Patents Represented by Attorney Wayne D. Porter
  • Patent number: 5475204
    Abstract: A de-icer for a structural member of an aircraft is provided. The de-icer includes first and second heaters having first and second electrically conductive strips, respectively. The first and second conductive strips are configured to form first and second marginal portions, respectively. The first and second heaters are positioned relative to each other such that the marginal portions are overlapped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: The B. F. Goodrich Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Giamati, Kevin Leffel, Tommy M. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5429327
    Abstract: An electro-impulse de-icer for de-icing an aircraft structural member having an opening in the leading edge and including an inductor coil. The inductor coil is disposed either at least partially within the opening or adjacent to the opening. The de-icer further includes a movable metal target disposed in proximity with the coil. The target is supported by a flexible, ice-accumulating support member that permits the target to move relative to the coil and to the structural member. The support member is rapidly, and forcefully, displaced away from the coil and the structural member upon passing a short-duration, high-current pulse through the coil. The current flow creates an electromagnetic field that induces eddy currents in the target and the support member (if made of metal). Upon collapse of the electromagnetic field in the coil, the target and support member are pulled rapidly to their rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: The B.F. Goodrich Company
    Inventor: Lowell J. Adams