Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a traditional roller, known in the industry, includes a front drum including an eccentric which provides a vibration which is transmitted to the surface to be compacted and a rear drum including another eccentric which provides another vibration which is also transmitted to the surface to be compacted. While this traditional roller is well known in the art, it may be modified to including a control box which synchronizes the movement of the eccentric of the front roller and the eccentric of the rear roller and a braking mechanism. While the braking mechanism is engaged, the synchronized vibrations of the front and rear roller allow the roller to continue compacting the warm asphalt without producing a pressure wave in front of the roller. The synchronization may also be controlled by the control box so that the vibrations created by the eccentrics may actually propel the roller forward.

Abstract: An aircraft servicing system (10) includes a tarmac-servicing system (500). The tarmac-servicing system (500) includes an aircraft-mating element (510) that is mounted and extendible from within an area of a tarmac (502) to couple with an aircraft (504). The tarmac-servicing system (500) supplies primary services to the aircraft (504), such as fuel, air, electrical power, water, coolant, potable water, and gray water. A method of servicing the aircraft (504) includes aligning a primary servicing port (512) of the aircraft (504) over a primary servicing area of a tarmac (502). A tarmac-servicing element (510) is extended out from the tarmac (502) to the aircraft (504). The tarmac-servicing element (510) is aligned and connected to the primary servicing port (512). Primary services are supplied and removed to and from the aircraft (504) in response to the tarmac-servicing element connection with the primary servicing port (512).

Abstract: An aircraft (12) includes a servicing opening (26) and multiple service levels (82, 102). The service levels (82, 102) include a noncargo-based service level (82). The service levels (82, 102) are accessible through the service opening (26). An aircraft onboard primary servicing system (66) includes a primary service sub-system (151). An aircraft primary service coupler (154) is configured to attach to a corresponding terminal primary service coupler (152). The aircraft primary service coupler (154) and the terminal primary service coupler (152) providing at least one primary service therethrough.

Abstract: A terminal (14) for an airport (13) includes multiple servicing levels (82, 102). A ground support service sub-system is coupled to the servicing levels (82, 102) and is configured to mate with a service opening (26) of the aircraft (12). The ground support service sub-system provides services to the aircraft (12) through the service opening (26) and on the servicing levels (82, 102).

Abstract: An aircraft (1000) includes multiple servicing levels (1014, 1016) and a flight deck level (1040) that is isolated from the servicing levels (1014, 1016). An aircraft security system (1001) includes a passive system (1030) and an active system (1032) that is in operation with said passive system (1030). The passive system (1030) includes a service opening (1050) for both passengers and cargo and the flight deck (1040) that is isolated from the service opening (1050).

Abstract: A mobile ground servicing unit (470) includes a stand-alone support structure (471). Wheels (473) are coupled to the support structure (471). The support structure (471) has one or more servicing levels (472, 474) that are associated with services. A ground support service sub-system is coupled to the servicing levels and is configured to mate with a service opening (26?) of an aircraft (12??). The ground support service sub-system provides the services to the aircraft (12??) through the service opening (26?) and on the servicing levels (472, 474).

Abstract: An asphalt compaction device including a primary compaction plate and a secondary compaction plate for concentrating force, resulting in an increased compaction rate. The secondary compaction plate may be either rotated or extended into its operative position. The asphalt compaction device may include a single primary compaction plate intended to be moved and steered by a user. Alternatively, the asphalt compaction device may include an articulated machine with multiple primary compaction plates. Additionally, any of the articulated segments of the compaction device may include pneumatic tires to aid in the compaction of the asphalt, to prevent the asphalt from spreading away from the sides of the compaction device, and to assist in steering the compaction device.

Abstract: An asphalt compaction device including a primary compaction plate and a secondary compaction plate for concentrating force, resulting in an increased compaction rate. The secondary compaction plate may be either rotated or extended into its operative position. The asphalt compaction device may include a single primary compaction plate intended to be moved and steered by a user. Alternatively, the asphalt compaction device may include an articulated machine with multiple primary compaction plates.

Abstract: An aircraft fueling system (890) includes an underground fuel supply (904). A fuel pump (906) is coupled to the underground fuel supply 904 and is used to supply fuel to an aircraft (902). A fuel probe (908) is coupled to the fuel pump (906) and is extendible to an aircraft fueling port (926). A fuel probe connection sensor (938) generates a connection signal. A controller (924) is coupled to the fuel pump (906) and the fuel probe connection sensor (938) and adjusts the supply of the fuel (904) to the aircraft (902) in response to the connection signal.

Abstract: A servicing bridge (14) for an airport (13) includes multiple servicing levels (82, 102). A bridge (81) includes one or more of the servicing levels (82, 102) and extends from a terminal of the airport (13). A ground support service sub-system is coupled to the servicing levels (82, 102) and is configured to mate with a service opening (26) of the aircraft (12). The ground support service sub-system provides services to the aircraft (12) through the service opening (26) and on the servicing levels (82, 102).

Abstract: A powered nose aircraft wheel system (130) for an aircraft (12) includes landing gear (104) that extends from the aircraft (12). A wheel axel (136) is coupled to the landing gear (104). A wheel (134) is coupled to the wheel axel (136). A wheel motor (106) is coupled to the wheel axel (136) and the wheel (134). A controller (120) is coupled to the wheel motor (106) and rotates the wheel (134). A method of taxiing an aircraft (12) includes permitting the wheel (134) of the aircraft (12) to freely spin during the landing of the aircraft (12). Power is transferred from an auxiliary power unit (73) of the aircraft (12) to the wheel motor (106). The wheel (134) is rotated via the wheel motor (106). The aircraft (12) is steered and the speed of the wheel (134) is controlled via one or more controllers selected from an onboard controller (18, 118, 120) and an offboard controller (45, 58, 59).

Abstract: A carry-on luggage system (450) for an airport includes a carry-on interface station (453). A carry-on transport module (452) is disposed and accessible within the carry-on interface station (453) and includes multiple stowage units (467) for carry-on items. A transport mechanism (451) transports the carry-on transport module (452) between the airport interface terminal (14) and an aircraft. A method of loading and unloading carry-on items on and off an aircraft includes providing access to a stowage unit (467). The stowage unit (467) is on a carry-on transport module (452) at a carry-on interface station (453). Access to the stowage unit (467) allows for placement of at least one carry-on item therein. The carry-on transport module (452) is transported between the carry-on interface station (453) and an aircraft.

Abstract: An integrated operational ground mobility and support system (10) that includes an aircraft (12) having one or more service openings on a side of the aircraft (12). The integrated support system (10) may have an airport interface terminal docking port (14) that has a ground support service sub-system. The docking port (14) mates with the aircraft (12) at the service openings and has multiple service levels. The ground support service sub-system provides services to the aircraft (12) through the service openings and on the service levels. The integrated support system (10) may have in addition to or in replacement of the interface terminal docking port an aircraft loader/unloader. The loader/unloader has ground support service sub-systems and mates with the aircraft (12) at one or more of the service openings. The service sub-systems of the loader/unloader include a passenger ingress/egress system (62) and provide services to the aircraft (12).

Abstract: An integrated operational ground mobility and support system (10) that includes an aircraft (12) having one or more service openings. The integrated support system (10) may have an airport interface terminal docking port (14) that has a ground support service sub-system. The docking port (14) mates with the aircraft (12) at the service openings and has multiple service levels. The ground support service sub-system provides services to the aircraft (12) through the service openings and on the service levels. The integrated support system (10) may have in addition to or in replacement of the interface terminal docking port an aircraft loader/unloader. The loader/unloader has ground support service sub-systems and mates with the aircraft (12) at one or more of the service openings. The service sub-systems of the loader/unloader include a passenger ingress/egress system (62) and provide services to the aircraft (12).