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 movement detector for an aircraft PCA hose management system comprises a sensor that provides a signal to indicate a first condition when a hose is moving into an aircraft ventilation hose management system or out of the aircraft ventilation hose management system and that does not provide the signal when the hose is not moving. The output of the sensor is usable to disable hose drive motors when a fault condition is preventing the hose from moving, such as the hose being caught by an obstruction, and thus avoid damage to the hose management system or its hose.

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: 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: An apparatus for visually communicating to a pilot in the cockpit of a parked aircraft the status of a preconditioned air (PCA) unit associated with the gate has an electrically controlled PCA indicator box positioned so that it is visible to the pilot in the cockpit. The PCA indicator box has a first appearance when the preconditioned air unit is not operating and a second appearance when the preconditioned air unit is operating. A method of assisting aircraft operators to reduce fuel costs and emissions of an aircraft parked at a gate includes mounting to the gate an electrical PCA indicator and electrically coupling it to a preconditioned air unit at the gate.

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.