Abstract: A system and method are provided for facilitating substantially seamless interface between individual component systems for sensor fusion, data exchange, and communication across a broad spectrum of component systems in a vehicle without implicating hardware or software upgrade within individual legacy systems and/or sensors. A universal translator is provided to interface between individual system components that exchange data in a seamless manner between legacy data formats and specific data formats advantageously employed by newly-developed, procured and installed individual component systems.

Abstract: A multi-modal portable communications gateway is disclosed. The multi-modal portable communication gateway may include a communication interface, a controller that controls the operation of the multi-modal portable communication gateway, a power supply unit that enables power to be provided to the multi-modal portable communication gateway, wherein the controller signals the power supply to shut down based on one or more safety-of-flight indication, and a communication router that receives data from systems on-board an aircraft through the communication interface, and transmits the data to one or more predetermined location outside the aircraft upon receiving a signal from the controller, wherein the controller signals the communication router to transmit based on one or more safety-of-flight indication.

Abstract: An electronic paper device is disclosed for use by aircraft passengers. The electronic paper device may include a communication interface that facilitates downloading of media publications, the media publications being available for download prior to each flight, a memory that stores the media publications, a user interface that facilitates access and use of the media publications by a user, and an electronic paper display that displays the media publications to the user in a manner that permits viewing in lighting conditions similar to that required of paper (including bright light).

Abstract: An electronic paper device is disclosed for use by aircraft pilots and crew. The electronic paper device may include a communication interface that facilitates downloading of aviation-related documents, the aviation-related documents being and available for downloaded prior to each flight, a memory that stores the aviation-related documents, a user interface that facilitates access and use of the aviation-related documents by a user, and an electronic paper display that displays the aviation-related documents to the user in a manner that permits viewing in all lighting conditions.

Abstract: A method for determining the contents of a host response to a client query by detecting patterns expected in the data displayed in the host response, and outputting the data in the format of the detected pattern to the client. The pattern may be expressed using extensible markup language and regular expressions to form a compact and precise notation for the pattern.

Abstract: A system and method to detect changes in composite structures using RF signal pattern data interpretation. An RF signal is transmitted from a composite material manufactured structure and a plurality of sensors are employed to measure the RF signal. The measured RF signal is compared to a stored baseline RF signal for the particular structure. Deviations in the measured RF pattern for the structure, or for a structurally-similar composite structure, are automatically analyzed to detect non-visually-detectable defects or other changes in the composite structure. A baseline RF signature is developed for a structure by transmitting a reference RF signal from the composite structure. RF signals are detected by a variety of methods, and the detected signals are compiled and translated into reference and/or test RF signal patterns for the structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for communicating data content using different protocols. The systems and methods may include intercepting a transmission from a first transceiver containing a first data content, using a first protocol. The first protocol may be identified and an assessment made whether the first protocol is compatible with a second transceiver. Based on the assessment that the first protocol is not compatible with the second transceiver, data content may be converted to a second protocol. The data content may be transmitted to the second transceiver using the second protocol. The systems and methods may automatically convert the data content to the second protocol based on information associated with the first or second transceivers.

Abstract: A system in a method are provided for sending and receiving messages between a point located on the ground and a point located on an aircraft via an Iridium Short Burst Data Service. The messages may conform to Airlines Electronic Engineering Committee (AEEC) Specification 618. The messages may be ground-to-air messages or air-to-ground messages. The messages may be ACARS messages and at least some of the messages may have a length exceeding a maximum payload of the Iridium Short Burst Data Service. ACARS messages, which exceed the maximum payload of the Iridium Short Burst Data Service may be segmented and each of the segments may be sent in respective Iridium Short Burst Data messages via the Iridium Short Burst Data Service. When the separate Iridium Short Burst Data messages are received, the segments may be combined to reconstruct the ACARS message for delivery to an intended destination.

Abstract: The disclosed systems and methods may provide a portable data storage and display device such as, for example, an Electronic Flight Bag (EFB), usable to query stored or remote databases containing personal identification information regarding individuals so that images presented on a display unit of the device may be visually compared with characteristics of the individual, and/or individual identification documents that the individual presents. Available images may include pictures of individuals, examples of standard identification forms, and/or biometric identifying data for comparison such as, for example, fingerprint scans and retinal scans. Users may be provided an ability to access flight crew or airline personnel rosters, law enforcement personnel rosters, “no-fly/barred” passenger lists and/or other “persons of interest” lists immediately from an aircraft to verify individual identification providing another layer of personnel security verification and defense, particularly.

Abstract: A software application hosted on portable electronic digital data storage and display devices, such as Class 1 or 2 certified EFB computing devices in the cockpits of aircraft, integrates system components to allow users to initiate voice communications with various receiving destinations via a WiFi or other communications network. The portable electronic data storage and display device may be configured with a microphone and speakers to facilitate voice transmission and reception via a communications link established between the device and a destination computer, or alternatively a PSTN device to facilitate voice transmission via an accessible “direct dial” telephone system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring and reporting a quick access recorder (QAR) data in real time. The system includes a QAR for recording fault information, a removable portable hardware component that stores, analyzes and displays the fault information, an onboard data communication network that enables the QAR and the portable hardware component to exchange information, and an air-ground data transmitting device for transmitting the fault information from the vehicle. The removable portable hardware component may be an Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) that hosts a QAR Manager application and communication technologies to manage and report all applications on the EFB.

Abstract: Two (or more) components must be aligned to each other in the pitch, roll, and azimuth axes. One component is adjustable relative to the other non-adjustable component. The pitch and roll angles are measured with a high accuracy digital protractor. The readings are taken from fixed reference points on the non-adjustable and the adjustable components, and the position of the adjusting component is modified until the pitch and roll of the adjusting component matches the pitch and roll of the non-adjusting component. The azimuth angle is measured by using two line generating lasers, one that produces a visible azimuth axis on the non-adjustable component and the other which produces the visible azimuth axis on the adjustable component. The separation of the two lines is measured such that one measurement is in close proximity to the laser generators and the other is at a distance from the laser generators.

Abstract: A system and method for checking in ship-board passengers and their baggage for an airline flight includes issuing a valet receipt for the passenger prior to baggage check-in, to be replaced by the airline bag tag when the passenger is ready to hand over bags to baggage handling personnel.

Abstract: A sub-network device and a method of communicating using a sub-network, interconnect device and a network as a backbone within a communications system includes receiving a request for information at the interconnect device from a wireless communications device to communicate with the interconnect device, the interconnect device interconnects the wireless communications device to the sub-network, transmitting the request for information from the wireless communications device to the network, the network including terrestrial communications and being connected to a public safety agency network, receiving the requested information at the sub-network from the public safety agency network over the network in response to the transmitted request for information and transmitting the requested information back to the wireless communications device through the interconnect device.

Abstract: Two (or more) components must be aligned to each other in the pitch, roll, and azimuth axes. One component is adjustable relative to the other non-adjustable component. The pitch and roll angles are measured with a high accuracy digital protractor. The readings are taken from fixed reference points on the non-adjustable and the adjustable components, and the position of the adjusting component is modified until the pitch and roll of the adjusting component matches the pitch and roll of the non-adjusting component. The azimuth angle is measured by using two line generating lasers, one that produces a visible azimuth axis on the non-adjustable component and the other which produces the visible azimuth axis on the adjustable component. The separation of the two lines is measured such that one measurement is in close proximity to the laser generators and the other is at a distance from the laser generators.

Abstract: A method for communicating between an airborne mobile terminal and a terrestrial location via satellite, whereby a number of encode/decode modules are eliminated from the communications path, thereby reducing the transmission delay and improving the quality of the transmitted voice data.

Abstract: A method for communicating between an airborne mobile terminal and a terrestrial location via satellite, wherein the satellite communication channel is provided by an integrated services digital network (ISDN) connection for the voice data, and mobile packet data system (MPDS) connection for the signaling data. The ISDN connection is automatically disabled when no voice data is being transmitted, and multiple voice calls are multiplexed on a single ISDN channel.

Abstract: The invention provides a reconfigurable patient support pallet system for transporting patients on litters. The patient support pallet system includes a pallet mounted to the floor of a vehicle. The pallet has a plurality of track rails and attachment points for attaching a litter stanchion set, capable of holding a patient in a litter, and/or for attaching a seat to the surface of the pallet. The pallet also includes a plurality of pallet lips and cargo rings on the periphery which provide locations to attach one or more pallet extensions, pallet spacers and/or pallet ramps to increase the usable surface area of a pallet, as well as facilitate safe passage on, off and between pallets by reducing tripping hazards inherent in cargo aircraft.

Abstract: The alignment of two pieces of machinery is achieved so that centerlines of rotating shafts of each piece are in-line.

Abstract: A method for determining the contents of a host response to a client query by detecting patterns expected in the data displayed in the host response, and outputting the data in the format of the detected pattern to the client. The pattern may be expressed using extensible markup language and regular expressions to form a compact and precise notation for the pattern.