Ice protection system

Stock material or miscellaneous articles – Web or sheet containing structurally defined element or... – Composite having voids in a component

Reexamination Certificate

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Details

C428S318400, C428S319300, C428S414000, C428S423100, C244S13400A, C244S13400A, C244S13400A

Reexamination Certificate

active

06265057

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to ice protection systems, and more particularly, a passive icing prevention blanket.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The accumulation of ice on aircraft wings and other structural members in flight is a danger that is well known. As used herein, the term structural member is intended to refer to any aircraft surface susceptible to icing, including wings and so forth. Attempts have been made since the earliest days of flight to overcome the problem of ice accumulation. A variety of techniques have been proposed for removing ice from aircraft during flight. A common problem, however, is the accumulation of ice on structural members while the aircraft is sitting on the ground. Once such condition is known as clear ice. Clear ice may form on exposed wing or other surfaces at temperatures well above freezing due to rain or humidity condensation. This ice formation occurs when fuel within wing fuel tanks has been cold soaked to below freezing, resulting in the wing surface temperature being below freezing until the fuel has warmed. Accumulations of clear ice up to one inch thick have been experienced due to this type of icing. Attempts to take off with the accumulation of clear ice on the wings can lead to disastrous results of foreign object damage (FOD) to fuselage rear mounted engines. The clear ice layer breaks free from the wings during rotation and is ingested by the engines, causing loss of power thereof.
Efforts to eliminate clear ice formation and to improve the safety have led to continuing developments to improve versatility, practicality and efficiency.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a passive ice protection system which prevents the formation of clear ice on aircraft structures due to cold soaked fuel and structure.
According to the present invention, an ice protection system for preventing ice from forming on an aircraft structure includes a thermal insulation blanket disposed over the structure and a protective layer for disposal over said insulative layer.
The present invention provides an ice protection system which does not require energy from the aircraft or ground power sources. It is easy to manufacture and can be retrofitted on all existing aircraft.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent in light of the detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof, as illustrated by the drawings.


REFERENCES:
patent: 3218436 (1965-11-01), Edwards et al.
patent: 4044184 (1977-08-01), Ashida et al.
patent: 5344696 (1994-09-01), Hastings et al.
patent: 5584450 (1996-12-01), Pisarski
patent: 5807514 (1998-09-01), Grinshpun et al.
Bender, Rene J., Handbook of Foamed Plastics, Lake Publishing Corp., pp. 94-95, 1965.*
Gauthier, Michelle M., Engineered Materials Handbook, Desk Edition, pp. 368, 389, Nov. 1995.

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