Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying an image of terrain obtained from a position above the terrain. An image of an object is detected in the image of the terrain for an object that is positioned between the terrain and the position above the terrain. The detected image of the object is replaced in the image of the terrain with replacement image data. For example, the replacement image data may be image data for the terrain below the object. The image of the terrain with the replacement image data may be displayed. The method and apparatus may be used to replace images of clouds in images of the surface of the earth below an aircraft with image data for the surface of the earth below the clouds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying an image of terrain obtained from a position above the terrain. An image of an object is detected in the image of the terrain for an object that is positioned between the terrain and the position above the terrain. The detected image of the object is replaced in the image of the terrain with replacement image data. For example, the replacement image data may be image data for the terrain below the object. The image of the terrain with the replacement image data may be displayed. The method and apparatus may be used to replace images of clouds in images of the surface of the earth below an aircraft with image data for the surface of the earth below the clouds.

Abstract: A flight portal apparatus for displaying a virtual view of a surface of the earth below an aircraft. The apparatus comprises a data processing system and a display device, connected to the data processing system, wherein the display device is positioned to generate a display that is substantially horizontal relative to a floor of an aircraft in a manner that simulates a portal in the aircraft. A camera system is connected to the data processing system, wherein the camera system generates video data of the surface of the earth below the aircraft. A user input system is connected to the data processing system.

Abstract: A system for an interior annunciator onboard a mobile platform (such as a train, marine vessel, aircraft or automobile) is provided. The system includes at least one speaker onboard the mobile platform. The system also includes a flight management control module that generates flight management data that indicates at least one status of an operation of the mobile platform. The system further includes an auditory control module that generates nonverbal auditory data based on the at least one status of the operation of the mobile platform. The nonverbal auditory data is broadcast by the at least one speaker to communicate the at least one status of the operation of the mobile platform to at least one passenger onboard the mobile platform.

Abstract: A system for an interior annunciator onboard a mobile platform (such as a train, marine vessel, aircraft or automobile) is provided. The system includes at least one speaker onboard the mobile platform. The system also includes a flight management control module that generates flight management data that indicates at least one status of an operation of the mobile platform. The system further includes an auditory control module that generates nonverbal auditory data based on the at least one status of the operation of the mobile platform. The nonverbal auditory data is broadcast by the at least one speaker to communicate the at least one status of the operation of the mobile platform to at least one passenger onboard the mobile platform.

Abstract: A mist delivery system includes an enclosure having at least one misting nozzle coupled thereto. The enclosure includes a primary wall and a secondary wall, whereby an air channel is defined between the primary wall and the secondary wall. A controller directs misted air through the misting nozzle and further activates an air flow system such that misted air within the shower area flows through and is dried in the air channel.

Abstract: A flight portal apparatus for displaying a virtual view of a surface of the earth below an aircraft. The apparatus comprises a data processing system and a display device, connected to the data processing system, wherein the display device is positioned to generate a display that is substantially horizontal relative to a floor of an aircraft in a manner that simulates a portal in the aircraft. A camera system is connected to the data processing system, wherein the camera system generates video data of the surface of the earth below the aircraft. A user input system is connected to the data processing system.

Abstract: A lavatory complex for an aircraft. The lavatory complex includes a male lavatory facility and a female lavatory facility. The male lavatory facility includes stall units and may include urinals. The female lavatory facility includes stall units. Each stall unit suitably includes a single commode. The male and female lavatory facilities include at least one sink separated from the stall units by stall unit doors. The lavatory complex may include sinks that are not located within either the male or female lavatory facilities. A lavatory may include illuminating indicators; an illuminated, folding, baby changing station; a vanity; a self-cleaning toilet; and/or an illuminated faucet.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for use in sitting on a vehicle and a method for use in manufacturing a seat. The apparatus can include a base, a back secured with the base and a seat pan secured with the base. The seat pan can further include a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is configured to pivot relative to the second portion, such that the first portion of the seat pan pivots allowing a distal end to pivot so that the distal end can be moved out of a relative alignment with the second portion. The seat pan can be movably secured with the base allowing the seat pan to move generally horizontally. The back can also be pivotably secured at with the base allowing a lower portion of the back proximate the seat pan to pivot.

Abstract: A lavatory complex for an aircraft is provided. The lavatory complex includes a male lavatory facility and a female lavatory facility. The male lavatory facility includes stall units and may include urinals. The female lavatory facility includes stall units. Each stall unit suitably includes a single commode. The male and female lavatory facilities include at least one sink separated from the stall units by stall unit doors. The lavatory complex may include sinks that are not located within either the male or female lavatory facilities. A lavatory may include illuminating indicators; an illuminated, folding, baby changing station; a vanity; a self-cleaning toilet; and/or an illuminated faucet.