Abstract: A tray table assembly adapted to move to and from a stowed position in a stowage module positioned to one side of a passenger seat. The assembly includes an arcuate rail movably mounted in the stowage module, a tray table mounted on the rail for arcuate movement along the rail between the stowed position and the deployed position relative to the rail, and also mounted on the rail for fore and aft translating movement in the deployed position. The tray table rides on an arcuate rail that permits both deployment and fore and aft movement of the tray table, and automatically centers the tray table during movement toward the stowed position.

Abstract: In illustrative embodiments, apparatus and associated methods relate to an aircraft cabin with an elevated zone along a centerline, and a main deck with passenger seating space located under the elevated zone. In an illustrative example, the elevated zone may include an elevated walkway between, for example, one or more cabins on either lateral side of the walkway. Access between the elevated zone and the main cabin may be via a stairway oriented, for example, along the longitudinal axis of the aircraft. The elevated zone may be advantageously retrofit or provided as original equipment that may increase passenger density, for example, and may further provide for enhanced amenities.

Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus for treating air discharged to a passenger suite of an aircraft includes an enclosure that houses components for treating air passing through the enclosure and a detachable cover connected to the enclosure that provides access to the components. Air treatment components associated with air treatment flow paths within the enclosure include a blower with a fan that draws air through an air intake on the enclosure. An air duct is affixed to a discharge of the blower and directs the air discharged from the blower through an air treatment flow path that includes a scented cartridge with a scented medium that is absorbed into the air passing through the air duct. An air exhaust port is attached at a discharge end of the air duct that discharges the air conditioned by the scented cartridge through an air exhaust vent on the enclosure.

Abstract: An aircraft tray table assembly includes a recessed storage compartment covered by a pivoting lid which becomes an integral part of the tray table surface upon closing. A mirror may be fixedly attached to the inside of the lid. A passenger may be provided a mirror surface by flipping open the pivoting lid when positioned in a passenger seat within an aircraft. A retractor may be configured to closing of the pivoting lid when a passenger manually translates the tray table into a stowed position, thereby avoiding contact of the deployed lid with aircraft fixture surfaces proximate the stowed position of the tray table.

Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, systems and methods for controlling projection of graphical elements onto surfaces of an aircraft cabin interior may include a projector mounted to a surface of a static element of an aircraft passenger suite that outputs the graphical element onto a projection surface. The graphical element may correspond to a received projection request. A controller may receive a projection request from a computing device indicating a type of graphical element for display onto the projection surface. The type of graphical element may correspond to a type of communication message such as a message between a passenger and a flight attendant within the aircraft cabin. The graphical element may generated for display by the projector based on at least one of the type of graphical element associated with the received projection request and a native language of the passenger or flight attendant.

Abstract: Systems and methods for adaptively controlling lighting within a passenger suite of an aircraft cabin include a light sensor disposed on or within a surface of a static element of the passenger suite that detects illumination characteristics of external lighting system(s) within the aircraft cabin. The illumination characteristics may include lighting color and intensity. A controller may cause illumination of one or more illumination devices disposed near surfaces of the passenger suite such that the illumination of the surfaces matches or complements the sensed illumination characteristics of the external lighting system(s) independent of any communications received from the external lighting systems, thereby allowing additional ambient lighting systems to be added to the aircraft cabin without having to be integrated with other aircraft lighting systems.

Abstract: An aircraft tray table assembly includes a recessed storage compartment covered by a pivoting lid which becomes an integral part of the tray table surface upon closing. A mirror may be fixedly attached to the inside of the lid. A passenger may be provided a mirror surface by flipping open the pivoting lid when positioned in a passenger seat within an aircraft. A retractor may be configured to closing of the pivoting lid when a passenger manually translates the tray table into a stowed position, thereby avoiding contact of the deployed lid with aircraft fixture surfaces proximate the stowed position of the tray table.

Abstract: Systems and methods for adaptively controlling lighting within a passenger suite of an aircraft cabin include a light sensor disposed on or within a surface of a static element of the passenger suite that detects illumination characteristics of external lighting system(s) within the aircraft cabin. The illumination characteristics may include lighting color and intensity. A controller may cause illumination of one or more illumination devices disposed near surfaces of the passenger suite such that the illumination of the surfaces matches or complements the sensed illumination characteristics of the external lighting system(s) independent of any communications received from the external lighting systems, thereby allowing additional ambient lighting systems to be added to the aircraft cabin without having to be integrated with other aircraft lighting systems.

Abstract: A tray table assembly adapted to move to and from a stowed position in a stowage module positioned to one side of a passenger seat. The assembly includes an arcuate rail movably mounted in the stowage module, a tray table mounted on the rail for arcuate movement along the rail between the stowed position and the deployed position relative to the rail, and also mounted on the rail for fore and aft translating movement in the deployed position. The tray table rides on an arcuate rail that permits both deployment and fore and aft movement of the tray table, and automatically centers the tray table during movement toward the stowed position.

Abstract: A portable electronic device holder incorporated in a seatback of a passenger seat. The device holder includes a shelf and a release latch arranged to hold the respective bottom and top edges of a portable electronic device for hands-free use. The latch holds the shelf in a stowed position flush with the seatback and releases to allow the shelf to rotate away from the seatback for use. The shelf is positioned apart from a tray table, when present, so that the device holder and tray table can be deployed and used at the same time.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an aircraft passenger seat base frame can include spaced left and right spreaders supporting a seat pan and a seatback. Additionally, a front transverse structural member and a rear transverse structural member can each interconnect with the left and right spreaders. An in-flight entertainment component compartment defined in the seat pan at least in part by placement of the front transverse structural member and the rear transverse structural member can enclose an in-flight entertainment component, wherein the front transverse structural member is positioned for aligning in a vertical plane with at least a portion of the in-flight entertainment component, and the rear transverse structural member is positioned for aligning in a horizontal plane with at least a portion of the in-flight entertainment component.

Abstract: A structural element that includes a central part formed of a fibrous material suspended in a thermoplastic matrix and at least one side part formed of a fibrous material suspended in a thermoplastic matrix and having at least one void therein. The central part and the at least one side part are bonded together while in a heated thermoplastic state to form a single, integral structure characterized by the absence of discontinuity across the bond plane of the structure.

Abstract: A solar window shade for a window seat in an airliner for supplying electrical energy to charge a personal electronic device, including a window shade configured to cover a window, a solar panel attached to an outside face of the window shade, the solar panel facing outward to receive light from outside a passenger cabin, and a charging port incorporated into the window shade, the charging port electrically connected to the solar panel.

Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, systems and methods for controlling projection of graphical elements onto surfaces of an aircraft cabin interior may include a projector mounted to a surface of a static element of an aircraft passenger suite that outputs the graphical element onto a projection surface. The graphical element may correspond to a received projection request. A controller may receive a projection request from a computing device indicating a type of graphical element for display onto the projection surface. The type of graphical element may correspond to a type of communication message such as a message between a passenger and a flight attendant within the aircraft cabin. The graphical element may generated for display by the projector based on at least one of the type of graphical element associated with the received projection request and a native language of the passenger or flight attendant.

Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, a crew information system is coupled to sensors in passenger seats, seatbelts, tray tables and overhead bins. If the vehicle seat sensor subsystem senses a passenger on a seat and senses the corresponding passenger seat belt is unbuckled, the vehicle seat sensor subsystem may alert the flight crew of a non-compliance condition. The crew information system may also, for example, facilitate preparation for take-off by signaling the crew when, for all seats in which passengers are detected, all tray tables are stowed and all seatbelts are buckled. The crew may be similarly informed of overhead bins which are not properly latched. Crew member notifications may advantageously report the specific nonconforming issue and seat or bin position.

Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus for treating air discharged to a passenger suite of an aircraft includes an enclosure that houses components for treating air passing through the enclosure and a detachable cover connected to the enclosure that provides access to the components. Air treatment components associated with air treatment flow paths within the enclosure include a blower with a fan that draws air through an air intake on the enclosure. An air duct is affixed to a discharge of the blower and directs the air discharged from the blower through an air treatment flow path that includes a scented cartridge with a scented medium that is absorbed into the air passing through the air duct. An air exhaust port is attached at a discharge end of the air duct that discharges the air conditioned by the scented cartridge through an air exhaust vent on the enclosure.

Abstract: A personal electronic device holder for a seat back that includes a support housing positioned on an upper shroud portion of the seat back and an upper support for supporting the top edge of the electronic device positioned in the support housing. The upper support is mounted for movement between a lowered, stowed position in the support housing and a raised, deployed position extending out of and above the support housing. A lower support is provided for supporting the bottom edge of the electronic device, and is positioned for movement between a stowed position covering the support housing and a deployed, lower position below the support housing. The upper support and lower support have respective engaging surfaces defining between them a user-selected space for engaging and holding the top edge and bottom edge of the electronic device in a use position.

Abstract: In illustrative embodiments, apparatus and associated methods relate to an aircraft cabin with an elevated zone along a centerline, and a main deck with passenger seating space located under the elevated zone. In an illustrative example, the elevated zone may include an elevated walkway between, for example, one or more cabins on either lateral side of the walkway. Access between the elevated zone and the main cabin may be via a stairway oriented, for example, along the longitudinal axis of the aircraft. The elevated zone may be advantageously retrofit or provided as original equipment that may increase passenger density, for example, and may further provide for enhanced amenities.

Abstract: An aircraft passenger seat base frame including spaced left and right spreaders cooperatively supporting a seat bottom and a seatback, spaced front and rear transverse beams interconnecting the left and right spreaders, spaced left and right leg assemblies each including a front leg and a rear leg, an in-flight entertainment component position in a space below the seat bottom, and a life vest container positioned below a front end of the seat bottom.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an aircraft passenger seat base frame can include spaced left and right spreaders supporting a seat pan and a seatback. Additionally, a front transverse structural member and a rear transverse structural member can each interconnect with the left and right spreaders. An in-flight entertainment component compartment defined in the seat pan at least in part by placement of the front transverse structural member and the rear transverse structural member can enclose an in-flight entertainment component, wherein the front transverse structural member is positioned for aligning in a vertical plane with at least a portion of the in-flight entertainment component, and the rear transverse structural member is positioned for aligning in a horizontal plane with at least a portion of the in-flight entertainment component.