The present invention relates to a method for controlling land surface temperature using stratospheric airships and a reflector. In the method for controlling land surface temperature using stratospheric airships and a reflector, four corners are connected to a lower end of support lines coupled to be disposed vertically downward from a plurality of airships, and sunlight is reflected by a reflector unfolded into a tetragonal shape in the air, wherein the reflecting surface of the reflector plate is maintained at an angle to remain perpendicular to an incident angle of sunlight to shield, or redirect, the land surface from incident sunlight.

A procedure for moderating the intensity of a hurricane in regions of the seas that are host to the oil and gas industries is described, using the Gulf of Mexico as an example of such a region, and snow-making machines as the instruments for carrying out the procedure. These machines are carried on moving platforms that follow the hurricane and on fixed platforms that are located in the path of the hurricane. In the described procedure snow-making machines are installed on fixed platforms throughout the region, and only those machines that are in the path of an approaching hurricane are turned on, while the snow-making machines on the moving platform(s) are operating continually.

A procedure for moderating the intensity of a hurricane in regions of the seas that are host to the oil and gas industries is described, using the Gulf of Mexico as an example of such a region, and snow-making machines as the instruments for carrying out the procedure. These machines are carried on moving platforms that follow the hurricane and on fixed platforms that are located in the path of the hurricane. In the described procedure snow-making machines are installed on fixed platforms throughout the region, and only those machines that are in the path of an approaching hurricane are turned on, while the snow-making machines on the moving platform(s) are operating continually.

A rain and fog testing apparatus, comprising a fluid channel that runs between a first fluid shutoff coupler and a second fluid shutoff coupler and has at least one dispersion head fluidly coupled to the fluid channel. A liquid pump can be fluidly coupled to the fluid channel at an output end. A liquid heater may also be fluidly coupled to the system along with a controller that provides electrical control of the first fluid shutoff coupler, the second fluid shutoff coupler, the dispersion head, the liquid pump, and the heater. Further, the second fluid shutoff coupler is capable of fluidly coupling a first fluid channel to a plurality of fluid channels and the controller can adjust the orientation of the first fluid shutoff coupler, the second fluid shutoff coupler, the dispersion head, the liquid pump, and the liquid heater to create a simulation of a plurality of rain or fog events.

A rain and fog testing apparatus, comprising a fluid channel that runs between a first fluid shutoff coupler and a second fluid shutoff coupler and has at least one dispersion head fluidly coupled to the fluid channel. A liquid pump can be fluidly coupled to the fluid channel at an output end. A liquid heater may also be fluidly coupled to the system along with a controller that provides electrical control of the first fluid shutoff coupler, the second fluid shutoff coupler, the dispersion head, the liquid pump, and the heater. Further, the second fluid shutoff coupler is capable of fluidly coupling a first fluid channel to a plurality of fluid channels and the controller can adjust the orientation of the first fluid shutoff coupler, the second fluid shutoff coupler, the dispersion head, the liquid pump, and the liquid heater to create a simulation of a plurality of rain or fog events.

A system for maintaining and/or cooling the temperature of a body of water exposed to sunlight comprises hydrophilic balls distributed on the surface of the water. The balls have diameters within a range of about 0.015-3.0 mm, and albedos within a range of about 0.15-1.0. The surfaces of the balls provide a total wetted surface area greater than the pre-distribution surface area of the water. In one embodiment, the body of water may be a natural or unnatural lake or bay.

A system for maintaining and/or cooling the temperature of a body of water exposed to sunlight comprises hydrophilic balls distributed on the surface of the water. The balls have diameters within a range of about 0.015-3.0 mm, and albedos within a range of about 0.15-1.0. The surfaces of the balls provide a total wetted surface area greater than the pre-distribution surface area of the water. In one embodiment, the body of water may be a natural or unnatural lake or bay.

A method of mitigating the formation of a hurricane comprising the steps of, upon detection of a tropical depression dispatching, to the center of a disturbance, a plurality of vessels modified for stirring and mixing of ocean water. The vessels undertake a cyclonic annular track at the center of the disturbance that will enhance the cooling of the ocean surface layer therefore interfere with hurricane production, and continuing said activity while following said center of said disturbance until the threat of a hurricane is eliminated. A similar method may be used to promote the formation of a hurricane causing said plurality of vessels to undertake an anti-cyclonic circulation annular track to enhance an inflow of warm surface water in order to directly promote hurricane production.

A method of mitigating the formation of a hurricane comprising the steps of, upon detection of a tropical depression dispatching, to the center of a disturbance, a plurality of vessels modified for stirring and mixing of ocean water. The vessels undertake a cyclonic annular track at the center of the disturbance that will enhance the cooling of the ocean surface layer therefore interfere with hurricane production, and continuing said activity while following said center of said disturbance until the threat of a hurricane is eliminated. A similar method may be used to promote the formation of a hurricane causing said plurality of vessels to undertake an anti-cyclonic circulation annular track to enhance an inflow of warm surface water in order to directly promote hurricane production.

A method and apparatus to create falling snow for use at ski resorts, theme parks and test and training facilities for use with drones, motor vehicles, autonomous vehicles and aircraft components.