Abstract:
A method of aligning one end of a passenger boarding bridge with a doorway of an aircraft includes a step of parking the aircraft within a parking space that is defined adjacent to the passenger boarding bridge. An imager disposed aboard the aircraft is used for scanning a target that is located proximate the parking space, the target including machine-readable information that is uniquely associated with the passenger boarding bridge. Data relating to the machine-readable information of the target is extracted from image data and used for encoding a signal for transmission to a controller of the passenger boarding bridge. The controller determines the presence of the extracted data and compares the data to a unique bridge identifier code for that passenger boarding bridge. When a match is determined, then communication with an aircraft within or proximate a parking space adjacent to that passenger boarding bridge is confirmed.
Abstract:
A method for aligning one end of a passenger boarding bridge with a doorway of an aircraft includes sensing a location of a base plate of the doorway of the aircraft, using a sensor that is disposed proximate the one end of the passenger boarding bridge. A current location of the one end of the passenger boarding bridge is then determined relative to the sensed location of the base plate. Based upon a known relationship between the location of the doorway and the sensed location of the base plate, the one end of the passenger boarding bridge is moved from the current location toward the doorway of the aircraft. The method relies upon features of the aircraft itself and does not require additional passive or active targets on the aircraft.
Abstract:
In a method for aligning an aircraft-engaging end of a passenger boarding bridge with a doorway of an aircraft, a first sensor disposed aboard the aircraft is used for sensing first information relating to a current bridge alignment operation and a second sensor disposed at a location that is remote from the aircraft is used for sensing second information relating to the current bridge alignment operation. The sensed first information and the sensed second information are received at a processor. The processor subsequently determines instruction data for moving the aircraft-engaging end of the passenger boarding bridge along a direction toward the doorway of the aircraft, based upon the sensed first information and the sensed second information.
Abstract:
A method for wireless communication between an aircraft and a passenger boarding bridge includes assigning an aircraft to a parking space adjacent to the passenger boarding bridge. The aircraft includes a signal-transmitting module for use in automated bridge alignment operations and has a unique aircraft identifier code associated therewith. The step of assigning includes providing the unique aircraft identifier code to an automated bridge alignment system of the passenger boarding bridge. Signals transmitted between the aircraft and the passenger boarding bridge are encoded with the unique aircraft identifier code for transmission between the aircraft and the automated bridge alignment system
Abstract:
A method for aligning an aircraft-engaging end of a passenger boarding bridge to a doorway of an aircraft includes waiting for the aircraft to park within a parking space that is adjacent to the passenger boarding bridge. A determination is made of a status of the aircraft doorway, wherein the status is indicative of a door panel being either closed or open. In dependence upon the determined status being indicative of the door panel being open, an alignment operation is performed for adjusting the aircraft engaging-end of the passenger boarding bridge into an aligned relationship relative to the aircraft doorway.
Abstract:
A baggage handling unit for retrofitting an existing passenger boarding bridge having a foundation includes a walkway for coupling a terminal building access port and a rotunda of an existing passenger boarding bridge so as to support passenger movement therebetween. The walkway includes a baggage access port, and a baggage elevating element is mounted adjacent to the baggage access port of the walkway. The baggage handling unit also includes a support having a mounting end configured for engaging the foundation and a support end for supporting the rotunda of the existing passenger boarding bridge at a position that is horizontally displaced from the foundation. A mount is provided for fixedly coupling the baggage handling unit to the rotunda about a point opposite an aircraft engaging portion of the existing passenger boarding bridge, such that the baggage handling unit and the rotunda are structurally attached.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a supplemental lift system for use with an aircraft passenger boarding bridge of a type that includes a tunnel section for being extended over the wing of an aircraft in a cantilever-like fashion. The supplemental lift system is for use in an event that a main elevating mechanism of the passenger boarding bridge is other than operable, such that the over the wing portion of the boarding bridge may be moved out of the way of a wing of the aircraft, permitting the same to move in a direction away from the boarding bridge. A preferred embodiment of the supplemental lift system comprises at least a jack including a first portion that is mounted to the aircraft passenger boarding bridge at a point that is distal from an outboard end thereof. The at least a jack further comprises a second portion having a first end for being telescopically received within the first portion such that a length of the jack is variable, and a second end for engaging an area of the ground that is elevationally below the aircraft passenger boarding bridge. The supplemental lift system also includes a power source in communication with the at least a jack for providing the power required for extending the length of the jack.
Abstract:
A fingerprint sensing device and recognition system includes an array of closely spaced apart semiconductor dies bonded to a substrate. The dies are spaced with a minimal space that will ensure that adjacent edges of the dies do not wipe against one another when a finger is pressed upon them. Each die includes an row/column array of sense elements that are coupled to a drive circuit and a sense circuit by sets of row and column conductors, respectively. The sense elements are actively addressable by the drive circuit. Capacitances resulting from individual finger surface portions in combination with sense electrodes are sensed by the sense circuit by applying a potential to the sense electrodes and measuring charging characteristics.
Abstract:
A telephone is provided with a biometric input sensor for receiving a biometric input and providing a signal in dependence upon said biometric input to the telephone network. Such a signal may identify an individual using certain telephone equipment. When used in conjunction with a public phone system, the telephone provides identification for billing, access privileges, and follow me call routing.
Abstract:
Conventional devices for mixing liquids include a container and some form of stirrer for one stage mixing. A two stage mixer for producing a homogeneous emulsion includes a container, a stirrer, and a preliminary mixer in the form of an arcuate plate defining a target above the stirrer. The two liquids are injected into the container through orifices, which are suitably oriented that the liquid streams converge to meet at the target. Thus, preliminary mixing of the liquids occurs at the target, and the liquids fall to the bottom of the container where the mixing process is completed by the stirrer.