U.S. patent application number 10/354055 was filed with the patent office on 2003-08-07 for system for indicating an alignment status of a passenger bridge.
Invention is credited to Hutton, Neil.
Application Number | 20030145404 10/354055 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27663143 |
Filed Date | 2003-08-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030145404 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hutton, Neil |
August 7, 2003 |
System for indicating an alignment status of a passenger bridge
Abstract
Disclosed is an apparatus and a method for providing a human
sensable indication to an occupant of an aircraft that it is safe
to open a door of the aircraft. An indication generator is provided
for receiving a control signal in dependence upon a passenger
bridge being correctly aligned with the door of the aircraft. More
particularly, the passenger bridge is aligned with the door of the
aircraft in one of a semi-automated and a fully-automated manner.
The indication generator is also for providing the human sensable
indication in dependence upon receiving the control signal.
Inventors: |
Hutton, Neil; (Ottawa,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FREEDMAN & ASSOCIATES
117 CENTREPOINTE DRIVE
SUITE 350
NEPEAN, ONTARIO
K2G 5X3
CA
|
Family ID: |
27663143 |
Appl. No.: |
10/354055 |
Filed: |
January 30, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60352852 |
Feb 1, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
14/71.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B64F 1/3055
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
14/71.5 |
International
Class: |
E01D 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for indicating an alignment status of a passenger
bridge relative to an aircraft having a door, the passenger bridge
including a passenger bridge alignment mechanism for guiding the
passenger bridge to a position for aligning a cabin end of the
passenger bridge to the door of the aircraft, the apparatus
comprising: a controller for providing a control signal in
dependence upon the passenger bridge being in a predetermined
aligned relationship with the door of the aircraft; and, an
indication generator in operative communication with the controller
for receiving the control signal from the controller and for
providing an indication in dependence thereon.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller
comprises a sensor for sensing an aligned relationship between the
door of the aircraft and the passenger bridge and for providing the
control signal to the indication generator in dependence
thereon.
3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the sensor is
independent of the passenger bridge alignment mechanism.
4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the sensor comprises
a pressure sensor.
5. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the sensor comprises
a non-contact inductive sensor.
6. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the apparatus
operates independently of the passenger bridge alignment
mechanism.
7. An apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a sensor in
operative communication with the controller for sensing an aligned
relationship between the door of the aircraft and the passenger
bridge and for providing to the controller a signal indicative of
the passenger bridge being in a predetermined aligned relationship
with the door of the aircraft.
8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the sensor is
independent of the passenger bridge alignment mechanism.
9. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the passenger bridge
alignment mechanism includes a sensor in operative communication
with the controller, the sensor for sensing an aligned relationship
between the door of the aircraft and the passenger bridge and for
providing to the controller a signal indicative of the passenger
bridge being in a predetermined aligned relationship with the door
of the aircraft.
10. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the indication
generator includes a wireless receiver for receiving the control
signal and wherein the controller comprises a wireless transmitter
for transmitting the control to the indication generator.
11. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the indication
generator comprises an acoustic indicator.
12. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the acoustic
indicator comprises a knocker and an actuator, the actuator
responsive to the control signal for moving the knocker into
contact with an outside surface of the aircraft.
13. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the indication
generator comprises a visual indicator.
14. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the visual
indicator comprises a light signal for displaying a visual
indication in the form of at least one of a predetermined pattern
and color of light.
15. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the visual
indicator comprises interior lighting fixtures of the passenger
bridge, and wherein the interior lighting fixtures are selectively
switchable between a first mode in which the light is on and a
second other mode wherein the light is off for providing a visual
indication.
16. A method of indicating an alignment status of a passenger
bridge relative to an aircraft comprising the steps of: guiding the
passenger bridge to a position for aligning a cabin end of the
passenger bridge to a door of the aircraft using a passenger bridge
alignment mechanism of the passenger bridge; detecting alignment of
the cabin end of the passenger bridge relative to the door of the
aircraft and providing a control signal in dependence thereon; and,
providing a predetermined indication to an occupant of the aircraft
in dependence upon the control signal.
17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the predetermined
indication is an acoustic indication.
18. A method according to claim 17, wherein the acoustic indication
is generated by the step of releasably engaging a knocker with an
outside surface of the aircraft.
19. A method according to claim 16, wherein the predetermined
indication is a visual indication.
20. A method according to claim 16, wherein the step of guiding the
cabin end of the passenger bridge is performed absent a
bridge-operator being present at the cabin end of the passenger
bridge.
21. A method according to claim 16, wherein the step of detecting
alignment of the cabin end of the passenger bridge includes the
step of: sensing the position of the cabin end of the passenger
bridge relative to the aircraft door; and, registering an alignment
when the cabin end of the passenger bridge approaches to within a
predetermined distance of the aircraft.
22. A method according to claim 21, wherein the step of sensing the
position of the cabin end of the passenger bridge relative to the
aircraft door is performed using a sensor independent of the
passenger bridge alignment mechanism to sense a predetermined
contiguity of a floor surface of the cabin end of the passenger
bridge with a floor surface of the aircraft door.
23. A method according to claim 22, wherein the sensor independent
of the passenger bridge alignment mechanism comprises a pressure
sensor.
24. A method according to claim 22, wherein the sensor independent
of the passenger bridge alignment mechanism comprises a non-contact
inductive sensor.
25. A method according to claim 22, wherein the step of guiding the
passenger bridge to a position for aligning a cabin end of the
passenger bridge to a door of the aircraft is performed
independently of the step of detecting alignment of the cabin end
of the passenger bridge relative to the door of the aircraft and
providing a control signal in dependence thereon.
26. A method of indicating an alignment status of a passenger
bridge relative to an aircraft, the passenger bridge including a
passenger bridge alignment mechanism for guiding the passenger
bridge to a position for aligning a cabin end of the passenger
bridge to a door of the aircraft, comprising the steps of:
receiving a control signal indicative of alignment of a cabin end
of the passenger bridge relative to the door of the aircraft; and,
automatically providing a predetermined human sensable indication
to an occupant of the aircraft in dependence upon the control
signal.
27. A method according to claim 26, wherein the received control
signal is provided from a remote location by a bridge-operator.
28. A method according to claim 26, wherein the received control
signal is provided by a sensor independent of the passenger bridge
alignment mechanism, the sensor for sensing a predetermined
contiguity of a floor surface of the cabin end of the passenger
bridge with a floor surface of the aircraft door.
29. A method according to claim 28, wherein the sensor independent
of the passenger bridge alignment mechanism comprises a pressure
sensor.
30. A method according to claim 28, wherein the sensor independent
of the passenger bridge alignment mechanism comprises a non-contact
inductive sensor.
31. An apparatus for being attached to a passenger bridge equipped
with a passenger bridge alignment mechanism, the apparatus for
indicating an alignment status of a cabin end of the passenger
bridge relative to a door of an aircraft, the apparatus comprising:
a sensor disposed on the passenger bridge for sensing an aligned
relationship between a floor surface of the door of the aircraft
and a floor surface of the cabin end of the passenger bridge and
for providing a signal in dependence thereon; a controller in
operative communication with the sensor for receiving the signal
therefrom and for providing a second signal in dependence thereon;
and, an indication generator in operative communication with the
controller for receiving the second signal from the controller and
for providing an indication in dependence thereon.
32. An apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the apparatus
operates independently of the passenger bridge alignment
mechanism.
33. An apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the indication
generator includes a wireless receiver for receiving the second
signal and wherein the controller comprises a wireless transmitter
for transmitting the second signal to the indication generator.
34. An apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the indication
generator comprises an acoustic indicator.
35. An apparatus according to claim 34, wherein the acoustic
indicator comprises a knocker and an actuator, the actuator
responsive to the second signal for moving the knocker into contact
with an outside surface of the aircraft.
36. An apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the indication
generator comprises a visual indicator.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Application Serial No. 60.352,852 filed Feb. 1, 2002.
[0002] The instant invention relates generally to passenger bridges
and more particularly to a system for indicating an alignment
status of a passenger bridge with respect to an aircraft, absent
the intervention of a bridge-operator.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In order to make aircraft passengers more comfortable, and
in order to transport them between the airport terminal and the
aircraft in such a way that they are protected from weather and
other environmental influences, passenger bridges are used which
can be telescopically extended and the height of which is
adjustable. Passenger bridges in present day use comprise a
plurality of adjustable modules, including: a rotunda, a telescopic
tunnel, a bubble section, a cabin, and elevating columns with wheel
carriage. Advantageously, the modular design of prior art passenger
bridges allows the passenger bridge to be adjusted in order to
service a wide range of aircraft models. Manual, semi-automated and
fully-automated systems are known for adjusting the passenger
bridge in order to compensate for different sized aircraft and to
compensate for imprecise parking of the aircraft at the airport
terminal, etc.
[0004] Typically in a manual system, a bridge-operator uses a
control panel located within the cabin of the passenger bridge to
adjust the passenger bridge such that it engages the fuselage of
the aircraft. After visually inspecting the alignment of the
passenger bridge with respect to the aircraft, the bridge-operator
may signal to an occupant of the aircraft that the alignment
process is complete. For instance, the bridge-operator "bangs" on
the door of the aircraft. Optionally, the bridge-operator relies
upon electromagnetic sensors that are mounted near the cabin end of
the passenger bridge to confirm the visual inspection of the
alignment.
[0005] Schoenberger et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,226,204 disclose a
tele-robotic/fully-automated passenger bridge control system
comprising sensors, a display, a set of operator command input
devices and a computer to implement the system. The display
includes video from a camera, a graphic representation of the
relative position of the passenger bridge and system status data.
In one embodiment an operator controls the passenger bridge from a
remote location, wherein the computer interprets the commands and
then modifies them greatly, slightly or not at all based upon
sensor data, the situation and control algorithms. Suggestions are
made in the patent specification that the system could be arranged
to operate fully automatically using image-processing of the
recorded video images to calculate the distance between the bridge
and the aircraft.
[0006] WO 01/34467, filed Nov. 8, 2000 in the name of Anderberg,
teaches another automated passenger bridge alignment system.
According to Anderberg, electromagnetic sensors are disposed along
the cabin end of a passenger bridge for transmitting a set of
electromagnetic pulses in different directions and for detecting
electromagnetic pulses after reflection on a craft. Based on the
elapsed time between transmitting and detecting the electromagnetic
pulses in different directions, a profile of distance as a function
of direction is obtained. From the measured distance versus
direction profile and the information stored in the computer, it is
possible to maneuver the bridge to the door of the craft.
[0007] It is a disadvantage of the prior art semi-automated and
fully-automated systems that there is no one on the outside of the
aircraft, such as for instance a bridge-operator within the cabin
of the passenger bridge, to verify that the passenger bridge
alignment is completed and that the passenger bridge has actually
stopped at the correct position relative to the aircraft. As such,
there is no one to provide an indication to an occupant of the
aircraft that it is safe to open the door and begin deplaning. For
example, a flight attendant viewing the passenger bridge from
inside the aircraft has a severely limited field of view of the
bridge structure through a window, or even no view at all, and may
mistakenly open the door of the aircraft before the passenger
bridge has engaged the aircraft fuselage, in which case a gap may
exist which could allow a person to fall to the tarmac below.
[0008] What is required is a system for automatically indicating an
alignment status of a passenger bridge relative to an aircraft.
Such a system would be particularly advantageous when the passenger
bridge is aligned to the aircraft in one of a semi-automated and a
fully-automated manner.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In an attempt to overcome these and other limitations of the
prior art it is an object of the instant invention to provide an
apparatus for automatically providing [automatically] an indication
to an occupant of an aircraft that it is safe to open a door.
[0010] It is another object of the instant invention to provide an
apparatus for automatically providing an indication to an occupant
of an aircraft that a passenger bridge is correctly aligned with a
door of the aircraft.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In accordance with an embodiment of the instant invention
there is provided an apparatus for indicating an alignment status
of a passenger bridge relative to an aircraft comprising:
[0012] a controller for providing a control signal in dependence
upon the passenger bridge being in a predetermined aligned
relationship with a door of an aircraft; and,
[0013] an indication generator in operative communication with the
controller for receiving the control signal from the controller and
for providing an indication in dependence thereon.
[0014] In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention
there is provided a method of indicating an alignment status of a
passenger bridge relative to an aircraft comprising the steps
of:
[0015] guiding the passenger bridge to a position for aligning a
cabin end of the passenger bridge to a door of the aircraft;
[0016] detecting alignment of the cabin end of the passenger bridge
relative to the door of the aircraft and providing a control signal
in dependence thereon; and,
[0017] providing a predetermined indication to an occupant of the
aircraft in dependence upon the control signal.
[0018] In accordance with yet another aspect of the instant
invention there is further provided a method of indicating an
alignment status of a passenger bridge relative to an aircraft
comprising the steps of:
[0019] receiving a control signal indicative of alignment of the
passenger bridge relative to the door of the aircraft; and,
[0020] automatically providing a predetermined human sensable
indication to an occupant of the aircraft in dependence upon the
control signal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described
in conjunction with the following drawings, in which similar
reference numbers designate similar items:
[0022] FIG. 1 shows a simplified top view of an automated passenger
bridge for use with the instant invention;
[0023] FIG. 2a is a detailed view of a part of a passenger bridge
close to the body of an aircraft, including an apparatus according
to a first embodiment of the instant invention, prior to engaging
the aircraft fuselage;
[0024] FIG. 2b is a more detailed view of a part of a passenger
bridge close to the body of an aircraft, including an apparatus
according to a first embodiment of the instant invention, after
engaging the aircraft fuselage;
[0025] FIG. 3a is a detailed view of a part of a passenger bridge
close to the body of an aircraft, including an apparatus according
to a second embodiment of the instant invention, prior to engaging
the aircraft fuselage;
[0026] FIG. 3b is a more detailed view of a part of a passenger
bridge close to the body of an aircraft, including an apparatus
according to a second embodiment of the instant invention, after
engaging the aircraft fuselage;
[0027] FIG. 4a is a detailed view of a part of a passenger bridge
close to the body of an aircraft, including an apparatus according
to a third embodiment of the instant invention, prior to engaging
the aircraft fuselage;
[0028] FIG. 4b is a more detailed view of a part of a passenger
bridge close to the body of an aircraft, including an apparatus
according to a third embodiment of the instant invention, after
engaging the aircraft fuselage;
[0029] FIG. 5a is a detailed view of a part of a passenger bridge
close to the body of an aircraft, including an apparatus according
to a fourth embodiment of the instant invention, prior to engaging
the aircraft fuselage;
[0030] FIG. 5b is a more detailed view of a part of a passenger
bridge close to the body of an aircraft, including an apparatus
according to a fourth embodiment of the instant invention, after
engaging the aircraft fuselage; and,
[0031] FIG. 6 is a simplified flow diagram of a method of providing
an indication to an occupant of an aircraft according to the
instant invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] The following description is presented to enable a person
skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and is provided
in the context of a particular application and its requirements.
Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be readily
apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles
defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications
without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.
Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the
embodiments disclosed, but is to be accorded the widest scope
consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, shown is a schematic top view of a
prior art passenger bridge for use with the instant invention. The
passenger bridge 1, shown in an aircraft engaging position,
comprises a rotunda 2, which is connected to a terminal building 3
and from which extends a passageway 4. The passageway 4 ends with a
pivotable cabin 5 and includes inner 16 and outer 17 passageway
elements, wherein the inner element 16 is telescopically received
within the outer element 17 such that the length of the passageway
4 is variable. Of course, each passageway element includes a left
sidewall, a right sidewall, a floor member and a ceiling member.
Optionally, a number of passageway elements other than two are
provided. A control panel 8 is disposed within the cabin 5 for use
by a bridge-operator to adjust the passenger bridge manually.
[0034] The passenger bridge 1 is adjustable for connection to a
door 20 of an aircraft 21. To this end, and as shown in FIGS. 2-5,
the passenger bridge 1 includes a bogie 30 with driving wheels 31
for achieving angular displacement of the passenger bridge as well
as for telescoping of the passageway elements to alter the length
of the passenger bridge 1. Referring again to FIG. 1, the
passageway 4 is suspended from a frame 6 for adjusting the height
of the passenger bridge 1. Finally, the passenger bridge 1 includes
an actuator (not shown) for pivoting the cabin 5. Accordingly, the
cabin 5 is alignable with a door opening of a plurality of
different aircraft models by adjusting the height, length, etc. of
the passenger bridge 1.
[0035] The passenger bridge 1 further comprises a device 9 for
aligning the passenger bridge 1 to the aircraft 21 in one of a
semi-automated and a fully-automated manner. Such devices are known
in the art, and a detailed description is herein omitted in the
interest of brevity. Preferably, the passenger bridge 1 further
comprises sensors that are independent of the device 9. For
instance, as shown in FIG. 1 a non-contact proximity sensor 14,
such as for example a non-contact inductive proximity sensor, is
optionally provided for sensing the close approach of the passenger
bridge 1 to the aircraft 21. Further optionally, a pressure sensor
15 is provided at the cabin end of the floor member of the
passenger bridge 1 for sensing physical contact with the aircraft
21. The independent sensors 14 and/or 15 preferably sense a
predetermined contiguity of the floor member of the passenger
bridge 1 to the aircraft door 20, such that when the passenger
bridge 1 is determined to be engaged with the aircraft 21, any gaps
remaining therebetween are too small to allow a passenger to fall
through. The independent sensors 14 and/or 15 provide a control
signal in dependence upon sensing the predetermined contiguity of
the floor member of the passenger bridge 1 to the aircraft door
20.
[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 2a and 2b, shown is a detailed view
of a part of a passenger bridge 1 close to the body of an aircraft
21, including an apparatus according to a first embodiment of the
instant invention. The passenger bridge 1 includes a bogie 30 with
driving wheels 31 for achieving angular displacement of the
passenger bridge as well as for telescoping of the passageway
elements to alter the length of the passenger bridge 1. A bumper 32
is disposed along a cabin end of the floor member of the passenger
bridge 1 for engaging an outer surface of the aircraft 21 and to
thereby reduce the possibility of causing damage when the passenger
bridge 1 is aligned with the aircraft 21. Most preferably, the
inductive sensor 14 and the pressure sensor 15 are disposed along
the bumper 32. A flexible apron 33 is disposed along the cabin end
of the ceiling member of the passenger bridge 1 for frictionally
engaging the fuselage of the aircraft 21 when the passenger bridge
1 is in an aircraft engaging position. For instance, the apron 33
bridges a gap between the ceiling member and the aircraft 21, so as
to protect passengers from the weather and other environmental
influences.
[0037] Still referring to FIGS. 2a and 2b, the device 9 for
aligning the passenger bridge with the aircraft 21 in one of a
semi-automatic and a fully-automatic manner is shown as an
integrated unit disposed adjacent to an outer surface of the floor
member and near the cabin end of the passenger bridge 1. The device
9 includes a sensor (not shown), a processor (not shown) and a
memory (not shown). Optionally, the elements of device 9 are
implemented as separate components. The device 9 is also for
providing a control signal in dependence upon detecting an aligned
engagement between the passenger bridge 1 and the aircraft 21. In
communication with the device 9 is an acoustic signal generator 39
in the form of a knocker for providing an acoustic signal in
dependence upon receiving the control signal from the device 9. In
a preferred embodiment, the acoustic signal generator 39 is in the
form of a speaker coil having an optional medium for engaging the
aircraft fuselage and for transmitting efficiently the acoustic
signal through the aircraft fuselage. Preferably, the acoustic
signal generator 39 in the form of a speaker coil is moved
automatically into acoustic coupling with the fuselage during the
alignment operation. In a less preferred embodiment, the acoustic
signal generator 39 is in the form of a percussive mechanical
device, such as for example a knocker, for physically impacting the
fuselage to provide the acoustic signal.
[0038] In use, the passenger bridge 1 is aligned with the aircraft,
absent a bridge-operator being present in the cabin to visually
inspect the alignment and provide an indication upon the successful
completion thereof. A sensor of the device 9 senses engagement of
the passenger bridge with the aircraft 21 and provides a control
signal in dependence thereof to the processor. The processor
transmits a second control signal to the acoustic signal generator
39. In dependence upon receiving the second control signal from the
processor, the acoustic signal generator 39 provides an acoustic
signal to an occupant of the aircraft 21. Preferably, the acoustic
signal is in a form that simulates the sound of a bridge-operator
"banging" on the door 20 following manual alignment of the
passenger bridge. Optionally, the acoustic signal is in the form of
a buzzing, ringing or other identifiable audible signal.
[0039] Further optionally, a bridge-operator at a location remote
from the bridge provides a control signal to the processor, for
instance using a tele-robotic control panel. The control signal is,
for example, generated in response to the bridge-operator pressing
a switch or button on the tele-robotic control panel, or in
response to the bridge-operator disengaging control of the bridge
upon completion of the passenger bridge alignment operation. In
dependence upon receiving the control signal, the processor
transmits a second control signal to the acoustic signal generator
39, which subsequently provides an acoustic signal to an occupant
of the aircraft 21.
[0040] Still further optionally, one of the independent sensors 14
and 15 provides a control signal to the acoustic signal generator
39, in dependence upon sensing the predetermined contiguity of the
floor member of the passenger bridge 1 to the aircraft door 20. In
this case, the sensor of the device 9 is used to align the
passenger bridge 1 to the aircraft door 20 and the independent
sensors are used to sense engagement therebetween.
[0041] Advantageously, an occupant of the aircraft 21 is provided
with an acoustic signal indicative of an aligned status of the
passenger bridge 1 relative to the aircraft 21. Further
advantageously, the provided acoustic signal simulates existing
signals that are currently provided by a bridge-operator when the
passenger bridge alignment operation is complete. As such, the
probability that the apparatus according to the first preferred
embodiment of the instant invention causes confusion is reduced.
Still further advantageously, the apparatus according to the first
preferred embodiment of the instant invention does not depend upon
using language or symbols from any particular region, which could
cause confusion upon the arrival of international flights.
[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 3a and 3b, shown is a detailed view
of a part of a passenger bridge close to the body of an aircraft,
including an apparatus according to a second embodiment of the
instant invention. Drawing elements shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b having
identical form and function as those drawing elements described
previously with reference to FIGS. 2a and 2b have been assigned
identical reference numerals, and their description is omitted here
in the interest of brevity. According to the second embodiment of
the instant invention, a visual signal generator 34 is in
communication with the device 9 for receiving the control signal
therefrom and for providing a visual signal in dependence upon
receiving the control signal. In a preferred embodiment, the visual
signal generator 34 is in the form of a "traffic light" signal,
including a red lens 35 and a green lens 36. Of course, other types
and/or other numbers of visual signal generators are optionally
used to generate the visual signal. Preferably, the visual signal
generator 34 is disposed within the passageway 4 of the passenger
bridge 1 at a position that is easily viewed through a window of
the aircraft door 20 or through another window.
[0043] Optionally, one of the independent sensors 14 and 15
provides a control signal to the visual signal generator 34, in
dependence upon sensing the predetermined contiguity of the floor
member of the passenger bridge 1 to the aircraft door 20. In this
case, the sensor of the device 9 is used to align the passenger
bridge 1 to the aircraft door 20 and the independent sensors are
used to sense engagement therebetween.
[0044] In use, the visual signal generator 34, such as for example
the "traffic light" signal, is positioned within a passenger
loading bridge structure for convenient viewing by an occupant of
an aircraft through a window portion of a door 20. When the
passenger bridge 1 is at a position that is remote from the door
20, in which case a gap exists between the cabin 5 and the aircraft
21, the visual signal generator 34 displays a recognizable visual
cue to indicate that it is unsafe for the occupant to open the
door. For instance, the red light 35 is illuminated to indicate
that the bridge is at a location remote from the aircraft. When the
sensor senses that the passenger bridge 1 is properly aligned with
the aircraft 21, the sensor provides a control signal to the
processor, which in turn provides a second control signal to the
visual signal generator 34 for switching off the red light 35 and
for approximately simultaneously switching on the green light 36.
When the green light 36 is illuminated, the occupant of the
aircraft 21 may safely open the door 20, for example to allow
passenger deplaning to begin.
[0045] Optionally, the visual signal generator 34 is disposed
exterior to the passenger bridge 1, such as for example on an outer
surface of the passenger bridge or even on an outside surface of
the terminal building 3. For instance, the visual signal generator
34 is disposed at a position on an exterior wall of the terminal
building 3 such that it is visible to an operator of the aircraft
21 after the aircraft 21 has come to a stop at an expected stopping
position. When the red light 35 is switched off and the green light
36 is illuminated to indicate that the bridge is properly aligned
and that it is safe for an occupant of the aircraft 21 to open the
door 20, the operator of the aircraft broadcasts a message to a
flight attendant using an intercom system of the aircraft 21. The
flight attendant opens the door 20, having been instructed to do
so.
[0046] Of course, due to the international nature of airline
travel, such visual cues should be widely recognizable and should
not be based on any symbols of regional origin.
[0047] Referring now to FIGS. 4a and 4b, shown is a detailed view
of a part of a passenger bridge close to the body of an aircraft,
including an apparatus according to a third embodiment of the
instant invention. Drawing elements shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b having
identical form and function as those drawing elements described
previously with reference to FIGS. 2a and 2b have been assigned
identical reference numerals, and their description is omitted here
in the interest of brevity. In the third embodiment of the instant
invention, a visual signal generator 37 is provided in the form of
a bank of fluorescent lights, which fluorescent lights provide
interior lighting for the passenger bridge 1. In use, the visual
signal generator 37 is selectively switched on or off to indicate
the alignment status of the passenger bridge 1 with respect to the
aircraft 21. More particularly, when the sensor senses that the
passenger bridge 1 is correctly aligned with the aircraft 21, the
sensor provides a control signal to the processor, which in turn
provides a second control signal to the visual signal generator 37.
In response to the second control signal the visual signal
generator 37, in the form of interior lighting fixtures, is
switched from an off state to an on state, thereby illuminating the
interior of passageway 4. Certainly, an occupant of the aircraft
would not be motivated to open the door into a dark passageway 4,
but would be more likely to wait until illumination is provided. Of
course, the actual lighting tubes need not be observed directly in
order for an occupant of the aircraft 21 to determine a current
alignment status of the bridge. The occupant simply by noting that
the passageway 4 is "lighted" or "dark" will be able to determine
whether the passenger bridge 1 is aligned or not, respectively.
[0048] Optionally, one of the independent sensors 14 and 15
provides a control signal to the visual signal generator 37, in
dependence upon sensing the predetermined contiguity of the floor
member of the passenger bridge 1 to the aircraft door 20. In this
case, the sensor of the device 9 is used to align the passenger
bridge 1 to the aircraft door 20 and the independent sensors are
used to sense engagement therebetween.
[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 5a and 5b, shown is a detailed view
of a part of a passenger bridge close to the body of an aircraft,
including an apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the
instant invention. Drawing elements shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b having
identical form and function as those drawing elements described
previously with reference to FIGS. 2a and 2b have been assigned
identical reference numerals, and their description is omitted here
in the interest of brevity. In communication with the device 9 is a
wireless signal generator 38 for transmitting automatically an
indication signal to a flight deck of the aircraft 21. The
automated signal is transmitted and received using a predetermined
frequency for each different passenger bridge 1. Preferably, the
indication signal is received using existing aircraft
communications equipment. Upon receiving the indication signal, an
operator of the aircraft 21 broadcasts a message to a flight
attendant using an intercom system of the aircraft 21. The flight
attendant opens the door 21, having been instructed to do so.
Optionally, the indication signal activates a visual indicator
within the aircraft 21, which requires that each aircraft be
retrofitted with the visual indicator for receiving the automated
signal. Further optionally, the wireless signal generator 38 is in
the form of a wireless transmitter integrated into the device
9.
[0050] Optionally, one of the independent sensors 14 and 15
provides a control signal to the wireless signal generator 38, in
dependence upon sensing the predetermined contiguity of the floor
member of the passenger bridge 1 to the aircraft door 20. In this
case, the sensor of the device 9 is used to align the passenger
bridge 1 to the aircraft door 20 and the independent sensors are
used to sense engagement therebetween.
[0051] Referring now to FIG. 6, shown is a method of providing an
indication to an occupant of an aircraft according to the instant
invention. At step 100 the passenger bridge 1 is aligned with the
aircraft 21 in one of a semi-automated and a fully-automated
manner, for instance under the control of the device 9. At decision
step 101 an alignment status of the passenger bridge 1 is
determined, for example in dependence upon sensed data provided by
proximity and or pressure sensors mounted at a cabin end of the
passenger bridge 1. When it is determined at step 101 that the
passenger bridge 1 is aligned correctly with the aircraft 21, the
device 9 provides a control signal to an alignment-status signal
generator at step 102. Optionally, independent sensors 14 and/or 15
provide the control signal to the alignment-status signal
generator. The alignment-status signal generator is in the form of
one of an acoustic signal generator 39, a visual signal generator
34 or 37, and a wireless signal generator 38 or another convenient
signal provider. At step 103 the alignment-status signal generator
receives the control signal and provides a predetermined
alignment-status signal to an occupant aboard the aircraft 21. At
step 104 the occupant aboard the aircraft 21 receives the
alignment-status signal and opens the aircraft door. The method of
FIG. 6 terminates at step 105.
[0052] Existing semi-automated and fully-automated passenger bridge
systems can be easily retrofitted to include an alignment-status
signal generator according to the instant invention. In a
semi-automated or tele-robotic system, a bridge-operator at a
remote location provides a control signal to the alignment-status
signal generator to confirm that the bridge is aligned correctly.
For example, the control signal is provided in response to the
bridge-operator pressing a switch or button on a control panel, or
in response to the bridge-operator disengaging control of the
bridge. Of course, in a fully-automated system, independent sensors
14 and/or 15 disposed near the cabin end of the passenger bridge 1
are used to detect correct alignment of the passenger bridge 1 with
the aircraft 21 and to provide a control signal to the
status-signal generator. Optionally, the sensors are selected from
a group comprising: mechanical, optical, electronic etc.
non-contact proximity sensors and pressure sensors. Further
optionally, a system according to the instant invention is provided
as a kit for retrofitting an existing passenger bridge, the kit
comprising a sensor, a controller and an indication generator. The
kit is for retrofitting one of an existing manual, semi-automated
and a fully-automated passenger bridge. Preferably, the kit
operates independently of any existing passenger bridge control
system.
[0053] Further optionally, a combination of visual and audible
signals are provided. For instance providing a "banging" sound in
addition to a traffic-light signal "green light" indication.
[0054] Numerous other embodiments may be envisaged without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
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