Patent ID: 7603736
Filing Date: 2009-10-20
Classification: B64F

Abstract:
1. A method for aligning a first passenger boarding bridge tunnel section with a first doorway of an aircraft and for aligning a second passenger boarding bridge tunnel section with a second doorway of the aircraft, the method comprising: providing a controller in communication with the first passenger boarding bridge tunnel section, with the second passenger boarding bridge tunnel section, and with a memory element having stored therein information relating to a location of the second doorway relative to the first doorway; using the controller, automatically aligning the first passenger boarding bridge tunnel section with the first doorway; determining a current orientation of the second passenger boarding bridge tunnel section relative to the aligned first passenger boarding bridge tunnel section; retrieving the information relating to the location of the second doorway relative to the first doorway; based upon the determined current orientation and the retrieved information, determining a movement for aligning the second passenger boarding bridge tunnel section with the second doorway; and, using the controller, automatically performing the determined movement, so as to align the second passenger boarding bridge tunnel section with the second doorway.