Abstract: A video display unit includes a housing coupled to a portion of an aircraft cabin, a local area network interface disposed at least partially within the housing, and a video decoder disposed within the housing. The video decoder receives video content via the network interface, and decodes the video content. The video display unit also has a display screen coupled to the housing. The display screen displays the video content, and allows a passenger to interact with the display in response to on-screen instructions, including the use of a magnetic card reader to, for example, purchase an item via credit card.

Abstract: A hand-held passenger control unit for use by a passenger on an aircraft or any other type of vehicle is provided. The control unit may include a controller, a memory, and a display panel. The control unit may have a first and a second mode of operation. In the first mode of operation, the control unit controls its own display panel. In the second mode of operation, the control unit controls a remote video display unit that is disposed proximate to the passenger. The control unit may also have an integrated audio player, thereby permitting passengers to bring their own audio content aboard the aircraft without having to bring their own audio players.

Abstract: A system for delivering multimedia content to airline passengers is provided. According to various implementations, the system has a video display unit disposed proximate to a seat to which the aircraft passenger is assigned. The video display unit itself has a display screen and a video decoder. A user input device is communicatively linked to the video display unit. When the aircraft passenger manipulates the user input device, signals representing an on-demand video are transmitted to the video display unit, and received by the video decoder. The video decoder then decodes the signals, thereby permitting the on-demand video to be displayed on the display screen.

Abstract: A flame detector consisting of a first infrared radiation detector for detecting radiation from combustion of hydrocarbon and other carbon containing compounds in conjunction with a second infrared radiation detector for distinguishing radiation from other sources such as modulated sunlight, reflections, artificial as well as natural hot objects, illuminating light sources, and arc welders. The flame detector uses two electronic circuits following the first infrared detector such that a fire is sensed by either of the two circuits depending on its size, one circuit being optimized for flicker frequencies present in a large fire while the second circuit simultaneously checks for optical signals at flicker frequencies dominant in a smaller fire. The two electronic outputs along with the output of the second infrared detector are digitally processed and analyzed for spectral and temporal characteristics to distinguish the presence of a real fire from that of various false alarm sources.

Abstract: Apparatus for the optical detection of flames or explosions, having an optical structure to perform continuous optical path monitoring of the optical window receiving the optical radiation, to ensure against the buildup of radiation absorbing or scattering materials. A light source internal to the housing illuminates a straight optically transmissive quartz or sapphire rod that protrudes through the housing beyond the optical window. The protruding tip of the light rod is beveled and metallized on the bevel to provide internal reflection of the light from the source, the angle of the bevel being such that the reflected light on exiting the light rod illuminates the optical window and the optical detector behind it, thereby providing a test for the cleanliness of the optical window. This optical technique for checking the cleanliness of the optical viewing element can be utilized by other optical instruments including imaging arrays, surveillance cameras and weapons.