Abstract: A conductive bus device and method operable to distribute signals throughout a platform. The bus delivers signals to any number of select locations within the platform, such as to seats mounted to a seat track. The bus is mounted beneath a floor of the platform. The signals can be transmitted between the power bus and the passenger seats using a conductor that extends from the passenger seats to the bus through a opening in the seat track. The bus device and method eliminates the need to run separate connections between a signal source and each seat. This device and method significantly reduce the cost, energy, and time necessary to wire each seat individually.

Abstract: A system for distributing signals between a first seat and a second seat of a platform. The system generally includes an elongated bus and a connector operable to provide a connection between the bus and the passenger seats. Signals can be transmitted between the bus and the passenger seats, via the connector, at any point along the power bus, thus eliminating the need to run separate connections between the signal source and each seat. The bus is connected to the connector by depressing the bus upon the connector. This system and method significantly reduces the amount of time, energy, and expense necessary to individually wire each passenger seat to receive signals, such as power and/or data.

Abstract: Energy harvesting devices are disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the energy harvesting devices includes a fastening device, a first thermally-conductive element engaging the fastening device, a thermoelectric device disposed in thermal contact with the first thermally-conductive element and a second thermally-conductive element disposed in thermal contact with the thermoelectric device.

Abstract: Energy harvesting devices, wherein one illustrative embodiment includes a crease beam, a thermoelectric element disposed in thermally-conductive contact with the crease beam and a heat exchanger disposed in thermally-conductive contact with the thermoelectric element. An energy harvesting system and a method of harvesting electrical power are also disclosed.

Abstract: A “quick change” restrictor assembly that allows quick rebalancing of flow-pressures within a duct system. The invention comprises a removable restrictor plate, a branch circuit for receiving the plate, and a means for retaining the restrictor plate to the branch circuit. The circuit includes a feature that allows for removal and installation of the restrictor plate without removing the branch circuit, inlet or outlet ducting. The quick change restrictor will not require bonding and can be installed easily from outside the duct without any disassembly. The restrictor may also have various clips or tabs to reinforce the slot the restrictor plate is inserted into. The restrictor may also have a smart part number and color code that is visible from outside the duct allowing easy removal, identification and inspection.

Abstract: A power/data bus for conducting at least one of data and power signals to a variety of different locations on a mobile platform. The bus has a plurality of discrete connection ports, and at least one conductive cable. The power/data bus extends across an area where access to at least one of data and electricity is desired. The discrete connection ports are spaced apart at different locations along the power/data bus. The conductive cable extends through the power/data bus and is connected to at least one of the discrete connection ports. The conductive cable conducts at least one of power and data signals between the discrete connection ports and a data/power source. At least one of the connection ports are operable to cooperate with a connector of an external device to supply at least one of power and data signals to the external device. The power/data bus, when used in an aircraft passenger cabin, eliminates the need to extend individual data and/or power cables to or between each passenger seat group.

Abstract: A seat track cover having telescopically engaged first and second portions that enables an overall length of the seat track cover to be adjusted as needed to cover a portion of a seat track that separates two adjacent seats mounted to the seat tracks. A cable can be routed within the first and second portions to enable electrical or optical signals to be conducted between data/power connection ports on the seats. One embodiment includes mating conductive elements formed along the lengths of each of the first and second portions.

Abstract: A power distribution system having a continuous power bus to supply power and/or data to aircraft passenger seats in a mobile platform. The power distribution system generally includes a bus strip that extends along a length of the passenger cabin and a connector operable to provide a connection between the bus strip and the passenger seats. Power and/or data can be transmitted between the bus strip and the passenger seats, via the connector, at any point along the bus strip, thus eliminating the need to run separate connections between the power and/or data source and each passenger seat.

Abstract: A seat track cover for transferring at least one of electrical power and data between two seats. The cover has a housing and a cable. The housing is sized to extend between a first seat leg assembly of a first seat and a second seat leg assembly of a second seat. The housing comprises a channel forming a first aperture at one end and a second aperture at a second end opposite the first aperture. The cable is seated within the housing and has a length at least equal to the length of the housing. The cable comprises a first connector and a second connector. The cable is seated within the housing such that the first connector is at the first aperture of the housing and the second connector is at the second aperture of the housing. The first connector couples with the first seat leg assembly and the second connector couples with the second seat leg assembly when the housing is positioned between the first seat leg and the second seat leg.

Abstract: A seat having a seat leg assembly for use on a mobile platform, especially on an aircraft. The seat comprises a front seat leg, a rear seat leg, and a spreader bar coupled to and extending between the front seat leg and the rear seat leg. The spreader bar has a door. The door is movable between a closed position in which the door prevents access to areas beneath the spreader bar and an open position in which the door permits access to areas beneath the spreader bar. In this manner, the open door allows an installer to grasp electrical cabling beneath the spreader bar and feed the cabling through a hole in the door so that the cable can be connected a connection point on or adjacent to the seat track.

Abstract: A power supply system operable to supply power and/or data to aircraft passenger seats that eliminates the need to extend individual cables to each seat and eliminates the need to rewire the passenger cabin when the seats are moved. The system includes a first connector housing secured to a first seat leg and a second connector housing secured to at least one of the first seat leg and the second leg. A first connector of a seat electronic subsystem is mounted to the first housing. A second connector of the seat electronic subsystem is mounted to the second housing. A conductor is operable to mate with at least one of the first connector and the second connector for conducting at least one of data and electricity to or from the seat.

Abstract: An interior cabin configuration determination system (10) includes multiple objects (16), including two or more monuments or passenger service units, that are within an interior cabin (13). The objects (16) include card readers (12). Object controllers (18) are coupled to the card readers (12) and determine the position of the objects (18) in response to the position information on the cards (12). A remotely located controller (20) determines the configuration of the objects (18) in response to the position information.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ventilated seating system. The ventilated seating system provides a back rest portion including an upper end and a lower end and a perforated duct positioned adjacent to the lower end of the back rest portion. The ventilated seating system further provides a seat base portion including a front end and a back end with the back end positioned adjacent to the perforated duct, and wherein air is drawn across a surface of the seat base portion and a surface of the back rest portion without passing through the seat base and the back rest portions, and into the perforated duct. The ventilated seating system may utilize a pressure differential to draw the air into the duct. To enhance operation, the system may further include adjustable perforated ducts. The adjustable perforated ducts may be adjusted manually or mechanically.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for releasing material. The system includes a container arranged to hold a material to be released. The container has a first seal and a second seal that are arranged to open when a release is desired. Piping is configured to release the material and the piping has at least one tube connected to the reservoir through the first seal. A pressure source is connected to the reservoir through the second seal. A pressure release is configured to release pressure from the piping when release of the material is desired. The seals may include burst disks that open upon a release of pressure in the piping. Materials that can be released by the system include fire suppressant materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for releasing material. The system includes a container arranged to hold a material to be released. The container has a first seal and a second seal that are arranged to open when a release is desired. Piping is configured to release the material and the piping has at least one tube connected to the reservoir through the first seal. A pressure source is connected to the reservoir through the second seal. A pressure release is configured to release pressure from the piping when release of the material is desired. The seals may include burst disks that open upon a release of pressure in the piping. Materials that can be released by the system include fire suppressant materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ventilated seating system. The ventilated seating system provides a back rest portion including an upper end and a lower end and a perforated duct positioned adjacent to the lower end of the back rest portion. The ventilated seating system further provides a seat base portion including a front end and a back end with the back end positioned adjacent to the perforated duct, and wherein air is drawn across a surface of the seat base portion and a surface of the back rest portion without passing through the seat base and the back rest portions, and into the perforated duct. The ventilated seating system may utilize a pressure differential to draw the air into the duct. To enhance operation, the system may further include adjustable perforated ducts. The adjustable perforated ducts may be adjusted manually or mechanically.