Abstract: An apparatus for moving passengers between an airport terminal building and a doorway of an aircraft located rearward of a wing of the aircraft, including 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 a telescopic passageway member 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: Disclosed is an overhead adjustable support system for use with an aircraft passenger boarding bridge, and especially for use with an aircraft passenger boarding bridge having at least two tunnel sections disposed one each on opposite sides of a flexible connection. A preferred embodiment of the overhead adjustable support system includes a first support member for being mounted to one of the at least two tunnel sections at a first point proximate the flexible connection. The first support member also has a free end for being disposed elevationally above the one of the at least two tunnel sections. The overhead adjustable support system also includes a second support member for being mounted to the other one of the at least two tunnel sections at a second point proximate the flexible connection, and has a free end for being disposed elevationally above the other one of the at least two tunnel sections.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for aligning a door of an aircraft to a passenger loading bridge. A final parking position of the aircraft is defined as being immediately adjacent to a position of the passenger loading bridge, such that when the aircraft is stopped at the final parking position, the passenger loading bridge requires only a telescopic extension of less than about 1 meter to complete the alignment operation. To this end, an indicating device that works cooperatively with an aircraft-engaging end of the passenger loading bridge is provided for displaying human intelligible instructions for use by a pilot of the aircraft to guide the aircraft to the final parking position.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for moving passengers between an airport terminal building and a doorway of an aircraft located rearward of a wing of the aircraft. The apparatus includes a first passageway member pivotally coupled at an inboard end thereof to a rotunda and supported close to an outboard end thereof by a ground support member. The apparatus also includes a telescopic passageway member that is pivotally mounted to the passageway member via a flexible connection disposed therebetween. The telescopic passageway member is for being supported in a cantilever-like fashion such that the telescopic passageway member is extensible over the wing of the aircraft, for servicing the doorway located rearward of the wing.

Abstract: A dock leveler having a frame and a deck pivotably mounted at one end thereof to the frame. A lip is pivotably mounted to the deck at another end thereof. A lip latch and lip extension mechanism are mounted to the leveler and comprises a lip latch pivotably connected to the deck by a crank mechanism and a latch bar pivotably connected to the crank mechanism. The latch bar has one end selectively engaging a latch bracket mounted to the deck. A bar is connected at one end to the crank mechanism and another end is operably connected to the lip. A first spring is operably connected to the crank mechanism and the frame. A second spring is operably connected to the bar and the frame. A third spring operably couples another end of the latch bar to the second spring.

Abstract: A lift is coupled to the outer cab or rotunda of a telescoping bridge. The lift has a carriage that can be moved by a cable and a motor upward or downward and which includes a platform that has sensing means for controlling the motor for stopping downward movement of the carriage when it engages the ground. An electrically operated safety catch is provided to prevent the carriage form falling in the event the cable breaks. A safety system is provided which prevents the bridge from moving if the carriage is not in the up position and its door is not closed.

Abstract: A servicing bridge (10) for servicing a vehicle (14) is provided including a main bridge section (16) that is mechanically coupled to a terminal (22) and a bridgehead (18). A retractable bridge extension system (12) is mechanically coupled to the bridgehead (18). The extension system (12) includes a bridge extension (30) that mates a bridge floor (36) to a vehicle floor (38) and extends the servicing bridge (10). A bridge extension bumper (32) is mechanically coupled to the bridge extension (30) and dampens contact between the bridge extension (30) and the vehicle (14). An extension mechanism (34) is mechanically coupled to the bridge extension (30) and the servicing bridge (10) and actuates the bridge extension (30).

Abstract: Disclosed 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 location 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: A cab for a commercial aircraft passenger boarding bridge includes a passageway having a floor, a ceiling opposing the floor, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall opposing the first sidewall. A second frame is coupled to the first sidewall and a first frame is coupled to at least one of the floor, the ceiling, and the second sidewall. At least one of the first and second frames are for being attached to the walkway opposite end in a manner to support lateral movement of the second frame relative to the walkway opposite end and relative to the first frame, so as to permit lateral movement of the first sidewall relative to the at least one of the floor, the ceiling, and the second sidewall.

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: A passenger boarding bridge for use by passengers in an airport terminal for embarking to and disembarking from a parked aircraft is provided with a resilient canopy that conforms to the shape of the outside surface of a parked aircraft without the aid of any external driving assembly or linkages directly attached thereto. The resilient canopy is useful with a wide range of airplanes sizes and, in contrast to existing steel framed weather shielding bellows, the canopy is particularly suited to the rapidly changing curvature of smaller planes and significantly inexpensive to construct.

Abstract: A loading bridge includes motors for moving the open end forward, backward, left, right, up and down so the open end can be aligned with a passenger door of an airplane. To minimize collisions between the loading bridge and the airplane, a deadman switch is provided under the control of a second person on the ground adjacent the open end of the loading bridge. So long as the second person holds the deadman switch in a preferred position, the motors are operative to drive the loading bridge forward, backward, left and right. When the second person releases the deadman switch, the loading bridge can no longer move in these directions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for automatically aligning a passenger bridge to a door of an aircraft. The apparatus includes a sensor in the form of a laser range finder, a local computer for receiving signals from the sensor and for controlling bridge movement in dependence thereof, and memory storage for storing data relating to features of aircraft models with which the bridge is to be connected. Automated bridge alignment proceeds under the control of the local computer in dependence upon a determined error factor exceeding a predetermined minimum threshold value, which value is one of a default value and a value specified by a user of the apparatus. Accordingly, the instant invention permits different airlines to accept varying levels of risk associated with automatic bridge alignment.

Abstract: A servicing bridge (10) for servicing a vehicle (14) is provided including a main bridge section (16) that is mechanically coupled to a terminal (22) and a bridgehead (18). A retractable bridge extension system (12) is mechanically coupled to the bridgehead (18). The extension system (12) includes a bridge extension (30) that mates a bridge floor (36) to a vehicle floor (38) and extends the servicing bridge (10). A bridge extension bumper (32) is mechanically coupled to the bridge extension (30) and dampens contact between the bridge extension (30) and the vehicle (14). An extension mechanism (34) is mechanically coupled to the bridge extension (30) and the servicing bridge (10) and actuates the bridge extension (30).

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: 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: When a loading bridge is connected to a small aircraft to allow passengers to board or deplane, a large size difference exists between the aperture of a loading bridge and the entry/exit hatch of a small aircraft; the loading bridge aperture being larger than the aircraft hatch. Accordingly, the size difference creates a potentially dangerous gap. The extensible platform on an extensible passenger loading bridge is for alleviating the gap and as such for providing a safe pathway to passengers when they board or deplane.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for aligning a door of an aircraft to a passenger loading bridge. A final parking position of the aircraft is defined as being immediately adjacent to a position of the passenger loading bridge, such that when the aircraft is stopped at the final parking position, the passenger loading bridge requires only a telescopic extension of less than about 1 meter to complete the alignment operation. To this end, an indicating device that works cooperatively with an aircraft-engaging end of the passenger loading bridge is provided for displaying human intelligible instructions for use by a pilot of the aircraft to guide the aircraft to the final parking position.

Abstract: An aircraft boarding bridge has two arms, one arm for each side of the aircraft. Using the boarding bridge, passengers and crew may embark or debark both sides of the aircraft at the same time, enabling boarding or deplaning in as little as half the time presently used. This multiple-door access boarding bridge may use one or more than one door on each side of the aircraft. The bridge itself may be an apron-drive model, using drive wheels to approach a parked aircraft, or may be a fixed-location model, using vertical lifts to move into position once an aircraft has parked. Access doors in the bridge allow service personnel to approach without interfering with the boarding or deplaning processes.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adjustable cab including an adjustable cab floor engagement assembly for use with a passenger loading bridge to service a plurality of different aircraft types, each different aircraft type having a different doorway configuration. The adjustable cab floor engagement assembly includes upper and lower floor members, which are moveable one relative to the other, to provide a plurality of different floor configurations. A light-weight, flip up panel is provided along a leading edge of the assembly, which pivots upwardly upon contact with a portion of the aircraft to avoid damaging either one of the assembly or the aircraft. The adjustable cab includes an auto-leveling structure to provide a level surface for passengers entering and exiting the aircraft.

Abstract: In the conventional air cargo transportation system, the transportation of the cargo that is stored inside of the airport terminal building, to the area of the loading/unloading door is normally performed using the package/cargo carts. However, numerous workers were needed to load the cargo and drive the carts, which is very labor intensive and entails high manpower costs. The conventional system is also dangerous as they move along the complex tarmac markings.

Abstract: A lift is coupled to the outer cab of a telescoping bridge. The lift has a carriage that can be moved by a cable and a motor upward or downward and which includes a platform that has sensing means for controlling the motor for stopping downward movement of the carriage when it engages the ground. An electrically operated safety catch is provided to prevent the carriage from falling in the event the cable breaks. A safety system is provided which prevents the bridge from moving if the carriage is not in the up position and its door is not closed.

Abstract: Disclosed 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: Disclosed is a system and method for automatically aligning an end of a passenger boarding bridge with a doorway of an aircraft. A beacon is transmitted from a predetermined location aboard the aircraft, such as within a window proximate a doorway of the aircraft. The beacon is sensed and from the sensed beacon a direction for moving of the end of the passenger boarding bridge is determined. The passenger boarding 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: Disclosed 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: Disclosed is 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.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for pre-identifying a model of an aircraft to which a passenger bridge is to be connected and for setting the passenger bridge to a predetermined position in dependence upon the identification. The system uses an imager to capture an image of the aircraft as it approaches the bridge. A local processor of the bridge extracts features for comparison to template data stored locally in a database for a plurality of possible aircraft models. In dependence upon a result of the comparison, a model of the aircraft is identified absent the local processor receiving additional information from an external information source. The local processor retrieves other data from the database for moving the passenger bridge to a predetermined position for the identified model of aircraft.

Abstract: Disclosed is 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.

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.

Abstract: A loading bridge includes motors for moving the open end forward, backward, left, right, up and down so the open end can be aligned with a passenger door of an airplane. To minimize collisions between the loading bridge and the airplane, a deadman switch is provided under the control of a second person on the ground adjacent the open end of the loading bridge. So long as the second person holds the deadman switch in a preferred position, the motors are operative to drive the loading bridge forward, backward, left and right. When the second person releases the deadman switch, the loading bridge can no longer move in these directions.

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: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for automatically aligning a passenger bridge to a door of an aircraft. The apparatus includes a sensor in the form of a laser range finder, a local computer for receiving signals from the sensor and for controlling bridge movement in dependence thereof, and memory storage for storing data relating to features of aircraft models with which the bridge is to be connected. Automated bridge alignment proceeds under the control of the local computer in dependence upon a determined error factor exceeding a predetermined minimum threshold value, which value is one of a default value and a value specified by a user of the apparatus. Accordingly, the instant invention permits different airlines to accept varying levels of risk associated with automatic bridge alignment.

Abstract: A device for positioning one end of a movable bridge in relation to a door on a craft comprises a control unit for controlling at least the vertical movement of the bridge and for storing information on the position of the door on the craft. The control unit comprises a sensor arranged to transmit electromagnetic radiation in different directions, and to detect electromagnetic radiation; and the control unit is arranged to measure the time difference between the transmission of radiation in at least two different directions and the detection of said radiation, thereby determining the position of the bridge in relation to the craft in said directions, and to control at least the vertical movement of said one end of the bridge to a position adjacent to the door in response to the determined position of the bridge and the stored information on the position of the door.

Abstract: A telescopic gangway cabin has a canopy roof and a floor extending over the entire width of the canopy roof The gangway cabin can be used for docking to conventional commercial aircraft as well as to commuter aircraft. The undivided floor has a railing in the area of a lateral border of the floor and is displaceable together with the railing at right angles to the opening of the canopy roof under the side wall of the canopy roof.

Abstract: Apparatus for moving passengers between an airport terminal building and a doorway of an aircraft located rearward of a wing of the aircraft, including 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 the rear doorway of the aircraft, providing an open passageway between the rear doorway and the terminal building through which passenger deplane. Positioning the flexible connection above the high point of the wing approximately minimize the inclination of each passageway member floor surface.

Abstract: A telescopic gangway is provided for handling the passengers of single-deck or double-deck passenger airplanes parked nose in at least at one of the doors of the main deck or upper deck, which doors are located in front of, above or behind the wing. Passengers go through the lateral rear door, a door which is located directly in front of or behind the wing and through a central door of the upper deck of a doubledeck aircraft. The telecopic gangway includes tunnel elements which may be swivelled over the wing of the airplane and can be telescoped with a cabin (3) that can be moved up to the door of the airplane. A frame (6) surrounds the tunnel elements. An extension arm is rigidly or movably fastened to the frame (6), on which the telescoping tunnel elements are suspended in a height-adjustable manner. A post (4) is arranged at a sufficient safe distance from the wing and the engine of the parked airplane.

Abstract: A substantially rectangular mobile platform with a plurality of vertically adjustable supports is provided for transferring passengers between a single corridor passageway of an airport and an aircraft having a plurality of doors on a side of an aircraft. A first room is mounted on the mobile frame and has a first portal for docking with a doorway of the single corridor passageway. A second room and a third room are slidably receivable within and extendable from the first room. The second room has a first vestibule that extends substantially normally from the second room to dock with a first aircraft door via a second portal, and the third room has a second vestibule that extends substantially normally from the third room to dock with a second aircraft.

Abstract: A side cab providing enclosed pedestrian entrance to, or egress from, an airplane access door. The side pivot cab facilitates engaging one end of an access passageway with an aircraft access door by aligning interface structure for engagement with the aircraft. A side pivot cab rotates about an axis near, or associated with, a wall of an access passageway from an airport terminal building. A single adjustable wall extends or contracts to accommodate rotation of a pivot cab. Rotation capability of a side pivot cab may approach 270 degrees.

Abstract: A dock leveler having a frame and a deck pivotably mounted at one end thereof to the frame. A lip is pivotably mounted to the deck at another end thereof. A lip latch and lip extension mechanism are mounted to the leveler and comprises a lip latch pivotably connected to the deck by a crank mechanism and a latch bar pivotably connected to the crank mechanism. The latch bar has one end selectively engaging a latch bracket mounted to the deck. A bar is connected at one end to the crank mechanism and another end is operably connected to the lip. A first spring is operably connected to the crank mechanism and the frame. A second spring is operably connected to the bar and the frame. A third spring operably couples another end of the latch bar to the second spring.

Abstract: An extensible loading bridge for passenger loading having at least two extensible sections for supporting aircraft from an airport terminal at ground level. A wheeled gantry is located at the aircraft facing end of the aircraft facing section. The gantry provides linear movement of the aircraft facing section along the walkway, arcuate movement about the substantially vertical axis and means for lifting or lowering the aircraft facing end of the aircraft facing section. The wheeled gantry allows lowering of the aircraft facing end of the bottom of the aircraft facing section to a height above ground being approximately equal or less than a gantry wheel diameter.

Abstract: An extensible platform on an extensible passenger loading bridge is disclosed in the present invention. When a loading bridge is connected to a small aircraft to allow passengers to board or deplane, a large size difference exists between the aperture of a loading bridge and the entry/exit hatch of a small aircraft; the loading bridge aperture being larger than the aircraft hatch. Accordingly, the size difference creates a potentially dangerous gap. The extensible platform on an extensible passenger loading bridge is for alleviating the gap and as such for providing a safe pathway to passengers when they board or deplane.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a device and a method for supplying conditioned air for heating and/or cooling to an aircraft. More specifically, the present invention provides a hose in a container and a retractor. The retractor may engage the hose and pull the hose from the container. The container may deliver the hose to the aircraft via the retractor. In addition, the retractor may also retract the hose into the container when the hose is not needed. Further, the retractor may be released from the hose and container, allowing the hose to be pulled manually from the container.

Abstract: Passenger loading bridge bumper pads for cushioning and sealing a loading bridge to an aircraft structure, the bridge pads providing a resilient environmental seal and surrounding the bridge. The bottom bumper pad comprising a frangible metallic bumper for absorbing excessive docking forces.

Abstract: An aircraft boarding bridge has two arms, one arm for each side of the aircraft. Using the boarding bridge, passengers and crew may embark or debark both sides of the aircraft at the same time, enabling boarding or deplaning in as little as half the time presently used. This multiple-door access boarding bridge may use one or more than one door on each side of the aircraft. The bridge itself may be an apron-drive model, using drive wheels to approach a parked aircraft, or may be a fixed-location model, using vertical lifts to move into position once an aircraft has parked. Access doors in the bridge allow service personnel to approach without interfering with the boarding or deplaning processes.

Abstract: A bellows for an airplane boarding corridor for passengers, and a corridor including such bellows. A bellows actuator device of the invention has chambers that can be inflated and deflated on command to enable the bellows to be extended and to allow the bellows to be retracted, and it also returns the bellows to the retracted condition. Advantageously, the inflatable chambers of the actuator device of the invention form at least two rows of tubes disposed symmetrically or substantially symmetrically about a longitudinal plane of symmetry of the bellows, each row being individually inflatable. The present invention is mainly applicable to making equipment, in particular weatherproofing bellows, for airport boarding corridors for passengers.

Abstract: A bridge for the transfer of passengers between an elevated level of a terminal building has a vestibule attached to the terminal building. A first bridge unit extends from the vestibule to a rotunda assembly and is rotatably attached to the rotunda assembly and the vestibule. The rotunda assembly has an elevation system for changing the slope of the first bridge unit relative to the horizontal. A second bridge unit extends from the rotunda assembly and has a bubble attached at its outer end. The second bridge unit has telescoping sections and is movable vertically, telescopically and radially upon operation of a driving system connected at the outer end of the second bridge unit. A telescoping brow extends away from the second bridge unit. The slopes of the first bridge unit and the second bridge unit are controlled to be less than 12 percent with the bubble being movable over a wide range of locations and with a substantial range of vertical motion.

Abstract: A dock leveler ramp with a lip that can be latched in an extended position to ensure that the lip comes to rest upon the back end of a vehicle as the ramp descends includes an unlatching mechanism. The mechanism positively unlatches the lip by direct force created by the lip engaging the vehicle or created by the ramp descending upon an internal abutment in the event that a vehicle is not present. Also, the descent of an unlatched lip is dampened to prevent the lip from slamming back down to its pendant position.

Abstract: A portable stairway for use with standard airport boarding bridges is disclosed. The stairway is easily portable as a standalone unit. The stairway also easily connects to and disconnects from the boarding bridge. The type of releasable connection provided between the stairway and the boarding bridge is secure but allows the stairway and the boarding bridge to pivot vertically with respect to one another. Such a connection allows the stairway to be used when the boarding bridge and stairway are not aligned at exactly the same height. When properly connected to the boarding bridge, the stairway provides a smooth transition between the boarding bridge and the stairway and leads from the outer doorway of the boarding bridge to the airplane parking level. Also, while connected to the boarding bridge, the stairway moves freely with the boarding bridge as it is moved about the airplane parking level to service various airplane parking positions.

Abstract: A passenger boarding bridge for narrow body aircraft that does not require a bubble section. On the right hand half of the cab floor lengthwise there are two openings, and connected to the floor at each opening there is an up-folding hinged floor board. On the back side of floor there are gas springs that are used to flip up the hinged boards and also a cylinder that can move an extension board forward and backward at the front end of floor. At the bottom of the floor there are electrical locks for locking the hinged floor boards when they are in the horizontal position. On the back side of the floor there is also a cylinder to drive the safety cylinder at the front end of the floor in a lateral direction. Above the first piece of the frame of the canopy two extra short are added, the bottom part of which is split but connected with a hinge. The front part of the frame is covered with foam rubber. Attached to the canopy frame is a gas spring to open up the frame into a multisided shape.

Abstract: An engagement structure adapted for securement to the end of an aircraft boarding bridge includes a bumper assembly formed of a first bumper and an auxiliary bumper. The auxiliary bumper is mechanically associated with a drive assembly adapted for displacing the auxiliary bumper relative to the first bumper to provide a dimensionally adjustable floor area of a boarding bridge proximate the interface of the bridge and an aircraft serviced by the bridge. The engagement structure may also include bifurcated arrangement wherein a sliding floor element is associated with a length adjustable bumper subassembly. The engagement structure provides a structure whereby the floor structure of the boarding bridge can be opened to provide a passageway for an opening or closing aircraft door.