Abstract: A hose management system with a longitudinally collapsible duct-like air hose may supply conditioned air for heating and/or cooling an aircraft. The system has a temperature controlled container and a motorized remotely controlled drive with treads for feeding out hose to a length appropriate to hook up to a stationary aircraft. The motorized drive also retracts the hose back into the container. The hose may have scuff strips, hook and loop fasteners, and reflective strips.

Abstract: A flexible air hose connection between a preconditioned air unit and an aircraft incorporates an air filter between the first and second ends to capture and filter foreign matter in the air stream through the flexible tube. The filter may be sewn, fitted with snaps, hook and loop and/or zippered into the interior of the air hose. In particular embodiments the air filter incorporates a mesh screen, or alternatively comprises a fibrous material of foam, pleated paper, or spun fiberglass. In one embodiment the filter may be a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter meeting the efficiency standard set by the Department of Energy.

Abstract: A hose management system with a longitudinally collapsible duct-like air hose may supply conditioned air for heating and/or cooling an aircraft. The system has a temperature controlled container and a motorized remotely controlled drive with treads for feeding out hose to a length appropriate to hook up to a stationary aircraft. The motorized drive also retracts the hose back into the container. The hose may have scuff strips, hook and loop fasteners, and reflective strips.

Abstract: A hose management system with a longitudinally collapsible duct-like air hose may supply conditioned air for heating and/or cooling an aircraft. The system has a temperature controlled container and a motorized remotely controlled drive with treads for feeding out hose to a length appropriate to hook up to a stationary aircraft. The motorized drive also retracts the hose back into the container. The hose may have scuff strips, hook and loop fasteners, and reflective strips.

Abstract: The performance of a PCA unit associated with an airport gate is monitored by a temperature sensor in the stream of output air leaving the PCA unit, to produce a signal indicative of the temperature of the output air that may be compared to an acceptable range of values, or to the temperature of air input to the PCA unit (as measured by a second temperature sensor). An alert is generated to a human operator if the temperature measured does not compare favorably with the desired range.

Abstract: A hose section for use in a modular PCA air delivery system includes a tension strap extending approximately parallel to and away from the body of a first end of the hose section, and a receiver loop formed on the exterior of the second end that receives a part of the strap therethrough so that the strap can be folded back in the direction of the first end, and fastened to the first end thus holding the first hose section to the second hose section when either hose section is pulled.

Abstract: The performance of a PCA unit associated with an airport gate is monitored by a temperature sensor in the stream of output air leaving the PCA unit, to produce a signal indicative of the temperature of the output air that may be compared to an acceptable range of values, or to the temperature of air input to the PCA unit (as measured by a second temperature sensor). An alert is generated to a human operator if the temperature measured does not compare favorably with the desired range.

Abstract: A hose management system with a longitudinally collapsible duct-like air hose may supply conditioned air for heating and/or cooling an aircraft. The system has a temperature controlled container and a motorized remotely controlled drive with treads for feeding out hose to a length appropriate to hook up to a stationary aircraft. The motorized drive also retracts the hose back into the container. The hose may have scuff strips, hook and loop fasteners, and reflective strips.

Abstract: A coil spring is provided for use in biasing opposing piston portions of a brake cylinder away from each other. The spring includes a body portion formed of a length of alloy wire and including adjacent coils spaced from each other defining a cylindrical helix. A pair of end portions are formed integrally with the body portion and include a plurality of coils positioned in contact with each other and defining a conical helix shape for engaging the opposing piston portions of the brake cylinder.

Abstract: A guidelineless riser entry/reentry system which permits a safe and quick release of a riser column from a subsea installation. The system includes two guide funnels mounted on opposite sides of the subsea installation at the upper end thereof for the purpose of engaging respective telescopic posts mounted at the lower end of the riser column. With the posts in an extended position, the riser may be appropriately maneuvered to position the posts in their respective guide funnels. In this way, the riser is properly positioned on and orientated with respect to the subsea installation. The riser may then be disconnectably connected to the subsea installation and the posts moved into a retracted position so that the riser may be rapidly removed from the subsea installation.