A method of moving an aircraft using an aircraft mover that includes: a] accelerating the aircraft up to speed using one or more electric motors drivable by at least a fast-discharge electrical-energy storage and supply device during a high-power requirement of the aircraft mover; b] substantially maintaining a speed of the aircraft using a slow-discharge electrical-energy storage and supply device during a low-power requirement of the aircraft mover; c] monitoring a charge status of the slow-discharge and fast-discharge energy storage and supply devices and when a predetermined charge status is reached, automatically charging the slow-discharge and/or fast-discharge energy storage and supply devices via an onboard electricity generator; and d] regeneratively recharging the slow-discharge and/or fast-discharge electricity-energy storage and supply devices during at least deceleration of the aircraft coupled to the aircraft mover.

A pivoting cradle apparatus for capturing an aircraft wheel on an aircraft tug includes a cradle sized for holding the wheel, mounted on at least one pivot block and configured to pivot between a wheel loading position and a wheel retaining position. A latch mechanism is disposed under the cradle, biased to swing into an upright position wherein it seats in a notch on the cradle, locking the cradle in the wheel retaining position. A latch release mechanism is configured to urge the latch out of the upright position, and when it does so, the latch slides along the underside of the cradle as the cradle pivots down. into the wheel loading position.

An aircraft tug apparatus for tugging an aircraft by an aircraft tire includes a turntable on a main base portion of the tug, capable of rotational movement relative to the main base portion. A tire cradle assembly on the turntable releasably holds the aircraft tire, and a latch mechanism holds the tire cradle assembly in a position that confines the aircraft tire. A pivoting arm coupled to the main base portion extends under the turntable. The pivoting arm includes a first plunger and a second plunger extending therefrom, with the first plunger coupled to the pivoting arm using a spring assembly allowing it to move up and down relative to the pivoting arm. The spring assembly is configured such that the pivoting arm may move the second plunger to engage the latch mechanism while the first plunger is impinged by the turntable.

The exemplary embodiments provide a system of selectively moving airplanes on an airport apron. Airplanes are selectively moved from selective parking locations to areas adjacent to take-off locations such as runways. Airplanes may also be selectively moved from an area of the apron adjacent to a landing location and/or to a parking location. This may include for example an unloading location, an airport terminal, a servicing location, a fueling location, storage location and/or other suitable location. The exemplary system includes driving channels through which a carriage is selectively moved. The carriage includes a basket for operatively engaging at least one front wheel of selected airplanes for purposes of transporting such airplanes to and between the desired locations.

Anti-collision airport system including a motorized mobile device to be moved close to an aircraft. The system includes a database to record structural characteristics of categories of aircraft and structural characteristics of the motorized mobile device. The controller is configured to identify a category corresponding to the aircraft and a positioning of the motorized mobile device with respect to the aircraft, search and retrieve, from the database, structural characteristics associated with the category corresponding to the aircraft and structural characteristics of the motorized device, calculate a trajectory for the movement of the motorized mobile device on the basis of the structural characteristics of the aircraft and of the motorized mobile device and of the positioning of the motorized mobile device with respect to the aircraft, and control the motorized mobile device according to the calculated trajectory.

An electric pushback vehicle includes a frame having a forward portion and a rear portion. The vehicle further includes front drive axle and a rear drive axle configured to communicate power to ground engaging members. A traction battery is housed within the electric pushback vehicle and provides electric power to an electric motor to drive an output shaft. A transmission is connected to receive mechanical power from the electric motor through a torque converter.

The exemplary embodiments provide a system of selectively moving airplanes on an airport apron. Airplanes are selectively moved from selective parking locations to areas adjacent to take-off locations such as runways. Airplanes may also be selectively moved from an area of the apron adjacent to a landing location and/or to a parking location. This may include for example an unloading location, an airport terminal, a servicing location, a fueling location, storage location and/or other suitable location. The exemplary system includes driving channels through which a carriage is selectively moved. The carriage includes a basket for operatively engaging at least one front wheel of selected airplanes for purposes of transporting such airplanes to and between the desired locations.

An example apparatus is configured to couple to a trailer and a tow vehicle. The apparatus includes a frame; one or more clamps mounted to the frame and configured to couple the frame to an underplate of the trailer; and a shaft having a first end rotatably coupled to the frame and a second end configured to couple to at least one replicated element of a towed vehicle. The at least one replicated element is configured to engage the tow vehicle.

An aircraft tug wheel cradle with a front ramp assembly and a rear gate assembly on a base plate, each hingedly mounted and movable between a wheel-mounting position and a wheel-confining position. A first side clamp and a second side clamp are hingedly coupled to the base plate on opposing sides of the vehicle wheel, and movable between a lower position and an upper position coinciding with the wheel-confining position. The first side clamp and the second side clamp are each preferably hingedly attached to the base plate at other than an ninety degree angle in order to grasp the vehicle wheel, such that the vehicle is prevented from lateral and upward, as well as front and back movement.

The disclosure relates to a device of a vehicle, in particular a tractor, having a hydraulic activation unit for controlling the operation of a towed implement on the vehicle, comprising at least one position detection unit with at least one camera, position detection marks, and an evaluation unit and a data-transmitting connection to a control unit which is assigned to the hydraulic activation unit. Furthermore, a method is proposed, wherein by means of such a position detection unit the position of the towed implement can be determined, and the position can be adjusted according to requirements by suitable operation of the hydraulic activation unit.