Patent ID: 7355302

Claim:
A system for powering and controlling de-icing elements on aircraft propellers, the system comprising: a control unit operable to receive power from a three-phase power source and to switch the power on and completely off with a series coupled switching element to generate a power signal having a plurality of power transitions, wherein at least one of the power transitions has a time duration different than other power transitions; and a distributor unit operable to- rotatably couple with the control unit, receive the power signal from the control unit, power at least a first de-icing element with the power signal, identify a power transition of a first time duration, during the first power transition, apply no power to the de-icing elements, identify subsequent power transitions of a second time duration equal to or shorter than the first time duration, and, in response to the subsequent power transitions, switch the power signal to at least a second de-icing element.