Abstract: An automatic control system for directional control of an aircraft moving on the ground utilizing computer vision methods and camera sensing methods (visible, infrared or microwave) to optically recognize and track taxiway navigation features thereby providing pilot television picture steering cues or force inputs to the nosewheel steering system to maintain the aircraft on the centerline.

Abstract: An automatic control system for directional control of an aircraft moving on the ground utilizing computer vision methods and camera sensing methods (visible, infrared or microwave) to optically recognize and track taxiway navigation features thereby providing pilot television picture steering cues or force inputs to the nosewheel steering system to maintain the aircraft on the centerline.

Abstract: Systems and methods for collision avoidance are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes providing a proximity warning system operatively coupled to the aircraft and adapted to monitor a scanning area proximate a selected portion of the aircraft. The scanning area is monitored using the proximity warning system. A ground-based device within the scanning area is detected using the proximity warning system, and a distance between the ground-based device and the selected portion on the aircraft is determined using the proximity warning system. If the distance between the ground-based device and the selected portion does not exceed a selected minimum distance, then a warning signal is provided. In alternate embodiments, the proximity warning system provides a second warning signal distinguishable from the warning signal.

Abstract: An automatic control system for directional control of an aircraft moving on the ground utilizing computer vision methods and camera sensing methods (visible, infrared or microwave) to optically recognize and track taxiway navigation features thereby providing pilot television picture steering cues or force inputs to the nosewheel steering system to maintain the aircraft on the centerline.

Abstract: Systems and methods for collision avoidance are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes providing a proximity warning system operatively coupled to the aircraft and adapted to monitor a scanning area proximate a selected portion of the aircraft. The scanning area is monitored using the proximity warning system. A ground-based device within the scanning area is detected using the proximity warning system, and a distance between the ground-based device and the selected portion on the aircraft is determined using the proximity warning system. If the distance between the ground-based device and the selected portion does not exceed a selected minimum distance, then a warning signal is provided. In alternate embodiments, the proximity warning system provides a second warning signal distinguishable from the warning signal.

Abstract: A multi-purpose aircraft servicing system (10) for an aircraft (12) is provided. The system (10) includes a multi-servicing bridge 16 having a main bridge section (26) with a plurality of bridge servicing units (56). A bridgehead (28) is mechanically coupled to the main bridge section (26) and mates to the aircraft (12). A method of servicing the aircraft (12) is also provided including parking the aircraft (12) at a terminal (24). The multi-purpose aircraft servicing system (10) is rotated to mate with the aircraft (12). The aircraft (12) is serviced from at least one side of the aircraft (12).

Abstract: A seat apparatus and method particularly well adapted for use in mobile platforms, and more particularly in a commercial aircraft. The seat apparatus includes a seat portion with linkage that enables a user to lift and tilt the seat portion forwardly while simultaneously moving a seat back of the apparatus from a reclined to a fully upright position. An extendable leg rest assembly allows the user to kneel thereon to further relieve lower back stress during prolonged periods of seating and to better enable the seat occupant to make use of a laptop computer or other equipment positioned in front of the occupant. The seat apparatus therefore provides a plurality of different seating positions for the occupant, thus enhancing the comfort of the occupant during prolonged seating periods and while the seat occupant is performing various tasks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling passenger flow on an aircraft. The aircraft can include a fuselage having a passenger doorway, a door moveable relative to the doorway between an open position and a closed position, and an entry region positioned within the fuselage adjacent to the passageway doorway. The entry region can have a width configured to accommodate at least two people walking abreast. A plurality of seats are positioned within the fuselage and arranged along a first aisle having a first aisle axis and a second aisle having a second aisle axis, with the second aisle axis spaced apart transversely from the first aisle axis and with each aisle being accessible from the entry region. A restriction can be positioned in the entry region at least proximate to the passenger doorway, with the restriction dividing the entry region into a first portion accessible to the first aisle and a second portion accessible to the second aisle.

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 method and apparatus for controlling passenger flow into and out of an aircraft. The apparatus can include a walkway elongated along a longitudinal axis and having a first portion and a second portion with the first portion configured to be positioned adjacent to an aircraft doorway. The walkway can have a width generally transverse to the longitudinal axis sized to accommodate at least two people walking abreast. A restriction can be coupled to the walkway and can extend along the longitudinal axis to divide the walkway into a first aisle and a second aisle with each aisle being elongated along the longitudinal axis and with the restriction at least restricting movement by people from the first aisle to the second aisle. The restriction can be moveable relative to the walkway between a stowed position and a deployed position and can include elements such as upright members, transverse handrails, and/or flexible planar sheets.

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: An automatic control system for directional control of an aircraft moving on the ground utilizing computer vision methods and camera sensing methods (visible, infrared or microwave) to optically recognize and track taxiway navigation features thereby providing pilot television picture steering cues or force inputs to the nosewheel steering system to maintain the aircraft on the centerline.

Abstract: A multi-purpose aircraft servicing system (10) for an aircraft (12) is provided. The system (10) includes a multi-servicing bridge 16 having a main bridge section (26) with a plurality of bridge servicing units (56). A bridgehead (28) is mechanically coupled to the main bridge section (26) and mates to the aircraft (12). A method of servicing the aircraft (12) is also provided including parking the aircraft (12) at a terminal (24). The multi-purpose aircraft servicing system (10) is rotated to mate with the aircraft (12). The aircraft (12) is serviced from at least one side of the aircraft (12).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling passenger flow on an aircraft. The aircraft can include a fuselage having a passenger doorway, a door moveable relative to the doorway between an open position and a closed position, and an entry region positioned within the fuselage adjacent to the passenger doorway. The entry region can have a width configured to accommodate at least two people walking abreast. A plurality of seats are positioned within the fuselage and arranged along a first aisle having a first aisle axis and a second aisle having a second aisle axis, with the second aisle axis spaced apart transversely from the first aisle axis and with each aisle being accessible from the entry region. A restriction can be positioned in the entry region at least proximate to the passenger doorway, with the restriction dividing the entry region into a first portion accessible to the first aisle and a second portion accessible to the second aisle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling passenger flow into and out of an aircraft. The apparatus can include a walkway elongated along a longitudinal axis and having a first portion and a second portion with the first portion configured to be positioned adjacent to an aircraft doorway. The walkway can have a width generally transverse to the longitudinal axis sized to accommodate at least two people walking abreast. A restriction can be coupled to the walkway and can extend along the longitudinal axis to divide the walkway into a first aisle and a second aisle with each aisle being elongated along the longitudinal axis and with the restriction at least restricting movement by people from the first aisle to the second aisle. The restriction can be moveable relative to the walkway between a stowed position and a deployed position and can include elements such as upright members, transverse handrails, and/or flexible planar sheets.

Abstract: A tray table assembly is provided that includes a tray table and an arm connected to the tray table which extends from the rear portion of a seatback. The tray table is pivotable with respect to the support arm so that the same surface of the tray that faces upwardly during use that may become soiled also faces outwardly when the tray table is stowed in the seatback. A seat assembly is also provided that includes a passenger seat having a seatback defining a recess for permitting the tray table assembly to be stowed in the seatback. The seatback recess is shaped and positioned in such a way that a major surface of the tray table can only be positioned outwardly when stowed in the seatback recess, thus preventing the seat from facing the seat in the stowed position.