AIRCRAFT PARKING SYSTEM

• US 3,662,332 A
• Filed: 10/16/1970
• Issued: 05/09/1972
• Est. Priority Date: 10/16/1970
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Alvin L. Zechnowitz, James A. Xenakis
• Original Assignee: Alvin L. Zechnowitz, James A. Xenakis
• Inventors: Zechnowitz, Alvin L., Xenakis, James A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Habecker, Thomas B.
• Application Number:
  US05/081,218
• Time in Patent Office: 571 Days
• Field of Search: 340/32,34,26,51
• US Class Current: 340/958
• CPC Class Codes: B64F 1/002 Taxiing aids
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/4445 amplitude comparisons monopulse, i.e. comparing the echo signals received by an antenna arrangement with overlapping squinted beams
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/4454 phase comparisons monopulse, i.e. comparing the echo signals received by an interferometric antenna arrangement
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 5/0026 located on the ground
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 5/065 Navigation or guidance aids, e.g. for taxiing or rolling

Abstract

Apparatus for accurately maneuvering an aircraft on an airport surface to a predetermined parking position involves cooperating optical sensors and guidance display systems for aiding the pilot in controlling motion of the craft. The apparatus aids moving the craft along a preliminary guidance or approach path to intersection of a second guidance path leading the craft precisely to a final stopped position at the parking station.

Claims

1. Apparatus for providing guidance indications to the operator of a vehicle movable along a predetermined path having a path end substantially at which a desired maneuver is to be performed by said vehicle, comprising:

first means adapted to be attached to said vehicle for emitting electromagnetic radiation of a first frequency when illuminated by electromagnetic energy of a second frequency, source means adjacent said path end for generating electromagnetic energy of said second frequency for illuminating said first means, first sensor means adjacent said path end activated by electromagnetic energy of said second frequency viewing said first means for deriving a positional error signal relating to the transverse position of said first means with respect to said path, first display means adjacent said path end for indicating a characteristic of said error signal to said operator, second sensor means adjacent said path end activated by electromagnetic energy of said second frequency viewing said first means for generating a control signal upon arrival of said first means substantially at said path end, and second display means adjacent said path end activated by said conTrol signal for indicating to said operator a command to institute said desired maneuver.

2. Apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said second display means comprises a symbol for indicating to the operator an order to brake the vehicle'"'"''"'"'s forward motion.

3. Apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said second display means comprises a symbol for indicating an order to the operator to stop the vehicle.

4. Apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said second display means comprises an intermittently activated symbol for indicating an order to the operator to turn the vehicle at a substantial predetermined angle from said path.

5. Apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said first means comprises optically fluorescent means.

6. Apparatus as described in claim 5 wherein said fluorescent means comprises fluorescent surface means excitable by ultraviolet radiation for producing radiation on the visible spectrum.

7. Apparatus as described in claim 6 wherein said source means comprises means for generation of ultraviolet radiation in the frequency band for exciting visible radiation from said fluorescent means.

8. Apparatus as described in claim 7 wherein said source means is driven by an alternating voltage having a characteristic frequency f for producing impulses of ultraviolet radiation at twice said characteristic frequency 2f.

9. Apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein:

said first sensor means has a first line of sight, said second sensor means has a second line of sight, and said first and second lines of sight intersect substantially at said path end.