公开(公告)号：US07669270B2

公开(公告)日：2010-03-02

申请号：US11589754

申请日：2006-10-31

Applicant: Neil Hutton

Inventor： Neil Hutton

IPC: G08B21/00 ,  E01D15/00

CPC classification number: B64F1/3055

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 translation: 将乘客登机桥的一端与飞机的门口对准的方法包括将飞机停放在与乘客登机桥相邻定义的停车空间内的步骤。 飞机上放置的成像仪用于扫描位于停车位置附近的目标，目标包括与乘客登机桥唯一相关联的机器可读信息。 从图像数据中提取与目标的机器可读信息相关的数据，并用于对信号进行编码以传输给乘客登机桥的控制器。 控制器确定提取的数据的存在，并将数据与该乘客登机桥的唯一桥标识码代码进行比较。 当确定比赛时，确认与该乘客登机桥相邻的停车位内或其附近的飞机的通信。

公开(公告)号：US07603737B2

公开(公告)日：2009-10-20

申请号：US11518178

申请日：2006-09-11

Applicant: Neil Hutton

Inventor： Neil Hutton

IPC: G08G5/00

CPC classification number: B64F1/3055

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 translation: 在用于将乘客登机桥的飞机接合端与飞行器的门口对准的方法中，布置在飞行器上的第一传感器用于感测与当前桥对准操作有关的第一信息，以及设置在位置处的第二传感器 远离飞行器的信号用于感测与当前桥对准操作相关的第二信息。 感测到的第一信息和感测到的第二信息在处理器处被接收。 处理器随后基于感测到的第一信息和感测到的第二信息，确定用于使乘客登机桥的飞机接合端沿着朝向飞机门口的方向移动的指令数据。

公开(公告)号：US07603736B2

公开(公告)日：2009-10-20

申请号：US11378306

申请日：2006-03-20

Applicant: Neil Hutton ,  Roland Fischer

Inventor： Neil Hutton ,  Roland Fischer

IPC: E01D1/00

CPC classification number: B64F1/002 ,  B64F1/3055

Abstract: A system is provided for aligning a first passenger boarding bridge tunnel section with a first doorway of an aircraft and for aligning a second passenger boarding bridge tunnel section with a second doorway of the aircraft includes. The system includes a sensor for sensing an orientation of a first passenger boarding bridge tunnel section when it is in an aligned condition with a first doorway of the aircraft, and for sensing an orientation of a second passenger boarding bridge tunnel section when it is in other than an aligned condition with the second doorway of the aircraft. The sensor is in communication with a controller. The controller is for receiving a signal from the sensor, and for determining the orientation of the first passenger boarding bridge tunnel section and the orientation of the second passenger boarding bridge tunnel section in dependence upon the signal. Based upon the determined orientation information, as well as stored information relating to a location of the second doorway relative to the first doorway, the controller determines a movement for moving the second passenger boarding bridge tunnel section into an aligned condition with the second doorway of the aircraft.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种系统，用于将第一乘客登机桥隧道段与飞行器的第一门口对准，并且用于使第二乘客登机桥隧道段与飞行器的第二门口对准。 该系统包括传感器，用于在与第一乘客登机桥隧道段处于与飞行器的第一门口处于对准状态时感测第一乘客登机桥隧道段的定向，并且用于在第二乘客登机桥隧道段处于其他状态时感测第二乘客登机桥隧道段的定向 而不是与飞机的第二个门口对齐的情况。 传感器与控制器通讯。 控制器用于从传感器接收信号，并根据信号确定第一乘客登机桥隧道段的方向和第二乘客登机桥隧道段的方位。 基于确定的方向信息以及与第二门口相对于第一门口的位置相关的存储信息，控制器确定用于将第二乘客登机桥隧道段移动到与第二门道的第二门口对齐的状态的移动 飞机。

公开(公告)号：US20060287780A1

公开(公告)日：2006-12-21

申请号：US11155502

申请日：2005-06-20

Applicant: Neil Hutton

Inventor： Neil Hutton

IPC: G01C23/00

CPC classification number: B64F1/305

Abstract: A system for aligning an aircraft-engaging end of a passenger boarding bridge to a doorway along a lateral surface of an aircraft includes a bridge controller for performing automated alignment of the aircraft-engaging end of the passenger boarding bridge to the doorway. A user interface is located aboard the aircraft for receiving, from a user aboard the aircraft, an input signal relating to a command for aborting automated alignment of the aircraft-engaging end of the passenger boarding bridge, and for providing data relating to the input signal. A transmitter is also located aboard the aircraft and in communication with the user interface, the transmitter for receiving the data relating to the input signal and for transmitting a first signal including the data relating to the input signal. Furthermore, a receiver is located at a location that is remote from the aircraft and is in communication with the bridge controller, for receiving the first signal and for providing to the bridge controller an electrical output signal relating to the first signal. During use, the bridge controller aborts an automated alignment process already in progress in dependence upon receiving the electrical output signal.

Abstract translation: 用于将乘客登机桥的飞机接合端对准沿着飞行器的侧面的门口的系统包括桥接控制器，用于执行乘客登机桥的飞机接合端到门口的自动对准。 用户接口位于飞机上，用于从飞机上的用户接收与用于中止乘客登机桥的飞机接合端的自动对准的命令相关的输入信号，并且用于提供与输入信号有关的数据 。 发射机还位于飞行器上并与用户接口通信，发射机用于接收与输入信号相关的数据，并用于发送包括与输入信号有关的数据的第一信号。 此外，接收器位于远离飞机的位置，并且与桥接控制器通信，用于接收第一信号，并向桥控制器提供与第一信号有关的电输出信号。 在使用期间，桥接控制器根据接收到电输出信号中断已经在进行中的自动校准过程。

公开(公告)号：US20060070193A1

公开(公告)日：2006-04-06

申请号：US10957981

申请日：2004-10-05

Applicant: Neil Hutton ,  Rami Ibrahim ,  Mathew Connelly

Inventor： Neil Hutton ,  Rami Ibrahim ,  Mathew Connelly

IPC: E01D1/00

CPC classification number: B64F1/305

Abstract: Vertical alignment of a movable bridge with a doorway of an aircraft is achieved by moving a sensor disposed on the movable bridge in a generally downward direction so as to sense a position of an upper surface of the aircraft. The upper surface of the aircraft has a known elevational relationship relative to the doorway of the aircraft, which is used along with the sensed position to align an aircraft engaging portion of the movable bridge with the doorway. The method accommodates different heights of a same model of aircraft resulting from differences in the aircraft loads and is easily implemented using either contact or non-contact sensors.

Abstract translation: 可移动桥与飞机门口的垂直对准是通过以大致向下的方向移动设置在可移动桥上的传感器来实现的，以便感测飞行器的上表面的位置。 飞行器的上表面相对于飞机的门口具有已知的高度关系，其与所感测的位置一起使用以将可移动桥的飞机接合部分与门口对准。 该方法适应飞机负载差异导致的相同型号飞机的不同高度，并且可以使用接触式或非接触式传感器轻松实现。

公开(公告)号：US06820296B2

公开(公告)日：2004-11-23

申请号：US10354004

申请日：2003-01-30

Applicant: Neil Hutton ,  Christopher Nowak

Inventor： Neil Hutton ,  Christopher Nowak

IPC: B64F1305

CPC classification number: B64F1/3055

Abstract: A novel apparatus for moving passengers between an airport terminal building and a doorway of an aircraft located rearward of a wing of the aircraft. The inventive apparatus includes a passageway member pivotally anchored to one of the terminal building and a passenger loading bridge for servicing a front doorway of a same aircraft. The apparatus includes a telescopic passageway member that is pivotally mounted to the passageway member via a flexible connection. In use, the apparatus is cantilevered over the wing of an aircraft with the flexible connection substantially above a highest point along an upper surface of the aircraft wing. The flexible connection allows a cabin carried at an outboard end of the telescopic passageway member to mate to the rear doorway of the aircraft, providing an open passageway between the rear doorway and the terminal building through which passengers deplane. Positioning the flexible connection above the high point of the wing approximately minimizes the inclination of each passageway member floor surface.

Abstract translation: 一种用于在机场候机大楼和位于飞机机翼后方的飞机门口之间移动乘客的新型装置。 本发明的装置包括枢转地锚固到终端建筑物中的一个的通道构件和用于维修同一飞机的前门道的乘客装载桥。 该装置包括伸缩通道构件，该构件通过柔性连接件可枢转地安装到通道构件。 在使用中，该装置悬挂在飞行器的机翼上，其柔性连接件基本上在沿飞机机翼的上表面的最高点上方。 柔性连接允许在伸缩通道构件的外侧端部承载的舱室与飞行器的后门口相配合，从而在后门道和乘客坠落之间的终端建筑物之间提供开放的通道。 将柔性连接件定位在机翼的高点上方大致最小化每个通道构件地面的倾斜度。

公开(公告)号：US06742210B2

公开(公告)日：2004-06-01

申请号：US10606759

申请日：2003-06-27

Applicant: Neil Hutton ,  Rami Ibrahim

Inventor： Neil Hutton ,  Rami Ibrahim

IPC: E01D100

CPC classification number: B64F1/3055

Abstract: Disclosure is a system and method for automatically aligning an end of a passenger loading bridge with a doorway of an aircraft. A beacon is transmitted from the doorway of the aircraft. The beacon is sensed and from the sensed beacon a direction for moving of the end of the passenger loading bridge is determined. The passenger loading bridge is then moved according to the determined direction. The process is iterated until the docking of the bridge to the aircraft is completed.

Abstract translation: 公开是用于将乘客装载桥的端部与飞行器的门口自动对准的系统和方法。 信标从飞机的门口传输。 感测信标，并且从感测到的信标确定乘客负载桥的末端的移动方向。 然后乘客载重桥根据确定的方向移动。 该过程重复，直到桥梁对飞机的对接完成。

公开(公告)号：US06704963B1

公开(公告)日：2004-03-16

申请号：US10292480

申请日：2002-11-13

Applicant: Neil Hutton

Inventor： Neil Hutton

IPC: E01D1200

CPC classification number: B64F1/305

Abstract: A failsafe support for use with a height adjustable passenger loading bridge. A main support member supports the weight of a passenger loading bridge passageway under normal operating conditions. The failsafe support includes a self-arresting mechanism for varying a length of a height-adjusting portion of the failsafe support in order to raise and lower a support portion of the failsafe support. The support portion is positionable adjacent to and spaced apart from a lower surface of the passenger loading bridge passageway, for supporting the weight of the passageway in the event of a failure of the main support member. The self-arresting mechanism prevents the passageway of the passenger loading bridge from descending to a level below the support portion.

Abstract translation: 与高度可调式乘客装载桥一起使用的故障安全支持。 主支撑构件在正常操作条件下支撑乘客装载桥通道的重量。 故障保护支撑件包括用于改变故障保护支撑件的高度调节部分的长度的自停止机构，以便升高和降低故障安全支撑件的支撑部分。 支撑部分可邻近乘客负载桥通道的下表面并与之隔开，用于在主支撑构件发生故障的情况下支撑通道的重量。 自动拦截机构防止乘客装载桥的通道下降到低于支撑部分的水平。

公开(公告)号：US06698051B2

公开(公告)日：2004-03-02

申请号：US10354053

申请日：2003-01-30

Applicant: Neil Hutton

Inventor： Neil Hutton

IPC: E01D100

CPC classification number: B64F1/305

Abstract: A system for automatically retracting a passenger loading bridge from an engaged position relative to an aircraft having a door, the aircraft being releasably connectable to a service provider is disclosed. The system comprising at least a sensor for detecting one of a plurality of predetermined events other than a user input at an input device coupled thereto and for providing a signal in dependence upon said detected predetermined events; and a bridge actuator in operative communication with the at least a sensor for receiving the signal and for automatically performing a retraction movement in order to retract the bridge from the aircraft in response to the signal indicative of one of the plurality of predetermined events being sensed.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种用于从相对于具有门的飞机的接合位置自动缩回乘客装载桥的系统，该飞行器可释放地连接到服务提供商。 该系统至少包括一个传感器，用于检测在与其耦合的输入设备处的用户输入以外的多个预定事件之一，并且用于根据所述检测到的预定事件提供信号; 以及桥接致动器，其与所述至少一个传感器可操作地通信，用于接收所述信号并且用于响应于指示所感测到的所述多个预定事件中的一个的信号而自动执行撤回运动以从所述飞机撤回所述桥。

公开(公告)号：US07685838B2

公开(公告)日：2010-03-30

申请号：US11370864

申请日：2006-03-09

Applicant: Neil Hutton

Inventor： Neil Hutton

IPC: F25D17/02

CPC classification number: B64F1/364 ,  F25D15/00 ,  F25D16/00 ,  F25D17/06 ,  F25D2400/38 ,  F28D20/021 ,  Y02E60/145

Abstract: A preconditioned air system for cooling an interior cabin space of a parked aircraft includes a thermal energy storage unit, which contains a thermal energy storage medium for storing cooling capacity. During use, a ground-based air-cooling unit is placed in thermal communication with the thermal energy storage medium. The ground-based air-cooling unit draws upon cooling capacity that has been stored previously within the thermal storage medium for cooling the interior cabin space. Storage of cooling capacity is performed during off-peak demand times and/or during low power cost times. System modularity supports cooling of variously sized aircraft even under extreme temperature conditions.

Abstract translation: 用于冷却停放的飞行器的内部舱室空间的预处理空气系统包括一个热能存储单元，其包含用于存储冷却能力的热能存储介质。 在使用过程中，地面空气冷却装置与热能储存介质热连通。 基于地面的空气冷却单元利用先前存储在热存储介质内的冷却能力来冷却内部舱室空间。 在非高峰需求时间和/或在低功耗成本时间期间进行冷却能力的存储。 即使在极端温度条件下，系统模块化也支持各种尺寸飞机的冷却。