System and method for automated deployment of a passenger boarding bridge

A system for controlling the movement of a passenger boarding bridge, comprising:

• one or more proximity sensors coupled to an outer surface of a cabin mounted at a distal end of the passenger boarding bridge;
• a first movement mechanism for extending and retracting the cabin at the distal end of the passenger boarding bridge;
• a processor for receiving signals from the one or more proximity sensors and, based thereon, selectively generating and providing control signals to the first movement mechanism to automatically extend the cabin to a predetermined position against an aircraft positioned in a predetermined area;
• a flexible boot attached to a distal end of the cabin;
• and
• wherein the processor generates and provides control signals based on the received signals to a second movement mechanism coupled to the flexible boot to extend the flexible boot against the aircraft.

A method for controlling the movement of an extendible bridge structure having a first movement mechanism for extending and retracting the extendible bridge structure, comprising:

• receiving a signal to initiate extension of the extendible bridge structure;
• receiving signals from one or more proximity sensors coupled to a distal end of the extendible bridge structure;
• generating and providing control signals based on the received signals to the first movement mechanism to extend the extendible bridge structure to a predetermined position against a vehicle positioned in a predetermined area;
• and
• generating and providing control signals based on the received signals to a second movement mechanism coupled to a flexible boot attached to the distal end of the extendible bridge structure to extend the flexible boot against the vehicle.