Abstract: A conventional flow tube for a metabolic cart is usually a straight length of pipe whose inner diameter is fixed by the respiratory burden imposed by the flow tube on the user, with a smaller diameter imposing a higher respiratory burden. The ratio of the straight flow tube's length to diameter is fixed by fluid dynamics, so increasing the flow tube's diameter causes the flow tube's length to increase. As the flow tube gets longer, it exerts more torque on the user's neck and jaw, creating discomfort. Reducing the flow tube's length causes an undesired increase in the respiratory burden but increasing the flow tube's diameter to reduce the respiratory burden makes the flow tube less comfortable, making the flow tube unconformable, hard to breathe through, or both. Bending the flow tube makes it possible to increase the flow tube's propagation length without increasing the flow tube's lever arm length.

Abstract: A conventional flow tube for a metabolic cart is usually a straight length of pipe whose inner diameter is fixed by the respiratory burden imposed by the flow tube on the user, with a smaller diameter imposing a higher respiratory burden. The ratio of the straight flow tube's length to diameter is fixed by fluid dynamics, so increasing the flow tube's diameter causes the flow tube's length to increase. As the flow tube gets longer, it exerts more torque on the user's neck and jaw, creating discomfort. Reducing the flow tube's length causes an undesired increase in the respiratory burden but increasing the flow tube's diameter to reduce the respiratory burden makes the flow tube less comfortable, making the flow tube unconformable, hard to breathe through, or both. Bending the flow tube, e.g., in an L shape, makes it possible to increase the flow tube's propagation length without increasing the flow tube's lever arm length.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an overhead passenger service unit (PSU) for a vehicle, comprising: a mounting mechanism for mounting the PSU above at least one vehicle seat; a dynamic seat row marker that provides an indication of a seat position and a status portion indicating a status of a passenger or trip aspect that is readily viewable from a vehicle aisle and is changeable during a trip; and a programmable active display that is readily viewable from a passenger seat and provides trip changeable information about the trip to the passenger.

Abstract: A conventional flow tube for a metabolic cart is usually a straight length of pipe whose inner diameter is fixed by the respiratory burden imposed by the flow tube on the user, with a smaller diameter imposing a higher respiratory burden. The ratio of the straight flow tube's length to diameter is fixed by fluid dynamics, so increasing the flow tube's diameter causes the flow tube's length to increase. As the flow tube gets longer, it exerts more torque on the user's neck and jaw, creating discomfort. Reducing the flow tube's length causes an undesired increase in the respiratory burden but increasing the flow tube's diameter to reduce the respiratory burden makes the flow tube less comfortable, making the flow tube unconformable, hard to breathe through, or both. Bending the flow tube, e.g., in an L shape, makes it possible to increase the flow tube's propagation length without increasing the flow tube's lever arm length.

Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, an integrated speaker-light unit includes a base unit adapted to be mounted to a fixture of an aircraft, a speaker unit disposed proximate the base unit, a horn element having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end positioned proximate the speaker unit and defining a first aperture, and the distal end defining a second aperture, where a greatest measurement of the second aperture is larger than a greatest measurement of the first aperture, an LED unit disposed at least partially in the horn element, and a housing element at least partially surrounding the horn element. The greatest measurement of the second aperture may be less than 4 inches. The base unit may be mounted to a passenger service unit such that the integrated speaker-light unit is presented as a passenger reading light.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an overhead passenger service unit (PSU) for a vehicle, comprising: a mounting mechanism for mounting the PSU above at least one vehicle seat; a dynamic seat row marker that provides an indication of a seat position and a status portion indicating a status of a passenger or trip aspect that is readily viewable from a vehicle aisle and is changeable during a trip; and a programmable active display that is readily viewable from a passenger seat and provides trip changeable information about the trip to the passenger.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an overhead passenger service unit (PSU) for a vehicle, comprising: a mounting mechanism for mounting the PSU above at least one vehicle seat; a dynamic seat row marker that provides an indication of a seat position and a status portion indicating a status of a passenger or trip aspect that is readily viewable from a vehicle aisle and is changeable during a trip; and a programmable active display that is readily viewable from a passenger seat and provides trip changeable information about the trip to the passenger.

Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, an integrated speaker-light unit includes a base unit adapted to be mounted to a fixture of an aircraft, a speaker unit disposed proximate the base unit, a horn element having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end positioned proximate the speaker unit and defining a first aperture, and the distal end defining a second aperture, where a greatest measurement of the second aperture is larger than a greatest measurement of the first aperture, an LED unit disposed at least partially in the horn element, and a housing element at least partially surrounding the horn element. The greatest measurement of the second aperture may be less than 4 inches. The base unit may be mounted to a passenger service unit such that the integrated speaker-light unit is presented as a passenger reading light.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an overhead passenger service unit (PSU) for a vehicle, comprising: a mounting mechanism for mounting the PSU above at least one vehicle seat; a dynamic seat row marker that provides an indication of a seat position and a status portion indicating a status of a passenger or trip aspect that is readily viewable from a vehicle aisle and is changeable during a trip; and a programmable active display that is readily viewable from a passenger seat and provides trip changeable information about the trip to the passenger.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for correcting net energy when providing a load balancing service (50) to an electrical power supply network (30). The load balancing service (50) includes one or more energy storage devices which are charged and/or discharged from energy supplied from and/or to the electrical power supply network (30) respectively, wherein the apparatus associated with the one or more energy storage devices is operable to control their state-of-charge (SOC) as a function of an operating frequency (f) of the electrical power supply network (30), and wherein the apparatus is operable to apply a bias of peak high-excursions and/or low-excursions in frequency for ensuring that the one or more energy storage devices are maintained at nominal charge. Beneficially, the apparatus is operable to employ a piecewise linear control algorithm for managing the state-of-charge (SOC) of the energy storage devices.

Abstract: Upright sidewall and end panels are bolted to a unitary base component having a treadmill so as to form a composite exercise tank. One end panel has a door of transparent sheet material with specialized hinges and locking mechanism to assure a leakproof fit. Water can be introduced into the tank to a desired level from a storage container, whereupon the treadmill is actuated for exercise or therapy. During use, water in the tank is recirculated through heating, cleaning and sanitizing equipment. After use, the water in the tank is emptied to the storage container and the user exits through the door.

Abstract: Upright sidewall and end panels are bolted to a unitary base component having a treadmill so as to form a composite exercise tank. One end panel has a door of transparent sheet material with specialized hinges and locking mechanism to assure a leakproof fit. Water can be introduced into the tank to a desired level from a storage container, whereupon the treadmill is actuated for exercise or therapy. During use, water in the tank is recirculated through heating, cleaning and sanitizing equipment. After use, the water in the tank is emptied to the storage container and the user exits through the door.

Abstract: A transparent safety layer for a transparent candle comprising a thermoplastic polyamide resin and a solvent for said polyamide resin which is also compatible with said transparent candle; said polyamide resin and said solvent being present in amounts to give said transparent safety layer a higher viscosity and melt temperature than said transparent candle composition.