Abstract: A plural function tow hook is described for engaging airplane nose gears having nose gears of different styles. Consequently, a single tow hook can be used in multiple applications for aircraft towing purposes. The tow hook receives and engages a pin of a nose gear for use in towing the aircraft in one application. The tow hook receives first and second loops of a tow strap passing around a strut of an airplane nose gear in another application.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a cutting apparatus and a method having a shaft with a first end and a second end. Multiple blades are fitted onto the shaft. A first side support supports the shaft at the first end and is sufficiently strong to support the shaft and the multiple blades without there being support for the second end. The exposed second end facilitates removal of the blades from the shaft by sliding the blades along the shaft and off the second end. A holding shaft may be coupled to the second end of the shaft on the cutting apparatus, and the multiple blades can be slide off the shaft and onto the holding shaft.

Abstract: A pocket conveyor for use in food processing in which the pockets move independently from each other. Each pocket contains a portion of food which is conveyed from one processing machine to another in the course of food production. Independent movement of the pockets provides for, among other things, greater efficiencies in food production by allowing independent operation of the various processing machines along the conveyor as well as allowing the use of multiple processing machines for each of one or more processes. Further, independent movement of the pockets eliminates the maintenance issues associated with pockets which are chain-linked, such as chain and motor related failure.

Abstract: A pocket conveyor for use in food processing in which the pockets move independently from each other. Each pocket contains a portion of food which is conveyed from one processing machine to another in the course of food production. Independent movement of the pockets provides for, among other things, greater efficiencies in food production by allowing independent operation of the various processing machines along the conveyor as well as allowing the use of multiple processing machines for each of one or more processes. Further, independent movement of the pockets eliminates the maintenance issues associated with pockets which are chain-linked, such as chain and motor related failure.

Abstract: An aircraft tug assembly is provided for moving an aircraft on the ground. The tug assembly includes a self-propelled chassis responsive to operator control. A cradle assembly is pivotally attached to a front portion of the chassis. The cradle assembly has an adjustable nosewheel receiving apparatus comprising two lateral arms adjustably engaged with a rear gate to define a nosewheel receiving corral therebetween, with the corral sizable to accommodate varying sized aircraft nosewheels. The chassis has a winch, or alternatively a telescoping arm, for pulling an aircraft nosewheel onto the cradle assembly and into the corral. An optional front gate may be used to enclose the nosewheel within the corral. Hydraulic actuators lift the cradle assembly with the nosewheel thereon so the tug assembly may move the aircraft without starting the aircraft engine.

Abstract: An aircraft tug assembly is provided for moving an aircraft on the ground. The tug assembly includes a self-propelled chassis responsive to operator control. A cradle assembly is pivotally attached to a front portion of the chassis. The cradle assembly has an adjustable nosewheel receiving apparatus comprising two lateral arms adjustably engaged with a rear gate to define a nosewheel receiving corral therebetween, with the corral sizable to accommodate varying sized aircraft nosewheels. The chassis has a winch for pulling an aircraft nosewheel onto the cradle assembly and into the corral. An optional front gate may be used to enclose the nosewheel within the corral. Hydraulic actuators lift the cradle assembly with the nosewheel thereon so the tug assembly may move the aircraft without starting the aircraft engine.

Abstract: An aircraft tug assembly is provided for moving an aircraft on the ground. The tug assembly includes a self-propelled chassis responsive to operator control. A cradle assembly is pivotally attached to a front portion of the chassis. The cradle assembly has an adjustable nosewheel receiving apparatus comprising two lateral arms adjustably engaged with a rear gate to define a nosewheel receiving corral therebetween, with the corral sizable to accommodate varying sized aircraft nosewheels. The chassis has a winch for pulling an aircraft nosewheel onto the cradle assembly and into the corral. An optional front gate may be used to enclosed the nosewheel within the corral. Hydraulic actuators lift the cradle assembly with the nosewheel thereon so the tug assembly may move the aircraft without starting the aircraft engine.