Abstract: A power system for an aircraft. The power system comprises a power module unit and at least one mounting rail detachably coupled to the power module unit. The mounting rail provides structural support and electrical power to the power module unit. A power system in one embodiment may use mounting rails that double as power rails supplying power to the power module unit. Control 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 power module may come from the utility bus.

Abstract: A power system for an aircraft is disclosed. The power system comprises a power module unit and at least one mounting rail detachably coupled to the power module unit. The mounting rail provides structural support and electrical power to the power module unit. A power system in one embodiment may use mounting rails that double as power rails supplying power to the power module unit. Control 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 power module unit may come from the utility bus.

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: A communications system may include a first transceiver and a second transceiver both mountable to a vehicle. The first transceiver may include a range substantially limited to a close proximity of the vehicle. The communications system may also include a mobile communications device. The mobile communications device may be adapted to receive a signal from the first transceiver when within the range of the first transceiver. The signal may include information useable by the mobile communications device for configuration of the mobile communications device for two-way communications with the second transceiver.

Abstract: A communications system may include a first transceiver and a second transceiver both mountable to a vehicle. The first transceiver may include a range substantially limited to a close proximity of the vehicle. The communications system may also include a mobile communications device. The mobile communications device may be adapted to receive a signal from the first transceiver when within the range of the first transceiver. The signal may include information useable by the mobile communications device for configuration of the mobile communications device for two-way communications with the second transceiver.

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: Methods and systems for a monitoring system for a vehicle are provided. The system includes at least one radio frequency identification (RFID) system comprising at least one transceiver and a plurality of RFID tags, the tags coupled to a plurality of vehicle components, a plurality of vehicle component retaining assemblies coupled to the plurality of components and operatively configured to substantially shield the amount of radio frequency (RF) energy received from the transceiver by each tag in a first position and unshield each tag in a second position, and an alert system for receiving information regarding the plurality of vehicle components and for generating an alert based on the information received.

Abstract: A communications system may include a first transceiver and a second transceiver both mountable to a vehicle. The first transceiver may include a range substantially limited to a close proximity of the vehicle. The communications system may also include a mobile communications device. The mobile communications device may be adapted to receive a signal from the first transceiver when within the range of the first transceiver. The signal may include information useable by the mobile communications device for configuration of the mobile communications device for two-way communications with the second transceiver.

Abstract: A connector module for connecting a portable electronic device to a power source and a network on-board a mobile platform, for example an aircraft. The connector module is adapted to be integrated into an interior compartment of the aircraft, either adjacent to or disposed within a seat of the aircraft. The connector module provides a networking port disposed within a housing that is adapted to couple the portable electronic device to the aircraft network. A power port is also disposed within the housing of the connector module and is adapted to receive either a DC or AC power cable of the portable electronic device for providing power to the portable electronic device. Several embodiments of the connector module provide various configurations for integrating the connector module into the compartment of the aircraft and/or into the seat of the aircraft.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting an electronic device to a communications system to provide access via the device to a user in a seat on a mobile platform. A jack is pivotally attached to one end of a gooseneck assembly and receives a connector of the electronic device. Another end of the gooseneck assembly is pivotally attached to a pivot for an armrest of the seat. An interface cable extends through the gooseneck assembly and electrically connects the jack with a system connector near the seat. The gooseneck assembly is easily accessible and visible to passengers.

Abstract: A flexible computer connection attaches to a passenger seat in an airplane to supply a personal computer used by a passenger with electrical power and communications with an external location such as a ground source for telecommunications and connecting to the internet.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a laptop computer to a communications network for access by a seated user in a mobile platform. A cord reel assembly within the seat headrest includes a user interface retractable through the headrest and a user connector for connecting the laptop thereto. A connector to the network is situated below the seat. A seat interface extends from the cord reel assembly through the seat to the network connector. The apparatus provides an ethernet connection between the laptop and the network. The apparatus allows each seated passenger having a laptop to connect to an on-board communications network. The apparatus is for the most part hidden from view beneath the passenger seat.

Abstract: A combined snake reading light attaches to a passenger seat in an airplane to supply a personal computer used by a passenger with electrical power and communications with an external location such as a ground source for telecommunications and connecting to the intenet.

Abstract: A connector module for connecting a portable electronic device to a power source and a network on-board a mobile platform, for example an aircraft. The connector module is adapted to be integrated into an interior compartment of the aircraft, either adjacent to or disposed within a seat of the aircraft. The connector module provides a networking port disposed within a housing that is adapted to couple the portable electronic device to the aircraft network. A power port is also disposed within the housing of the connector module and is adapted to receive either a DC or AC power cable of the portable electronic device for providing power to the portable electronic device. Several embodiments of the connector module provide various configurations for integrating the connector module into the compartment of the aircraft and/or into the seat of the aircraft.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a laptop computer to a communications network for access by a seated user in a mobile platform. A cord reel assembly within the seat headrest includes a user interface retractable through the headrest and a user connector for connecting the laptop thereto. A connector to the network is situated below the seat. A seat interface extends from the cord reel assembly through the seat to the network connector. The apparatus provides an ethernet connection between the laptop and the network. The apparatus allows each seated passenger having a laptop to connect to an on-board communications network. The apparatus is for the most part hidden from view beneath the passenger seat.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting an electronic device to a communications system to provide access via the device to a user in a seat on a mobile platform. A jack is pivotally attached to one end of a gooseneck assembly and receives a connector of the electronic device. Another end of the gooseneck assembly is pivotally attached to a pivot for an armrest of the seat. An interface cable extends through the gooseneck assembly and electrically connects the jack with a system connector near the seat. The gooseneck assembly is easily accessible and visible to passengers.

Abstract: A digital data processing system receives compressed variable length encoded digital data in the form of variable length codewords in contiguous variable speed Blocks of data. The boundary signals between adjacent codewords are determined and a demultiplexer sequentially sorts the serial digital data among a plurality of parallelly connected buffers for reducing the bit read speed of the buffers. A corresponding plurality of variable length decoders decodes the data from the buffers and outputs the data in parallel form to a multiplexer where it is reassembled into a serial expanded data stream. The incoming data includes selector information in fixed length headers that are separated, buffered and variable length decoded for controlling the demultiplexer. In one aspect of the invention, the data is sorted into substantially equal sized groups of integral codewords for equalizing the loading of the parallel buffers.