Abstract: An ultraviolet (UV) light sanitizing system and method are configured to sanitize at least one surface within an enclosed space. The UV light sanitizing system includes a UV light assembly that is selectively moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The UV light assembly is stowed within a stowage chamber connected to the enclosed space in the stowed position. The UV light assembly deploys out of the stowage chamber and into the enclosed space in the deployed position.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for a convertible service and recycling cart for food and beverage service and waste sorting, compaction and storage are disclosed. An example cart apparatus includes a base, a first sidewall and a second sidewall each coupled to the base and a top support coupled to the first sidewall and the second sidewall. At least one opening is defined in the top support and a lid is removably coupled to the top support. The apparatus also includes at least one container that is configured to be removably coupled to the at least one opening in the top support.

Abstract: A support panel assembly includes a lower panel, an upper panel pivotally coupled to the lower panel by a central pedestal, and a first pressure sensor coupled to the central pedestal. The first pressure sensor detects pressure exerted into the upper panel in response to the upper panel pivoting in relation to the lower panel about the central pedestal. The first pressure sensor outputs a pressure signal indicative of pressure exerted into the upper panel. In at least one embodiment, the pressure signal is received by a detecting control unit.

Abstract: A trash compactor system includes a receptacle defining a retaining chamber that is configured to receive and retain trash, a compaction plate moveably secured within the retaining chamber, and a foot pedal operatively coupled to the compaction plate. Engagement of the foot pedal moves the compaction plate within the retaining chamber to compact the trash retained within the retaining chamber. A flap may cover an opening into the retaining chamber. The foot pedal may also be operatively coupled to the flap, such that the engagement of the foot pedal moves the flap into an open position that exposes the opening.

Abstract: In an example, a light control system includes a power converter and a UV light source. The power converter includes an input for receiving an input power from a power source during a time interval, a power buffer for storing power using the input power received at the input during a first portion of the time interval, and an output for outputting a supply power during a second portion of the time interval. The supply power includes a combination of power from (i) the input power received at the input during the second portion of the time interval and (ii) the power stored in the power buffer during the first portion of the time interval. The UV light source is configured to, using the supply power during the second portion of the time interval, emit UV light at an intensity providing a target level of antimicrobial efficacy.

Abstract: A trash compactor assembly includes a receptacle including a base connected to at least one wall having an upper edge. A retaining chamber is defined between the wall(s) and the upper edge. A compaction plate is disposed within the retaining chamber. The compaction plate is configured to be manually moved in an upward direction from the base towards the upper edge to compact trash within the retaining chamber.

Abstract: A cleanliness indication system and a method that indicate that a surface of a component is clean. The cleanliness indication system and method include a photoluminescent indicator that is configured to be on the surface of the component. The photoluminescent indicator is configured to be exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light during a UV light sanitizing cycle. The photoluminescent indicator emits light due to exposure to the UV light. The photoluminescent indicator indicates that the surface of the component is clean by emitting the light due to exposure to the UV light.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for a structural propellant for ion rockets (SPIR) are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, a method for in-space propulsion of a spacecraft involves removing, by a removal device, a portion of a structure of the spacecraft. The method further involves feeding, by the removal device, the portion into a Hall thruster system. Further, the method involves utilizing, by the Hall thruster system, the portion as propellant to produce thrust. In one or more embodiments, the structure is an upper stage of the spacecraft. In at least one embodiment, the upper stage comprises at least one structural support and/or at least one upper stage housing. In some embodiments, the structure is manufactured from magnesium, bismuth, zinc, and/or indium.

Abstract: A trash compactor system includes a receptacle defining a retaining chamber that is configured to receive and retain trash, a compaction plate moveably secured within the retaining chamber, and a foot pedal operatively coupled to the compaction plate. Engagement of the foot pedal moves the compaction plate within the retaining chamber to compact the trash retained within the retaining chamber. A flap may cover an opening into the retaining chamber. The foot pedal may also be operatively coupled to the flap, such that the engagement of the foot pedal moves the flap into an open position that exposes the opening.

Abstract: In an example, a system for disinfecting a lavatory in a vehicle includes a UV light source in the lavatory and configured to emit UV light when activated. The system also includes a switch actuatable between a first state and a second state. The switch is configured to: (i) while in the first state, provide an input power from a power source of the vehicle to a lavatory device in the lavatory, and (ii) while in the second state, provide the input power from the power source to the UV light source and cease providing the input power to the lavatory device. The system further includes an activation control system configured to actuate the switch between the first state and the second state to deactivate and activate the UV light source, respectively. The input power is insufficient to simultaneously operate the lavatory device and activate the UV light source.

Abstract: An aircraft launch system includes a riser coupleable to an aircraft. The riser includes an actuator and a tether coupled to the actuator. The aircraft launch system further includes a sky crane coupled to the tether. The actuator is operable to retract the tether and draw together the sky crane and the aircraft.

Abstract: A lighting assembly includes a light source, such as an ultraviolet (UV) light source that is configured to emit UVC light, and a reflector system including a base having an internal central crest that is configured to direct emitted light away from the light source.

Abstract: A method for deploying a payload into a body of water using a deployment vessel, the deployment vessel including a hull defining a payload compartment, the method including positioning the payload in the payload compartment of the deployment vessel, the deployment vessel and the payload having a buoyancy, wherein the buoyancy is initially negative, deploying the deployment vessel into the water at a drop zone, wherein the deployment vessel moves horizontally through the water as it submerges vertically downward under a force of gravity, changing the buoyancy to positive after a minimum horizontal distance is established between the drop zone and the deployment vessel, thereby causing the deployment vessel to surface and, after the surfacing of the deployment vessel, opening the hull to release the payload therefrom.

Abstract: A lighting assembly includes a light source, such as an ultraviolet (UV) light source that is configured to emit UVC light, and a reflector system including a base having an internal central crest that is configured to direct emitted light away from the light source.

Abstract: In an example, a light control system includes a power converter and a UV light source. The power converter includes an input for receiving an input power from a power source during a time interval, a power buffer for storing power using the input power received at the input during a first portion of the time interval, and an output for outputting a supply power during a second portion of the time interval. The supply power includes a combination of power from (i) the input power received at the input during the second portion of the time interval and (ii) the power stored in the power buffer during the first portion of the time interval. The UV light source is configured to, using the supply power during the second portion of the time interval, emit UV light at an intensity providing a target level of antimicrobial efficacy.

Abstract: In an example, a system for disinfecting a lavatory in a vehicle includes a UV light source in the lavatory and configured to emit UV light when activated. The system also includes a switch actuatable between a first state and a second state. The switch is configured to: (i) while in the first state, provide an input power from a power source of the vehicle to a lavatory device in the lavatory, and (ii) while in the second state, provide the input power from the power source to the UV light source and cease providing the input power to the lavatory device. The system further includes an activation control system configured to actuate the switch between the first state and the second state to deactivate and activate the UV light source, respectively. The input power is insufficient to simultaneously operate the lavatory device and activate the UV light source.

Abstract: A cleanliness indication system and a method that indicate that a surface of a component is clean. The cleanliness indication system and method include a photoluminescent indicator that is configured to be on the surface of the component. The photoluminescent indicator is configured to be exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light during a UV light sanitizing cycle. The photoluminescent indicator emits light due to exposure to the UV light. The photoluminescent indicator indicates that the surface of the component is clean by emitting the light due to exposure to the UV light.