Abstract: Thermally conductive films, composite materials including the films, and electrothermal heaters including the films, are disclosed. The films include a polymer and a sufficient concentration of hexagonal boron nitride to provide adequate heat transfer properties, and have high thermal conductivity, peel strength, and shear strength. The films can include thermoset polymers, thermoplastic polymers, or blends thereof, and can also include electrically conductive materials, reinforcing materials such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, metal mesh, and the like, and thermally conductive fillers, such as aluminum oxide, aluminum nitride, and the like. The films can be included in composite materials. The films can be used as part of a layered structure, and used in virtually any application, for example, various locations in aircraft, where heating is desirable, including nacelle skins, airplane wings, heated floor panels, and the like.

Abstract: An aircraft wing (12) comprising a structural casing (14) defining a leading edge, a fuel cell (16) within the structural casing (14), a deicer (18) having electrical lines which receive a supply of electrical power from an onboard power source, and a trip line (20). The trip line (20) is positioned to receive early contact upon impact of the wing by a bird or other foreign object and disruption of the trip line triggers termination of the supply of electrical power to the deicer (18).

Abstract: Thermally conductive films, composite materials including the films, and electrothermal heaters including the films, are disclosed. The films include a polymer and a sufficient concentration of hexagonal boron nitride to provide adequate heat transfer properties, and have high thermal conductivity, peel strength, and shear strength. The films can include thermoset polymers, thermoplastic polymers, or blends thereof, and can also include electrically conductive materials, reinforcing materials such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, metal mesh, and the like, and thermally conductive fillers, such as aluminum oxide, aluminum nitride, and the like. The films can be included in composite materials. The films can be used as part of a layered structure, and used in virtually any application, for example, various locations in aircraft, where heating is desirable, including nacelle skins, airplane wings, heated floor panels, and the like.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for conveying lime slurry, removing and controlling the amount of grit, and feeding lime slurry, wherein the lime slurry moves through a recirculation loop, and wherein gravity removal of grit from the lime slurry takes place.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for conveying lime slurry, removing and controlling the amount of grit, and feeding lime slurry, wherein the lime slurry moves through a recirculation loop, and wherein gravity removal of grit from the lime slurry takes place. A stilling well is provided, inside or outside the slurry tank, either fixed in cross-sectional area or adjustable, but wherein the cross-sectional area of the stilling tank can be selected or adjusted to alter the flow velocity of slurry therethrough and the residence time of slurry therethrough, as slurry is delivered through the stilling well via a suction line located therein, whereby grit can be separated via gravity from slurry in the slurry tank prior to withdrawal of slurry through the stilling well.

Abstract: An interferometric device is provided for measurement of the variations in length of a sample under the influence of temperature, the length of the sample being within a plane of reference and a plane of measurement defined by two plane terminal faces of the sample.