Abstract: An interactive flight map is provided to a passenger, through which information on the areas overflown can be accessed and utilized. A map of the portion of the flight path near the airplane, where the map has one or more identifiers, is displayed to a passenger. Selection of an identifier from the passenger may be received, and in response information associated with the selected identifier is displayed to the passenger. The identifiers may be icons, text or other unique identifying symbols, associated with points of interest, map locations, tourist facilities, or other particular locations or facilities. The map may be scrolled to view other areas of the ground. In response to the selection of a particular identifier by a passenger, information may be displayed to the passenger in a variety of formats, such as HTML or video.

Abstract: A passenger entertainment system employing an improved digital audio signal distribution system and method for use on commercial aircraft and other vehicles. A plurality of digital audio signal sources are provided for generating a plurality of compressed digital audio signals. The compressed digital audio signals are provided to a multiplexer which domain multiplexes those signals to produce a single composite digital audio data signal. The composite digital audio data signal is provided to a demultiplexer which is capable of selecting a desired channel from the composite digital audio data signal. The selected channel is provided to a decompression circuit, where it is expanded to produce a decompressed digital output signal. The decompressed digital output signal is then provided to a digital-to-analog converter and converted to an analog audio signal. The analog audio signal is provided to an audio transducer.

Abstract: A spring latch for cable connectors for computers and other electronic devices. A spring member, first connector plate and second connector plate are provided. The spring member has a pair of opposing leg members, each including a coil spring section and an outwardly extending flange. The first connector plate is adapted to slideably receive the outwardly extending flanges of the opposing leg members, and the second connector plate is adapted to detachably engage the opposing leg members at a position beneath the coil spring sections of the leg members.

Abstract: A telecommunications system and method for use on aircraft and other vehicles. One or more token ring local area networks are utilized to provide a telecommunications link between a plurality of telephone units and a telephone data signal router circuit which, in turn, is coupled to a CEPT E1 bus and provides telecommunications data signals over the CEPT E1 bus to a cabin telecommunications unit.

Abstract: A video display assembly, suitable for use in an airplane seat, includes a video display and a chamber configured and dimensioned to receive the display when the display is disposed in a first substantially vertical plane. The display is connected to the chamber by an arm having a pair of end portions and a shank portion intermediate the end portions, a proximal one of the end portions being secured to the chamber and a distal other of the end portions being secured to the display. The proximal one arm end portion is pivotable in the first substantially vertical plane relative to the chamber to move the display between a stow orientation wherein the display is stowed in the chamber and an intermediate orientation wherein the display is outside of the chamber. The shank portion is pivotable in a substantially horizontal plane relative to the proximal one arm end portion to move the display between the intermediate orientation and a generally vertical use orientation wherein the display is in a second plane.