Method and apparatus for making artificial snow

Apparatus for making and depositing artificial snow comprising, in combination,

• means providing a substantially unidirectional large volume movement of air at atmospheric pressure,
• first nozzle means providing a high velocity water spray directed into said unidirectional air movement at a first angle with respect to the direction of movement thereof,
• second nozzle means distinct from said first means providing a high velocity air stream directed into said unidirectional movement at a second angle with respect to the direction of movement thereof, said first and second nozzle means being oriented with respect to one another such that said air stream intersects said water spray at a point remote from said first and second nozzle means,
• first valve means connecting said first nozzle means to a source of water when in a first position and blocking said connection when in a second position,
• second valve means connecting said second nozzle means to a source of compressed air when in a first position and blocking said connection when in a second position, and
• third valve means connecting said first and second nozzle means when in a first position and blocking said connection when in a second position.

Apparatus for making and depositing artificial snow comprising, in combination,

• means providing a substantially unidirectional large volume movement or air at atmospheric pressure,
• first nozzle means providing a high velocity water spray directed into said unidirectional air movement at a first angle with respect to the direction of movement thereof,
• second nozzle means distinct from said first means providing a high velocity air stream directed into said unidirectional movement at a second angle with respect to the direction of movement thereof, said first and second nozzle means being oriented with respect to one another such that said air stream intersects said water spray at a point remote from said first and second nozzle means,
• said first nozzle means comprising an annular water manifold circumferentially disposed about the central axis of said unidirectional movement,
• at least one water spray nozzle in fluid communication with said manifold, said nozzle being oriented to provide said water spray,
• means removably connecting said manifold to a source of water, and
• valve means connecting said manifold and said nozzle to a source of compressed air, whereby the removal of said connecting means and the opening of said valve means causes the residual water in said manifold and nozzle to be blown therefrom.