Apparatus and method for de-icing and anti-icing (and/or cleaning and rinsing) aircraft

• US 5,104,068 A
• Filed: 08/10/1990
• Issued: 04/14/1992
• Est. Priority Date: 08/10/1990
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: John R. Gaughan III
• Original Assignee: John R. Gaughan III, Ronald A. Krilla
• Inventors: Gaughan, John R. III, Krilla, Ronald A.
• Primary Examiner(s): NOT, DEFINED
• Assistant Examiner(s): Palomar, Linda L.
• Application Number:
  US07/565,963
• Time in Patent Office: 613 Days
• Field of Search: 244/134 R, 244/134 C, 134/45, 134/123, 134/172
• US Class Current: 244/134.00R
• CPC Class Codes: B64F 5/20 Ground installations for de-icing aircraft
• CPC Class Codes: B64F 5/23 by liquid application; Spraying installations therefor, e.g. fitted on vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 70/50 Manufacturing or production processes characterised by the final manufactured product

Abstract

An apparatus for both de-icing and anti-icing an aircraft in one "pass". A pair of units are positioned above and below the aircraft. Each unit has respective nozzles oriented in one direction for dispensing de-icing fluid/air onto the aircraft as it approaches the units. Each unit further has respective nozzles oriented in an opposite direction for dispensing anti-icing fluid/air onto the aircraft as the aircraft moves away from the units. The apparatus is bi-directional so that the aircraft may approach the apparatus from either of two opposite directions. Means are provided for collecting and recycling the run-off of the de-icing and anti-icing fluids, respectively.

Claims

1. An apparatus for both de-icing and anti-icing an aircraft in one pass of the aircraft through the apparatus, comprising a pair of units including at least one upper unit positioned above the aircraft and further including at least one lower unit disposed below the aircraft, each unit having respective first nozzles oriented in one direction for dispensing a de-icing pressurized fluid mixture onto the aircraft as the aircraft approaches the units, and each unit further having respective second nozzles oriented in an opposite direction for dispensing an anti-icing pressurized fluid mixture onto the aircraft as the aircraft moves away from the units, respective sources of pressurized fluid mixtures for both de-icing and anti-icing the aircraft, respectively, and means for conducting the respective pressurized fluid mixtures from the respective sources to the first and second nozzles, respectively, such that the aircraft is both de-iced and anti-iced in one pass of the aircraft through the apparatus.

2. A bi-directional apparatus for both de-icing and anti-icing an aircraft that passes therethrough in one pas in either a first direction or a second opposite direction, the apparatus comprising a pair of units disposed above the aircraft, each unit having respective nozzles oriented forwardly and rearwardly thereof for dispensing a de-icing pressurized fluid mixture onto the aircraft as the aircraft approaches the units in either, respectively, the first direction or the second opposite direction, each unit further having respective nozzles forwardly and rearwardly thereof for dispensing an anti-icing pressurized fluid mixture onto the aircraft as the aircraft moves away from the units in either, respectively, the first direction or the second opposite direction, first and second sources of pressurized fluid sources for de-icing and anti-icing, respectively, and means for selectively conducting the respective de-icing and anti-icing pressurized fluid mixtures from the first and second sources thereof, respectively, to the respective nozzles, whereby the aircraft is both de-iced and anti-iced in one pass through the apparatus and in either the first or second opposite directions.

3. An apparatus for both de-icing and anti-icing in one pass, an aircraft that moves therethrough in a first direction, the apparatus comprised of respective sources of fluid and air;

a pair of units positioned so as to be substantially above and below the aircraft;

each unit having a respective first bank of nozzles for dispensing a de-icing pressurized fluid mixture, at least a portion of the first bank of nozzles being oriented substantially towards the aircraft as the aircraft approaches the units in the first direction for de-icing the aircraft;

each unit having a respective second bank of nozzles for dispensing an anti-icing pressurized fluid mixture, at least a portion of the second bank of nozzles being oriented substantially towards the aircraft as the aircraft moves away from the units in the first direction for anti-icing the aircraft;

first and second sources of pressurized fluid mixtures for de-icing and anti-icing, respectively; and

means for selectively providing fluid communication between the second source and the second bank of nozzles and between the second source and the second bank of nozzles, respectively, whereby the aircraft is both de-iced and anti-iced in one pass through the apparatus.

4. An apparatus for both de-icing and anti-icing in one pas, an aircraft that moves therethrough in a first direction, the apparatus comprised of respective sources of fluid and air;

a pair of units positioned so as to be substantially above and below the aircraft;

each unit having a respective first bank of nozzles for dispensing a de-icing pressurized fluid mixture, at least a portion of the first bank of nozzles being oriented substantially towards the aircraft as the aircraft approaches the units in the first direction for de-icing the aircraft;

each unit having a respective second bank of nozzles for dispensing an anti-icing pressurized fluid mixture, at least a portion of the second bank of nozzles being oriented substantially towards the aircraft as the aircraft moves away from the units in the first direction for anti-icing the aircraft;

first and second sources of pressurized fluid mixtures for de-icing and anti-icing, respectively; and

means for selectively providing fluid communication between the first source and the first bank of nozzles and between the second source and the second bank of nozzles, respectively, whereby the aircraft is both de-iced and anti-iced in one pass through the apparatus, wherein each unit includes a lower unit positioned substantially horizontally below the aircraft, wherein each unit further includes an upper unit positioned substantially above the aircraft, each upper unit including a substantially vertical support and further including an elongated selectively-adjustable articulatable boom carried by the support, cantilevered thereon, and extending substantially horizontally therefrom, and wherein the first and second banks of nozzles of each upper unit are carried on the respective booms thereof and are oriented substantially downwardly, so as to selectively dispense the respective pressurized fluid mixtures onto the aircraft.

5. A bi-directional apparatus for both de-icing and anti-icing, in one pass, an aircraft that moves therethrough in either a first direction or in a second opposite direction, the apparatus comprised of respective sources of fluid and air;

a pair of units positioned so as to be substantially above and below the aircraft;

each unit having a respective first group of nozzles for dispensing a de-icing pressurized fluid mixture and a respective second bank of nozzles for dispensing an anti-icing pressurized fluid mixture;

first and second respective sources of pressurized fluid pressure mixtures for de-icing and anti-icing, respectively, means for selectively providing fluid communication between the first and second sources and the first and second bank of nozzles, respectively;

a first portion of the first bank of nozzles being oriented substantially towards the aircraft as the aircraft approaches the units in the first direction, and a second portion of the first bank of nozzles being oriented substantially towards the aircraft as the aircraft approaches the units in the second opposite direction for de-icing the aircraft as the aircraft approaches the units in either the first or the second opposite directions; and

a first portion of the second bank of nozzles being oriented substantially towards the aircraft as the aircraft moves away from the units in the second opposite direction, and a second portion of the second bank of nozzles being oriented substantially towards the aircraft as the aircraft moves away from the units in the first direction for anti-icing the aircraft as the aircraft moves away from the units in either the first or the second opposite directions;

whereby the aircraft may be both de-iced and anti-iced in one pass of the aircraft by movement of the aircraft in either the first direction or in the second opposite direction through the apparatus, so that the apparatus is bi-directional.

6. An apparatus for de-icing and anti-icing an aircraft that moves therethrough in a first direction, the apparatus comprising a pair of lower units being disposed substantially horizontally below the aircraft, said lower units further being disposed so as to be on opposite sides of the aircraft, each lower unit having a respective first bank of lower nozzles for dispensing a pressurized fluid mixtures for de-icing the aircraft, and further having a second bank of lower nozzles for dispensing a pressurized fluid mixture for anti-icing the aircraft, the first and second banks of lower nozzles being oriented substantially upwardly so as to selectively dispense the respective pressurized fluid mixtures onto the underside of the aircraft;

a pair of upper units disposed substantially above the aircraft, said upper units further disposed on opposite sides of the aircraft, each upper unit having a respective first bank of upper nozzles for dispensing a pressurized fluid mixture for de-icing the aircraft, and further having a second bank of upper nozzles for dispensing a pressurized fluid mixture for anti-icing the aircraft, each upper unit including a substantially vertical support and an elongated substantially horizontal boom carried by the support, the first and second banks of upper nozzles of each upper unit being carried on the respective booms thereof and being oriented substantially downwardly, so as to selectively dispense the respective pressurized fluid mixtures onto the top surface of the aircraft wing and fuselage;

first and second sources of pressurized fluid mixtures for de-icing and anti-icing, respectively, conduit means extending between the first source and the first bank of nozzles, and extending between the second source and the second bank of nozzles, respectively;

a first portion of the first bank of upper nozzles and a first portion of the first bank of lower nozzles further being oriented substantially forwardly toward the aircraft as the aircraft approaches the upper and lower units in the first direction, such that as the aircraft approaches the upper and lower units in the first direction, the first portion of the first bank of upper and lower nozzles spray the aircraft with the first pressurized fluid mixture for de-icing the aircraft; and

a second portion of the second bank of upper nozzles and a second portion of the second bank of lower nozzles further being oriented substantially rearwardly towards the aircraft as the aircraft moves away from the upper and lower units in the first direction, such that as the aircraft moves away from the upper and lower units in the first direction, the second portion of the second bank of upper and lower nozzles spray the aircraft with the second pressurized fluid mixture for anti-icing the aircraft;

whereby the aircraft is both de-iced and anti-iced in one pass by movement of the aircraft in the first direction between the upper and lower units.

7. An apparatus for de-icing and anti-icing an aircraft that moves therethrough in a first direction, the apparatus comprising a pair of lower units being disposed substantially below the aircraft, said lower units further being disposed so as to be on opposite sides of the aircraft, each lower unit having a respective first bank of lower nozzles for dispensing a pressurized fluid mixture for de-icing the aircraft, and further having a second bank of lower nozzles for dispensing a pressurized fluid mixture for anti-icing the aircraft, the first and second banks of lower nozzles being oriented substantially upwardly so as to selectively dispense the respective pressurized fluid mixtures onto the underside of the aircraft;

a pair of upper units disposed substantially above the aircraft, said upper units further disposed on opposite sides of the aircraft, each upper unit having a respective first bank of upper nozzles for dispensing a pressurized fluid mixture for de-icing the aircraft, and further having a second bank of upper nozzles for dispensing a pressurized fluid mixture for anti-icing the aircraft, each upper unit including a substantially vertical support and an elongated substantially horizontal boom carried by the support, the first and second banks of upper nozzles of each upper unit being carried on the respective booms thereof and being oriented substantially downwardly, so as to selectively dispense the respective pressurized fluid mixtures onto the top surface of the aircraft wing and fuselage;

first and second sources of pressurized fluid mixtures for de-icing and anti-icing, respectively, conduit means extending between the first source and the first bank of nozzles, and extending between the second source and the second bank of nozzles, respectively;

a first portion of the first bank of upper nozzles and a first portion of the first bank of lower nozzles further being oriented substantially forwardly toward the aircraft a the aircraft approaches the upper and lower units int eh first direction, such that as the aircraft approaches the upper and lower units in the first direction, the first portion of the first bank of upper and lower nozzles spray the aircraft with the first pressurized fluid mixture for de-icing the aircraft; and

a second portion of the second bank of upper nozzles and a second portion of the second bank of lower nozzles further being oriented substantially rearwardly towards the aircraft as the aircraft moves away from the upper and lower units int he first direction, such that as the aircraft moves away from the upper and lower units in the first direction, the second portion of the second bank of upper and lower nozzles spray the aircraft with the second pressurized fluid mixture for anti-icing the aircraft;

whereby the aircraft is both de-iced and anti-iced in one pass by movement of the aircraft in the first direction between the upper and lower units, wherein the aircraft may further move therethrough in a second direction being substantially opposite to the first direction, further comprising a second portion of the first bank of upper and lower nozzles being further oriented substantially rearwardly towards the aircraft as the aircraft approaches the upper and lower units in the second opposite direction, such that as the aircraft approaches the upper and lower units in the second opposite direction, the second portion of the first bank of upper and lower nozzles spray the aircraft with the first pressurized fluid mixture, thereby de-icing the aircraft;

a first portion of the second bank of upper and lower nozzles being further oriented substantially forwardly towards the aircraft a the aircraft moves away from the upper and lower units in the second opposite direction, such that as the aircraft moves away from the upper and lower units in the second opposite direction, the first portion of the second bank of upper and lower nozzles spray the aircraft with the second pressurized fluid mixture, thereby anti-icing the aircraft;

whereby the aircraft may be both de-iced and anti-iced in one pass of the aircraft by movement of the aircraft in either the first direction or in the second opposite direction between the upper and lower units, thereby providing a bi-directional apparatus for maximum efficiency and flexibility.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first source of pressurized fluid mixture for de-icing the aircraft includes air, water and glycol;

and wherein high-pressure pumps are provided for pumping the de-icing pressurized fluid mixture to the first banks of upper and lower nozzles.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the second source of pressurized fluid mixture for anti-icing the aircraft includes air, water and glycol;

and wherein low-pressure pumps are provided for pumping the anti-icing pressurized fluid mixture to the second banks of upper and lower nozzles.

10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the booms are articulatable to accommodate aircraft of different configurations.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein each boom comprises a plurality of arms pivotably connected to each other.

12. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the booms are vertically adjustable to accommodate different aircraft heights.

13. An apparatus for de-icing and anti-icing an aircraft that moves therethrough in a first direction, the apparatus comprising a pair of lower units being disposed substantially horizontally below the aircraft, said lower units further being disposed so as to be on opposite sides of the aircraft, each lower unit having a respective first bank of lower nozzles for dispensing a pressurized fluid mixture for de-icing the aircraft, and further having a second bank of lower nozzles for dispensing a pressurized fluid mixture for anti-icing the aircraft, the first and second banks of lower nozzles being oriented substantially upwardly so as to selectively dispense the respective pressurized fluid mixtures onto the underside of the aircraft;

a pair of upper units disposed substantially above the aircraft, said upper units further disposed on opposite sides of the aircraft, each upper unit having a respective first bank of upper nozzles for dispensing a pressurized fluid mixture for de-icing the aircraft, and further having a second bank of upper nozzles for dispensing a pressurized fluid mixture for anti-icing the aircraft, each upper unit including a substantially vertical support and an elongated substantially horizontal boom carried by the support, the first and second banks of upper nozzles of each upper unit being carried on the respective booms thereof and being oriented substantially downwardly, so as to selectively dispense the respective pressurized fluid mixtures onto the top surface of the aircraft wing and fuselage;

first and second sources of pressurized fluid mixtures for de-icing and anti-icing, respectively, conduit means extending between the first source and the first bank of nozzles, and extending between the second source and the second bank of nozzles, respectively;

a first portion of the first bank of upper nozzles and a first portion of the first bank of lower nozzles further being oriented substantially forwardly toward the aircraft as the aircraft approaches the upper and lower units in the first direction, such that as the aircraft approaches the upper and lower units in the first direction, the first portion of the first bank of upper and lower nozzles spray the aircraft with the first pressurized fluid mixture for de-icing the aircraft; and

a second portion of the second bank of upper nozzles and a second portion of the second bank of lower nozzles further being oriented substantially rearwardly towards the aircraft as the aircraft moves away from the upper and lower units int he first direction, such that as the aircraft moves away from the upper and lower units in the first direction, the second portion of the second bank of upper and lower nozzles spray the aircraft with the second pressurized fluid mixture for anti-icing the aircraft;

whereby the aircraft is both de-iced and anti-iced in one pass by movement of the aircraft in the first direction between the upper and lower units wherein appropriate glycols are included in the first and second pressurized fluid mixtures, and wherein means are provided for collecting the run-off of the glycol dispensed by the nozzles for subsequent recycling of said glycols.

14. An apparatus for de-icing and anti-icing an aircraft that moves therethrough in a first direction, the apparatus comprising a pair of lower units positioned substantially horizontally below the aircraft, said lower units further being positioned so as to be on opposite sides of the aircraft, each lower unit having a respective first bank of lower nozzles for dispensing a first pressurized fluid mixture for de-icing the aircraft, and further having a second bank of lower nozzles for dispensing a second pressurized fluid mixture for anti-icing the aircraft, the first and second banks of lower nozzles being oriented substantially upwardly so as to selectively dispense the respective first and second pressurized fluid mixtures onto the underside of the aircraft;

a pair of upper units positioned so as to be substantially above the aircraft, said upper units further being positioned so as to be on opposite sides of the aircraft, each upper unit having a respective first bank of upper nozzles for dispensing the first pressurized fluid mixture for de-icing the aircraft, and further having a second bank of upper nozzles for dispensing the second pressurized fluid mixture for anti-icing the aircraft, each upper unit including a substantially vertical support and an elongated substantially horizontal boom carried by the support, cantilevered thereon, and extending horizontally therefrom, the first and second banks of upper nozzles of each upper unit being carried on the respective booms thereof and being oriented substantially downwardly so as to selectively dispense the first and second pressurized fluid mixtures, respectively, on the top surfaces of the wings and fuselage of the aircraft;

first and second sources of the first and second pressurized fluid mixtures;

a plurality of conduits extending between the first and second nozzles and the first and second sources, respectively, and providing for fluid communication therebetween;

a first portion of the first bank of upper nozzles and a first portion of the first bank of lower nozzles further being oriented substantially forwardly toward the aircraft as the aircraft approaches the upper and lower units in the first direction, such that as the aircraft approaches the upper and lower units in the first direction, the first portion of the first bank of upper and lower nozzles spray the aircraft with the first pressurized fluid mixture, thereby de-icing the aircraft; and

a second portion of the second bank of upper nozzles and a second portion of the second bank of lower nozzles further being oriented substantially rearwardly towards the aircraft as the aircraft moves away from the upper and lower units in the first direction, such that as the aircraft moves away from the upper and lower units in the first direction, the second portion of the second bank of upper and lower nozzles spray the aircraft with the second pressurized fluid mixture, thereby anti-icing the aircraft;

whereby the aircraft is both de-iced and anti-iced in one pass by movement of the aircraft in the first direction between the upper and lower units;

wherein the first source is provided with high pressure pumps, and wherein the second source is provided with low pressure pumps.

15. An apparatus for de-icing and anti-icing an aircraft that moves therethrough in a first direction, the apparatus comprised of:

a pair of lower units positioned substantially horizontally below the aircraft, said lower units further positioned so as to be on opposite sides of the aircraft, each lower unit having a respective first bank of lower nozzles for dispensing pressurized air/water for de-icing the aircraft and a second bank of lower nozzles for dispensing pressurized glycol/water for anti-icing the aircraft, the first and second groups of lower nozzles being oriented substantially upwardly so as to selectively dispense the pressurized air/water or glycol/water onto the underside of the aircraft;

a pair of upper units positioned, so as to be substantially above the aircraft, said upper units further positioned, so as to be on opposite sides of the aircraft, each upper unit having a respective first bank of upper nozzles for dispensing pressurized air/water for de-icing the aircraft, each upper unit having a respective first bank of upper nozzles for dispensing pressurized air/water for de-icing the aircraft and a second bank of upper nozzles for dispensing pressurized glycol/water for anti-icing the aircraft, each upper unit including a substantially vertical support and an elongated substantially horizontal boom carried by the support, such that a tower is defined thereby, the first and second banks of upper nozzles of each upper unit being carried on the respective booms thereof being oriented substantially downwardly, so as to selectively dispense the pressurized air/water or glycol/water onto the top side of the aircraft;

respective sources of water, air and glycol;

a plurality of conduits extending between the nozzles and the sources of air, water and glycol, so as to provide for fluid communication between the respective sources and the respective nozzles;

means for pressurizing the air, water and glycol, such that pressurized air, water and glycol are moved through the conduits from the respective sources to the nozzles and are dispensed from the respective nozzles for de-icing and anti-icing the aircraft;

a first portion of the first bank of upper nozzles and a first portion of the first bank of lower nozzles further being oriented substantially forwardly toward the aircraft as it approaches the upper and lower units in the first direction, such that as the aircraft approaches the upper and lower units in the first direction, the first portion of the first bank of upper and lower nozzles spray the aircraft with air/water, thereby de-icing the aircraft; and

a second portion of the second bank of upper nozzles and a second portion of the second bank of lower nozzles further being oriented substantially rearwardly towards the aircraft as it moves away from the upper and lower units in the first direction, the second portion of the second bank of upper and lower nozzles spray the aircraft with glycol/water, thereby anti-icing the aircraft;

whereby the aircraft is both de-iced and anti-iced in one pass by movement of the aircraft in the first direction between the upper and lower units;

wherein the means for pressurizing the air, water and glycol includes high pressure pumps for providing high pressure air/water to the respective first banks of upper and lower nozzles;

wherein the means for pressurizing the air, water and glycol further includes low pressure pumps for providing low pressure glycol/water to the respective second banks of upper and lower nozzles; and

means for collecting the glycol and water dispensed by the nozzles and for distilling and recycling the glycol and water for the further use thereof.

16. An arrangement for de-icing and anti-icing an aircraft that moves therethrough in a first direction, the arrangement comprised of:

a pair of lower units positioned substantially horizontally below the aircraft, said lower units further positioned so as to be on opposite sides of the aircraft, each lower unit having a respective first bank of lower nozzles for dispensing pressurized air/water for de-icing the aircraft and a second bank of lower nozzles for dispensing pressurized glycol/water for anti-icing the aircraft, the first and second banks of lower nozzles being oriented substantially upwardly so as to selectively dispense the pressurized air/water or glycol/water onto the underside of the aircraft;

a pair of upper units positioned, so as to be substantially above the aircraft, said upper units further positioned, so as to be on opposite sides of the aircraft, each upper unit having a respective first bank of upper nozzles for dispensing pressurized air/water for de-icing the aircraft and a second bank of upper nozzles for dispensing pressurized glycol/water for anti-icing the aircraft, each upper unit including a substantially vertical support and an elongated substantially horizontal boom movably carried by the support, so that the location of the boom may be adjusted along the substantially vertical support, such that a tower is defined thereby, the first and second banks of upper nozzles of each upper unit being carried on the respective booms thereof being oriented substantially downwardly, so as to selectively dispense the pressurized air/water or glycol/water onto the top side of the aircraft;

the booms of the respective upper units including at least one joint, so that at least a portion of the boom is pivotably moveable upwardly and downwardly relative to the joint for adjusting the direction in which the nozzles carried thereon dispense the air/water or the glycol/water therefrom; and

further wherein the respective upper units and lower units are movable, such that the upper units and the lower units can be positioned to correspond to the cross-section silhouette of the aircraft as moved along the entire length of the aircraft travels through the device;

respective sources of water, air and glycol;

a plurality of conduits extending between the nozzles and the sources of air, water and glycol, so as to provide for fluid communication between the respective sources and the respective nozzles;

means for pressurizing the air, water and glycol, such that pressurized air, water and glycol are moved through the conduits from the respective sources to the nozzles and are dispensed from the respective nozzles for de-icing and anti-icing the aircraft;

a first portion of the first group of upper nozzles and a first portion of the first group of lower nozzles further being oriented substantially forwardly toward the aircraft as it approaches the upper and lower units in the first direction, such that as the aircraft approaches the upper and lower units in the first direction, the first portion of the first bank of upper and lower nozzles spray the aircraft with air/water, thereby de-icing the aircraft; and

a second portion of the second bank of upper nozzles and a second portion of the second bank of lower nozzles further being oriented substantially rearwardly towards the aircraft as it moves away from the upper and lower units in the first direction, such that as the aircraft moves away from the upper and lower units int he first direction, the second portion of the second bank of upper and lower nozzles spray the aircraft with glycol/water, thereby anti-icing the aircraft;

whereby the aircraft is both de-iced and anti-iced in one pass by movement of the aircraft in the first direction between the upper and lower units;

wherein the means for pressurizing the air, water and glycol includes high pressure pumps for providing high pressure air/water to the respective first banks groups of upper and lower nozzles;

wherein the means for pressurizing the air, water and glycol further includes low pressure pumps for providing low pressure glycol/water to the respective second banks groups of upper and lower nozzles; and

means for collecting the glycol and water dispensed by the nozzles and for distilling and recycling the glycol and water for the further use thereof.

17. A bi-directional arrangement for de-icing and anti-icing an aircraft that moves therethrough in either a first direction or a second opposite direction, the arrangement comprised of:

a pair of lower units positioned substantially horizontally below the aircraft, said lower units further positioned so as to be on opposite sides of the aircraft, each lower unit having a respective first bank of lower nozzles for dispensing pressurized air/water for de-icing the aircraft and a second bank of lower nozzles for dispensing pressurized glycol/water for anti-icing the aircraft, the first and second banks of lower nozzles being oriented substantially upwardly so as to selectively dispense the pressurized air/water or glycol/water onto the underside of the aircraft;

a pair of upper units positioned, so as to be substantially above the aircraft, said upper units further positioned, so as to be an opposite sides of the aircraft, each upper unit having a respective first bank of upper nozzles for dispensing pressurized air/water for de-icing the aircraft and a second bank of upper nozzles for dispensing pressurized glycol/water for anti-icing the aircraft, each upper unit including a substantially vertical support and an elongated substantially horizontal boom carried by the support, such that a tower is defined thereby, the first and second banks of upper nozzles of each upper unit being carried on the respective booms thereof being oriented substantially downwardly, so as to selectively dispense the pressurized air/water or glycol/water onto the top side of the aircraft;

respective sources of water, air and glycol;

a plurality of conduits extending between the nozzles and the sources of air, water and glycol, so as to provide for fluid communication between the respective sources and the respective nozzles;

means for pressurizing the air, water and glycol, such that pressurized air, water and glycol are moved through the conduits from the respective sources to the nozzles and are dispensed from the respective nozzles for de-icing and anti-icing the aircraft, said means including high pressure pumps for providing high pressure air/water to the respective first banks of upper and lower nozzles, and said means further including low pressure pumps for providing low pressure glycol/water to the respective second banks of upper and lower nozzles;

a first portion of the first bank of upper nozzles and a first portion of the first bank of lower nozzles further being oriented substantially forwardly toward the aircraft as it approaches the upper and lower units in the first direction, such that as the aircraft approaches the upper and lower units in the first direction, the first portion of the first bank of upper and lower nozzles spray the aircraft with air/water, thereby de-icing the aircraft; and

a second portion of the second bank of upper nozzles and a second portion of the second bank of lower nozzles further being oriented substantially rearwardly towards the aircraft as it moves away from the upper and lower units in the first direction, such that as the aircraft moves away from the upper and lower units in the first direction, the second portion of the second bank of upper and lower nozzles spray the aircraft with glycol/water, thereby anti-icing the aircraft;

whereby the aircraft is both de-iced and anti-iced in one pass by movement of the aircraft in the first direction between the upper and lower units;

second portion of the first bank of upper and lower nozzles are further oriented substantially rearwardly towards the aircraft as it approaches the upper and lower units in the second opposite direction, such that as the aircraft approaches the upper and lower units in the second opposite direction, the second portion of the first bank of upper and lower nozzles spray the aircraft with air/water, thereby de-icing the aircraft;

a first portion of the second bank of upper and lower nozzles are further oriented substantially forwardly towards the aircraft as it moves away from the upper and lower units in the second opposite direction towards the aircraft as it moves away from the upper and lower units in the second opposite direction, such that as the aircraft moves away from the upper and lower units in the second opposite direction, the first portion of the second bank of upper and lower nozzles spray the aircraft with glycol/water, thereby anti-icing the aircraft;

whereby the aircraft may be both de-iced and anti-iced in one pass of the aircraft by movement of the aircraft in either the first direction or in the second opposite direction between the upper and lower units, so that the arrangement is bi-directional.

18. A bi-directional apparatus for de-icing and anti-icing an aircraft that moves therethrough in either a first direction of a second opposite direction, the apparatus comprised of:

a pair of lower units positioned substantially horizontally below the aircraft, said lower units further positioned so as to be on opposite sides of the aircraft, each lower unit having a respective first bank of lower nozzles for dispensing pressurized air/water for de-icing the aircraft and a second bank of lower nozzles for dispensing pressurized glycol/water for anti-icing the aircraft, the first and second groups of lower nozzles being oriented substantially upwardly so as to selectively dispense the pressurized air/water or glycol/water onto the underside of the aircraft;

a pair of upper units positioned, so as to be substantially above the aircraft, said upper units further positioned, so as to be on opposite sides of the aircraft, each upper unit having a respective first bank of upper nozzles for dispensing pressurized air/water for de-icing the aircraft and a second bank of upper nozzles for dispensing pressurized glycol/water for anti-icing the aircraft, each upper unit including a substantially vertical support and an elongated substantially horizontal boom carried by the support, such that a tower is defined thereby, the first and second banks of upper nozzles of each upper unit being carried on the respective booms thereof being oriented substantially downwardly, so as to selectively dispense the pressurized air/water or glycol/water onto the top side of the aircraft;

respective sources of water, air and glycol;

a plurality of conduits extending between the nozzles and the sources of air, water and glycol, so as to provide for fluid communication between the respective sources and the respective nozzles;

means for pressurizing the air, water and glycol, such that pressurized air, water and glycol are moved through the conduits from the respective sources to the nozzles and are dispensed from the respective nozzles for de-icing and anti-icing the aircraft, said means including high pressure pumps for providing high pressure air/water to the respective first banks of upper and lower nozzles, and said means further including low pressure pumps for providing low pressure glycol/water to the respective second banks of upper and lower nozzles;

means for collecting the glycol and water dispensed by the nozzles and for distilling and recycling the glycol and water for the further use thereof;

a first portion of the first bank of upper nozzles and a first portion of the first bank of lower nozzles further being oriented substantially forwardly toward the aircraft as it approaches the upper and lower units in the first direction, such that as the aircraft approaches the upper and lower units in the first direction, the first portion of the first bank of upper and lower nozzles spray the aircraft with air/water, thereby de-icing the aircraft; and

a second portion of the second bank of upper nozzles and a second portion of the second bank of lower nozzles further being oriented substantially rearwardly towards the aircraft as it moves away from the upper and lower units in the first direction, such that as the aircraft moves away from the upper and lower units in the first direction, the second portion of the second bank of upper and lower nozzles spray the aircraft with glycol/water, thereby anti-icing the aircraft;

whereby the aircraft is both de-iced and anti-iced in one pass by movement of the aircraft in the first direction between the upper and lower units;

a second portion of the first bank of upper and lower nozzles are further oriented substantially rearwardly towards the aircraft as it approaches the upper and lower units int he second opposite direction, such that as the aircraft approaches the upper and lower units in the second opposite direction, the second portion of the first bank of upper and lower nozzles spray the aircraft with air/water, thereby de-icing the aircraft;

a first portion of the second bank of upper and lower nozzles are further oriented substantially forwardly towards the aircraft as it moves away from the upper and lower units in the second opposite direction towards the aircraft as it moves away from the upper and lower units in the second opposite direction, such that as the aircraft moves away from the upper and lower units in the second opposite direction, the first portion of the second bank of upper and lower nozzles spray the aircraft with glycol/water, thereby anti-icing the aircraft;

whereby the aircraft may be both de-iced and anti-iced in one pas of the aircraft by movement of the aircraft in either the first direction or in the second opposite direction between the upper and lower units, so that the arrangement is bi-directional.

19. A bi-directional apparatus for de-icing and anti-icing an aircraft that moves therethrough in either a first direction or a second opposite direction, the apparatus comprised of:

a pair of lower units positioned substantially horizontally below the aircraft, said lower units further positioned so as to be on opposite sides of the aircraft, each lower unit having a respective first bank of lower nozzles for dispensing pressurized air/water for de-icing the aircraft and a second group of lower nozzles for dispensing pressurized glycol/water for anti-icing the aircraft, the first and second banks of lower nozzles being oriented substantially upwardly so as to selectively dispense the pressurized air/water or glycol/water onto the underside of the aircraft;

a pair of upper units positioned, so as to be substantially above the aircraft, said upper units further positioned, so as to be on opposite sides of the aircraft, each upper unit having a respective first bank of upper nozzles for dispensing pressurized air/water for de-icing the aircraft and a second bank of upper nozzles for dispensing pressurized glycol/water for anti-icing the aircraft, each upper unit including a substantially vertical support and an elongated substantially horizontal boom movably carried by the supports, so that the location of the booms may be adjusted along the substantially vertical supports, such that a tower is defined thereby, the first and second banks of upper nozzles of each upper unit being carried on the respective booms thereof being oriented substantially downwardly, so as to selectively dispense the pressurized air/water or glycol/water onto the top side of the aircraft;

the booms of the respective upper units further including at least one joint, so that at least a portion of the boom is pivotably moveable upwardly and downwardly relative to the joint for adjusting the direction in which the nozzles carried thereon dispense the air/water or the glycol/water therefrom;

the respective upper units and lower units being movable, such that the upper units and the lower units can be positioned to correspond to the cross-section silhouette of the aircraft as the entire length of the aircraft travels through the device;

respective sources of water, air and glycol;

a plurality of conduits extending between the nozzles and the sources of air, water and glycol, so as to provide for fluid communication between the respective sources and the respective nozzles;

means for pressurizing the air, water and glycol, such that pressurized air, water and glycol are moved through the conduits from the respective sources to the nozzles and are dispensed from the respective nozzles for de-icing and anti-icing the aircraft, said means including high pressure pumps for providing high pressure air/water to the respective first banks of upper and lower nozzles, and said means further including low pressure pumps for providing low pressure glycol/water to the respective second banks of upper and lower nozzles;

means for collecting the glycol and water dispensed by the nozzles and for distilling and recycling the glycol and water for the further use thereof;

a first portion of the first bank of upper nozzles and a first portion of the first bank of lower nozzles further being oriented substantially forwardly toward the aircraft as it approaches the upper and lower units in the first direction, such that as the aircraft approaches the upper and lower units in the first direction, the first portion of the first bank of upper and lower nozzles spray the aircraft with air/water, thereby de-icing the aircraft; and

a second portion of the second bank of upper nozzles and a second portion of the second bank of lower nozzles further being oriented substantially rearwardly towards the aircraft as it moves away from the upper and lower units in the first direction, such that as the aircraft moves away from the upper and lower units in the first direction, the second portion of the second bank of upper and lower nozzles spray the aircraft with glycol/water, thereby anti-icing the aircraft;

whereby the aircraft is both de-iced and anti-iced in one pass by movement of the aircraft in the first direction between the upper and lower units;

a second portion of the first bank of upper and lower nozzles are further oriented substantially rearwardly towards the aircraft as it approaches the upper and lower units in the second opposite direction, such that as the aircraft approaches the upper and lower units in the second opposite direction, the second portion of the first bank of upper and lower nozzles spray the aircraft with air/water, thereby de-icing the aircraft;

a first portion of the second bank of upper and lower nozzles are further oriented substantially forwardly towards the aircraft as it moves away from the upper and lower units in the second opposite direction towards the aircraft as it moves away from the upper and lower units in the second opposite direction, such that as the aircraft moves away from the upper and lower units in the second opposite direction, the first portion of the second bank of upper and lower nozzles spray the aircraft with glycol/water, thereby anti-icing the aircraft;

whereby the aircraft may be both de-iced and anti-iced in one pass of the aircraft by movement of the aircraft in either the first direction of in the second opposite direction between the upper and lower units, so that the arrangement is bi-directional.

20. An apparatus for de-icing and anti-icing an aircraft that moves therethrough in a first direction, the apparatus comprised of:

a pair of lower units positioned substantially horizontally below the aircraft, said lower units further positioned so as to be on opposite sides of the aircraft, each lower unit having a respective first bank of lower nozzles for dispensing a pressurized fluid de-icing composition for de-icing the aircraft and a second bank of lower nozzles for dispensing a pressurized fluid anti-icing composition for anti-icing the aircraft, the first and second banks of lower nozzles being oriented substantially upwardly so as to selectively dispense the pressurized de-icing or anti-icing compositions onto the underside of the aircraft;

a pair of upper units positioned, so as to be substantially above the aircraft, said upper units further positioned, so as to be on opposite sides of the aircraft, each upper unit having a respective first bank of upper nozzles for dispensing the pressurized de-icing composition for de-icing the aircraft and a second bank of upper nozzles for dispensing the pressurized anti-icing composition for anti-icing the aircraft, each upper unit including a substantially vertical support and an elongated substantially horizontal boom carried by the support, such that a tower is defined thereby, the first and second banks of upper nozzles of each upper unit being carried on the respective booms thereof being oriented substantially downwardly, so as to selectively dispense the pressurized de-icing or anti-icing compositions onto the top side of the aircraft;

respective sources of fluid de-icing and fluid anti-icing compositions;

a plurality of conduits extending between the nozzles and the sources of the de-icing and anti-icing compositions, so as to provide for fluid communication between the respective sources and the respective nozzles;

means for pressurizing the de-icing and anti-icing compositions, such that pressurized de-icing and anti-icing compositions are moved through the conduits from the respective sources to the nozzles and are dispensed from the respective nozzles for de-icing and anti-icing the aircraft;

a first portion of the first bank of upper nozzles and a first portion of the first bank of lower nozzles further being oriented substantially forwardly toward the aircraft as it approaches the upper and lower units in the first direction, such that as the aircraft approaches the upper and lower units in the first direction, the first portion of the first bank of upper and lower nozzles spray the aircraft with the pressurized de-icing composition, thereby de-icing the aircraft; and

a second portion of the second bank of upper nozzles and a second portion of the second bank of lower nozzles further being oriented substantially rearwardly towards the aircraft as it moves away from the upper and lower units in the first direction, such that as the aircraft moves away from the upper and lower units in the first direction, the second portion of the second group of upper and lower nozzles spray the aircraft with the pressurized anti-icing composition, thereby anti-icing the aircraft;

whereby the aircraft is both de-iced and anti-iced in one pass by movement of the aircraft in the first direction between the upper and lower units.

21. A bi-directional apparatus for de-icing and anti-icing an aircraft that moves therethrough in either a first direction or a second opposite direction, the apparatus comprised of:

a pair of lower units positioned substantially horizontally below the aircraft, said lower units further positioned so as to be on opposite sides of the aircraft, each lower unit having a respective first bank of lower nozzles for dispensing a pressurized fluid de-icing composition for de-icing the aircraft and a second bank of lower nozzles for dispensing a pressurized fluid anti-icing composition for anti-icing the aircraft, the first and second banks of lower nozzles being oriented substantially upwardly so as to selectively dispense the pressurized de-icing or anti-icing compositions onto the underside of the aircraft;

a pair of upper units positioned, so as to be substantially above the aircraft, said upper units further positioned, so as to be substantially above the aircraft, said upper units further positioned, so as to be on opposite sides of the aircraft, each upper unit having a respective first bank of upper nozzles for dispensing the pressurized de-icing composition for de-icing the aircraft and a second bank of upper nozzles for dispensing the pressurized anti-icing composition for anti-icing the aircraft, each upper unit including a substantially vertical support and an elongated substantially horizontal boom carried by the support, such that a tower is defined thereby, the first and second banks of upper nozzles of each upper unit being carried on the respective booms thereof being oriented substantially downwardly, so as to selectively dispense the pressurized de-icing or anti-icing compositions onto the top side of the aircraft;

respective sources of fluid de-icing and fluid anti-icing compositions;

a plurality of conduits extending between the nozzles and the sources of the de-icing and anti-icing compositions, so as to provide for fluid communication between the respective sources and the respective nozzles;

means for pressurizing the de-icing and anti-icing compositions, such that pressurized de-icing and anti-icing compositions are moved through the conduits from the respective sources to the nozzles and are dispensed from the respective nozzles for de-icing and anti-icing the aircraft;

a first portion of the first bank of upper nozzles and a first portion of the first bank of lower nozzles further being oriented substantially forwardly toward the aircraft as it approaches the upper and lower units in the first direction, such that as the aircraft approaches the upper and lower units in the first direction, the first portion of the first bank of upper and lower nozzles spray the aircraft with the pressurized de-icing composition, thereby de-icing the aircraft; and

a second portion of the second bank of upper nozzles and a second portion of the second bank of lower nozzles further being oriented substantially rearwardly towards the aircraft as it moves away from the upper and lower units in the first direction, such that as the aircraft moves away from the upper and lower units in the first direction, the second portion of the second group of upper and lower nozzles spray the aircraft with the pressurized anti-icing composition, thereby anti-icing the aircraft;

whereby the aircraft is both de-iced and anti-iced in one pass by movement of the aircraft in the first direction between the upper and lower units;

a second portion of the first bank of upper and lower nozzles are further oriented substantially rearwardly towards the aircraft as it approaches the upper and lower units in the second opposite direction, such that as the aircraft approaches the upper and lower units in the second opposite direction, the second portion of the first bank of upper and lower nozzles spray the aircraft with the pressurized de-icing composition, thereby de-icing the aircraft;

a first portion of the second bank of upper and lower nozzles are further oriented substantially forwardly towards the aircraft as it moves away from the upper and lower units in the second opposite direction, such that as the aircraft moves away from the upper and lower units in the second opposite direction, the first portion of the second bank of upper and lower nozzles spray the aircraft with the pressurized anti-icing composition, thereby anti-icing the aircraft;

whereby the aircraft may be both de-iced and anti-iced in one pass of the aircraft by movement of the aircraft in either the first direction or in the second opposite direction between the upper and lower units, so that the arrangement is bi-directional.

22. A bi-directional apparatus for de-icing and anti-icing an aircraft in a two-step one-pass operation, comprising at least one boom having a forward portion and a rearward portion, high-pressure nozzles mounted on the forward and rearward portions of the boom, low pressure nozzles mounted on the forward and rearward portions of the boom and interspersed with the high-pressure nozzles thereon, a first source of a pressurized fluid mixture for de-icing the aircraft, a second source of a pressurized fluid mixture for anti-icing the aircraft, first means for selectively connecting the first source to the first nozzles, and second means for selectively connecting the second source to the second nozzles.

23. A single integrated apparatus for de-icing and anti-icing an aircraft, comprising first high-pressure means for spraying a first pressurized fluid mixture including a de-icing fluid on the aircraft as the aircraft enters into the apparatus, second low-pressure means for spraying a second pressurized fluid mixture including an anti-icing fluid on the aircraft as the aircraft leaves the apparatus, so that the aircraft may be both de-iced and anti-iced, respectively, in one "pass" of the aircraft relative to the single integrated apparatus, third means for selectively cycling respective portions of the first and second means, thereby conserving the de-icing and anti-icing fluids as the aircraft is progressively de-iced and anti-iced by the apparatus, and means for collecting and recycling the de-icing and anti-icing fluids.

24. In an aircraft for de-icing and anti-icing an aircraft, the combination of respective substantially horizontal articulatable booms disposed over the wings and at least a portion of the fuselage of the aircraft and on respective sides of the aircraft, means for raising and lowering the booms relative to the aircraft, thereby accommodating various aircraft heights, each boom having a plurality of arms pivotably mounted to each other, such that the booms may be adjusted to accommodate various aircraft configurations, first high-pressure nozzles carried on each boom for spraying a first pressurized fluid mixture including a de-icing fluid onto the aircraft, second low-pressure nozzles carried on each boom for spraying a second pressurized fluid mixture including an anti-icing fluid onto the aircraft, the first and second nozzles being arranged in respective nozzle groups including a first nozzle group and a second nozzle group, and means for selectively actuating the nozzles in each nozzle group depending upon the wingspan of the aircraft being serviced, so that only the nozzles necessary for proper coverage are operated, thereby conserving the de-icing and anti-icing fluids.

25. The method of de-icing and anti-icing an aircraft comprising the steps of providing a stationary apparatus through which the aircraft moves, the apparatus including respective nozzle means, spraying a first relatively high-pressure first pressurized air/fluid mixture simultaneously and through the same nozzle means onto selected surfaces of the aircraft in a progressive sequence, such that successive portions of the aircraft surfaces are de-iced, and such that portions of the aircraft surfaces have respective adjacent surfaces which receive a spray pattern overlay, in sequence, so that the de-icing process is successively reinforced along the aircraft surfaces;

and second anti-icing the previously de-iced surfaces of the aircraft by spraying a relatively low-pressure second pressurized glycol/water eutectic fluid mixture onto the de-iced surfaces, thereby laying down an anti-icing coating thereon as remaining portions of the aircraft surfaces are being de-iced, and collecting the run-off of the first and second fluid mixtures for subsequent recycling wherein the aircraft is progressively de-iced and anti-iced in one pass of the aircraft relative to the apparatus.