Squeezy McPressure here! Did you know hydraulic and pneumatic systems are All Around Us? In one way or another, hydraulics or pneumatics can be linked to nearly everything we encounter in our daily lives. Take, for instance, travel. How many of you have flown on a plane recently? I would imagine some of you have this month, this week, or perhaps you are in an airport right now. Have you looked around as you board the plane to see if there are any hydraulic systems nearby? Next time you are waiting on your flight to begin boarding, or as you are standing in line waiting in group 2 as they are boarding group 1, look out the windows to your left or right and take a look at that jet bridge or jetway you are about to walk through in order to enter the plane. Did you know that hydraulics are used to move and position the bridge sections of the jetway to align with the terminal gate exit door and the plane's entry door? Take a look. Hydraulic lines can be seen connecting the sections through a hose protection device (the long tubes with hose clamps on either end) that prevents the hoses from being pinched, snagged, or abraded during movement and positioning of the jet bridge. The hoses you see connect the main power unit and directional control valves to the cylinders used to position and support the bridge sections. This is just one example of hydraulic systems "All Around Us". Remember, keep an eye out for hydraulics! Once you do, you will be amazed at the number of places you will find them. Perhaps more than you can imagine. Until next time! - Squeezy
