Automatic deicer spreader

• US 5,447,272 A
• Filed: 02/22/1994
• Issued: 09/05/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 02/22/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc. (Trinity Industries Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Odin Systems International, Inc.
• Inventors: Ask, Bernard J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Kashnikow, Andres
• Assistant Examiner(s): WELDON, KEVIN P
• Application Number:
  US08/199,781
• Time in Patent Office: 560 Days
• Field of Search: 137/79, 137/80, 137/624.12, 137/624.13, 137/565, 239/71, 239/70, 239/69, 239/668, 239/302, 239/669, 239/654, 239/650, 239/681, 239/687, 239/72
• US Class Current: 239/7
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 12/00 Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 12/12 responsive to conditions of ambient medium or target, e.g. humidity, temperature position or movement of the target relative to the spray apparatus B05B12/082, B05B12/084 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 3/085 in association with sectorial deflectors
• CPC Class Codes: E01H 10/005 Permanently-installed devices for applying gritting or thawing materials, e.g. for spreading grit, for spraying de-icing liquids

Abstract

A device for spreading a deicing agent onto any surface either autonomously, manually or by remote control. Upon detecting the onset of icing conditions, the device delivers either a granular or liquid deicing agent unto the targeted surface, preventing ice build up. The key components of the device include the deicing agent storage container ,the freezing sensor, the moisture detection sensor, timing circuits, power supply, motor, pump or impeller and switching system circuitry. The device also possesses the capability to log and or transmit data to a central site and can activate various warning signals. The device is contained within a corrosion, weather and vandal resistant housing and is powered by either line current with a battery backup or by battery power alone. The system is designed to require low maintenance and of rugged construction to endure harsh environmental exposure.

Claims

1. A method of automatically applying a deicing agent to any surface, comprising the steps of activating an applying device by remote control or autonomously by using on-board sensors causing the release of the agent via ejection by propelling means for deicing agents from a device comprising a weather and corrosion proof storage container for bulk storage and delivery of deicing agents, with a locking weatherproof lid, a conical molded funnel guiding the deicing agent via an inlet manifold leading into said propelling means, powered by line current or batteries stored in the base of said device and recharged by use of a photo voltaic cell or line voltage, using a motor controlling circuit comprised of a motor relay, a timer, a temperature sensor and a moisture sensor and remote control receiver circuit, which start the motor causing the deicing agent to be distributed upon the targeted surface, after a predetermined time the timer stops the motor and resets said sensors to a condition of preparedness for the next triggering signal from either the said receiver or said sensors.

5. The method of detecting icing conditions by means of on board sensors as described in claim 1, further comprising transmitting the existence of icing conditions to a central location from a remote site comprising the steps of using input from said sensors and transmitting a signal using a predetermined frequency to a central site receiver and issuing an audible and or visual warning upon activation by input received from said sensors.

6. The method of providing notification of icing conditions to users of a surface targeted by a plurality of said devices as described in claim 1 comprising the steps of using a signal from said sensors, transmitting said signal to a local receiver and thereby activating a visual and or audible warning device.

10. A deicing method as described in claim 1, further comprising connecting the applying device to pilot controlled runway lights for providing means for deicing runways, ramps and taxi ways at airports.

2. A deicing machine for preventing icing on any surface, comprising a weather and corrosion proof storage container for bulk storage and delivery of deicing material, with a locking weatherproof lid, a conical molded funnel guiding the deicing agent onto a motor driven propelling means, powered by line current or batteries stored in the base of the device and recharged by use of a photo voltaic cell, using a motor controlling circuit comprised of a motor relay, a timer, a temperature sensor, a moisture sensor, and remote control receiver circuit, which, when activated, causes the motor to rotate the impeller in an action causing the deicing agent to exit onto the targeted surface, and after a predetermined time said timer switching the motor relay off and resetting said sensors to a condition of preparedness for the next triggering signal from either said remote control receiver or sensors.

8. A deicing device as described in claim 2 further comprising means by which the level of deicing agent in the device is measured and a radio transmission device to transmit a signal to a remote receiver to warn of depleted level of deicing agent.

12. A deicing device as described in claim 2, further comprising means for linking numerous devices to provide coverage over a greater area or an area of greater length by causing multiple deicing devices to simultaneously spread deicing agent.

13. A deicing device as described in claim 2, further comprising limit means for allowing operation of said device only during predetermined hours.

15. A deicing device as described in claim 2, further comprising means for manual operation of said device.

17. A deicing device as described in claim 2, further comprising a data logger for long term measurement and recording of conditions at the deicing device location.

19. A deicing device as described in claim 2, further comprising an alarm with means for transmitting a warning signal to a remote site in the event of any failure in the deicing device operation.

3. A deicing machine comprising a weather and corrosion proof storage container for bulk storage and delivery of liquid deicing agent, with a locking weatherproof lid, an inlet tube guiding the liquid deicing agent into a tube, the flow controlled by a solenoid valve, leading into a manifold for distribution by a motorized electric pump via tubes to a nozzle positioned in proximity to and aimed toward the targeted surface, said electric pump and said solenoid valve are powered by line current or batteries stored in the detachable base of the device and recharged by use of a photo voltaic cell or line current, an on-board sensor based controlling circuit further comprising a motor and solenoid relay, a timer, temperature detection circuitry, a moisture detection circuit, and remote control receiver circuit, which activate said solenoid valve and said pump thereby allowing the deicing agent to flow through the tube using either gravity or said electric pump causing the liquid deicing agent to be distributed to the targeted surface and, after a predetermined time, said timer mechanism closing the solenoid valve and switching the pump motor relay off, resetting the timing mechanism and said icing detection sensors to a condition of preparedness for the next triggering signal from a remote control receiver or on-board sensors.

4. A deicing machine as described in claim 3 wherein the liquid deicing agent is distributed by means of a perforated tube with the pattern and number of perforations dependent upon both the size or volume of the target surface and deicing agent physical properties, said perforated tube residing upon or adjacent to the targeted surface.

7. A deicing agent sprayer as described in claim 3, wherein the deicing agent is a non-conductive deicing agent and wherein said applying device is installed by means for electrically isolating the device, rendering said device suitable for deicing electrical transmission devices comprising insulators, transformers, breaker bars, wiring, and grounding devices.

9. A deicing device as described in claim 3 further comprising means by which the level of deicing agent in the device is measured and a radio transmission device to transmit a signal to a remote receiver to warn of depleted level of deicing agent.

11. A deicing device as described in claim 3, further comprising booster pumps controlled by said controlling circuit for providing means for said applying device to provide deicing to a very large area or an area of great length by boosting the hydraulic pressure to said liquid distribution outlets.

14. A deicing device as described in claim 3, further comprising limit means for allowing operation of said device only during predetermined hours.

16. A deicing device as described in claim 3, further comprising means for manual operation of said device.

18. A deicing device as described in claim 3, further comprising a data logger for long term measurement and recording of conditions at the deicing device location.

20. A deicing device as described in claim 3, further comprising an alarm with means for transmitting a warning signal to a remote site in the event of any failure in the deicing device operation.