Abstract: An ice making machine having a water distribution and cleaning system which supplies an evaporator plate assembly with all of the water required during ice making operations and provides all of a cleaning solution to cascade down interior and exterior surfaces of the evaporator plate assembly during a cleaning operation.

Abstract: An ice making machine controller system includes methods and components for making commercial quantities of ice pieces includes adaptive controls responsive to input sensors, output actuators, adaptive ice making control algorithms, adaptive ice harvesting control algorithms, diagnostics for operation cycle monitoring and communicating, and reprogrammable, expanded controller memory for reliable and efficient operation under diverse conditions.

Abstract: An evaporator device for an ice maker with a grid of ice cells in horizontal rows and vertical columns. The grid is formed by a plurality of vertical integral structures interleaved with a plurality of vertical partitions. Each vertical structure is shaped to form the tops, bottoms and backs of the ice cells of a column. The sides of the ice cells of a column are formed by the vertical partitions to the right and left of a vertical structure. An evaporator tube threads bores and holes in the vertical structures and the vertical structures. The evaporator tube is expanded to mechanically bond the evaporator tube with the vertical structures and the vertical partitions.

Abstract: A cryogenic processor for liquid feed preparation of a free-flowing frozen product incorporates a gas diffusion chamber that inhibits freezing of a droplet producing feed assembly and pre-cools liquid droplets during the production of the free-flowing frozen product. This is accomplished by providing a regulated flow of ambient air about the feed assembly in conjunction with a vacuum assembly which is used to remove excess refrigerant vapor from the gas diffusion chamber. The vacuum assembly is incorporated into the gas diffusion chamber between the feed assembly and a freezing chamber. The gas diffusion chamber also provides additional physical separation between the feed assembly and the freezing chamber to allow for pre-cooling of the falling liquid composition droplets prior to contacting liquid refrigerant in the freezing chamber therebelow. Additionally, the shape of the processor has been adapted to reduce refrigerant requirements and improve overall production efficiency.

Abstract: The cryogenic processor comprises a tray or multiple trays that receives liquid feed composition from a delivery source. A plurality of orifices or combination of orifices and feed droppers, hereinafter feed assembly, associated with the tray are specifically arranged and adapted for discharging uniformly sized droplets of the liquid composition from the tray. In a key aspect of the improvement, a regulated flow of ambient air is provided to the feed assembly by a venturi assembly or other source of partial vacuum. The vacuum assembly allows ambient air to be pulled into the cryogenic processor and across the feed assembly which prevents liquid composition from freezing and accumulating in the flow channels of the feed assembly, thus allowing continuous formation of uniformly sized beads. Adjustable door inlets are also adapted and arranged as a means to control the flow of incoming ambient air, as well as the flow of outgoing gaseous refrigerant.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing single crystal ice by creating a temperature environment in which a top section of the refrigerating temperature distribution of a hermetically sealed refrigerating space is held to high temperature and a bottom section to low temperature, guiding water to the high-temperature section, and dripping droplets of the water to the low-temperature section.

Abstract: A method and system for electronically controlling the location of the formation of ice within a closed loop water circulating unit. A method and system is provided for making ice using supercooled water. When a desired degree of supercooling is reached in the closed loop water circulating unit, a pump associated with the ice-making machine is stopped so as to initiate ice seeding on the ice mold. After the pump is restarted, the supercooled water flows over the seeded molds to rapidly form ice on the ice molds. A method and system is also provided for improving the clarity of the ice. Water is preheated prior to introducing the water to the closed loop water circulating unit. Furthermore, in an ice-making machine having two or more ice molds, a method and system is provided for allowing one mold to act as a condenser in a harvest mode, while simultaneously allowing the remaining molds to act as evaporators in the freezing mode.

Abstract: An ice maker of a refrigerator having an ice tray for supplying water and a water supply valve for supplying water to the ice tray, wherein a water supply control apparatus comprises: a water supply time unit for gradually controlling the water supply time to supply a predetermined amount of water during a preset water supply time; a control unit for controlling the predetermined amount of water to be supplied to the ice tray during the time set by the water supply time unit; and a display unit for showing a water supply time set by the water supply time unit according to the control unit, thereby accurately changing the water supply time and the amount of the water to be supplied to the ice tray.

Abstract: In an indoor type skiing ground having a ski slope formed by sprinkling artificial snow to a predetermined thickness on a slope inside a building, a predetermined height range from the surface of the artificial snow is defined as a low temperature region, while an ordinary temperature region is defined above the low temperature region, and cold air ports for blowing cold air into the building are formed in a side wall of the building so as to be located in the low temperature region, while air outlets are formed so as to be located above the cold air ports.

Abstract: Cryogenic sedimentation is effective to bring about the rapid separation of sub-micron particles from powder mixtures containing such particles without leading to significant agglomeration.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for making artificial snow with a snow-making machine having a funnel-shaped carrier. The carrier has, at the inlet end thereof, a fan adapted to provide rapid flow of air through the carrier, and at the outlet end thereof, both a ring of atomizing nozzles mounted close to a nose cone of the snow-making machine, and several (preferably three or more) rings of water distribution nozzles. The water nozzles are arranged to eject a curtain of water drops obliquely into the flow of air passing through the carrier. The method involves the steps of: (a) turning on the fan so that a rapid flow of air is moved through the snow-making machine, (b) pressing water under high pressure through the ring of atomizing nozzles, (c) then turning on pressurized water in a first ring of water distribution nozzles, and (d) thereafter, stepwise after each other, turning on pressurized water to the remaining rings of water distribution nozzles.

Abstract: A cryogenic processor for liquid feed preparation of a free-flowing frozen product incorporates a gas diffusion chamber that inhibits freezing of a droplet producing feed assembly and pre-cools liquid droplets during the production of the free-flowing frozen product. This is accomplished by providing a regulated flow of ambient air about the feed assembly in conjunction with a vacuum assembly which is used to remove excess refrigerant vapor from the gas diffusion chamber. The vacuum assembly is incorporated into the gas diffusion chamber between the feed assembly and a freezing chamber. The gas diffusion chamber also provides additional physical separation between the feed assembly and the freezing chamber to allow for pre-cooling of the falling liquid composition droplets prior to contacting liquid refrigerant in the freezing chamber therebelow. Additionally, the shape of the processor has been adapted to reduce refrigerant requirements and improve overall production efficiency.

Abstract: Two solutions to the problem of cooling a high temperature, high heat flux surface using controlled spray cooling are presented for use on a mandrel. In the first embodiment, spray cooling is used to provide a varying isothermal boundary layer on the side portions of a mandrel by providing that the spray can be moved axially along the mandrel. In the second embodiment, a spray of coolant is directed to the lower temperature surface of the mandrel. By taking advantage of super-Leidenfrost cooling, the temperature of the high temperature surface of the mandrel can be controlled by varying the mass flux rate of coolant droplets. The invention has particular applicability to the field of diamond synthesis using chemical vapor deposition techniques.

Abstract: The present invention relates to extruded frozen pellets of sauce and a method for freezing pellets of sauce. This method includes dosing a layer of sauce onto a refrigerated surface, partially freezing the sauce on the surface to cause a generation of ice crystals and an increase in the viscosity of the unfrozen sauce, removing the partially frozen sauce from the surface, mixing the frozen and unfrozen sauce to form a shapeable sauce, forming the shapeable sauce into pellets, and freezing the pellets. The invention also relates to a method wherein the sauce is fully frozen in a thin layer and subsequently mixed with unfrozen sauce to form the shapeable sauce.

Abstract: A method and system for electronically controlling the location of the formation of ice within a closed loop water circulating unit and efficiently harvesting ice includes a method and system for making ice using supercooled water. When a desired degree of supercooling is reached in the closed loop water circulating unit, a pump associated with the ice-making machine is stopped so as to initiate ice seeding on the ice mold. After the pump is restarted, the supercooled water flows over the seeded molds to rapidly form ice on the ice molds. The completion of ice formation in the mold is sensed by reservoir water temperature, water level, timing or other inputs to enable a controller to automatically control a harvest cycle timely. A method and system is also provided for improving the clarity of the ice.

Abstract: Device for freezing fluid substances with the aid of a cryogenic fluid comprising:a conveying channel which conveys the substance to be frozen and the cryogenic fluid in a conveying direction relative to a horizontal, the conveying channel comprising, in the conveying direction, (i) at least one section which is inclined in relation to the horizontal to which is joined (ii) an essentially horizontal section comprising a conveying device;a metering device; anda withdrawing device for the substance to be frozen, wherein the metering device and the withdrawing device are placed at opposite ends of the conveying channel.

Abstract: A portable apparatus and method for discharge of CO.sub.2 snow or a combination of CO.sub.2 and ice along a generally horizontal path over and onto a load within an elongated insulated container from one partially open end of the container toward the other closed end thereof and in a manner to form either a blanket of CO.sub.2 snow or a blanket of ice over the load within the container. The apparatus includes a rectangular or cylindrical duct into which liquid CO.sub.2 is discharged adjacent one closed end for impact against the walls of the duct before exiting in a CO.sub.2 snow and gas stream from the opposite open end. A transverse manifold is mounted adjacent the open end to jet spray water feed to the manifold into contact with the CO.sub.2 stream at an acute angle, preferably about 15.degree..

Abstract: Apparatus for producing and dispensing an aerated product comprises a mixer which has a first inlet for receiving a fluid, a second inlet for receiving a gas, and an outlet. A relatively long continuous turbulence passage of relatively small cross section has one end positioned to receive the effluent from the mixer outlet and its other end spaced from the mixer outlet so that the effluent is subjected to confined turbulent mixing in the turbulence passage until the fluid product is discharged from the passage other end. If that product is to be cooled, the turbulence passage leads to a cooling area which cools and at least partially freezes the fluid product issuing from that passage. A method of producing the product is also disclosed. The invention has particular application to the making and dispensing of frozen yogurt and ice cream and allows for the service of individualized fresh portions in a variety of flavors and with little required cleaning.

Abstract: A method of cooling a liquid process fluid in which a liquid process stream is formed from the liquid process fluid and the process fluid contained within the liquid process stream is frozen into a conveyable particulate form. The conveyable particulate form is introduced back into the liquid process fluid. The liquid process fluid can be contained within a container and pumped through a pipe connected to the container to form the liquid process stream. A freezing chamber connected to the top of the container can be provided to countercurrently directly exchange heat between rising vaporized coolant and descending liquid process fluid. The resultant conveyable particulate form can be metered by provision of a valve.

Abstract: An ice cuber and method for manufacturing the same that is constructed of plastic panels, in which instructions, blind fastener holes, a fan shroud, and a water trough are all molded into the panels. Some of the panels are permanently attached to each other by unicore welding. The cuber contains an isolated but accessible dry compartment so that components located therein will not suffer from the splashing water generated by ice cubers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for the granulation of granulatable and/or pelletizable substances in which the substance to be granulated is introduced in the form of a closed jet into a rapidly flowing refrigerant--preferably liquid nitrogen. This purpose is served by a vertically arranged reaction tube (2) into the upper part of which the jet enters and through which the refrigerant circulates by means of a transport element (7).

Abstract: A method and system for electronically controlling the location of the formation of ice within a closed loop water circulating unit. A method and system is provided for making ice using supercooled water. When a desired degree of supercooling is reached in the closed loop water circulating unit, a pump associated with the ice-making machine is stopped so as to initiate ice seeding on the ice mold. After the pump is restarted, the supercooled water flows over the seeded molds to rapidly form ice on the ice molds. A method and system is also provided for improving the clarity of the ice. Water is preheated prior to introducing the water to the closed loop water circulating unit. Furthermore, in an ice-making machine having two or more ice molds, a method and system is provided for allowing one mold to act as a condenser in a harvest mode, while simultaneously allowing the remaining molds to act as evaporators in the freezing mode.

Abstract: Artificial snow granule in granule form comprising a super absorbent polymer in granule form as a nucleus and an ice layer surrounding the nucleus is provided here. An aggregate form is provided by linkage of adjacent ice layers and/or granules. Further, a snow granule quality improver is provided. A method for making the above-mentioned snow granule in a granule or an aggregate form is also provided here.

Abstract: A method for preventing the formation of icy slush within the sump of an ice maker. The method includes the steps of monitoring the temperature of the water being circulated through the ice maker and detecting when the temperature reaches about 32.degree. F. When the water reaches about 32.degree. F., the water pump is turned-off to allow residual water on evaporator plates of the ice maker to freeze and form ice crystals thereon. The water pump is turned-off for a predetermined period of time sufficient to allow the residual water remaining on the evaporator plates to freeze, which is preferably about 40 seconds, before it is turned back on. Thereafter, circulating water gradually freezes to the ice crystals formed on the evaporator plates. This prevents the water in the sump from cooling below about 32.degree. F. which would cause an icy slush to form in the sump. The above cycle is repeated after ice is harvested from the evaporator plates.

Abstract: A cooling tank 1 for cooling water 2b by bringing water 2b in direct contact with hardly-water-soluble refrigerant 2c having a larger specific gravity than that of water, which tank 1 has an inside space 3 above water surface in the tank 1 and the pressure P.sub.t of the space 3 is kept below the saturation pressure P.sub.0 of the refrigerant 2c at water freezing point (P.sub.t .ltoreq.P.sub.0). The tank 1 also has a refrigerant extraction hole 6a for extracting gas-phase refrigerant 2c, an outlet 14a for drawing cooled water 2b, and an upward passage 30 for refrigerant extending from the bottom of the tank 1 to the water surface therein, which passage 30 guides ascension of that refrigerant 2c which settles at the tank bottom toward the space 3 above the water surface.

Abstract: Chilling ice is formed in the upper portion of a container by initially replacing ambient atmosphere within said container with an atmosphere comprising, substantially, chilled CO.sub.2 gas and thereafter discharging substantially horizontally oppositely directed and spaced apart impinging jets of liquid CO.sub.2 and water within said container.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing and dispensing an aerated product comprises a mixer which has a first inlet for receiving a fluid, a second inlet for receiving a gas, and an outlet. A relatively long continuous turbulence passage of relatively small cross section has one end positioned to receive the effluent from the mixer outlet and its other end spaced from the mixer outlet so that the effluent is subjected to confined turbulent mixing in the turbulence passage until the fluid product is discharged from the passage other end. If that product is to be cooled, the turbulence passage leads to a cooling area which cools and at least partially freezes the fluid product issuing from that passage. A method of producing the product is also disclosed. The invention has particular application to the making and dispensing of frozen yogurt and ice cream and allows for the service of individualized fresh portions in a variety of flavors and with little required cleaning.

Abstract: Both a system and method are provided for purifying contaminated raw water into potable water by freezing. The system of the invention includes an ice grid having heat exchange surfaces that define cavities for producing ice solids having a surface to volume ratio no greater than 25 to 1, a refrigeration unit for indirectly cooling the heat exchange surfaces to at least the freezing point of the raw water, and an array of spray nozzles that continuously flows raw water over the cavities of the ice grid such that ice solids form from substantially pure water incrementally built up from the heat exchange surfaces of the grid to ultimately fill the grid cavities. The raw water is frozen slowly enough so that unfrozen contaminants expelled from the incrementally freezing ice are continuously washed away from the surface of the growing ice by a continuously raw water flow.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flavored ice manufacturing method for manufacturing flavored ice with a taste and smell possessing a uniform color or is colorless, which comprises a block ice manufacturing process; a crushing process for crushing this manufactured block ice into ice particles; and a sorting process for sorting these crushed ice particles into flavored ice of a predetermined particle diameter. In the sorting process, the ice particles are sorted into flavored ice of a predetermined particle diameter while spraying a dry-cooling fluid of 0.degree. C. or less onto the ice particles. As a result, a dry-cooling liquid is sprayed around the periphery of these ice particles, and thus the surface temperature of these ice particles can be maintained at a low temperature, and the water component existing around the periphery can be blown away. In this manner, adhesion of water and minute particles to the surface of the ice particles, as well as adhesion of neighboring ice particles is prevented.

Abstract: An ice forming apparatus to form an ice surface in an ice rink, comprising a water supply conduit located adjacent to the ice rink and connected to a supply of water. A plurality of sprinkler conduits are connected to the water supply conduit. Attached to each sprinkler conduit is a single sprinkler head. Between each sprinkler head and the water supply conduit is a valve operably attached to the sprinkler conduit. One or more valves may be opened so that water sprinkles onto the rink to form a smooth layer of ice.

Abstract: A method of forming an artificial snow layer is disclosed. Water content is added to to atmosphere above a floor by a humidifying device, or water mist is added to the atmosphere by a water-mist supplying device. The water content or the water mist is frost-frozen by a refrigerating device 6 incorporated at the floor, thus forming on the floor an accumulated frost layer as an artificial snow layer. A method of maintaining the formed artificial snow layer is also disclosed. After the formation of the artificial snow layer, an atmosphere refrigerating device is stopped or reduced in its operation so as to release the maintenance of the atmosphere below the freezing point. Then, the refrigerating device of the floor is operated to prevent melting of the formed artificial snow layer so as to prevent coagulation of water content in said atmosphere on a surface of the artificial snow layer through humidity adjustment of the atmosphere by a humidity adjusting device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously making snow at all times of the year comprises the creation of countless ice crystals from a mist in a controlled environment. The mist may have a ice crystal nucleus added to it to facilitate the development of the ice crystal at higher temperatures. The ice crystals are directed into an ultrasonic field generated by an transducer where the fall rate of the crystals levitated. While the crystals are within the ultrasonic field, the crystals grow into snowflakes as a result of collisions with other crystals. The snowflakes eventually fall out of the ultrasonic field as snow having a more natural appearance than more conventional snow-making techniques.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing and dispensing an aerated product comprises a mixer which has a first inlet for receiving a fluid to be atomized, a second inlet for receiving a gas, and an outlet. A relatively long continuous turbulence passage of relatively small cross section has one end positioned to receive the effluent from the mixer outlet and its other end spaced from the mixer outlet so that the effluent is subjected to confined turbulent mixing in the turbulence passage until that fluid is discharged from the passage other end. If the aerated product is to be cooled, the turbulence passage leads to a cooling area which cools and at least partially freezes the fluid issuing from that passage. A method of producing the product is also disclosed. The invention has particular application to the making and dispensing of frozen yogurt and ice cream and allows for the service of individualized fresh portions in a variety of flavors and with little required cleaning.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the maintenance of snow quality on an indoor artificial ski slope. The snow quality of the slope, comprising a thin compacted surface layer and a deep unfused base layer, is maintained by promptly managing against the variations of snow quality due to various heat sources. The old surface layer snow is replaced with fresh snow on a daily basis, while deterioration of the snow base layer is prevented by air conditioning and refrigeration means. The old snow is melted, filtered, and used to make new snow, to air condition the slope, and to expedite melting of yet additional old snow.

Abstract: Artificial snow granule in granule form comprising a super absorbent polymer in granule form as a nucleus and an ice layer surrounding the nucleus is provided here.Artificial snow granule in an aggregate form of snow granule granules comprising super absorbent polymer in granule form as nucleus and ice layers surrounded the nucleus wherein said aggregate form is caused by a linkage of the adjacent ice layers and/or granules.Further, a snow granule quality improver is provided.A method for making the above-mentioned snow granule in granule or an aggregate form is also provided here.

Abstract: A method for easily making an ice slab serving as the foundation of an artificial snow skiing field and artificial snow whose upper layer is powdery by flooding aqueous slurry made by adding water to granular wet water absorbent polymer on a slope of a natural skiing field or a slant or horizontal surface of a natural skiing field or indoor artificial snow skiing field equipped with a cooling system, obtaining the deposit layer of the granular wet water absorbent polymer in which water is separated from the slurry and freezing the deposit layer.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method are provided whereby snow is made in an indoor environment over extended periods. Within the indoor environment temperature and humidity conditions are set up to enable snow to be produced by a spray of water in the air. Such conditions are maintained for an extended time by the use of thermal storage means. The thermal storage means is cooled to a low temperature by coolant in turn cooled by refrigeration apparatus. The thermal storage means uses a mass of relatively high conductivity material through which the coolant is circulated and the coolant is used to cool and dry air to be discharged into the indoor environment.

Abstract: An ice making machine includes a cooling vessel arranged to store an amount of liquid cooling medium and an amount of separation medium located above the cooling medium. A refrigeration mechanism is provided for refrigerating both the mediums in the cooling vessel, and a water supply system is provided for supplying fresh water in the form of water drops into the liquid cooling medium. The water drops are formed into ice balls while rising in the liquid cooling medium, and the formed ice balls are separated from the liquid cooling medium in the separation medium to be harvested. In this ice making machine, mercury is used as the liquid cooling medium, and hydrophobic liquid is used as the separation medium. The melting point of the separation medium is lower than that of the formed ice balls and the specific gravity of the separation medium is more than the formed ice balls and less than the mercury.

Abstract: A snow composition is here provided which comprises ofabout 100 parts by weight of snow selected from the group comprising of natural snow, artificial snow made by a snow machine, and icy snow made by shattering ice blocks to fragments andabout 0.1 to about 10.0 parts by weight of a super absorbent polymer in granule form having an average particle size of about 20 to about 500 .mu.m before water absorption.A method for making artificial snow is also provided here.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming ice crystals for seeding an air-water mixture in making snow comprising an aspirator in communication with a first chamber, a second chamber connected to the first chamber through a first mixing tube, and a second mixing tube leading from the second chamber to an outlet. Low pressure air is introduced to the second chamber, and high pressure water is supplied to the aspirator to provide a high speed jet of water for evacuating air from the first chamber and driving a mixture of air and water droplets along the first mixing tube and into the second chamber wherein the mixture is accelerated by the flow of low pressure air through the second chamber and along the second mixing tube.

Abstract: An ice maker including freeze and harvest controls is disclosed. The evaporator includes a unitary evaporator and ice mold. A compressor and condenser cool the evaporator to freeze ice on the mold in a normal refrigeration cycle and the mold is defrosted by hot gas to harvest ice from the ice mold. The temperature of the ice mold and the liquid line temperature of the condenser are sensed to control the length of time of the ice forming cycle.

Abstract: An ice cube making machine has a plate with a plurality of cube forming locations on an outside surface of the plate. Each location has an outside surface generally flush with the outside surface of the plate and an inside surface exposed to the affects of refrigerant. The improvement comprises raised indicia on the outside surface of at least some of the cube forming locations for impressing distinctive markings into the ice cubes during formation thereof at these locations.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing snow which provide a stream of pressurized air and pressurized water; combine the air stream and the water stream to cool the water and provide a first stream of a mixture of the air and water; thereafter aspirate a portion of the air in a counter-flow direction from air into the first stream and mixing therewith, to form a second stream of a mixture of air and water, the second stream being coaxial with the first stream; and disperse the second stream into freezing temperature atmosphere to freeze the water in the second stream and produce snow. In the preferred embodiment, a central stream of water of pressure of at least 300 psig is combined with air of pressure no more than about 30 psig coaxially combined and creating the first mixture. Ice crystals are utilized as a nucleating agent to promote the freezing of water in the second stream.

Abstract: A continuous stream of compressed air is introduced to a elongated chamber surrounded by a distribution jacket for introducing water at substantially the same pressure via a multitude of inward directed tubular members into the stream of axially moving, decompressing air. The stream of partially decompressed air atomizes the introduced water into tiny droplets which are mixed with the air, and are accelerated through a converging-diverging exit nozzle so as to be projected through a distance, along which the swiftly moving droplets cool from their initial to nucleating temperature, and ultimately freeze into crystalline particles of ice.

Abstract: A system for use in providing compressed air for snow making equipment used in conjunction with a liquid cooled air compressor, including a plurality of motor driven fans and a heater coil assembly positioned in a portion of the path of the air moved by each of the fans, the heater coil assembly having a liquid coolant flowing therethrough, an air-to-air heat exchanger positioned adjacent the heater coil assembly and in the air flow paths of the fans, the air-to-air heat exchanger being connected in series with the air compressor and the snow making equipment and serving to reduce the temperature of the compressed air flowing from the compressor to the snow making equipment, actuator controlled louvers positioned above the air-to-air heat exchanger, there being one louver for each fan, a liquid cooling coil assembly supported adjacent the air-to-air heat heat exchanger and in a separate air flow path, a liquid transfer pump for moving cooling liquid from the compressor and a control assembly which may be a ma

Abstract: A snow gun and process for making artificial snow comprising a heat exchanger for holding air and water in separate, adjacent chambers and an ejector manifold that disperses air/water admixture to the ambient atmosphere. A multi-chambered heat exchanger is designed so that incoming water completely envelops the air jacket, thus warming the incoming air. Thereafter the water, generally under pressure, entrains the air through use of a multi-ported manifold, using air ejector phenomenon, and is exhausted to the atmosphere where the expelled air/water admixture dissociates to finely atomized water droplets, which subsequently freeze to form artificial snow.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating falling snow and having an upright inner cylinder, a cloud vapor machine and a snow seed feeder connected to the cylinder near the lower end thereof, an air velocity adjustment pipe connected between the upper and lower ends thereof and a blower in the pipe for adjusting the flow velocity of air inside the pipe to adjust the flow of air in the inner cylinder, and a cooling tower surrounding the inner cylinder and a cooler for cooling the air in the cooling tower for cooling the inner cylinder.

Abstract: The method comprises the steps of:(a) forming an aqueous suspension of ice nucleating microorganisms;(b) introducing the suspension into a water source to form an ice nucleated water source;(c) distributing and freezing the ice nucleated water source.The improvement is that the suspension of ice nucleating microorganisms is maintained throughout at a temperature below about 13.degree. C.

Abstract: A method of making artificial snow by mixing water with a surfactant, the surfactant preferably forming 0.03% to 5% of the mixture by weight; aerating the mixture to form a foam of bubbles; and freezing the foam to form the snow crystals. The mixture is preferably aerated with air in the ratio water:air in the range 1:2 to 1:3 (v/v). The foam of bubbles is frozen by laying it over a refrigerated grid laid over the skiing slope and the foam is preferably laid and frozen in layers until the desired depth of snow is achieved.

Abstract: In a process for freezing liquid or semiliquid food products in the form of essentially uniform pellets, the nonfrozen food product is introduced into a container. The product is agitated within the container, while a liquid cooling gas is sprayed over the product. The partially frozen food product is then removed from the container before it is completely frozen and after formability has been achieved, and is formed into essentially uniform pellets which are completely frozen outside the container. An apparatus for carrying the process into effect comprises a container, an agitator mounted within said container, spray nozzles opening into the upper part of the said container for spraying the underlying food product in the container with a liquid cooling gas, a forming device for forming the partially frozen food product removed from said container into essentially uniform pellets, and a freezer for completely freezing the pellets thus formed.