Disclosed is a fan gun snowmaker that utilizes an external nucleation device to create atomized water mist that is broken apart and frozen by a transverse air jet to create frozen nuclei, or snow seed. Further, flat spray nozzles that are normally used for spray washing and power washing are used that create a flat fan spray at the opening of the fan gun, rather than typical cone-shaped sprayers. The fan spray better disperses the water molecules into the cold, ambient air, which then combine with the frozen nuclei to create snowflakes. The fan gun is portable and lightweight and has anchors at each end that also function as jacks.

Various embodiments of modular dual vector fluid spray nozzles are disclosed. Embodiments of the nozzles are characterized by specially shaped fluid channels, impingement surfaces and exit orifices used to generate atomized mists of fluid under pressure. Embodiments of the nozzles are generally characterized by composite fluid spray density patterns having horizontal and vertical components, i.e., dual vector in nature. The nozzles disclosed are modular and may be easily installed or removed from a given fluid spray system, nozzle head, or fixture as dictated by any given application.

Various embodiments of modular dual vector fluid spray nozzles are disclosed. Embodiments of the nozzles are characterized by specially shaped fluid channels, impingement surfaces and exit orifices used to generate atomized mists of fluid under pressure. Embodiments of the nozzles are generally characterized by composite fluid spray density patterns having horizontal and vertical components, i.e., dual vector in nature. The nozzles disclosed are modular and may be easily installed or removed from a given fluid spray system, nozzle head, or fixture as dictated by any given application.

A method for managing the production of an artificial snowmaking plant having a plurality of snowmaking apparatuses arranged along a ski slope, comprising the operating steps of: comparing historical forecast values (V.sub.SP) of a parameter with respective one or more historical values of the realistically measured weather parameter (V.sub.SR1,2,3) at said one or more snowmaking apparatuses arranged in said predefined geographical area; determining future forecast values (V.sub.FP) of said parameter as a function of a historical difference value (D.sub.1,2,3) determined at one or more apparatuses so as to determine one or more realistic future forecast parameter values (V.sub.FR1,2,3) at each snowmaking apparatus on which the historical difference value (D.sub.1,2,3) has been determined.

A method for managing the production of an artificial snowmaking plant having a plurality of snowmaking apparatuses arranged along a ski slope, comprising the operating steps of: comparing historical forecast values (V.sub.SP) of a parameter with respective one or more historical values of the realistically measured weather parameter (V.sub.SR1,2,3) at said one or more snowmaking apparatuses arranged in said predefined geographical area; determining future forecast values (V.sub.FP) of said parameter as a function of a historical difference value (D.sub.1,2,3) determined at one or more apparatuses so as to determine one or more realistic future forecast parameter values (V.sub.FR1,2,3) at each snowmaking apparatus on which the historical difference value (D.sub.1,2,3) has been determined.

A method for handling insulating materials used for storing snow, wherein the insulating materials covering a heap of snow stored through the summer are taken off the heap of snow before the snow in the heap of snow is transferred to a selected use. In the method, the insulating materials used for covering the heap of snow stored through the summer are transferred to such another use, in which the insulating materials have at least one function other than mere storage of the insulating materials.

A method for handling insulating materials used for storing snow, wherein the insulating materials covering a heap of snow stored through the summer are taken off the heap of snow before the snow in the heap of snow is transferred to a selected use. In the method, the insulating materials used for covering the heap of snow stored through the summer are transferred to such another use, in which the insulating materials have at least one function other than mere storage of the insulating materials.

A hydrant for selectively valving and delivering fluid under pressure to a plurality of different fluid outlets at a plurality of preselected flow rates. The hydrant is provided with a multiple port valve including a hydrant valve housing having at least one fluid inlet and multiple fluid outlets of different flow rate. A valve operating shaft is mounted for axial rotation in the hydrant housing and positioned transversely to a valve seat having a first set of valve ports therethrough annularly arranged on a first circumference about the shaft, and a second set of valve ports are provided through the valve seat and annularly arranged on a concentric second circumference of different diameter than the first circumference about the shaft. The valve ports are connected respectively to the fluid outlet ports. A valve actuator disk secured for rotation with the operating shaft slidably engages the valve seat in a rotary fasion to selectively valve the valve ports open and closed in selected combinations with rotation of the shaft to preselected positions of rotation.

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 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.