Abstract: The present disclosure provides an insert that includes a locking mechanism that may either be formed integrally to the component or attached separately to the insert body. The top of the locking mechanism is offset from the first surface by an offset distance to enable the insert to be coupled to a recess of a component such as an aircraft component. An aperture formed in a top surface of the first portion is configured to allow additional elements to be coupled to the aircraft component. The coupling of the insert to the aircraft component is further promoted by a compression mechanism that forces the locking mechanism to couple to an overhang portion of the top layer after the force applied to the insert once it is positioned in the recess is removed, such that the top surface of the insert is co-planar with an outermost surface of the aircraft component.

Abstract: A privacy partition having a frame covered in fabric having a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration that defines a perimeter. The privacy partition include a first connector that selectively connects a portion of the privacy partition to a portion of a seat. The first connector may connect the privacy partition to an aft seat and the privacy partition may include a second connect that selectively connects a portion of the privacy partition to a portion of a fore seat. The privacy partition may be flexible to remain attached to the fore and aft seat in any degree of recline. The privacy partition may be selectively connected to a slip cover positioned over the seat back of a seat. The privacy partition may be selectively connected to slip covers over the seatback of fore and aft seats. The frame of the privacy partition may be a flexible wire.

Abstract: A solar panel window assembly for an aircraft and method of forming such assembly includes an outer window panel and an inner window panel mounted in a window frame structure. The window frame structure holds the outer window panel spaced from and parallel to the inner window panel. A solar panel is mounted on an inner surface of the window frame structure between the outer window panel and the inner window panel. A foam kit may be mounted between the solar panel and the window frame structure. The inner window panel may be an electrically dimmable window panel. The solar panel may be coupled to power the electrically dimmable window panel. In addition, an alternative solar panel window assembly includes a window plug assembly adapted to fit into a window aperture in an aircraft and a solar panel mounted on an outer surface of the window plug assembly.

Abstract: A cart assemblies and methods of use for supporting and positioning a work piece during manufacturing. The cart assembly includes a table with a work surface configured to support the work piece. The table is connected to a base that is configured to move the table along a work floor. A lift mechanism adjusts the elevation of the table above the work floor, and a tilt mechanism adjusts an angle of the table relative to the work floor. The lift and tilt mechanisms may be used separately or simultaneously to adjust the position of the table as needed. The cart assembly also includes a trolley. The trolley is configured to receive and support the work piece away from the base. This provides for access to additional sections of the work piece during assembly.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus and method. The lifting apparatus comprising a lower bar assembly, an upper frame assembly, and a plurality of straps. The lower bar assembly comprises a first bar and a second bar. The upper frame assembly comprises a first upper frame bar, a second upper frame bar substantially parallel to the first upper frame bar, and a cross piece connecting the first upper frame bar to the second upper frame bar and substantially perpendicular to the first upper frame bar and the second upper frame bar. The plurality of straps are fixedly attached to the lower bar assembly and slidably attached to the upper frame assembly.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus and method. The lifting apparatus comprising a lower bar assembly, an upper frame assembly, and a plurality of straps. The lower bar assembly comprises a first bar and a second bar. The upper frame assembly comprises a first upper frame bar, a second upper frame bar substantially parallel to the first upper frame bar, and a cross piece connecting the first upper frame bar to the second upper frame bar and substantially perpendicular to the first upper frame bar and the second upper frame bar. The plurality of straps are fixedly attached to the lower bar assembly and slidably attached to the upper frame assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a substrate includes a cutter head body. The cutter head body has a first portion and a second portion that is removably coupled to the first portion for securing a cutting blade between the first portion and the second portion. The apparatus also includes a pair of rollers coupled to the first portion and a compression wheel coupled to the cutter head body and aligned with the cutting blade for compressing the substrate prior to cutting.

Abstract: A cart assemblies and methods of use for supporting and positioning a work piece during manufacturing. The cart assembly includes a table with a work surface configured to support the work piece. The table is connected to a base that is configured to move the table along a work floor. A lift mechanism adjusts the elevation of the table above the work floor, and a tilt mechanism adjusts an angle of the table relative to the work floor. The lift and tilt mechanisms may be used separately or simultaneously to adjust the position of the table as needed. The cart assembly also includes a trolley. The trolley is configured to receive and support the work piece away from the base. This provides for access to additional sections of the work piece during assembly.

Abstract: A solar panel window assembly for an aircraft and method of forming such assembly includes an outer window panel and an inner window panel mounted in a window frame structure. The window frame structure holds the outer window panel spaced from and parallel to the inner window panel. A solar panel is mounted on an inner surface of the window frame structure between the outer window panel and the inner window panel. A foam kit may be mounted between the solar panel and the window frame structure. The inner window panel may be an electrically dimmable window panel. The solar panel may be coupled to power the electrically dimmable window panel. In addition, an alternative solar panel window assembly includes a window plug assembly adapted to fit into a window aperture in an aircraft and a solar panel mounted on an outer surface of the window plug assembly.

Abstract: A privacy partition having a frame covered in fabric having a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration that defines a perimeter. The privacy partition include a first connector that selectively connects a portion of the privacy partition to a portion of a seat. The first connector may connect the privacy partition to an aft seat and the privacy partition may include a second connect that selectively connects a portion of the privacy partition to a portion of a fore seat. The privacy partition may be flexible to remain attached to the fore and aft seat in any degree of recline. The privacy partition may be selectively connected to a slip cover positioned over the seat back of a seat. The privacy partition may be selectively connected to slip covers over the seatback of fore and aft seats. The frame of the privacy partition may be a flexible wire.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a base defining at least one through-hole configured to receive a cutter. The apparatus further includes a plurality of substantially aligned retractable rollers disposed at least partially within a plurality of recesses of the base. Each roller of the plurality of substantially aligned retractable rollers is retractable in a direction normal to a surface of the base.