Abstract: A system and method to transport one or more persons or objects. The system includes pods that each have an interior space to house the one or more persons or objects, and vehicles that are each configured to individually connect to one or more of the pods and to transport the pods from a first location to a second location. A server is located remotely from the pods and the vehicles. The server is configured to receive data from the pods and the vehicles through a wireless communication network to monitor a usage and location of the pods.

Abstract: A support arrangement for an inflatable evacuation system may comprise an inflatable member configured to be elongated and stiffened in a longitudinal direction in response to being in an inflated condition, a protrusion extending orthogonal to a surface of the inflatable member, a tensile member attached at at least two locations to the inflatable member on opposing sides of the protrusion and being slidably engagable over the protrusion so as to maintain about equal tension in the tensile member on opposing sides of the protrusion, and a sleeve attached to the protrusion configured to maintain the tensile member laterally relative to the protrusion even as the tensile member is able to slide longitudinally.

Abstract: A passenger door arrangement for an aircraft segment, which arrangement comprises a passenger door that is configured to assume a raised state and a lowered state, and a girt bar for arming and disarming an escape slide, the girt bar not altering its position relative to the passenger door in the transition from disarming to arming when the passenger door is in the lowered state. Also an aircraft segment, which comprises the passenger door portion and a fuselage portion, an external engagement means being fixed to the fuselage portion.

Abstract: A restraint may include a longitudinal body having a first end and a second end. The restraint may also include a plurality of engagement features distributed between the first end and the second end. A dimension of at least one of the longitudinal body and the plurality of engagement features may vary along at least a portion of a length of the longitudinal body. The restraint may further include a head disposed at the first end of the longitudinal body. The head may define an aperture and may include a pawl that configured to individually engage the plurality of engagement features. The dimension may vary incrementally or continuously along at least the portion of the length of the longitudinal body from the first end to the second end.

Abstract: An evacuation slide may comprise a sliding surface extending from a head end of the evacuation slide to a toe end of the evacuation slide and a truss-shaped side rail located adjacent the sliding surface. An evacuation system may comprise the evacuation slide and a charge cylinder fluidly coupled to the truss-shaped side rail.

Abstract: A device for airlifting an object comprising a frame-like support structure. The support structure has an upper end region and a lower end region. The upper end region and the lower end region have at least partly corresponding shapes. The device further comprises a recess in which the object is arranged at least partly during airlifting.

Abstract: Described is a release system for inflatable life saving devices, such as evacuation slides, evacuation slide/rafts, emergency floats, emergency flotation systems, and life rafts. The release system incorporates an energy storing device and a securement system that can be released upon activation. Once the release system is activated, the securement system is opened to allow deployment of the inflatable.

Abstract: A slide for an evacuation system may comprise an inflatable slide rail structure. An aspirator may be fluidly coupled to the inflatable slide rail structure. An aspirator retention strap may be coupled between the aspirator and the inflatable slide rail structure. The aspirator retention strap may comprise an elastic material. The aspirator retention strap may be configured to stretch when a predetermined internal pressure threshold of the inflatable slide rail structure is exceeded.

Abstract: A drone-type lifesaving equipment dropping device including: an unmanned aerial vehicle (2) having a propeller (4) and a rotor (3) configured to rotate the propeller; a holding member (10) which is installed to the unmanned aerial vehicle (2) and configured to be operated by wireless control; and a lifesaving equipment which is detachably engaged to the holding member (10) and is dropped from the holding member (10) after the lifesaving equipment is disengaged from the holding member.

Abstract: In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided to enable package delivery and interaction with customers. Some embodiments comprise unmanned aircraft system (UAS), comprising: a crane system comprising a first spool system and a crane motor, the first spool system comprises a first cord that is extended and retracted; a retractable interface system cooperated with the first cord; a package holder configured to hold a first package to be delivered by the UAS at a delivery location; a control circuit coupled with the crane motor to control the crane motor, and to activate the crane motor to extend the first cord and lower the retractable interface system while the UAS is maintained in flight at least at a threshold height; wherein the retractable interface system comprises an input interface to receive input from a customer at the delivery location.

Abstract: A tow assembly for airborne geophysical surveying that comprises a frame incorporating geophysical surveying equipment; and a suspension assembly for suspending the frame from an aircraft. The suspension assembly has a plurality of suspension ropes connected to the frame at spaced apart connection points for suspending the frame from an aircraft. Lengths of the suspension ropes are adjustable with respect to at least four of the connection points to adjust an attitude of the frame during flight.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for permitting evacuation of an aircraft following a water landing are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the disclosed method involves deploying, an evacuation unit, from inside a storage housing located proximate a door of the aircraft. In one or more embodiments, the evacuation unit comprises at least one step and a wave fence. In at least one embodiment, when the evacuation unit is fully deployed, at least a portion of the wave fence is in water-tight contact with at least a portion of a frame of the door such that water flow into the aircraft is prevented and/or inhibited.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for improving efficiency of aircraft gate services and reducing time spent by an aircraft parked parallel to an airport terminal wherein aircraft utilities and gate services provided during turnaround are supported by an arrangement of flexibly movable, service and utility-carrying extendable passenger boarding bridges that enable passenger and baggage exchange concurrently with connection of utilities and provision of gate services to the aircraft. Baggage transfer is facilitated by conveyors mounted on one or more loading bridges and designed to provide a direct connection between an aircraft and a terminal. Aircraft are maneuvered by a pilot into and out of a parallel parking location in a forward direction by an engines-off electric taxi system, enabling loading bridge, utility, and service connections to be made to multiple aircraft doors as soon as the aircraft reaches a parking location and then quickly disconnected upon departure.

Abstract: An aircraft passenger boarding system is provided for aircraft equipped for pilot-controllable engines-off taxi that enables a pilot to drive the aircraft without engines in a forward direction into and out of an optimum parallel or angled gate parking orientation that permits terminal connections to both forward and aft doors on a terminal-facing side of the aircraft. Selected defined classes of passengers board the aircraft separately, through a designated loading bridge connected to a forward door or through a designated loading bridge connected to an aft door, to be seated in a designated front or rear aircraft section. An airline may flexibly allocate variably sized sections of the aircraft interior for each defined class, depending on the relative numbers of passengers in each class. Airport terminal interior gate space may be used to separate passenger classes as required for separate boarding through a forward door or an aft door.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the safe use of a vehicle simulator is provided. The apparatus having an access zone, a rescue unit, a shock absorbing surface, and a projection surface. The rescue unit being moveable with the vehicle simulator.

Abstract: A victim retrieval apparatus for use with a vehicle. In some embodiments, the rescue basket comprises one or more wheels. The articulating head of the boom comprises a rotatable pulley for receiving the rescue line and is able to allow the vehicle to be parked in any position necessary while rescuing the victim. A knot-passing pulley enables a safety line (with emergency brake device) to be coupled to the basket thereby ensuring the safety of the victim in the basket at all times. The rescue basket comprises a remote control for controlling the winch speed that is able to be located at the winch itself, or be of a hand-held nature and attached at the rescue basket instead of at the vehicle if visual contact is problematic.

Abstract: An inflatable life raft system for an aircraft includes a window coupled to a fuselage portion of the aircraft. A mechanism is used to selectively detach the window from the fuselage. An inflatable life raft is deployable to the exterior of the aircraft upon detachment of the window from the aircraft.

Abstract: Evacuation systems including gravity-assist mechanisms are detailed. The systems may facilitate slide pack deployment from, e.g., aircraft doors by increasing an initial downward velocity of a slide pack. The increased velocity assists the pack in clearing an associated enclosure before jamming the opening door or twisting or flipping into an undesirable orientation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for positioning an airship 100 at a wind turbine generator. The method comprises the step of docking the airship 100 at the wind turbine generator with a forwards docking section, a rearwards docking section, a sideways docking section, or an upwards docking section of the airship being connected to the wind turbine generator. After the airship 100 has docked, at least one wind turbine generator component or at least one person is unloaded from the airship or loaded from the wind turbine generator to the airship. Docking of the airship 100 may be performed at one of the following components of the wind turbine generator: the nacelle 116, the hub 118, the tower, one or more of the blades 120, the foundation, or a substation of the wind turbine generator. The invention also relates to use of an airship 100 for being connected to a wind turbine generator and for loading or unloading wind turbine generator components or personnel to or from the wind turbine generator.

Abstract: The passenger boarding bridge includes a first tunnel including a first fixed passage on which a passenger walks; and a second tunnel including a second fixed passage on which the passenger walks, the first tunnel being inserted into the second tunnel from one end side of the second tunnel, the second tunnel having another end side connected to a cab, the second fixed passage being fixed to the another end side. The second tunnel includes a movable passage including multiple plate floor members in a chain manner, the movable passage having one end fixed to the second fixed passage of the second tunnel in a pivotable manner. Accordingly, a passenger boarding bridge in which a passage level difference is eliminated at a joint part between an inner tunnel and an outer tunnel can be realized.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for utilizing a remotely-controlled aerial vehicle for emergency situations are disclosed. In an aspect of the present disclosure, a remotely-controlled aerial vehicle consisting of a rotor with interchangeably attached blades, a camera, an antenna for transmitting data, and rescue equipment which may be used to assist an endangered person on location is disclosed. In another aspect, the aerial vehicle further comprises a light source to assist in the use of the device at night, a pressure gun to assist in the delivery of rope or other materials in mountain side situations, an explosive device dropping mechanism, and a cable hoist.

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.

Abstract: Evacuation systems including slide readiness indicators are detailed. The indicators may include lights colored, preferably, red and green and powered using either pre-existing or dedicated electricity sources. Associated switching equipment defaults to illumination of a red light until a slide is satisfactorily inflated and deployed, at which time the red light is extinguished and a green light is illuminated to provide affirmative indication that evacuation via the slide may commence.

Abstract: A mechanism for arming and disarming an actuation of an emergency slide retained on a door of an aircraft and selectively configurable between an armed configuration and a disarmed configuration. The mechanism includes at least one transport hook extending radially from the rotating shaft and rotatable therewith about the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The transport hook has interconnected top and bottom portions defining a carrying slot therebetween. In the disarmed configuration, the transport hook receives the girt bar in the carrying slot, such that the transport hook carries the girt bar upon opening of the door. In the armed configuration, the transport hook is pivoted away from the girt bar and oriented such as to move over the girt bar without contact therewith upon opening of the door.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for improving efficiency of aircraft gate services and reducing time spent by an aircraft parked parallel to an airport terminal wherein aircraft utilities and gate services provided during turnaround are supported by an arrangement of flexibly movable, service and utility-carrying extendable passenger boarding bridges that enable passenger and baggage exchange concurrently with connection of utilities and provision of gate services to the aircraft. Aircraft are maneuvered by a pilot into and out of a parallel parking location in a forward direction by an engines-off electric taxi system that does not rely on the use of aircraft main engines to drive the aircraft, enabling loading bridge, utility, and service connections to be made to multiple aircraft doors as soon as the aircraft arrives at a parking space and then quickly disconnected upon departure.

Abstract: A collapsible staircase is provided with a set of flat parts, with each of the parts intended to function as steps. Each flat part can be moved between a first position and a second position. All of the flat parts are substantially coplanar when the parts are in the first position, and the parts are disposed above each other and at a distance from each other when the parts are in the second position. A retractable holding handle is also provided and driven together with the flat parts.

Abstract: Evacuation systems including gravity-assist mechanisms are detailed. The systems may facilitate slide pack deployment from, e.g., aircraft doors by increasing an initial downward velocity of a slide pack. The increased velocity assists the pack in clearing an associated enclosure before jamming the opening door or twisting or flipping into an undesirable orientation.

Abstract: Evacuation slide systems including a slide pack comprising a packboard coupled to an aircraft door, a girt bar coupled to an aircraft floor when the aircraft door is armed, and a restraint coupled to the packboard and the girt bar are detailed. The restraint controls a speed at which the aircraft door opens when the aircraft door is armed until the aircraft door has traveled beyond a predetermined distance.

Abstract: Optimization of the use of the available volume in a flying wing for commercial passenger transport, in particular for short- or medium-haul routes. A flying wing is provided including a passenger cabin together with at least one hold for the transport of luggage and/or goods, in which the hold is positioned laterally relative to said passenger cabin.

Abstract: Ground-accessing elevator systems and methods are provided for transporting personnel between the ground level and one or more decks of multi-level vehicle such as a fixed-wing aircraft. The vehicle elevator systems and methods may be implemented using a multi-track guide rail system configured to guide an elevator car between the ground and two or more levels within a vehicle. The multi-track guide rail system may include an intra-vehicle track fixed to the vehicle structure and configured to guide the elevator car between decks of the vehicle, and a separate deployment track may be configured to telescope downward from the intra-vehicle guide rail track to guide the elevator car during deployment to the ground from the vehicle.

Abstract: An airplane comprises a twin-deck fuselage in which an upper deck support structure is utilized for carry-through of a mid-mount main wing box. The main landing gear of the airplane is mounted to the fuselage and is stowed in a non-pressurized area below the main wing box (enabled due to an optimized wing box geometry). A pressurized passageway/cargo/galley complex separates the main landing gear box and the main wing box. The upper deck is continuous, while the lower deck is separated by the wheel wells into two distinct fore and aft areas (for either cargo or passengers). The airplane further comprises an integrated vertical fin and an aft-extended pressurized deck area for reduced double-deck wetted area. More specifically, the double-deck pressurized fuselage structure is extended to form a blending structure to which a structural box of the vertical fin is attached.

Abstract: Detailed are restraints intended principally (but not necessarily exclusively) for inflatable evacuation slides or rafts. At least one such restraint may be designed to release based on geometric shape of an object (such as a slide) rather than merely as a function of its inflation pressure or length. One version of this type of restraint includes a connector pin attached to a cord, with tensioning of the cord eventually retracting the pin to effect release of the restraint.

Abstract: A computing unit allocates boarding paths, available for boarding a transport unit, in particular an aircraft, to passengers of the transport unit. An associated method allocates boarding paths, available for boarding the transport unit to passengers of the transport unit. A computer program carries out the method, and a directing system directs passengers of the transport unit along boarding paths available for boarding the transport unit. The computing unit is configured to form two or more changeable seat groups from a plurality of seats provided in the transport unit and to allocate the boarding paths, available for boarding the transport unit, to the two or more seat groups formed.

Abstract: A device for selective emergency evacuation of persons from a first level to a second level situated above the first level, or to a third level situated below the first level. For evacuation to the second level a stair arrangement is provided. One end of the device is connected to the first level while the other end is displaceable between the second level and the third level or vice versa. For evacuation to the third level, the device is changeable to a slide. The device may provide for emergency evacuation of persons from a first level deck, or passenger deck of a blended wing-body aircraft, selectively to the top, second level of the aircraft, or to the bottom third level of the aircraft.

Abstract: An aircraft according to the invention enables passengers to be received and comprises a first deck for receiving passengers, a second deck for receiving passengers, which is placed over the first deck, as well as at least one access door. The first deck has at least one first zone having a substantially planar floor and situated on the same level as the access door and at least one second zone having a floor offset in height relative to the first zone. The cabin further comprises at least one rectilinear ramp linking the first zone of the first deck to the second zone of the first deck, and at least one rectilinear ramp linking the first zone of the first deck to the second deck.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for boarding an aircraft. Passengers may be lined up in a first line and a second line relative to a doorway for the aircraft. A flow of the passengers in the first line and the second line may be controlled through a corridor connecting the doorway to a first aisle and a second aisle in an interior of the aircraft. The flow of the passengers may pass through a number of spaces in the corridor. The number of spaces may be reserved for a number of crew members during an emergency operation in which the passengers exit the aircraft.

Abstract: An ejection system for a window pane or panel which is affixed to a frame structure with at least one clamping seal. The system has means for ejecting the panel or window pane from the clamping seal and (a) a frame part with a housing which surrounds the inner face of the window pane or panel along a peripheral path, wherein the housing has an open end facing the window pane or panel; (b) an inflatable seal arranged in the housing; (c) a pressure source which is joined to the inflatable seal; and (d) an emergency actuation means to release pressure from the gas pressure source. The released air or gas expands the inflatable seal which pushes the window pane or panel out of the clamping seal.

Abstract: A passenger stairway, which may be integrated with an aircraft, contains at least one first stairway segment having a first plurality of steps and a receptacle device, and at least one second stairway segment having a second plurality of steps, which is insertable into the receptacle device, so that the first and second stairway segments come to rest lying one on top of another.

Abstract: One embodiment of an automated system for carrying passengers between airport terminal or concourse facilities and parked aircraft is shown. The embodiment comprises PRT guideways (13, 14, 15, 23, 27), vehicles (21) and stations (22). Some PRT stations are linked to parked aircraft (11) or aircraft parking positions by means of conventional loading bridges (12), while others are linked to terminal or concourse buildings (15). Other embodiments are described and shown. The embodiments provide a high level of service while reducing the need to construct terminal or concourse buildings adjacent to each aircraft parking position.

Abstract: Evacuation slide systems having extendable portions are detailed. The extendable portions of slides may be inflated separately from the main portions and actuated manually if desired. Consequently, attitude changes of, for example, an aircraft subsequent to inflation of the main portion of a slide would not necessarily defeat its use, as inflation of the extendable portion could still occur.

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.

Abstract: A reconfigurable aircraft and associated methods. In one embodiment the reconfigurable aircraft comprises a plurality of payload retainers. The payload retainers are configured to receive and retain payloads, including fuel, armaments and sensors. The aircraft is configured to cooperate in flight with an airborne supply vehicle to receive the payloads from the supply vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for positioning an airship 100 at a wind turbine generator. The method comprises the step of docking the airship 100 at the wind turbine generator with a forwards docking section, a rearwards docking section, a sideways docking section, or an upwards docking section of the airship being connected to the wind turbine generator. After the airship 100 has docked, at least one wind turbine generator component or at least one person is unloaded from the airship or loaded from the wind turbine generator to the airship. Docking of the airship 100 may be performed at one of the following components of the wind turbine generator: the nacelle 116, the hub 118, the tower, one or more of the blades 120, the foundation, or a substation of the wind turbine generator. The invention also relates to use of an airship 100 for being connected to a wind turbine generator and for loading or unloading wind turbine generator components or personnel to or from the wind turbine generator.

Abstract: A device (10) for arranging a plurality of individuals into a desired order. The device includes a floor plan (14) having a plurality of separately identifiable markings (16) thereon indicating an intended location for each individual on the floor plan (14).

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a coupling module as interface between the cabin of an air passenger bridge and an aircraft, wherein the coupling module has a canopy roof and a floor spanned over by the canopy roof, wherein the coupling module is held by the cabin of the air passenger bridge to be pivotable about the centre axis.

Abstract: Systems for inhibiting installation of emergency escape slides behind bustles (or other covers) when removable safety pins (or similar objects) remain intact are addressed. Versions of the systems mechanically interfere with installation of the bustles as long as the safety pins remain in place. Only when all safety pins are removed can the mechanical impediment be detached (or moved sufficiently) to permit installation of the bustles.

Abstract: An aspirator for inflating an aircraft evacuation slide, emergency raft or other inflatable device includes a flexible, collapsible aspirator barrel that is inflated during operation to form a substantially rigid tube. According to one embodiment, the inflatable support member receives a flow of high pressure air directly from the aspirator injector nozzle assembly. According to another embodiment, the collapsible aspirator barrel receives a flow of high pressure gas directly from the high pressure inflation source. Because the aspirator barrel of the present invention is collapsible, the present invention occupies significantly less space when stored than an equivalent aspirator with a rigid aspirator barrel.

Abstract: Latching devices are disclosed for an escape chute in an aircraft, wherein the escape chute has a girt bar for connection to the latching device and the escape chute is accommodated on an aircraft door in a storage container arranged on the inner side thereof. A latching device can include two floor fittings connected to the aircraft, in each of which an end pin of the girt bar can be arranged, a rotating shaft with at least two brackets for movement of the girt bar, two rockers for latching the girt bar, two door fittings, in which the rotating shaft is received so as to be pivotable, and two press-down elements.

Abstract: An aircraft 1 comprises a walkway 11 moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The aircraft may be arranged such that the walkway, in the deployed position, defines a path, at least a portion of which extends from the fuselage at an angle, when viewed from above, of less than 90 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft. The walkway 11, in the stowed position, may be located at an angle, when viewed from above, of less than 80 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft. The opening 9 may be located in a region extending from 20% to 80% of the total cabin length. The walkway may be further moveable to a second deployed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for preventing inadvertent slide deployment for an aircraft, comprising at least one sensor for sensing the proximity of a person in front of an aircraft door, and at least one optical warning means operable to provide an optical indication in the vicinity of a slide arming lever when the sensor detects the proximity of a person in front of the aircraft door. The system according to the invention provides an effective prevention for inadvertent slide deployment that is capable to guide trained and untrained persons to the information they need in order to disarm the slide in sufficient time before the door handle is gripped and pulled to open the aircraft door in normal operation conditions.