Ground vehicle collision prevention systems and methods
US7869305B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 10, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jan 11, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 10, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S367/909
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention comprises systems and methods for preventing collisions between aircraft and ground vehicles. In one embodiment, a system includes a proximity detection unit and a transducer proximate to a selected structural portion of an aircraft, the proximity detection unit being operable to emit ranging signals through the transducer and to receive reflected signals through the transducer to determine the position of an object within a ranging area adjacent to the structural portion. The system further includes an alarm device coupled to the proximity detection unit that is responsive to a signal generated by the proximity detection unit. In another embodiment, a method includes determining a distance between the ground service vehicle and a selected structural portion of the aircraft when the vehicle is positioned in a ranging area about the aircraft. The method further includes generating a proximity alarm based upon the distance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.