Abstract: An aircraft seat may include an integrated control panel at least partially embedded within an armrest of the aircraft seat. The integrated aircraft seat control panel may include at least one signal path for communicatively coupling the user interface device to at least one component of the aircraft seat. The user interface device may generate signals for at least one control function of the at least one component following an input being received. The integrated aircraft seat control panel may include a textile covering coupled to the armrest and positioned above the user interface device, the textile covering including a plurality of icons configured to indicate the location of the at least one control function on a respective portion of the user interface device. At least one icon is configured to illuminate following a receipt by at least one of a power signal or a light source output.

Abstract: An adjustable swiveling passenger seat assembly is disclosed. The adjustable swiveling passenger seat assembly includes a set of base rails coupled to a floor. The adjustable swiveling passenger seat assembly further includes a plurality of pitch clevises coupled on a top surface of each of the set of base rails. The adjustable swiveling passenger seat assembly includes a swivel outer plate aligned in parallel relative to the floor. The swivel outer plate of the adjustable swiveling passenger seat assembly further includes a plurality of slots located on corners of the swivel outer plate and a plurality of spacers disposed within the plurality of slots.

Abstract: An aircraft seat may include an integrated control panel at least partially embedded within an armrest of the aircraft seat. The integrated aircraft seat control panel may include at least one signal path for communicatively coupling the user interface device to at least one component of the aircraft seat. The user interface device may generate signals for at least one control function of the at least one component following an input being received. The integrated aircraft seat control panel may include a textile covering coupled to the armrest and positioned above the user interface device, the textile covering including a plurality of icons configured to indicate the location of the at least one control function on a respective portion of the user interface device. At least one icon is configured to illuminate following a receipt by at least one of a power signal or a light source output.

Abstract: An aircraft seat with tilt-shift functionality includes a backrest frame pivotably mounted to the seat frame, the backrest frame having rollers set into its upright end that translate through slots in the seat frame and lateral slots in its forward end capable of accepting sliders attached to the seatpan. When a passenger leans backward in the seat, tilting the backrest frame backward and downward, a shift linkage below the backrest frame translates the backward tilt to a forward shift of the seatpan forward to enhance the comfort of the passenger. The aircraft seat may further be capable of longitudinal and lateral translation as well as a full 360-degree swivel.

Abstract: A headrest extension assist system is disclosed. In embodiments, a headrest extension assist system includes a headrest extension assembly movably coupled to a backrest assembly. The headrest extension assist system may further include an extension assist assembly. The extension assist assembly may be coupled to the headrest extension assembly at one end, and a fixed point relative to the headrest extension assembly at another end. The extension assist assembly exerts an extension force on the headrest extension assembly to offset, or partially offset, an extension resistance force. The extension assist assembly exerts the extension force to extend the headrest extension assembly to at least one of a retracted position, an intermediate position, and an extended position.

Abstract: A multi-stage seatback extension system is disclosed. In embodiments, the multi-stage seatback extension system includes a backrest base assembly, an extendable backrest assembly, and an extendable headrest assembly. The extendable backrest assembly is moveably coupled to the backrest base assembly such that it can be pulled away from the backrest base assembly or pushed toward the backrest base assembly. The extendable headrest assembly is coupled to the extendable backrest assembly so that the headrest assembly can also be extended (or retracted). In this regard, the extendable backrest assembly and the headrest assembly implement a multi-stage (e.g., two stage or more) seatback extension system.

Abstract: A linkage extension system and method for holding an extendable portion of a seat in a desired position while the extendable portion translates from a retracted to an extended position and any intermediate position. A coupled damper produces a holding force to counter gravity or other forces which cause the translation of the seat extension away from a desired position. The linkage extension system is self-powered and operates within the enclosed portion of the seat.

Abstract: A headrest extension assist system is disclosed. In embodiments, a headrest extension assist system includes a headrest extension assembly movably coupled to a backrest assembly. The headrest extension assist system may further include an extension assist assembly. The extension assist assembly may coupled to the headrest extension assembly at one end, and a fixed point relative to the headrest extension assembly at another end. The extension assist assembly exerts an extension force on the headrest extension assembly to extend the to offset, or partially offset, an extension resistance force. The extension assist assembly exerts the extension force to extend the headrest extension assembly to at least one of a retracted position, an intermediate position, and an extended position.

Abstract: A linkage extension system and method for holding an extendable portion of a seat in a desired position while the extendable portion translates from a retracted to an extended position and any intermediate position. A coupled damper produces a holding force to counter gravity or other forces which cause the translation of the seat extension away from a desired position. The linkage extension system is self-powered and operates within the enclosed portion of the seat.

Abstract: A multi-stage seatback extension system is disclosed. In embodiments, the multi-stage seatback extension system includes a backrest base assembly, an extendable backrest assembly, and an extendable headrest assembly. The extendable backrest assembly is moveably coupled to the backrest base assembly such that it can be pulled away from the backrest base assembly or pushed toward the backrest base assembly. The extendable headrest assembly is coupled to the extendable backrest assembly so that the headrest assembly can also be extended (or retracted). In this regard, the extendable backrest assembly and the headrest assembly implement a multi-stage (e.g., two stage or more) seatback extension system.

Abstract: A release pin that includes a shaft having an axially-extending large diameter segment, an axially-extending small diameter segment, a first head on a first end of the shaft adjacent the small diameter segment and a second head on a second end of the shaft adjacent the large diameter segment for capturing the pin in a bore in a first linkage. A spring residing on the small diameter segment and captured between the first head and the first linkage biases the shaft in a connected position with the large diameter segment of the shaft positioned in the bore of the linkage and the small diameter segment of the shaft exterior to the bore of the linkage. The large diameter segment is sized to capture a pivot hook on an end of a second linkage when in the connected position. The small diameter segment is sized to permit the pivot hook of the second linkage to be disconnected from the first linkage when the spring is compressed and the small diameter segment is positioned in the pivot hook of the second linkage.

Abstract: An adjustable swiveling passenger seat assembly is disclosed. The adjustable swiveling passenger seat assembly includes a set of base rails coupled to a floor. The adjustable swiveling passenger seat assembly further includes a plurality of pitch clevises coupled on a top surface of each of the set of base rails. The adjustable swiveling passenger seat assembly includes a swivel outer plate aligned in parallel relative to the floor. The swivel outer plate of the adjustable swiveling passenger seat assembly further includes a plurality of slots located on corners of the swivel outer plate and a plurality of spacers disposed within the plurality of slots.

Abstract: An aircraft seat with tilt-shift functionality includes a backrest frame pivotably mounted to the seat frame, the backrest frame having rollers set into its upright end that translate through slots in the seat frame and lateral slots in its forward end capable of accepting sliders attached to the seatpan. When a passenger leans backward in the seat, tilting the backrest frame backward and downward, a shift linkage below the backrest frame translates the backward tilt to a forward shift of the seatpan forward to enhance the comfort of the passenger. The aircraft seat may further be capable of longitudinal and lateral translation as well as a full 360-degree swivel.

Abstract: An adjustable friction brake assembly may adjust a variable amount of frictional force required to translate or rotate a shaft, rather than merely locking or unlocking the shaft. The brake assembly includes a housing for internally receiving the shaft, the external portion of the housing including external threading leading into circumferentially spaced fingers extending axially and oriented radially inward to engage the shaft. The brake assembly includes a rotatable adjuster having an internally threaded throughbore for engaging the housing and directing the fingers radially inward to engage the shaft, thereby increasing the required frictional force. For example, by rotating the adjuster clockwise, the required force can be increased; similarly, by rotating the adjuster counterclockwise, the required force can be decreased.

Abstract: A passenger seat is configured to adjust between an upright seating position and a lie-flat sleeping position, which includes one or more intermediate reclined seating positions, via independent rollers attached to the seat pan, or seat bottom, and to the backrest. As the passenger seat transitions between the upright seating position and the lie-flat sleeping position, guide channels set into the left and right frame rails direct the movement of the independent rollers through the guide channels and thereby control the angles of the seat pan and the backrest throughout the transition.

Abstract: A release pin that includes a shaft having an axially-extending large diameter segment, an axially-extending small diameter segment, a first head on a first end of the shaft adjacent the small diameter segment and a second head on a second end of the shaft adjacent the large diameter segment for capturing the pin in a bore in a first linkage. A spring residing on the small diameter segment and captured between the first head and the first linkage biases the shaft in a connected position with the large diameter segment of the shaft positioned in the bore of the linkage and the small diameter segment of the shaft exterior to the bore of the linkage. The large diameter segment is sized to capture a pivot hook on an end of a second linkage when in the connected position.

Abstract: A forward translating headrest equipped with a ring brake assembly configured to lock a position of a headrest plate relative to a headrest base. A ring brake is disposed between spaced first and second magnets such that first and second reset plates push the ring brake in a direction of one of the first and second magnets to reset the ring brake assembly at both ends of the stroke to the free the shaft.

Abstract: An adjustable friction brake assembly may adjust a variable amount of frictional force required to translate or rotate a shaft, rather than merely locking or unlocking the shaft. The brake assembly includes a housing for internally receiving the shaft, the external portion of the housing including external threading leading into circumferentially spaced fingers extending axially and oriented radially inward to engage the shaft. The brake assembly includes a rotatable adjuster having an internally threaded throughbore for engaging the housing and directing the fingers radially inward to engage the shaft, thereby increasing the required frictional force. For example, by rotating the adjuster clockwise, the required force can be increased; similarly, by rotating the adjuster counterclockwise, the required force can be decreased.

Abstract: A passenger seat may be configured to adjust between an upright seating position and a lie-flat sleeping position (which may include one or more intermediate reclined seating positions) via independent rollers attached to the seat pan, or seat bottom, and to the backrest. As the passenger seat transitions between the upright seating position and the lie-flat sleeping position, guide channels set into the left and right frame rails direct the movement of the independent rollers through the guide channels and thereby control the angles of the seat pan and the backrest throughout the transition.