Abstract: An aircraft extending along a longitudinal aircraft axis and having a nose wheel pivotal about an upright wheel axis can be maneuvered by a tractor extending along a longitudinal tractor axis and adapted to engage the nose wheel of the aircraft. The tractor and aircraft axes can extend at an angle to each other that should not exceed a predetermined maximum turnout angle. A turnout protection system has structure on the aircraft that is directed generally perpendicular of the aircraft axis and that is only directed toward the tractor when the aircraft and tractor axes extend generally at the maximum turnout angle relative to each other. At least one electronic sensor on the tractor directed toward the aircraft detects the structure when the aircraft and tractor axes extend generally at the maximum turnout angle relative to each other. A controller on the tractor takes action, e.g.

Abstract: An aircraft towing tractor has its acceleration limited to a predetermined limiting acceleration to reduce stresses upon the aircraft undercarriage by a computer-controlled regulator interposed between the gas pedal and the internal combustion engine. The regulator can also provide control of the speed increase of the engine below a predetermined limiting value thereof prior to control of the limiting acceleration.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting relatively small and deformable elongated rails on a relatively large, generally horizontal, and nondeformable elongated rail beam has a stiff but limitedly elastically deformable elongated jig. A plurality of clamps spaced longitudinally along the jig are engageable with the rail for locking onto the rail at respective longitudinally spaced locations. Respective vertical and horizontal jacks transversely engage between the clamps and the jig for elastically deforming the jig into a desired shape relative to the rail beam. Holders and the like are provided on the jig for securing the deformable rails to the rail beam in predetermined positions relative to the deformed jig. If the rail section is to be curved in any direction the jig is appropriately deformed relative to the rail beam so its various holders and mounting fixtures lie on the appropriate curve. Such elastic deformation of the jig therefore perfectly positions these rail holders.

Abstract: A magnetic-suspension or levitation vehicle comprises a track having a plurality of substantially continuous rails cooperating with respective systems upon the vehicle, e.g. a reaction rail cooperating with a linear induction motor, a contact rail cooperating with shoes for delivering current to or electrically connecting the vehicle to a central station, an armature rail for a magnetic suspension and/or guide arrangement etc.; at least two and preferably all of the rails are mounted upon common supports which, in turn, are anchored to the track structure at spaced locations along the vehicle path. Thus the relative position of the rails can be established in a factory and the prefabricated rail assembly erected at the track site as a unit.

Abstract: A magnetic-suspension or levitation vehicle comprises a track having a plurality of substantially continuous rails cooperating with respective systems upon the vehicle, e.g. a reaction rail cooperating with a linear induction motor, a contact rail cooperating with shoes for delivering current to or electrically connecting the vehicle to a central station, an armature rail for a magnetic suspension and/or guide arrangement etc.; at least two and preferably all of the rails are mounted upon common supports which, in turn, are anchored to the track structure at spaced locations along the vehicle path. Thus the relative positions of the rails can be established in a factory and the prefabricated rail assembly erected at the track site as a unit.