Patent ID: 7449661
Filing Date: 2008-11-11
Classification: B64F,F16L,H05B

Abstract:
1. A heat trace system for heating water servicing conduits for the prevention of freezing which comprises: a) a retractable conduit capable of conducting city water to an aircraft positioned at a passenger loading bridge, said conduit extendable with said bridge, b) an upstream fitting attached onto a first end of said conduit adjacent to a building structure, c) a downstream fitting attached onto a second end of said conduit adjacent to a passenger loading bridge cab, d) a coated retractable coiled wire disposed within said conduit with a cold lead wire entering through said upstream fitting and leaving through said downstream fitting, said wire retractable within the conduit during use, and e) a low voltage solid state power control box in communication with said coiled wire providing regulated electrical energy for heating said coiled wire to prevent water from freezing within the conduit prior to and during aircraft servicing at the passenger loading bridge, wherein said solid state power control box providing a voltage no more than 30 volts to said coiled wire from a primary mains supply having a resistance output adjustable from 0 to 24 watts per linear foot.