GB518463A - Apparatus for preventing ice formation on or de-icing the exposed surfaces of aircraft - Google Patents

Abstract

518,463. De-icing aircraft. WYNNE, J. N., and NORTH BRITISH RUBBER CO., Ltd. April 25, 1938, Nos. 12378.and 33484. [Class 4] Apparatus for preventing ice formation on or de-icing the exposed surfaces of aircraft comprises an elongated substantially rigid chamber e having fitting thereover a rubber tube. or sleeve g maintained at its end portions in fluid-tight engagement with the chamber, the latter having apertures c whereby the intermediate portion of the tube g will expand and contract by alternate increase and decrease of fluid pressure within the chamber. The chamber may be connected to an air-pump or pulsator, and also to a source of supply of compressed air whereby the intermediate portion of the tube can be maintained in expanded condition so as to be subject to vibration under the action of varying wind pressure, this action alone preventing formation of ice when the conditions are not too severe. Alternatively the fluid employed to convey the pressure may be or contain an anti-freezing liquid and the rubber tube may have slits or perforations r, Fig. 9, whereby a limited quantity of anti-freezing liquid exudes on to the exterior each time it is expanded. The rubber sleeve may be divided transversely, for example, by clamping means h, into a plurality of compartments, and the apertures in the chamber so spaced that the expansion and contraction will be wave-like. In a modification, Fig. 5, the chamber is recessed so that porions q of the rubber sleeve are subject to vibration under varying wind pressure when the pulsator is not operating and are drawn into the recesses during the suction stroke of the pulsator.