Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of studying a sample using an optical microscope, comprising providing the sample in a sample holder with means to maintain the sample at a temperature below 273 K; providing a microscope objective lens, in a thermally insulating jacket, having an extremal lens element proximal to the sample holder; bringing the lens into a focus position proximal to the sample, which separates the extremal lens element and sample by an intervening space, providing a transparent window in said intervening space, with a gap between the window and the extremal lens element; providing a flow of substantially dry gas in said gap; and tailoring the geometry and velocity of said flow so that, at least in said gap, the flow is non-laminar; and does not excite substantial acoustic vibration in a structure proximal the gap.

Abstract: A divider device for an aircraft cabin including elongate bar elements, each planar and flexible to assume a linear state extending rectilinearly along a longitudinal axis parallel to a plane, each bar element curved in a first stable state, to deform into its first stable state when bent towards the stable state to a predetermined extent, the bar elements arranged side-by-side and adjacent bar elements are pivotably inter-connected with each other.

Abstract: A divider element for an aircraft cabin is disclosed including a frame member forming a closed ring wherein the frame member may assume an expanded state and a collapsed state, wherein in the expanded state the frame member extends in a plane and defines a first area which is surrounded by the frame member and wherein in the collapsed state the frame member defines a second area which is surrounded by the frame member, the second area being smaller than the first area, and a flexible sheet member which is fixed to the frame member and dimensioned such that when the frame member is in the expanded state, it extends over the area defined by the frame member.

Abstract: A aircraft cabin partition element and aircraft cabin arrangement, with a wall member having a lower edge and extending upwards from the lower edge provided with a coupling, capable of slidingly engaging a guide rail arrangement, an upper panel member pivotably mounted on the wall member with respect to a horizontal axis which is spaced from the lower edge, the upper panel member pivotable between a first position where the upper panel member extends from the horizontal axis towards the lower edge parallel to the wall member, and a second position where the upper panel member extends away from the wall member, and a support member movably mounted on the wall member and movable between a support position supporting the upper panel member when in the second position to prevent pivoting towards the wall member to the first position, and a storage position extending parallel to the wall member.

Abstract: A passenger cabin for a means of transport is provided, which comprises an upper passenger deck and a lower passenger deck. The floor of the upper passenger deck comprises a lower and an upper region arranged therebeside, which are interconnected via a step or a ramp. There is an aisle in the lower region. The floor of the lower passenger deck likewise comprises a lower and an upper region arranged therebeside, between which there is a lowered aisle which is arranged so as to be laterally offset from the aisle of the upper passenger deck. The available surfaces of the upper and the lower passenger deck are mirror-symmetrically arranged. In this way, the space available can be used very effectively in order to accommodate more passengers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of studying a sample using an optical microscope, comprising providing the sample in a sample holder with means to maintain the sample at a temperature below 273 K; providing a microscope objective lens, in a thermally insulating jacket, having an extremal lens element proximal to the sample holder; bringing the lens into a focus position proximal to the sample, which separates the extremal lens element and sample by an intervening space, providing a transparent window in said intervening space, with a gap between the window and the extremal lens element; providing a flow of substantially dry gas in said gap; and tailoring the geometry and velocity of said flow so that, at least in said gap, the flow is non-laminar; and does not excite substantial acoustic vibration in a structure proximal the gap.

Abstract: A cladding apparatus is provided for the interior of an aircraft that includes, but is not limited to at least one two-dimensional fabric sheet, at least one guide device, and at least one tensioning element. The guide device is configured to be attached in the interior along a direction of extension of the interior, and slidably guide the fabric sheet at least in a first section of the interior along the direction of extension. The tensioning element is, furthermore, configured to be attached in the interior, and by producing a tensile force that acts on the front edge and/or the rear edge of the fabric sheet to stretch taut the fabric sheet along the direction of extension of the interior.

Abstract: A storage compartment is provided for a transportation means, for mounting in an overhead region. The storage compartment includes, but is not limited to a universal housing module and a transformable container module. Various container modules, in particular fixed bins and pivot bins, can be installed in the universal housing module without this requiring any alteration of the housing module. The transformable container module can be converted within the housing module from a state as a fixed container to a state as a movable chute.

Abstract: A control and monitoring system is provided in the aircraft cabin and controls a reconfiguration process with corresponding software in combination with reconfiguration data received from the ground personnel. The control is realized, for example, with a suitable light signals and the unlocking of the seats at certain times. All work sequences are acoustically and/or optically displayed such that the reconfiguration can also be carried out by untrained personnel.

Abstract: A cladding apparatus is provided for the interior of an aircraft that includes, but is not limited to at least one two-dimensional fabric sheet, at least one guide device, and at least one tensioning element. The guide device is configured to be attached in the interior along a direction of extension of the interior, and slidably guide the fabric sheet at least in a first section of the interior along the direction of extension. The tensioning element is, furthermore, configured to be attached in the interior, and by producing a tensile force that acts on the front edge and/or the rear edge of the fabric sheet to stretch taut the fabric sheet along the direction of extension of the interior.

Abstract: A control and monitoring system is provided in the aircraft cabin and controls a reconfiguration process with corresponding software in combination with reconfiguration data received from the ground personnel. The control is realized, for example, with a suitable light signals and the unlocking of the seats at certain times. All work sequences are acoustically and/or optically displayed such that the reconfiguration can also be carried out by untrained personnel.

Abstract: A storage compartment is provided for a transportation means, for mounting in an overhead region. The storage compartment includes, but is not limited to a universal housing module and a transformable container module. Various container modules, in particular fixed bins and pivot bins, can be installed in the universal housing module without this requiring any alteration of the housing module. The transformable container module can be converted within the housing module from a state as a fixed container to a state as a movable chute.

Abstract: A method of preparing a coating solution, comprising the steps of providing a first solution comprising a lower alcohol; a polyethylene glycol; a complexing agent; and water; providing a second solution comprising a higher alcohol; and at least one metal alkoxide, wherein the metal in said at least one metal alkoxide is selected from the group consisting of zirconium, aluminium, titanium, tantalum and yttrium; forming a sol-gel solution by mixing said first and second solutions and thereby hydrolyzing said at least one metal alkoxide to a metal oxide and an alcohol; forming a concentrated solution by removing said lower alcohol and the alcohol resulting from the hydrolysis of said at least one metal alkoxide; and forming a coating solution by adding a medium alcohol to said concentrated solution.

Abstract: A method of preparing a coating solution, comprising the steps of providing a first solution comprising a lower alcohol; a polyethylene glycol; a complexing agent; and water; providing a second solution comprising a higher alcohol; and at least one metal alkoxide, wherein the metal in said at least one metal alkoxide is selected from the group consisting of zirconium, aluminium, titanium, tantalum and yttrium; forming a sol-gel solution by mixing said first and second solutions and thereby hydrolyzing said at least one metal alkoxide to a metal oxide and an alcohol; forming a concentrated solution by removing said lower alcohol and the alcohol resulting from the hydrolysis of said at least one metal alkoxide; and forming a coating solution by adding a medium alcohol to said concentrated solution.