GB483854A - Protecting surfaces from ice formation - Google Patents

Abstract

483,854. Preventing formation of ice on aircraft surfaces. DUNLOP RUBBER CO., Ltd., and FIELD, E. F. Nov. 24, 1936, No. 32101. [Class 4] In means for protecting aircraft from ice formation which include a permeable covering through which ice-preventing liquid is diffused, a strip or strips of absorbent textile fabric is positioned beneath the covering and forms one or more channels extending across portions of the threads of the strip or strips which channels and the threads extending therefrom serve to conduct and distribute the liquid to the covering. As shown, a strip 1 of absorbent fabric, e.g. bleached duck, is folded at 2 and secured by strips of adhesive and stitches to form the channel. A part or parts of the channel are preferably coated with a narrow impermeable band or bands of rubber or rubber coated fabric 6 which may be subsequently vulcanized to the channel. The channel may be seated in a groove 9 in the leading edge of the wing and the free edges 3 of the fabric are secured to the leading edge. The leading edge of the wing may be protected by an unvulcanized rubberized fabric. Several supply channels may be provided in the leading edge ; alternatively a plurality of channels may be formed in a strip of fabric. The channels may be formed of overlapping edges of the fabric or by strips secured to the fabric which may be bias cut. The channel may be secured to the wing through the intermediary of a grooved-member which may be made from cork. A fabric strip may be stitched to this member. In a modification, a foundation layer 22, Fig. 13, is secured to the wing and an embossed vulcanized rubber sheet 15 serves to spread the liquid supplied through a folded strip or strips 1. The strip is covered by e.g. leather 17 the edges of which are turned in as at 19 and secured to the layer 22. The surface of the leather 17 is protected by a permeable covering 18 of a perforated rubber sheet vulcanized to an inextensible backing. Fairing elements 21 of leather may be provided. The supply channel may have a thickness of one-sixteenth inch. Specification 436,099 is referred to.