Abstract: An aircraft docking system is configured to be located at a docking site. The system comprises distance determining means configured to determine, using electromagnetic radiation signal reception means, at least a distance between the system and an aircraft. The distance determining means are further configured to measure at least one property of a receiver signal received by the signal reception means, the property being related to the visibility at the docking site, compare said measure of the at least one receiver signal property with a threshold value and, depending on the comparison, provide a signal indicative of whether or not the visibility at the docking site is good enough to allow safe docking of the aircraft.

Abstract: An aircraft docking system (115, 117) is configured to be located at a docking site (103, 105). The system comprises distance determining means configured to determine, using electromagnetic radiation signal reception means, at least a distance between the system and an aircraft (111, 113). The distance determining means are further configured to measure at least one property of a receiver signal received by the signal reception means, the property being related to the visibility at the docking site, compare said measure of the at least one receiver signal property with a thres-hold value and, depending on the comparison, provide a signal indicative of whether or not the visibility at the docking site is good enough to allow safe docking of the aircraft.

Abstract: A laser range finder (LRF) is used to identify an aircraft approaching a gate. The LRF is directed at the aircraft, and from the echoes, a profile is derived and compared to known profiles. To distinguish among aircraft with similar profiles, the LRF is directed at a volume in which a feature such as an engine is expected and at another volume in which the engine is not expected. The echoes from the two volumes are used to determine whether the engine is in its expected location. If so, the aircraft is identified as the correct type and is allowed to dock at the gate. Otherwise, the aircraft is stopped. The nose height can be used as yet another identifying criterion.

Abstract: A monitoring and control system controls multiple lights and monitors their operation through two-way communication over power lines. An interface is connected to receive control signals for at least one of the lights from the central computer and to transmit monitoring data concerning the lights to the central computer. The interface communicates over the power lines with light controlling and monitoring devices in the field to transmit the control signals over the power lines to the light controlling and monitoring devices and to receive the monitoring data over the power lines from the light controlling and monitoring devices.

Abstract: In an arrangement for supervising and controlling field light units (20) at an airport, a regulator provided with a monitoring unit for power supply and for monitoring the light units is arranged individually for each light unit (18,20) to regulate the light intensity of the light units and to receive information as to their operational status. In a preferred embodiment, each light unit comprises two separate light sources that can be alternately and separately connected into circuit in case of failure to either of the light sources. Each light unit is provided with an electronic unit including a regulator, monitoring unit, and modem for power supply to the light unit and for monitoring the operation of the light unit. Each light unit is individually addressable from a control central for the airport. A ground traffic control system can be integrated into the field lighting system by connecting suitable presence detectors to the system.

Abstract: A system for detecting, identifying and docking aircraft using laser pulses to obtain a profile of an object in the distance initially scans the area in front of the gate until it locates and identifies an object. Once the identity of the object is known, the system tracks the object. The system also monitors an area of the apron near the object to detect obstacles such as ground service vehicles. The system also analyzes the laser pulses to determine whether they are reflected from a solid object or from fog or other condensation or precipitation to avoid misidentifying condensation or precipitation as a solid object.

Abstract: A laser range finder (LRF) is used to identify an aircraft approaching a gate. The LRF is directed at the aircraft, and from the echoes, a profile is derived and compared to known profiles. To distinguish among aircraft with similar profiles, the LRF is directed at a volume in which a feature such as an engine is expected and at another volume in which the engine is not expected. The echoes from the two volumes are used to determine whether the engine is in its expected location. If so, the aircraft is identified as the correct type and is allowed to dock at the gate. Otherwise, the aircraft is stopped. The nose height can be used as yet another identifying criterion.

Abstract: A laser range finder (LRF) is used to identify an aircraft approaching a gate. The LRF is directed at the aircraft, and from the echoes, a profile is derived and compared to known profiles. To distinguish among aircraft with similar profiles, the LRF is directed at a volume in which a feature such as an engine is expected and at another volume in which the engine is not expected. The echoes from the two volumes are used to determine whether the engine is in its expected location. If so, the aircraft is identified as the correct type and is allowed to dock at the gate. Otherwise, the aircraft is stopped. The nose height can be used as yet another identifying criterion.

Abstract: A system for detecting, identifying and docking aircraft using laser pulses to obtain a profile of an object in the distance. The system initially scans the area in front of the gate until it locates and identifies an object. Once the identity of the object is known, the system tracks the object. By using the information from the profile, the system can in real time display the type of airplane, the distance from the stopping point and the lateral position of the airplane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for communicating from the secondary side of an isolation transformer (6) to receiver means, the primary of said transformer being connected via a power cable to a circuit fed with a periodic voltage from a constant-current generator, said receiver means being connected to said circuit. More particularly, switch means (30) are arranged for generating communicating signals by momentarily affecting the impedance on the secondary side so as to generate one or more voltage pulses on the primary side (8) of the transformer for propagation along the cable to said receiver means.

Abstract: In an arrangement for supervising and controlling field light units (20) at an airport, a regulator provided with a monitoring unit for power supply and for monitoring the light units is arranged individually for each light unit (18,20) to regulate the light intensity of the light units and to receive information as to their operational status. In a preferred embodiment, each light unit comprises two separate light sources that can be alternately and separately connected into circuit in case of failure to either of the light sources. Each light unit is provided with an electronic unit including a regulator, monitoring unit, and modem for power supply to the light unit and for monitoring the operation of the light unit. Each light unit is individually addressable from a control central for the airport. A ground traffic control system can be integrated into the field lighting system by connecting suitable presence detectors to the system.