Cockpit access protection system

• US 20040094667A1
• Filed: 11/19/2002
• Published: 05/20/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 11/19/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Dʼalvia, Graham R.
• Original Assignee: Dʼalvia, Graham R.
• Inventors: DʼAlvia, Graham R.
• Granted Patent: US 6,766,983 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 244/118.5
• CPC Class Codes: B64C 1/1469 Doors between cockpit and cabin
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 45/0029 electrically actuated
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/38 with central registration

Abstract

The cockpit access protection system relies upon pass codes for an aircraft and utilizes the galley area as a security area to verify a person'"'"'s identity before allowing access to the cockpit. The system includes normal operation to insure that unauthorized personnel do not gain access to the cockpit. Upon breach of security, the cockpit door is automatically locked by personnel on the ground. A false signal of security breach can be overcome by an authorized flight crew member communicating with ground control upon verification that the report of a false security breach is not made under duress. The system also allows emergency access to the cockpit in the event of a medical or other similar emergency. The method of operating such system is also unique.

Claims

1. An aircraft cockpit security system, comprising

an aircraft cockpit, said cockpit having a cockpit door to grant access to the cockpit, said cockpit door having a lock, and

a control center remote from said aircraft cockpit, said control center being able to operate said lock said cockpit door.

2. The security system of claim 1, further comprising

a camera mounted outside of said cockpit.

3. The security system of claim 2, wherein images from said camera are viewable from said control center.

4. The security system of claim 2, further comprising a monitor in said cockpit, said monitor linked to said camera.

5. The security system of claim 1, further comprising

a galley area located outside of said cockpit, and

a galley door separating said galley area from the passenger compartment.

6. The security system of claim 5, further comprising sensors on said galley door indicating whether the galley door is opened or closed.

7. The security system of claim 6, further comprising a light in the passenger compartment indicating the locked condition of the galley door.

8. The security system of claim 7, wherein said light is red when the galley door is locked and green when the galley door is unlocked.

9. The securing system of claim 1, further comprising a door located outside of said cockpit, said door leading to the exterior of the aircraft, and sensors on said door for indicating whether the exterior door is opened or closed.

10. The security system of claim 1, further comprising a network node in said cockpit for communicating with said control center to receive an alphanumeric code.

11. The security system of claim 1, further comprising a two way radio located outside of said cockpit for providing communication between the aircraft and said control center.

12. The security system of claim 1, further comprising a key pad for entering flight crew identification numbers.

13. A method for securing a cockpit, comprising the steps of:

providing a cockpit door to block access to the cockpit,

providing a galley door to form a galley, said galley located between the cockpit and the remaining portion of the aircraft,

placing a sensor on said galley door to signal when said galley door is locked,

allowing authorized personnel into said cockpit, and

locking said cockpit door.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the steps of:

locking said galley door, and

using said sensor to ensure said galley door is locked before unlocking said cockpit door to allow an authorized person out of said cockpit.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of locking the cockpit door after said authorized person has left the cockpit.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of conducting a visual inspection of said galley before allowing said authorized person to reenter the cockpit.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of sending a signal to flight attendants that it is allowable to unlock the galley door after said authorized person has reentered the cockpit and the cockpit door has been locked.

18. The method of claim 13, further comprising a light for indicating the locked condition of said galley door.

19. The method of claim 13, further comprising said sensor sending a signal to a network node in said cockpit.

20. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of verifying the identities of the authorized personnel before said locking of said cockpit door.

21. The method of claim 13, further comprising the steps of:

assigning an alphanumeric code to the aircraft, and

storing said code in a network node in said cockpit.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising the step of generating said code in a control center remote from the aircraft.

23. The method of claim 21, further comprising the step of scrambling said code in the event of a security breach.

24. The method of claim 21, further comprising the step of scrambling said codes for all aircraft in the event of a security breach.

25. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of preventing the opening of the cockpit door in the event of a security breach.

26. The method of claim 24, further comprising the step of allowing access to said cockpit after verifying no security breach exists.

27. The method of claim 25, further comprising the step of verifying no security breach by communicating with a control center remote from said aircraft.

28. The method of claim 21, further comprising entering flight crew identification numbers on a keypad before assigning said code.