Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide improved heating and/or cooling systems for aircraft galleys and other passenger transport vehicles, where meals are prepared. The embodiments are particularly designed to save space and in some instances, may lower the weight of the overall vehicle, by moving heat and cooled air generating components to a position remote from the compartment.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to a combined microwave and warmer, provided in a single device. Such devices find particular use on-board passenger transport vehicles, such as aircraft, although they may be useful in any other instance when space and/or weight reduction is at a premium.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to an espresso or other coffee drink maker that is configured to accept a number of different forms of coffee grounds. It may accept powder/coffee grounds that are loose, coffee capsules, coffee pods, (e.g., “ESE” (easy serving espresso) pods), or any other format. The machine may also be provided with an optional built-in grinder, which allows the machine to accept fresh coffee beans, in order to grind and brew them on-site, in a single machine. Such espresso/coffee drink makers find particular use on-board passenger transport vehicles such as aircraft, but may be useful in a number of other locations.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system that provides a cohesive, harmonized look to aircraft galleys and other aircraft areas. The system allows airlines to easily change the decorative front fascia of galley (and other) airline components, even while the components are installed on the aircraft. The replacement is accomplished without the use of tools or extensive manual effort by providing replaceable and interchangeable panels for use on aircraft or other passenger transport vehicles or vessels.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system that provides a cohesive, harmonized look to aircraft galleys and other aircraft areas. The system allows airlines to easily change the decorative front fascia of galley (and other) airline components, even while the components are installed on the aircraft. The replacement is accomplished without the use of tools or extensive manual effort by providing replaceable and interchangeable panels for use on aircraft or other passenger transport vehicles or vessels.

Abstract: The invention is a suspension plate system for providing access to hanks of fiber. The system may include a circular, transparent, plastic disc having a plurality of truncated conic circular bores located equidistant from the center of the disc and being substantially equidistant from each other. Each bore has a larger diameter opening on the top of the disc and a smaller diameter opening on the bottom of the disc. A plurality of generally radial slots equal in number to the number of bores are located on the disc to communicate between each bore and the outer edge of the disc. Each bore provides a device wherein a hank of fiber, cut into substantially equal lengths to other hanks and divided by color and/or nature can be presented for display and use. The hank of fiber of like color and/or nature is bound by a knob-like binder that can be captured in one of the bores, with the hank of fiber suspended down from the disc, thus locking the hank of fiber in place relative to other hanks and to the disc.

Abstract: A trash collection and compacting apparatus primarily intended for use onboard an aircraft comprising a stationary compactor unit and interrelated movable trolley unit, the trolley unit having a plurality of separate trash collection chambers into which trash is deposited and compacted. The trolley unit includes wheels for moving the trolley through an aircraft for the collection of trash, and support rails for supporting the trolley unit on the compactor unit for the direct compaction of trash in the trolley. The compactor unit includes a compaction ram mounted on a carriage assembly for movement into discrete positions overlying each collection chamber of the trolley unit, and supports the trolley so that compaction forces are not transmitted to the aircraft.

Abstract: A trash collection and compacting apparatus primarily intended for use onboard an aircraft comprising a stationary compactor unit and interrelated movable wheeled trolley unit, the trolley unit having a plurality of separate trash collection chambers into which trash is deposited and compacted and support rails for supporting the trolley unit on the compactor unit for the direct compaction of trash in the trolley. The trolley unit also has separable sides to facilitate removal of compacted trash, and multiple fail safe locks and latches to ensure that the sides are not inadvertently separated during trash collection and compaction. Fire doors are provided to close the chambers, and removable trash bins are disposed in each trash chamber to facilitate handling of compacted trash, the bins having separable sides for emptying the compacted trash therefrom.

Abstract: Disclosed are a quick release device and a release technique. The device comprises a pair of members or sections which are releasably joined together. These members have opposed surfaces, which in turn have aligned indentations or grooves that form an opening for a radially expandable actuator. Pressurization of the actuator, preferably by an explosive charge therein, forces the two members apart and breaks the joint, allowing the members to separate. The device can take various forms, for example, a valve or a link.

Abstract: A two-piece universal tie-down bracket which has wide applications but is especially useful in connection with utility trucks having plastic bed liners, and with marine craft. The bracket comprises an elongate base member constructed as a wire form, having openings at its ends and an open loop intermediate its ends. The base member is mounted on a supporting surface such as the plastic bed liner by screws, bolts or the like passing through the end openings, and prior to its attachment a tethering ring also fabricated as a wire form is placed in the open loop to hang loosely therefrom in readiness for use after securement of the base member. The supporting surface for the base member holds the tethering loop captive, and the loop will hang in a collapsed out-of-the-way position close to the base member for a large number of different mounting positions of the latter.

Abstract: Conversion plug having the general shape of a shotgun shell, having a large counterbore formed in the end adjacent the hammer and having a small threaded counterbore to receive a nipple adapted to receive a percussion firing element.