Title of Invention

ALARM SYSTEM FOR AN AIRCRAFT DOOR

Abstract An alarm system for an aircraft door comprising; a sensor (37) for sensing when the door operating handle is about to be gripped by an operator, an aural alarm (35) associated with the sensor (37) and operas a to sound when the sensor (37) detects that the handle is about to be gripped, means (32, 38) for arming the sensor and/or aural alarm when the aircraft door is armed.
Full Text

IMPROVEMENTS IN AIRCRAFT DOORS
This invention relates to aircraft doors of the type typically used on passenger transport aircraft, in particular the invention relates to an alarm system for alerting cabin crew when a door is "armed".
Doors of passenger transport aircraft are commonly fitted with inflatable slides to assist passenger evacuation in an emergency situation. Slides are typically stored in a bustle within the aircraft door. Such slides may be detachable from the aircraft to be used as life rafts. Prior to take off of an aircraft it is usual to uarm" the doors. This means a door is configured such that if it is opened, the emergency evacuation slide is released from the bustle. On release of the slide, gravity causes discharge of an associated gas pressurised cylinder which inflates the slide.
Whilst such a feature is desirable in the event of an emergency evacuation of the aircraft, if the armed door is opened while the aircraft is stationed at an airport, inflation and deployment of the slide can cause injury to airport ground crew. Also, once a slide has been deployed, the door cannot be operable as an emergency exit until the slide has been replaced, a consequence being that the number of passengers which can be safely transported by the aircraft is reduced. It will also be appreciated that repackaging and replacement of a slide is time consuming and expensive and is desirably avoided.
In order to avoid accidents or injury at airports, aircraft doors are fitted with one or more visual indicators of the status of the door, for example a door might include a light which displays in one colour when the door is armed and a different colour when the door is unarmed. Alternatively, a door might include a slidable or rotatable handle which can be moved between a position marked "ARMED" and a position marked

"DISARMED" and/or a slide placard which displays when the door is armed and is hidden when the door is not armed.
Whilst such indicators are generally effective, the inventors have recognised that in some circumstances a person might not register the indicator prior to acting to open the door. For example, the visual indicator may become obscured by another body, or a cabin crew member may be distracted when approaching the door and forget to check its status. As different aircraft have doors with different visual indicators, it is also conceivable that a cabin crew member operating on an aircraft of a type they have not previously encountered may misinterpret a visual indicator assuming a door to be disarmed when it is, in fact, armed.
An alarm system activated by a touch-sensitive door knob is disclosed in US 3,824,576. In this patent rotation of the door knob retracts a latch bolt thus causing an electrical connection between the knob and the bolt thereby triggering an alarm. The system also provides a procedure whereby authorised personnel can enter the premises and deactivate the alarm system before the alarm is activated either through a time-delay circuit or through a separate de-activation means outside the building.
It is an aim of the present invention to provide a novel aircraft door alarm system which alerts a door operator of the armed status of a door as the operator attempts to open the door.
In accordance with a first aspect, the present invention provides an alarm system for an aircraft door comprising;
a sensor for sensing when the door operating handle is about to be gripped by an operator,

an aural alarm associated with the sensor and operable to sound when the sensor detects that the handle is about to be gripped,
means for arming the sensor and/or aural alarm when the aircraft door is armed.
The sensor may be a contactless type or alternatively may, be a pressure sensor. As such, the term "about to be gripped" covers a situation where the sensor senses the hand of an operator prior to the handle being touched and a situation where the sensor senses pressure on the handle at the point where the handle is first touched.
The system may be incorporated into an operating handle for the door or may be retrofittable to an existing door handle. Most convenientlyr the sensor may comprise a pressure sensor located on or in the handle which sensor responds to hand pressure of an operator gripping the handle. Alternatively a sensor could be light, heat, humidity or chemically sensitive responding to contact with a characteristic of an operators hand.
The aural alarm is desirably electrically operated. The sound made by the alarm may be one or more tones, optionally a repeating sequence of tones. Alternatively, the alarm may broadcast a pre-recorded voice message indicating that the door is armed.
The means for arming the sensor and/or aural alarm may be manual or automatic. Desirably, arming is automatically effected when the door is armed. For example, the arming means may be mechanically, electrically, optically or magnetically coupled to an existing means for arming the door or an existing visual indicator for indicating the status of the door.

In one option, the arming means may include a sensor which is activated following a change in the status of the door. For example, the sensor may be a light sensor obscurabie by an operating switch or handle for arming the door when the position of the switch or handle is changed. In another example, the arming means may include a magnetically sensitive switch such as a Reed switch which is responsive to a magnetic field which changes when a door is switched between an armed and an unarmed configuration.
The alarm system may include its own power source, for example but not strictly limited to a dry cell. Alternatively, the alarm system may tap power from an existing power source used to power the door and/or aircraft.
Desirably, the alarm system includes its own indicator that it has been armed. Such an indicator may, for example, be a light emitting diode which lights or pulses when the system is armed.
The system may be completely hard wired or may use one or more wireless connections between various of its components and/or existing components of the aircraft door. For example, there may be a blue tooth link between the sensor and alarm or between the means for activating the sensor and the sensor.
In another aspect, the invention comprises a handle for an aircraft door incorporating the previously described alarm system.
In yet another aspect, the invention comprises an aircraft door equipped with an alarm system as previously described.

For the purposes of illustration, one embodiment of the invention will now be further described with reference to the following Figures in which:
Figure 1 illustrates the front face of an aircraft door as is known in the prior art.
Figure 2 illustrates a handle for an aircraft door incorporating an embodiment of the alarm system of the invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a circuit diagram for an embodiment of an alarm system in accordance with the invention.
As can be seen from Figure 1 a typical aircraft door 1 (in this case a door used on a Boeing 757 aircraft) includes a viewing window 2, an operating handle 3 for opening and locking the door 1 and a door mode select panel 4a, 4b for arming and disarming the door 1. At the bottom of the door 1 is a bustle 5 in which an emergency evacuation slide (not shown) is stowed. Immediately above the bustle 5 is stowed a container of pressurised gas for inflating the slide in the event of an emergency. A pressure gauge 6 displays the pressure of the gas on the front of the door 1. A pair of handles 7 are provided towards the top and right of the door 1 which an operator can use to manoeuvre the door 1.
The door mode select panel 4a, 4b comprises an operating switch 4a and a position indicator 4b. The position indicator 4b illustrates the direction in which the switch 4a need be switched to respectively arm and disarm the door 1. Just above the operating handle 3 is a slide placard 8. When the door 1 is disarmed, the slide placard is retained in the body of the door 1, flush with the surface of the door 1. When the door 1 is armed by appropriate operation of the switch 4a, the slide placard is caused to pop out of the door and display an indicator that the door is armed. At the

top of the door 1 is an LED 9 which is lit when the door 1 is armed and not lit when the door 1 is disarmed. Thus there are three visual indicators (LED 9, slide placard 8" and display panel 4a, 4b) showing status of the door 1 as armed or disarmed.
Figure 2 shows the reverse side of a door operating handle 20 similar to that referenced 3 in Figure 1. The handle has a substantially C shaped cross section made up of walls 21a, 21b and the front surface (not shown) of the handle 20. A taller walled section 21b is provided at one end of the handle to allow attachment to the front of a door whilst providing a clearance around the remainder of the handle 20 so that it may be gripped.
Enclosed within the C section is an alarm system in accordance with the invention, 22, 23, 24, 25. Extending across a central portion of the handle is a pressure sensitive pad 22 enclosing an electrical circuit supplying the alarm system. Adjacent the pressure sensitive pad is an
Y
arming device 23 which is responsive to arming of an aircraft door to which the handle 20 is attached to arm the alarm system 22, 23, 24, 25. Adjacent the arming device 23 is a speaker 24 of an alarm sounder. The system is powered by a battery pack enclosed in a container 25.
It wiil be appreciated that the components of the system as described in relation to Figure .2 could be re-ordered without affecting the mode of operation of the invention.
Figure 3 shows a circuit diagram for an alarm system substantially similar to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2. The circuit comprises a 9v dry power cell 31 which powers pressure sensor 37.
The system is armed through arming device 32, 38 which comprises a Reed switch 32 and ceramic magnet 38. The ceramic magnet

38 is associated with a slide placard of an aircraft door, the Reed switch being positioned, in use, in close proximity to the placard and magnet 38. When a door to which the system is mounted is armed, the slide placard pops out and the magnetic field near the magnetically sensitive Reed switch 32 is magnified. The change in the field is such as to cause the switch 32 to close. The alarm system circuit is now armed. Once the system is armed but not activated (i.e. there is no detection of pressure by sensor 37) a battery saver circuit 33 pulses a low current supply to LED 34 which emits an intermittent light, this provides a visual indicator that the system is armed and in a "stand by" mode.
When the pressure sensor 37 is subjected to pressure, for example when the door handle is gripped, a sub circuit including the pressure sensor 37 and LED 34 is closed and the LED becomes permanently lit, taking current directly from the dry cell 31 indicating the alarm has been activated.
Simultaneously, a latch circuit 36 is closed and the latch circuit 36 grabs power from the cell 31. The active latch circuit 36 triggers the broadcast of a timed, audible alarm, for example a pre-recorded voice message, through speaker/amplifier circuit 35.
Once the pressure sensor 37 is relieved of pressure, the supply conduits between the sensor 31 and each of the latch circuit 36 and LED 34 are closed, the alarm stops sounding and the LED reverts to blinking. Once the door is disarmed, the slide placard reverts to the "disarmed" position withdrawing the magnet 38 from the Reed switch 32 causing the switch 32 to open. The alarm system is then disarmed and the door can be operated without setting off the aural alarm.
In an alternative embodiment (not shown) only the sensor is incorporated into an operating handle for the door. The electronic

circuitry providing communication between the sensor and the arming means and aural alarm are located or are incorporated into the door structure.
In a further alternative embodiment (also not shown) the sensor is incorporated into, or located on, the door structure preferably just behind the handle. The sensor is close enough to the handle to sense when the handle is, or is about to be, touched by an operator.
It is to be understood that the forgoing is merely representative of one embodiment which the alarm system of the invention may take, other embodiments will no doubt occur to the skilled addressee without the need for inventive thought and without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed in the appended claims.

AMENDED CLAIMS
[received by the International Bureau on 05 July 2005 (05,07.05);
original claim 1 amended;; original claim 12 cancelled; claims 13-28 renumbered as claims 12-27; remaining claims unchanged (4 pages)]
1. An alarm system for an aircraft door comprising;
a sensor for sensing when the door operating handle is about to be gripped by an operator,
an aural alarm associated with the sensor and operable to sound when the sensor detects that the handle is about to be gripped, and
means for automatically arming the sensor and/or aural alarm when the emergency evacuation slide of the aircraft door is armed so as to be released if the air craft door is opened.
2. An alarm system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the aural alarm and
the means for arming the sensor and/or activating the aural alarm
are embodied in the aircraft door.
3. ^ An alarm system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the
sensor is incorporated in, or located on, the door operating handle.
4. An alarm system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the
sensor is incorporated intor or otherwise located on, the aircraft
door within the immediate vicinity of the door operating handle.
5. An alarm system as claimed in claim 1 which is embodied in a door
operating handle for an aircraft door.
6. An alarm system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the
sensor comprises a pressure sensor.
7. An alarm system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the
sensor is a light sensor.

8. An alarm system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the
aural alarm is electrically operated.
9. An alarm system as claimed in claim 8 wherein the aural alarm
sounds one or more tones.
10. An alarm system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the aural alarm
sounds a repeating sequence of tones.
11. An alarm system as claimed in claim 8 wherein the alarm sounds a
pre-recorded voice message in one or more languages.
12. An alarm system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the arming means is
mechanically, electrically, optically or magnetically couplable to an
existing means for arming an aircraft door or an existing visual
indicator for indicating the status of the aircraft door.
13. An alarm system as claimed in claim 12 wherein the arming means
includes a sensor which is activated following a change in the status
of the door.
14. An alarm system as claimed in claim 13 wherein the arming means
sensor is a light sensor obscurable by an operating switch or handle
for arming the door when the position of the switch or handle is
changed.
15. An alarm system as claimed in claim 13 wherein the arming means
includes a magnetically sensitive switch which is responsive to a
magnetic field which changes when an aircraft door to which it is
attachable is switched between an armed and an unarmed
configuration.

16. An alarm system .as claimed in claim 15 wherein the changing
magnetic field is associated with a slide placard of an aircraft door
to which the alarm system is attachable.
17. An alarm system as claimed in any preceding claim including its
own power source.
18. An alarm system as claimed in claim 17 wherein the power source
is a dry cell.
19. An alarm system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 16 wherein the
alarm system is configured to tap power from an existing power
supply of an aircraft door or aircraft to which it is attachable.
20. An alarm system as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein
the alarm system includes its own indicator that the system has
been armed.
21. An alarm system as claimed in claim 20 wherein the arming system
indicator is a light emitting diode which lights or pulses when the
system is armed and ceases when the system is not armed.
22. An alarm system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the
system is hard wired.
23. An alarm system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 21 wherein the
system includes one or more wireless connections between various
of its components and/or existing components of an aircraft door
to which it may be attached.

24. An alarm system as claimed in claim 23 wherein a blue tooth link is
provided between the sensor and alarm or between the means for
arming the sensor and the sensor.
25. An operating handle for an aircraft door incorporating the alarm
system of any preceding claim.
26. An operating handle as claimed in claim 25 wherein the handle is
substantially C shaped in cross section and one or more of the
components of the alarm system are mounted in the C of the C
shaped cross section.
27. An aircraft door incorporating an operating handle as claimed in
claim 25 or claim 26.
Dated this 26 day of September 2006





Documents:

3538-CHENP-2006 AMENDED CLAIMS 21-08-2012.pdf

3538-CHENP-2006 AMENDED PAGES OF SPECIFICATION 21-08-2012.pdf

3538-CHENP-2006 CORRESPONDENCE OTHERS 01-02-2013.pdf

3538-CHENP-2006 CORRESPONDENCE OTHERS 06-09-2012.pdf

3538-CHENP-2006 CORRESPONDENCE OTHERS 04-02-2013.pdf

3538-CHENP-2006 CORRESPONDENCE OTHERS. 06-12-2012.pdf

3538-CHENP-2006 EXAMINATION REPORT REPLY RECEIVED 21-08-2012.pdf

3538-CHENP-2006 FORM-1 01-02-2013.pdf

3538-CHENP-2006 FORM-1 04-02-2013.pdf

3538-CHENP-2006 FORM-1 06-12-2012.pdf

3538-CHENP-2006 FORM-13 06-12-2012.pdf

3538-CHENP-2006 FORM-13-1 06-12-2012.pdf

3538-CHENP-2006 OTHER PATENT DOCUMENT 06-09-2012.pdf

3538-CHENP-2006 ASSIGNMENT 05-04-2010.pdf

3538-CHENP-2006 CORRESPONDENCE OTHERS 16-03-2012.pdf

3538-CHENP-2006 CORRESPONDENCE OTHERS. 16-03-2012.pdf

3538-CHENP-2006 FORM-3 16-03-2012.pdf

3538-CHENP-2006 FORM-6 05-04-2010.pdf

3538-CHENP-2006 POWER OF ATTORNEY 05-04-2010.pdf

3538-CHENP-2006 OTHER PATENT DOCUMENT 05-04-2010.pdf

3538-chenp-2006-abstract.pdf

3538-chenp-2006-claims.pdf

3538-chenp-2006-correspondnece-others.pdf

3538-chenp-2006-description(complete).pdf

3538-chenp-2006-drawings.pdf

3538-chenp-2006-form 1.pdf

3538-chenp-2006-form 3.pdf

3538-chenp-2006-form 5.pdf

3538-chenp-2006-pct.pdf


Patent Number 255275
Indian Patent Application Number 3538/CHENP/2006
PG Journal Number 07/2013
Publication Date 15-Feb-2013
Grant Date 08-Feb-2013
Date of Filing 26-Sep-2006
Name of Patentee PENNY & GILES AEROSPACE LTD.
Applicant Address 1 AIRFIELD ROAD, CHRISTCHURCH, DOREST, BH23 3TH
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 YARDLEY,CHRISTOPER 30 KIMBERS ,PETERSFIELD,HAMPSHIRE GU32 2JL,
2 FARMER,MICHEAL, JOHN, CHARLES 12 WOODLAND DRIVE, CRAWLEY DOWN, WEST SUSSEX RH10 4UF
PCT International Classification Number B64C 1/14
PCT International Application Number PCT/GB05/00607
PCT International Filing date 2005-02-21
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 0404328.7 2004-02-27 Argentina