Patent ID: 6137082
Filing Date: 2000-10-24
Classification: B64C,B64D

Abstract:
Apparatus for deicing the surface of propeller blades disposed in a spinner assembly mounted to and rotatable with the shaft of an engine installed on an aircraft, the aircraft having an electrical power source, comprising:rotational interface means, adapted to be fixedly mounted to and rotatable with the spinner assembly, and including one or more substantially annular slip rings disposed on an interface surface thereof;heater elements, at least one disposed on each propeller blade and each electrically connected to an associated one of said slip rings; anda brush block assembly, adapted for installation in proximity to said rotational interface means and having one or more brush pockets for securing a like number of electrically conductive brushes in contact registration with the rotating surface of said rings; andbrush block assembly being responsive to the aircraft power source for providing an electrical current signal therefrom to each brush;as characterized by:said brush block assembly comprising a main housing a removable brush block holder, said main housing having an interface recess portion adapted to releasably engage said brush holder, said brush being formed from a thermoplastic molding compound comprising an organic polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) filler distributed within a polyetheretherketone (PEEK thermoplastic resin and adapted to secure, when engaged in the recess portion, said electrically conductive brushes in contact registration with the surface of said slip rings.