Abstract: Shunt arrangements and current measuring circuits are provided for temperature compensated current measurements as well as current measurements that are compensated for changes in the characteristics of the shunt material as a result of manufacturing tolerances. The current measuring circuits may include a temperature sensing element in a negative feedback path of an operational amplifier for providing temperature compensation. The shunt arrangements may include a calibration shunt formed in the same material as a main shunt and circuitry for measuring the temperature drift error of the calibration shunt and applying that error to compensate for temperature drift of the main shunt.

Abstract: An electrical connector including a holding device, that has a recess and at least one conductive pad disposed therein, and a socket that has at least one conductive pin configured to engage at least one of the conductive pads when the socket is inserted into the holding device and a port configured to receive an interface of an external device. The shape of the socket is complementary to the shape of the recess. A first retaining element included in the holding device and a second retaining element included in the socket are together releasably maintain interconnection between the holding device and the socket.

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 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 DC power into output power compatible with at least one load and supply the output power to the loads associated with it.

Abstract: A virtual electronic circuit breaker having an electrical relay and a control circuit, the control circuit including a load and wire protection (“OC”) detection unit, a microprocessor and a driver. The OC detection unit is configured to monitor a power flow and the electrical relay is effective to control it. The driver is effective to cause the relay to stop the power flow upon receipt of a deactivation command. The OC detection unit is effective to cause the driver to receive a deactivation command if the OC detection unit senses that a short circuit condition or an overload condition exists. The microprocessor of the control unit is configured so as to be capable of, at least, receiving input from the OC detection unit and sending output to the driver.

Abstract: Shunt arrangements and current measuring circuits are provided for temperature compensated current measurements as well as current measurements that are compensated for changes in the characteristics of the shunt material as a result of manufacturing tolerances. The current measuring circuits may include a temperature sensing element in a negative feedback path of an operational amplifier for providing temperature compensation. The shunt arrangements may include a calibration shunt formed in the same material as a main shunt and circuitry for measuring the temperature drift error of the calibration shunt and applying that error to compensate for temperature drift of the main shunt.

Abstract: A system has a power source connected to power access points and at least one environmental control system. A threshold compare device is effective to compare the proportional load on the environmental control systems to a preset threshold. If the threshold is exceeded, unused power access points are disabled. This prevents such access points from placing additional loads on the environmental control systems. Conversely, when the proportional load on the environmental control systems drops below a preset threshold, power can be restored to the disabled power access points. A master control unit can monitor the load on the environmental control systems and either or both the environmental conditions in environment zones or the power loading of the power access points and determine whether to disable unused power outlets.

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.

Abstract: An electrical connector including a holding device, that has a recess and at least one conductive pad disposed therein, and a socket that has at least one conductive pin configured to engage at least one of the conductive pads when the socket is inserted into the holding device and a port configured to receive an interface of an external device. The shape of the socket is complementary to the shape of the recess. A first retaining element included in the holding device and a second retaining element included in the socket are together releasably maintain interconnection between the holding device and the socket.

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.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for monitoring the occupancy of seating. Sensors provide measurements to a control circuit that determines an occupancy state for each seat. Information regarding the occupancy of the seats can be presented on a display. In some instances, additional inputs can be used to adjust the occupancy determinations to account for environmental factors. Also, the occupancy states of the seats can be cross-checked with a passenger manifest to facilitate the boarding of a vehicle containing the seating.

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 system for managing distribution of electrical power includes a power management circuit, power control units, a first keyline and a second keyline. The power management circuit includes a device configured to measure power consumed by an electrical load, and a comparator comparing the measured power with a power limit. Each power control unit includes an outlet for delivering power to a load; a timing control circuit coupled to each outlet and configured to deliver an enabling signal to each outlet individually with a time delay; a signal input; and a signal output. The first keyline connects the power management circuit with the signal input of one power control unit; the second keyline connects the signal output of that power control unit with the signal input of another power control unit. Each power control unit is configured to propagate a signal to another power control signal via the second keyline.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for monitoring a storage container. Sensors and a control circuit are used to determine the amount of occupied space in the interior of a container or set of containers. Information regarding the occupied space within the container can be presented on a display, which may optionally be local to the container or at a centralized location. The determination may accommodate varying volume of the container depending on whether it is open or closed. Further inputs may adjust for variations in sensor operation depending on environmental factors such as temperature and altitude.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for monitoring the occupancy of seating. Sensors provide measurements to a control circuit that determines an occupancy state for each seat. Information regarding the occupancy of the seats can be presented on a display. In some instances, additional inputs can be used to adjust the occupancy determinations to account for environmental factors. Also, the occupancy states of the seats can be cross-checked with a passenger manifest to facilitate the boarding of a vehicle containing the seating.

Abstract: A display apparatus for the presentation to a user of a personal electronic device (PED), including a horizontal flexible member effective for the insertion of a portion of a PED so that the display of the PED is orientated towards a user. The disclosed apparatus is useful in conjunction with passenger seating within a passenger vehicle, such as an aircraft. In some embodiments, an adjustment mechanism allows for adjustment of the orientation of the display of the PED.

Abstract: A virtual circuit breaker having an electrical relay and a control circuit, the control circuit including a load and wire protection (“OC”) detection unit, a microprocessor and a driver. The OC detection unit is configured to monitor a power flow and the electrical relay is effective to control it. The driver is effective to cause the relay to stop the power flow upon receipt of a deactivation command. The OC detection unit is effective to cause the driver to receive a deactivation command if the OC detection unit senses that a short circuit condition or an overload condition exists. The microprocessor of the control unit is configured so as to be capable of, at least, receiving input from the OC detection unit and sending output to the driver.

Abstract: A solid state relay circuit is disclosed, containing a first and second group of FETs, the groups being connected in parallel. The first FET group contains commutation FETs capable of handling the commutation load of the circuit. The second FET group contains secondary FETs of lower resistance than the commutation FETs. The circuit is configured such that, when the circuit is activated, the commutation FETs are driven on before the secondary FETs. The circuit is also configured such that, when the circuit is deactivated, the commutation FETs are driven off only after the secondary FETs.

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.

Abstract: A system for managing distribution of electrical power includes a power management circuit, power control units, a first keyline and a second keyline. The power management circuit includes a device configured to measure power consumed by an electrical load, and a comparator comparing the measured power with a power limit. Each power control unit includes an outlet for delivering power to a load; a timing control circuit coupled to each outlet and configured to deliver an enabling signal to each outlet individually with a time delay; a signal input; and a signal output. The first keyline connects the power management circuit with the signal input of one power control unit; the second keyline connects the signal output of that power control unit with the signal input of another power control unit. Each power control unit is configured to propagate a signal to another power control signal via the second keyline.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and apparatuses for sensing attributes of an aircraft and efficiently communicating relevant attributes to a pilot. The invention allows a state of the aircraft to be determined, and then used to control systems, configure displays, select checklists relevant to the determined state, and automatically respond to emergencies based on the aircraft state. Embodiments of the invention can use the determined state of the aircraft to monitor and control electrical sensors and system as appropriate for the determined state; to communication information relevant to the determined state to a pilot (e.g., by displaying gauges in a manner and priority specific to the determined state); and to display contextually-relevant checklists (e.g., displaying a checklist of actions necessary for an aircraft in the determined state).