Abstract: A preconditioned air connector (PCA) may be provided with a hollow body configured to pass a fluid flow, and a first mount assembly coupled to the hollow body. The first mount assembly may include a first cam joint with a first arcuate path of motion in a first plane generally tangential to the hollow body, a first mount coupled to the first cam joint, and a first lever coupled to the first cam joint. The first lever may be configured to actuate the first mount via a first transfer of motion through the first cam joint to draw the first mount inwardly toward the hollow body. In addition, the first mount may be configured to draw the hollow body and a mating component inwardly toward one another to pass the fluid flow between the hollow body and the mating component.

Abstract: A preconditioned air hose includes an abrasion-resistant external layer made of robust nylon, an insulating layer, and an inner layer. The robust external layer protects the air hose from wear and degradation due to abrasion. The external layer may be made of a fabric with an abrasion resistance of at least 22,000 cycles to failure as measured using the ASTM D 3884 standard. This external layer fabric may be composed of filaments having a linear density of about 1,000 denier. The external layer fabric may weigh about 10.8 ounces per square yard.

Abstract: A preconditioned air connector (PCA) may be provided with a hollow body configured to pass a fluid flow, and a first mount assembly coupled to the hollow body. The first mount assembly may include a first cam joint with a first arcuate path of motion in a first plane generally tangential to the hollow body, a first mount coupled to the first cam joint, and a first lever coupled to the first cam joint. The first lever may be configured to actuate the first mount via a first transfer of motion through the first cam joint to draw the first mount inwardly toward the hollow body. In addition, the first mount may be configured to draw the hollow body and a mating component inwardly toward one another to pass the fluid flow between the hollow body and the mating component.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a PCA connector has a polyethylene body, wherein the polyethylene is durable, corrosion resistant, and exhibits excellent strength over a large range of temperature and moisture conditions. The polyethylene body may be described as a single structure with integral features, such as a bearing portion, a latch housing portion, a latch guide portion, and so forth. Thus, the number of parts is significantly reduced by the one-piece design of the body. In addition, the PCA connector may include a latching mechanism configured to secure the PCA connector to an aircraft. For example, the latching mechanism may include a pair of levers, which engage a pair of latches on opposite sides of the polyethylene body. In some embodiments, the levers may be rotated in opposite directions relative to one another to impart movement of the latches in the same direction, e.g., an axial direction.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a preconditioned air connector has a hollow body configured to route a fluid therethrough and a hook member configured to mate with a cooperating element to draw the hollow body into fluid communication with a mating component. The preconditioned air connector also has a pivotable member actuatable along an arc tangential to the hollow body to direct axial translation of the hook member from a first position to a second position to draw the hollow body into fluid communication with the mating component. The pivotable member has an arcuate camming surface having a locking portion that secures the connector in a fully engaged position with respect to the mating component.

Abstract: A system and method for connecting a traditional air chute to an air hose delivering preconditioned air to an aircraft includes an adapter system. The adapter system includes a flexible stage having an exterior surrounding a hollow interior configured to receive air from the air hose and deliver the air to the air chute. The adapter system also includes a rotational stage coupled to the flexible stage and having an exterior surrounding a hollow interior configured to receive air from the air hose and deliver the air to the air chute. The flexible stage is adjustable relative to the rotational stage to selectively move the hollow interior of the flexible stage between extending along a common axis through the air chute and the rotational stage and not extending along the common axis.

Abstract: A preconditioned air hose includes an abrasion-resistant external layer made of robust nylon, an insulating layer, and an inner layer. The robust external layer protects the air hose from wear and degradation due to abrasion. The external layer may be made of a fabric with an abrasion resistance of at least 22,000 cycles to failure as measured using the ASTM D 3884 standard. This external layer fabric may be composed of filaments having a linear density of about 1,000 denier. The external layer fabric may weigh about 10.8 ounces per square yard.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a PCA connector has a nylon body, wherein the nylon is durable, corrosion resistant, and exhibits excellent strength over a large range of temperature and moisture conditions. The nylon body may be described as a single structure with integral features, such as a bearing portion, a latch housing portion, a latch guide portion, and so forth. Thus, the number of parts is significantly reduced by the one-piece design of the body. In addition, the PCA connector may include a latching mechanism configured to secure the PCA connector to an aircraft. For example, the latching mechanism may include a pair of levers, which engage a pair of latches on opposite sides of the nylon body. In some embodiments, the levers may be rotated in opposite directions relative to one another to impart movement of the latches in the same direction, e.g., an axial direction. Also, some embodiments of the latching mechanism include a cam between the levers and the latches, respectively.

Abstract: A preconditioned air hose includes an abrasion-resistant external layer made of robust nylon, an insulating layer, and an inner layer. The robust external layer protects the air hose from wear and degradation due to abrasion. The external layer may be made of a fabric with an abrasion resistance of at least 22,000 cycles to failure as measured using the ASTM D 3884 standard. This external layer fabric may be composed of filaments having a linear density of about 1,000 denier. The external layer fabric may weigh about 10.8 ounces per square yard.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a PCA connector has a nylon body, wherein the nylon is durable, corrosion resistant, and exhibits excellent strength over a large range of temperature and moisture conditions. The nylon body may be described as a single structure with integral features, such as a bearing portion, a latch housing portion, a latch guide portion, and so forth. Thus, the number of parts is significantly reduced by the one-piece design of the body. In addition, the PCA connector may include a latching mechanism configured to secure the PCA connector to an aircraft. For example, the latching mechanism may include a pair of levers, which engage a pair of latches on opposite sides of the nylon body. In some embodiments, the levers may be rotated in opposite directions relative to one another to impart movement of the latches in the same direction, e.g., an axial direction. Also, some embodiments of the latching mechanism include a cam between the levers and the latches, respectively.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a PCA connector has a nylon body, wherein the nylon is durable, corrosion resistant, and exhibits excellent strength over a large range of temperature and moisture conditions. The nylon body may be described as a single structure with integral features, such as a bearing portion, a latch housing portion, a latch guide portion, and so forth. Thus, the number of parts is significantly reduced by the one-piece design of the body. In addition, the PCA connector may include a latching mechanism configured to secure the PCA connector to an aircraft. For example, the latching mechanism may include a pair of levers, which engage a pair of latches on opposite sides of the nylon body. In some embodiments, the levers may be rotated in opposite directions relative to one another to impart movement of the latches in the same direction, e.g., an axial direction. Also, some embodiments of the latching mechanism include a cam between the levers and the latches, respectively.

Abstract: A power delivery system for parked aircraft includes protective rings on the power cords. These protective rings protect the power cord jackets from wear and facilitate movement of the power cords across the ground. The rings may be configured for securement to the cable so as to compress the insulative jacket of the cable somewhat, thereby firmly maintaining the rings in place on the cable. The rings may be formed of two identical elements that are joined to envelope the cable. The rings may accommodate both round insulated cable, as well as bundled cable.

Abstract: A system for supporting a hose configured to deliver preconditioned air from a source to an aircraft is disclosed. The system includes a base support and a stationary bearing assembly connected to the base support proximate a first end of the stationary bearing assembly. The stationary bearing assembly is configured to engage the hose to support the hose. The system also includes a frame assembly connected to the stationary bearing assembly proximate a second end of the stationary bearing assembly. The frame assembly has a support extending away from the frame assembly that is configured to engage the hose.

Abstract: A preconditioned air hose includes an abrasion-resistant external layer made of robust nylon, an insulating layer, and an inner layer. The robust external layer protects the air hose from wear and degradation due to abrasion. The external layer may be made of a fabric with an abrasion resistance of at least 22,000 cycles to failure as measured using the ASTM D 3884 standard. This external layer fabric may be composed of filaments having a linear density of about 1,000 denier. The external layer fabric may weigh about 10.8 ounces per square yard.

Abstract: A system and method for connecting a traditional air chute to an air hose delivering preconditioned air to an aircraft includes an adapter system. The adapter system includes a flexible stage having an exterior surrounding a hollow interior configured to receive air from the air hose and deliver the air to the air chute. The adapter system also includes a rotational stage coupled to the flexible stage and having an exterior surrounding a hollow interior configured to receive air from the air hose and deliver the air to the air chute. The flexible stage is adjustable relative to the rotational stage to selectively move the hollow interior of the flexible stage between extending along a common axis through the air chute and the rotational stage and not extending along the common axis.

Abstract: A conduit system is described for providing fresh air to aircraft positioned on the ground. The conduit system includes self-similar conduit sections having a female or connection end in a male or insertion end. The conduit sections may be back-compatible with existing fresh air conduits. The connection end forms sides or flaps joined by integral flexible bellows or gussets. The connection end thus forms a closed ring. The male end may be secured within the connection end by means of hook-and-loop fastener material and the connection end may be closed over the male end. The connection end is then completely closed by securement of extension tabs to an exterior surface of the connection end, thereby collapsing the integral bellows.

Abstract: A connector for coupling a preconditioned air source to an aircraft is provided. The connector comprises actuating members rotatably secured to a body. In one embodiment, the actuating members are supported, at least partially, by an integrated bearing assembly. The connector also comprises securing members that are positionably coupled to the actuating members. Accordingly, rotation of the actuating members displaces the securing members. Moreover, the actuating members comprise respective camming surfaces, wherein the camming surfaces define the axial position of the corresponding securing members.