Abstract: A connection device for establishing a connection between a vehicle (12) and a fluid or energy distribution system (14) comprises: a main support structure (16); a connector head (18), for releasably connecting to a connection facility (20) on the vehicle; a support beam (22) having a longitudinal axis (24), a front-end supporting the connector head (18) and a rear end; and a support mechanism (26). This support mechanism (26) supports the rear end of the support beam (22) in the main support structure (16), so that the support beam (22) is movable along its longitudinal axis (24) and has two translational degrees of freedom that are perpendicular to its longitudinal axis (24). An articulation (52) with three rotational degrees of freedom is connected between the front-end of the support beam (22) and the connector head (18).

Abstract: A system for automatically establishing a temporary electrical power connection comprises a first coupling member including a sealing ring surrounding a first electrical coupling means and a second coupling member including a sealing ring contact surface surrounding a second electrical coupling means. The sealing ring and the sealing ring contact surface are configured for being pressed together, whereby they seal off a vacuum chamber. A vacuum conduit is connected to the vacuum chamber for establishing therein a vacuum capable of firmly holding together both coupling members, thereby defining a mechanical coupling position. The first or second electrical coupling means include a surface electrode dimensioned for achieving a plurality of possible electrical coupling positions around a central electrical coupling position. The seal ring and seal ring contact surface are configured for achieving a sealed contact and thereby a mechanical coupling position in each of these possible electrical coupling positions.

Abstract: A system for automatically establishing a temporary electrical power connection comprises a first coupling member including a sealing ring surrounding a first electrical coupling means and a second coupling member including a sealing ring contact surface surrounding a second electrical coupling means. The sealing ring and the sealing ring contact surface are configured for being pressed together, whereby they seal off a vacuum chamber. A vacuum conduit is connected to the vacuum chamber for establishing therein a vacuum capable of firmly holding together both coupling members, thereby defining a mechanical coupling position. The first or second electrical coupling means include a surface electrode dimensioned for achieving a plurality of possible electrical coupling positions around a central electrical coupling position. The seal ring and seal ring contact surface are configured for achieving a sealed contact and thereby a mechanical coupling position in each of these possible electrical coupling positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for unwinding and winding one or more lines for uninterrupted connection of each of the one or more lines between two connection points, it being possible to produce the uninterrupted connection between a fixed first connection point and a second connection point which is at a variable distance or in each case one of a plurality of second connection points which are at different distances. The device comprises a rotatable winding body for unwinding and winding the one or more lines, in that the line(s) is/are guided from the first fixed connection point in a first sub-portion from a stationary first position coaxial with the winding body to a second position opposite the first position and from said second position to a third position which is substantially in one plane with the first position but is rotatable with the winding body, the line(s) in the first sub-portion being guided helically at least in portions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for unwinding and winding one or more lines for uninterrupted connection of each of the one or more lines between two connection points, it being possible to produce the uninterrupted connection between a fixed first connection point and a second connection point which is at a variable distance or in each case one of a plurality of second connection points which are at different distances. The device comprises a rotatable winding body for unwinding and winding the one or more lines, in that the line(s) is/are guided from the first fixed connection point in a first sub-portion from a stationary first position coaxial with the winding body to a second position opposite the first position and from said second position to a third position which is substantially in one plane with the first position but is rotatable with the winding body, the line(s) in the first sub-portion being guided helically at least in portions.

Abstract: A device (10) for supplying preconditioned air to an aircraft on the ground, comprises a compressed air inlet (16) and a compressed air hose (34) having a first end connected to the compressed air inlet (16) and an opposite second end for connect to a remote, ground-based, compressed air unit. Expander means (14) are situated downstream of the compressed air inlet (16) for allowing the compressed air to expand to lower pressure and temperature. The device (10) further includes an ambient air inlet (24) and a mixing chamber (22) downstream of the expander means (14) and communicating with the ambient air inlet (24) wherein mixing of ambient air with the expanded, cold air is controlled in such a way as to elaborate preconditioned air at the desired temperature. A connection hose (28) has a first end in communication with said mixing chamber and a second end to be connected to an aircraft on the ground.

Abstract: A device (10) for supplying preconditioned air to an aircraft on the ground, comprises a compressed air inlet (16) and a compressed air hose (34) having a first end connected to the compressed air inlet (16) and an opposite second end for connection to a remote, ground-based, compressed air unit. Expander means (14) are situated downstream of the compressed air inlet (16) for allowing the compressed air to expand to lower pressure and temperature. The device (10) further includes an ambient air inlet (24) and a mixing chamber (22) downstream of the expander means (14) and communicating with the ambient air inlet (24), wherein mixing of ambient air with the expanded, cold air is controlled in such a way as to elaborate preconditioned air at the desired temperature. A connection hose (28) has a first end in communication with said mixing chamber and a second end to be connected to an aircraft on the ground.

Abstract: A device for servicing an aircraft on the ground includes a rolling support and a cable or hose assembly having a first end for connection to a ground unit and an opposite second end for connection to the aircraft. A reel is rotatably mounted on the rolling support on which the cable or hose assembly is wound, and from which the cable or hose assembly can be unwound from the first end. A flight of stairs is also mounted on the rolling support.

Abstract: A device for servicing an aircraft on the ground includes a rolling support and a cable or hose assembly having a first end for connection to a ground unit and an opposite second end for connection to the aircraft. A reel is rotatably mounted on the rolling support on which the cable or hose assembly is wound, and from which the cable or hose assembly can be unwound from the first end. A flight of stairs is also mounted on the rolling support.