| abstract |
Piezoelectric elements formed from poly(vinylidene fluoride) films (11) sandwiched between one or more electrode layers (13, 17) are used to prevent and remove ice from various surfaces (14) such as bridges, roads, walkways, vehicles, with a minimum amount of energy, preferably by electrically energizing (15) the device to cause the film to vibrate and prevent ice formation or to break-up preformed ice. <IMAGE> |