Importance

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Abstract

An improved method of and apparatus for making artificial snow. The snow making machine disclosed for practicing the invention includes a ducted fan for generating a substantially unidirectional, high volume air current over the area to be deposited with snow. High velocity water sprays are injected into the air current from above and below the air current via a plurality of nozzles connected to a annular water manifold circumferentially disposed around the output end of the fan duct. Nucleated ice crystals are also injected into the air current by a high velocity vapor spray emitted from a pair of seeder nozzles disposed at the center of the annular water manifold. The vapor spray is comprised of a mixture of water and compressed air which is vaporized in a venturi-type expansion chamber prior to emission through the seeder nozzles. The convergence of the high velocity, supercooled water sprays with the nucleated ice crystals consolidates the high volume air current providing a venturi cooling effect which promotes the formation of snow crystals.

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First Claim