Abstract: A method and apparatus for air conditioning parked aircraft is disclosed in which air at a temperature below the freezing point of water is provided under pressure to the aircraft. The use of sub-freezing air enables a reduction in air flow rate over prior art systems. This results in less power consumption for cooling and pressurizing the air and also results in less cabin noise. Further, the air entering the cabin is very low in humidity, which enhances passenger comfort. Several cooling system mechanizations are presented which include provisions for automatic frost removal.

Abstract: An airtight telescoping rigid conduit is disclosed which includes rigid tubular sections which are coupled together using multiple bearings and a pressure actuated resilient seal ring. The tubular sections are constructed with a heat insulating foam core to minimize losses to, or gains from, the atmosphere. The conduit is designed to be attached to a telescoping passenger loading bridge which connects an airport terminal to an aircraft. The conduit provides preconditioned cooling or heating air from the terminal to the aircraft.