Abstract: One end of a passenger bridge or a goods-handling device of mobile type can be expediently and securely connected to a door on a craft, especially an aircraft, by determining the position of the door in relation to a reference point on the craft and storing it in a computer system. Furthermore, the absolute position of the door when the craft has come to a halt and the passenger bridge or the goods-handling device is to be connected, is determined by measuring the distance from a reference point on the ground to the craft. Finally, the computer system guides the passenger bridge to the door of the craft, the position of the end of the passenger bridge or the goods-handling device being determined during the guiding operation and inputted into the computer system.

Abstract: A passenger bridge for facilitating passengers boarding and disembarking a ship includes a first gangway section adjustably suspended within and partly enclosed by a frame of the bridge and sets of wheels for supporting the frame body and to provide maneuverability of the bridge in all directions along the quay.

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 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: In a method and a device for controlling the servicing of an aircraft parked at a stand, the servicing is carried out from a plurality of servicing units which are stationarily arranged adjacent to the stand and which each are adapted to supply fuel, water, compressed air, preconditioned air or electric power to the aircraft or to service the toilets of the aircraft. A plurality of local computer units are each disposed in a a servicing unit and have an associated display as well as an associated inputting device. A central computer unit is connected to each of the local computer units and to an information receiver in or in the vicinity of the aircraft. The central computer unit transmits information to the local computer units of the servicing units on the servicing to be carried out. Each of the local computer units records information on the servicing carried out and transmits this information to the central computer unit, which in turn transmits the information to the information receiver.

Abstract: A system for automatic transportation of an aircraft on the ground in the region of a parking place comprises in this region a carriage which is co-nectible to the nose wheel of the aircraft and is, by means of capstans, drivable back and forth along guide means in the ground.

Abstract: A guidance system for use by a pilot in parking an aircraft on a parking place at an air terminal building and in stopping the aircraft at an exactly predetermined stopping point in the parking place. The system includes a transmitter unit having a plurality of transmitter elements disposed on the ground in the region of the parking place and successively following upon each other in the direction of travel of the aircraft. When the nose wheel of the aircraft successively passes over the transmitter elements these elements activate an information unit preferably mounted on the air terminal building within the pilot's field of vision. The information unit includes indicator elements which continuously inform the pilot of the length of the distance up to the stopping point and when this stopping point is reached.

Abstract: A canopy device, especially for aircraft bridges, adapted to cover between two through-openings which are orientable into alignment with one another and located each in one body the first one of which carries the canopy device and includes the first opening which is generally vertical, and the second body is a craft of varying shape, including the second opening. The canopy device has a front portion which is movable into engagement with the craft to provide a weatherproof passage between the openings. Protective pads are pivotally mounted to the side of the canopy facing the craft and the uppermost pad pivots in forward-downward direction due to gravity, whereupon the next pads will follow successively into engagement with the craft.

Abstract: A safety device for a loading bridge or walkway at which aircraft are parked for loading and unloading of passengers and cargo through an open door in the aircraft. To prevent the open door from striking the floor of the loading bridge or walkway and thus from being damaged when the position of the aircraft is lowered at fuelling and loading operations, a sensor is provided in the region of the part of the loading bridge facing the aircraft and beneath the open door. When struck by the door the sensor activates an actuator which lowers the bridge a short distance.