Abstract: Presentation of an improved method of applying an ultraviolet light for disinfecting of aircraft interiors between flights. This novel system involves applying said UV light from the UV LEDs permanently embedded in the passenger seats, and/or in the IFE monitors, and/or in the overhead bins and/or in the ceiling, all connected to a remote on-off switch, to provide electric power to disinfect the entire cabin at once. This invention allows for a significantly increased amount of time as well as target optimization of the UV light focused onto cabin surfaces compared to a push-card system with UV lights, which slowly and unevenly disinfects the aircraft interior, only one row of seats at a time.

Abstract: Presentation of an improved adjustable lumbar support mechanism with a remote control push-button and cable (10) for use in a seat backrest. The cable is routed to a hydraulic (or pneumatic) positioning cylinder (12) which has a locking capability and integral spring-load force to permanently preload a lumbar support panel (20) in a direction opposing the pressure from the seat occupant's back. A new principle of operation of the "manual" lumbar support is utilized, in which the force from a human's back is used to conveniently readjust the lumbar position (counterbalancing the spring), not the force in the operator's hand. The new lumbar system is a fast-acting device compared to traditional knob-driven units and permits frequent, quick, and easy readjustment of lumbar position whenever the push-button is depressed.

Abstract: The functional and aesthetic aspect of the original redesign of inboard wall surfaces on airline passenger seat armrests. The new armrest cross-section contours are introduced instead of the prior art rectangular section shape with vertical side walls near the front end of the armrest. The new sections resemble a semi-diamond shape for the outboard armrests and full diamond shape for the center armrests. The new section contour changes the flat, vertical wall (10) located near upper end of armrest and between the front end (22) and midsection (24) of armrest. The new surface is comprised of a sloping wall (14) starting near the upper edge (12) and diverging from the original vertical wall (10), then the direction changes at the edge (16) to run on another slope (18) toward the original wall (10) and passes thru to form a substantial round cutout (20) behind the surface of the original vertical wall (10) of the prior art armrest.

Abstract: An energy absorbing cabinet assembly (24) attached to a rear wall of the aircraft cabin bulkhead (10) and positioned directly in front of the airline passengers sitting in front-row seats. The cabinet assembly is achieved from a combination of a storage box unit with an airline-type foldable food table and is formed to a convex shape toward the face and chest of passengers sitting immediately behind. Both the cabinet support structure and the food table structure are made from energy absorbing materials and are capable of yielding and deforming under an impact from behind (with the table tray helping to spread the impact load and to dissipate the kinetic energy over a large area). Such a combination of two basic elements; a storage box and a food tray, provides not only two basic functions of storage space and eating place for passengers but also provides the additional and primary benefit of protecting the heads of front-row seat passengers during crash landing emergencies.

Abstract: Presentation of an adjustable lumbar support mechanism for use in the airline aircraft seats. A new method of lumbar adjustment is introduced utilizing a push button (10) and control cable (12) to unlock the positioning rod (42). Rod holds any selected curvature of the lumbar support panel (46). The lumbar panel is formed and preloaded to a convex shape (50) and assumes the most forward adjustment position when control button is depressed and while pressure on the seat back is removed. The lumbar panel is flexible to assume any intermediate curvature when control button is depressed and when the passenger lightly pushes back against the seat back in the lumbar region. The new lumbar system is a fast acting device compared to traditional knob driven units and permits a frequent, quick and easy readjustment of lumbar position whenever said push button is depressed.