My idea of modifying an existing, patented technology to retrofit existing aircraft with a cost effective and efficient anti ice system is over a decade old. Although often discussed, a lack of support and funding always buried the concept. This idea was first discussed after the development of amepox's "thermopox" in 1992, but the idea was shelved since amepox was a microelectronics corporation and not part of the aviation industry. The idea was discussed with my various friends at the FAA, DOD and PART 121/135 operations over the years and they all thought I should pursue it. Being active in amepox, the idea wasn't seriously considered again until I mentioned it to a helicopter rotor system designer in 1996. Unfortunately, a lack of R&D funding from amepox put the concept on hold once again. In 1998 the idea was discussed with industry leaders at the West Chester Rotor Fest and again at the following '99 HAI convention in Vegas. In all cases interest and support was great but all parties agreed that I should seek a patent before presenting this ideal in detail to the industry. Since some of these industry insiders are personal friends enough details were given to determine if the ideas is functional and viable.

Then in 1999, while performing at the MARCH ARB airshow, the idea was solicited to a rather prominent performer who volunteered the use of one of his planes for the research. With that support I tried in vain to convince my partners to support this application of our technology. And so the story goes, I kept trying to gather support for my concept and people kept dying in iced up aircraft. Along the way some partial solutions obtained patents and some even sound remarkably close to my suggestions with the exception that the enabling amepox technology is missing. Missing because it's never been disclosed to the public, even at amepox it is still a closely guarded secret only known by the company's principals.

The good news is that I've decided to go it alone. I'm no longer waiting for the support of others to green light this project. Instead I've decided to create the US corporation "thermalEDGE Corp." to develop, produce, certify and install the thermalEDGE system. The documents for the patent are being reviewed for final filing and within a year more information will become available on this website. Unfortunately, I remain deployed to OEF/ONW until April 2003, which will cause for an initial delay. However, I hope that by putting forth this information I'll attract the attention of individuals who can help accelerate this project once I return state side. There are so many of you out there in aviation that know me and perhaps have lost touch with me .... let's work together and brainstorm this. (866) 635-7439

Well I've returned safely from OEF/ONW/OIF and there is a lot of work at hand both trying to reconstitute the unit, our transition to AFSOC and the closure of amepox MICROelectronics. In addition a media company on whose board I sit has additional demands on my time. It's looking like this "thermalEDGE" will become my retirement project .. unless some ambitious patent attorney can convince me otherwise. HAPPY NEW YEAR