Abstract: A dual function solid state power converter operable from a three phase AC input current simultaneously provides; an AC or DC output current on an aircraft power cable to provide ground power to a parked aircraft, and a low voltage DC current on a battery charging power cable to charge batteries in nearby service vehicles. The power converter includes an AC to DC converter which converts the current on an internal DC bus, a DC to AC converter which converts the DC bus current to an AC current at a higher voltage and frequency, or a DC to DC converter which converts the DC bus current to a lower voltage DC, for supplying ground power to a parked aircraft, and a DC to DC converter for converting the DC bus current to a lower voltage battery charging current on the battery charging cable.

Abstract: An aircraft ground power connector for use in an aircraft ground power support system providing electrical power from a ground power unit through a ground power cable to the ground power receptacle of a parked aircraft. The axis of the portion of the connector housing which engages the aircraft ground power receptacle is angled relative to the axis of the portion of the housing which receives the ground power cable to minimize mechanical stress on the aircraft ground power receptacle when the connector is installed therein and to render the connector easier to insert and remove from the aircraft receptacle. Additionally, the ground power connector includes a capacitor connected to an electrical circuit within the connector supplying do voltage to the aircraft ground power receptacle to mitigate momentary voltage drops at the receptacle resulting from momentary surges in current demand by the aircraft.

Abstract: An aircraft ground power connector for use in an aircraft ground power support system providing electrical power from a ground power unit through a ground power cable to the ground power receptacle of a parked aircraft. The axis of the portion of the connector housing which engages the aircraft ground power receptacle is angled relative to the axis of the portion of the housing which receives the ground power cable to minimize mechanical stress on the aircraft ground power receptacle when the connector is installed therein and to render the connector easier to insert and remove from the aircraft receptacle. Additionally, the ground power connector includes a capacitor connected to an electrical circuit within the connector supplying do voltage to the aircraft ground power receptacle to mitigate momentary voltage drops at the receptacle resulting from momentary surges in current demand by the aircraft.

Abstract: A dual function solid state power converter operable from a three phase AC input current simultaneously provides; an AC or DC output current on an aircraft power cable to provide ground power to a parked aircraft, and a low voltage DC current on a battery charging power cable to charge batteries in nearby service vehicles. The power converter includes an AC to DC converter which converts the current on an internal DC bus, a DC to AC converter which converts the DC bus current to an AC current at a higher voltage and frequency, or a DC to DC converter which converts the DC bus current to a lower voltage DC, for supplying ground power to a parked aircraft, and a DC to DC converter for converting the DC bus current to a lower voltage battery charging current on the battery charging cable.

Abstract: An airplane ground support system includes a multi-voltage power supply. A control system within the power conversion module receives measurements to regulate the power module's output to a predetermined preset voltage level as mandated by the power output selection signal. In an alternate embodiment a multi-voltage or upgradable power supply has A.C. and D.C. capability, A.C. only capability with an upgrade kit available to add D.C. capability in addition to the A.C. capability, D.C. only capability with an upgrade kit available to add A.C. capability in addition to the D.C. capability.

Abstract: An air delivery hose assembly for use with aircraft ground support equipment provides conditioned air to an on-ground aircraft. The hose assembly includes an impermeable inner liner which forms an air conduit, a stress layer comprising a web of cord material which surrounds the inner liner, and an insulating layer which surrounds the inner liner and the stress layer to thermally insulate air passing through the air hose. The stress layer prevents air pressure in the conduit from expanding the inner liner and compressing the insulating layer, and thereby reducing the effectiveness of the insulating layer.

Abstract: A ground support system configured to support servicing of aircraft may include a main body housing one or both of an engine and/or a blower, a control panel that is used to control operation of one or both of the engine and/or blower, and at least one acoustic wave engagement member positioned on the control panel. The acoustic wave member(s) is configured to selectively activate and deactivate an engine or blower function when touched by an operator. The acoustic wave engagement member(s) operates in the presence of moisture and debris.

Abstract: An airplane ground support system includes a multi-voltage power supply. A control system within the power conversion module receives measurements to regulate the power module's output to a predetermined preset voltage level as mandated by the power output selection signal. In an alternate embodiment a multi-voltage or upgradable power supply has A.C. and D.C. capability, A.C. only capability with an upgrade kit available to add D.C. capability in addition to the A.C. capability, D.C. only capability with an upgrade kit available to add A.C. capability in addition to the D.C. capability.

Abstract: Ground support equipment for servicing an airplane includes a ground support equipment cart upon which are mounted at least two equipment modules and a control module. A first equipment module mounted upon the cart contains ground support equipment for servicing an airplane and also has a network connection, and at least one additional equipment module mounted upon the cart contains additional ground support equipment and also has a network connection. The control module has a user display and user controls that are connected to a control processor which has a network connection. The user display and the user controls serve as a shared control panel for the ground support equipment contained in the modules mounted upon the cart. In response the control processor sends over the network to one or more of the other modules information defining what particular services the selected type or class of airplane requires of the modules.

Abstract: An airplane ground support system includes a multi-voltage power supply. This system includes an air conditioning module and a control module having a display and a processor, the display and processor presenting an airplane type or class selection menu to airplane support technicians and responding to the selection of a type or class of airplane by generating a power output selection signal designating the type of power needed by the selected type or class of airplane. The system also includes a power supply module which has an A.C. power input, at least one power output, and which receives the power output selection signal as an incoming signal. A power conversion system within the power supply module connects to the A.C. power input and supplies converted and voltage regulated power to the at least one power output. This power conversion system also receives the power conversion control signal as an input signal.

Abstract: An airplane ground support system includes a multi-voltage power supply. This system includes an air conditioning module and a control module having a display and a processor, the display and processor presenting an airplane type or class selection menu to airplane support technicians and responding to the selection of a type or class of airplane by generating a power output selection signal designating the type of power needed by the selected type or class of airplane. The system also includes a power supply module which has an A.C. power input, at least one power output, and which receives the power output selection signal as an incoming signal. A power conversion system within the power supply module connects to the A.C. power input and supplies converted and voltage regulated power to the at least one power output. This power conversion system also receives the power conversion control signal as an input signal.

Abstract: Ground support equipment for servicing an airplane includes a ground support equipment cart upon which are mounted at least two equipment modules and a control module. A first equipment module mounted upon the cart contains ground support equipment for servicing an airplane and also has a network connection, and at least one additional equipment module mounted upon the cart contains additional ground support equipment for servicing an airplane and also has a network connection. The control module has a user display and user controls that are connected to a control processor which has a network connection. The user display and the user controls serve as a shared control panel for the ground support equipment contained in the modules mounted upon the cart. A network interconnects the network connections of the modules mounted upon the cart. The control processor can cause the user display to present a menu listing various types or classes of airplanes for selection by a user.

Abstract: A ground support system configured to support servicing of aircraft may include a main body housing one or both of an engine and/or a blower, a control panel that is used to control operation of one or both of the engine and/or blower, and at least one acoustic wave engagement member positioned on the control panel. The acoustic wave member(s) is configured to selectively activate and deactivate an engine or blower function when touched by an operator. The acoustic wave engagement member(s) operates in the presence of moisture and debris.

Abstract: A ground power unit for providing dc power for aircraft includes a source of 3-phase ac power and a transformer/rectifier arrangement for converting 3-phase ac power to dc power. The transformer/rectifier arrangement includes an A-phase transformer formed by an A-phase magnetic member, an A-phase primary winding having first and second sides, and an A-phase secondary winding; a B-phase transformer formed by a B-phase magnetic member, a B-phase primary winding having first and second sides, and a B-phase secondary winding; and a C-phase transformer formed by a C-phase magnetic member, a C-phase primary winding having first and second sides, and a C-phase secondary winding. The A-phase primary winding first side is connected to receive A-phase power, the B-phase primary winding first side is connected to receive B-phase power, and the C-phase primary winding first side is connected to receive C-phase power.