The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 31, 2019
Filed:
Jun. 26, 2017
The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US);
John W. Glatfelter, Kennett Square, PA (US);
Brian D. Laughlin, Wichita, KS (US);
TEH BOEING COMPANY, Chicago, IL (US);
Abstract
A system and method for controlling the movement of an extendible bridge structure has proximity sensors coupled to a distal end thereof and includes a first movement mechanism for extension and retraction thereof. A processor receives signals from the proximity sensors and, based thereon, selectively generates and provides control signals to the first movement mechanism to automatically extend the structure to a predetermined position against a vehicle positioned in a predetermined area. A flexible boot is attached to the distal end of the structure. The processor generates and provides control signals to a second movement mechanism coupled to the flexible boot to extend the flexible boot against the vehicle. The processor also monitors and identifies any changes in a positional relationship between the flexible boot and the vehicle after initial extension thereof and provides generated control signals to the first movement mechanism to restore the structure to the predetermined position.