Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanical means for defrosting plates used in cold storage. Frost reduces the transfer of heat to the plates and partially or totally obstructs the passage of air. Several methods are used to remove frost from plates: hot water, sprayed steam, hot gas, heating elements. In the present invention, scrapers sweep the surface of the plates to remove the frost. This method allows to remove the frost while the plates are being discharged, which improves the performance of the plates and does not affect the residual charge of the plates. The proposed defrosting system is made up of vertical scrapers located on either side of the plates. The upper and lower extremities of the scrapers are fastened to scraper supports. These supports move along tubular guide bars which are parallel to and located beneath and above the plates.

Abstract: A composite structure including a substrate and a heat protection element on the substrate, wherein the heat protection element includes a quasicrystalline aluminium alloy of one or a number of quasicrystalline phases which are either quasicrystalline phases in the strict sense, or approximating phases, wherein the quasicrystalline phases exhibit a thermal diffusivity, measured at ambient temperature, lower than 2.5×10−6 m2/s, and a thermal diffusivity measured in the temperature range 650-750° C.

Abstract: A composite structure including a substrate and a heat protection element on the substrate, wherein the heat protection element includes a quasicrystalline aluminum alloy of one or a number of quasicrystalline phases which are either quasicrystalline phases in the strict sense, or approximating phases, wherein the quasicrystalline phases exhibit a thermal diffusivity, measured at ambient temperature, lower than 2.5.times.10.sup.-6 m.sup.2 /s, and a thermal diffusivity measured in the temperature range 650.degree.-750.degree. C. which does not exceed the thermal diffusivity measured at ambient temperature by more than a factor of 3, and wherein the quasicrystalline aluminum alloy comprises Al.sub.a Pd.sub.b Mn.sub.c X.sub.d Y.sub.e T.sub.f I.sub.

Abstract: An element for thermally protecting a substrate is deposited on the substrate and comprises a quasicrystalline aluminium alloy having a thermal diffusivity lower than 2.5.times.10.sup.-6 m.sup.2 /s at room temperature and a thermal diffusivity, within the temperature range 650.degree.-750.degree. C., which does not exceed its thermal diffusivity at room temperature by a factor greater than 3. The element may be used to provide heat barriers or bonding layers for substrates. The heat protection element, used in the form of a heat barrier or in the form of a bond coat for heat barriers, exhibits good thermal insulation properties, good mechanical properties, a low specific mass, good resistance to corrosion, and great ease of processing. Further, the invention is useful in limiting heat transfer towards or from parts and components of fittings in many household and industrial devices, for example, heating or cooking devices, smoothing irons, automobile components, and in aeronautic components.

Abstract: An element for thermally protecting a substrate is deposited on the substrate and comprises a quasicrystalline aluminum alloy having a thermal diffusivity lower than 2.5.times.10.sup.-6 m.sup.2 /s at room temperature and a thermal diffusivity, within the temperature range 650.degree.-750.degree. C., which does not exceed its thermal diffusivity at room temperature by a factor greater than 3. The element may be used to provide heat barriers or bonding layers for substrates. The heat protection element, used in the form of a heat barrier or in the form of a bond coat for neat barriers, exhibits good thermal insulation properties, good mechanical properties, a low specific mass, good resistance to corrosion, and great ease of processing. Further, the invention is useful in limiting heat transfer towards or from parts and components of fittings in many household and industrial devices, for example, heating or cooking devices, smoothing irons, automobile components, and in aeronautic components.