The tank has a lower surface with a concave portion formed by concaving a wall portion and has a liquid discharge port opened on a side surface of the concave portion. A door is provided on a bottom surface of the concave portion of the tank to pivotally swing around a side thereof closer to the bottom surface of the concave portion, thereby freely opening and closing the liquid discharge port. Drivers are provided for driving the door to open and close.

Abstract: A system for the dissemination of pheromone bearing carrier substrates which includes an airplane/helicopter mountable carrier substrate dispenser, the actuation for release of the carrier substrates loaded into the dispenser being controlled from the cockpit of the plane/helicopter. Each carrier substrate has one A member card and at least one B member card released upon actuation of the dispenser, for disposition of the carrier substrates within treetops, where the pheromone will be released automatically from the substrate of the card to dissipate into the ambient air. The released pheromone acts to confuse male members of a particular pest insect, such that the males are impeded in their efforts to locate females of that specie who would also be disseminating pheromone, to thereby interfere with the mating cycle of such pest insects.

Abstract: A drainmast (10) for discharging liquid from a moving aircraft (12). The drainmast (10) includes a fairing (20) having a mounting flange (24), a flow-controlling cap (26), and an aerodynamically advantageous mast (28) extending therebetween. The flow-controlling cap (26) has a lower surface defining an airflow-redirecting zone, a liquid-release zone, and a liquid-recirculation zone. The redirecting zone is shaped to redirect airflow (A) into the release zone in a direction parallel to the discharge direction (D) of the drain tube (22). The release zone is shaped to encourage the redirected airflow (Aredir) to sweep a substantial portion of the released liquid away from the fairing in a primary flow path (L). The recirculation zone captures escaped liquid from the release zone and recirculates this escaped liquid back into the release zone in recirculation flow path (Lrec1). The rear and side surfaces of the cap (26) may include a continuous groove (66) aligned with the airflow direction A.

Abstract: A Cleaning and Painting Robot having the capability to fly, and a cleaning or painting mechanism that can be located at various positions on the robot body. The robot comprises of a flying unit connected with a feeding tube to a ground-moving base that holds the pressurized cleaning solution or paint. A steering mechanism in contact with the surface being cleaned or painted for changing the direction of advance of the flying unit while the back propeller or main rotors pushes the flying body against the working surface. An array of sensors is mounted of the flying unit body to get the physical size of the working surface, avoid obstacles, maintain stability and control others critical characteristics.

Abstract: A drainmast (10) for discharging liquid from a moving aircraft (12). The drainmast (10) includes a fairing (20) having a mounting flange (24), a flow-controlling cap (26), and an aerodynamically advantageous mast (28) extending therebetween. The flow-controlling cap (26) has a lower surface defining an airflow-redirecting zone, a liquid-release zone, and a liquid-recirculation zone. The redirecting zone is shaped to redirect airflow (A) into the release zone in a direction parallel to the discharge direction (D) of the drain tube (22). The release zone is shaped to encourage the redirected airflow (Aredir) to sweep a substantial portion of the released liquid away from the fairing in a primary flow path (L). The recirculation zone captures escaped liquid from the release zone and recirculates this escaped liquid back into the release zone in recirculation flow path (Lrec1). The rear and side surfaces of the cap (26) may include a continuous groove (66) aligned with the airflow direction A.

Abstract: A liquid dropping apparatus for a helicopter includes a tank for containing a liquid therein for attachment below a helicopter body. The tank has a lower surface with a concave portion formed by concaving a wall portion and has a liquid discharge port opened on a side surface of the concave portion. A door is provided on a bottom surface of the concave portion of the tank to pivotally swing around a side thereof closer to the bottom surface of the concave portion, thereby freely opening and closing the liquid discharge port. Drivers are provided for driving the door to open and close.

Abstract: A pump system for loading fluid into a tank onboard a translating aircraft includes a substantially rigid tube member having a diving device on the distal end of the tube member. A strut structure may also be provided on a front face of the tube member. In use, the tube member is directed rearward relative to the translating aircraft so that splashing of fluid onto the underside of the aircraft is substantially avoided.

Abstract: This invention discloses a high pressure spray system including an aircraft, a high pressure pump including a rotatable shaft, mounted on the aircraft, a propeller connected to the shaft and a spray boom mounted on the aircraft and in fluid communication with the high pressure pump, wherein rotation of the propeller during flight of the aircraft increases rotation of the shaft and increases a pressure output of the pump.

Abstract: The improved helicopter anti-icing and deicing system and method includes mounting an airfoil shaped manifold transversely of the helicopter and filling the manifold with anti-icing or deicing fluid which is not under sufficient pressure to spray outwardly from the manifold. Instead, the rear edge of the manifold is provided with small, spaced openings which cause fluid droplets to form along the rear edge of the manifold and to then drop downwardly by gravity. The helicopter is positioned above a power line with the power line extending in the direction of the helicopter longitudinal axis and droplets are caused to exit the manifold as the helicopter flies along the power line.

Abstract: A drainmast including an electronic temperature detecting and control circuit contained in a fairing detects the temperature of a drain tube and the electronic temperature detecting and control circuit selectively applies voltage to one or more heating elements in accordance with the detected temperature. The applied voltage may be unequally applied to the heating elements. The electronic temperature detecting and control circuit only requires two leads, one for ground and one for the supplied voltage. The drainmast is reliable, has a long life span and rapidly responds to temperature changes.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed towards a helicopter-carried firefighting device including a valve. The valve has an outer assembly and an inner assembly in which the outer assembly has a reduced surface area on those surfaces which are disposed normally to a direction of movement. The outer assembly therefore may be less affected by hydrostatic and hydrodynamic forces directed so as to oppose its movement. The valve may be located in a reservoir of fluid, and controlled by a control head operated remotely from the helicopter so as to release fluid from the reservoir over a fire. The valve may be symmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the valve, such that transversely directed fluid flows through the valve may be cancelled, producing a coherent, longitudinal fluid flow. The valve may be opened partially so as to operate as a metering valve. The valve may be closed relatively rapidly to retain fluid in the reservoir so as to permit multiple dumps from a single reservoir if so desired.

Abstract: A fire fighting system uses a bucket suspended from a helicopter to deposit fire retardant onto a fire from an opening in the bottom of the bucket. The bucket has a predetermined configuration and a valve for controlling the area of an opening through which the retardant is deposited when the bucket is suspended from the helicopter. A suitable mechanism, such as an electrically driven valve actuator, varies the area of the opening to deposit the retardant at a volume flow rate as a desired function of time while the helicopter flies along a drop line. The mechanism varies the area of the opening in accordance with a schedule determined before discharge is begun according to the configuration of the bucket, the flow characteristics of the opening as the valve changes the area thereof, and the initial amount of the retardant material in the bucket.

Abstract: A water-powered aircraft/sprinkler utilizes an airfoil and a water jet nozzle power source to provide a manually maneuverable aircraft/sprinkler supplied with a pressurized water stream through a movable boom and a portable stationary gantry.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for the aerial spraying of agricultural chemicals with improved spray deposition and reduced drift. The spraying apparatus includes two oppositely charged sets of spray nozzles which may be fitted onto an aircraft. Both sets include one or more nozzles having spraying tips which produce a hollow cone spray pattern, and at least the tips of these nozzles are constructed of a substantially non-conducting material. Cylindrical electrodes are positioned concentric to the nozzle tips for inducing an electrostatic charge upon liquid spray emitted from the nozzles. The electrodes are in turn connected to high voltage power supplies, with the electrodes corresponding to the first nozzle set being connected to a power supply of opposite potential than the electrodes corresponding the second nozzle set. Consequently, the spray issuing from the nozzle sets will be oppositely charged.

Abstract: An amphibious water bomber float plane, wherein the water bomber plane is equipped with a pair of floats for landing and taking off on water, with wheels for use on land, and having pair of floats secured for supporting the plane on water, water tanks within the floats for accumulating water for water bombing, scoops mounted in each float for lowering and raising between lowered and raised positions, and, when in the lowered position, the scoops entering the surface of the water causing water to flow upwardly into the tanks, dump doors mounted in each float, in communication with the tanks, the dump doors being swingable between an open dumping position and a closed sealed position, and controls by which the dump doors may be operated from the plane. Also disclosed is a method of water bombing from an amphibious float plane.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a multipurpose repair and maintenance apparatus for aerial inspection, repair and cleaning, comprising a work platform for installation on the skids of an helicopter and sustaining a boom assembly and a fluid circuit such that the loads on the work platform are fully balanced. The work platform is made of electrically conductive material and all electrically conductive parts of the apparatus are connected to the electrically conductive parts of the helicopter to have same electrical potential. The boom assembly extends from the port side of the work platform and has an inboard section and an outboard section. A pumping assembly is mounted on a power drive mount at the starboard side of the platform, so as to balance the weight of the boom assembly. A boom actuator is provided at the onboard end of the boom assembly and controls the vertical and horizontal movement of the outboard end.

Abstract: A device for assisting the extinguishing of fires by water-bombing aircraft. The device includes at least one sensor for sensing the source of the fire, a device for pinpointing the position of the aircraft, a geographical database and a calculator for calculating the route of the aircraft as a function of its position and the position of the source as pinpointed in the database.

Abstract: A suspendible bucket apparatus is for use with an aircraft to permit dumping of two or more separate loads of water from a single filling of the bucket. The apparatus has an outer bucket with an outer dump valve and an inner bucket with an inner dump valve, inner bucket being located within the outer bucket. At least a portion of the inner bucket is spaced inwardly from the outer bucket to provide clearance therebetween for filling the outer bucket. The dump valves are flexible sleeve valves which are operable independently of each other and in sequence so that the outer dump valve is opened before the inner dump valve.

Abstract: A fire retardant delivery system for delivering fire retardant onto a fire. The system 10 includes an aircraft comprises a fire retardant storage and ejection system, and a stabilized three axis gimbal system for providing signals indicative of angle and angle rates of a gimbal with respect to an axis of the aircraft. An infrared sensor system is disposed on stabilized three axis gimbal system. A display is coupled to infrared sensor system for displaying an image produced thereby to a pilot of the aircraft. Aircraft sensors are provide signals indicative of the velocity, altitude, and dive angle of the aircraft. A computer is coupled to the infrared sensor system, to the aircraft sensors, and to the fire retardant storage and ejection system, for computing distance between the aircraft and a hot spot in the fire and for computing an optimal release point for ejecting fire retardant from the aircraft onto the fire.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cutting and dispensing of adversarial interaction countermeasures, as for example chaff dipole elements for the self-protection of aerial vehicles against radar-guided missiles, providing substantially instantaneous in-flight cutting and dispensing of chaff dipole elements into the airstream along the flight path of aircraft, helicopters, and other aerial vehicles. The device comprises a drive motor assembly having a flywheel providing a motor inertia enabling the motor to maintain a substantially constant rotational speed when a load is applied for cutting of the material to be dispensed. Countermeasure articles that may be advantageously be cut and dispensed into an adversarial interaction area by the means and method of the invention include dipole elements which are interactive with radiation of varying character, e.g., infrared, microwave, ultraviolet, millimeter wave, etc., as well as less-than-lethal (LTL) adversarial interaction countermeasures.

Abstract: A spreading apparatus for hitching to a helicopter includes a hopper suspended from a ring, three tubular legs with upper ends releasably attached to the ring, and a strut between each pair of legs. A plurality of tension cables are provided, each cable having a top end joined to the ring at a leg attachment point and a bottom end joined to a rubber roller inserted between adjacent struts where they attach to a leg with a coupling.

Abstract: A helicopter (20) is equipped with a foam generating device (22) comprising a tank (1) associated with a pump system (2) and a mixer device (36) to deliver a mixture water-emulsifier. A spraying system (44) comprises two modules (44a, 44b) arranged on the side faces outside the helicopter (20), each module comprising a frame (3) mounted pivotally around and axis (6) between an upward inactive position and a lowered active position, and a network (4) linked with the exhaust pipe of the mixer device (36). The network (4) is placed under the blades (46) of the helicopter (20), and is constituted by a pattern of squares equipped with a multitude of sprinklers (5) which can spray the mixture water-emulsifier over the tight-mesh net (11) to produce foam under the action of the pressurized air generated by the blades (46). The moving of the modules (44a, 44b) between the two lifted and lowered positions is ensured by a lifting device (9) with hydraulic or electric control.

Abstract: A chaff disseminator for uniformly distributing short fibers into the air r disrupt enemy radar tracking in an air combat situation. Such fibers are typically 3 to 25 microns in diameter and cut to 1/8 to 1/2 inch in length. Fiber concentration and output are regulated by changing the air flow direction in a hopper while keeping the total air flow volume constant. A load of fibers in the hopper is raised by an upward airflow causing the load to tumble and reducing the packing density of the fibers at the edge of the load. The reduced packing density permits lower speed horizontal airflows to pull off fibers for dissemination. A fluid bed is created depending by a series of small holes drilled in the bottom of the hopper, by regulation of the airflow along the lid of the hopper and by air jets mounted along the bottom front edge of the hopper. A baffle which the load compressed and directs the cross load airflow.

Abstract: A refueling system mounted to an aircraft fuselage for transferring fuel from a tanker aircraft to a receiver aircraft. The refueling system including a pylon extending from the fuselage at a position aft of the main wing and having a refueling pod mounted thereto at an outboard location. A refueling hose is disposed within and extendable from the refueling pod and functions to transfer fuel from the refueling pod to the receiver aircraft. A means for transferring fuel from a fuel source, located within the aircraft, to the refueling hose is also provided. The pylon and refueling pod are configured so as to channel the refueling hose in a preferred direction to maximize safety during refueling. The channeling of the refueling hose is accomplished by mounting the refueling pod at an angle to the pylon, mounting the refueling pod at an angle to a horizontal plane, mounting the pylon at angle to the fuselage, or a combination of these mounting arrangements.

Abstract: A method for the self-protection of an aircraft or the like against radar-guided missiles and a self-protection device for use in aircraft and the like against radar-guided missiles, which enables in-flight cutting and dispensing of chaff dipoles of a preselected length into the airstream along the flight path of the aircraft. The device comprises a housing enclosing a motor having a flywheel providing a motor inertia that enables the motor to maintain a substantially constant rotational speed when a load is applied, a magnetic clutch, gearing for rotating a platen roller and a cutter roller, as well as means for controlling the operation of the device, and an exit opening with a spoiler for dispensing the cut dipoles into the airstream.

Abstract: A waste water drain apparatus (1) is to be attached to the fuselage belly (2) of an aircraft. The apparatus (1) essentially includes a drain pipe (3), an aerodynamically shaped fairing (7) enclosing the drain pipe (3), an attachment flange (6) for connecting the apparatus to the aircraft, at least one temperature sensor (9), and either at least one heating element (8) or hot air inlet (13) for heating the drain pipe (3). An inlet end (4) of the drain pipe (3) is to be connected to a waste water system of the aircraft. An outlet end (5) of the drain pipe (3) exits rearward at the trailing edge of the fairing so that the lengthwise axis of the drain pipe outlet is substantially parallel with the air flow during flight.

Abstract: The invention is a filtering device for the drilled passage in on-off control valves used in aircraft liquid crop spraying systems. The device is mounted within the on-off control valve in the spray boom supply line at the opening of the drilled passage which connects the low pressure area of the suck back venturi to the spray boom supply line. In the "two-part" and "four-part" configuration of the device, it is composed of a small gauge wire mesh sleeve inside a perforated cylinder with raised collars on both ends. The collars secure and align the device in the on-off control valve assembly. The collars may be machined in one piece with the perforated cylinder (the "two-part" configuration) or machined separately and fitted onto the ends of the perforated cylinder (the "four-part" configuration).

Abstract: A collapsible fire fighting bucket assembly to be suspended from an aircraft for fighting wild fires, the bucket being made of pliable material and having an open upper end for filling from a body of water. A tubular extension extends from an opening in the bottom of the bucket and has a free end formed with a discharge port provided with resilient sealing lips which are brought into sealing engagement with each other to close the port to minimize water leakage from the tubular extension. A harness suspends the bucket from the aircraft and a releasable support releasably supports the free end of the tubular extension within the bucket body extending upwardly from the opening to close the discharge port. The releasable support cooperates with the openings to allow the tubular extension to be rapidly lowered so as to extend downwardly from the bottom to open the discharge port for dumping the water.

Abstract: A modular drainmast assembly for an aircraft includes a drain tube assembly removably enclosed in a fairing that is removably attachable to an aircraft. The electrically heated drain tube assembly may be accessed in the field for service, repair or replacement. A resilient sealed interface supports the drain tube where it exits the drainmast while permitting relative movement between the drain tube and the drainmast fairing due to thermal expansion and contraction.

Abstract: This invention, and the associated methods, relate to fighting fires from aircraft. The invention, and the associated methods, also relate to early detection of fires; delivering liquids (primarily fire retardant or water) in a timely and accurate manner for the suppression of fires; and performing those functions under conditions of smoke obscuration and darkness which currently inhibit or prohibit aerial fire fighting. The novel capabilities detailed in this patent also allow for useful functions not now performed by airtankers such as, but not limited to, search and rescue; disaster damage assessment and recovery; law enforcement; natural resource protection such as dispersant spraying on oil spills, and avalanche control.

Abstract: An orifice discharge device is provided for use in crop spraying aircraft to provide a downward spray of treatment substance especially liquid for crop or ground treatment. The device comprises an air passage having an inlet portion with a bell mouth, and an outlet portion having an Outlet discharge extending laterally relative to the inlet portion of the air passage, an elbow portion being provided between the inlet portion and the outlet portion. Treatment substance is supplied by a supply conduit to the outlet portion for discharge via a discharge nozzle of the supply conduit. In use, the inlet portion receives a horizontal flow of air and a high velocity downwards discharge of air with treatment substance (liquid particles) occurs from the outlet discharge of the outlet portion of the air passage. The device is preferably of streamline form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exhaust diffuser for a gas turbine, the diffuser being designed to be inserted downstream from a last expansion stage constituted by an outlet duct of circular cross-section containing a central bulb. The diffuser includes a flared transition duct having an inlet end of circular cross-section identical to the cross-section of the outlet duct of the last stage, an outlet end of square cross-section, and four fixed fins disposed inside the ducts close to respective corners of the square cross-section for directing the exhaust gases toward the corners of the square cross-section.

Abstract: In an aircraft deicer comprising a reservoir and a pump connected to the reservoir through a first conduit, the pump operating to circulate a fluid contained within the reservoir throughout at least a portion of the deicer, the improvement comprising: a jet pump located in the first conduit between the reservoir and the pump for increasing the pressure of the fluid within the first conduit between the jet pump and the pump; the jet pump comprising a tubular body portion having an inlet end and a discharge end and a nozzle located within the body portion between the inlet end and the discharge end; and a second conduit extending from a discharge end of the pump to the nozzle; whereby fluid from the discharge end of the pump is injected into the fluid flowing from the reservoir through the jet pump.

Abstract: A fluid drop system for an aircraft for use in firefighting is described. The preferred embodiment uses electronic control circuitry coupled with a hydraulic controller that opens and closes the fluid tank's door panels to rate-control fluid drops based on fluid volume remaining in the tank. The circuitry produces a command generated drop rate profile based upon manual drop rate and drop fraction selector controls. It does so by constant comparison of the instantaneous volume of fluid remaining in the tank with a predetermined, desired instantaneous remnant volume in accordance with a defined, declining-volume profile, e.g. one defining a constant drop rate. A stabilized feedback control circuit ensures that, at any instant of time, the opening in the tank's door panels releases a volume of fluid that will maintain the remnant tank volume equal to the desired tank volume.

Abstract: A tank system for an aerial liquid delivery comprises a liquid tank having an aperture for discharging liquid and a door for the aperture. The door has a seal and a door operating mechanism to remotely open the door a predetermined amount. There is an air pressure reservoir separate from the liquid tank connected to the liquid tank, and source of compressed air to pressurize the air pressure reservoir and liquid tank. The method of liquid delivery from the aircraft involves providing air pressure to a liquid tank, the tank having a door in an aperture for discharging liquid. The pressure provided to the tank before and during liquid discharge from the tank controls the flow of liquid discharging through the aperture.

Abstract: A process for applying particles to a geographic region. The process involves flying a balloon over the region. The balloon carries a nozzle with a pipe communicating the nozzle with a ground supply of air and a source of particles. A mixture of air and particles can be forced up the pipe to the nozzle. The particles are then discharged over the region according to a pre-determined pattern. The process permits the accurate measured application of fertilizers and the like to a forest region.

Abstract: A fluid drop system for an aircraft for use in firefighting is described The preferred embodiment uses electronic control circuitry coupled with a hydraulic controller that opens and closes the fluid tank's door panels to rate-control fluid drops based on fluid volume remaining in the tank. The circuitry produces a command generated drop rate profile based upon manual drop rate and drop fraction selector controls. It does so by constant comparison of the instantaneous volume of fluid remaining in the tank with a predetermined, desired instantaneous remnant volume in accordance with a defined, declining-volume profile, e.g. one defining a constant drop rate. A stabilized feedback control circuit ensures that, at any instant of time, the opening in the tank's door panels releases a volume of fluid that will maintain the remnant tank volume equal to the desired tank volume.

Abstract: A system for aerial spraying of agricultural crops or the like in which droplets of a controlled size are formed and discharged onto the ground instead of a fine spray. A system is provided for reducing pressure before delivery of the liquid to the discharge nozzles. The nozzles are directed so that the droplets are impelled by the air stream from the upper part of the nozzle structure and are then affected by the air stream and gravity in furtherance of the desire for droplets rather than micron-sized spray mists which too readily drift away from the desired area to be covered.

Abstract: A modular drainmast assembly for an aircraft includes a drain tube assembly removably enclosed in a fairing that is removably attachable to an aircraft. The electrically heated drain tube assembly may be accessed in the field for service, repair or replacement.

Abstract: An airborne container for a liquid or other flowable material has bottom doors which are opened to release the material on the ground below the aircraft. To maintain a specified coverage level, a control system which includes a digital controller repeatedly calculates a differential pressure across the doors and varies the position of the doors to maintain a constant material flow rate as the differential pressure varies. The control system closes the doors when a specified volume of material has been spread.

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: A fluid ejector for discharging gases and fluids from an aircraft. The fluid ejector is fastened to an exterior surface of the aircraft and includes an air tube which is spaced apart from the exterior surface of the aircraft by a mast. Unwanted fluids and gases are evacuated from the aircraft through a conduit located inside the drain mast and are expelled from an outlet located in the side of the air tube. In this manner, the liquid or gases present at the outlet are discharged in a rearward direction away from the downstream portion of the aircraft by the airstream through the tube.

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: 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: An apparatus and a method are provided for producing a delayed foaming action in mixed liquids useful as suppressants for fire area control and curtailment of chemical spills. The apparatus is self-powered and sized to be transported to a target area by a variety of land and sea vehicles as delivery platforms. The apparatus is particularly designed for airborne delivery and is especially adaptable to helicopter applications.

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.