Mark A Mccorkell

US Patent:

56715676, Sep 30, 1997

Filed:

Mar 18, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/210719

Inventors:

Cyril J. Silberman - Minnetonka MN
David E. Carlson - Coon Rapids MN
Michael P. Crelly - Plymouth MN
Gary M. Hassebroek - Coon Rapids MN
Mark A. McCorkell - Eden Prairie MN
C. Andrew Cheng - New Brighton MN
Richard H. Eide - Minneapolis MN

Assignee:

Uni-Systems, Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

B66B 916
B66F 500

US Classification:

52 29

Abstract:

An improved facility for supporting the main landing gear assembly and the nose wheel assembly of a commercial jetliner is quickly adjustable so as to be able to accommodate different aircraft models. The facility includes a nose wheel lift platform system that includes an elongated pit, a support platform that is supported in the pit and is adapted to support an aircraft's nose wheel assembly, and a number of spacer blocks for covering portions of the elongated pit that are not covered by the support platform. The support platform is mounted on a trolley which is equipped to move the support platform up or down as well as lengthwise along the pit. The spacer blocks are slidable along the upper opening of the pit. By moving the trolley beneath a spacer block and engaging the spacer block with the support platform, an operator can move the spacer blocks with the support platform. Accordingly, an operator wishing to reposition the support platform to accommodate a certain type of aircraft may quickly and conveniently reposition the spacer blocks to expose the intended new location of the support platform, and cover the position that was left exposed, prior to moving the support platform to its new location.