Abstract: A method of dispersing de-iceant into a stream of air flowing through an air supply line comprises the steps of placing a turbine in the air supply line; forcing at least a portion of the stream of compressed air to pass through the turbine, thus causing the turbine to spin; and using the spinning turbine to atomize the de-iceant. A preferred turbine both generates an electrical current and disperses a liquid de-iceant and comprises a rotatable shaft; a rotor connected to the shaft; a stator surrounding the rotor and being prevented from turning; electrical conductors connected to the stator; one or more blades connected to the rotating shaft at an angle to the direction of flow of air past the shaft so as to cause the shaft to rotate as air flows past the blades; a centrifuging surface connected to the shaft; and a conduit for supplying de-iceant to the centrifuging surface.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 23, 1998
Date of Patent:
May 15, 2001
Assignee:
Tanner Systems, Inc.
Inventors:
Arnold M. Heitmann, Robert G. Littlefield