tractor-pressor

Decker could see a gang of six handlers—undoubtedly crew number one—floating in the center of the spacedock around a large tractor-pressor assembly.

A Flag Full of Stars Brad Ferguson 2000

The tractor-pressor gangs are holdin' us as steady as the flow o' the river Clyde.

A Flag Full of Stars Brad Ferguson 2000

The tractor-pressor gangs would then take over and pull the saucer down the rest of the way, using their push-and-pull beams to make the final, painstaking corrections that would seat the saucer correctly.

A Flag Full of Stars Brad Ferguson 2000

Keep in mind there are a few tractor-pressor gangs topside who've got a good case of the fidgets, too.

A Flag Full of Stars Brad Ferguson 2000

There was a slight jar as the tractor-pressor gangs hit the saucer simultaneously at many points with their force beams.

A Flag Full of Stars Brad Ferguson 2000

The saucer would overtake Spacedock Four, pass it, and then back its way in so that it could be seated precisely on the main pylon by skilled gangs wielding portable tractor-pressor equipment.

A Flag Full of Stars Brad Ferguson 2000

The saucer will go into orbit, make rendezvous with Spacedock Four, and then be brought into precise position by tractor-pressor crews.

A Flag Full of Stars Brad Ferguson 2000

The section was being held steady relative to the spacedock frame by a series of tractor-pressor beams set against its hull.

A Flag Full of Stars Brad Ferguson 2000

Decker could see the tractor-pressor gangs tracking the saucer with their gunlike equipment, waiting for the word from their chief to take over.

A Flag Full of Stars Brad Ferguson 2000

We can tow her on a tractor-pressor combo, match intrinsics with clamp-on drivers, and mount her anywhere! "

Children of the Lens Smith, E. E. 1954