Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product for identifying sensor units. Identification information is received from a marker in a wireless signal generated by the marker at a wireless device. The marker is associated with an object. The identification information is sent from the wireless device to a computer system. The computer system associates the wireless device with the object using the identification information.

Abstract: Electrochromic window assemblies and methods for providing electrochromic window assemblies are disclosed. In one embodiment, a window assembly includes a first transparent portion and a first trim portion. The first trim portion is located adjacent to the first transparent portion. The window assembly also includes a second transparent portion and a second trim portion. The second trim portion is located adjacent to the second transparent portion. The window assembly further includes an electrochromic assembly. The electrochromic assembly is disposed between the first transparent portion and the second transparent portion so that it is adjacent to both transparent portions.

Abstract: A system for communicating electrical signals between two spaced apart seat assemblies on a mobile platform, for example an aircraft. The seat assemblies are secured to seat tracks mounted on a floor of the aircraft cabin. The seat tracks have a plurality of spaced apart holes that enable seat assembly mounting. A seat track cover is snap-fit onto one or more seat track mount devices. Each of the seat track mount devices includes one or more cleats or knobs that can be snap fit into the openings in the seat track to quickly and easily secure the seat track cover to the seat track. The seat track cover and mount devices enable a simple, planar seat track having spaced apart holes to be employed, rather than a C-shaped seat mounting track.

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: Technologies are described herein for detecting obstructions, utilizing an obstruction detection system. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the system includes a moveable assembly that includes a moveable structure moveable between a stowed and operational configuration and has a leading surface facing a direction of movement when the moveable structure is moving between the stowed and operational configurations. A protective panel is attached to the moveable structure and has an outer surface separated from the leading surface by an over-travel distance. A proximity sensor detects a displacement of the protective panel towards the leading surface. A control module is responsive to at least one proximity sensor, such that when the proximity sensor detects the displacement of the protective panel towards the leading surface of the moveable structure so as to shorten the over-travel distance, the control module stops the movement of the moveable assembly.

Abstract: A system for loading cargo containers into a storage hold, and offloading cargo containers from the storage hold, especially of a vehicle, such as an aircraft. The system includes at least one guide rail and a motorized platform, onto which cargo containers are loaded, cooperating mechanically with the guide rail. The guide rail guides the cargo laden motorized platform into the storage hold, and the motorized platform deposits the cargo upon remote command. The motorized platform has a chassis; a power source; a control module controlling drive motors of the wheels of the platform; and a device for reciprocating at least a portion of an upper surface of the platform sufficient to elevate a load placed thereon above the guide rail height.

Abstract: A system for loading cargo containers into a storage hold, and offloading cargo containers from the storage hold, especially of a vehicle, such as an aircraft. The system includes at least one guide rail and a motorized platform, onto which cargo containers are loaded, cooperating mechanically with the guide rail. The guide rail guides the cargo laden motorized platform into the storage hold, and the motorized platform deposits the cargo upon remote command. The motorized platform has a chassis; a power source; a control module controlling drive motors of the wheels of the platform; and means for reciprocating at least a portion of an upper surface of the platform sufficient to elevate a load placed thereon above the guide rail height.

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: A method of providing power and/or data to a seat in a seating area. A power distribution system having a continuous power bus is used to supply power and/or data to seats in a mobile platform or fixed structure. The power distribution system generally includes a bus strip that, in a mobile platform, extends along a length of a passenger cabin and a connector operable to provide a connection between the bus strip and the passenger seats. Power and/or data can be transmitted between the bus strip and the passenger seats, via the connector, at any point along the bus strip, thus eliminating the need to run separate connections between the power and/or data source and each seat.

Abstract: Energy harvesting devices are disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the energy harvesting devices includes a fastening device, a first thermally-conductive element engaging the fastening device, a thermoelectric device disposed in thermal contact with the first thermally-conductive element and a second thermally-conductive element disposed in thermal contact with the thermoelectric device.

Abstract: Control panel architectures, and, specifically, architectures having bulb assemblies as features, particular those in control panels used in motor vehicle applications, are disclosed. By providing restricting means such as for leg features as part of the control panel assay, bulb assemblies are more resistant to damage to the bulb globe or filaments, or other elements, due to the effect of undesired movement or vibration that occurs in motorized vehicles.

Abstract: A conductive bus device and method operable to distribute signals throughout a platform. The bus delivers signals to any number of select locations within the platform, such as to seats mounted to a seat track. The bus is mounted beneath a floor of the platform. The signals can be transmitted between the power bus and the passenger seats using a conductor that extends from the passenger seats to the bus through a opening in the seat track. The bus device and method eliminates the need to run separate connections between a signal source and each seat. This device and method significantly reduce the cost, energy, and time necessary to wire each seat individually.

Abstract: A system for distributing signals between a first seat and a second seat of a platform. The system generally includes an elongated bus and a connector operable to provide a connection between the bus and the passenger seats. Signals can be transmitted between the bus and the passenger seats, via the connector, at any point along the power bus, thus eliminating the need to run separate connections between the signal source and each seat. The bus is connected to the connector by depressing the bus upon the connector. This system and method significantly reduces the amount of time, energy, and expense necessary to individually wire each passenger seat to receive signals, such as power and/or data.

Abstract: Energy harvesting devices are disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the energy harvesting devices includes a fastening device, a first thermally-conductive element engaging the fastening device, a thermoelectric device disposed in thermal contact with the first thermally-conductive element and a second thermally-conductive element disposed in thermal contact with the thermoelectric device.

Abstract: A safety system for an electrical distribution system that insures voltage sufficient to power user devices interfaced to the distribution system is only provided when the distribution system is fully functional and not damaged. The safety system comprises the power distribution system, a power control box, and a circuit activator signal generator in electrical communication with the power distribution system. The power control box is electrically coupled to the power distribution system and is operable to generate a first signal of a first voltage and a second signal of a higher second voltage. The power control box communicates the first signal to the circuit activator signal generator. Upon receipt of the first signal, the circuit activator signal generator generates a third signal having a third voltage that is lower than the second voltage and communicates the third signal to the power control box.

Abstract: The electrical connector insert, apparatus and associated fabrication method provide a connector insert attached to flat wire segments. In addition, the connector insert retains the industry accepted openings into which connection portions, such as pins, of the component are positioned. The insert includes at least one housing, which includes multiple openings to receive at least one connector portion of at least one component and multiple conductive contacts, such as conductive pins and/or conductive sockets, that extend at least partially within the at least one housing, where each conductive contact is associated with an opening. The insert also includes at least one flat wire segment having conductive traces and connection elements to connect the conductive contacts of the housing to the conductive traces. If there are at least two housings, the housings may be sized and shaped to cooperate with each other when the housings are positioned adjacent one another.

Abstract: A power/data bus for conducting at least one of data and power signals to a variety of different locations on a mobile platform. The bus has a plurality of discrete connection ports, and at least one conductive cable. The power/data bus extends across an area where access to at least one of data and electricity is desired. The discrete connection ports are spaced apart at different locations along the power/data bus. The conductive cable extends through the power/data bus and is connected to at least one of the discrete connection ports. The conductive cable conducts at least one of power and data signals between the discrete connection ports and a data/power source. At least one of the connection ports are operable to cooperate with a connector of an external device to supply at least one of power and data signals to the external device. The power/data bus, when used in an aircraft passenger cabin, eliminates the need to extend individual data and/or power cables to or between each passenger seat group.

Abstract: A power distribution system having a continuous power bus to supply power and/or data to aircraft passenger seats in a mobile platform. The power distribution system generally includes a bus strip that extends along a length of the passenger cabin and a connector operable to provide a connection between the bus strip and the passenger seats. Power and/or data can be transmitted between the bus strip and the passenger seats, via the connector, at any point along the bus strip, thus eliminating the need to run separate connections between the power and/or data source and each passenger seat.

Abstract: A seat track cover for transferring at least one of electrical power and data between two seats. The cover has a housing and a cable. The housing is sized to extend between a first seat leg assembly of a first seat and a second seat leg assembly of a second seat. The housing comprises a channel forming a first aperture at one end and a second aperture at a second end opposite the first aperture. The cable is seated within the housing and has a length at least equal to the length of the housing. The cable comprises a first connector and a second connector. The cable is seated within the housing such that the first connector is at the first aperture of the housing and the second connector is at the second aperture of the housing. The first connector couples with the first seat leg assembly and the second connector couples with the second seat leg assembly when the housing is positioned between the first seat leg and the second seat leg.

Abstract: A seat having a seat leg assembly for use on a mobile platform, especially on an aircraft. The seat comprises a front seat leg, a rear seat leg, and a spreader bar coupled to and extending between the front seat leg and the rear seat leg. The spreader bar has a door. The door is movable between a closed position in which the door prevents access to areas beneath the spreader bar and an open position in which the door permits access to areas beneath the spreader bar. In this manner, the open door allows an installer to grasp electrical cabling beneath the spreader bar and feed the cabling through a hole in the door so that the cable can be connected a connection point on or adjacent to the seat track.