Systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed for external mobility systems for heavy machinery and equipment. In one embodiment, an example system may include a first module, a second module coupled to the first module, and a third module coupled to the first module and the second module. Systems may include an air bearing system disposed under the third module, where the air bearing system is configured to apply an upward force on the third module, and an air supply coupled to the air bearing system. The upward force on the third module may reduce a static friction of the third module with respect to a floor surface by at least 90%, such that the third module can slide from a default position to an expanded position.

Systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed for external mobility systems for heavy machinery and equipment. In one embodiment, an example system may include a first module, a second module coupled to the first module, and a third module coupled to the first module and the second module. Systems may include an air bearing system disposed under the third module, where the air bearing system is configured to apply an upward force on the third module, and an air supply coupled to the air bearing system. The upward force on the third module may reduce a static friction of the third module with respect to a floor surface by at least 90%, such that the third module can slide from a default position to an expanded position.

According to one embodiment, a maintenance method includes providing the electric generator with leg plates for placing the electric generator on a floor face of a foundation pedestal, forming a bottom portion of the electric generator to have a bottom plane capable of supporting a weight of the electric generator, and forming a gap between the bottom plane of the electric generator and an opposing floor face of the foundation pedestal; and providing the carrier device in the gap, and lifting up and horizontally moving the electric generator by the carrier device, and thereafter doing maintenance of the electric generator.

According to one embodiment, a maintenance method includes providing the electric generator with leg plates for placing the electric generator on a floor face of a foundation pedestal, forming a bottom portion of the electric generator to have a bottom plane capable of supporting a weight of the electric generator, and forming a gap between the bottom plane of the electric generator and an opposing floor face of the foundation pedestal; and providing the carrier device in the gap, and lifting up and horizontally moving the electric generator by the carrier device, and thereafter doing maintenance of the electric generator.

A system for lifting and transporting an aircraft comprising a movable platform, a lower lift system, and a first pair of wheels. The platform comprises a frame having an upper and a lower surface and a plurality of hook ups. The lower lift system is configured to raise the platform and an aircraft supported by the frame. The lower lift system comprises a lifter selected from the group consisting of: at least one hydraulic jack, at least one pneumatic jack, slots for forklift arms, at least one inflatable airbag, and combinations of any or all of the foregoing. The first pair of wheels are coupled to or configured for coupling to the frame so that the raised platform with an aircraft supported by the platform can be transported. A method of using the system comprises positioning the system beneath an aircraft and lifting the platform and the aircraft.

A system for lifting and transporting an aircraft comprising a movable platform, a lower lift system, and a first pair of wheels. The platform comprises a frame having an upper and a lower surface and a plurality of hook ups. The lower lift system is configured to raise the platform and an aircraft supported by the frame. The lower lift system comprises a lifter selected from the group consisting of: at least one hydraulic jack, at least one pneumatic jack, slots for forklift arms, at least one inflatable airbag, and combinations of any or all of the foregoing. The first pair of wheels are coupled to or configured for coupling to the frame so that the raised platform with an aircraft supported by the platform can be transported. A method of using the system comprises positioning the system beneath an aircraft and lifting the platform and the aircraft.

The present invention relates to a method for moving a heavy object into a confined space. The method comprises providing the heavy object in an initial position, the heavy object having an underside resting on a ground surface and comprising an inducible gas-cushion arrangement which in its inactive state causes the underside of the heavy object to maintain contact with the ground surface; activating the inducible gas-cushion arrangement by forming a gas cushion between the underside of the heavy object and the ground surface, the gas cushion generating a lifting force causing the underside of the heavy object to lose contact with the ground surface; moving the heavy object relative to the confined space until the underside of the heavy object at least levels with the supporting surface of the confined space; and moving the heavy object into its final position utilizing the lifting force of the gas-cushion.

The present invention relates to a method for moving a heavy object into a confined space. The method comprises providing the heavy object in an initial position, the heavy object having an underside resting on a ground surface and comprising an inducible gas-cushion arrangement which in its inactive state causes the underside of the heavy object to maintain contact with the ground surface; activating the inducible gas-cushion arrangement by forming a gas cushion between the underside of the heavy object and the ground surface, the gas cushion generating a lifting force causing the underside of the heavy object to lose contact with the ground surface; moving the heavy object relative to the confined space until the underside of the heavy object at least levels with the supporting surface of the confined space; and moving the heavy object into its final position utilizing the lifting force of the gas-cushion.

An assembly and inspection cart for precision equipment includes a frame that has three support portions to support the precision equipment at three points, air float devices attached to the frame at three positions, a rubber roller and a motor that are provided so as to be freely lifted and lowered with respect to the frame, and an air cylinder that lifts and lowers the rubber roller. The air float device floats the frame together with the precision equipment and forms an air layer between the frame and a floor surface. The rubber roller is arranged at a center of the three air float devices and is configured so as to press against the floor with a predetermined force when lowered by the air cylinder in a state where the frame is floated.

An assembly and inspection cart for precision equipment includes a frame that has three support portions to support the precision equipment at three points, air float devices attached to the frame at three positions, a rubber roller and a motor that are provided so as to be freely lifted and lowered with respect to the frame, and an air cylinder that lifts and lowers the rubber roller. The air float device floats the frame together with the precision equipment and forms an air layer between the frame and a floor surface. The rubber roller is arranged at a center of the three air float devices and is configured so as to press against the floor with a predetermined force when lowered by the air cylinder in a state where the frame is floated.