Abstract: Disclosed is a Personal Electronic Device (PED) positioning apparatus that stows within a tray table. An articulated holder includes a crossbar arm that slides on at least one support shaft to a position where a crossbar can be rotate to provide an angled surface relative to the tray table to support a PED. When stowed, the crossbar presents a minimal profile with respect to the tray table. The exposed surface of the crossbar can be made to match the color and appearance of the tray table so that the apparatus has minimal visual impact.

Abstract: A power distribution system including a high-voltage direct current unit (HVDCU) configured to receive an amount of high-frequency alternating current (AC) input power from a power source and convert the input power into high-voltage DC power, a negative voltage distribution rail and a positive voltage distribution rail that are together configured to supply the high-voltage DC power to at least one control unit (CU) electrically disposed between the negative voltage distribution rail and the positive voltage distribution rail and the CU being configured to convert the high-voltage DC power into output power compatible with at least one load and supply the output power to the loads associated with it.

Abstract: A method and system for delivering power from an aircraft power system to a tray table is provided. The system may include a moveable assembly in connection with the tray table. Cable may be routed to each tray table through the moveable assembly. The power is processed into a useable form for electronics mounted in the tray table. The tray table may include a wireless charger, and may harvest data from user electronics. The tray table may also push data to the user's electronics. The system may include a wireless communications client to take advantage of the wireless inflight entertainment (IFE) system on board many transportation platforms.

Abstract: Multiple relays are connected in parallel by including one or more semiconductor devices connected across the relay contacts. The semiconductor devices are triggered to conduct and shunt transient currents during the opening and closing of the relay contacts to protect the relay contacts from overcurrent and to eliminate arcing during relay switching. This permits a combination of smaller relays to replace a larger and more expensive relay in applications that require switching of large load currents.

Abstract: Interface circuits are disclosed for manually or automatically selecting among two or more communications protocols in ways that reduce the number of connector pins needed and/or use the same number of connector pins required for a single communications protocol. Such interface circuits are advantageously applicable to selecting and accommodating either RS-485 or 802bw communications protocols in aircraft electronics while enabling space and cost efficient designs.

Abstract: A power distribution system in which a power source is configured to supply an amount of high-frequency input power to a centralized frequency converter unit. The centralized frequency converter unit is configured to convert the high-frequency input power into low-frequency converted power. Passenger Electronic Device Controllers receive the converted power and distribute it to outlet units. Power management functions may be integrated with the distribution system. For instance, the centralized frequency converter unit can cause to be disabled unused outlet units when the power drawn by the used outlet units exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A self-dimming light-emitting diode (LED) system is disclosed. The LED system may include a voltage regulation circuit, an ambient light sensor, and an LED. The LED system provides for a reduction in illumination intensity of an LED, proportional to a reduction in surrounding ambient light intensity. Surrounding ambient light intensity is detected by the ambient light sensor. The LED system provides an autonomous, reduced-power system for low ambient lighting environments.

Abstract: Disclosed is a Personal Electronic Device (PED) positioning apparatus that stows within a tray table. An articulated holder includes a crossbar arm that slides on at least one support shaft to a position where a crossbar can be rotate to provide an angled surface relative to the tray table to support a PED. When stowed, the crossbar presents a minimal profile with respect to the tray table. The exposed surface of the crossbar can be made to match the color and appearance of the tray table so that the apparatus has minimal visual impact.

Abstract: The application of this method is an addressable lighting control system using the In Seat Power Supply as an interface between the passenger control device for lighting and the aircraft Cabin Services System. On wide body aircraft, there does not exist a system to control the reading and attendant call lights without installing a complete In Flight Entertainment system. This is a part of the system used to communicate from a passenger interface to the lighting system based on location of the passenger in the aircraft. This invention decreases the weight and complexity of other communication and addressing schemes used on-board aircraft as well as obviating the need for termination plugs or jumpers at the end of the multi-drop communication line.

Abstract: Operation of an overhead storage bin sensor used to monitor the volume consumed within the bin including a VOC sensor to monitor for material that may become overheated within the bin such as lithium ion batteries in electronics products is provided. Currently, fire or smoke detectors are not integrated into the storage bins leaving this area vulnerable to developing fires and outgassing of electronic components often stored by passengers. Early detection of such events can prevent propagation of fire on board an aircraft by rapidly reporting the event and giving the location of the event. The system described leverages other patents applied for including a wireless sensor network and storage volume sensors. The sensor monitors for outgassing of materials or smoldering material by monitoring the air quality within the bin space.

Abstract: A hybrid contactor device that provides the ability to use the device with both AC and DC circuits is provided. The hybrid contactor includes a series-parallel arrangement of mechanical contacts with solid state devices, increasing the switching capacity of the mechanical contacts, and maintains galvanic isolation when open. The hybrid contactor includes two mechanical contacts, and is arranged so that one contact closes shortly before the other. The second contact forms a parallel circuit with an electronic switch.

Abstract: Interface circuits are disclosed for manually or automatically selecting among two or more communications protocols in ways that reduce the number of connector pins needed and/or use the same number of connector pins required for a single communications protocol. Such interface circuits are advantageously applicable to selecting and accommodating either RS-485 or 802bw communications protocols in aircraft electronics while enabling space and cost efficient designs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for aiding in determining when a power-providing outlet is ending its usable service life and is due for service or replacement. A connection detection unit and counting unit respectively monitor connection of a device to a port and maintain a connection count of connection events. For USB type C connections a cable or device resistance detection circuit can be used to determine if a USB type C device or cable has been connected. USB Type A and AC connections can be detected by mechanical or electrical mechanisms. When a connection has been detected a counter can be incremented or decremented to record a connection. A limit value can be set and compared to the connection count and a sensory or electronic indication can be made when the limit value is exceeded.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power supply system having a minimum of two power supplies that are together configured to supply at least a specified level of power when one of the power supplies is in an offline condition. When in operation, a self-test control circuit causes one of the power supplies to enter an offline condition and a power interruption protection circuit of the offline power supply is tested. While the offline power supply is being tested, the remaining power supplies provide sufficient power to whatever loads may be present.

Abstract: A system to monitor and report asset inventory and status on board a vehicle, for example, an aircraft. This system has low weight and provides high reliability. Energy harvesting is provided for applications where it is difficult to connect to a power source. In one embodiment, a sensor communicates with the asset. An RFID tag is affixed to the asset and communicates with the asset. The RFID tag containing digitally stored information about the asset. An RFID reader mounted to the vehicle and positioned such that the RFID tag is within communication range with the RFID reader. A data delivery system effective to digitally transmit information from the RFID reader to a data collection system. A secure interface disposed between the data collection system and a communication system with the communication system effective to transmit the information to a flight crew, a ground crew and/or a display.

Abstract: A power supply system and related method for providing a regulated DC output from an unregulated AC input includes a Vienna rectifier having power factor correction circuitry and a series resonant DC to DC converter to provide a regulated DC output. The power supply system further includes one or more compensator circuits coupled in feedback configuration to control the Vienna rectifier and/or the DC to DC converter and avoid a potentially dangerous over-voltage condition at the regulated DC output.

Abstract: A low voltage DC distribution system to provide power to power or charge passenger electronic devices. Cable assemblies pass high voltage power down in daisy chain fashion to various seat groups. Connector elements contain current limiting circuitry which provides low voltage power for distribution to seat electronic components via small gauge wire. Compared to previous systems, embodiments may have a marked reduction in installed weight, encroachment on passenger space, easier installation and reduced impact on seat structures.

Abstract: A power supply system and related method for providing a regulated DC output from an unregulated AC input includes a Vienna rectifier having power factor correction circuitry and a series resonant DC to DC converter to provide a regulated DC output. The power supply system further includes one or more compensator circuits coupled in feedback configuration to control the Vienna rectifier and/or the DC to DC converter and avoid a potentially dangerous over-voltage condition at the regulated DC output.

Abstract: Multiple relays are connected in parallel by including one or more semiconductor devices connected across the relay contacts. The semiconductor devices are triggered to conduct and shunt transient currents during the opening and closing of the relay contacts to protect the relay contacts from overcurrent and to eliminate arcing during relay switching. This permits a combination of smaller relays to replace a larger and more expensive relay in applications that require switching of large load currents.

Abstract: A power supply system effective to provide power to a plurality of different personal electronic devices includes a source of AC or DC power, a power converter effective to convert the AC or DC power to a useable voltage and amperage, a remote power outlet or a plurality of remote power outlets each configured to receive one or more connectors and a signal decoder. The signal decoder determines the requirements of a connected one of the personal entertainment devices and personal computing devices and apply the requirements to the power outlet for powering the device.