Abstract: A method for monitoring systems of a vehicle may include determining relevant information used by at least one of a plurality of wireless networked computers based on at least a function performed by the at least one wireless networked computer with respect to an associated one of a multiplicity of components of the systems of the vehicle. The method may also include formulating a customized information message for the at least one of the plurality of wireless networked computers based on at least the relevant information used and the function performed by the at least one wireless networked computer. The method may further include transmitting the customized information message to the at least one of the plurality of wireless networked computers.

Abstract: A method of providing power and/or data to a seat in a seating area. A power distribution system having a continuous power bus is used to supply power and/or data to seats in a mobile platform or fixed structure. The power distribution system generally includes a bus strip that, in a mobile platform, extends along a length of a passenger cabin and a connector operable to provide a connection between the bus strip and the passenger seats. Power and/or data can be transmitted between the bus strip and the passenger seats, via the connector, at any point along the bus strip, thus eliminating the need to run separate connections between the power and/or data source and each seat.

Abstract: A system is provided which provides an indication of checklist items, for example, in an aircraft. The system monitors aircraft systems and automatically prioritizes information gathered from those systems and selects and arms the appropriate checklist. The pilot may select and/or arm a checklist via a pilot-VCS (voice checklist system) interface. The system provides checklist prompting and step verification.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for regulating the pressure within an aircraft flight crew area during and/or after a decompression event. For example, an aircraft may include a flight crew area, at least one pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the atmosphere within the flight crew area, and at least one regulated decompression panel that is operatively associated with the pressure sensor, for regulating the pressure within the flight crew area during and/or after a decompression event.

Abstract: A supplemental oxygen system and method is set forth for providing oxygen to an occupant of a pressurized aircraft. A flexible hood may be adapted to be stowed in a small volume when the flexible hood is deflated and may be further adapted to cover at least a portion of the head of the occupant and to provide a flow of oxygen to the occupant when the flexible hood is inflated. A source of oxygen may be adapted to rapidly inflate and deploy the flexible hood.

Abstract: A cabin services system for an aircraft is disclosed. The cabin services system comprises at least one wireless network, the at least one wireless network providing at least one cabin service. The cabin services system further includes a cabin attendant panel for communicating with the at least one wireless networks and configured to control the at least one cabin service.

Abstract: A mounting rail system for a cabin services system of an aircraft is disclosed. The mounting rail system comprises a mounting rail for providing power, and at least one circuit coupled to the mounting rail for allowing for operation of functionalities of a passenger services unit.

Abstract: An overhead video system for an aircraft is disclosed. The overhead video system comprises a wireless overhead video unit; and at least one mounting rail detachably coupled to the wireless overhead video unit. The mounting rail provides structural support and electrical power to the wireless overhead video unit. A system in one embodiment may use mounting rails that double as power rails supplying power to the wireless overhead video unit. Video control and content streaming is accomplished over a wireless link. The power rail control may be accomplished remotely via a standard or solid state relay. Normal rail power for the rail mounted video system may come from the utility bus.

Abstract: The integration areas, system and method of interconnecting components provide efficient techniques for separating the conductive path between components from the pin-to-pin integration between components through the use of conductive elements that may be interconnected in a variety of manners. The interconnections between the conductive elements may be configured automatically and may be modified relatively easily. The integration area includes component connection receptacles, first conductive elements that extend from each component connection receptacle, second conductive elements that extend across at least one first conductive element, and connections between the conductive elements to interconnect the components. The conductive elements may include flatwire segments and/or printed circuit boards. The connections between the conductive elements may be made with pins and jumpers, connection vias and solder patches and/or various insulation barriers through which the conductive elements connect.

Abstract: A system for communicating electrical signals between two spaced apart seat assemblies on a mobile platform, for example an aircraft. The seat assemblies are secured to seat tracks mounted on a floor of the aircraft cabin. The seat tracks have a plurality of spaced apart holes that enable seat assembly mounting. A seat track cover is snap-fit onto one or more seat track mount devices. Each of the seat track mount devices includes one or more cleats or knobs that can be snap fit into the openings in the seat track to quickly and easily secure the seat track cover to the seat track. The seat track cover and mount devices enable a simple, planar seat track having spaced apart holes to be employed, rather than a C-shaped seat mounting track.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting an audio portion of information received at a first seat on a mobile platform to an adjacent second seat, over pre-existing power lines supplying power to various electronic components of both the first and second seats. An encoder subsystem generates a high frequency, encoded signal that is inductively superimposed onto the power signal on the power lines by a first coupling subsystem. The coupling subsystem includes a high pass filter and an inductive coupling element. At the second seat the superimposed signal is inductively sensed by a second coupling subsystem associated with the second seat, and transmitted to a decoder subsystem associated with the second seat. The decoder subsystem decodes the encoded electrical signal and transmits it to an audio jack on the second seat. Thus, an occupant seated in the second seat can listen to audio content while viewing video content displayed on a video display unit supported from a seatback portion of the first seat.

Abstract: The electrical connector insert, apparatus and associated fabrication method provide a connector insert attached to flat wire segments. In addition, the connector insert retains the industry accepted openings into which connection portions, such as pins, of the component are positioned. The insert includes at least one housing, which includes multiple openings to receive at least one connector portion of at least one component and multiple conductive contacts, such as conductive pins and/or conductive sockets, that extend at least partially within the at least one housing, where each conductive contact is associated with an opening. The insert also includes at least one flat wire segment having conductive traces and connection elements to connect the conductive contacts of the housing to the conductive traces. If there are at least two housings, the housings may be sized and shaped to cooperate with each other when the housings are positioned adjacent one another.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting wireless energy between two or more components housed within a faraday-like cage structure. In one preferred form a cooling plenum of an equipment rack supporting a plurality of independent components is used for transmitting wireless signals between the components. In another form a wireless backplane is formed in an equipment rack that houses a plurality of LRUs. In another example a card file housing a plurality of components forms a faraday-like cage for enabling transmission of wireless signals, either electromagnetic wave or optical signals, between various circuit boards held within the card file. The various preferred embodiments eliminate the need for expensive, bulky and heavy electrical or optical cabling to be used to intercouple the components supported within the support structure for communication.

Abstract: A checklist error mitigation system and method are provided to reduce the chance for error when completing a checklist. The system may receive a checklist step from an electronic or voice checklist system and highlights any switch, lever, dial or control that needs to be manipulated in completion of the checklist step. The highlighting may be accomplished by spotlighting or surface lighting.

Abstract: A seat track cover for transferring at least one of electrical power and data between two seats. The cover has a housing and a cable. The housing is sized to extend between a first seat leg assembly of a first seat and a second seat leg assembly of a second seat. The housing comprises a channel forming a first aperture at one end and a second aperture at a second end opposite the first aperture. The cable is seated within the housing and has a length at least equal to the length of the housing. The cable comprises a first connector and a second connector. The cable is seated within the housing such that the first connector is at the first aperture of the housing and the second connector is at the second aperture of the housing. The first connector couples with the first seat leg assembly and the second connector couples with the second seat leg assembly when the housing is positioned between the first seat leg and the second seat leg.

Abstract: A seat track cover having telescopically engaged first and second portions that enables an overall length of the seat track cover to be adjusted as needed to cover a portion of a seat track that separates two adjacent seats mounted to the seat tracks. A cable can be routed within the first and second portions to enable electrical or optical signals to be conducted between data/power connection ports on the seats. One embodiment includes mating conductive elements formed along the lengths of each of the first and second portions.

Abstract: A power/data bus for conducting at least one of data and power signals to a variety of different locations on a mobile platform. The bus has a plurality of discrete connection ports, and at least one conductive cable. The power/data bus extends across an area where access to at least one of data and electricity is desired. The discrete connection ports are spaced apart at different locations along the power/data bus. The conductive cable extends through the power/data bus and is connected to at least one of the discrete connection ports. The conductive cable conducts at least one of power and data signals between the discrete connection ports and a data/power source. At least one of the connection ports are operable to cooperate with a connector of an external device to supply at least one of power and data signals to the external device. The power/data bus, when used in an aircraft passenger cabin, eliminates the need to extend individual data and/or power cables to or between each passenger seat group.

Abstract: An interior cabin configuration determination system (10) includes multiple objects (16), including two or more monuments or passenger service units, that are within an interior cabin (13). The objects (16) include card readers (12). Object controllers (18) are coupled to the card readers (12) and determine the position of the objects (18) in response to the position information on the cards (12). A remotely located controller (20) determines the configuration of the objects (18) in response to the position information.

Abstract: A seat having a seat leg assembly for use on a mobile platform, especially on an aircraft. The seat comprises a front seat leg, a rear seat leg, and a spreader bar coupled to and extending between the front seat leg and the rear seat leg. The spreader bar has a door. The door is movable between a closed position in which the door prevents access to areas beneath the spreader bar and an open position in which the door permits access to areas beneath the spreader bar. In this manner, the open door allows an installer to grasp electrical cabling beneath the spreader bar and feed the cabling through a hole in the door so that the cable can be connected a connection point on or adjacent to the seat track.

Abstract: A conductive bus device and method operable to distribute signals throughout a platform. The bus delivers signals to any number of select locations within the platform, such as to seats mounted to a seat track. The bus is mounted beneath a floor of the platform. The signals can be transmitted between the power bus and the passenger seats using a conductor that extends from the passenger seats to the bus through a opening in the seat track. The bus device and method eliminates the need to run separate connections between a signal source and each seat. This device and method significantly reduce the cost, energy, and time necessary to wire each seat individually.