Infrared deicing system for aircraft
US6092765A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 26, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jul 25, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 26, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64F5/27
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Flameless infrared catalytic heater units are mounted in a generally wing-shaped carrier for positioning above surfaces of an aircraft. The carrier is attached to a boom end extending from a truck or other suitable self-propelled ground equipment. A temperature sensor bounces an infrared signal off the aircraft surface and inputs the skin temperature into a micro-controller regulating the output of the infrared heater units. The micro controller maintains a desired safe skin temperature sufficient to melt ice and snow from the aircraft surfaces without blistering the paint or raising concern about temperatures within fuel tanks. The catalytic heater units use inexpensive natural gas or propane. Use of this system substitutes for expensive and hazardous ethylene glycol solutions heretofore sprayed over the aircraft.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.