Universal method and apparatus for attaching an aircraft tug to an airplane
US4950121A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 25, 1989 |
| Grant date | Aug 21, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 25, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S180/904
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A novel approach is employed for attaching an aircraft tug to the nosewheel tire assembly of an airplane. A tire capturing mechanism comprising a pivoting capture arm and a transversally adjustable crossbar opens to allow positioning of the capturing mechanism around and beneath the portion of said tire that is not in contact with the runway surface. After tire capture is accomplished, said capturing mechanism is elevated off the runway surface by a lifting mechanism, so that the entire portion of the weight of said airplane supported by said tire is borne by said aircraft tug. A universal tire clamping mechanism is employed to secure said tire firmly to said capturing mechanism.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.