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.

The present invention provides an improved 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.

A coupling module forms an interface between a cabin of a passenger bridge and an aircraft. The coupling module has a projecting roof and a floor arrangement overspanned by the projecting roof. The floor arrangement is pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis relative to the cabin. At least the floor arrangement and the projecting roof have a common pivot axis that is arranged in or beneath the floor arrangement, with the floor arrangement at least indirectly and substantially supporting the projecting roof.

A telescopic access bridge includes a unit provided therewith, and a method therefor. The telescopic access bridge comprises a base unit, an elevating unit having a first end with a first hinged connection to the base unit and a second end, and a bridge comprising a main bridge part and a telescopic bridge part. The bridge has one end with a second hinged connection to the second end of the elevating unit.

A boarding system for a vehicle for transporting people includes a retractable step that has a lifting function and a ramp function. An extendable front edge of the retractable step and a rear edge of the retractable step are arranged behind in the direction of travel and are adjustable in terms of height.

A boarding system for a vehicle for transporting people includes a retractable step that has a lifting function and a ramp function. An extendable front edge of the retractable step and a rear edge of the retractable step are arranged behind in the direction of travel and are adjustable in terms of height.

A modular bridge is formed from a plurality of bridge modules. In one embodiment, the bridge includes: a first longitudinal compression member that is, in use, at an upper part of the bridge cross-section; a second longitudinal compression member that is, in use, at a lower part of the bridge cross-section; a structural lateral element for forming a deck of the bridge or for supporting deck elements of the bridge; a shear element for carrying a shear load; and a tension member applying a compressive force to one of the longitudinal compression members such that when in use the other of the longitudinal compression members forms a main compression element for the bridge and the tension member forms a main tension element for the bridge. The bridge modules form segments of the length of the bridge and each bridge module is of a one-piece construction.

The subject invention relates to a method for affixing two or more structures to be used in connection with a floating dock, stationary dock, gang plank, swim platform, or the like. The subject invention more specifically discloses a deck structure which is comprised of one or more sections which are adapted to be interconnected, wherein said sections are comprised of a frame, and a deck, wherein the frame is comprised of a first box-channel on a first side of the frame, a second box-channel on the second side of the frame, and at least two self-squaring cross braces, wherein the self-squaring cross braces are attached to both the first side and the second side of the frame, and wherein the deck is attached to the top side of the frame.

The present invention relates to a telescopic access bridge (2), a unit provided therewith, and method there for. The bridge comprises: a base unit (4); an elevating unit (8) having a first end with a first hinged connection to the base unit and a second end; a bridge (28) comprising a main bridge part (30) and a telescopic bridge part (32), the bridge having one end with a second hinged connection to the second end of the elevating unit.

The invention relates to a vessel provided with a boom construction, especially a gangway construction, for transferring persons and/or cargo from said vessel to an offshore object or vice versa. The boom construction comprises an elongated mast structure extending in a direction substantially upwards from a deck of said vessel. Said mast structure is pivotally mounted with respect to a hull of the vessel in a manner such as to be pivotable with respect to said hull about a single pivot axis only. The boom construction further comprises a boom, especially a gangway, which is connected to the mast structure and which extends from the mast structure in a substantially sideward direction. Furthermore, the boom construction comprises at least one actuator for pivoting the mast structure such as to compensate for at least a part of a roll movement of the hull of the vessel.