Attached To Fixed Structure At First End And With Cover And Provision To Fit Vehicle At Second End Patents (Class 14/71.5)
  • Patent number: 11794352
    Abstract: A bore metrology method includes aligning a first structure, which defines an initial bore, with a second structure, which defines a pilot bore, such that the initial bore is partially obstructed by the second structure and the pilot bore is superimposed with the initial bore. The initial bore includes a bore locating target assembly within the initial bore, the bore locating target assembly having an optical target, the optical target having a reflector and an optical absorbing feature, the optical absorbing feature defining a pattern on the optical target. At least a portion of the reflector and at least a portion of the pattern are visible through the pilot bore. The method further includes imaging the portion of the reflector and the portion of the pattern that are visible through the pilot bore. The method further includes determining a centerline of the initial bore based on the imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jerald A. Hull, Branko Lakic
  • Patent number: 11800064
    Abstract: Event recognition methods include executing, with a controller, an algorithm which receives image data as an input and recognizes a first equipment object and a second equipment object in the image data; recognizing an event involving the first equipment object and the second equipment object based upon the image data using the controller; executing an event procedure based upon the event, wherein the event procedure includes controlling the first equipment object using the controller; and transmitting the image data to a network-based client based upon the event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: JBT AeroTech Corporation
    Inventors: Mark T. Thompson, Stephen C. Tatton
  • Patent number: 11761159
    Abstract: Passenger bridge (100), comprising a proximal end (110), comprising a passenger passage opening (111); a distal end (120), comprising a bridge head (121); at least one first bridge segments (130), a proximal one (131) of which comprises, at the said proximal end (110), said passenger passage opening (111); at least one second segments (140), a distal one (142) of which comprises, at said distal end (120), the bridge head (121); a first support structure (150), arranged to support said first (130) and second (140) bridge segments so that at least one of said first segments (130) and at least one of said second segments (140) can be individually tilted; whereby the said first (130) and second (140) bridge segments together form a connected passage way for passengers between the proximal (110) and distal (120) ends, allowing the bridge head (121) to move vertically in relation the proximal end (110) by said bridge segments (130,140) tilting; characterised in that the length of the distal second bridge segment
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: FMT International Trade AB
    Inventor: Per Thelander
  • Patent number: 11618545
    Abstract: A vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft provides transportation to users of a network system. The network system may include multiple aircraft or other types of vehicles to provide multi-model transportation. An aircraft may include a fuselage, a truss coupled to the fuselage, and multiple distributed electric propellers coupled to the truss. The distributed electric propellers may be positioned on at least two different planes. The fuselage may include a cabin having one or more seats for the passengers arranged in a configuration that has a compact footprint, provides legroom, provides visibility to surroundings of the aircraft, or facilitates convenient ingress or egress of passengers. The aircraft may open a port cabin door and starboard cabin door for simultaneous ingress or egress of passengers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: JOBY AERO, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Moore, Nikhil Goel, John Conway Badalamenti, Jon D. Petersen, David Josephson
  • Patent number: 11498174
    Abstract: A welder guard system is disclosed. According to various embodiments of the concepts and technologies described herein, the welder guard system can include a base and a lid attached to the base. The welder guard system can also include a safety switch system having an actuating device and a sensing device. The actuating device can be attached to the lid of the welder guard system and can provide a wireless signal. The sensing device can cause a welding device to prevent a welding jaw of the welding device from closing in response to activation of a clamping operation of the welding device when the sensing device fails to receive the wireless signal provided by the actuating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Southwire Company, LLC
    Inventors: Cyrus Scott Butterworth, Nathan Russell George
  • Patent number: 11358702
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an aircraft security door as well as methods, systems and apparatus for handling an aircraft security door. In one implementation, a method for installing an aircraft security door onto an aircraft is disclosed. The method includes transferring the aircraft security door to an aircraft service stair, supporting the aircraft security door by a bridge crane coupled to the aircraft service stair, positioning the aircraft service stair in proximity to a fuselage of the aircraft adjacent to an opening in the fuselage, positioning the aircraft security door relative to the opening using the bridge crane, and securing the aircraft security door to the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Matthew L. Prendergast, Nicholas J. Brimlow, Arthur E. Whitson, Jr., Ryan J. O'Connor, Gregory W. Swanson
  • Patent number: 11325724
    Abstract: A coupling module for forming an interface between a cabin of an air passenger bridge and an aircraft. The coupling module has a projecting roof and a floor arrangement spanned by the projecting roof. The end face of the floor arrangement facing the cabin is fastenable to the cabin by at least one releasable fastening means, and the floor arrangement is connectable spaced apart from its end face to the cabin by at least one anchorage means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Hübner GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Heinz Schuster, Sebastian Schmelz, Dirk-W. Kessler
  • Patent number: 11267537
    Abstract: A passenger bridge including a least one passenger bridge end segment; a bridge head, arranged at a distal end of said bridge end segment; a cabin, arranged to move about an outer periphery of the bridge head and comprising a door for passengers; and a cabin suspension, arranged to allow the cabin to rotate in relation to the bridge head about a vertical axis (A1). The application further relates to a cabin suspension including a pivot arm in journaled engagement with an upper part of the bridge head so that the cabin can swing in a first horizontal plane (P1), and in that a cabin holding part of the pivot arm is fastened to an upper part of the cabin, whereby the cabin hangs from the said cabin holding part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: FMT INTERNATIONAL TRADE AB
    Inventor: Per Thelander
  • Patent number: 11272604
    Abstract: A lightning grounding apparatus that includes a pivot arm and an electrical grounding element at the distal end of the pivot arm. An actuator is mechanically coupled to the pivot arm and configured to rotate the pivot arm about an axis so as to swing the distal end of the pivot arm between a retracted position and an extended position that is configured to make physical contact between the electrical grounding element and a surface of a structure to be grounded. A limit switch is provided that is mounted on the pivot arm, and is responsive to a position of a limit switch operating arm. The limit switch operating arm is configured to trip the limit switch in response to a predetermined amount of force against the distal end of the pivot arm resulting from physical contact being made between the electrical grounding element and the surface of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Delta Air Lines, inc.
    Inventor: David E. Burson
  • Patent number: 11267582
    Abstract: A jalousi wall assembly for a passenger bridge, which jalousi wall assembly including a first jalousi wall in turn having a first end and a second end, which first end is arranged to be wound up on, and off from, a first roll with a first vertical rotation axis (A2), and which second end is arranged to be fastened to the passenger bridge, wherein the first roll is arranged to be fastened to the frame of a movable opening of the passenger bridge and to follow horizontal movements of the frame by the first jalousi wall being wound up on, or off from, the first roll, whereby a horizontal length of the first jalousi wall, between the first end and the second end, is adjusted in response to a horizontal movement of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: FMT INTERNATIONAL TRADE AB
    Inventor: Per Thelander
  • Patent number: 11232302
    Abstract: Video messaging systems includes a plurality of camera systems, a plurality of network-based clients, a messaging hub communicatively connectable to the plurality of network-based clients, and a video frame transmission service communicatively connected to the messaging hub. The messaging hub is configured to transmit image data as encoded data to each of the plurality of network-based clients. The video frame transmission service is configured to selectively connect with at least one of the plurality of camera systems for a time period that is based upon a request received from at least one of the plurality of network-based clients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: JBT AEROTECH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark T. Thompson, Stephen C. Tatton
  • Patent number: 11192616
    Abstract: A device, such as a gangway, for transferring personnel and/or goods from a surface vessel to a fixed or floating structure, e.g. an offshore structure, such as a wind turbine, or to another vessel, the device comprising first and second telescoping elements and an intermediate platform for bridging the transition between the first and second telescoping elements, which platform is movable relative to both telescoping elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: IHC HOLLAND IE B.V.
    Inventors: Jurgen Arjan Zijlmans, Albertus Knol
  • Patent number: 11182610
    Abstract: Event recognition systems include a camera and a controller. The controller is communicatively connectable to the camera, and includes a processor and logic that, when executed by the processor, causes the event recognition system to perform operations including: recognizing an event involving an equipment object based upon image data captured by the camera, executing an event procedure based upon the event, the event procedure including controlling the equipment object, and transmitting the image data to a network-based client based upon the event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: JBT AeroTech Corporation
    Inventors: Mark T. Thompson, Stephen C. Tatton
  • Patent number: 11028541
    Abstract: A portable modular bridge system that is configured to be easily assembled, disassembled and transported so as to facilitate the transportation of the bridge system to a remote location for installation. The bridge system of the present invention includes a deck member having a first end and a second end. The deck member is operably coupled to a two support members wherein the support members are located at opposing ends of the deck member. The support members a are formed from a plurality of structural members to create an elongated polygon shape having a central opening configured to have a human pass therethrough. A pair of side rails are structurally coupled to the bottom portion of the two support members. A top frame member is superposed the top portion of the two support members and is operably coupled thereto. A lateral stability component is further included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Inventor: Richard Carl Till
  • Patent number: 11021268
    Abstract: An aircraft boarding apparatus has a passenger bridge that has a confinement structure coupled to the second passenger bridge. The confinement structure exerts a ground-anchoring effect on the second passenger bridge to offset the ultralight configuration of the passenger bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Gatelink Aircraft Boarding Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Peterson
  • Patent number: 10908580
    Abstract: A device may receive one or more images that depict one or more shapes associated with a first object that includes a portal. The device may identify, based on the one or more images, one or more characteristics of the one or more shapes. The device may determine, based on the one or more characteristics of the one or more shapes, one or more attributes of the portal. The device may determine, based on the one or more attributes of the portal, positioning information to be used to position a second object relative to the portal of the first object. The device may output, based on the positioning information, one or more control signals associated with positioning the second object relative to the portal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Accenture Global Solutions Limited
    Inventor: Andrew J. Truscott
  • Patent number: 10882639
    Abstract: A transfer system for transferring luggage into a vehicle having a freight hold opening and a passenger compartment opening arranged at the same level outside the vehicle. The system has a luggage transfer element and a passenger bridge, wherein the passenger bridge has a transition zone that can be simultaneously connected to the freight hold opening and the passenger compartment opening. The luggage transfer element has a housing module for receiving luggage, and a movement module for transferring the luggage transfer element. The luggage transfer element can be transferred through the transition zone and the freight hold opening by way of the movement module. The system avoids delays as the passengers are boarding and simplifies the transfer of luggage into a freight hold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Hermann Benthien, Matthias Hegenbart, Thomas Lerche, Tobias-Valentin Mayer
  • Patent number: 10823486
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a storage chamber having an opening; a drawer type door to open or close the opening; a display positioned at the drawer type door; a first connector provided at a sidewall of the storage chamber; a second connector provided at the drawer type door and being electrically connected to the display; a first frame coupled to an inner wall of the storage chamber, the first frame to cover the first connector; a second frame coupled to the drawer type door, the second frame to support a storage box; and a wire electrically connected between the first connector and the second connector. The first frame has a first accommodating part to accommodate one portion of the wire and the second frame has a second accommodating part to accommodate another portion of the wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae Myung Han, Jae Hoon Lim, Gi Joong Jeong, Woo Yeol Yoo, Jong Eun Chae, Sun keun Lee
  • Patent number: 10780994
    Abstract: A leading-edge structure of a passenger boarding bridge floor includes a protruding assembly, a protruding guide structure and an energy storage assembly. Under action of the protruding guide structure and the energy storage assembly, the protruding assembly may be protruded or contracted relative to the passenger boarding bridge floor body. The protruding assembly may automatically adjust according to the position of the airplane, under the action of limiting and guiding of the protruding guide structure, the protruding assembly may be adaptively protruded or retracted relative to the passenger boarding bridge floor body, so as to improve the safety of the airplane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignees: China International Marine Containers (Group) Ltd., Shenzhen Cimc-Tianda Airport Support Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei Xiang, Yuwu Chen, Lei Shi, Jianming Huang, Chong Dai
  • Patent number: 10724586
    Abstract: A passenger boarding bridge having a movable tunnel and braking system includes a brake plate, a brake pin and a triggering device. The brake plate is fixedly disposed at a first tunnel of the plurality of tunnels, and the brake plate is provided with a plurality of brake slots. The brake pin is movably disposed at a second tunnel of the plurality of tunnels, which is sleeve-connected with the first tunnel and can be combined with the brake slot. The triggering device includes a mechanical blocking portion, a linkage mechanism and a tensile spring. The mechanical blocking portion is fixedly disposed at the second tunnel. When the tensile wire rope or the retracting wire rope is broken, the linkage mechanism is driven to move and drives the brake pin to combine with the brake slot, to brake the first tunnel and the second tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignees: China International Marine Containers (Group) Ltd., Shenzhen CIMC-Tianda Airport Support Ltd.
    Inventors: Lexian Liang, Shaomin Chang, Lei Shi, Yunjian Yao
  • Patent number: 10717546
    Abstract: Self-contained mobile solar-powered escalator systems for aircraft entry comprising a security canopy and safety walls for protection, an electric cargo vehicle, an escalator, a lift system, exiting platform, leveler/stabilizers, heavy duty front and rear suspension, formal arriving platform, handrails, repair compartments, expandable waterproof and bulletproof canopy, distance light indicator, inflatable rubber bumper, and emergency brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: ESME, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel E. Guajardo, Sr.
  • Patent number: 10710744
    Abstract: A passenger boarding bridge leveling mechanism mounted on a passenger boarding bridge includes a four-bar linkage mechanism and a preload apparatus. The four-bar linkage mechanism includes a mounting base which can be fixedly mounted on the passenger boarding bridge. One of the other three bars of the four-bar linkage mechanism extends outwards, and a leveling wheel and a first detection switch are mounted on the end of the bar. The first detection switch is used for detecting the vertical displacement of the leveling wheel on an aircraft fuselage. The preload apparatus has a preload force. One end of the preload apparatus is connected to the four-bar linkage mechanism, and the other end is connected to the mounting base. The preload apparatus has a preload force to make the leveling wheel maintain a tendency of extending outwards. The passenger boarding bridge leveling mechanism has high test precision and can work reliably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignees: CHINA INTERNATIONAL MARINE CONTAINERS (GROUP) LTD., SHENZHEN CIMC-TIANDA AIRPORT SUPPORT LTD.
    Inventors: Wei Xiang, Lei Shi, Zhisheng Li
  • Patent number: 10696421
    Abstract: A height adjustment device for adjusting a rotunda of a boarding bridge includes an external column fixed to the ground and having an inner space formed therein; an internal column which fixes a rotunda, and which is coupled so as to be slidable in the inner space such that rising and lowering is enabled; a driving unit which makes the internal column move vertically with respect to external column, and is disposed between the to the outside of the external column and the internal column; and a power unit for controlling the driving unit. The rotunda height adjustment device can be inspected, repaired for a defect thereof, and easily replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Korea Airports Corporation
    Inventors: Dong Soo Kim, Kwang Ho Yang, Yon Sang Cho
  • Patent number: 10689213
    Abstract: Various example vehicle restraints for use at a loading dock for blocking and later releasing a vehicle's rear impact guard. In some examples, the vehicle restraint includes a hook-shaped barrier that rotates between a lowered position and a raised position. The barrier rotates up to block the rear impact guard and rotates down to release it. The barrier also translates or shifts forward and back between a retracted position and an extended position. The barrier shifts forward to relieve forward pressure that the vehicle might exert against the barrier just prior to releasing the rear impact guard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alan Mushynski, Leonard Kikstra, Matthew Sveum
  • Patent number: 10683103
    Abstract: A passenger boarding bridge may include a tunnel having a first tunnel section and a second tunnel section. The first and second tunnel sections may be telescopic for adjusting a length of the tunnel along a sliding direction. The passenger boarding bridge may further include bearings configured to slidably support the first and second tunnel sections relative to one another. The bearings may include a bearing rail connected to the first tunnel section a bearing sledge connected to the second tunnel section. The bearing rail may comprise a planar first horizontal bearing surface, and the bearing sledge may comprise a planar second horizontal bearing surface that is configured to slide along the planar first horizontal bearing surface as the tunnel sections telescope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR INNOVATION CENTER S.A., THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventors: Juan Domingo González Pantiga, Eduardo Morán García
  • Patent number: 10685548
    Abstract: Guide systems for indicating a distance between a first object and a second object and a method for visually representing a distance between two objects as the distance reduces are provided. A sensor measures a distance between the first object and the second object. A processor receives a distance measurement from the sensor and determines whether the distance measured by the sensor is within one of a plurality of distance intervals. Upon determining that the distance is within one of the plurality of distance intervals, the processor displays a distance indicator on the display. The distance indicator is located on the display based on the distance according to a scale for the distance interval, where a display area on the display represents the distance interval. The scale for the distance intervals becomes finer as the distance between the first object and the second object decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: David Haddon, Brett Wood, Navinda Kottege, Paul Flick
  • Patent number: 10583937
    Abstract: A passenger boarding bridge comprises a first walkway of an inner tunnel of adjacent tunnels of an extendable and retractable tunnel section; and a second walkway of an outer tunnel of the adjacent tunnels, the second walkway including a plurality of floor members which are arranged in the front-rear direction and are coupled to each other. The plurality of floor members are supported by an endless string-shaped member that is rotatable. A respective walkway surface of each walkway is at a predetermined equal height position. When the tunnel section is retracted, the string-shaped member of the second walkway is guided so that the floor members are moved down to an underside of the inner tunnel, and when the tunnel section is extended, the string-shaped member of the second walkway is guided so that the floor members are moved up from the underside of the inner tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: SHINMAYWA INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Takahiro Yoshimoto, Shoichi Kawabata, Makoto Masui
  • Patent number: 10549867
    Abstract: Devices for protecting aircraft against bad weather. A device for protecting a wing of an aircraft including a load-bearing structure for a protective wall for the wing, the load-bearing structure having a supporting frame having at least two uprights linked by at least one cross member, at least one upright, at the end of the frame having a linking attachment arrangement permitting at least rotation about an axis perpendicular to the surface, the other uprights, each having one foot with an arrangement configured to facilitate the movement of the frame over the surface on which the frame rests. The protection device enables immediate, rapid and easy positioning requiring very few operators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS SAS
    Inventors: Stéphane Mateo, Romain Hector, Christophe Couet
  • Patent number: 10392130
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically aligning and connecting a passenger boarding bridge (PBB) with the passenger door of an aircraft or other vessel. A sensory suite module includes cameras and sensors to scan the apron for obstacles and identify an aircraft based on external features. The sensory suite module also includes one or more high-precision active laser line profilers to detect the vertical and lower edges of an aircraft door. A controller module provides precise control and movement of the distal end of the PBB and guides the distal end of the PBB to the passenger door. The system can be activated by a remote triggering panel module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: SINGAPORE TECHNOLOGIES DYNAMICS PTE LTD
    Inventors: Hong Soon Tan, Chee Hwee Toh, Han Leong Tan
  • Patent number: 10377506
    Abstract: A braking system for a passenger boarding bridge are provided. The braking system includes a locking member fixedly mounted on the cabin and at least one set of braking assemblies. Each set of the braking assemblies includes an oscillating member rotatably mounted on the cab, an oscillating wheel mounted on the oscillating member and an elastic member having a pre-tightening force. The oscillating wheel cooperates with an outer side of the drive belt to form an abutting force so as to balance the pre-tightening force. The pre-tightening force of the elastic member rotates the oscillating member to a direction of the locking member and cooperates with the locking member in a locking manner to realize braking when the length of the drive belt between the driven wheel and the driving wheel exceeds a preset value or is in a broken state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignees: CHINA INTERNATIONAL MARINE CONTAINERS (GROUP) LTD, SHENZHEN CIMC-TIANDA AIRPORT SUPPORT LTD
    Inventors: Feipeng Wei, Wei Xiang, Jianming Huang, Jifang Nie
  • Patent number: 10322822
    Abstract: An airport terminal, having mobile terminal gates which are maneuverable to enable a controlling entity to configure the arrangement of terminal gate by quantity, type and/or spacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Inventor: Jasenka Rakas
  • Patent number: 10281924
    Abstract: A vision system comprises at least one camera fixedly mounted to a structure and providing a view of an area surrounding a loading dock. The at least one camera communicates with at least one transmitter capable of transmitting a video signal from the at least one camera. A receiver is located in a vehicle such that the receiver receives the transmission of the video signal from the at least one camera in response to a docking event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Bendix Commerical Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Phillip J. Kasper, William P. Amato
  • Patent number: 10232956
    Abstract: An aerobridge and dual method of operation thereof that significantly reduces the turnaround time (time between routes) of an aircraft vehicle at a terminal gate. The aerobridge includes a cab rotunda, cab, and a bridge formed of a plurality of passageways and/or ramps. The passageways/ramps are telescopically received in a proximal-most passageway/ramp in a retracted position and are telescopically extended along the aircraft vehicle in an extended position. The aerobridge may further include a plurality of height-adjustable and/or retractable support mechanisms disposed in underlying relation to the bridge. The aerobridge can be mated with an aircraft vehicle using a shoot-out method or a swing method, thus accommodating different airports' configurations and limitations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: SkyGenex, Inc.
    Inventor: Dynamite K. Obinna
  • Patent number: 10207821
    Abstract: A coupling module for coupling a passenger boarding bridge with an aircraft has a floor assembly and a canopy roof spanning the floor assembly. The coupling module and/or the floor assembly is configured to be received at a cabin of a passenger boarding bridge such that the coupling module and/or the floor assembly can swivel relative to the cabin around a horizontal swivel axis. A position sensor is operable to measure an inclination of the floor assembly relative to a geodetic horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Hübner GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Heinz Schuster, Frank Klöckl
  • Patent number: 9994159
    Abstract: A stair assembly for a work vehicle includes a stepped support and an actuator. The stepped support has one or more steps mountable to a side of the work vehicle. The stepped support is moveable by the actuator between a retracted orientation, in which the stepped support has a first length between first and second ends, and an extended orientation, in which the support structure has a greater length. When mounted to the work vehicle, the second end of the stepped support is at an outward lowered position in the extended orientation with respect to the work vehicle relative to an inward raised position of the second end of the stepped support in the retracted orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Kendall L. Giesmann
  • Patent number: 9976781
    Abstract: A tunnel air-conditioning and heating apparatus is provided. the tunnel air-conditioning and heating apparatus may include a condenser provided at a rotunda; a compressor provided at the rotunda and connected to the condenser; an evaporator provided at a movable tunnel and connected to each of the condenser and the compressor; and a condenser connection pipe configured to connect the condenser with the evaporator and a compressor connection pipe configured to the compressor with the evaporator each of which is formed into a flexible coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: KOREA AIRPORTS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hee Hyeong Cho, Dong Soo Kim, Won Lae Lim, Sang Ju Roh
  • Patent number: 9834322
    Abstract: A height adjustment device for a rotunda can comprise: an outer column which fixes a rotunda and ascends and descends; an inner column which is connected to the outer column; a vertical screw which is placed on the lower end of the rotunda; a nut which is interlocked in correspondence to the outside diameter of the vertical screw; and rails which are provided on one side of the outer column or the inner column and are formed in correspondence to each other so as to assist the ascent and descent of the outer column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignees: AG CO., LTD., KOREA AIRPORTS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dong Soo Kim, Seung Sang Cho, Gi Young Do, Kwang Ho Yang, Yon Sang Cho, Hyung Sik Kim
  • Patent number: 9815572
    Abstract: An aircraft boarding apparatus has a passenger bridge that has a confinement structure coupled to a second passenger bridge. The confinement structure exerts a ground-anchoring effect on the second passenger bridge to offset the ultralight configuration of the passenger bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Gatelink Aircraft Boarding Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Peterson
  • Patent number: 9776736
    Abstract: A coupling module provides an interface between the cabin of a passenger bridge and an aircraft. The coupling module has a projecting roof and a coupling module floor spanned by the projecting roof, with the coupling module being horizontally separable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Hübner GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jens Karasek, Ralf Schulz, Marc Heinrich
  • Patent number: 9752290
    Abstract: A rainwater receiver of a movable boarding bridge may comprise rainwater receivers provided at: an outer tunnel; an inner tunnel disposed inside the outer tunnel; an inner tunnel footpath equipped in the inner tunnel and configured in the form of a footpath so that passengers can walk thereon; an outer tunnel footpath disposed at the lower end of the inner tunnel footpath and configured in a multilayer form; and the lower end of the outer tunnel footpath. A tunnel path part of the movable boarding bridge configured as above is positioned to be separated from the rainwater receivers so that the rainwater receivers are not seen by passengers inside a tunnel. In addition, since there is no height difference caused by the rainwater receivers, there is an advantage in that problems such as passengers' sprained ankles can be resolved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Korea Airports Corporation
    Inventors: Han Soo Kim, Seok Cheol Yang
  • Patent number: 9746846
    Abstract: A device may obtain, from one or more cameras, an image that depicts one or more encoded decals positioned on a body of a vehicle. The device may process the image and may identify, based on processing the image, one or more characteristics of the one or more encoded decals. The device may determine, based on the one or more characteristics of the one or more encoded decals, positioning information to be used to position a loading bridge relative to the body of the vehicle. The device may determine one or more control signals based on the positioning information. The device may provide the one or more control signals to one or more actuators to automatically position the loading bridge relative to the body of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Accenture Global Solutions Limited
    Inventor: Andrew J. Truscott
  • Patent number: 9708078
    Abstract: An airport terminal traffic and parking management system, which can be automated, is provided wherein one or more and preferably a plurality of the aircraft at an airport are moved on the ground between landing and takeoff without operation of aircraft engines or risks from jet blast and engine ingestion. Aircraft can be moved in a forward direction by tow vehicles, aircraft-moving transfer apparatus, or the like after landing to park in an efficient orientation relative to an airport terminal. Passengers deplaning and boarding and aircraft servicing can use all accessible aircraft doors to minimize time at a gate. Aircraft cleared for departure can be turned and moved in a forward direction to a takeoff runway, where the aircraft-moving apparatus is detached. Airport terminal aircraft traffic and parking are most effectively managed when a significant number of aircraft at an airport are moved by external vehicles as described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Borealis Technical Limited
    Inventors: Isaiah W. Cox, Joseph J. Cox
  • Patent number: 9604799
    Abstract: A sealing assembly for a dock leveler comprises two side restraints mounted on a loading dock along respective left and right sides of the vertical face of the dock leveler. A bottom restraint is mounted on the loading dock below the vertical face of the dock leveler. A mat is removably insertable between the side restraints. The mat is sized to allow left and right edges of the mat to engage the side restraints when inserted therebetween. The mat is foldable to define a vertical portion that covers the vertical face of the dock leveler and a horizontal portion that covers at least part of the horizontal face of the dock leveler. The mat substantially restricts airflow into and out of the loading dock through the gaps when the vertical portion of the mat is inserted between the side restraints such that a bottom edge of the vertical portion of the mat engages the bottom restraint, and the loading dock door closes atop of the horizontal portion of the mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Ronald Kowk
  • Patent number: 9586698
    Abstract: An air passenger stair or an air passenger bridge (1) with an approximately U-shaped portal frame (3) disposed on the front end of the air passenger stair or bridge (1) for receiving a canopy roof (10), the canopy roof comprising at least one bellows (5) and an actuation device (9) for the bellows, wherein, in order to connect at least the actuation device (9) of the canopy roof (10) with the portal frame (10), an adapter device is disposed on the portal frame (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Hübner GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jürgen Fülling, Jens Karasek, Heinz Schuster
  • Patent number: 9586697
    Abstract: A boarding bridge including: an inner tunnel walking deck which positioned above a floor of an inner tunnel with a space the therebetween, and forms a walking passage of the inner tunnel. An outer tunnel walking deck which positioned above a floor of the outer tunnel with a space therebetween, and forms a walking passage of the outer tunnel. The outer tunnel walking deck positioned at a height between the floor of the inner tunnel and the inner tunnel walking deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: KOREA AIRPORTS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Han Soo Kim, Seok Cheol Yang, Dong Soo Kim, Won Lae Lim, Gi Young Do
  • Patent number: 9564072
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed herein. An example method disclosed herein includes determining a state of a device of a loading dock and, based on the state, generating via a display a first directional indicator having a first orientation and a first color. The first orientation and the first color are to cooperate to indicate first directional information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Senfleben, Jeffrey Budoff, Nicholas Klotz, Bradley J. Stone
  • Patent number: 9327922
    Abstract: Dock leveler sealing systems include a bottom seal configured to be attached to an underside of a dock leveler deck and extend transversely thereto, and two side seals configured to be attached to opposite end portions of the bottom seal and extend forwardly therefrom. The side seals can be shaped and sized to effectively seal openings and/or gaps that may exist between the bottom seal, the deck lip, a shipping vehicle, a dock bumper, and/or the building floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: 4Front Engineered Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Eungard
  • Patent number: 9238512
    Abstract: A portable passenger boarding ramp assembly includes a main chassis having a plurality of drive wheels; a ramp structure carried by the main chassis, the ramp structure including a lower ramp sloping upwardly to the main chassis; a lower turndeck carried by the main chassis at an upper end of the lower ramp; a mid ramp carried by the main chassis, the mid ramp sloping upwardly from the lower turndeck; an upper turndeck carried by the main chassis at an upper end of the mid ramp; an upper ramp carried by the main chassis, the upper ramp sloping upwardly from the upper turndeck; and a level deck carried by the main chassis and disposed in vertically pivoting relationship to the upper ramp; and a drive system drivingly engaging the plurality of drive wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Inventors: William Floyd Keith, Christa Keith
  • Patent number: 9067692
    Abstract: A pivotable canopy roof (1) of an air passenger stair or an air passenger bridge, the canopy roof comprising a flexible frame (3) at its free front end, which is connected to a portal frame (2) on the air passenger stair or air passenger bridge (11) by way of two articulated arms (30, 30a) disposed next to each other in a spaced-apart relationship, wherein a bellows (5) is disposed between the flexible frame (3) and the portal frame (2), the first and second articulated arm (30, 30a) including an upper arm (31, 31a) articulately disposed on the portal frame (2) and a lower arm (35, 35a) articulately connected to the upper arm (31, 31a), wherein the lower arm (35, 35a) comprises an end member (36, 36a), the end member (36) of the at least one articulated arm (30) being adapted to be pivoted laterally by way of a pivot joint (37).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Hübner GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jens Karasek
  • Patent number: 9003589
    Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a floor of a dome module as an interface between an air passenger bridge or air passenger stairs and the airplane, wherein the floor comprises a stationary floor section and a floor head part, wherein the floor head part exhibits several floor segments, which are connected to one another by a buffer cross-beam that is flexible over at least a portion of its length, wherein several floor segments are horizontally displaceable relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Hübner GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Detlef Gutkuhn, Lothar Scharf