CO.sub.2 Snow forming copper line

Abstract

An apparatus is provided for forming CO.sub.2 snow and includes a CO.sub.2 line having an outlet end and an inlet end adapted for communication with a source of liquid CO.sub.2 under pressure. A snow forming head is provided and comprises a generally horizontal elongated laterally and downwardly opening channel member and a CO.sub.2 discharge conduit is disposed in and extends along the channel member. The conduit includes opposite side small diameter outlet openings formed therein and spaced longitudinally therealong opening outwardly toward and spaced inward of the opposing sides of the channel member. One end of the conduit is closed and the outlet end of the CO.sub.2 line is sealingly communicated with the other end of the conduit. At least the portion of the conduit having the small diameter outlet openings formed therein is of a greater internal cross-sectional area than the CO.sub.2 line whereby movement of liquid CO.sub.2 under pressure from the line into the greater internal cross-sectional area of the conduit will affect at least initial expansion of the CO.sub.2 and subsequent discharge of the latter from the outer ends of the small diameter outlet openings will affect further expansion of the CO.sub.2 resulting in a greater production of CO.sub.2 snow from a given volume of liquid CO.sub.2 from the aforementioned source.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.