Method and Apparatus for De-Icing Aircraft and other Snow or Ice Covered Surfaces

Abstract

Methods and devices for deicing aircraft and other snow or ice covered surfaces. The invention is based on warm moisture-laden air or steam that can be released over the surface to be thawed. The device consists of three components: a hot water or steam boiler with an associated pump; a plenum for heating and humidifying air; and a delivery unit or head that brings the moisture-laden air or steam into contact with the surface to be de-iced or thawed. Various delivery heads are also described.

1 - 10 . (canceled) 
   
   
       11 . A method of removing snow and ice from flat and nearly flat surfaces such as aircraft, helicopter blades and roadways comprising the steps of a) directing high velocity ambient air on said surfaces to remove loose snow and ice; b) directing warm moisture-laden air on said surfaces to melt and dislodge adhering ice and snow; and c) directing high velocity ambient air on said surfaces, thereby blowing melted dislodged snow and ice off of said surfaces. 
   
   
       12 . A delivery head apparatus to accomplish the method of  claim 11 ; comprising: a pivotally mounted high velocity air directing delivery head; a tapered hollow air transporting tube; said tube being in communication with a flexible larger diameter duct; said duct being in communication with one of a group of 1) an apparatus adapted to produce blown warm-moisture laden air, and 2) an apparatus adapted to produce steam; and alternatively an apparatus to produce blown ambient air. 
   
   
       13 . A method of using a delivery head as claimed in  claim 12  wherein, in operation, after said snow and ice has been melted and removed from said aircraft and helicopter blades, said aircraft and helicopter blades to hear surfaces of said aircraft and helicopter blades and thus provide an extended amount of time to prevent further accumulation of snow and ice prior to take-off. 
   
   
       14 . A method of removing snow, ice, and frost from an aircraft comprising: the steps of (1) directing warm, moisture-laden air on exterior surfaces of said aircraft to melt and dislodge adhering ice and snow; and (2) directing high velocity heated dry air on said surfaces of said aircraft to warm said surfaces; thus preventing further accumulation of snow ice and frost prior to take off. 
   
   
       15 . A method of removing traces of snow and frost from exterior surfaces of an aircraft comprising: directing high velocity heated dry air on said exterior surfaces of said aircraft to remove said traces of snow and frost and prevent further accumulation of sow and frost prior to take off.