Abstract: A system and method to provide a power distribution network to wirelessly power sensors, micro powered devices and switches to perform passenger functions as needed. An example implementation in an aircraft is a switch used to control overhead reading lights, where the switch is wirelessly provided with power in order to operate, and where the switch communicates with and is controlled by a control system also by way of wireless communication. An alternative application may, for example, be a sensor placed within storage areas inaccessible to conventional wiring.

Abstract: Operation of an overhead storage bin sensor used to monitor the volume consumed within the bin including a VOC sensor to monitor for material that may become overheated within the bin such as lithium ion batteries in electronics products is provided. Currently, fire or smoke detectors are not integrated into the storage bins leaving this area vulnerable to developing fires and outgassing of electronic components often stored by passengers. Early detection of such events can prevent propagation of fire on board an aircraft by rapidly reporting the event and giving the location of the event. The system described leverages other patents applied for including a wireless sensor network and storage volume sensors. The sensor monitors for outgassing of materials or smoldering material by monitoring the air quality within the bin space.

Abstract: A power relay is controlled by the presence of Volatile Organic Compounds that are often emitted by outgassing from electronic components during overheat and failure conditions. The relay housing contains a standard power relay of single pole single throw (SPST) or a multi-pole double throw relay depending on the application. A micro VOC integrated circuit is placed within the housing allowing access to ambient air through ports in the side of the relay. Air quality is sampled periodically or continuously as is required by the system to adequately monitor for fault events and, in the event of a fault, latch the relay mechanism OPEN breaking the flow of electrical energy the circuit downstream.

Abstract: A power conversion system including power factor correction circuitry and power inversion circuitry. The power factor correction circuitry has a split-rail configuration and includes a bidirectional switch used to produce intermediate direct current power. The power inversion circuitry selectively operates switches to produce sinusoidal alternating current output power. The output power and the intermediate power are regulated together.

Abstract: A system that includes a server, a seat control communications unit and a plurality of sensors to monitor passenger comfort and environmental conditions on a transport vehicle, such as an aircraft. The sensors include temperature, distance measuring, strain gauges, air quality, and other sensors to monitor specific locations on a seat to ensure safe occupancy and comfort.

Abstract: A power distribution system including a high-voltage direct current unit (HVDCU) configured to receive an amount of high-frequency alternating current (AC) input power from a power source and convert the input power into DC power, a negative voltage distribution rail and a positive voltage distribution rail that are together configured to supply the high-voltage DC power to at least one control unit (CU) electrically disposed between the negative voltage distribution rail and the positive voltage distribution rail and the CU being configured to convert the DC power into output power compatible with at least one load and supply the output power to the loads associated with it.

Abstract: A power distribution system including a high-voltage direct current unit (HVDCU) configured to receive an amount of high-frequency alternating current (AC) input power from a power source and convert the input power into high-voltage DC power, a negative voltage distribution rail and a positive voltage distribution rail that are together configured to supply the high-voltage DC power to at least one control unit (CU) electrically disposed between the negative voltage distribution rail and the positive voltage distribution rail and the CU being configured to convert the high-voltage DC power into output power compatible with at least one load and supply the output power to the loads associated with it.

Abstract: A method and system for delivering power from an aircraft power system to a tray table is provided. The system may include a moveable assembly in connection with the tray table. Cable may be routed to each tray table through the moveable assembly. The power is processed into a useable form for electronics mounted in the tray table. The tray table may include a wireless charger, and may harvest data from user electronics. The tray table may also push data to the user's electronics. The system may include a wireless communications client to take advantage of the wireless inflight entertainment (IFE) system on board many transportation platforms.

Abstract: A power distribution system in which a power source is configured to supply an amount of high-frequency input power to a centralized frequency converter unit. The centralized frequency converter unit is configured to convert the high-frequency input power into low-frequency converted power. Passenger Electronic Device Controllers receive the converted power and distribute it to outlet units. Power management functions may be integrated with the distribution system. For instance, the centralized frequency converter unit can cause to be disabled unused outlet units when the power drawn by the used outlet units exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Disclosed is an area sensor for air quality in the cockpit, crew rest or other area of an aircraft. Noxious fumes, fuel vapors, carbon monoxide and other vapors can cause significant risks to the flight crew of an aircraft. Fumes may cause drowsiness, inattentiveness or confusion to the pilot of an aircraft placing all persons on board an aircraft in danger. There exists a need to monitor and warn the cabin crew of such an event so that measures can be taken, such as donning an oxygen mask, to mitigate the fumes. Many of the vapors encountered that can cause this issue are colorless and/or odorless and therefore not always detected by the flight crew especially if they are in sufficient quantities and exposure is long enough to compromise the pilots cognitive skills.

Abstract: The application of this method is an addressable lighting control system using the In Seat Power Supply as an interface between the passenger control device for lighting and the aircraft Cabin Services System. On wide body aircraft, there does not exist a system to control the reading and attendant call lights without installing a complete In Flight Entertainment system. This is a part of the system used to communicate from a passenger interface to the lighting system based on location of the passenger in the aircraft. This invention decreases the weight and complexity of other communication and addressing schemes used on-board aircraft as well as obviating the need for termination plugs or jumpers at the end of the multi-drop communication line.

Abstract: Operation of an overhead storage bin sensor used to monitor the volume consumed within the bin including a VOC sensor to monitor for material that may become overheated within the bin such as lithium ion batteries in electronics products is provided. Currently, fire or smoke detectors are not integrated into the storage bins leaving this area vulnerable to developing fires and outgassing of electronic components often stored by passengers. Early detection of such events can prevent propagation of fire on board an aircraft by rapidly reporting the event and giving the location of the event. The system described leverages other patents applied for including a wireless sensor network and storage volume sensors. The sensor monitors for outgassing of materials or smoldering material by monitoring the air quality within the bin space.

Abstract: A power relay controlled by the presence of Volatile Organic Compounds that are often emitted by outgassing from electronic components during overheat and failure conditions. The relay housing contains a standard power relay of single pole single throw (SPST) to multi-pole double throw relays depending on the application. A micro VOC integrated circuit is placed within the housing allowing access to ambient air through ports in the side of the relay. Air quality is sample periodically or continuously as is required by the system to adequately monitor for fault events and latch the relay mechanism OPEN breaking the flow of electrical energy the circuit downstream.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power supply system having a minimum of two power supplies that are together configured to supply at least a specified level of power when one of the power supplies is in an offline condition. When in operation, a self-test control circuit causes one of the power supplies to enter an offline condition and a power interruption protection circuit of the offline power supply is tested. While the offline power supply is being tested, the remaining power supplies provide sufficient power to whatever loads may be present.

Abstract: A system to monitor and report asset inventory and status on board a vehicle, for example, an aircraft. This system has low weight and provides high reliability. Energy harvesting is provided for applications where it is difficult to connect to a power source. In one embodiment, a sensor communicates with the asset. An RFID tag is affixed to the asset and communicates with the asset. The RFID tag containing digitally stored information about the asset. An RFID reader mounted to the vehicle and positioned such that the RFID tag is within communication range with the RFID reader. A data delivery system effective to digitally transmit information from the RFID reader to a data collection system. A secure interface disposed between the data collection system and a communication system with the communication system effective to transmit the information to a flight crew, a ground crew and/or a display.

Abstract: The application of this method is an addressable lighting control system using the In Seat Power Supply as an interface between the passenger control device for lighting and the aircraft Cabin Services System. On wide body aircraft, there does not exist a system to control the reading and attendant call lights without installing a complete In Flight Entertainment system. This is a part of the system used to communicate from a passenger interface to the lighting system based on location of the passenger in the aircraft. This invention decreases the weight and complexity of other communication and addressing schemes used on-board aircraft as well as obviating the need for termination plugs or jumpers at the end of the multi-drop communication line.

Abstract: A low voltage DC distribution system to provide power to power or charge passenger electronic devices. Cable assemblies pass high voltage power down in daisy chain fashion to various seat groups. Connector elements contain current limiting circuitry which provides low voltage power for distribution to seat electronic components via small gauge wire. Compared to previous systems, embodiments may have a marked reduction in installed weight, encroachment on passenger space, easier installation and reduced impact on seat structures.

Abstract: A power supply system effective to provide power to a plurality of different personal electronic devices includes a source of AC or DC power, a power converter effective to convert the AC or DC power to a useable voltage and amperage, a remote power outlet or a plurality of remote power outlets each configured to receive one or more connectors and a signal decoder. The signal decoder determines the requirements of a connected one of the personal entertainment devices and personal computing devices and apply the requirements to the power outlet for powering the device.

Abstract: A system to monitor and report asset inventory and status on board a vehicle, for example, an aircraft. This system has low weight and provides high reliability. Energy harvesting is provided for applications where it is difficult to connect to a power source. In one embodiment, a sensor communicates with the asset. An RFID tag is affixed to the asset and communicates with the asset. The RFID tag containing digitally stored information about the asset. An RFID reader mounted to the vehicle and positioned such that the RFID tag is within communication range with the RFID reader. A data delivery system effective to digitally transmit information from the RFID reader to a data collection system. A secure interface disposed between the data collection system and a communication system with the communication system effective to transmit the information to a flight crew, a ground crew and/or a display.

Abstract: A power distribution system including a high-voltage direct current unit (HVDCU) configured to receive an amount of high-frequency alternating current (AC) input power from a power source and convert the input power into DC power, a negative voltage distribution rail and a positive voltage distribution rail that are together configured to supply the high-voltage DC power to at least one control unit (CU) electrically disposed between the negative voltage distribution rail and the positive voltage distribution rail and the CU being configured to convert the DC power into output power compatible with at least one load and supply the output power to the loads associated with it.