GB731068A - Ice-eliminating system of the type using inflatable elements - Google Patents

Abstract

731,068. Aircraft ice eleminating systems. BENDIX AVIATION CORPORATION. Jan. 25, 1952 [Jan. 25, 1951], No. 2135/52.. Class 4. An ice eliminating system for an aircraft comprises a plurality of inflatable units 3 each associated with a distributer 18 adapted to connect the units to either the pressure supply line 15 or the suction line 8, being under the control of the timer 20. The suction line 8 is connected to pump 6, which feeds high pressure air to the valve 10, adapted to direct the air to the supply line 15 or the atmosphere, and which is also under the control of timer 20. The valve means 10 may be as described in Specification 646,737. The timer is shown in Fig. 2, wherein the shaft 35 driven by the electronic timing unit 21, which may be as described in Specification 655,437, [Group XL (c)], operates two contact arms 36 and 37, respectively controlling through contacts 36A-G and 37A-G, the distributers 18 and valve 10. The cycle of operation is that first contacts 36A and 37A are made, the latter operating solenoid 33 which operates valve 10 to supply fluid to the line 15. On contacts 36B-G and 37B-G, the fluid supply is maintained, and solenoids 39 operate distributers 18 to inflate each unit 3 in turn. For the remainder of the cycle (contacts 36 H-L and 37 H-L), the pump output is diverted to atmosphere, and all units 3 are deflated. By this arrangement, pump 6 works at high load for only part of the cycle, and a lower operating temperature is possible. In an alternative embodiment, only one contact arm is used to operate both sets of contacts, and the contacts 37A-G take the form of one strip, which may be so arranged that contact is made with it before the arm comes to contact 36B, and ends when the arm leaves contact 36G. The size of contacts 36A-G may be chosen so that contact is made for a period proportional to the cubic capacity of the corresponding units 3. Specifications 548,138, 621,490, and 621,497 also are referred to. Reference has been directed by the Comptroller to Specifications 548,138, 621,490, 621,497, 646,737 and 655,437, [Group XL (c)].