Abstract: An externally replaceable friction mechanism for a pivoting assembly such as an armrest assembly, the friction mechanism including a first spacer configured to non-rotationally engage a fixed element and frictionally engage a pivoting element pivotable relative to the fixed element, a first friction ring configured to non-rotationally engage the first spacer, the first friction ring including fingers configured to frictionally engage the pivoting element, and wherein the first friction ring is configured to permit pivoting movement of the pivoting element relative to the fixed element and provide friction against the pivoting movement.

Abstract: An articulation mechanism for coupling a pivoting backrest to a traveling seat pan frame includes a first link having a first end section attachable to a pivoting backrest, and a second end section connected to the first end section, the second end section having multiple holes. A second link has a first end section and a second end section connected together, the first end section of the second link having at least one hole aligned with one of the multiple holes of the second section of the first link, the second end section of the second link is pivotally attachable to a seat pan frame. A fastener pivotally attaches the second link to the first link via the at least one hole of the second link and the selected aligned one of the multiple holes of the second end section of the first link based on a hole combination chosen to achieve a predetermined ratio of backrest recline to seat pan travel.

Abstract: An articulation mechanism for coupling a pivoting backrest to a traveling seat pan frame includes a first link having a first end section attachable to a pivoting backrest, and a second end section connected to the first end section, the second end section having multiple holes. A second link has a first end section and a second end section connected together, the first end section of the second link having at least one hole aligned with one of the multiple holes of the second section of the first link, the second end section of the second link is pivotally attachable to a seat pan frame. A fastener pivotally attaches the second link to the first link via the at least one hole of the second link and the selected aligned one of the multiple holes of the second end section of the first link based on a hole combination chosen to achieve a predetermined ratio of backrest recline to seat pan travel.

Abstract: An externally replaceable friction mechanism for a pivoting assembly such as an armrest assembly, the friction mechanism including a first spacer configured to non-rotationally engage a fixed element and frictionally engage a pivoting element pivotable relative to the fixed element, a first friction ring configured to non-rotationally engage the first spacer, the first friction ring including fingers configured to frictionally engage the pivoting element, and wherein the first friction ring is configured to permit pivoting movement of the pivoting element relative to the fixed element and provide friction against the pivoting movement.

Abstract: Passenger safety belt buckles are disclosed. In embodiments, a safety belt buckle includes a base member and a release member coupled to the base member. The release member is configured to release a tongue held between the release member and the base member when the release member is pulled away from the base member. In an example embodiment, the release member is formed by a plurality of printed device layers and a metal coating disposed over the plurality of printed device layers. In another example embodiment, the release member is formed by a plurality of printed metal layers. In yet another example embodiment, the release member includes a recess with an in-mold feature disposed within the recess.

Abstract: Passenger safety belt buckles are disclosed. In embodiments, a safety belt buckle includes a base member and a release member coupled to the base member. The release member is configured to release a tongue held between the release member and the base member when the release member is pulled away from the base member. In an example embodiment, the release member is formed by a plurality of printed device layers and a metal coating disposed over the plurality of printed device layers. In another example embodiment, the release member is formed by a plurality of printed metal layers. In yet another example embodiment, the release member includes a recess with an in-mold feature disposed within the recess.